Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Save Energy at Home

The most basic way to to cut back energy costs is to keep your house from losing heat in the winter or getting too hot in the summer. Curtains, awnings, ventilators, and weather stripping are all simple changes that can keep the heating costs down, while florescent bulbs can last longer and use less power than traditional light bulbs. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to save energy at home.

How To: Hang a bathroom mirror

Need to upgrade your bathroom's mirror? Well, first you need to take down the old one! And Eric shows you how it's all done in this video guide from GardenFork. Removing a mirror that's been glued to the wall is tricky, but it's nowhere near impossible to take down. Eric covers the mirror surface with contact paper to prevent broken shards dropping everywhere, then start banging on to break it, so you can take it down in sections safely. Once you get it down, see how to hang the new mirror up...

How To: Install towel hooks when remodeling your bathroom

Towel Hooks add function and a casual elegance to any style bathroom. AsktheDecorator.com host Meghan Carter demonstrates how to position all towel hooks and complete a towel hooks installation job. Why settle for messy towel bars when towel hooks keep a bathroom neat and tidy, while being stylish? Watch this how to video and learn how to install towel hooks when remodeling your bathroom.

How To: Sharpen a blade

Kitchen knives not cutting right anymore? Check out this how-to video; it'll show a way to sharpen up those knives. You'll see how to use a knife steel, a wetstone, and a sharpening machine. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to sharpen any blade easily and effectively.

How To: Install a three-way switch on a lamp

Any lamp can be converted to use a three-way lamp switch, and Ron Hazelton shows you how easy it is to do in this how-to video. Three-way switches allow for a variety of lighting options, so you never have to choose between an overly bright light and darkness. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to turn a lamp into a three-way lamp.

How To: Make drink coasters out of old magazines

Watch this video tutorial to find out how to turn unwanted magazines into practical, creative drink coasters. These coasters last surprisingly long and are easy to make! This crafty project is eco-friendly, and reduces waste in your home. Check out this how-to video and find out a way to recycle old magazines into coasters.

How To: Lower the cost of home heating

Whether you use electricity, natural gas or heating oil, there are many practical steps you can take to reduce your overall heat consumption and energy bills. In addition, multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces are fast gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional heat sources. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to lower the cost of home heating.

How To: Paint with decorative painting techniques

There are a variety of decorative painting techniques that can help you add personality to your home, as shown in this how-to video. Learn glazing, ragging, masking, and stenciling. Remember to try everything out on some scrap board first. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to paint with decorative painting techniques.

How To: Use power saws

Explore the features and benefits of several power saws including the circular saw, the table saw, the jig saw, the mitre saw and the reciprocating saw. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to properly and safely use each type of power saws.

How To: Learn the basics of home plumbing

In this how-to video, learn about the secret life of your home's plumbing system, including how water flows into your home and how the drainage system flows into the main stack. Discover tips on how to improve your water pressure as well as how to clean out clogs. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn the basics of your indoor plumbing.

How To: Use pneumatic tools

Learn how to use safe and easy pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools are great for any do-it-yourself project. Pneumatic tools are smaller, lighter devise with more power. Watch this video tutorial on how to choose and use pneumatic tools.

How To: Select painting tools

In this how-to video, learn the best methods for applying your paints. Find out which tools to use on a particular surface along with the type of brush, roller or power sprayer that best fits your paint job. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to select painting tools.

How To: Prepare for a painting project

In this how-to video, learn how important the proper preparation for a painting project can be. You can spoil a well-done paint job before opening a can, so take advantage of tips on selecting the ideal drop cloth to prepping the wall and applying primer from the start. With the right procedure, you can create a professional look to your walls at home. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to prepare for a painting project.

How To: Replace electrical switches

Replacing a switch is a project almost anyone can tackle. In this how-to video, discover the right questions to ask to ensure you purchase the right switch for your needs. Then, learn the simple steps for installing your electrical switch or dimmer. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to replace electrical switch.

How To: Install crown moulding

In this how-to video series, learn the three M's of crown moulding installation projects - choosing the right materials, accurately measuring your moulding, and using your mitre saw to cut for an exact fit. Crown moulding can add a beautiful touch into your home. Watch this video home improvement tutorial series and learn how to install crown moulding.

How To: Apply paint to ceilings and walls

Check out this home painting how-to video. Learn the proper techniques for applying paint to your ceiling and walls, along with tips on how to use brushes and rollers, how to cut edges on the ceiling, and how long to wait before removing painters' tape. Follow along with the steps to achieve an even finish in this interior design project. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to apply interior paint to ceilings and walls.

How To: Replace a drop-in kitchen sink

Watch this step by step video demonstration on how to replace a drop-in (countertop) kitchen sink. Also, learn some quick tips on how to make the job even easier to complete. It's simpler than you think! Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to replace a countertop sink.

How To: Fix a stripped screwhole

Picture this: You're putting together your new desk or bedframe from Ikea, you go to drill in your final screw with your power drill, and the screw just keeps turning. The hole is stripped, and your brand-new piece of furniture is far from sturdy. What to do? This wuick how-to video clip by professional do-it-yourself Ron Hazelton has the answer. Three different options, actually. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to fix a stripped screwhole.

How To: Fix a stuck drawer

Every house has a drawer somewhere in it that gets stuck, requiring you to struggle, yank, or shove to get it open and closed. In this quick how-to video clip, professional do-it-yourself-er Ron Hazelton shows you the best ways to overcome sticky drawer syndrome. There are three ways to help keep those drawers running smoothly. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to fix a stuck drawer.

How To: Get exact measurements with a tape measure

In this how-to video, Ron Hazelton, do-it-yourself expert, shows you how to get exact measurements with a tape measure, even when the tape measure "rolls" to an inside corner. Quick and accurate measurements will make any home improvement go faster, and turn out better. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to get exact measurements with a tape measurement.

How To: Inflate a wheelbarrow tire

Wheelbarrow tires are a pain to inflate. They are tubeless, the rim hardly holds a seal, and they just fight with you every step of the way. This how-to video shows you how to use an adjustable strap to inflate a tubeless wheelbarrow tire.

How To: Fix a hole in a flat radial tire

If you have a hole in your radial tire or a flat tire on your wheelbarrow, lawn-mower, ATV, learn how to repair it by watching this video tutorial. Instead of buying a whole new tire, which can be costly, patch the old one. Just follow the steps in this instructional video.

How To: Sweat solder copper water tubing for plumbing repair

This is an instructional video to help demonstrate how to sweat solder copper water tubing in plumbing repair. If you can't be bothered to hire a professional plumber for all plumbing repairs, this video guide shows you how to do the work yourself. You will need a gas or propane torch, copper or brass fittings, copper tubing, gloves, solder paste, solder, pipe cleaner, and a pipe cutter. Learn how to sweat solder copper water tubing for plumbing repair.

How To: Reseal a shower stall using silicone

Cracks in your shower, if left untreated, can wreak untold water damage. Fortunately, this video tutorial presents an easy-to-follow guide to resealing a shower stall using silicone. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started repairing your own shower, watch this handy home DIY video tutorial.

How To: Drill porcelain tile

Wondering how to go about drilling porcelain tile without damaging it? In this video tutorial, you will learn how to drill through tough porcelain tiles using diamond coated hole saws, which also work work on natural stone and marble. Get started drilling porcelain tile quickly and efficiently with this how-to.

How To: Install a washing machine pump

This home appliance tutorial details how to install a washing machine pump into a washing machine without one. The steps are roughly as follows: Plug in the pump connector. Replace the two retaining screws from underneath. Replace both pipes and spring washers. For a video walkthrough of the entire pump replacement process, watch this how-to.

How To: Fit a washing machine belt

Washing machine belts can snap, or work loose, over time and reduce the effectiveness or even break your machine. This home appliance tutorial will get your machine running again. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on replacing a washing machine belt, watch this DIY video tutorial.

How To: Identify the model number on washing machine and dryer

Check out this instructional home repair video to learn how to identify the model number on your washing machine and dryer. Knowing the model number can be essential in finding the right replacement parts. People make the mistake of assuming that the name and number on the front panel is all you need; many washing machine and tumble dryer manufacturers use the model number as well as the serial number. Most washers and dryers have the ID plate behind the door or on the inside of the door. Som...

How To: Find your model number on your oven or cooker

Check out this instructional home repair video to learn how to identify the model number on your oven. The model number is usually essential for most repairs. People make the mistake of assuming that the name and number on the front panel is all you need; many stove manufacturers, however, use the model number as well as the serial number. If you still can't find it, check on top of the cooker. Other than that you would need to check the sides and back of the machine.