Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Replace sash cords in double hung windows
Windows are the eyes to the home's soul. Keeping your windows attractive and in good working order will only add value to your residence.
How To: Build custom radiator covers
Is your house heated by big clunky radiators? Are they eyesores that are taking up valuable space in each room? If so, you can build custom radiator covers that will attractively hide the metal monsters and provide you with a convenient shelf for storage or decorative pieces.
How To: Install a dimmer switch for great mood lighting
Want to shake things up? Want to affect the mood? An effective way to quickly change the mood of a room is by dimming or brightening the lights. A softer light results in a more comforting, relaxing atmosphere. Brighter lighting is more suitable for normal room use and reading. An easy way to control your lighting is to install a dimmer switch.
How To: Install low-voltage outdoor lighting
One of the most simple and cost effective ways to liven up your landscaping is through subtle illumination. Low voltage lighting is simple to install and offers many benefits including ambiance, safety and security. They can be used to illuminate a walkway or to lighten up your home's street address at night. Today's manufacturers are making low-voltage lighting products geared for the do-it-yourselfer, which makes purchasing and installation easier. These low-voltage kits come with a transfo...
How To: Replace a three-way light switch
Versatility and convenience - two of the greatest watchwords for a comfortable home. Fortunately, installing a 3-say switch can add versatility and convenience to your home's lighting system.
How To: Install permanent weatherstripping
Feel that chilly draft coming through your doors and windows? It might not be as difficult or costly to solve as you might think!
How To: Repair concrete cracks
While concrete driveways look nice when they are new, over time the concrete can chip, crack and crumble. Cracks and potholes form due to the freezing and thawing of water that has seeped under the driveway through smaller cracks, weed or grass growth in small cracks, and general wear and tear. Regular maintenance will prevent the need to replace the existing driveway. This is usually easy to do and requires up to a half day to complete depending on the condition and size of your repairs. For...
How To: Prune and trim trees
As a home owner, you should pay careful attention to the trees that surround your house. Dead limbs and some smaller "roughage" can pose a danger to you and your family, as well as your home, if your trees are not cared for properly. Essentially, proper pruning is essential for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing tree. Pruning is needed when first planting a tree to control its growth and to help develop its shape. Pruning can help spur growth in foliage, fruit and flowers as well as remove ...
How To: Lay stepping stones
Do you need a simple, yet attractive way to move about your yard or garden? Stepping stones create a very natural looking walkway through a garden or to the front door of your home. There are a multitude of materials that can be used as stepping stones, everything from large flat field stones that you have unearthed from your gardens to flag stone or the manufactured stepping stones found at the local garden shop. These represent only a few of the choices that you have available. For complete...
How To: Lay a brick patio or walkway
The durability and aesthetic characteristics of brick patios and walkways make for the foundation of great spaces around your home. While installing brick walks and patios is not a difficult task, it may be rather time consuming depending on the size of the patio or walkway. When laying brick that will be walked on it is necessary to use paving quality bricks. These bricks are generally fired longer and at a higher temperature making them more suitable for a variety of weather conditions and ...
How To: Install a garden pond
A pond can add a dramatic, yet tranquil touch to your yard or garden. Your pond can be constructed in many different sizes and shapes, all which can reflect a part of you. Installing a pond may take a little time and effort, but if done right the result will be enjoyed for many years to come. This article will show you in easy steps how to add this water feature to your backyard. Springtime is the best time to install a pond as you can start planting and stocking your pond immediately after y...
How To: Build a block retaining wall
Do you want to level a steep slope on your property or enclose an area for a decorative garden? Building a concrete block retaining wall is easier than you may think.
How To: Apply exterior caulking
The purpose of exterior caulking is to apply a bead of flexible sealant to fill or cover cracks, seams and gaps where drafts or moisture might get into your house or conversely, where heated or air-conditioned air might leak out. Caulking helps keep your house weather-tight, lowers heating and cooling bills, and prevents damage to structural members. It can also help keep insects and other “critters” out of your house. When you caulk before painting, it eliminates edges where the paint may st...
How To: Install a frost-free sillcock
If you live in a colder climate, your water pipes may be susceptible to freezing. For the most part, your plumbing is safely inside the heated living space of your house. However, a sillcock (spigot) on the outside wall of your house is exposed to the elements and can freeze during the colder winter months. Since water expands as it freezes, this situation can burst your pipes causing water damage to your house.
How To: Install a pedestal sink easily
Pedestal sinks have remained popular as a more formal and stylish alternative to countertop sinks. Despite their popularity, however, it can be difficult to choose the correct type of sink and install it properly.
How To: Replace a bathroom faucet
When replacing an old faucet there are generally three things to consider: how many holes your sink has, how far apart they are, and whether or not you will need to replace the drain.
How To: Solder copper pipes for plumbing
Soldering copper pipes is a basic plumbing skill that once mastered will enable you to tackle many DIY home repair and home improvement projects - for instance, replacing copper water lines or installing a new spigot. It can be as much an art as it is a science, thus the more you get the "feel for it," the faster and easier it gets.
How To: Install a garage door opener
A garage door opener has become an almost indispensable part of modern life. It offers an overwhelming number of convenience and safety features that will make you wonder how you lived without one for so long. On a rainy night, the last thing you want to do is climb out of your car and heave the garage door open manually. Some garage door openers include an outdoor keypad that enable you to punch in a code to open the door – just in case you don’t have the remote control or your house keys. F...
How To: Sealcoat asphalt driveways
Each year, if you have an asphalt driveway, it is important that you sealcoat your driveway against the elements. Doing so regularly will prevent the cycles of melting and freezing water from destroying your driveway. After you have patched the large cracks (over ¼") and holes in your blacktop by folllowing our tutorial on Repairing Asphalt Cracks, you are ready to start sealcoating the entire driveway. Be sure that you are wearing old clothing (this is not a "clean" project), that the temper...
How To: Bleach to lighten wood & remove stains from furniture
Restoring wood furniture takes time and patience, but the results of your labor can be enjoyed for years, even generations. The restoration process usually involves stripping off old finishes, bleaching, staining and then varnishing. Two-Part Hydrogen Peroxide is a strong bleach that will lighten wood and remove previously applied finish stain, providing you with a fresh new surface to refinish.
How To: Bleach water stains from furniture
When restoring older wood furniture you will probably encounter dark rings and black spots, which are caused by water stains. Oxalic acid is a moderate bleach that will remove these stains even if they have penetrated the wood surface. Oxalic acid will also remove finish stain applied previously and lighten the wood for a fresh new look. Restoring wood furniture takes time and patience, but the results of your labor can be enjoyed for years, even generations. The restoration process usually i...
How To: Repair asphalt cracks
Tired of seeing cracks or holes in your asphalt driveway that negatively impact the "curb-appeal" of your home? There is a simple, yet messy, solution that won't cost you much. By putting in a few hours of time on a weekend, you can again realize what your driveway looked like when it was new! Over time the asphalt will become faded and cracks will develop. Cracks and potholes form due to the freezing and thawing of snow and ice, weed or grass growth in small cracks, and general wear and tear...
How To: Use John Deere riding lawn equipment safely
Your John Deere mower is built for safety, for you and people around you. But it's your responsibility to understand those safety features and to use them. This video covers some of the important points for safe operation. Please watch it and share it with others who may operate John Deere riding lawn equipment. Use John Deere riding lawn equipment safely.
How To: Use a John Deere Gator XUV or HPX utility vehicle
John Deere Gator XUV and HPX utility vehicles are built for safety, for you and people around you. But it's your responsibility to understand those safety features and to use them. This video covers some of the important points for safe operation. Please watch it and share it with others who may operate your Gator. Use a John Deere Gator XUV or HPX utility vehicle.
How To: Use a John Deere Gator Traditional Utility Vehicle
John Deere Gator Traditional Series utility vehicles are built for safety, for you and people around you. But it's your responsibility to understand those safety features and use them. This video covers some of the important points for important operation. To learn how to keep safe, while getting the most out of your Gator, take a look! Use a John Deere Gator Traditional Utility Vehicle.
How To: Freshen up any room with dryer sheets
Tires of buying those air fresheners that don't work? Then try something you already have at home. In this home and garden how to video our host shows you how to use dryer sheets and a fat to give any room a fresh clean sent. If you don't have a fan its ok, use any vent and two dryer sheets to get rid of stale smells.
How To: Install a dimmer switch in a snap
How many handymen does it take to install a dimmer switch? None, you can do it yourself in a snap. A dimmer switch can make a room more comfortable, by allowing you to adjust the light to just the right brightness at the moment. You will need a screwdriver, a circuit tester, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, and 3 twist-on wire connectors. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to install a dimmer switch.
How To: Carve a Celtic Irish toy chest
Celebrate your Irish heritage, or just bring some beauty to your home with this Celtic chest, that's great for storing anything from linens to toys. You will need to have the cedar chest already made, a carving tool, and a pattern. Watch this video woodworking tutorial and learn how to carve an Irish Celtic toy chest.
How To: Arrange rising and inclining forms in ikebana style
Check out this flower tutorial video to learn how to arrange the Rising Form and Inclining Form in the ikebana style. This instructional video offers basic Hana-isho techniques. This is a simple type of ikebana that can be created and displayed anywhere. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Arrange flowers in the ikebana style
Discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement with this instructional flower video. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form which nature and humanity are brought together. Watch as the instructor simply arranges these flowers in the style of Ikebana. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Make ikebana flower arrangements
Discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement with this instructional flower video. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form which nature and humanity are brought together. Watch as the instructor simply arranges these flowers in the style of Ikebana. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Make more ikebana flower arrangements
Discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement with this instructional flower video. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form which nature and humanity are brought together. Watch as the instructor simply arranges these flowers in the style of Ikebana. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Make another Ikebana flower arrangement
Discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement with this instructional flower video. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form which nature and humanity are brought together. Watch as the instructor simply arranges these flowers in the style of Ikebana. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Make an Ikebana flower arrangement
Discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement with this instructional flower video. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form which nature and humanity are brought together. Watch as the instructor simply arranges these flowers in the style of Ikebana. Follow along and create your own Ikebana flower arrangements.
How To: Disassemble, clean, & assemble a Samson juicer
Check out this three-part appliance video tutorial to learn how to disassemble, clean, and assemble your Samson juicer. Just follow the simple instructions and learn the proper techniques for disassembling. Then learn how to efficiently clean the fragile and sharp components of your Samson juicer. Finally, reassemble your juicer, and you're ready to make more delicious drinks.
How To: Select a thermostat for your home
Which thermostat is right for you? There are literally over one hundred different thermostats on the market from which to choose. They all do different things. Check out this instructional appliance video that educates you on selecting the right thermostat for your home. The Honeywell Vision Pro 8000 is by far the most recommended thermostat. It will work with virtually every HVAC system. See if the Honeywell Vision Pro 8000 is right for your home.
How To: Learn about package air conditioning units
Check out this instructional appliance video that shows you what a package air conditioner looks like, inside and out. This tutorial explains what exactly the package unit is composed of. Learn how the package air conditioning unit runs and everything else you needed to know about this type of air conditioner.
How To: Install ultra violet lights in your air handler
Ultra violet lights can easily be installed in your air handler to reduce the airborne bacteria and molds in your home. Check out this instructional appliance video that shows how easy it is to install one. Just follow the step by step instructions and you'll be able to install ultra violet lights in your air handler.
How To: Clean the condensate drains on your air conditioner
Check out this instructional home repair video that shows you a very simple way to clean the condensate drain on your air conditioner. If you follow these simple steps, it could save some money, not to mention the grief. If you have an A/C and have ever experienced a backed up condensate drain, you know what I mean. Avoid this inconvenience by watching this air conditioning tutorial video.
How To: Learn about HVAC gauges
Check out this home repair tutorial video to learn about air conditioning gauges. This instructional video thoroughly explains the role of the various pieces and parts on a HVAC unit's gauges. Learn everything you needed to know about air conditioning gauges with this appliance video.