Hot Construction & Repair How-Tos — Page 18 of 31 « Construction & Repair

How To: Install a post-form countertop

There are many different types of countertops, but of all those available, post-form countertops are probably the quickest and easiest to install. Post-form countertops consist of a laminate surface that is glued to a particleboard base. Typically, the base is shaped so that there is a curved front edge and an integrated backsplash with either squared off or 45-degree angle ends available.

How To: Replace damaged asphalt shingles

Your home’s roof is the first line of defense in keeping the elements out. A common problem among both new and old roofs alike is damaged shingles. Wind, falling tree limbs, or just normal wear and tear can damage shingles. It is critical to replace damaged shingles to prevent more expensive damage from occurring.

How To: Fix squeaky floors

There's nothing more annoying than that "squeak-squeak" sound when you walk across your floor! It's enough to put a damper on your day! Have you ever avoided "that' stair because of its incessant screeching? Then this tutorial is for you.

How To: Tape drywall

Taping drywall is almost an art form. It takes practice and a lot of patience. A good taper can hide any mistakes that were made in hanging the drywall. To finish drywall, you must tack into place corner bead to all corners. Then, apply joint compound to all seams, nail and screw holes and corners. When joint compound dries – it shrinks. Therefore, 3 coats of compound will be needed with sanding in between coats. For complete, step-by-step instructions for this DIY project, watch this friendl...

How To: Install a window valence

Valances add a great touch to windows that you do not want to cover completely, but that you also do not want to leave bare. Bare windows can seem cold and uninviting, and adding window dressing such as a window valance will make your room much more homey and warm. There are several styles of valances from which to choose. This valance is a single rod valance requiring a 2 1//2” flat curtain rod. Although this valance is intended to be poufed, it can be left as a flat valance for a more tradi...

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: Fix a leaky frost free sillcock outdoor faucet

Mark Donovan of shows how to Fix a leaky frost free sillcock or outdoor faucet. Oftentimes, the washer is loose, but other repairs are just as simple. Watch this video home repair tutorial and learn how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet.

How To: Frame a room

This instructional video demonstrates how to build level and squared walls. It's important that when you frame your walls that they be perfectly square; otherwise, you may have serious problems when it comes time to finish the room. Learn how to square up a room with this tutorial.

How To: Repair a stain damaged floor

This instructional video demonstrates how to repair a stain damaged hardwood floor. You may need an industrial floor sander to complete this job.

How To: Install bathroom sinks and cabinets

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Find out how to select and install cabinets for a bathroom makeover. Watch and get tips for installing your own bathroom sinks and cabinets. Doing things yourself will save money in the long run.

How To: Build a whirlpool bathtub support system

Remodeling your bathroom can be expensive unless you know know how to do things yourself. This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch and learn how to build a support system for a whirlpool bathtub.

How To: Patch bathroom ceiling holes

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch as Amy Matthews shows a homeowner how to patch holes in the bathroom ceiling. Get tips and tricks for bathroom remodeling by learning how to patch up hole in the ceiling.

How To: Install an exterior stairway

In this how to video Amy Wynn Pastor helps a homeowner build a set of exterior stairs. Watch and get tips on remodeling your home. A new staircase not only add a new look to your home but it also adds value to it.

How To: Create a pet window seat

Everyone loves a room with a view, even your pet. This custom designed shelf for a pet can easily attach to a window frame. Watch this how to video to learn how to create a pet window seat for your cat.

How To: Install a doggie door

Doggie doors come in all shapes and sizes and cost about one hundred dollars. Watch this how to video to learn how simple it is to create an entrance in your door for your dog.To install a doggie door in your home, here's what you should know.

How To: Patch a small drywall hole

Take a look at how to successfully repair a hole in a drywall. This video how to video demonstrates how to use a utility knife and a drywall compound to seal it all up. You wont have to call a repair guy to patch any holes in your walls.

How To: Use a bar of soap to Insert screws in hardwood

Watch this how to video to get tips and tricks on how to insert screws into hardwood. This simple soap method makes driving screws into hardwood far easier. Start my marking spot where the screw is to be inserted, draw pilot holes, run the screw across a bar of soap and finally drill it into the wood.

How To: Assemble box beam

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. In it the construction and installation of a box beam are demonstrated. Watch and learn how to assemble box beams for your next home improvement project.

How To: Rebuild an indoor staircase

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. In it the process of measuring and constructing a staircase is demystified. Watch to get tips on rebuilding your own indoor staircase.

How To: Create a cedar siding storage shed

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch as Karl Champley builds a storage shed to hold the homeowner's lawn tools. Get a few ideas to create space in your backyard and garage with a cedar shed.

How To: Set and install motion sensor lighting for a home

Landscape lighting not only helps you enjoy your gardens at night but it also adds a safety to your home. This how to video demonstrates how to select and install motion sensor lighting for your home. Watch and learn how to make a plan for your outdoor lighting before installing motion sensor lighting.

How To: Convert a wood fireplace into a gas fireplace

Converting a wood fireplace to gas can warm and beautify your home. This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show demonstrates the process of switching in an old fireplace for a modern one. Watch and learn how to convert a wood fireplace into a gas fireplace.

How To: Install stacked slate tile

To take tiling to the next level, use stacked slate on an interior wall. This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch as it demonstrates how to install stacked slate. Follow along and learn how to use stacked slate in your own bathroom.

How To: Pour and prepare a shower base for tiling

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch as homeowners learn to pour a shower base and prep the floor for tiling. Follow along to learn how to fabricate a custom shower base in your bathroom.

How To: Install French doors in your home

This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Watch as Amy Matthews helps homeowners install a custom door frame and French doors. Follow along and learn how to install French doors in your home.

How To: Install an engineered wood floor

Redoing your floors can be expensive unless you know how to do it yourself. Learn the basics for installing a new engineered wood floor in this how to video. Watch the short DIY show clip and follow along so that you too can install a new engineered floor in your kitchen.

How To: Build and install a custom maple countertop

In this quick DIY video excerpt we can see the process for installing a custom maple countertop. Remodeling a kitchen with a new counter top can be expensive, unless you know how to do it yourself. Watch this how to video to learn how to build and install a maple countertop in your own kitchen.

How To: Install a kitchen range hood

In this short clip from a remodeling shows you can learn how to install a range hood for in your kitchen. Installing a kitchen range hood can be a daunting task, but with a little patience and some ready the task can get done. Watch this how to video to get tips and hints for installing a new vent hood.