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How To: Prepare your home for winter snow fall

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to winterize their home. Users should begin by cleaning the gutters on the side of their house. Scoop out all the debris and seal it with caulk. Then change the batteries of the smoke detector and clean it. It must be replaced if it is over 10 years old. Prepare the lawn mower for the spring season by sharpening the blades, clean it and drain all the gas out. It is a good idea to trim off the shrubs and trees. This video will benefit those viewers who...

How To: Layout and plan your drywall

In this tutorial, we learn how to lay out and plan your drywall with Myron Ferguson. First, check the wall to make sure there is proper access inside to see what layout you're dealing with. Next, plan out what kind of materials you are going to have to deal with. Measure the ceiling and windows that are in the building and do the math to figure out how much drywall you need. Next, check for possible problems with the wall, so you can make sure your drywall will attach correctly and not pop ou...

How To: Drywall tape butt joints

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to drywall a tape butt joint. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Once the tape is on the butt joint, apply a thin layer of drywall compound and then apply a second coat of compound. Scrape off any excess compound. The main goal is to apply the compound over the tape. Make sure to use the drywall knife to smooth out and spread the compound. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in pursuing a career as in drywall or are re...

How To: Build a PVC greenhouse

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a PVC greenhouse. The dimensions of this will be 12' x 18'. First, you will use 1/2" PVC pipe that is 12' long that crosses in the middle to make a "t" shape. The frame can be made of treated 2'x 4's. Once you have the frame up, you can use thick plastic to securely cover the pipe and wood and clamp it into place. Once you have this done, you can place your tables inside of the greenhouse and start growing your plants! If you notice the plastic not hold...

How To: Tape and finish textured drywall

Tim Gibson teaches us how to tape and finish textured drywall in this tutorial. To begin, use a scraper to scrape off any texture around the join. This will leave 4-5 inches to replace the joint. If it doesn't come off easy, use a sponge to wet the area on both sides before you scrape it. After this, use either fiberglass tape or paper tape with drywall joint compound. If you use the compound and paper tape, you have to put a thin layer of compound down before you place the tape over it. Let ...

How To: Hang drywall in your own home

In this tutorial, we learn how to hang drywall in your own home. Hanging your own drywall will save you a lot of money, but it takes a lot of time. You will first need to start on the ceiling and then secure the drywall with screws. You will have to use a saw to make boxes for electrical boxes. When finished hanging the walls, you will need to apply compound to the walls and then paint over it when you are finished. Hanging your own drywall can save you tens of thousands of dollars over profe...

How To: Install a decorative tile border

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to install a decorative tile border. Decorative borders add a beautiful accent to any room. Start by setting the "measure right pro' tool. Slide the tool open to cover the entire tile and the width of the border. Next move out one eighth for the wall space and lock the tool. Now place the fill tiles on top of the set tiles. Then you slide the "measure right pro' along the wall and mark the tiles. Write the sequence numbers on the tiles a...

How To: Blank out and finish a drywall

In order to blank out and finish a drywall, you will need the following: a large putty knife and mud. You should begin at the top. Lay on a thin layer of mud. Put a little on your putty knife. Place your putty knife in the crevice, where the ceiling meets the wall and pull it down. Repeat. Do this, until you cover your working area. Then, go back over where you started and feather it. You will need to smooth it and even it out, without distressing the area that you did first. When you finish ...

How To: Install an insulated basement floor

In this tutorial, Mat Weber teaches us how to install a basement floor. Start with an insulated subfloor system, top it with cork panels, and then top it with easy to install carpet squares. First, you will install OSB subfloor panels, these will protect against moisture extreme and can be applied directly over concrete. When you have finished installing these, apply cork panels to the top of the subfloor and press down so these don't come up and are packed down hard. When finished with this,...

How To: Replace bathtub sealant or caulk with Rob Hazelton

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to replace caulk on a bathtub. Begin by placing a fresh blade into a utility knife. Then use the knife to cut out the old caulk. You want to make 2 cuts. The first cut with the knife plying flat on the edge of the tub. The second cut with the knife tip up at about a 45 degree angle. This will allow most of the caulk to come out in one piece. For any remaining caulk, take a razor blade and scrape it off. To remove any remaining mildew, apply 6 ounces o...

How To: Sand and Repair Drywall

In order to sand and repair drywall, you will need the following: 100 grit sanding sponge. After you have applied mud to the walls evenly, you will need to sand the walls until they are smooth. Hopefully, you minimized or mitigated most of the need for sanding in the application of the mud, by using feathering and thin layering. When the mud is completely dry, you will need to choose a good sander. It is recommended that you use a 100 grit sanding sponge. Place the sponge against the wall, an...

How To: Refinish hardwood floors in your home

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to refurnish hardwood floors. Using a drum or belt sander, begin by cutting 36 grit abrasive. Then remove all the old finish marks and scratches from the main body of the floor. Using an edge sander, do the same thing. Now vacuum the floor and then repeat the process once again with both sanding machines, except use 50 grit abrasive this time. For the third time, use 80 grit abrasive and 100 grit abrasive for the fourth time. Remember to vacuum each t...

How To: Install shelves for a more organized closet

In this tutorial, we learn how to install shelves in a closet. First, you want to map out your space and then get ready to install. You want to do something that is quick and easy to install. A regular closet should only take a few hours to install. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before you begin, so you know exactly what you are doing and know how to install. Now, purchase a wire shelving kit and all the accessories, a Lowe's employee can point to you exactly what you need. ...

How To: Build your own backyard patio

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a backyard patio. First, determine the location keeping in mind other buildings and landscape features. There should be a retaining wall around the patio so measure out all the different dimensions. Position a cap block at the highest center location. Then, use a level to transfer the patio height over the proposed location. You will then have to figure out how many blocks you need. When you calculate your digging depth, take into account your foundatio...

How To: Replace old shoe molding in your home

It may not seem like a big deal, but it can be for some homeowners. Shoe molding around your cabinets and island tables, can asily be damaged or become worn out over a long period of time. Replacing it, may seem like a pain, but it's really simple and can be done in no time. Check out the tutorial above on how to replace old shoe molding in your home today. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Protect your basement from water

Protecting your home from water sounds like an easy enough task. It's only water, right? Well wait long enough and you'll find out that water always wins. Whether it builds up in your walls or in your basement, some sort of damage will arise due to the wet substance. But there are ways to hold back the water in order to protect the very space you live in.

How To: Tape drywall when renovating your home

Whenever your renovating a room and using drywall, it's important to know what you need to do in order to prepare it properly for a paint job. There are many things that go on before you can lay the first brush of paint, and one of those things is laying tape on correctly. This not only connects the drywalls with each others, but ensures that no liquid or others moisture is able to get inside the drywall.

How To: Insulate garage doors with foam board insulation for a warmer winter

When it comes to winter weather, the garage should not be neglected, especially if you have a room directly above it. Neglecting to properly insulate and seal your garage doors will create a constant rush of cold air inside, making the garage really cold, in turn making the floor upstairs really cold. This will drive up your gas or electric bill in no time during the winter months. But you can fight higher heating costs with some DIY ingenuity, and Dave Mars will show you how!

How To: Fix a faucet leaking from around the handle

This video is a do it yourself project which will show viewers how to fix a leaking kitchen faucet which is leaking water from around the base of the handle. This problem is most likely caused by a broken cartridge, a Moen 1225B cartridge is used to replaced it. The first step which should be taken is to shut off the flow of water from the sink using the shutoff valves under the sink. Then, remove the handle and its adapter depending on the style of the handle which is leaking and remove the ...

How To: Repair a small hole in the wall by patching it

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to repair a small hole in the wall. The materials needed for this process are drywall tape, water, patching compound, and a drywall knife. Begin by placing the drywall tape over the hole. Then mix some water with the patching compound and apply it over the hole. Use the drywall knife to spread the compound over the hole. Start from the middle and spread out. Finish by letting the compound dry and sand it using some sand paper. This video will benefit ...

How To: Insulate Electrical Outlets & Switches

Prepare all the materials and tools needed for the process. Prepare a circuit tester, an electrical tape, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of scissors, and an electric sealers kit. Then, make sure that you turn off the power at the main circuit box. Place a piece of electrical tape over the circuit breaker that goes to the circuit that you are going to work on. Unscrew the screws that are holding the plate cover of the outlets to the wall. Test the outlet using the circuit tester to make sure t...

How To: Spackle properly when renovating a room

When renovating a room, it's important to know how to spackle. This is important because it takes care of unwanted holes and lines that may bring down the look of a room. It's especially important to know how to spackle when installing new drywall. So in this helpful tutorial, you'll be finding out how to spackle properly when renovating a room. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Remove and replace grout

Once grout has been layed in between the tile, it's stuck there for a long time right? Well not necessarily. Grout can last for a long period of time, but if needed, it can be removed using the right tool. This is important, especially of you have any grout that may have become stained or damaged. For more information on how to remove the grout and how to replace it, check out the tutorial above. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Install siding safely during residential construction

This video is dedicated to the residential construction workforce and focuses on how to safely install siding. It's intent is to help provide employees and employers with the tools to make the residential workplace productive and safe. It outlines a number of code requirements and will show how to work safely and how to meet all of the safety requirements during the siding phase of residential construction. The areas discussed in this safety video are job preparation, walk-around safety inspe...

How To: Refinish a six-panel, solid-pine door

Use a hand figuring out how to go about refinishing a pine door? This free video DIY guide provides some much need help. Happily, refinishing a door is easier than you might think. It's so easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over two and a half minutes' time. For more (and better) information, take a look!

How To: Prevent workplace-related back injuries and back aches

Work can be a rough place, especially if you're in construction or another laborious field of work, but that doesn't mean that anybody who works (or even doesn't work) isn't susceptible to work-related injuries. The most common workplace injuries are back injuries. This educational video, entitled "Back Your Back: Back & Muscle Injury Prevention" is all about reducing your risk of back problems.

How To: Install a garage door opener for your car

Having a garage door opener installed makes life much easier for you and your family members. With so many garage doors out there, opening it by hand can be difficult and result in serious injury. Having an opener installed, helps prevent any injuries from taking place and won't be a burden on your body. So check out this tutorial to find out more. Enjoy!