Replacing a faucet is one of the most satisfying beginner plumbing jobs: an hour or two of work for a visible upgrade. The hardest part is usually working on your back in a cramped cabinet. Choose a faucet that fits Look under the sink and count the holes in the sink or countertop: Check the … Read more
A cracked pane lets in drafts and rain, and broken glass is a safety hazard. Replacing glass in an old single-pane wooden window is a classic DIY repair. Double-pane windows are different: the sealed glass unit is usually replaced as a whole, often by a glass shop. Safety first Wear thick gloves, safety glasses, long … Read more
Replacing a damaged or dated interior door changes the look of a room quickly. The first decision is what kind of door to buy, because it determines how hard the job will be. Slab or prehung? Exterior doors follow the same idea but add weatherproofing, a threshold and security concerns; many homeowners prefer to have … Read more
A basic bookshelf is a great first woodworking project. It teaches measuring, cutting square and assembling a box, and you end up with something useful. This plan is for a simple open bookcase about 72 inches tall, 30 inches wide and 11 inches deep, built from standard 1×12 boards. Materials Tools: tape measure, square, circular … Read more
A water stain on the ceiling is rarely directly under the hole in the roof. Water runs along rafters, sheathing and pipes before it drips. Finding the source is most of the work; the repair itself is often small. Working on a roof is dangerous. Falls from ladders and roofs are a leading cause of … Read more
Most built-in dishwashers in North America share the same standard size, which makes replacing an old one a realistic DIY job. It involves water, a drain and electricity, so take your time and follow the manufacturer’s installation guide, which always has the final word. Before you buy Remove the old dishwasher Install the new one … Read more
Slow drains are usually caused by a mix of hair, soap scum and grease that builds up close to the drain opening. Start with the gentlest method and work your way up. Avoid chemical drain cleaners if you can: they are corrosive, can damage older pipes and make it dangerous to use a plunger or … Read more
A new shower head is one of the cheapest upgrades in a bathroom, and replacing one takes about fifteen minutes. The harder part is choosing among the dozens of models on the shelf. Types of shower heads Flow rate and water use US federal rules limit new shower heads to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). … Read more
Swapping an old ceiling light for a new one is one of the most common electrical jobs in a home. When the wiring is already there and you are replacing like for like, it is a manageable DIY project. Running new circuits, adding switches or working in an old house with cloth-insulated wiring is a … Read more
A door handle that wobbles, sticks or no longer opens the latch is annoying, but it is one of the easiest repairs in the house. In most cases you need a screwdriver and twenty minutes. Before buying anything, figure out what is actually wrong. The handle is loose This is the most common problem. On … Read more
