Category: DIY

Window Air Conditioner: How to Fix It, Clean It, and Make It Like New

The heat of summer will soon be bearing down, giving millions of window-mounted air conditioners a real workout. Many owners of said units are wondering why their air conditioners aren’t working properly. Good news! In most situations, consumers can fix a window air conditioner themselves, provided they have the right information and an inexpensive handy…


How to Secure Your Home on a Budget

Dear James: There have been some break-ins in my neighborhood, so I want to improve security at home. I’m on a tight budget. What are some simple do-it-yourself security tips? —Darrel K. Dear Darrel: Almost every homeowner is on a tight budget these days, but there are still some things you can do to make…


7 Ways to Update a Basic Bathroom

Sure, the ever-functional bathroom is sometimes swept aside in favor of decorating more grandiose rooms. But your bathroom doesn’t have to be boring! It’s the little details that count, so we’ve rounded up seven easy DIY updates for every part of the room, from the walls down to the bottom of your vanity. They’re also…


Simple Tips for Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Dear James: There are leaks in our garage when it rains. The dark shingle roof is about 20 years old. Is it better to try to just fix the leaks or re-shingle the entire garage roof? —Jennifer T. Dear Jennifer: At 20 years, your roof is reaching the typical life of an asphalt shingle roof….


Add a Walk-In Closet to Your Master Bedroom

Dear James: We created a master bedroom from two smaller bedrooms. Now, we want to build a walk-in closet into a corner. How big should one be, and how should we build it? —Aaron M. Dear Aaron: A walk-in closet is found in almost every master bedroom these days. This is a pretty simple do-it-yourself…


Make a Small House Seem Larger Indoors With Proper Design Features

Dear James: We are on a strict budget for our new home. It will have to be fairly small overall. What are some design tips for making the living space seem bigger than it actually is? —Kellie D. Dear Kellie: The modern trend in homebuilding is smaller houses. Building material costs are very high right…


Florida Family Turn Old School Bus Into Home on Wheels, Plan 1 Year Trip After Dad Lost Job

When a Seminole Heights father lost his job last year, he and his wife went on to do something incredible. Instead of job hunting, Eric Hildebrand and Ingrid Poole decided to pursue their dream of traveling “affordably” with their family of five. So, they purchased a school bus, turned it into a tiny home, and…


Woman Renovates 117-Year-Old Baltimore Rowhome Kitchen—and the Transformation Is Stunning

When it came time to renovate her 117-year-old kitchen, Anna Luttrell didn’t flinch at the idea of doing all the work herself. Now, her Baltimore home has been completely overhauled, with a DIY redo that would slacken the jaw of most Pinterest moms. And the best part? The remodel was done on a $13,000 budget….


Is It Better to Rent or Buy Drywall Hanging Tools/Equipment?

Dear James: Much of the drywall in my house is uneven and needs to be replaced. I plan to hang the drywall myself. Are there tools or fixtures that will make it easier for a beginner? —Noah L. Dear Noah: Hanging drywall is not as difficult as most people think it is. Apparently, the original…


Make Sure Concrete Is Properly Poured to Minimize Cracks

Dear James: I am having a new house built in an area where others have had many cracks in the concrete. What should our builder pay attention to in order to avoid this in our house? —Logan G. Dear Logan: It is not unusual to have some cracks form in concrete. It takes time for…