Home Improvement

Aging brick and concrete home elements may require repairs. Save money when you follow these easy instructions to repair mortar and loose bricks, fix concrete stairs, and fill cracks in walls or potholes.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

There are different ways to control mosquitoes, but what if you wanted to get rid of mosquitoes for good? You would need to devise the world's best mosquito trap. Learn about how the Mosquito Magnet' works.

By Marshall Brain

A spud gun can hurl potatoes hundreds of feet at close to 400 miles per hour. But why is this staple of the dinner table such a popular projectile? Learn the science of spud guns and how they can be customized.

By Tracy V. Wilson

People use safes to keep their valuables, well, safe. But in movies, thieves can open one using a little concentration and a good ear. Could you crack a safe that easily?

By Robert Valdes

A forced-air distribution system is just what the name implies. Air is forced from the furnace through ducts to registers in various rooms. Learn to troubleshoot a forced-air distribution system.

By Walter Curtis

Repairing floors is easy if you know what you're doing. From annoying squeaks to sanding hardwoods, learn how to do it yourself when it comes to floor problems.

By Walter Curtis

Windows are a major source of heat-loss in most homes. They also may stick shut when they're painted or swell shut from humidity. Learn tips on how to keep your windows working properly.

By Fix-It Club

Painting can be a task that takes a couple of hours, a half day, or more. Whatever the size of your painting job, the techniques remain the same. Learn how to paint a room.

By Walter Curtis

From blocked gutters to loose shingles, the types of problems that can cause a leak in a roof are numerous. Use the tools in this article to help you make these kinds of home repairs.

By Fix-It Club

Most plumbing problems occur at or near such fixtures as sinks, tubs, and toilets. Sometimes, however, the pipes themselves are the root of the problem. Learn how to repair pipes.

By Fix-It Club

Heating systems are usually trouble-free. But no matter what type of furnace you have, there are several things you can do to keep the system in top condition. Learn how to maintain a furnace.

By Fix-It Club & Patrick E. George

Whatever happened to good ol' polyester? If all the different synthetic fabrics have you confused, read this article for tips and guidelines on how to clean many of the bunch.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Summer doesn't seem as fun when you have an endless exterior house-painting job looming over you. To make it more enjoyable, let's play a game where we predict the house-painting mistakes you're about to make.

By Kate Kershner

Is Grandma's hand-me-down hutch looking a little worse for wear? Instead of tossing out those favorite furniture pieces, why not take on a refinishing project? Find dozens of tips in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

When you're searching for a new apartment to rent, the last thing you want to think about is probably the presence of pests. But if you ignore some telltale signs, you might find yourself inheriting unwanted critters.

By Jane McGrath

Toothpaste is for cleaning your pearly whites, right? True, but there are other cool uses for it that you may not know about. Here are nine of them.

By Alia Hoyt

Sure, industrial and residential construction share some common traits. But in the grand scheme of things, the two fields are about as different as, well, night and day.

By John Perritano

Most people keep up with cleaning the toilet bowls, but the tanks are often overlooked. Which means mold and bacteria are festering!

By Emilie Sennebogen

You love to cook on your glass-top stove, but taking care of it isn't as simple as it seems. Burnt food and spills don't have to ruin the look of your stove or prevent you from cooking up a storm.

By Alia Hoyt & Stefani Newman

Your bedroom is a place for unwinding and leisure, but it gets just as messy as the rest of your home. If you're short on time but in need to clean, here are tips and tricks to spruce up your bedroom without spending the day straightening up.

By Stefani Newman

Granite countertops make lovely additions to any home, but they can become unsightly if you don't know how to clean them properly. We'll show you how.

By Marie Willsey

Don't wait until there are storms in the forecast to get prepared. Gather the 10 must-have items for your storm survival kit now.

By John Perritano

If ants ever invade your house or yard, you'll be well-armed for dealing with the problem -- and keeping your pets safe -- if you follow this set of anti-infestation tips.

By Christopher Lampton

Deck fireplaces are "hot" outdoor accessories! We've five tips for installing one of these fireplaces on your personal patio.

By Alia Hoyt

If you want to scare a homeowner, there's one sure way to do it: Mention the word termite. It's important to always keep an eye out for them. Here's what to look for.

By Sara Elliott