Home DIY

Whether or not you're already handy with around-the-house jobs like hanging shelves or loosening old screws, our list will provide you with some helpful pointers to make your work easier, safer and more convenient.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Rachael Schultz

Did you know that fire sprinkler systems are designed to be triggered by extremely high heat, not smoke, so there's less chance of false alarms that can lead to and water damage to property? Read on to learn how and why these fire prevention systems work to save lives.

By Danielle Fisher

When you lay your head down on your pillow at night or when you leave on vacation, it's comforting to know your home is secure. Here are our favorite innovations for keeping you and your possessions safe.

Home is where the heart is. It's also where Grandma's rubies and the flat-screen TV are. Keep your abode safe with our common-sense and street-smart tips. As they say, better safe than sorry!

By Echo Surina

You can't leave all your worries behind if your home is unprotected. Here are 10 tips to consider before you head out on vacation.

By Sara Elliott

Whether you're painting, putting in a sunroom or just puttering around the garage, make safety your top priority. No project is worth risking serious injury.

By Sara Elliott

We often think of our homes as our safe havens, but that's not always the case. While there's no need to wear a helmet around the house all day, there are some practical things you can do to prevent accidents in your home.

By Emilie Sennebogen

If you're brave enough to venture into the world of color in your home, take it a step further by painting an accent wall. It can make a big impact with minimal work.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Mercury isn't an element to mess with. It can cause memory problems, lung damage, coordination problems and even death. But as poisonous as mercury poisoning is, it's also not that common. Who's at the highest risk?

By Julia Layton

It's not that hard to get into most houses. Between the keys hidden under mats, the shoddy locks and the soul-baring social network statuses on vacation plans, it's pretty easy to find a home's weak spot. How should you protect yours?

By Julia Layton

If your air conditioner is causing your energy bills to rise, you might want to consider an alternative - a swamp cooler. That's if you live in a dry environment like the southwestern U.S. So, how do swamp coolers help you beat the heat?

By Chris Landers & Francisco Guzman

When you think of cork, your first thought may be popping a nice bottle of champagne or wine. But if you're into the latest decorating trends, you may think of a cork floor.

By Jessica Brown

Look almost anywhere, and you'll see things made from wood. Harvesting that much wood can have devastating effects on forests and environments. Fortunately, some of the hardwoods that are most popular can be sustained in your own backyard.

By Heather Kolich

Owning a home can be a dream come true, but it's more than just relaxing weekends on the deck and intimate evenings in front of the fireplace. That's right; you have to work at it to keep it running smoothly.

By Sara Elliott

Whether you're frightened or fascinated by insects, you can probably agree they don't belong in your home. But how can you keep something so small from worming its way into your walls?

By Bambi Turner

There's something about wallpaper removal that frustrates even the most enthusiastic home improvement hobbyists. Luckily, you can find fast and effective ways to remove wallpaper in this article.

By Echo Surina

Furniture restorers all have one thing in common - the desire to pluck a piece of furniture off the side of the road and restore it to its former glory. But you don't have to be a pro to get the job done.

By Emilie Sennebogen & Jill Jaracz

Mold smells, and if you have it in your home, your nose is one of the most inexpensive devises you can use to detect it. The struggle is in understanding when mold is dangerous to your family or home.

By Sara Elliott

Each year, American homeowners throw out 64 million gallons of unused paint. But your color doesn't have to turn to trash. There are many options for your old paint.

By Heather Kolich & Austin Henderson

Some home dangers aren't as obvious as others. Asbestos, lead and even urea-formaldehyde used as a resin could be in your home right now. Gas mask, anyone?

By Marie Bobel

Many homeowners love the look of wallpaper. But if you're not one of them, wallpaper can prove to be a total pain to remove. It would be so easy to just paint over it - or would it?

By Bambi Turner

When building a home or remodeling, people usually think about the granite countertops, the extensive square footage or the number of windows in the new space. But what about the walls?

By Jessica Brown

If you own a home, or contemplate owning one, just the mention of termites probably sends chills down your spine. Because of this, builders are getting creative with ways to keep them out.

By Sara Elliott

During the housing boom of the early 2000s, drywall manufacturers couldn't keep up, so builders turned to China. And while there was plenty of cheap drywall, it also could be toxic.

By Emilie Sennebogen

It's easy to take carpeting for granted -- how often do you look down at the floor? Carpet production, however, is an interesting and complex process.

By Josh Clark