We often think about donating non-perishable food, gently used clothing and other household items to help those in need. But what about tools? Thanks to an organization called Tools For Self-Reliance, you can donate your gently used tools. Each…
Browsing Category
Design
OK, we know — the iPhone as an actual home improvement tool? It’s a bit of a stretch. But with so many DIY-focused apps on the market, handy devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad can increasingly service…
Greenbuild is really buzzing today. The energy is as high as the attendance seems to be and the Expo has filled the McCormick place to the brim. We’ve already had great chats with folks from Glidden, Kohler, Certainteed, Sylvania,…
That wonderful day of eating and giving thanks is a mere week away! You’re probably busy planning your menu (and devising your grocery store plan of attack), but if you have any spare time, consider one (or several) of…
For most of us, one of the hardest parts of a large-scale renovation is dealing with the mess, confusion and chaos created by the project. Take the kitchen, for example, which is often the center of the home. If…
The green building industry is at the cutting-edge of the construction trade and is no stranger to early adoption. Sustainable manufacturers and retailers were some of the first companies to share their message via social media and the online…
As the temperatures finally begin to drop, it’s ever more apparent that winter is just around the corner. While it may be easy to keep your spirits bright during the holiday season, once January hits, the weather and our…
Outstanding candidates for Home Depot jobs are always in demand and as one of the largest retailers, the Home Depot must fill a variety of full and part-time positions in stores across the country. They are hiring for in-store…
Greenbuild 2010 takes over Chicago this week and we’ll be on the ground covering it from top to bottom. Colin Powell kicks off the conference and tradeshow as the featured keynote speaker and there will be over 1,000 manufacturers…
As our lives become greener with every action, purchase, and eco-conscious decision, sometimes it’s easy to assume just about everything is recyclable. Unfortunately, that’s not entirely the case, and as responsible DIY’ers it’s our responsibilty to educate ourselves on…
The Japanese are known for creating tiny efficient electronics and now they’ve refined the small home with the ultra-small home. Forget the fact that Fuyuhito Moriya is 39 and still lives with his mother. He’s taken small space living…
We’ve got news from Viola Park which is now offering countertop packages designed to work in tandem with its base units, that they hope helps simplify the process of buying a kitchen. This eliminates the need for templating or…
Kitchen and bath company Native Trails has a new line of hand crafted, artisan products made with FSC certified wood and recycled copper. Sustainability is a large part of the Native Trails philosophy and products are made with LEED…
Hoping to start a revolution in drywall, the Certainteed AirRenew gypsum board cleans the air by capturing indoor formaldehydes and other aldehydes and converts them into inert compounds that remain within the board. The drywall also includes M2Tech, a…
If you follow along with DIY blog Young House Love, you’ll know that they have decided to move and are selling their home themselves. After three years of renovations, decoration, tweaks, and even adding a baby to the mix,…
Weekend projects from DIY bloggers around the web. Install a Moen Envi watersense showerhead Sort out your power plugs for safety Setup your urban garden Mastering caulk gun skills Install free-standing kitchen cabinets…
Did you know that the 13th annual America Recycles Day is coming up? According to Earth911.com, it’s “the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the U.S.” By visiting their website you can find…
Craigslist can be the virtual mecca for DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect vintage dresser, discount kitchen cabinets, or gently used children’s wares, the free online classified posting site is ripe with deals to be had and…
The Telegraph raises an interesting point that we continue to hear whispers of each year. Are current 20-30 year olds less capable as do-it-yourselfers than their fathers? One could argue the modern man has many more resources to turn…
Have bedbugs impacted your favorite pastime of rummaging through used items? We love a great thrift store find as much as the next person. The thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline when you find that “perfect” item,…
You know the ubiquitous pink fiberglass insulation? That’s Owens Corning and although everyone continues to seek out a better and more green insulation, fiberglass insulation isn’t going away anytime soon. Owens Corning isn’t sitting on their laurels as they…
Home Depot is offering free shipping on Christmas and holiday decor so load up your (online) shopping carts and save some money while getting everything you need to decorate this Christmas delivered right to your doorstep. Free Shipping on…
Last year, we featured some nice photos from one of the winners of the myMarvin Architect’s Challenge. This year’s crop of winners is equally as impressive. Ten outstanding architects from across the United States had their work honored as…
With Halloween barely behind us, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season being around the corner. However, as retailers advertise Black Friday sales and grocery stores closing out their turkey order lists, you’d better believe ’tis the season indeed.…
The most underrated tool in the DeWALT 12V MAX cordless lineup is the DeWALT DCL510 12V MAX LED Worklight. We’ve been using it for about 3 months now and here’s why we love it. Hits: lightweight, free-standing, 12V MAX…
HUD recently contacted us and wanted to share some videos they produced that they feel will help prospective home buyers with their home shopping experience. The videos are a bit dry but informative and get to the point. Watch…
We trust your clocks are now one hour behind (the extra sleep is glorious, the early darkness is not!) Daylight Saving Time is also the ideal time of year to swap out the batteries in your smoke detectors —…
It’s an obscure tool that really deserves some time in the limelight. A wet tile saw has a unique purpose that is incredibly valuable when working with ceramic tiles. Whether it’s a back splash, flooring, wall tiles or counter…
What’s the hardest part of a project? For some the toughest obstacle can be just getting started. We want to know where you seek DIY inspiration and in what form? Magazines? Books? Websites? Blogs? Stores? Please share with us…
It probably doesn’t need to be said but without proper illumination you’re basically in the dark. And all portable lights aren’t ideal for all jobs. So if you need to cast a quite a bit of light consider blasting…
If you’re serious about conserving energy and making sure your home is performing as well as it can, then consider a home energy audit. A few of our blogger friends are going through the home energy audit process and…
Regardless of where you stand politically, we think everyone can agree that campaign yard signs are an eyesore, especially after election day. They remain long after the ballots have been counted, sometimes lasting until spring elections. They get dirty…
Going green has never been so stylish thanks to Hover Houses, created by Glen Irani Architects. The third in the series (pictured above), built on the Venice Canals in Los Angeles, continues a trend of “maximizing outdoor living environments…
Are you looking to give your shutters, doors or wooden furniture a timeworn, antique look? Pass over those “crackle” paints that promise fancy results and give off chemicals with even fancier names. Try milk paint for a green alternative…
ReadyMade Magazine recently announced a big contest called the ReadyMade 100. This ambitious contest is seeking to celebrate the best 100 projects from around the world of DIY. They’re calling on the DIY community to submit their most “functional,…
Designing your kitchen space can seem overwhelming at times, especially in the beginning stages. You can save A LOT of time, stress and angst if you hire a kitchen professional that works in this field of design. Once you…
Getting to know your neighbors. can be one of the simplest ways to keep your home safe and secure. But what happens when your neighbors aren’t willing to cooperate? That photo is of my backyard, which shares a fence…
Bosch has introduced an update to their venerable break hammers with the new Brute Breaker Hammer. It promises to provide up to 60 percent more impact energy than the the previous model, while reducing vibration levels by up to…
Temperatures are falling quickly and before you blink the first winter storm will hit your home. Before that happens you need to take steps to ensure your home is properly winterized and that starts with making your home energy…
This week’s Giveaway is only for our Facebook friends so head over to our Facebook page and look for the Home Depot Gift Card photo and “Comment” and “Like” the photo for a chance to win the $100 Gift…
Oh, the holidays — such a magical time of year! And unfortunately, the latter half of November and December generally see a rise in home burglaries as a result of more people traveling out of town and the temptation…
With many people downsizing their homes in order to save money and/or the planet, giving up square footage means making the most of the space you have. As someone who lives in a 1,250-square-foot house with my family of…
KILZ has introduced a zero-voc interior/exterior primer, sealer and stainblocker called KILZ Clean Start. It’s also low odor and and water based and cleans easily with soap and water. If you plan on re-painting a wall you should definitely…
There’s a real-life green building trend coming to life in the Miami Valley. A brand-new local green construction company, Generation Green Building, is in the process of constructing Ohio’s first Passive House. According to the website, The Yellow Springs…
Water on the outside of your pipes is always a bad sign. But before you dread a sizable plumbing bill or dig out your soldering kit, think about this – you may have sweating pipes instead of leaking pipes.…
We’ve discovered a brilliant concept in the decor world called MyKEA. The beauty of IKEA furniture is in their simplicity, value and modern design, but at times the design itself can be so drab that we often wish the…
If you are serious about cooking and need industrial grade appliances, you’ve probably considered a Viking range. Now might be the best time to pull the trigger on a purchase as they wanted us to share some rebates from…
Envy. Awe. Uncontrollable desire. Warning – you may experience all of these things when you get a load of these tools. New to the market or just improvements to tried and true favorites, these tools are true must-haves. OK,…
We’re looking for a motivated, blog-savvy, college student who enjoys all things DIY and has a strong interest in remodeling, green building, tools or home design. Internship responsibilities may include but not be limited to research, blog management, outreach,…
Beautiful hardwood floors, check. New sheetrock walls, check. Baseboard molding, around a corner; not as hard as it seems. Molding and a quarter round will hide the fact that the floor and wall don’t quite meet up. Here’s a…
You have a dilemma, and I have an answer. You were so inspired during Charles & Hudson’s Paint Month celebration that you went on a painting spree, expertly coating your walls for a fresh, colorful new look. And now…
You know the spot. That small gap between the tub and bathroom tile is where grime and other unmentionables collect. Hard to clean and at times downright ugly, this spot screams to be filled with a water resistant sealer.…
What’s a good, messy renovation project without music? In the spirit of all things DIY, we’ve compiled a suggested soundtrack to get you through even the toughest of home projects. Warning: May cause spontaneous singing and dancing instead of…
One of the best ways to increase your home’s curb appeal (and give it a whole new look) is by painting the exterior. And if you’re looking for a paint that can withstand tough temperatures and the elements, NeverFade…
Although granite countertops continue to be the most popular choice in the kitchen, marble is also a great option if you seek an all-natural stone option. One of the biggest deterrents to using marble as a countertop material is…
We heard a few months back that This Old House was searching for a project in the Los Angeles area. They’ve finally found one and have wasted little time in getting work started. For this project, This Old House…
So you’re planning for a renovation — congratulations! You’re probably up to your neck in sketches, plans, samples, swatches and other necessary materials. But before you proceed with the actual work, make sure you accomplish this crucial first step:…
A DIYer without tools is like an artist without a paintbrush; a writer without a pencil; a blogger without a computer — well, you get my drift. The importance of tools to home improvement projects is undeniable, but the…
Oh, what a happy day it was when I stumbled across Amy Devers’ new “Hands On” column for ReadyMade magazine. As she guided a couple of Brooklynites on hanging art and pictures on a seemingly impervious concrete wall, I…
Have you checked out our DIY City Guides? We’ve gone coast to coast and pulled some great resources for do-it-yourself types in the following cities. Seattle Portland Oakland/East Bay Los Angeles Tucson Chicago…
You already know that, just a few years ago, I was woefully ignorant when it came to lighting. I existed solely on pre-installed overhead lights, relishing a soft, ambient glow only when the Christmas tree was lit. I’ve now…
At least one Chinese producer of drywall has agree to fund home repairs in response to the lawsuit of toxic drywall poisoning people and their homes. From CNN: A company that imported Chinese-made drywall that American homeowners complained made…
An excellent choice for alternative heating, a pellet stove is just like any other household appliance. It requires maintenance. Since you can’t hide and hope the fireplace fairy takes care of things, it’s best to know exactly what sort…
I’ve always loved things that glow in the dark. As a kid, my ceiling was peppered with stick-on stars and planets, transforming my room into a veritable planetarium. And now, I’ve got a small glow in the dark skull…
Think about how warm and cozy that wool sweater keeps you in the middle of winter. Now imagine how comfortable you would be if your home had a layer of wool to protect it. With sheep wool insulation –…
Home Depot invited us to check out their lineup of LED light bulbs which we’ve been wanting to investigate since watching an episode of This New house that profiled some offerings from Philips Lighting. Blake who has been a…
We’ve got word from the DIY Network that they are casting for another show called Ultimate Home Builders and they are seeking contractors, builders and homeowners. Details below: Ultimate Home Builders DIY Network is searching for homeowners, builders and…
Like it or not, the holidays will be here before we know it! If you prefer to channel your inner Clark Griswold with an over-the-top holiday lighting display (or simply want to troubleshoot your existing electrical devices), the new…
It happens every time. Your garage door springs decides that the chilly nights of fall are the perfect time to break. Figures. The question is – are you able to tackle the garage door spring repair? Replacing torsion springs…
Painted stripes have a transformative power. Wide, colorful stripes add a bit of whimsy to a room, while narrow, more muted lines exude a certain sophistication. Yet when it comes to actually painting stripes, the precision work can often…
We’ve listed our favorite virtual room design tools and near the top of the list is the AutoCAD Freestyle. This software lets homeowners create accurate, professional-looking drawings that can be shared with contractors and even input into professional CAD…
Has your drill seen better days? This month, take your well-worn tool to your nearest Home Depot location for recycling (battery, too). The recycling event runs through October 27, during which Home Depot recycles drills using an environmentally safe…
Mary Ellen Carroll’s new conceptual art installation, “Prototype 180,” sounds simple enough: she’s flipping a house 180 degrees. Yet as is the case with most conceptual art installations, a seemingly simple project or concept is so much more complex…
Denim insulation has people excited about an alternative to cellulose insulation and in simple terms anyone can understand the construction of denim insulation. Typically the materials for most natural cotton fiber insulation types are sourced from scraps at the…
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper that has been treated with either sodium borate, boric acid, or ammonium sulfate. These chemicals are required to make the cellulose insulation fire resistant and also to repel rodents, mold and insects.…
During this morning’s perusal of ApartmentTherapy, I stumbled across a fantastic idea: combining gleaming white subway tile with dark grout to create a vivid yet polished contrast. I love the way the grout makes the tiles pop — this…
If you live in a home built before World War II, chances are that you have plaster walls. If you’re considering painting your walls a new color, or simply refreshing the existing hue, here are some tips to help…
That’s right — now, your furnace can whistle while it works! Or, rather, doesn’t work, as the furnace filter whistle emits noise when your furnace filter is 50 percent clogged. Knowing when to change your furnace filter can go…
The brilliant minds at Lifehacker are back with their “Best Things To Buy” list, and this month, kitchen appliances are one of the featured items. Much like clothing and other stores swap out seasonal merchandise, appliance stores are trying…
This year’s most popular environmentally friendly project? Window replacements, according to a study published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The study surveyed service professionals in the top 50 markets as ranked by the U.S. Census…