Whether you’re swapping out older carpet for a newer design or going with a different type of flooring, you’ll have to remove the existing carpet. And even if you’re calling in a professional for the installation, you can save…
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In this economy (and don’t even get us started on gas prices!), saving money is becoming increasingly important–and besides, who doesn’t love a bargain? Finding discounted tools can be a great way to expand your collection without breaking the…
Remember the stackable and sturdy sawhorse project we built a few months ago? We painted them gold and entered it into the ReadyMade 100 contest. We just got word a couple days ago that our project was selected as…
You probably know all of the common ways to reduce your energy consumption: regularly check for water leaks, keep lights off when not in use, don’t leave unused appliances plugged in, keep your HVAC filters clean. But what about…
Grabbing a warm, toasty towel right after a shower or bath–it’s one of life’s little luxuries, isn’t it? But instead of relocating your dryer to close proximity of your bathroom, try installing a heated towel rack. Aside from making…
Theresa and Mark Clement of the popular Do-It-Yourself radio show and website, MyFixItUpLife, see a lot of each other. Partners as a married couple and in business they work with each other on many more levels and with many…
Spray paint can be a wonderful, convenient thing. But the downside? The fumes and residual splatter make it a material better suited for use outdoors. What if you get the urge to spray paint something when it’s windy, or…
A clogged drain–it’s gross, inconvenient and unsightly. Of course, when it comes to unclogging a drain, the process can be even more irritating than the drain itself. So we’ve compiled a few methods you might want to try before…
One of the most effective ways to build green is to use salvaged materials. The great thing about salvage is it can be small (a piece of furniture, perhaps) or, in the case of this house, huge! “An entire…
C&H universe, I’m in desperate need of your help. My dilemma? The gorgeous windows in our loft are without screens. We can’t open them wide enough to get a decent breeze for fear that our two adorable cats will…
A fireplace is the focal point of a living room, so it’s important to have something that doesn’t make you recoil every time it catches your eye. My friends Heather and Neil had this unfortunate reaction when they moved…
Who doesn’t love lists? To-do lists, top 10 lists (especially the David Letterman variety) — they’re informative and entertaining. So we’ve added a new list for your reading pleasure. The U.S. Green Building Council recently released their list of…
Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You’re probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home’s water system? It’s a good idea to flush out…
We haven’t used a phone book in years but obviously some people still do as we receive them on our doorstep every six months or so. It’s one of the largest wastes of paper if you don’t recycle them…
Hanging pot racks are a great invention. If you’re short on storage space, racks can free up the shelving or cabinets that are currently home to your pots and pans, which tend to be some of the bulkiest items…
Flooring, walls, backsplashes–ceramic tile is a popular, versatile material that can be incorporated into a variety of projects. Many styles of ceramic tile are quite affordable, too, making it an ideal choice for the DIY-er on a budget. But…
Stainless steel, bright colors–today’s appliances are certainly as eye-catching as they are functional. And in some cases, certain appliances can serve as a trophy of sorts; a state-of-the-art refrigerator, perhaps, or my personal holy grail: the KitchenAid artisan stand…
Milwaukee Tools is known for their line of contractor-grade power tools that have an almost cult-like following. Case in point, these tattooed fans of the power tool brand. They are now a serious player in the hand tool industry…
The National Association of Home Builders recently released a special report that details several home features that will likely become the norm by 2015. Green features such as low-E windows and engineered wood products are expected to become more…
Looking around at all the design and decor mags in the past few years, we couldn’t help but notice a prevalence of stenciled word art pieces adorning people’s homes. From simple colloquialisms to lyrics of entire Bonnie Tyler songs…
The days of halogen flashlights are fleeting. Mag lights have always been our great go-to light for around the house, camping or any other use, but the intensity of those lights has been replaced by the power of LEDs.…
In February we were invited to the Passive House in Yellow Springs, Ohio’s open house. Hosted by both the new owners and the building company, the event was a casual, yet incredibly informative adventure. The people at Green Generation…
It’s been a little over six months since we introduced the littlest renovator to our crew, and we’ve tackled a couple of pretty large projects with more than just our menagerie of animals underfoot. With two kids under two,…
A reader recently contacted us regarding a driveway gate he is planning on installing. His home is of a French Normandy/Storybook style, almost like what you’d find in the Swiss Alps, and he’d like to stay true to this…
File this project under “ingenious.” Have some small valuables or cash that you want to conceal? If you have a hollow core interior door, you can use a few tools to create an inconspicuous hiding spot. Guys (and ladies)–this…
In your search for the perfect home you’ll undoubtedly come across many that are complete junk, from both an aesthetic and construction point of view. Bad home design comes in many different flavors but here are some warning signs…
Our friend Antonella’s up to her old tricks again…making her beautiful house even more beautiful. When we last visited her, she was transforming her office space. Now she has moved onto the dining room and re-covered six dining table…
A few days ago a massive earthquake struck off the Northeast coast of Japan and the ensuing tsunami and major aftershocks have continued to rock the country. It’s amazing to see the rest of the world offer help in…
If you’ve made it through a large-scale renovation, you know that it can be a life-altering experience. The result–a shiny new space that you designed (and probably even built)–usually outweighs the drama, high costs and stress associated with such…
With Daylight Saving time approaching for most of the country this weekend, we thought we’d give you a few tips of things to check around your home while you’re switching your clocks and smoke alarm batteries. *Change the batteries…
We previously mentioned stencils as a great way to add an innovative appearance to your wood stairs. The DIY tools are also a fun, creative way to add embellishments to your walls and furniture. Thanks to an increasing awareness…
Applying a coat of fresh paint, refinishing hardwood floors, installing built-in shelves–these sorts of DIY projects can be completed within the privacy of your own home. But what happens when a project moves outside, whether to your home’s exterior…
We’ve noticed a lot of talk in the DIY blogosphere this week about hallways. Although these long, narrow corridors can often be challenging when it comes to function and decor, hallways are typically neglected when it comes to their…
It’s amazing the places you can pick up DIY tips from. If you pay attention, you can learn all sorts of tricks and hacks from seemingly unrelated places. Take for instance, middle-school art class. We had the fortune of…
What could be more green than applying plant fibers to your wall? If you’re looking for an unconventional and eco-friendly wallcovering, grasscloth might just be the way to go. Now, before we scare you off (you’re thinking of the…
One of the best things about DIY is that by tackling projects yourself, you can typically save a lot of money as opposed to calling in a contractor. Of course, sometimes you need a professional to finish the job,…
Watching home improvement or real estate shows with my boyfriend really irks me. He laughs when couples get excited over crown molding in a house. I finally had to ask him why it annoyed him so much – and…
Stairs kinda get a bad rap, don’t they? So much foot traffic, so little love. But depending on the location of your stairs (and if you have them), a staircase can be a focal point of your home–so why…
It’s safe to say that impact drivers have hit mainstream and are becoming a coveted power tool for many DIYers. Impact wrenches and drivers have been used by auto mechanics for years and many furniture makes and woodworkers swear…
Bamboo has long been praised for its speedy growth time, ability to thrive without pesticides and its long-lasting, sustainable nature. From flooring to fabric, bamboo has become a go-to eco-friendly material whose versatile nature makes it ideal for a…
You may have noticed that we’ve got a case of spring fever here at C&H. In much of the country, however, warmer temperatures also bring a higher threat of severe weather. Although tornadoes tend to peak during the spring…
Closets are magic places. They hold lots (and LOTS) of treasures, make great hiding places and are a necessary part of any shopping-obsessed person’s lifestyle. Because they tend to be overfull, a closet’s appearance is sometimes neglected. If you’ve…
Before our second child was born, we realized that our bathroom, shown above, needed some serious TLC. After three years of time warping every time we needed to tinkle and one genetic byproduct underfoot as it was, we needed…
Most flooring projects can be filed under the DIY category. But what about installing carpet? (And we’re not talking FLOR tiles, although they’re certainly an attractive flooring option–and can be quickly installed.) Over at the Your Fifth Wall blog…
When you have a home security system, often times you’ll be asked to create a “safe word” — the point of it being that if your alarm goes off, you have to give the safe word to the security…
The non-lethal personal protection industry continues to grow and Mace remains at the forefront of delivering interesting and effective products. Recently Mace has taken gun form factor and turned it into a simple delivery method for pepper spray in…
We’ve talked about energy audits before here at C&H–they’re a great option if you want to gauge your home’s energy efficiency. Audits also provide an ideal starting point if you’re planning on making your abode more eco-friendly. Energy audits…
Cabinets are a large part of any kitchen renovation and make up a good portion of the budget. That means when you’re opting for a green reno, getting eco friendly cabinets scores big in the environmental department. What Is…
We’ve talked before about the pros and cons of painting wood trim and brick walls/fireplaces. Although there’s no doubt that a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look of the piece, one of the biggest disadvantages…
Now that warmer weather is (possibly) on the way (sorry – we’re a little snow-weary here in Kansas CIty!), you may find your DIY list getting even longer with the temptation of warm, sunny days–and more daylight hours–beckoning your…
A lawn tractor can be a handy tool to keep your yard looking great. As with any tool, you must respect its power and use caution during operation. For lawn tractors, these precautions are especially critical if children are…
We follow several DIY bloggers who are all in varying stages of basement renovations. Whether your lower level needs an update or a complete finish, putting some DIY muscle into your basement can do wonders for your home’s square…
If you’re hopelessly devoted to trend forecasts, then you may have noticed that warm, rustic materials such as bronze and copper are becoming increasingly popular throughout the home. Faucets and fixtures are one thing, but what about copper countertops?…
Although bright or deep hues can certainly make a statement in any room, there’s no denying the power of neutrals. Besides adding a timeless appeal, choosing a neutral wall color makes it easier for you to change the look…
Removing tile is right up there with removing wallpaper as one of the more challenging DIY jobs. If you’ve decided it’s time for new tile, you’ll have to remove the old. This process becomes a lot trickier if you…
The U.S. is in the middle of a boom–or, should we say, a boomer. The nation’s baby boomer generation is now turning 65 in record numbers; nearly 7,000 a day. This generational milestone not only has repercussions on the…
Have you ever found yourself spending countless hours online, scouring the usual and unusual sites looking for that perfect piece of furniture? You know, the one that is the right style, size, and color — only to find it…
You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” If you’re talking about materials, especially wood, there’s no reason to discard pieces just because they’ve seen better days. On the flip side, maybe you’ve…
In today’s digital world, creating passwords, identifying questions, and security codes are required in nearly every aspect of your daily life. From voicemail to ATMs to security systems, one of the most common forms of security codes are the…
For book lovers, yesterday’s news of Borders’ bankruptcy filing was a sad day. Along with the filing, the bookseller announced it would close 30 percent of its stores, with those locations yet to be determined. Store closings are never…
When we began this venture, we knew it was a gamble. This is our first turn at refinishing a tub, and we knew we might have to settle for less-than-professional results. This was okay by us, because we love…
There’s no reason your home office has to reflect the drudgery of bill paying, document filing, and to-do lists. Like any other room, it presents an opportunity to make a statement. And, if you work from home, your business…
At some point in your DIY career, it’s likely you’re going to have to tackle one of the most arduous of tasks–wallpaper removal. Depending on how the wallpaper was originally adhered to the wall, this can be a relatively…
When we were moving into our house, we very quickly realized that the lack of closet space was greatly slowing down our unpacking. There was one great closet in the smallest bedroom with a very sturdy wooden hang bar…
Milwaukee Tools is well known for their line of ubiquitous power tools including the SAWZALL, drills and fasteners, but they are quickly making a name for themselves in the hand tool market. Hits: Feels great in your hand and…
This easy to apply kitchen cabinet refinishing solution from Rust-Oleum will save you time and money and give you fresh looking cabinets to last for years.…
A broken heater or bad insulation can lead to the uncomfortable situation of living in a cold house. If you’re fairly certain your windows and doors are completely shut and air-tight you’ll then need to inspect your home heating…
We recently traveled to Las Vegas for SURFACES, and for 2.5 days were immersed in the world of flooring. This was the first year that SURFACES co-located with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, creating a show that focused on both flooring and…
The first step in our great tub refinishing project was prep work — dismantling the tub as much as possible so we could address each issue separately, without potential damage to any other component. Also, clean the everloving bejeebus…
If you’re in the process of a renovation, something that’s likely to come up numerous times is the concept of storage. Namely, creating more. Whether you live in a 200-year-old house or a 20-year-old house, more storage always seems…
Delta Power Equipment Corporation is a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Chang Type Industrial Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturing company and today they announced its deal to purchase the DELTA brand of woodworking equipment and machinery from Stanley Black &…
If you are a do-it-yourself type when it comes to home improvements, you may want to consider the same when dealing with real estate transactions. A licensed real estate agent is not required during a home transaction although if…
Winter is in full swing and hopefully at this point you’ve sorted out any home heating issues you may have had, but if you still find yourself a bit chilly we’ve got the perfect blanket to keep you and…
Yes, it’s the middle of winter and if you live in Southern California you can still wear shorts and a t-shirt. You can also surf while wearing a wetsuit and remain relatively comfortable. These days my regular surfing has…
Fireplaces have been getting a bad rap lately as they are to blame for pollution, losing heat, and being an overall hazard, but some of us still love the sound, feel and smell of a wood burning fireplace. One…
You hear about it all the time — people finding great vintage or antique pieces of furniture on Craigslist or from their great-great-aunt’s basement or even on the curb, throwing in a little elbow grease, and voila, they have…
Ryobi is banking on their lineup of consumer focused TEK4 tools and the batteries that power them. They’ve diverged from the typical uses of power tool batteries and have branched out to create a convenient mobile phone/device charger that…
Last year Justin Bieber blew up and unless you live under a rock you’ve at least heard of him. That fact didn’t get past some exhibitors at CES this year and we thought we’d share only two of the…
When your lights are controlled by a dimmer switch, they utilize less electricity when you have dimmed the lights. In the long term, this will reduce your consumption of electricity which in turn lowers your electric bill. Changing out…
Now that we had our antique, cast iron, claw foot tub Clementine finally in our home after three years of storage, it was time to give her a good once over to see what was required to get her…