Open to the sky, but not the weather
Handy A to Z: Skylights Skylights open roofs to natural light and ventilation — with some slick extras. Out of reach above dim stairwells, motorized units will open and close...
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Get concrete support for your DIY efforts
Concrete supports entire houses and many other building projects — including some that fall into the DIY arena. Sheds, decks, steps, porches and barbecues all need something solid to sit...
Light, agile saws can yield better results
One size doesn't really fit all, not with houses, cars, clothes, so why should it with tools? A bulky 7-1/4-inch worm-drive circular saw at 20 pounds is okay for a...
One-piece shower gets the grout out
With sleek glass doors and gleaming chrome pipes, showers are usually shown in catalogs and magazines with tiled walls. They have unique designs, intricate patterns and contrasting accents that look...
One-piece shower gets the grout out
With sleek glass doors and gleaming chrome pipes, showers are usually shown in catalogs and magazines with tiled walls. They have unique designs, intricate patterns and contrasting accents that look...
Ground preparation key to terraced yard
When you're thinking ahead to outdoor projects, it makes sense to consider the slope of your yard. Many developers flatten sloping sites to make construction more economical and backyards more...
Information and education aid remodel negotiations
Before you begin a remodeling project, you need estimates. Getting them requires research into materials, appliances, colors, finishes and, of course, prices. Sort out the pieces, and then comes the...
Handy products for transporting tools
The freebie lumberyard nail pouch isn't a standard giveaway anymore. Not that it worked very well. Two pockets for different kinds of nails became one, slipping a hammer into the...
Bolster any house with a few upgrades
Framing is the part of a house you see for a couple of days during construction, then never again. Building inspectors check that it's up to code, which builds in...
Should you be your own general contractor?
Most general contractors, called GCs, don't pound nails or wire outlets. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other subcontractors take care of that. The GC takes care of everything else— and reaps...