How-To

Smart Framing Strategies

Frame a door rough opening A pro teaches you his three simple rules for framing rough openings efficiently

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Video: Using a Worm-Drive Saw Online Membership Required

Remodeling

Home Remedies Online Membership Required
A batch of small changes revitalizes a tired floor plan, and a 400-sq.-ft. addition crowns the house with a graceful new roof by Keyan Mizani

Retrofitting Recessed Lights Online Membership Required
Replacing an old surface-mount fixture with recessed lights is an easy upgrade that you can customize with different trim kits by Clifford A. Popejoy

building basics

Wrapping cords and hoses
Learn how to avoid twists and kinks that can cause damage by Tucker Windover

Case a door with mitered trim
The key to success in this relatively simple project is for your jamb corners to start off square and your miters to fit "right and tight" by Tom O'Brien

voice of experience

After teaching environmental science and biology for seven years, Rob Moody began his building career in 2000 by renovating a historic home. read full bio

Essential Building collections

Guide to Remodeling
Get your project off to a good start with our primer on everything you need to know about planning a remodel
Guide to Volunteer Work
Browse our essential home building tutorials before you roll up your sleeves and get to work
Green Building Guide
Find information about sustainable building materials, processes, and design

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builders library

Build Like a Pro: Building a ShedInstructions and plans for building four shed projects

Build Like a Pro: Painting and FinishingA practical painting and finishing guide for the homeowner

Build Like a Pro: Remodeling a BasementFrom start to finish

Build Like a Pro: Remodeling a BathroomFrom start to finish

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Deck Planning Center

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Building Essentials

Warm Floors Now Easier Than Ever Online Membership Required
Radiant-panel systems a carpenter can install are perfect under a wood floor by Rick Arnold

Block Planes for Builders Online Membership Required
With a basic design that hasn’t changed in over a century, these shaping and smoothing specialists pick up where power tools leave off by Gary Striegler

Soldering Copper Pipe
A seasoned plumber shows you how to keep it simple—and safe by Rich Monroe

how-to Video Spotlight

There's a Better Way: Insulation T-lift
with Charles Miller
Back Out a Stripped Screw
Valve-grinding compound can save the day after you obliterate a screw-head
with Justin Fink
Bending and Installing Drip Edges with Flat Seam Copper
Here's how to make a clean, neat drip edge with intersecting angles
with Patrick Sheeley
Build Like a Pro: Weatherstripping a Door
Only once you get your doors tight are you ready to weatherstrip
with Jay B. Lane

Breaktime Discussions

Best way to fix troubled plaster-and-tile bathroom walls grout joint size Ceiling heights more discussions...