Ranch Projects:

• Rancher OverviewRanch style bungalow (1997-2003):
  My first house and my first foray into DIY. Follow the link to the real estate listing details and the time frame of the projects.
• Prehung Exterior Doors Replacing a screen door on the garage with a steel entry door required installing a completely new frame.
• Widening a closet door A 24 inch door on a five foot wide closet just wasn't practical. Widening the doorway and installing bifold doors allowed full use of the closet space.
• Wood Privacy Fence A wood fence with an uncommon design. How to build a fence using as few screws and nails as possible.
• Budget Bathroom Update A bathroom makeover on a budget. Sure, elements may still be stuck in the fifties, but they are easier to live with. Besides, you never know when peach and blue tile will be back in style!
• Complete Basement Renovation A complete gut and remodel of a subterranean living space from start to finish.

Cape Cod Projects

• Cape Cod Overview1½ Story Cape Cod:
  Our current home and certifiable money-pit. Follow the link to the real estate listing details and the time frame of the projects.
• Snowball effect in Home Office How an ill-fitting switch plate led me to gut a room to the studs.
• Deck Railing The old deck railing was too short so I replaced it. The new stairs and railing are sturdy and look good.
• Bathroom Wall Quick Fix A temporary fix for a water damaged bathroom wall. It ain't pretty, but it prevented further damage until we could afford a complete remodel a few years later.
• Finishing an Attic The second floor was already finished when we moved in, but improper insulation and electrical issues led me to completely gut it and start over from scratch. Properly finishing the attic in a one and a half storey house..
• Structural Repairs How we rebuilt our house from the inside out after some bad DIY by the previous owner compromised the structure.
• Kitchen Remodel Complete professional kitchen remodel that addresses all the design problems of the old kitchen.

Some DIY Basics

• Framing with Metal Studs A comparison of the pros and cons of traditional lumber and metal studs. Using metal studs as a building material.
• Suspended Ceiling Installing a suspended ceiling is a simple DIY solution for finishing a basement where plumbing and wiring still need to be accessible.
• Drywall Basics Gypsum, wallboard, sheetrock, drywall. Whatever you call it, chances are you will be working with it at some point.
• Structured Wiring Wiring for the future: data, telecommunications and television.

Articles

• Water and Moisture-ProofingKeepng your basement dry.
• Electrical Working with electricity requires respect.
• Bathtub RefinishingSome options to consider.
• Replacement WindowsJust a bit of consumer advice.
• Environmental ChallengesHome renovation from green building materials to environmental stewardship
• Home SecurityWhy you should consider a professionally installed remotely monitored home security system as part of your next home improvement project. (guest content provided by securitychoice.com)
• Roof MaintenanceDIY tips for inspecting and maintaining your roof (guest content provided by roofrocket.com)

Real Estate

• Home InspectionsWhy you should have a home inspection and why you should not rely completely on the findings.
• Buying your first houseSome advice for first-time home buyers.
• Selling your houseSome advice for first-time home sellers
• Your house as an investmentHow to increase and decrease the value of your home

Guest Content

• Home Sweet SolutionsOn-line magazine (3rd party content)