Pro Tips

Pro tips and techniques that will give you a helping hand in your daily life on the jobsite.

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Did You Know You Can Return Building Materials?

Clear up some clutter in your workshop and make a little money by returning those unused building materials.

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Which Exterior Renovation Adds the Most Value to a House?

Not all exterior renovation projects are created equal. These are the ones that add the most value at resale.


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Types of Attic Insulation: Pros and Cons

What’s the best attic insulation? That depends on your definition of “best”. An expert home inspector goes through which


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What Are the Most Common Home Insurance Claims?

Break-ins and theft account for six percent of insurance claims for Travelers Insurance. Find out the most common homeowners insurance...


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12 Most-Bang-for-Your-Buck Home Improvement Projects

Home improvement projects don't always have to have big-budget price tags. If you're looking to sell or just want to...

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20 Home Renovations That Instantly Increase Your Home Value

These are the top renovations that increase home value. Some are easy and inexpensive updates that you can do over...


10 Important Things to Consider when Buying a House

Buying a house is a big decision. Have you considered these items?

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4 Proven Methods for Creating Wood Joints

Make strong, long-lasting joints without needing years of woodworking expertise or a big budget.


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Innovations for Life

Family Handyman’s innovative homeLAB is an urban testing ground where editors test the latest products and share with readers how...


20 Reasons Why It Might Be Time for You to Move

There's no decision quite like the choice to move to a different home, whether you're staying in the same area...


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9 Tool Hacks You’ll Use Time and Time Again

Tools are usually designed with one task in mind, but many can be used for all sorts of jobs.

14 Pro-Approved Tips for Achieving Tight Miters Every Time

Get to know these pro tricks for air-tight mitered joints.


How To Build Your Own Truck Storage System

Hauling around your tools and equipment just got easier. These field-tested tips from a fellow pro will help turn your...


Must-Know Pro Tips and Tools for Measuring and Marking

A collection of tips and tools for all the different kinds of measuring and marking that happen on the job.


5 Best Resources for Women in Skilled Trades

Succeeding as a woman in a historically male-centric industry is no small task. Here are some of the best resources...


How to Master Your Hole Saw

A good hole saw kit is a staple in every pro's arsenal. Check out these great tips to drill faster,...

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Trailer Safety Checklist and Tips You Need to Know

Hauling trailers can be dangerous, but for many people in the trades it is a daily necessity. Get a trailer...


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Electrical Questions Answered By An Electrical Inspector

Everything you wanted to know about breaker panels and more. A veteran electrical inspector answers your questions.


Tips for Concrete Fasteners and Masonry Screws

No matter which trade you're in, eventually you're going to tackle a project that requires fastening to bricks, blocks or...


13 Ways Master Woodworkers Use Wood Clamps

Pro woodworkers share their best tips and tricks for clamping wood, whether you are on the worksite or in the...


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How to Hang Drywall: Pro Tips for Cutting and Installing

A good framing crew makes drywall hangers whistle while they work. Follow these great hanging suggestions, and you can make...


5 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Plumbing Snake

Consistent maintenance of your drain-cleaning equipment reduces effort on site and prolongs its useful lifespan.


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Genius Reciprocating Saw Pro Tips That Will Save You Time and Money

A reciprocating saw is a powerful, versatile tool. We’ll show you a few tricks to help you get more out...


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Everything to Know About DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits

We dug up some great installation tips to help you spray safely and get the most bang for your precious...


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Tips for Tighter Miters and Better Coped Joints

New to construction? Want to brush up on your trim techniques? Check out this story.

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12 Tips for Bending Metal with a Bending Brake

A metal brake is the tool for bending custom metal flashing and decorative trim. Every siding contractor and most roofers...


Best Practices for Trim Removal

There’s an art to removing trim. Learn how to salvage the trim you want, while keeping the collateral damage to...


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8 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Shop Vac

Taking time to tidy your vacuum prolongs reliable, efficient operation.


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Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

These are great tips on how to solve many of the problems you're likely to encounter when working on your...


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Pro Tips and Tricks for Installing Laminate Flooring

We talked with a flooring expert to get some installation tips that will help you avoid humps, bumps, gaps and...


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Tips and Techniques for Pouring Self-Leveling Underlayment

We’ll show you the step-by-step process to achieve a perfectly flat and level underlayment that’s smooth as glass.