Skills

Master your craft and perfect your skills with these professional tips, techniques and industry insights.

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How to Build Faux Basement Windows That Provide Real Light

This project uses a slim LED light panel mounted in a simple frame to give you light and the illusion of a new window.

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Common Dryer Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Dryer not working? Don't despair. You might be able to fix it yourself.


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How to Build a DIY Infrared Sauna

Get all the benefits of a sauna without the expensive health club membership.


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How to Build 4 Different Styles of Path Lights

Bollard posts are short, stout posts used around buildings or as roadway dividers. They resemble tree trunks, which are also...


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How To Light Your Home: 10 Types of Light Fixtures

Upgrading or choosing new light fixtures for your home? This guide will give you the rundown of all of the...

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Amps vs. Volts vs. Watts vs. Ohms: What’s the Difference?

Are you puzzled by electricity? Here are a few common electrical terms everyone should know.


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Multimeter Symbol Guide

When you need a multimeter for testing electrical equipment around the home, it's vital to know what all those symbols...

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Family Handyman Approved: Wago Lever Nuts

Wary of cheap, twist-on wire nuts? Then try these from Wago.


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18 Common Electrical Terms You Should Know

Electricians know these electrical terms and you should too, especially if you plan to save money by doing basic electrical...


Troubleshooting: How to Fix a Light

Have a broken light but don't know why it doesn't work? Get to the bottom of it! Follow these tips...


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What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home

When you move into your new home, there are a number of cleaning tasks, basic projects and upgrades to consider....

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How to Fish Wire Through A Wall

“Fishing” wire is easier with these tips and tools.


The Most Essential Products for New Homeowners

From cleaning supplies to tools, here's a list of everything you'll need for your new home.


How to Install a New Hard-Wired Smoke Alarm

Smoke alarms wear out. Replace them before they fail.


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12 Best Home Improvement Projects Under $100

A little can go a long way when it comes to home improvements. For just $100 you can make some...


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10 Women Inventors Who Changed Home Life Forever

From the circular saw to Scotchgard, inventions by women revolutionized our homes. In honor of Women's History Month, we spotlight...

10 Bad DIY Habits You Need to Stop Doing Immediately

These bad DIY habits might be costing you more than just time and money.


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9 Things Electricians Always Do In Their Own Homes

Before you attempt any DIY electrical work, learn the habits and best practices that are second nature to professional electricians.


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How to Install Low-Profile LED Lights in Your Kitchen

Transform your kitchen into a place you’ll love to be with this innovative lighting project.


Choosing the Right Backup Power Generator for Emergencies

It just takes one downed power pole to interrupt the fragile chain of electricity connecting your house to the power...


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Understanding Electrical Wire Color Codes

Ready to cross that electrical project off your to-do list? Understand wiring color codes so you can finish the job...


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How to Install a Ceiling Light Fixture

Nothing spoils a dinner party like a chandelier in the pasta or a sudden blackout. Here's how to hang lights...


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7 Things Professional Electricians Never Do in Their Own Homes

Getting ready to embark on some DIY electrical work? Think safety first and dodge these common mishaps pro electricians know...


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How to Use Cheap Electrical Testers

Three testers make electrical work safer and easier — and for less than $20, you can own them all.


How to Install Smart Light Switches In Your Home

Make your regular light switch smart in five easy steps!

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How to Fix an Electrical Cord Chewed by Your Pet

You can repair a chewed cord without calling a pro. Here's how.


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How to Safely Dispose of Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Safely dispose of CFL bulbs through retail stores and collection sites and safely clean up any broken bulbs.


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How to Replace a Pull-Chain Light Fixture

Install a new fixture safely and quickly


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How to Prevent Circuit Overloads

Circuit breakers, overloads and your electrical system.


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10 Most Common Electrical Mistakes DIYers Make

Wiring problems and mistakes are all too common, and if left uncorrected have the potential to cause short circuits, shocks...