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Milwaukee 15-Gauge Finish Nailer: A Hands-On Review
Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, a good finishing nail gun can boost your productivity and simplif...
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Estimate vs. Contract: What Are You Really Signing With a Contractor?
You've probably heard the advice to get everything in writing when dealing with a remodeling contractor. Any reputabl...
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The Best Drywall Lifts to Simplify Construction Projects
I know from personal experience that a good drywall lift can make a world of difference. Without one, hanging drywall...
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9 Organizations for Black Contractors, Builders, Engineers, and Architects
For decades, even centuries, Black workers have been underrepresented in the construction industry. According to info...
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How Much Does Concrete Resurfacing Cost?
Highlights Basic concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $9 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $6 per square fo...
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11 Home Improvement Things That Have Changed Since Bob Vila's First Episode of This Old House
On New Year’s Day 1979, the first house Bob Vila renovated on TV was an 1860s-era home, surely timber-framed and asse...
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6 Wood Substitutes and When to Use Them
Wood might be the most common choice for many home projects, but it’s far from the only option available to DIYers lo...
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These Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques Can Improve Home Health
A silent killer is lurking in homes across America—the invisible invader known as radon. You can’t see, taste, or sme...
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11 Lessons I Learned Renovating My Old Home
My favorite bit of trivia about our old home is that the idea for Arizona Iced Tea was born here. Well, at least that...
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Nailing It: An In-Depth Review of the DeWalt Cordless Framing Nailer
A cordless framing nailer offers the advantage of unrestricted movement and gives users the ability to work in tight ...
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Drilling in Tight Spaces: A Makita Right-Angle Drill Review
If you’re not yet acquainted with the remarkable versatility of a right-angle drill—the top tool for drilling in tigh...
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Wen Drywall Sander: It Performed with Power and Versatility in Our Tests
Drywall sanding can be unpleasant work. It takes a long time, and the fine dust it creates manages to coat everything...
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Precision Meets Portability: An In-Depth Review of the DeWalt 10-Inch Table Saw
The popularity of table saws stems from their unparalleled ability to cut through materials with accuracy and ease, s...
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See What Happened When I Used the Kushlan Cement Mixer to Pour a Shed Foundation
Whether it’s replacing a mailbox post, repairing the sidewalk, or building a new shed, the time eventually comes when...
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The Best Jackhammers of 2023
In the past, jackhammers were noisy, heavy tools operated mostly by professional road crews or demolition workers. Mu...
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The Versatile Gorilla Ladder May Be The Only Ladder You Ever Need
Gorilla's multi-position ladder, the GLMPXA-22, combines stability, safety, and convenience into one impressive packa...
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Is DeWalt a Good Brand?
DeWalt is widely regarded as a top-tier brand in the tool industry due to its exceptional quality, durability, and pe...
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How Much Does Mudjacking, or Concrete Leveling, Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range to level concrete—also known as mudjacking—is from $630 to $1,723, with a national...
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13 Home Improvements You Might Make That Your Neighbors Will Probably Hate
Improving your home is exciting: Whether they’re minor or substantial, indoors or out, property upgrades can change t...
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The Best Work Boots for Concrete of 2023
An article on work boots for concrete might seem highly specialized, yet the surface is everywhere. Concrete floors a...
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Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Electrician’s Tool Belt Review: Electrifying or a Short Circuit?
While small electrical jobs rarely require more than a tool or two, big jobs are different. Whether it's wiring an en...
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Don't Fall for These 10 Home Improvement Scams
You’re ready to tackle your next home improvement project, and all you need is a contractor to take on the job. While...
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Bob and Tim: Together Again When "Home Improvement" Airs on Disney+
If you’re a fan of “Tool Time” and are ready for more power, you are in luck. Disney+ will soon begin streaming seaso...
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7 Things You Didn't Know Can Delay Your Home Renovation
Renovation projects can be a lot of fun. They allow folks the ability to get creative, work with their hands, or brin...
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The Best Hybrid Table Saws of 2023
Contractor table saws are ideal for rough carpentry jobs, but the blades and fences typically aren’t precise enough t...
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DeWalt Rotary Hammer Drill Review: Is It Worth It? We Tested it to Find Out!
Standard drill drivers can handle most hole-drilling tasks in wood, but they don’t do so well when used to drill hole...
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How Much Does a Barndominium Cost to Build?
Highlights A barndominium typical costs between $112,800 and $540,000 to build, with homeowners across the country p...
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The Best Construction Accounting Software of 2023
There was a time when contractors and construction companies worked from clipboards and file cabinets (many still do!...
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The Best Stick Welders of 2023
Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a useful skill to have in a DIY tool box, regardle...
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DeWalt Cordless Brad Nailer Tested & Reviewed: How Good Is the Popular Trim Tool?
DeWalt power tools are mainstays for both pros and DIYers, and the brand name has become synonymous with high quality...
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How Much Does It Cost to Frame a House?
Highlights It typically costs between $14,000 and $32,000 to frame a home, with customers paying an average of $23,0...
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MIG vs. TIG Welding: What All DIYers Should Know
MIG vs. TIG welding is a debate that has been going on for decades. Both are types of arc welding commonly used by am...
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The Best Construction Management Software
Electronic device hardware and software have developed quickly over the last couple of decades to the point where man...
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How Much Does a Carport Cost to Build?
Typical Range: $3,208 to $9,882 National Average: $6,505Keeping cars out of the rain, wind, and snow is the ideal ...
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How Much Do Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost?
Typical Range: $180,000 to $360,000 National Average: $270,000For those who live in storm-prone areas, the safety ...
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5 Questions to Consider When Building Your Dream Deck
Who doesn’t enjoy leisurely sipping a coffee outdoors on a sunny morning, or a good old-fashioned neighborhood cookou...
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The Best Palm Nailers
Palm nailers are light, compact, highly maneuverable, and easy to use. Just load a nail into the front, position it, ...
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The Best Table Saw Fences of 2023
One of the key accessories for a table saw is a sturdy fence. It is almost impossible to cut boards and sheet materia...
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The Best Welding Clamps
Welding clamps are commonly used to hold material in place while welding, to hold two or more pieces together during ...
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No Money? Here's How You Can Still Flip a House
Flipping houses can be a good way to make a lot of money in the right circumstances, but the barriers to entry are of...
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The Best Plastic Welders
Plastic welders can fix broken garden furniture, toys, kayaks, car bumpers, and a whole host of other items. In many ...
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How Much Does It Cost to Flip a House?
Typical Range: $17,920 to $78,082 National Average: $47,903Optimistic real estate investors often enter a house fl...
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How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?
Typical Range: $1,253 to $4,701 National Average: $2,914Repairing or replacing a sewer line isn’t usually at the t...
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The 20 Best Labor Day Tool Deals at Home Depot, Lowe's, and More
Labor Day is just days away now—Monday, September 5—and home improvement retailers are currently cutting prices on al...
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The Best Custom Home Builders
When it comes to building a dream home, hiring the right builder is everything. Folks looking to make the most of a f...
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The Best Tiny-House Loans of 2024
Many home buyers will need to secure a mortgage in order to buy a new home. But what if they are looking to purchase ...
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The Best Construction Loan Lenders of 2024
Finding the perfect home isn’t always easy, especially for home buyers with very particular tastes. After months of s...
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The Best Modular Home Manufacturers
While modular homes are not yet as popular as traditional stick framing, the modular home industry is growing quickly...
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How Much Does Concrete Cost per Yard?
Typical Range: $100 to $200 National Average: $128When it’s time to install or repair a concrete patio, driveway, ...
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The Best Construction Management Schools
Construction managers have a range of responsibilities. They serve as a central communication point for various group...
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The 8 Best Sunroom Manufacturers of 2023
Sunrooms can be a major plus to your home. Sunny, full of natural light, and often equipped with heating and cooling,...
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The Best Lunch Boxes for Construction Workers
A construction worker’s lunch box must not only keep food tasting fresh, but it often must protect the contents from ...
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10 Innovative Materials Poised to Make Home Building More Sustainable
Not only is sustainability in vogue, but it is becoming more critical as climate change and other environmental issue...
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Lumber Prices Are Lower, but Here's Why Your Home Projects Could Still Cost More
The skyrocketing price of lumber has dominated headlines in the residential construction world over the past couple o...
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The Best Cabinet Table Saws of 2023
Cabinet table saws, often just called cabinet saws, are the largest of the table saws, with huge power and tremendous...
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The Best Welding Jackets to Make Your Job Safer—and Easier
To stay safe while you are welding, it’s necessary to have protection, such as welding boots, pants, a helmet, and a ...
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The Best Work Boots for Electricians
Electricians and electrical technicians need special footwear that can meet the demands and requirements of their lin...
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The Best Lineman Boots
Linemen are a different breed of tradespeople. Aside from their normal high-climbing activities, they put life and li...
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The Best Welding Boots
Welding, like many construction tasks, can be very dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions to stay safe wh...
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The Best DeWalt Table Saws of 2023
Table saws are a versatile staple of DIY enthusiasts, home woodworkers, and jobsite contractors, capable of accuratel...
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10 Ways to Reduce Construction Costs for Your Bathroom Renovation
Bathrooms can be one of the most expensive rooms to refinish within a home. But a bathroom renovation can also be one...
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10 Small House Plans With Big Ideas
With rising real estate costs, many people are getting priced out of purchasing a traditional home. In addition to of...
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Lumber Prices Are Falling—What That Means for Your Summer Projects and the Real Estate Market
The Covid-19 pandemic affected countless industries worldwide, but the rising cost of lumber had to be one of the mos...
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Here's Why Mass Timber Could Be a Game Changer for the Building Industry
With building materials being a significant contributor to carbon emissions and sustainable solutions becoming more p...
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Here’s Why Home Buyers and Sellers Love a Kitchen Remodel—and Where to Start
This is the first installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2022, a month-long series featuring high-ROI ho...
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The Best Pin Nailers for Woodworking
There are certain situations in finish carpentry and woodworking where a big finish or brad nail just won’t do. These...
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The Best Metal-Cutting Saws
Sawing through metal by hand is hard work! A hacksaw can tackle occasional small jobs, but for larger pieces or if yo...
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The Best Construction Knee Pads
Construction can be brutal on the body. Beyond the heavy lifting and repetitive motions involved, time spent kneeling...
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The Best Caulk Removal Tools for Your Tool Kit
Old caulk has a way of stealing the show—and not in a good way. That dingy, cracked sealant can deter from the clean ...
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The Best Welding Helmets
Regardless of the welding process being used, or the welder’s skill, a proper safety helmet must always be worn. No e...
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The Best Heated Socks of 2023
Outdoor activities in cold weather pose challenges for both safety and comfort. That’s why it’s imperative to wear op...
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The Best Welders for Beginners of 2023
Welding (commonly defined as the process of uniting metal substances) can be used to fix auto bodywork, repair a gate...
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The Best Table Saws for Beginners
When shopping for table saws for beginners, the primary focus must be safety. In many cases, this means not settling ...
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The Best MIG Welders of 2023
MIG (metal inert gas) welding, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), is generally accepted as the easiest type ...
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How to Negotiate Home Improvement Decisions With Your Partner, According to a Therapist
Q: Since buying our home 2 years ago, my partner and I have wanted to update the kitchen. But every time we start tal...
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This New Construction-Grade Building Material Recycles the World’s Worst Plastics
Plastic is a massive contributor to global waste and pollution. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)...
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The Best Rotary Laser Levels of 2023
A rotary laser level is an invaluable tool for a variety of jobs where maintaining accuracy over a wide area or long ...
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12 Women Who Are Changing the Home Improvement Industry
Brilliant and powerful female role models are all around us in all industries, including the trades. It's becoming mo...
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The Best Welding Gloves to Keep the Heat at Bay
Welding can produce temperatures upward of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it absolutely essential to have the righ...
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8 Handy Ways to Use a Reciprocating Saw
While it is a common tool in many DIY projects, some people still ask what is a reciprocating saw and what is a recip...
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9 Sawhorse Plans You Can Build This Weekend
Among the most useful tools to have in your garage or workshop are sawhorses for supporting long planks of lumber, se...
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13 Signs That a Home Has “Good Bones,” According to Construction and Real Estate Pros
Fresh paint, new carpeting, and other cosmetic touch-ups can hide a wealth of material defects in a house. When evalu...
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Looking for a Career Change? These 8 Home Improvement Trades Are Desperate for New Blood
Opportunities AboundIt’s a great time to find a job. Economic recovery and a demand for housing have created a hot re...
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What is Reversible Architecture?
A drive through any American ghost town reveals buildings in various states of decay: collapsed roofs, fallen walls, ...
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Before & After: A Small Galley Kitchen Becomes Bright and Spacious—Without Knocking Down Walls
When we moved into our current home we sacrificed space for the opportunity to live by the sea. Having smaller rooms ...
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The Best Portable Table Saws Tested and Reviewed in 2023
Table saws are a baseline necessity in many homes and professional workshops. Portable models are the go-to tool for ...
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The Best Drill Bits for Tile Tested in 2023
Drilling holes in tile—to install towel rods in a bathroom renovation, say—can be tricky. There's always a risk the t...
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How Much Does a Tiny House Cost?
Highlights The typical range for the cost of a tiny house is $30,000 to $60,000, with a national average of $45,000....
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30 DIY Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do
Every home can use a little sprucing up. If you’ve been overwhelmed by a list of needed house projects in the past, t...
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19 Shed Plans Perfect for Big or Small Backyards
Building a backyard shed is a way to add an extra room for hobbies or increase a property’s storage capacity for tool...
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The Best Caulk for Baseboards
Many DIYers are familiar with running caulk around their bathroom fixtures, and a number of products are designed spe...
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11 Retaining Wall Ideas That Work Hard While Looking Good
On sloping or hilly properties, retaining walls serve the important function of holding back the earth and preventing...
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5 Reasons Why You Should Reconsider Renovating Your Home
Renovations can make your home more comfortable and attractive, and can often increase your home’s value. However, it...
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Designing Your Own Home: Tools to Use, and How to Get Started
Building a new house is a complex undertaking that must comply with building codes, ordinances, and even homeowners a...
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Does My General Contractor Need a License? Maybe Not.
Q: After talking to a few different general contractors in the area during the planning stages for our kitchen remode...
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5 Things to Know Before Buying Land to Build a House
Buying land to build a house is more complex than it might initially seem. For many, having a home built to their spe...
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For Us, This Estwing Hammer Is a Solid Hit. Find Out Why We Like It and if It’s the Hammer for You.
I spent many years leaning on my tools to make a living. No, I don’t mean leaning against a shovel or workbench while...
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Frost Line Depth: 5 Important Things All Homeowners Should Know
Installing a fence, deck, permanent gazebo, or a new workshop requires knowledge of permits and building codes. Anoth...
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Setback Requirements: 7 Things All Homeowners Should Know
Despite owning the property where you are building, there are many rules and regulations that affect the location, si...
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I Tried The New Cutting-Edge Stud Finder―Did It Work?
The idea that a DIYer could see what's within a wall cavity using a smartphone screen is the stuff of science fiction...
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Solved! How Long Does It Take To Build A House?
Q: I am interested in building a home and want to make sure I allow enough time. How long does it take to build a hou...
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How Much Does a Home Addition Cost to Build?
Typical Range: $20,835 to $72,552 National Average: $46,498Ready to add some space to your house? Home additions a...
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6 Things to Know Before Installing a Lean-To Shed at Home
The lean-to shed is the classic backyard garden shed design. These sheds are less expensive than other shed styles, y...
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Solved! How Much Concrete Do I Need Per Fence Post?
Q: The last time I installed a fence it didn’t last long because I underestimated the amount of concrete necessary fo...
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6 Signs of Structural Damage You Should Never Ignore
Owning a home comes with some inevitable responsibilities, including maintaining and repairing problems before they w...
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So, You Want to… Build a Shed
A shed in a side yard or backyard can make a world of difference when it comes to organization. These stand-alone str...
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How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range to pour a concrete driveway is $1,800 to $6,000, with homeowners paying a national...
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7 Things to Know About Concrete Forms
Poured concrete is a viscous solution that can take up to 48 hours to properly set. During the setting time, the conc...
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Hardwood vs. Softwood: How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Whether it’s putting up a shed, laying down hardwood flooring, or building a new dining room table, choosing the righ...
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The Best Concrete Anchors
Anytime a DIYer has to attach an object to a concrete or masonry surface, the amount of work increases considerably f...
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The Best Cordless Finish Nailers of 2023
The finish nailer is arguably the most versatile of the many types of nail guns available. The nails they use provide...
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The Best Cordless Brad Nailers Tested in 2023
For virtually every construction or craft project, including heavy-duty roofing and light upholstery work, there's a ...
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The Best Cordless Framing Nailers Tested in 2023
Driving a nail with a single hammer stroke is almost a skill of the past—but with today's power nailers, it's no long...
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Solved! What is Mortar?
Q: We moved into a new home and recently found multiple holes in the brick wall’s mortar joints that look to be cause...
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The Best Table Saw Accessories for Your Workshop
While the design might seem simple, table saws are incredibly customizable. Pros and hobbyists can choose from an arr...
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What the First 3D-Printed House for Sale Means for the Future of New Construction, According to Home Builders
Recently, BobVila. com showcased a 3D-printed home in Riverhead, New York. Built by SQ4D, a New York construction com...
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5 Things to Know Before Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your Property
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are additions that create secondary standalone or interior housing on a single-family...
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The Best Compact Circular Saws Tested in 2023
The best compact circular saws have balance, output, and ergonomics that match the work being performed, whether it's...
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Thinking About Gutting Your House? 11 Things to Know First
Gutting your house for a full-home renovation is absolutely doable for experienced DIYers, but make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
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The Best Straight Edge Clamp for Making Precision Cuts
Making straight cuts with a circular saw, router, or jigsaw is a challenging task. While a cut with a few hitches in ...
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The Best Concrete Saws
With any project, it’s important to use the right saw. Otherwise, you can cause premature damage to the blade and wea...
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The Best Saw Blade for Cutting Laminate Flooring
Completing a flooring project with your own skill and expertise is something to be proud of, but trying to tackle a l...
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The Best Welders of 2023
Welding has a reputation for demanding expensive equipment and a high level of skill and training. While historically...
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Would You Buy a 3D-Printed House? Take a Peek Inside the First of Its Kind to Hit the Real Estate Market
Three-dimensional printing isn't just for little things—SQ4D, pronounced "S-squared," a New York construction company...
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The Best Air Hammers
Few tools can match the versatility of an air hammer. These handy tools are invaluable for auto work, enabling the us...
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The Best Siding Nailers of 2023
Siding helps protect the structure of your home, adds an extra layer of insulation that can lower your energy bill, a...
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The Best Sledgehammers for Your Demolition Project
There’s no denying that swinging a sledgehammer is a ton of fun for many people, but beyond the amusement at hefting ...
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The Best Screwdriver Bit Sets for Your Cordless Drill
The cordless drill may be one of the most versatile tools in any home or shop. Recent advances in battery technology ...
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The Best Pry Bars for Your Tool Kit
Wrecking bars, crowbars, and pry bars are often combined in the same category, but important differences exist. One o...
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The Best Deck Screws
Deck screws secure decking boards that make up the walking surface of a deck, porch, dock, or boardwalk. If you are c...
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The Best Concrete Bonding Agents for Your Project
A lot goes into tackling a concrete repair or project. Unlike a carpentry project, you can’t just grab a stack of lum...
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21 Home Improvement Projects to Put on Your To-Do List for 2021
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on selling your home in the coming months or looking to stay put for years to come, there are plenty of projects you can do i...
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The 8 Best Boot Dryers of 2023
If there’s one thing most DIYers, craftspeople, homeowners, and really anyone can agree on, it’s that walking around ...
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The Best Construction Adhesives
Construction adhesives provide an efficient and effective way to glue up projects ranging from DIY crafts to homebuil...
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The Best Work Socks for Wearing With Boots
Stress can be put on our feet every day just by walking around. Being upright for hours at a time while working requi...
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The Best Framing Nailers, Tested and Reviewed
There was a time when neighbors could tell a crew was framing a house by the sound of metal-on-metal-on-wood, since h...
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The Best Drywall Tapes
Achieving a smooth, flat finish on interior walls that lasts can be tricky. The joints between drywall panels must be...
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The Best Table Saw Blades of 2023
While a good table saw makes large jobs easier and more accurate when it comes to cutting wood, a good blade is a thi...
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The Best Knee Pads
Anyone who has ever knelt on a hard surface will likely know the sheer discomfort and the extreme awkwardness of mane...
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The Best Carpenter Pencils for Your Projects
A carpenter pencil may just look like an odd-shaped regular pencil, but it’s so much more than that. These precision ...
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The Best Hearing Protection Tested in 2023
If you spend time operating power tools and machinery, you’re undoubtedly making a racket in the process. While most ...
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11 Things You Need to Consider Before Putting in a Pool
Before you meet with that swimming pool company, take time to consider all that goes into choosing, maintaining, and paying for a summer oasis.
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The Best Power Tool Sets for Your Needs and Budget, Tested
When you find yourself in need of some new power tools, consider buying an entire corded or cordless tool combo kit t...
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The Best Framing Hammers, Tested and Reviewed
A standard household hammer—weighing an average of 12 to 15 ounces—is indispensable for simple tasks like tapping a n...
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The Best Levels of 2023
In almost any home renovation, achieving the best results requires some type of level. Whether you’re trying to hang ...
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5 Things to Know Before Buying a New Construction Home
Choosing the right home can be overwhelming due to the number of variables involved: location, size, budget, style, a...
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The Best Palm Sanders Tested in 2023
The finishing touches on a woodworking project can transform decent work into stunning craftsmanship. Using just the ...
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The Best Circular Saws for the Workshop
The words "versatile" and "tool" are combined so often these days that it's hard to tell if it's the truth or just a ...
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The Best Table Saws Tested in 2023
Table saws top the wish lists of both DIYers and seasoned woodworkers. After researching more than 25 popular models,...
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The Best Miter Saws of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Today's miter saws are a significant improvement over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s, having evolved into powerf...
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5 Tips for Building a Strong Shed Foundation
A shed can be a great place to store yard tools and equipment, or it can serve as a useful area for completing projec...
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The 10 Best Screwdriver Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Basic as they are, screwdrivers are not a one-size-fits-all tool, nor does one type of screwdriver fit all situations...
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6 Things to Know Before Cutting Metal
Around the home, you won’t frequently run into situations that require you to cut metal, but there are a few DIY proj...
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We Tested the 7 Best Laser Levels for DIYers and Pros
Laser levels provide accuracy, consistency, and convenience. The best self-leveling laser level can make all the diff...
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8 Ways You Can Help Your Contractor Hit the Project Deadline
Renovating and remodeling projects are exciting but they can also be frustrating if work drags on and the contractor runs past the projected deadline. While some ...
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10 Homeowner Antics That Annoy Contractors Most
Contractors get a bad rap—and sometimes deservedly so—but not all homeowners are a barrel of fun either. Construction and remodeling projects are more complex tha...
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General Contractor-Approved: The Best Stud Finders of 2023, Tested
If you’ve ever had to install shelving or hang picture frames, you’ve more than likely had to find out where the stud...
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10 Parts of the Home You Can (and Should) Renovate in Winter
Don't let winter weather derail your remodeling plans. Being holed up inside is actually the perfect excuse for taking on certain home improvement projects.
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Here’s Exactly What You Can Expect to Pay a Handyman
When you own a home, it seems as if there's always something that needs to be repaired or replaced. While you may hav...
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Here's How Much Remodeling Any Room Really Costs
Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire kitchen, complete with new cabinetry and appliances, or you just want to update your living room with a fresh coat ...
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Solved! The Standard Ceiling Height for Homes
Q: I’m in the planning stages of building my own home with the help of a trusted contractor. I want high ceilings, bu...
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Don't Mess Up This First Step When Tiling a Floor
Tile floors are beautiful, durable, and a fairly DIY friendly option, but for tile’s good looks to really last, it’s ...
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7 Things to Know About Lath and Plaster Walls
From the 1700s all the way through the 1940s, lath and plaster was the interior wall construction method of choice. B...
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9 Things Your Contractor Never Wants to Hear
From HVAC repair to electrical upgrades, some home improvement projects require the help of a professional. But even though contractors are well versed in repairs...
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The 14 Most Common Building Code Violations in Old Homes
If you live in a home that was built in a previous century, or if you undertook a DIY renovation without acquiring a permit, there's a good chance that you're not...
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11 Things Your Contractor Won’t Tell You for Free
While some home improvement and maintenance projects require professional help, others are easy enough to do yourself. But most homeowners can’t get through a DIY...
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13 Renovation Lessons You Don't Want to Learn the Hard Way
Most homeowners think they’re capable of handling minor remodeling jobs and have the wisdom to call a contractor for projects that warrant professional help. But ...
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16 Improvements Most Homeowners Get Wrong
Don't do what these homeowners did! Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and design disasters before you begin your next DIY renovation.
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13 Things All DIYers Should Know About Plywood
A manmade material prized for its great versatility, plywood appears in elements of the home as varied as flooring, w...
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Know Your Building Lot: The First Step in Planning New Construction
In your mind you’ve got a dream house, but in reality you have a building lot. Before you get locked into a building ...
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Buying Home Building Materials
If your designer has specified all the fixtures, appliances, and home building materials needed for the job, you may ...
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Your Home's Construction Schedule
How long do the steps take? No two jobs are the same, but here are some reasonable estimates of what will be required...
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Planning for Soil Conditions and Setting the Footings
Bob introduces homeowner Howard Brickman. Steve Ivas, an environmental engineer, describes the area wetlands, which must be accommodated. Innovative building tech...
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Constructing the Porch and Reviewing the Mechanical Systems
A big farmer's porch will run the whole width of the house. Bob discusses the boiler, which will heat the domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydro-air...
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Installing a New Structural Support Beam
It’s time to start restoring the structure, marking an important moment in the house’s history.
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Building a Redwood Deck and a Redwood-and-Cedar Fence
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley build a redwood deck. Carpenter Danny Ruffini installs a custom-made redwood-and-cedar fence on the perimeter.
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Adding a Third-Floor Dormer to the Roof
Bob meets up with carpenter Bob Ryley, who is adding two third-floor dormers to the roof in keeping with the house's original one.
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Making an Armoire into an Entertainment Center
Bob works with carpenter Bob Ryley to construct an insert for an antique cherry armoire to house his bedroom TV and video collection.
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Reviewing the Front Porch, and Installing Interior Columns and a Vanity
Bob reviews the Victorian design elements of his front-corner porch and the interior columns that echo the exterior ones, and then watches the turn-of-the-century...
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Creating a Cornice Molding for the Dining Room
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley create an elaborate five-piece cornice molding in the dining room.
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Looking Behind the Walls and Installing a Pocket Door
Before putting on the blue board, Bob looks at what goes behind the walls: wiring, light fixtures, heat ducts, water lines, and a pocket door frame.
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Preparing the Site for Modular Home Delivery
Bob reviews the site preparation process with the on-site contractor, Michael Sheils.
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Window Placement and Installation
Bob looks at the order and placement of the windows on the facade of the modern Colonial. Upon closer inspection, the classically inspired fenestration, size, typ...
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Installing the Subfloor
Thorough Construction's lead carpenter Connor McKenna applies panel adhesive to the tops of the new, sistered joists before laying four-by-eight sheets of Georgia...
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Installing Steel-Stud Framing
Bob joins Connor McKenna of Thorough Construction as he works on installing the new steel-stud framing.
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Preparing the Site for the Construction of Eleven Homes
Bob meets Bob Bevilacqua at the River Hill site in Mashpee, Massachusetts, where Bevilacqua and his crew have undertaken a mammoth job of earth moving as they cle...
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Discussing Falmouth's Model for Affordable Housing
Bob visits with John Druley of Quaker Homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts, who is developing a parcel of land in Falmouth that will have eight homes, two of them aff...
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Tour of an Affordable Home
Bob and developer John Druley walk through a home under construction by Quaker Homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
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Landscaping in the Falmouth Affordable House Development and Finished Interior of a Single Family Home
Bob joins John Druley at another of the Quaker Homes that is nearly completed and ready for landscaping and then tour the interior of a finished single-family hom...
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Tour of the Completed Interior of an Affordable Home
Bob and John Druley continue their tour of the finished model built by Quaker Homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
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Installing a Drop Ceiling to Hide Duct Work
Bob walks through the Manhattan Brownstone floor-through apartment with project manager Chris Vila, looking at the ductwork that has been run in the ceiling for t...
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Working to Develop Affordable Housing and Installing a Maintenance Free Vinyl Picket Fence
Bob is in Mashpee, Massachusetts, where the affordable housing project is well underway with five of the eleven homes currrently under construction.
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Installing Smartside Engineered Wood Siding
Bob meets Lance Olson of Louisana Pacific as LP's Smartside lap siding is installed on a Mashpee house.
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The Blown-In Blanket Insulation Process
Bob is joined by Mike Hobson of Westchester Insulation as the crew prepares one of the Mashpee houses for insulation installation.
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Installing a Therma-Tru Pre-Hung Door
Bob is joined by Michael McDevitt of Therma-Tru Doors as Wes Lohr and his crew prepare for the installation of the pre-hung exterior door.
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Discussing the Bellawood Maple Hardwood Floor
Tom Sullivan of Bellawood is in one of the four Mashpee affordable homes where they have donated hardwood flooring for the living room, dining room, and kitchen o...
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Efficient Burnham Boiler for Heat and Hot Water
Bob visits with Mark Lundquist of Burnham Hydronics to check out the boiler for the hot-water heating system being installed in the Mashpee, Massachusetts, afford...
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Custom Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Thomas Bump of Fine Custom Cabinetry shows Bob the Maple and hardwood panel cabinets that were built specifically for the Brownstone kitchen.
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Custom Moldings, Window Casings, and Coves
The front room of the Manhattan Brownstone is getting its finishing touches as prefabricated oversize cove molding is installed at the ceiling.
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Installing Permex Shutters, Viewing the Open Floor Plan, and Meeting the Affordable Home Buyers
Bob meets general contractor Wes Lohr at the Colonial-style affordable home in Mashpee, Massachusetts.
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Reviewing the Kitchen and Layout of the Ranch-Style Home
Bob meets plumber Charlie Delvecchio of Cape Plumbing at the ranch-style affordable home in Mashpee, Massachusetts.
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Installing Wall-to-Wall Carpet, Building an Energy Star Certified Home, and Saving Electricity and Protecting Electronics in the Home
Bob meets Scott Howard of Dean's Carpet, John Livermore from the Energy Star Homes program, and Damon Markowski from Leviton to show some of the features built in...
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Feng Shui for the Home
Bob visits Emma and Jacob Josselyn in their Cape Cod-style home to see the new Vermont Castings Addison cast-iron electric stove that will warm the corner of thei...
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Tour of Medford, MA
Bob introduces Medford, MA, a city five miles north of Boston. Settled in 1630, Medford once flourished with industry, including the shipbuilding building. Today,...
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First Floor Framing and Barn Renovation/Demolition
Bob tours the first floor of the house, then turns his attention to the family room addition. Demolition has taken place in the barn, where a concrete floor has r...
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Interior Framing and Bathtub Installation
Much of the space on the first floor has been opened up to give the house a 21st-century lifestyle feel. The framing of the new addition is ongoing, and the Kohle...
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Installing Architectural Shingles and Skylight
A representative from Owens Corning tells Bob about the architectural shingles that have been selected to replace the old roofing material. And Velux VSE skylight...
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Building Walls With Structural Insulated Panels
Bob visits the site to watch the Steve Thompson and his crew from Premier Building Systems raise the SIPs walls. Jim Tracy (from Premier) provides SIPs details.
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Manufacturing the Engineered Wood Floor Joists
Bob visits the Willamette I-Joist Mill in Woodburn, OR, before returning to Yonkers where the crew is assembling the second floor walls with structural insulated ...
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Tyvek House Wrap Installation
Bob meets with building consultant Steven Easley to learn about Tyvek: what it is, how it works, and how to install it.
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Building Code Check
Bob meets with the general contractors and the architect for the project house to discuss mid-construction changes to the building plan.
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Interior Trim Tips
Carpenter Bob Ryley and the finish carpenter install interior trim in the dining room.
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Home Expansion Principles
Architect and town planner Andres Duany explains how the project house in Mount Pleasant, SC may be expanded if necessary.
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Reviewing the Exterior and Discussing the Addition
General contractor Sam Daniels gives Bob the details about the three-level northeast addition.
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Applying the Wood Moldings
Having reviewed the progress made in the basement, Bob checks out some of the finish carpentry techniques used in applying wood moldings.
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Progress Report on the North Addition
Carpenter Bob Ryley and general contractor Sam Daniel issue a progress report on the construction of the north addition to the Viriginia governor's mansion.
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Baseboard Replicas
In the Virginia governor's mansion, Bob and Bob Ryley look at baseboard replicas and inspect how the space behind the baseboard is used.
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Building Cabinets
Bob visits Todd Allen's cabinet shop, where he helps to mill and assemble the cabinets for the loft conversion project.
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Bookcase Building
Bob gives assistance to carpenter Todd Allen, who is building a bookcase for the built-in cabinet array.
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Construction of the Roof Truss System
Bob explains the engineering and construction of the truss system supporting the roof of the accessible home.
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Building a Wooden Corner Bracket
Carpenter Bob Ryley lays out and constructs a corner bracket for the accessible home.
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Building a Wooden Corner Bracket, Part 2
Carpenter Bob Ryley continues to fashion a wooden bracket for the exterior of the accessible home.
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Building a Porch Railing
Carpenter Bob Ryley and George (from Crosswinds Enterprises) collaborate to build a porch railing for the accessible home. Looking on, Bob discusses the building ...
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Installing Custom Window Sills
Bob pays a visit to the site of another unit's construction in the Roxbury development. Here, a carpenter is adding custom sills to windows.
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Review of the Project Plan
Bob meets Arquitectonica's Laurinda Spear, an architect who has come up with some eye-catching and very tropical ideas for the project.
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Building for Hurricane Safety
Bob and contractor Ed Weller tour of another work in progress, a home being built using construction techniques unique to tropical climates.
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Tour of The Barnacle
Bob tours of The Barnacle, one of the first homes built in Dade County, FL, to see how early settlers built in order to deal with the heat.
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Pouring the Slab
Bob watches as contractors pour and finish the slab for the addition.
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Applying Stucco
Bob meets with stucco contractor Angelo Dattini, who walks Bob through the first steps of stucco application.
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Building an Interior Soffit
Bob confers with carpenter Cortney Lofton and cabinetmaker Brian Comeaux on the milling and construction of an interior soffit for the bungalow.
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Tour of the Colonial Revival Home
Bob meets homeowners Tracy and Linda Gallagher at their 1930s Colonial Revival home. Bob also meets the architect and contractor, whom the Gallaghers have enliste...
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Foundation Excavation and Formwork
Bob and contractor Paul Morse review the excavations and formwork for the foundation.
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Architectural Details and Framing
Bob reviews the framing for the new addition. Homeowner Linda points out the corner notches, which add architectural interest. And a large opening punctuates one ...
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Building Interior Wall Partitions
Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley demonstrate how to lay out and build interior partitions.
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Plumbing and Electrical Work in the Home Addition
Bob joins Jack O'Leary to review the rough-in plumbing and electrical work, and, together, they install a roof vent.
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Wall Demolition to Create a Doorway
Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley demolish a wall on the second floor in order to connect the framed-in addition to the existing house.
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Installing a Mulled Window
Bob meets with Bob Ryley and Al Worth to install a pair of Andersen mulled windows with a transom, as well as an interior window seat. Bob discusses the window it...
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Shingle Siding
Bob joins carpenter Bob Ryley, who is putting sidewall shingles onto the exterior of the new addition.
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Building a Bookcase
Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley meet in the workshop to build a set of bookcases for the home. Ryley demonstrates the various cuts and joining methods used to make th...
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Installing an Oil-Fired Boiler for the New Home Addition
Bob meets Jack O'Leary, the plumbing and heating contractor for the Newton, MA project. Since the house has doubled in size with the neaddition, the old heating u...
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Discussing the Budget
Bob and carpenter Paul Morse go over the details of the budget and discuss whether or not they'll be able to finish the project under the estimated cost.
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Discussing the Design
Bob is on site to discuss the design of the completed addition with the project architects.
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Plans for the Greenhouse
Bob, the architect, and the homeowner discuss plans for the new greenhouse. The exact position of the greenhouse in relation to the existing house is chosen so as...
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Foundation Layout
The foundation has been hand-dug and the forms laid for the footings. Bob and contractor Bob Ryley discuss the layout of the greenhouse foundation and framing.
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Bench Construction
The wood has arrived for the perimeter benches, so Bob and contractor Bob Ryley begin constructing the architect-designed benches for the greenhouse. The wood is ...
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Building a Door
Bob meets with contractor Bob Ryley, who outlines the door construction process and builds the first of seven doors.
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Do-It-Yourself Modular Home Construction System
Bob tours a home that was designed to affordable, flexible, and easy to build with a do-it-yourself, low-cost construction system.
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Framing the Winding Staircase
Bob meets the framing sub-contractor, Ron Gates, and the two discuss framing the 18-step winding staircase, as well as the work of framing, in general.
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Malibu Master Bedroom Tour
Bob and interior decorator Robyn Peterson tour the master bedroom and bath. The 'antiqued' wood carpentry adds warmth to the bedroom, as does the use of unbleache...
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Installing Insulspan Structural Insulated Panels
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley review the Insulspan structural insulated panels (SIPs). These Styrofoam panels save steps in construction, since they include struct...
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Removing Trees from the Project Site
Bob joins contractor Bob Ryley and the tree removal specialist to discuss clearing the site. Special tips on chainsaw use and safety are provided.
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Concrete Chimney
Bob and contractor John Clancy discuss creating the new concrete chimney at the Victorian-style project house in Martha's Vineyard.
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Adding a Door to a Wood-Paneled Wall
Bob reviews progress in the kitchen, which includes the installation of a pantry, and contractor Bob Ryley demonstrates how to build a door into a wood-paneled wa...
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Costs for Building the Victorian
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley review costs for the Victorian-style remodel-and-build project in Martha's Vineyard, MA.
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Touring the Home Addition
The designer shows Bob around the addition, pointing out certain highlights, such as the breezeway with exposed studs and the Victorian-influenced lighting design...
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Meeting the Wayland Homeowner
Bob meets with homeowner Paul Paresky and tours the project. Expanding the lakefront home with a second floor addition will be a major undertaking. General contra...
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Home Addition and Construction Timeline
Bob remarks on how much progress has been made in one week of work on the Wayland project home. The footings have been established and the crew has begun building...
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Architectural Modifications
Bob reflects on the project house's previous appearance and how the addition will change both the appearance and functionality of the home.
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Building a Gable Roof
Contractor Bob Ryley demonstrates how to build a gable end dormer into the new roof.
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Roofing Around Skylights
Contractor Larry Landers demonstrates how to install roofing shingles around skylights.
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Wiring the Home Addition
Electrician Steve Bradley is on hand to install the electrical wires and boxes for the addition. Bob discusses the codes regarding receptacle placement and Steve ...
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Building a Medicine Cabinet
Bob helps contractor Bob Ryley hand-craft a medicine cabinet using a radial arm saw, Dado blade, router, screws, and carpenter's glue.
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Mid-Renovation Tour
Bog gives a mid-renovation tour, reviewing the progress that's been made on various projects throughout the house. He also provides an update on the changes have ...
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Installing a Box Bay Window
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley and crew install a new box bay window, which will enlarge the dining space and enhance the interior atmosphere.
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Screen Porch and Ceiling Fan
Bob reviews the plans to create a new screen porch with a ceiling fan at the Naples project house.
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Constructing a Carport, Bench, and Storage Structure
Bob reviews the construction of a carport, bench, and storage structure, situated adjacent to the Naples project house.
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Further Site Preparation
Bob watches as the crew clears more trees and brush to make room for building structures.
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Building the First Floor Staircase
Bob assists carpentry contractor Bob Ryley, as he builds a staircase from the first floor.
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Completing the Raftering
Bob and carpentry contractor Bob Ryley complete the raftering job on the roof of the Cape Cod house.
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Installing the Wooden Window
Bob helps carpentry contractor Bob Ryley and his crew install a wooden window at the Cape Cod project house.
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Touring Chicago Architecture
Bob joins architectural historian Susan Benjamin for a tour of some of Chicago's landmark buildings.
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Building Winding Stairs
Carpenter John Pringle demonstrates a simple way to build a set of winding stairs.
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Reviewing Plans for Updating the Victorian
Bob meets with homeowner David Masher and architect Greg Colling at the project house, a Queen Anne Victorian in Rowley, MA's historic district, to review plans f...
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