A useful new feature has launched on my favorite site for decorating, remodeling and DIY — HGTV.com. Their new Designer Portfolios section showcases more than 2,000 rooms, ranging from contemporary kitchens to eclectic bedrooms. You can browse the collection by room type and then refine results by style, color or designer. HGTV also provides designer … Read more

Pumpkin carving can be much easier and faster when you use the right power tools. While hand tools and careful knife work still offer the finesse for detailed designs, a cordless or corded power tool can handle thicker rinds, larger pumpkins, and repetitive cuts with far less effort. Below are six power tools that make … Read more

One of my biggest kitchen pet peeves is touching a soap dispenser with dirty hands. It may seem minor, but when my hands are covered in BBQ sauce or I’ve been handling raw chicken, I don’t want to touch anything until they’re clean — including faucet handles and soap pumps. I haven’t upgraded to a … Read more

A while back we read an article where an expert suggested many items you shouldn’t buy at IKEA, leaving only decorative accessories as worthwhile purchases. But for DIY enthusiasts, IKEA can be a treasure trove—if you’re willing to add a bit of elbow grease and creativity. To show IKEA in a more positive light, here’s … Read more

A simple misunderstanding during a home renovation can quickly become an expensive problem. Perhaps the homeowner expected the project to finish in two weeks instead of four, or a verbal approval for a material upgrade wasn’t clearly confirmed. For contractors working with multilingual homeowners, language barriers can turn small communication gaps into delays, disputes, and … Read more

Gorilla Glue, renowned for its exceptional bonding strength, is ideal for a wide range of household repairs. The company has introduced a new single-use tube containing 3 grams of adhesive—designed specifically for small jobs and convenient storage in a drawer, glove compartment, purse, or tackle box. “Our customers have long asked for a product in … Read more

Visit our Facebook page where we’re giving away a DeWALT ToughCase. The giveaway runs for two days and the winner will be selected at Noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 9. The DeWALT ToughCase is an ideal companion for DIY tasks. Its impact-resistant shell securely stores drill bits, nails, screws, nuts, and washers, keeping small … Read more

For the past 15 years my wife and I have made do with a very small bathroom. When I say small, I mean the space is narrow enough that if we both extend our arms we can practically touch the opposite walls. We don’t complain — we’ve been lucky to live in some wonderful cities … Read more

Most renovations begin with a clear vision: a more functional kitchen, a brighter bathroom, or a layout that better suits the way you live. What often receives less attention is everything happening behind the scenes—the planning, scheduling, coordination, and the condition of the worksite while the project is underway. That behind-the-scenes work matters just as … Read more

  You rarely realize you need a pole saw until you face an overgrown yard. We had a pole pruner for years, but our new home came with ornamental hedges that had grown to about 15 feet and needed more power and reach. A cordless pole saw proved ideal for the job. We tested the … Read more