DIY Home Improvement Projects

Kitchen Renovations in this Old House
"Renovating your kitchen is usually the most cost effective upgrade you can do to your home." Yes, but how much will kitchen renovations cost? This site provides cost estimates for a wide range of kitchen renovation projects as well as other helpful hints for ways to upgrade your kitchen yet preserve its historical "style" at the same time. Some of the helpful hints include how much you should spend on a kitchen remodel if you just plan to upgrade and sell—and how much to spend if you intend to live in the home for a while and enjoy the fruits of your labors. All spending suggestions reflect the intention that you should make a profit from your kitchen remodeling efforts when it is time to sell your home. Cost estimates are provided for everything from a simple "facelift" (new cabinet doors, hardware, faucets and fixtures), all the way to a complete high quality makeover. Budgeting techniques are also discussed so homeowners on a budget can prioritize the types of renovations they are going to do so they can stretch their renovation dollars to the limit.

Build Your Own Colonial Spice Cabinet
People who are interested in building their own colonial spice cabinet can get valuable tips by visiting this informative web site. You will find detailed instructions, including recommendations about tools and cuts posted here. Front and side detail are provided, along with the approximate cost to complete the project.

Insulating an Unfinished Attic
This web page takes you through step by step instructions on insulating an attic. Detailed diagrams and animation are provided, as well as guides to skill level and approximate time needed to complete tasks. The site also provides a list of tools and materials, as well as links to manufacturers.

Not Ready to Build an Adjustable Workbench? Start With This Simple Model
You may dream about building the ultimate adjustable workbench, but if you know that you need to work up to that level of construction expertise, Popular Mechanics offers one for beginners to work on. This model includes a sliding drawer and you can put it together in a weekend. A detailed materials list is included for your convenience. Once you master this version, your next project could be an open leg workbench.

How to Build an Indoor Fountain Using Bamboo
If you want to create an interesting look for your home that incorporates an outdoor fountain, why not make one with bamboo? This informative site will guide you through the steps involved in creating one that incorporates this natural substance with other materials, such as plastic tubing, an elbow adapter, and a submersible pump. Add a basin (oblong shaped) and some marble garden stones, and you have a lovely water fountain that you can enjoy for a long time to come. It will be even more special because you can take pride in your handiwork and in the knowledge that you let your creativity flow to create it!

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Roofs But Were Afraid to Ask
Roof Help.com has you covered when it comes to roofs and roofing information. Check out the Library for informative and professional articles on everything from ice dams, black mold, insulation failure, proper ventilation, how to determine the proper slope for your roof, a good list of building codes, how to deal with algae discoloration, information on how to know when an old roof needs to be removed or simply covered over, lists of roofing associations and testing organizations, and how to make your roof "winter proof". There is also a Glossary of roofing terms, Hints & Tips, Frequently Asked Questions, and an email grab bag of the most common questions asked by Do-It-Yourselfers and the answers, descriptions of different kinds of roofs with helpful hints on what might be best for your particular situation, questions and answers about contractors, and a whole lot more to make your roofing experience as fast, as easy, and as economical as possible.