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What Tool Do You Use to Find Angles? The right angle-finding tool is your protection against loose joinery and expletive-filled outbursts, whether you’re doing something big like building a garden shed, or simply tackling around-the-house maintenance tasks like measuring for a storm window. So before you make another unsightly cutting mistake, put down that caulk tube and pick up one of the measuring tools. The old adage—“Measure twice”—still applies. But you also need to know the angles....

When repairing existing three-handle valves, finding the correct components requires some detective work. Home centers have a book you can use to help you match up the correct parts, or you can go to a plumbing supply store and they will usually have the parts that you need. Tub sockets and the other materials required to complete this project can also be found at home centers and plumbing supply stores....

The good news here is that you’ve got plenty of basement flooring options to consider. Better yet: Most basement flooring materials are DIY-friendly. But it’s important to remember that conditions in the basement are different than they are upstairs. These differences affect not only your flooring choices but also how your flooring is installed. Fix the Concrete First No matter what type of basement flooring you choose, make sure to first fix any problems in the original concrete floor....

For example, you might use a phone app to turn the lights on at home as you leave work. A second kind of smart device is one you don’t have to control, other than setting it up and letting it do its thing, such as a smart lawn mower. Control Systems The first home automation devices were setback thermostats, which would turn the heat or AC up or down at set times of the day so they weren’t running when no one was home, thus saving energy....

There’s nothing to stop that expensive climate-controlled air—heated in the winter, cooled in the summer—from escaping through the trap door. It’s like having a slow leak in your bank account. Read This Before You Insulate Your Attic The good news is that it’s a relatively easy fix. Fiberglass Insulation The easiest hedge against a thermal leak is to cover the backside of the trap door with fiberglass insulation. Steps: It’s also a good idea to apply adhesive-backed weatherstripping to the perimeter of the door side that closes on the framed opening....

To help you find the right system for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team analyzed a variety of home security systems based on factors such as equipment, installation, and pricing. Keep reading to learn about the best home security systems that came out on top. Top 6 Home Security Systems in Richmond ADT: Best Overall Vivint: Best for Smart Home Integration SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation Frontpoint: Best for Smartphone Integration Abode: Best for Customization Alder: Best for Medical Alerts...

Top 3 Home Warranty Companies in Detroit The highest-rated home warranty companies in Detroit, MI, include: 1. American Home Shield For the best overall home warranty in Detroit, we recommend American Home Shield (AHS). This industry-leading provider has a large nationwide network of trusted contractors to perform repairs and a dedicated customer service department to take your calls any time of day or night. All three of AHS’ home warranty plans provide comprehensive coverage for your home’s most essential items....

That’s where a home warranty comes in. This protection plan covers repairs and replacements on appliances and systems that unexpectedly break down, giving you peace of mind and preventing you from paying for expensive repair bills out of pocket. To help you find the best home warranty for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the top-rated home warranty companies in Texas and compared them on coverage, plans, and pricing....

Anatomy of a Beehive This type of beehive is made up of five parts: the base (A); the hive body (B); the frames (C), where bees make their honeycombs (this hive has 10); an inner cover with a ventilation hole (D); and an aluminum-clad outer cover (E)—the hive’s weatherproof cap. This modular design allows you to use the same base and cap when stacking the bodies on top of one another....

In this episode: In Fairfield County, Chris checks in on the progress that’s been made at the Farmhouse. He tours the outside of the house with Jerry to see what’s been done, and Jerry explains his vision for what’s to come. At the front of the house, a large sliding door is being installed to maximize the great room’s view of the Long Island Sound. Chris helps Eddy install the door, and then moves up to the roof to see the progress there....

And when friends and family come for a meal, a breakfast bar is the perfect location to lay out the spread, buffet style. Ways to Add a Breakfast Bar to Your Kitchen If you think a breakfast bar would be a bonus in your kitchen, check out these creative ways to add one to your home. How To Build a DIY Breakfast Bar Hang a shelf If you have an open wall, hang a shelf at the typical bar height, 42 inches from the floor, which will allow for barstools to fit underneath it....

Shown: Architect Andrew Sidford’s design for the renovated house marries the 1880s Cape with a modern extension that features high ceilings and walls of windows. New spaces will deliver more light, air, and access to the natural attractions in the back of the property. Every time Megan and I come here, we’re reminded that this is definitely where we want to raise our family,” says Lincoln Pasquina of the 1880s Cape Cod–style house in Concord, MA....

Fire Pit Parts: An Overview A built-in fire pit is a glorified campfire, with sturdy walls of stone that help contain the flames and heat. That’s especially important in the parts of the country where there’s a risk of brush fires. So the first task in building any fire pit is checking local codes on open flames. The pit must be located far from overhanging trees, the house, and any other flammable structure....

Why Are Succulents Growing in Popularity? Succulents are becoming very popular. They’re gracing window sills across the globe, and since they’re low maintenance, colorful, and affordable, it’s no wonder so many folks are flocking to them. There are a lot of questions about these plants, but would-be gardeners shouldn’t worry; they’re easy to care for. Two Types of Succulents There are two types of succulents: desert-type succulents like jade and echeveria and succulents that grow in trees in jungles, and this variety has larger leaves that pour out from the sides of the plant....

And, rather than buying individual bags, shoppers can purchase it in bulk units known as yards. But how much exactly is a yard of mulch? This guide will answer that question and explain more about this practical landscaping product. How Does Mulch Volume Work? Retailers and suppliers sell mulch in one or two forms: by the bag or by bulk units (think: loose mulch dropped in the bed of a truck)....