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Resource Guide Download the resource guide for the 2020 Idea House: The Farmhouse in Fairfield County to learn about the products, resources, and professionals that went into building this home.

Old House, Old Walls Between the brick, slapdash patches of gray mortar clash with the original white. In some places, the brick face has begun to flake off—a sign that water is getting in, freezing and slowly turning the hard red clay into dust. A dozen 3-foot-long cracks radiate from the windows on the north side, leaving the wall open to water infiltration. Anxious to find out what has gone wrong, Rogers called Mario Machnicki, a mason who specializes in fixing brick and stone walls....

Seattle’s wet climate makes homes in the area particularly vulnerable to foundation issues, including mold and settlement. If you notice cracks in your walls or uneven floors, it may be time for repair. The This Old House Reviews Team has researched the best foundation repair companies in Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding area. This guide breaks down the costs and services of our top seven recommendations. Top Foundation Repair Companies in Seattle 1....

Attic Anatomy: Rafters or Roof Trusses? One of an attic’s most important features is its framing. Many older houses (and plenty of new ones, too) are framed with rafters –2x or engineered lumber that extends from the ridge board at the roof peak down to the top plate of the exterior wall, where each rafter typically overhangs to form the eaves of a house. Rafters are cut and installed one “stick” at a time, so this type of roof is sometimes referred to as a “stick-framed” roof....

Watch this project from start-to-finish in all-new episodes of This Old House starting the first week of April on PBS. Check your local listings. BEFORE: Photos of the Dorchester Triple Decker Project Fire Damage The back of the house received most of the fire damage. The fire was so intense vinyl siding melted in some spots. The majority of interior walls were saturated with water. Family History Carol lived in this house for 39 years before the fire....

Door Stud Door Installation Hardware Tool Kit Shop Now This specialty tool revolutionizes door installation. Making the process less complicated, it can hang a door in half the time. It keeps the door freestanding while you work, allowing for safe one-person, hands-free installation. Makita Circular Saw Shop Now This circular saw is a reliable power tool that holds a 7.25-inch blade in its lightweight and balanced frame. The product features two built-in LED lights that brighten the tool’s line of sight to ensure that each cut is accurate....

There are a lot of home security systems on the market in Kansas City, MO, but they all come at different prices with different features. Some companies offer more packages and different equipment than others, and systems vary in terms of comprehensiveness. The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems in Kansas City on key metrics to help you determine the best fit for your home....

Top 4 Home Warranty Companies in Sacramento The highest-rated home warranty companies in Sacramento, CA, include: 1. American Home Shield For the best overall home warranty in Sacramento, we recommend American Home Shield (AHS). This company has been a leader in the industry for nearly 50 years, and its plans cover types of damage that other companies don’t, such as pre-existing conditions and problems resulting from insufficient maintenance. AHS offers three coverage plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum....

Want to save these ideas for later? Create your own holiday gift list to share gift ideas with family and friends. Smirly Cheese Board and Knife Set Shop Now This charcuterie board set comes with everything you need to class up a party. Along with a round plate that features five sections for fruit, bread, nuts, and other finger foods, you’ll receive a matching board for meat, cheese, and crackers....

With an outdoor kitchen you can prepare meals and be around your guests with minimal time spent running back inside for plates, beverages, or tongs. Although you could spend tens of thousands of dollars for a custom outdoor kitchen, a basic island is an efficient design that leaves out the complexity of curves and angles. Not only that, with an island guests can relax on one side while you’re cooking on the other, so you feel as though you’re part of the gathering....

In this episode: Tom travels to Utah to help a homeowner replace his traditional stair railing with more modern cable railing; Richard explains why standard PVC should not be used to vent gas appliances and what should be used instead; Nathan upgrades a standard, flat panel hollow core door to look more modern; Mauro helps a homeowner properly clean and paint her vinyl shutters. How to Install a Cable Railing Tom travels to Utah to help a homeowner replace his traditional stair railing with more modern cable railing....

Steps for Building a Magazine Rack Step 1: Prep the plywood Using the cut list above, mark the cut lines on the plywood. Place the plywood up on blocks, or so that the cut line is overhanging the edge of the work surface. Clamp the plywood in place. Tip: Place a piece of painters tape inside each cut line to protect the edges from chipping. Step 2: Cut the plywood Using a circular saw, cut along the first line....

Glaring holes in the wall from picture frames The fix: Overfill holes with a lightweight patching compound. Once dry, smooth with a damp sponge. Unlike with sandpaper, there’s no dust and no damage to the wall paint. Cabinet doors won’t stay shut The fix: The old spring or roller latch is worn out or covered with paint. Order a heavy-duty magnet catch and install it in just a couple of minutes....