DIY Smarts
Every month, Ask This Old House and The Home Depot will present a practical home improvement project—from maintenance and repairs, to enhancements and how-to’s—complete with video demonstrations, straightforward instructions, and a handy shopping list to get you started.
How to Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada shares DIY Smarts tips when she travels to Orlando to upgrade an irrigation system.
Everything You Need To Know To Install a Gas Clothes Dryer
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps an expectant couple install a gas dryer.
How to Paint a Mold-Resistant Bathroom
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique paints a bathroom using a mold-resistant paint, in this edition of DIY Smarts.
How to Upgrade to Soft-Close Cabinets in a few Easy Steps
Consider installing soft-close cabinets if you want to quiet down your kitchen a bit. Our guide tells you how to install these cabinets, how much money you'll spend along the way, and much more.
Common Water Heater Questions Answered by the Experts
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares some tips on maintaining water heaters in Your Home.
Tool Recommendations for New Homeowners
Listen in as our general contracting, plumbing and heating, and landscaping experts discuss tools that make good gifts for new homeowners.
How to Choose a New Toilet Seat
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey discusses DIY Smarts on the basics of choosing and installing toilet seats.
How to Install a DIY Security System to Keep a Home Secure
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey installs a DIY security system.
How To Maximize the Impact of Insulation
Discover the best techniques for boosting insulation and improving home comfort.
How To Start and Maintain an Organic Garden at Your Home
This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada shares some excellent DIY tips on starting and maintaining an organic garden.
How to Replace a Cracked Floor Tile
Did you recently crack a tile? Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the correct way to replace a cracked kitchen floor tile.
How To Prepare, Prime, and Paint a Room Like a Pro
Painting a room is one of the most cost-effective ways to completely transform your living space. Read about how to prepare, prime, and paint a room in our step-by-step guide.
How to Update a Kitchen on a Budget
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey goes over low-budget kitchen upgrades in this edition of DIY Smarts.
How To Revitalize a Lawn
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares some DIY Smarts as he tends to a lawn that was seeded in the summer and is not doing well.
Ideas for Low-Cost Closet Organization
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some DIY, low-cost options to organize your closet space.
How to Repair a Paver Walkway With a few Simple Tools
A damaged walkway can be an eyesore and a safety hazard. Learn how to repair a paver walkway with just a few simple tools, and how to properly maintain it.
How To Choose a Bathroom Vanity
There are many options for bathroom vanities, from ornate to out-of-the-box. Here's everything you need to know to choose a vanity.
How To Replace a Garage Door Opener
Learn how to replace an old garage door opener with a sleek, smart, and safer one, with This Old House master electrician Scott Caron's tips.
How To Monitor a Home With a Smart Phone
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor shows general contractor Tom Silva a new home monitoring device that works with a smartphone.
How To Change a Toilet
Changing a toilet doesn't have to be unpleasant. With this DIY project, you can enhance your bathroom’s functionality.
How To Install a Tile Backsplash
Using a two-sided adhesive mat, square tiling, and pre-mixed grout, you can complete your tile backsplash installation quickly and easily.
How to Install Smart Smoke and CO Detectors
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron installs smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in this edition of DIY Smarts.
Everything You Need to Know to Install Recessed Lights
Brighten up your home by installing this simple light fixture. This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman shows you how.
How To Repair a Sagging Fence Gate in a Few Simple Steps
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner solve an all-too-common issue: a sagging fence gate.