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Do It Yourself or Not: Build a chain-link fence
Building any type of fence is strenuous work, but the results are gratifying and an eye-catching improvement to a house. While a fence made of chain-link doesn't have the pizzazz of more stylish ones, you won't find a more hardworking or long-lasting material that adds protection and privacy to your property. A chain-link fence consists of the ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a bathroom sink stand
Make a dramatic statement and transform the look of a bathroom with a high style sink stand. The change is most noticeable when the sink stand replaces an old vanity cabinet in a small powder room. Guests will notice the sleek design of the sink stand, and how it takes up less floor space.
Changing from a vanity to a freestanding unit involves ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Cover a window well
To prevent an accident from someone falling into an open basement window well it’s a good safety measure to keep the opening covered. Left uncovered and open to the elements, a well can become a bottomless pit where leaves and debris collect, preventing sunlight from filtering inside. More importantly, the debris can be an obstacle to using ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Paint a chain link fence
While it doesn’t have the style of other fences, a chain link fence is a reliable and sturdy enclosure that requires little in the way of care and maintenance. When it does need a facelift a coat of paint will see it through many more years of service. The fence is built as a system of metal posts and rails that fit together, with mesh ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a retractable screen door
Most of us are familiar with a screen door that swings on hinges or slides in a track. Another version is a screen door that retracts and blends into a door frame housing, providing a clear, unobstructed view. Just think of it as a window shade on its side that keeps pesky bugs out and cool breezes coming in.
We found retractable screen doors ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Replace an entry door
The front door of a house is its focal point, so replacing one can make a dramatic difference to its appearance. It also improves security, an investment that pays back in the future. You’ll find a wide range of styles, shapes and designs at a door and window store or home center. To understand the steps involved in installing a pre-hung door,...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Wash windows
You can’t deny the positive view of clean, clear window glass, because it brightens the interior of your home. Whether you hire a window washing service or do it yourself, the reward is a fresh, new perspective. Clean windows in one room have a restorative power, and the squeaky-clean smell may inspire you to go on a binge and do the windows ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Tune up a lawn mower
From early spring to late fall a lawn mower is the workhorse of yard chores, so it makes sense to keep it working at peak performance all season. It’s a machine, like your car, that needs regular maintenance, so it operates when needed. This routine care is a job even a first-time do-it-yourselfer can tackle, and the skill is one that will pay...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Clean and repair gutters
We don’t know anyone who enjoys cleaning and repairing gutters — we sure don’t — but it’s an important job that carries rain and melting ice and snow away from the house and foundation. A working gutter system prevents soil erosion and water damage to the siding, and the low cost of repairing a faulty gutter system is nothing when ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Repair concrete
For safe footing, a concrete walkway should be smooth and level. A hole or crack in concrete makes it a likely place where you or a passerby can trip or fall. Don’t ignore the damage that will only become worse; repairing it sooner rather than later is a good idea. If it’s ignored, the surface will continue to deteriorate. You can hire a ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Paint a magnetic wall
Be creative in a kid’s room or playroom with a magnetic wall using a specialty magnetic primer as a base coat. The coating allows you to create a wall surface similar to your refrigerator for whatever can be held in place with a magnet. A wall in a home office is another popular place to use magnetic paint. The magnetic primer can be applied ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Reface kitchen cabinets
Anyone who has replaced kitchen cabinets will tell you it’s a big dollar home improvement. An alternative is refacing, not replacing the cabinets. The reason is that refacing doesn’t tear out the existing cabinets, it adds a new laminate surface to their base, fronts, sides and doors. It’s a good alternative to replacing them if the ...Read more

Do it Yourself or Not: Build utility shelving
Take control of your clutter in a garage or basement by adding basic utility shelves, and store all your stuff in orderly fashion. We like using Simpson Strong-Tie metal connectors with sheets of plywood to make sturdy utility shelves. They won’t win a beauty contest, but they’re a practical solution to getting organized.
Most of the work ...Read more