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This article appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe. The minute she set foot on the old farmstead in Afton, Minnesota, Amy Matthews says she “felt something magical about this place.” Located in the greater St. Paul area, just 35 minutes from her current home in downtown Minneapolis, the site is surrounded by wooded slopes and sheltered in a hollow carved long ago by retreating glaciers, screened from any neighbors....

Previous episode: S41 E8 | Next episode: S41 E10 In this episode: Kevin O’Connor looks at the kitchen progress—the base and top cabinets are in and the countertops are getting installed. The new coffered ceiling adds a beautiful detail above as does the new random width white oak flooring. Jeff Sweenor is installing white oak floating shelves on either side of the fireplace. A cleat on the three walls holds the two-inch dado jointed shelf....

Previous episode: S19 E19 | Next episode: S19 E21 In this episode: It’s officially spring and Ask This Old House is celebrating by tackling some springtime home improvement projects! Starting with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrating a couple of ways to fix a leaky hose spigot. Plumbing & Heating Expert Richard Trethewey explains that there are two places a spigot usually fails—the bonnet and the stem. He shows how to easily fix the problem to stop the leak to help extend the life of your spigot....

Whether you’re on an extended camping trip or traveling great distances in your vehicle, you need a shower tent. These convenient portable washing stations offer privacy no matter where you are. Here are our top recommendations. Top 5 Shower Tents Most Portable: GigaTent Portable Outdoor Shower Tent Best For Hose Showers: WolfWise Portable Outdoor Shower Tent Best Accessories: Green Elephant Portable Shower Tent Best Two-Room Tent: Ozark Trail Outdoor Shower Shelter Best Tall Shower: Texsport Portable Outdoor Shower Shelter Most Portable: GigaTent Portable Outdoor Shower Tent Pros and Cons ✔ Comes with sewn-in pockets in case you want to add sandbags to weigh it down✔ Includes optional guy lines for added stability✔ Weighs only 3 pounds...

As a homeowner, you do the best you can to budget for household repairs. However, if a major appliance or system—say, your heating or your washing machine—suddenly gives out after years of normal use, you could suddenly find yourself facing thousands of dollars in repair bills. If you have to replace the appliance, that’s usually an even greater cost. Fortunately, home warranties cover both repair and replacement costs for covered items that break down due to normal wear and tear, no matter how old they are....

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O’Connor share tips for removing rusted, stubborn toilet seats. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for changing a toilet seat Snap open the protective covers concealing the screws that secure the seat to the toilet. Use a wide-blade screwdriver to loosen the screws. Remove the nuts and lift the seat from the toilet. If necessary, reach underneath the toilet and prevent the nuts from spinning by holding them by hand or with a wrench or pliers....

Mark McCullough helps a homeowner with a driveway repair. The homeowner has a drywell in the middle of their driveway, and while it’s still draining well, it’s beginning to sink. After checking out the grade around the drain, Mark and the homeowner dig out the well to see what’s happening. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for Fixing a Sinking Drywell Start by removing the grate from the drain and removing all of the debris....

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in drywall, covering holes of all shapes and sizes. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Whether it’s by accident or intent, sooner or later, a wall or ceiling gets gored and has to be patched. Many people don’t know where to start when they’re learning how to patch a large hole in drywall....

No matter what region of the country you live in, natural disasters are virtually unavoidable. The question is not if a storm or natural disaster will occur but when. The next question you need to ask yourself is if you’ll be ready. When preparing for natural disasters, you should focus on three goals: 1) Keeping you and your family safe 2) Keeping your home safe and 3) Evacuating if necessary....

Steps: Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Start by making sure the entire crack is fully exposed. This may require digging out the back side of the retaining wall with a shovel. Once the full crack is exposed, take a chisel and a hammer and remove concrete on both sides of the crack until you have one continuous gap in the wall. This will make it easier to slide the mortar in....

En Suites on Every Floor Instead of a second-floor study, this cottage features two primary en suites: one upstairs that allows parents of young children to be near the kids’ rooms; while grandparents or guests can be comfortable on the main level. A Playful Powder Room In this powder room just inside the main entrance, the gentle curves of the mirror and faucet are echoed in the statement light fixture overhead....

Previous episode: S18 E24 | Next episode: S18 E26 In this episode: Kevin O’Connor learns how quartz countertops are manufactured and then helps install one in a homeowner’s kitchen; Nathan Gilbert explains the proper way to hang and display a U.S. flag; Tom Silva and Jenn Nawada split firewood using a variety of techniques; Mark McCullough installs a fire pit that comes in a kit. How to Install a Quartz Countertop Kevin O’Connor learns how quartz countertops are manufactured and then helps install one in a homeowner’s kitchen....

Most countries use a different type of plug and a higher amount of voltage than what’s used in the United States. If you’re about to travel or move overseas, you’ll need a converter to convert the voltage on your device and an adapter for the plug. Top 5 220 to 110 Adapters Best Plugs: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter Most All-Inclusive: Odoga Voltage Converter Best Basic Kit: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter Best For Large Appliances: Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer Most Compact: HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo Key Features 250 watts Power strip with three U....

Top 5 Beach Chairs Best For Drinks: Coleman Camping Chair Most Portable: Tommy Bahama Beach Chair Best Pack: Nice C Folding Chairs Best for Lounging: Esright Chaise Lounge Chair Best for Shade: Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair Best For Drinks: Coleman Camping Chair Pros and Cons ✔ Is made of a durable steel frame ✔ Holds up to 325 pounds✔ Offered in multiple color options Compare the Best Beach Chairs Coleman Camping Chair...

Best Control Options: Ecovacs Robot Vacuum Cleaner Whether you’re next to the vacuum in your office or across the home in your bedroom, you can control this robot using the compatible mobile app, the included remote, the power button, or a voice assistant. Balancing functionality with affordability, this budget-friendly unit offers auto, spot, and edge cleaning modes, a 110-minute runtime, and a 520-milliliter dustbin. Key Features Works with voice assistants and the included remote Has a 520-milliliter dustbin Runs for 110 minutes Comes with a one-year warranty What Customers Are Saying Customers found this vacuum to be useful for picking up pet hair....

In part two of this project, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows the steps for upholstering a round tufted ottoman with storage. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time See Part 1 of this project. Upholstery Steps Follow these steps and scroll to the bottom of the page for the full cut list, materials and tools needed to complete this project. Step 1: Size the Fabric Cut the fabric into a manageable strip of about 16 inches—wide enough to stretch from the underside of the base up and over the top ring....

Most basements have a poured concrete floor that’s solid, flat, and durable. But if you’re planning a basement remodeling (aka basement finishing) project, you’ll probably want a flooring upgrade to make the new living space more comfortable, more attractive, and easier to keep clean. 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....

Your home’s foundation plays a vital role in supporting the weight and structure of the house above it. While a well-constructed foundation should last for years, factors like drought, water damage, and tree roots can all damage a foundation over the years. In Virginia Beach, a hurricane might not cause foundation damage. However, lots of rain plus poor drainage in and around your home may, over time, lead to swelling or cracks in the foundation....

This article appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe. The ‘before’ was very plain; there was nothing memorable about it,” says Beth Anne Wilhelm, who owns this 1923 home in Cabin John, MD, with Matt Canter. In fact, the builder-grade exterior finishes were so forgettable, she says, “when all the demo was done, neighbors walked by and asked what it looked like prior—no one could remember!...

It’s hard not to worry about the safety of your home when you’re away. You want to make sure your home is protected, and sometimes just having a security system sign in front of your house or a locked gate isn’t enough. That’s where a home security system comes in. This system can safeguard your home with professional monitoring, mobile alerts, flood and carbon monoxide detection, and more. Because of all the home security options out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your home....