5 Myths About Mold

We’re exposed to mold spores in the air every day, both indoors and out, and most of the time that’s no cause for concern. But given moderate temperatures, a food source (nearly any building material) and moisture, mold can grow on almost any surface inside our homes. Left unchecked, that can mean real trouble. Mold can harm health and destroy the building materials it feasts on. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about mold and how to handle it. So let’s separate myth from fact and look at solutions that work.

5 Things You Must Know About Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a mineral that was used for insulation.

Seal Attic Air Leaks

If you’re about to add insulation to your attic and you’ve never heard the term “attic bypasses,” you’re missing the crucial part of insulating your attic. Attic bypasses are air leaks from your living space into your attic.

Leaf Blowers To The Rescue!

They can do many tedious tasks—fast

Viking Bench

Stylish seating, made from construction lumber!

How to Buy a Reliable Used Car

Cars and trucks have changed a lot over the last 10 years.

Before You Cut Your Landline...

7 reasons to think twice.

Why Choose Mineral Wool Insulation?

I’ve filled thousands of stud spaces with fiberglass batts over the years. So when I think insulation, I think fiberglass. But I recently tried a different type of insulation called “mineral wool.” Mineral wool has been around for decades, is widely used in Canada and Europe and is making a comeback in the United States. It’s made by melting down basalt stone and recycled slag from steel mills, then spinning it into fibre that can be formed into batts or boards. I did some research, talked to installers and filled a few walls with the stuff. Here’s my verdict: Mineral wool has some real advantages over the alternatives. If you have an insulation job coming up, I strongly recommend that you check it out.

Stuff We Love

Our favorite DIY tools, materials + gear.

Workshop Storage Tips

7 inventive ways to organize your work space

The Well-Prepared Truck

Gotta-have items our editors carry everywhere

Handy Hints

Clever solutions from our readers

DIY Radon Testing & Remediation

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s produced by decaying uranium. Radon is present in nearly all soils, and very low levels of radon gas are found in the air we breathe every day. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon trapped in your home can cause lung cancer.

Under-Bed Drawer Easy To Build— Even Easier To Fill!

This project is really just a box on rollers. What makes it unique is that it glides on appliance rollers instead of casters.

Sharpen A Lawn Mower Blade

You can sharpen a mower blade with a file, a rotary tool or a bench grinder, but an angle grinder makes it fast and easy.

How To Finance Home Improvement

When it’s time for major home improvement, most of us need to borrow.

Turning Your Home Into Cash With Airbnb

Joining the Airbnb revolution could help you generate revenue from a spare room, or from an apartment or house you don’t use much. “It’s been a great experience and very worthwhile,” says Sandra Shillington, a California-based Airbnb host since 2013 and the author of the hosting guidebook, Airbnb Toolbox. But is hosting right for you?

One-Day Storage Bench

Elegant outside, enormous space inside!

The Expanding Universe Of Foam

Expanding foam is magical stuff for sealing gaps and insulating hard-to reach areas. But it has unexpected uses too—it can protect fragile items and even replace concrete for setting posts. Here’s a rundown of various products and what they can do.

Backyard Swing

Easy enough for a beginner, comfortable enough for a long perch.

Instant Knife Rack

An easy-access organizer made from one board

Bull's Eye!

Score big points with your friends with this easy-to-build dartboard cabinet

Avoid Insurance Urprises

10 critical lessons most homeowners learn only after a claim

Home Smarts

The knowledge you need to be a better homeowner.

Perfect Patio Chairs

A classic design, reinvented for comfort and easy building

10 Things To Know About Car Leasing

Expert advice on repair, maintenance and gear.

Stuff We Love

Our favorite DIY tools, materials + gear.

Handy Hints

Clever solutions from our readers

Toilet Tune-ups

The toilet is arguably the most important seat in the house. If your toilet isn’t flushing well, don’t just live with it! You can probably fix the problem in less than 30 minutes. We’ve put together nine simple tips to help you get the best possible flush every time.

Home Smarts

The knowledge you need to be a better homeowner.