I'll be spending this coming weekend removing possibly several layers of painted-over wallpaper from 70-year-old plaster walls in my new house. Got any tips, tricks, secrets, or advice? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Aug 9, 2009 - 18 answers

Old house hacks wanted! Please suggest some cheap ways to improve life in a crappy college house. [more inside]
posted by ecmendenhall on Jul 30, 2009 - 19 answers

Why is gloss or semi-gloss paint recommended for exterior house trim? [more inside]
posted by muirne81 on Jul 20, 2009 - 8 answers

What do you wish you had done to your new house before you moved in? [more inside]
posted by robocop is bleeding on Feb 18, 2009 - 52 answers

House appraisers, building permit people, and DIYers: Just how badly did I screw us up? [more inside]
posted by GardenGal on Sep 20, 2008 - 11 answers

I know, I know, light bulbs seem to fail in clusters, but I don't think this is to do with putting a bunch of lights in at the same time. This week for instance, I got up and turned on my kitchen lights (8 x 50w small spots) and one blew and tripped my Ground Floor Light fuse. A day later and I get home and turn on the same lights, another goes and trips the lights circuit again. Later in the week, another goes in my study. I replaced all the bulbs today. I turn them on, everything is fine, I go outside and turn on the porch/side lights (3 x 60w) and two of them blow. I nearly always have an inop light or two. My question is this : Is there an electrical fault which might explain this pattern of failure ? Thanks
posted by matholio on Oct 7, 2006 - 11 answers

can anyone recommend a good DIY/home improvement guide on-line? [more inside]
posted by randomizer on Aug 19, 2006 - 4 answers

ISO crown moulding for bathroom to match rest of house. D/D free, must love dogs. [more inside]
posted by drewbeck on Mar 9, 2006 - 7 answers

Can anyone recommend any frequently-updating blogs that cater to first time home owners/buyers, mostly geared towards DIY repairs and upgrades? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Mar 11, 2005 - 6 answers

I am in the process purchasing a house and want to feel more secure. Security in a concern... [more inside]
posted by benjh on Sep 11, 2004 - 23 answers