Help me make my noisy, windy city balcony more enjoyable. [more inside]
posted by jacquilinala on Dec 12, 2009 - 5 answers

How do I soundproof my home to reduce noise coming from our neighbours? [more inside]
posted by lilyflower on Sep 29, 2009 - 7 answers

Bathroom DIY Filter: Tiling our one full bathroom. Is it okay to do one wall of tile, cover it with plastic, and take a shower? It's really the only way I see of doing this and having a normal life in the process. Or we're gonna be some stinky people. [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead on May 27, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm trying to create a convincing sofa/chaise out of a twin mattress, particularly one that resembles DWR's Vegas couch. I'm pretty lacking in crafting talent, but am willing to try anything. [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Apr 30, 2009 - 8 answers

What type of saw blade should I use to cut LDF (light density fiberboard?) [more inside]
posted by howling fantods on Jan 12, 2008 - 6 answers

Has anyone bought closets from IKEA? [more inside]
posted by cgs on Nov 20, 2007 - 19 answers

Should I paint my untreated pine shelves then assemble? Or assemble then paint? [more inside]
posted by t0astie on Oct 25, 2007 - 15 answers

Help an Un-Handy guy out with building deck stairs. [more inside]
posted by Wong Fei-hung on May 18, 2007 - 6 answers

What should I do with my neglected Mac Mini (1.25GHz/1GB RAM)? [more inside]
posted by travis vocino on Aug 31, 2006 - 38 answers

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

Is there a blog for doing home improvements and renovations with salvaged and unusual materials? Sort of a cross between This Old House and Inhabitat, with a scavenger bent?
posted by LarryC on Aug 19, 2006 - 5 answers

Wooden decking ridges up or down? [more inside]
posted by tomble on Apr 5, 2005 - 5 answers

Futon mattress alternatives? I have a lovely futon frame with a nasty lumpy old futon mattress. I'd like to get rid of the mattress and keep the frame, using it with my air mattress for overnight guests. Does anyone make sofa-type cushions that I could put on the frame to make it more of a couch? Could I make them myself? (+) [more inside]
posted by CunningLinguist on Jan 22, 2005 - 13 answers

HomeImprovementFilter: We are about to start the finishing work on an addition, and we're trying to decide what type of flooring to buy:Laminate, or pre-finished hardwood? We've looked at both, and I think I like pre-finished hardwood better, but I wanted some real-life commentary, rather than my speculation. Any laminate horror stories? Successes? Pre-finished camp have anything to add?
posted by Medieval Maven on Jan 17, 2005 - 28 answers

Home Improvement: I have a door which isn't fitting into its frame. Basically, the top part is a little too tall, probably 1 cm or so. Is there a tool or method which will allow me to shave the top cm from the door?
posted by chaz on Jan 4, 2005 - 9 answers

Hairline cracks in my house. I bought a new home last year, and it's barely over a year old now, but we've noticed 3-4 hairline cracks (like this one, which is just above a sliding glass door) around a couple of the windows on the downstairs level. I've lived in a lot of old homes featuring cracks and figured that it was mostly normal house settling and we could easily patch the drywall when it comes time to sell, but my partner thinks it's a big deal and may point to problems with the foundation or construction. So I have two questions: 1) Should we be concerned? 2) If so, who exactly do you call to "fix" it or get to the bottom of it?
posted by mathowie on Dec 5, 2004 - 28 answers

I prefer cooking with gas over electric and would like to replace the electric range that came with my house with a new one. But I've also got high vaulted ceilings, so I'm thinking downdraft is the only way to make a hood work. Anyone ever do this kind of upgrade before? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by mathowie on Sep 16, 2004 - 14 answers