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Exterior Remodeling
Step-by-step guides, tested in real houses.
Repair Crumbling Concrete Steps With Resurfacer and Simple Forms
A step-by-step guide to rebuilding chipped concrete step edges and resurfacing worn treads: chiseling to sound concrete, edge forms, and finishing.
Reseal Chimney Flashing Before It Stains Your Ceiling
A step-by-step guide to resealing chimney flashing: reading the two-layer system, cleaning the reglet joint, choosing the right sealant, and when to call a pro.
Dig and Line a Backyard Pond With a Small Waterfall
A step-by-step guide to building a lined garden pond: digging plant shelves, underlayment and EPDM liner, sizing the pump, and stacking a spillway.
Install a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier That Actually Seals
A step-by-step guide to lining a crawl space with a sealed vapor barrier: 6-mil versus 12-mil poly, seam overlap and taping, and wrapping piers and walls.
The DIY Energy Audit and Air-Sealing Weekend That Pays Rent
A step-by-step guide to a DIY energy audit and air-sealing weekend: smoke-pencil leak hunting, attic top plates, foam and caulk targets, and weatherstripping.
Convert a Garage Bay Into a Real Working Workshop
A step-by-step guide to turning one garage bay into a workshop: layout zones, workbench height, lighting, dust control, and honest talk about power.
Top Up Attic Insulation to R-49 the Right Way
A step-by-step guide to topping up attic insulation: air-seal first, install baffles, choose blown-in over batts, and verify depth with rulers every ten feet.