House DIY Tip and tricks
Why have a Tip and tricks page?
House MD is a full-service company providing comprehensive, free informational resources through tips and tricks. This DIY tips and tricks page details various home improvement projects, ranging from simple tasks requiring minimal tools to more complex projects needing additional tools and expertise. Most projects are suitable for DIYers of all skill levels. Our videos and tutorials are based on real-world job experiences. We offer this information to those seeking budget-friendly home renovation options. However, remember to consult professionals for projects beyond your capabilities. While DIY can save money, it's an exchange of time for cost. The learning curve for some projects may extend timelines due to inherent complexities.
Update Your Curb Appeal
Level: 1 (Easy) No use of power tools
A fresh coat of paint on the front door substantially enhances a home's perceived value, significantly impacting its overall curb appeal and setting the tone for the entryway. Consequently, real estate professionals often prioritize this cost-effective improvement for sellers, yielding a strong return on investment. We demonstrate how strategic, minor interior and exterior upgrades facilitate a profitable sale, obviating the need for extensive renovations.
Making a Temporary Dust Barrier
Level: 1 (Easy) No use of power tools
Prioritizing the creation of a controlled work environment is paramount for any DIY project or renovation. This involves isolating work areas from unaffected areas of the home. Dust barriers are now standard practice in modern construction. Maintaining room and area isolation is crucial for a smooth home remodeling process. This video illustrates the Re-u-zip system used in creating a temporary barrier during a bathroom renovation.
Painting Tips
Level: 1 (Easy) No use of power tools
A rapid and efficient method for enhancing your home's aesthetic appeal is applying a fresh coat of paint. We will demonstrate a technique for preserving your paint rollers for future projects, eliminating the inconvenience of cleaning.
Keep Your Pencil Close
Level: 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
For skilled tradespeople and homeowners alike, the pencil is an essential tool; readily available, it ensures efficiency by eliminating search time. This tutorial details the conversion of a dollar store retractable badge lanyard into a fully functional retractable pencil, maintaining its constant accessibility.
Save big on multi-Tool Blades
Level 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
Multi-tools are indispensable for DIY and renovation projects, offering superior access in confined spaces and widespread utility across the construction industry, from framing to finishing. A high-quality oscillating tool is a crucial addition to any professional's toolkit; however, blade wear and replacement costs can be substantial. This project will demonstrate a rapid and efficient sharpening method, resulting in significant cost savings.
Making Carpet Removal a Breeze
Level 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
Strategic planning is essential for cost-effective home improvements. Maximizing initial savings is critical, and tasks such as carpet removal are frequently achievable by homeowners. Efficient carpet removal can be accomplished using a pneumatic roof cutter with a hook blade attachment, or alternatively, hook blades for an oscillating tool, thus avoiding the added expense of a pneumatic roof cutter and air tank.
Installing Shoe Molding
Level: 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
Streamlining the shoe modeling process requires minimizing labor and the number of wood imperfections. Reducing the number of holes saves both time and resources; therefore, this efficient technique effectively conceals blemishes while simultaneously caulking, achieving dual benefits.
Drywall Cutting Made Easy
Level: 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
Regardless of experience level, drywall finishing is frequently underestimated. Professional results begin with precise cuts; this tutorial provides a quick and efficient method for achieving professional-quality drywall cuts.
Hanging Sheetrock In Small Spaces
Level: 2 (Easy) Low use of power tools
Installing drywall in confined spaces presents unique challenges. This method demonstrates efficient full-sheet installation, minimizing the number of joints requiring subsequent patching and finishing during small bathroom renovations.
How to Remove Wallpaper Seams
Level 4 (Moderate) Basic knowledge of tools and simple spackling techniques
Removing painted wallpaper presents a common challenge; however, seam removal offers a more time- and cost-effective solution. This technique ensures efficient wallpaper seam removal without wall damage, resulting in significant time and cost savings, and eliminating the need for professional services or drywall replacement. Professionals, however, may find complete wall removal more efficient for certain projects.
Cleaning Old Copper pipe
Level: 4 (Moderate) Medium use of power tools and mid DIY skills.
Thorough copper pipe cleaning is critical for achieving optimal soldering results, regardless of experience level. This training video demonstrates an automated cleaning method employing a readily constructed, custom tool, thereby significantly streamlining the cleaning process for soiled copper pipes.
Deck Building 101, Setting Spindles
Level: 4 (Moderate) Medium use of power tools and mid DIY skills.
Railing spindle precise layout is paramount. Measure the railing's full length between posts, locate the center point, and mark it. Use this marking to position the first spindle, ensuring its level alignment. Subsequently, install each spindle outward toward the posts, utilizing the wooden block for consistent spacing. Complete the installation using 1 1/2" predrilled deck screws to ensure railing longevity.
Tile Floor Prepration
Level: 5 (Moderate) Medium use of power tools and mid DIY skills.
Utilizing a modified drywall gun and flooring screws, Hardie backer installation for tile preparation was streamlined.
Installing Old Work High Hat Lighting
Level: 6 (Moderate) High use of power tools, mild DIY skills, Basic Knowledge of electrical wiring.
Laser alignment offers a precise and clean method for integrating new high-hat lighting fixtures with existing room structures. The advent of ultra-thin LEDs further simplifies installation, eliminating the need to account for ceiling joist placement.
Slab Door Install In 60 Seconds
Level: 7 (Moderate) High use of power tools and mid to advanced DIY skills
A concise, 60-second instructional video will enable both DIY enthusiasts and professionals to readily acquire the fundamental skills necessary for task completion.
House MD
Runnemede, New Jersey, United States