Repairs and Installation Videos
How to Secure Items in the Trunk of Your Car
Garage and Storage, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
To keep the items you have stored in the trunk of your car from sliding around, attach self-adhesive strips of hook-and-loop fastener (hook side) to the bottom of a storage conntainer, then press the container to the carpet in the truck. Watch this video.
Jig-A-Patch Sprayable Spackling
Best New Products, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Jodi Marks
Jig-A-Patch is a sprayable spackling that’s a fast and easy way of repairing drywall holes. Spray it in the hole, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then even the spackling out using the built-in putty knife. After the patch has dried, use the supplied sanding pad to sand the surface smooth. Jig-A-Patch is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.
How to Remove Carpet from Your Home
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Video by Joe Truini
Rather than rolling up an old carpet that can’t be reused, fold the carpet over and cut it into sections from the back using a utility knife. This makes it easier to handle and dispose of than trying to carry one big piece. Watch this video.
How to Level a Subfloor
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
No matter what kind of flooring you’re installing, it’s important to make sure the surface beneath it is level, smooth, and flat. Most subfloors will have low spots that require filling with floor patching compound. After the floor patch compound has hardened, the subfloor is sanded until it’s smooth before the new flooring is installed. Watch this video.
Plastic Storm Panels for Your Home
Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Allen Lyle
High winds from hurricanes and severe storms can cause broken windows, allowing extensive damage to the interior of your home. While covering windows with plywood is the least expensive option, polypropylene plastic storm panels weigh much less and allow light into the home. Watch this video to learn more about how plastic storm panels can protect your home. Watch this video.
How to Protect a Garage Door from Storm Damage
Garage and Storage, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Garage doors can be easily damaged by high winds during a hurricane or severe storm. Metal reinforcement kits are available that attach to the concrete slab and framing above the door to provide two additional points of support, or you can make your own garage door reinforcement from 2×4s. Watch this video to find out how to go about it. Watch this video.
How to Find Roof Leaks in Your Home
Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Roof leaks can be hard to find, since they often run down the underside of sheathing or rafters to show up far from their actual source. The best time to try and find a leak is when it’s raining outside, or you can also mimic rain conditions by spraying water on the roof. Watch this video to see how to find roof leaks in your home. Watch this video.
How to Use a Portable Generator Safely
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Portable generators are a great way to provide power during outages, but there are some important safety considerations, including carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical overloads that can damage appliances. Watch this video.
Installing a Whole House Generator for Your Home
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Installing a whole house backup generator on your home is a great way to power appliances in the case of a power outage due to severe weather. Watch this video to find out more about whole house generators. Watch this video.
How to Protect Windows from Wind Damage
Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Watch this video to find out how to protect your windows from high winds and flying debris during storms and hurricanes by covering them with special fabric storm panels or plywood panels. Watch this video.
How to Keep Water from Damaging the Foundation of Your Home
Attics and Basements, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Watch this video to find out the importance of proper drainage around the outside of your home to prevent water damage to your foundation, and what you can do to help correct drainage problems around your home. Watch this video.
The Importance of Keeping Your Gutters Clean
Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Video by Joe Truini
Watch this video to see the importance of keeping your gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and rot the eaves on your home, leading to costly repair. Watch this video.
How to Repair the Roof on Your Home
Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Video by Danny Lipford
Watch this video to find out how to repair damaged roof shingles, replace a roof flange, as well as clean and maintain roof valleys on your home. Watch this video.
How to Clean and Inspect Your Roof
Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Video by Danny Lipford
Watch this video to find out how to inspect, clean, and make minor repairs to a roof to prevent leaks from damaging your home. Watch this video.
How to Install Fiberglass Insulation in Your Attic
Attics and Basements, Green Home, Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Video by Joe Truini
Installing additional fiberglass insulation in your attic can really reduce energy bills. Watch this video to find out what you need to know in order to install it correctly. Watch this video.
Foam Insulation Increases Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Green Home, Heating and Cooling, Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Expanding foam insulation sprayed in wall cavities and attics has a higher insulation value and seals tighter than other forms of insulation. Watch this video to see how foam insulation can save energy in your home. Watch this video.
How to Make Your Living Room Safe for Children
Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Jodi Marks
From padding a raised brick hearth to installing special rotating plug covers on electrical outlets, watch this video to find out what you need to know about childproofing your living room. Watch this video.
How to Make Your Kitchen Safe for Children
Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Watch this video to find out how to childproof your kitchen to make it safe for children using cabinet and refrigerator latches and an anti-tip bracket for your stove. Watch this video.
How to Reduce Mold and Moisture Under Your Home
Attics and Basements, Green Home, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Allen Lyle
Excess moisture in the crawlspace under your home can make it a breeding ground for mold, rot, and termites. Watch this video to find out what you can do to prevent it. Watch this video.
How to Test and Filter Drinking Water for Lead and Other Contaminants
Green Home, Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Jodi Marks
Drinking water can become contaminated with lead from the solder that was used in the copper pipes in many older homes. Find out how to test your water and remove lead and other harmful chemicals by installing a water filter. Watch this video.
How to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home
Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly odorless, colorless gas that is a byproduct of combustion from gas or wood burning appliances and motors. Watch this video to find out the facts about carbon monoxide and how to install CO detectors in your home. Watch this video.
Escape Ladders Save Lives in Two-Story Homes
Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Jodi Marks
If you live in a two-story house, it’s important to keep an escape ladder handy in case of a fire or other emergencies. Watch this video to see a demonstration of how easy it is to set up and use an escape ladder in your home. Watch this video.
Pool Alarms Help Keep Children Safe
Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Allen Lyle
If you have a pool, make sure it’s fenced, has a gate that locks, and has a pool alarm. Pool alarms detect when a child has fallen in the water and then send a signal to a remote alarm located inside the house. Watch this video.
How to Caulk Wide Cracks
Doors and Windows, Insulation, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
One of the best ways to save energy in your home is by caulking any cracks around windows and doors. While caulk alone can be applied to narrow cracks, gaps wider than ¼” should be filled with foam backer rod first. These flexible foam tubes are available at building supply stores in several diameters. Simply push the rod into the gap with a putty knife or painter’s tool until it is just below the surface then caulk over it. Watch this video.
Applying Stucco to the Exterior of a House
Concrete and Masonry, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Before the stucco can be applied to the exterior of a house, cement board is cut to fit and attached to the walls with screws. Trim pieces around doors and windows are cut from foam blocks with fiberglass mesh embedded in the stucco to give added strength. Watch this video.
How to Install an Arched Exterior Door Unit
Carpentry, Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
When installing arched door units, extend the plywood sheathing over the rough opening. Position the door unit against the wall, mark the opening around it, and cut the curved opening to size using a sabre saw. Watch this video.
How to Join Seams in Granite Countertops
Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Seams in granite countertops are glued together using two-part epoxy. A special clamping system, known as a seam puller, uses a vacuum pump to attach blocks to each half of the countertop. The two sections are then pulled together with lever operated clamps until the glue sets. Watch this video.
How to Patch a Hole in Drywall Using a Hot Patch
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
One way to repair a hole in drywall without enlarging it to the adjoining joists is by using what is known as a “hot patch.” Start by cutting a piece of drywall several inches larger than the hole, then remove the excess wallboard while leaving the paper intact, and attach the patch to the hole with joint compound. Watch the video to see how it’s done. Watch this video.
How to Install Recessed Lighting in an Existing Ceiling
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
When installing recessed lighting in an existing ceiling, a hole is cut in the ceiling that exactly fits the profile of a special remodeling can to keep from damaging the surrounding drywall. Watch this video.
How to Hire a Handyman
Ask Danny, Financial, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Zeb asks, “Can you give me some advice on how to hire a decent handyman?”
Start by asking how many years they’ve been in business, how they price their work, and if they provide a free estimate. It’s also important to be sure they carry liability insurance in case they are injured on the job. Watch this video.
Adding a Built-in Ironing Board
Garage and Storage, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Adding a built-in ironing board is a great way to maximize space in the laundry room. They are designed to fit between two studs on 16” centers and come with a shelf to hold the iron as well as a plug and light. Watch this video.
Complete Closet Makeover
Garage and Storage, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Typical closets contain little more than a clothes rod with a shelf above it. To provide better use of the space, a complete closet makeover can be turned over to a company that specializes in organizational solutions. Watch the video to see what’s involved. Watch this video.
How to Install a Bathroom Vanity
Carpentry, DIY Projects, Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Installing a new bathroom vanity isn’t that difficult, although it does involve a combination of some basic plumbing and carpentry skills for everything to come together. Watch this video to find out what you need to know. Watch this video.
GreenFiber Cellulose Insulation
Attics and Basements, Best New Products, Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Video by Jodi Marks
Not only can additional insulation reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable, but GreenFiber cellulose insulation is made from 85% recycled material and uses 10% less energy to make. It can be blown or damp sprayed into walls, floors, and attics. The natural fibers are treated with a nontoxic chemical for flame resistance and are guaranteed for the life of your home. Watch this video.
How to Tile a Bathroom Floor
DIY Projects, Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Video by Allen Lyle
Tiling a small bathroom floor like this one is not that hard if you know the basic steps involved. The tile can be laid directly on top of an existing tile floor as long as the old floor has been cleaned thoroughly first. To make a small bathroom like this one feel larger, the tiles were laid diagonally. Read more to find out how. Watch this video.
Installing Overhead Shelving in a Garage or Workshop
DIY Projects, Garage and Storage, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
When looking for extra storage in a garage or workshop, don’t forget to look up. Standard wire shelving from the home center makes great overhead shelving between ceiling joists. One of the great things about using wire shelves is that you can see right through them to see what is stored. Watch the video to see how it’s done. Watch this video.
How to Trim a Door
Carpentry, Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
When trimming a hollow core door, take off less than an inch off each side to avoid cutting into the void beyond the frame. Score the cut line with a utility knife to prevent splintering, then trim the door using a circular saw and guide board. Watch the video to see how it’s done. Watch this video.
Treating Treated Wood
Carpentry, Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Pressure treated lumber is wood, like pine or fir, that has been injected with a preservative in order to make it last longer on outdoor projects like fencing or decks. But when cutting thick pieces of wood, such as fence posts, the preservative may not have soaked all the way to the center of the lumber. Watch this video to see how to use preservative to treat the end grain of lumber. Watch this video.
How to Fill Cracks in Drywall
Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
The easiest way to fill cracks in drywall is to use a pastry bag with a 1/8” diameter hole in the tip. Use joint compound, rather than caulk, to patch a crack in drywall, since it can be sanded smooth with the surface to make the crack disappear. Watch this video.
How to Install a Rain Diverter
Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Gutters are a common way to handle rain running off a roof, but if your house doesn’t have gutters, you can still keep rainwater away from doors by installing a rain diverter. Watch this video to see how. Watch this video.
Designing an Outdoor Entertainment Area
Decks and Patios, Design and Decor, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
For this project, we converted an existing carport into an outdoor living space complete with wet bar, mini fridge, and built-in stainless steel grill. The counter of the cooking area was covered in marble tiles while the concrete slab was cleaned, scored, and stained to match the floor inside. Watch this video.
How to Repair and Seal an Asphalt Driveway
Concrete and Masonry, DIY Projects, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Asphalt driveways can develop cracks and deteriorate over time. To keep your driveway in good shape, it’s important to clean, repair, and seal it every few years. Here’s how to do it. Watch this video.
Recessed Light Fixtures
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Recessed light fixtures can be used for general lighting, accenting a focal point in a room, or illuminating a specific path such as a hall. Find out how to to install recessed lighting in your home. Watch this video.
Installing a Central Vacuum System in Your Home
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Central vacuum systems are a convenient way to keep your home clean, since you don’t have to carry a heavy vacuum cleaner around the house. The air is expelled outside, which can prevent dust and other allergens from recirculating around your home. Watch this video.
Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Engineered hardwood flooring comes sanded and finished from the factory, eliminating much of the mess and time involved with installing traditional solid wood flooring. It can be held in place with nails or glue, depending on the type of surface it’s installed over. Watch this video.
How to Drill into Tile
Concrete and Masonry, Flooring, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
When attempting to drill into ceramic tile, the glazed surface of the tile can cause the drill bit to wander. To solve this problem, apply two layers of masking tape to the spot to give the bit a surface it can grab hold of, then use carbide tipped masonry drill bit to drill into the tile. Watch this video.
Magnetic Café Curtain Rod
Best New Products, Design and Decor, Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
This café style curtain rod from Levolor attaches to metal doors with magnets. This not only simplifies installation by eliminating the need for drilling holes in the door, but it allows you to remove the rod anytime you like in a matter of minutes without leaving unsightly holes. Watch this video.
Siding Options for Your Home
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Replacing the siding on your house has the highest return on your investment of any major home improvement project. There are now several new options available including solid core vinyl siding and fiber cement siding. Learn more about the advantages of each. Watch this video.
How to Measure and Cut Drywall
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
See how easy it is to cut sheets of drywall to size using only a tape measure and utility knife. Watch this video.
Adding a Deck to Increase Home Resale Value
Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
An attractive deck can add to the value of your home. The best deck is one that looks good and is easy to maintain. Though they cost than wood, composite decks require less maintenance, hold up to the elements better, and increase the resale value of your home more than wood decks. Watch this video.
How to Choose Replacement Windows for your Home
Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Your choice in windows is one of the most important elements in defining the overall style of your home. If you have older single pane windows, you might want to consider replacing them with more energy efficient double pane windows. Replacement windows are not hard to install and can be custom made to fit any window opening. Watch this video.
How to Remove Wallpaper
Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Homeowners often grow tired of wallpaper patterns and want to change to painted walls. If the wallpaper is glued down well and not made of vinyl, you may be able to paint over it, but it is usually best to remove it. Watch this video.
How to Repair Damaged Drywall Corners
Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Outside corners on walls take a lot of abuse and can become dented and damaged over time. To repair, use a hacksaw to cut through the damaged section of the metal corner bead, then score along the edge of the bead about 1¼” back from the corner. After prying the bead off the wall, cut a new piece of corner to fit, and nail it in place. Apply several coats of joint compound to the repair, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. Sand the joint compound smooth, and prime the repaired section before painting the wall. Watch this video.
How to Refinish Furniture
Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Refinishing furniture is a great do-it-yourself project, through it can be messy. Find out how you can give new life to a worn out piece of furniture. Watch this video.
How to Caulk and Seal Around Windows and Doors
Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Video by Allen Lyle
Gaps around windows let heated and cooled air escape and increase your energy bills. Find out the best ways to fill gaps and prevent energy loss. Watch this video.
Clothes Dryer Maintenance
Ask Danny, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
April Asks: “Why does it take so long to dry my clothes?”
When a dryer takes a long time to dry your clothes, often the problem is due to a buildup of lint in the dryer lint screen or vent pipe. This not only reduces the efficiency of your dryer but can be a major fire hazard as well. Watch this video.
How to Replace Worn Weatherstripping Around Doors
Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Replacing worn or damaged weather stripping around exterior doors will save money on your energy bills. On new doors, weather stripping fits in a groove cut in the casing while older doors require strips to be attached. Watch this video.
Changing the Air Filter in Your Home
Heating and Cooling, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
It’s important to replace the air filter on your central heating/cooling system every one to three months to keep the system operating efficiently. Watch this video to find out how. Watch this video.
Fast Drying Acrylic Latex Caulk
Best New Products, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Alex Fast Dry Acrylic Latex Caulk from DAP dries to touch in just 15 minutes and can be painted in as little as 40 minutes with either latex or oil based paints. It carries a 35-year warrenty and is suitable for interior or exterior use. The mold and mildew resistant caulking can be cleaned up with soap and water and is available at The Home Depot stores. Watch this video.
How to Drain a Water Heater
Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Draining your water heater once a year removes sediment from the tank that can cause it to work harder and cost more to use. Learn how it’s done in this video. Watch this video.
How to Caulk Around a Tub
Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Sealing the joint around a tub is important to prevent water from seeping behind the tile which can cause the wood framing to mold or rot. Find out how to caulk around your tub in five easy steps. Watch this video.
How to Replace Gutter Spikes with Gutter Screws
Exterior, Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Gutters are often installed using aluminum gutter spikes and ferrules which can bend easily and work loose over time. Replacing them with steel gutter screws and rigid plastic ferrules provides a more secure alternative and will prevent them from pulling loose or sagging. Watch this video.
How to Contain Dust During Remodeling
Interior, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
There’s no way around it, if you’re remolding the inside of your home, you’re going to create dust. The secret is to contain the dust in the room you’re working on and keep it out of the rest of the house. Watch this video.
How to Remove a Tile from a Floor or Wall
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
To remove an existing tile, use a nail set to mark the surface then drill holes through the tile using carbide tipped masonry bit. Finally, chisel away the title with a cold chisel and remove any loose mortar. Watch this video.
Easy to Install Rainfall Effect Showerhead
Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Showerheads that mimic the feel of falling rain usually require additional plumbing to retrofit them to an existing shower, but AquaScape showerheads from Waterpik have an adjustable arm that connects to the existing pipe without any extra plumbing. Watch this video.
Digging and Pouring a Backyard Swimming Pool
Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Using heavy equipment to dig the hole for a backyard pool can be a challenge in tight quarters. Once the hole has been dug, steel reinforcement is laid and specially modified concrete is sprayed and shaped to form the sides and bottom of the pool. Watch this video.
How to Remove Mold After a Hurricane or Flood
Home Improvement, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Before renovation can begin on a house that’s been flooded, the drywall, insulation, and furnishings have to be removed. Then any residual mold is treated with chemicals and the framing is cleaned. Watch this video.
Drywall Sponge Sanding
Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Patching a hole in drywall is a common home repair, but sanding the joint compound smooth before painting can create a lot of dust. Instead of sanding the patch, consider using a drywall sponge. While it takes a bit longer than sanding, a drywall sponge greatly reduces the amount of dust in the air. Watch this video.
DIY Doormat Boot Scraper
Doors and Windows, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Scrub brushes screwed to your steps are perfect for cleaning shoes and boots to keep from tracking dirt in the house. Scrub brushes with a plastic body won’t rot and last longer than wooden brushes. Start by drilling two 3/16” holes in each scrub brush. Watch this video.
How to Build Exterior Steps
Decks and Patios, Exterior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier. Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps. Watch this video.
DIY Drill Bit Depth Gauge
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Since the tape will tend to wear out after a few holes, a more permanent solution is to drill a hole lengthwise through a piece of 1” x 1” stock and slide it over the drill bit to act as a stop. Stop drilling when the tape brushes away the shaving, indicating that the desired depth has been reached. Watch this video.
How To Install Commercial Carpet
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
This small room is perfect for a piece of low pile commercial carpet we picked up for $100. Start by aligning the factory cut edges of the carpet against two of the adjoining walls in the room. Press the carpet firmly against the remaining walls with a 6” drywall knife, then cut through it using a sharp utility knife. Watch this video.
Home Automation
Interior, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Danny takes a look at a high-tech home automation system that uses a touch screen with programmable timers to control everything from lighting and temperature to the security system and audio/video components. Watch this video.
Recycling Chute
Attics and Basements, Garage and Storage, Green Home, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Finding room in the kitchen to store the various bins needed for recycling can take up a lot of valuable cabinet space. Here Danny comes up with an innovative solution to the problem by installing chutes made from standard 4” dryer vent pipe that send cans and plastic bottles to bins located on a lower floor of the home. Watch this video.
Dryer Vent Extension
Attics and Basements, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
When dryer lint builds up in the dryer vent pipe, it can drastically slow down the time it takes to dry clothes. Danny demonstrates how a dryer vent booster fan can help solve the problem. Watch this video.
Foundation Cracks
Concrete and Masonry, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Danny takes a look at foundation cracks under a carpet and helps sort out when to worry and when not to. Many times these cracks are from expansion and contraction, but in the rare case of something more serious from settling, you may need to call in a structural engineer. Watch this video.
Hinge Pin Door Repair
Doors and Windows, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Tools & Hardware, Video by Danny Lipford
Danny demonstrates how to repair an interior door that keeps swinging open or closed. By putting pressure on the hinge pin and bending it slightly, the problem is solved. Watch this video.
Kitchen Renovations
Design and Decor, Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Kitchen renovations add more value to your home than improvements in almost any other areas, but they also can make a drastic difference in how your home is used. Danny has some advice to help make the right decisions during the renovation. Watch this video.
Kitchen Remodel Preparation
Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
During a remodel is the perfect time to evaluate the condition of the many hidden elements of your home. Danny points out some areas to check when the walls are opened up and the place cleared out. Watch this video.
Ceramic Tile Floor
Design and Decor, Flooring, Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Ceramic tile floors can add extra elegance to formal areas like the living room and dining room. In a project like this, Floor preparation is import before the first tiles can be laid. Darker marble insets were used to add pizazz to this flooring. Watch this video.
Selecting Kitchen Cabinets
Carpentry, Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Danny simplifies the complicated process of selecting the right kitchen cabinets. From your first decision, whether to choose manufactured or custom cabinetry, to the difficult task of giving your kitchen personality, Danny provides answers and even enlists the help of kitchen designer Cheryl Kees Clendenon. Watch this video.
Water Heater Maintenance
Ask Danny, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
A poorly maintained water heater costs more to operate and can even cause damage to your home. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, once a month check the pipe connections, the valves and underneath the unit for any signs of a leak. Watch this video.
Dryer Vent Safety
Ask Danny, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Homeowners are often puzzled about why their clothes dryer takes longer to finish a load than it used to. The answer is usually a simple one, but it has some pretty serious implications. A build-up of lint in the dryer or its vent pipe can not only reduce the efficiency of the dryer but it can also be a fire hazard. Watch this video.
Prevent Fiberglass Insulation Itch
Attics and Basements, Heating and Cooling, Insulation, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Adding fiberglass insulation to your attic is a great idea to improve energy efficiency but the process can be very uncomfortable due to the small glass fibers in the insulation. In addition to a long sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, dust mask and eye goggles rub your hands and arms with baby powder or corn starch before working with fiberglass insulation. Watch this video.
Tub Unclogger
Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
There are a variety of home remedies for clogged drains that don’t require commercial products. One of the easiest drain cleaning solutions makes use of an ordinary plunger. Watch this video.
Shower Rod Fix
Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Sometimes it’s just as easy to repair something as it is to replace it. A spring loaded shower rod that has fallen down is a great example. These types of shower rods work under tension, and if the mechanism inside has snapped there will be no tension to hold it. To fix the problem simply set the rod to the correct length, mark it with tape and then drill two holes through both pieces of the rod. Place stainless steel screws in the holes so that they won’t rust. This will lock the rod into position, but once it’s in place there won’t be any reason to adjust it. Instead of $10-$15 for a new rod you pay for the screws. Watch this video.
Roller Shade Repair
Doors and Windows, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Window shades can be great for providing privacy and blocking out sunlight, but one of the biggest problems with a roller shade is that they have a tendency to pop out of their brackets. Over time, the pin at the end of supporting rod becomes sheared down from spinning in the bracket. Watch this video.
Loose Hinge Repair
Doors and Windows, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Sagging doors are often the result of loose hinges caused by hinge screws that don’t bite into the door jamb. A quick fix for this problem is to fill in the door jamb’s so the screw will remain secure. To do that, we used a wooden golf tee. Watch this video.
Repairing Window Screens
Doors and Windows, Exterior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Torn or punctured window screens are not only unattractive, they defeat their intended purpose by allowing insects into your home. For larger tears you’ll most likely have to replace the whole screen but for smaller holes there are other options. Watch this video.
Furniture Refinishing Tips
Carpentry, Interior, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Refinishing old furniture can be very rewarding, but it can also be quite a mess. Here are a few tips to simplify the task. To remove chemical stripper and finish without gouging the wood use a plastic putty knife with rounded edges or an old plastic kitchen spatula. Watch this video.
Showerhead Support
Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Often the straps that secure the pipe leading to a shower-head become loose creating an annoying rattle as the shower is pressurized. To alleviate this without tearing into the wall to re-secure the pipe, try using expandable foam. Watch this video.
AC Drain Clean Out
Heating and Cooling, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
If your home is equipped with a central air conditioning system you may have noticed a drain line on the outside dripping water near the air conditioner. This line drains condensation from the inside air handler to the outside. If this line clogs (usually from algae) it can cause water damage inside the house. Watch this video.
PVC Gutter Cleaner
Exterior, Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Here’s a handy tip to help you clean out the gutters without having to climb onto your roof or a ladder. Create a long spray-wand from PVC pipe (1/2″ works well) with a “U” shape at one end. Watch this video.
Hole Storage
Garage and Storage, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Sometimes a hole is more than a hole; it’s a storage solution. For example, a 1×4 piece of wood mounted horizontally on the wall is perfect for screwdriver storage if it has well spaced, correctly sized holes drilled in it. The same concept works for nut drivers and chisels, but you’ll want slightly larger holes. Watch this video.
Easy Screw Holder
Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Sometimes you have to install a screw in a location that’s too small for your hands to hold it in place. A magnetic screwdriver is great for these applications but for brass or aluminum screws it’s no help. Instead, try using a piece of plastic food wrap. Watch this video.
Power Where You Need It
Electrical and Lighting, Garage and Storage, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
More and more tools these days are cordless, but from time to time you still need to plug a tool in. That usually leads to an extension cord strung across the garage or workshop floor which in turn leads to someone inevitably tripping over it. Watch this video.
Door Holder
Doors and Windows, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Almost everyone has a door in their house that won’t stay where it’s put. It always wants to swing closed. A wedge doorstop is one solution, but they invariably get lost. Sometimes removing and slightly bending the door’s hinge pin will create enough friction to make the door stay put, but another option is to create a magnetic door catch. Watch this video.
Oil Spill Clean Up
Garage and Storage, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
No matter how well your automobiles are maintained, an occasional oil drip is inevitable. Unfortunately, the stain usually remains long after the leak has been repaired. Watch this video.
Shop Vac Strap
Garage and Storage, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
A wet-dry vacuum is a great tool to have in the garage or workshop but moving it around is often problematic. Invariably we pull the vacuum around by the hose and one of two things happens: the hose pulls out of the vacuum or the whole thing tips over. Watch this video.
Nail Apron Storage
Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Sometimes keeping up with your tools is the most difficult part of a job, so here’s a simple solution to make your work go more smoothly. Take a nail apron (you can get them at most home centers for $0.99) and divide the two large pockets into smaller, vertical pockets by sewing from top to bottom every two inches or so. Watch this video.
Hand Truck Tips
Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Moving appliances is never fun, but it can be made somewhat easier by using a hand truck (also referred to as a dolly). Whether you buy or rent one of these tools, you’ll want to protect your appliances and your floors before using it. Watch this video.
Ladder Tips
Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Danny and Joe share some ways to keep tools and hardware handy while you’re working on a ladder without losing them every time you move it. An empty tuna can mounted on top of the ladder is great for small nuts, bolts, and screws. A small magnet dropped in the can ensures that the hardware stays put even if the ladder is tilted. Watch this video.
Toilet Tank Gasket
Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
A toilet tank lid that doesn’t fit properly is dangerous if it falls off the tank, and the noise of china scraping china is truly annoying. To solve this problem simply apply a bead of 100% silicone caulk to the top lip of the toilet tank and allow it to dry (usually overnight). Once dry, the silicone forms a gasket that keeps the lid from sliding around and eliminates that nasty grating sound. Watch this video.
Second Story Squeegee
Doors and Windows, Exterior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
If you have ever cleaned lots of windows, you probably have discovered how well a squeegee works. Now, with this simple solution, you can handle 2nd story windows, without a ladder. Take a 8′ or 10′ piece of PVC pipe (available at Home Depot for $3 or $4) and slip it over the handle or your squeegee. Watch this video.
Repairing a Chair with a Split Seat
Carpentry, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
A split seat or a wooden chair often sends it to the junk heap but this solution may save one at your house. The fix begins by forcing wood glue into the crack and clamping the seat back together. While this will put the chair back together, it may happen again. Watch this video.
Oven Clean Saw Blade
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Circular saw blades can often cost as much as $20-$25 so you not only want to keep them nice and sharp but clean as well. A build up of pitch and tar can quickly dull a blade and even make it smoke when it goes through wood. You can clean saw blades fairly quickly with ordinary oven cleaner. Watch this video.
Jig Saw Compass
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Cutting an accurate circle in wood can be as simple as drawing one with this tip for creating a jig saw compass. Trace the shoe of the saw onto a thin piece of board and then draw a beam that runs perpendicular to the saw blade (we used a framing square.) The beam should be as long as the radius of the circle you want to cut. Watch this video.
Improvised Solutions
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
It never fails: you’re in the middle of a project and you don’t have tools needed to complete it. Here are just a few improvised ideas that may get you over the hump. Watch this video.
Drywall Repair
Carpentry, Interior, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Nail pops in drywall are a fairly common repair for homeowners. They are especially common on stairwells and walls beneath stairs. But don’t worry; it’s an easy fix. Begin by digging out the old nail or screw with a knife or pair of pliers. Watch this video.
Sanding Round Objects
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Sanding isn’t typically that difficult when you’ve got a flat surface because the sanding pad or sandpaper you’re using is also flat. It becomes a little more difficult when you’re working with a round surface. Slightly modify your technique and it’s no problem. Watch this video.
Repair Loose Chair Rungs
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Loose chair rungs are a fairly common problem but the solution can be simple. These joints (usually dowels) can be completely repaired. Begin by cleaning the old dried glue and any debris from the dowel hole. Watch this video.
Fence Post Saver
Carpentry, Exterior, Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Once you build a fence it is inevitable that the weather is going to take its toll on it. Fence posts that were originally cut square allow rainwater to soak right into the wood resulting in expansion and splitting of the wood. We’ve found that by cutting the fence posts at a slight angle the water drains right off rather than sitting and soaking into the wood. Watch this video.
Drawer Stops
Carpentry, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
If you’ve ever hastily opened a drawer only to have it fall out tossing its contents to your feet, you know how frustrating it can be to not have drawer stops. This tip should save you some from that frustration. Watch this video.
Wax on Drawer Guides
Carpentry, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Tools & Hardware, Video by Joe Truini
Drawers with wooden drawer guides often stick with age or changes in humidity. To smooth things out apply wax to the contacting surfaces and then lightly dust with cornstarch. Reapplication may be necessary with excessive use. Watch this video.
Bed Slat Boards
Carpentry, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Bed slats that slide out of position are annoying if not dangerous and can create a bunk bed disaster. Add friction to the wooden slats by wrapping rubber bands around the ends of the slats where they contact the bed rails. This will keep them in place yet still allow the slats to be easily removed for repositioning the bed or for cleaning. Watch this video.











