Expert Home Improvement Advice
by home expert, author and HGTV personality Don Vandervort
DIY Furnace Troubleshooting & Repairs
If your furnace doesn’t heat or works poorly, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix typical problems. We’ll look at how to handle furnace problems, from a furnace working poorly to a furnace not working at all. Read more about DIY furnace repairs.
Get Your Gutters Ready for Winter
To do their job, gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris. Check out our expert advice on cleaning rain gutters, including DIY gutter cleaning techniques and how to hire gutter cleaning services. Read more about rain gutter cleaning and preparation.
Why We’re Experts
Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. Don has:
• Over 30 years’ experience as a remodeler and builder.
• Written more than 30 home improvement books.
• Served as Senior Editor at Home Magazine.
• Appeared as a segment host on HGTV’s “The Fix” for 3 seasons.
• Been a featured expert on MSN.com, US News, and many others.
• Learn more about the trusted HomeTips brand!
How Can We Help?
Buying Guides
Free Buying Guides and consumer reports help you make informed product choices.
Repair It
Fix It Yourself quickly and easily with HomeTips’s step-by-step advice.
How to Install / Build
Project Guides show you how to install and do home projects from start to finish.
Yard & Garden Advice
Yard & Garden Guides help you plant, grow, and improve your yard from fence to patio.
How Things Work
How Your House Works is an illustrated guide to the inner workings of your home.
19 Garden Stairs Ideas for a Beautiful Yard
Paths and stairs can lead the eye to a focal point within the garden, like a destination nook or water feature. Their materials can also convey a harmony with their surroundings. Read more…
How to Insulate an Unfinished Attic
In an unfinished attic, the goal of insulation is to keep the rooms below cool in summer and warm in winter. Read these expert tips for making your ceilings more energy efficient. Read more about how to insulate an attic.
How to Install a Hardwood Floor
Few home improvements can transform a room with warmth, beauty, and style as effectively as new hardwood floors.
Gutters Buying Guide
How to buy the right rain gutters and mounting system for your house. See this expert, unbiased guide about buying gutters.
How to Repair Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Has your roof taken a beating? Now is the time to get it back in shape. Read more about repairing asphalt roofing.
More Buying Guides
More Repair Articles
More How It Works Articles
Metal Roofing Buying Guide
How to buy metal roofing, with in-depth consumer reports on metal roof materials and types, advantages and drawbacks to consider when buying metal roofs. More about Metal Roofing…
How to Troubleshoot a Doorbell That Doesn't Work
Doorbell doesn’t work? Checking a doorbell transformer is easy—if you can find it. Sometimes locating it can be the real challenge. Here is how to diagnose and fix a doorbell.
Other Featured Content
Three-Way Switch Wiring | How to Wire 3-Way Switches
A three-way switch is built and wired a little differently than a conventional single-pole light switch. For starters, it doesn’t have “OFF” and “ON” printed on the toggle, and it doesn’t have a top and bottom. Read more…
A Portable Generator Can Save You When the Power Goes Out
This portable generator buying guide can help you make a smart choice.
A Portable Generator Can Save You When the Power Goes Out
This portable generator buying guide can help you make a smart choice.
Champion 
How to Buy a Water Softener
Tired of hard water spotting your dishes, clogging your pipes, and negatively affecting bathing and laundry? This expert, unbiased water softeners report will help you choose the right water softener.
Gas Hot Water Heater Repairs
Gas hot water heater need repair? If your gas water heater doesn’t heat, get hot enough, or stay lit, this expert DIY advice will help you fix some of these problems yourself. More about fixing a water heater…
