Featured DIY Articles

Deck Lighting Ideas and Tips: Illuminating Your Outdoor Oasis
How to light your deck for enjoyable evenings with family and friends. Inspiring deck lighting ideas! In This Article: Types

5 Common Fire Pit Mistakes to Avoid: A Homeowner’s Guide
Expert advice on how to plan and use a fire pit so you avoid common fire pit mistakes and get

How to Clean and Repair Metal Roofing
Expert advice on how to clean and repair metal roofing, including DIY tips on how to fix rust and patch
Picture this: a serene and inviting outdoor space where you can relax in the soothing shade, shielded from the sun. A well-designed patio roof or shade structure can transform your backyard into a true oasis, providing both shelter and style in the form of a cozy relaxation nook, an alfresco dining area, or a picturesque spot for entertaining.
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!

Popular Stories

How to Pour Concrete Footings & Piers
How to pour concrete footings and piers, with step-by-step instructions for building a form and ready-made concrete pier options. In This Article: Fiber-Tube Forms Ready-Made

A Portable Generator Can Save You When the Power Goes Out
Expert advice on emergency portable generators, including how to buy, set up and run them, and generator features, sizes, and necessary equipment. In This Article:

What Is a King Stud?
This article defines king studs, which are used for framing walls. Includes helpful diagrams that show where king studs are positioned. When it comes to

Four-Way Switch Wiring | How to Wire a 4-Way Switch
A four-way switch, combined with a pair of 3-way switches, allows you to turn on lights from three or more locations. The 4-way switch wiring
All About
Rain Gutters
How to Buy Gutter Guards & Leaf Catchers
Gutter leaf guards, screens, and filters help prevent clogged, overflowing gutters. This expert buying guide will help you choose the right gutter guards, offering pros
How to Clean Gutters — DIY Guide
Expert illustrated advice and video on how to clean rain gutters, including DIY roof gutter cleaning techniques and how to hire a gutter cleaning service.
Other Featured Topics

House Foundation Types and Diagrams
How basic foundations are built, including slabs, perimeter foundations, concrete blocks, and piers A house needs a foundation to shoulder its considerable weight, provide a

How to Build a Closet
Build a closet yourself, following these illustrated step-by-step techniques, including wall framing, paneling, and finishing. Need more closet space? If you have adequate floor space

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal – DIY Repair
Is your garbage disposal jammed, clogged, leaking, or not draining? If your garbage disposal doesn’t work right, read on. This complete garbage disposal troubleshooting guide

How to Insulate an Attic
Whether your attic is finished or unfinished, this expert DIY guide will show you how to insulate it. Includes where insulation goes, the need for

Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing
Is metal roofing right for your home? This expert guide reveals the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing and compares metal roofing to other roofing
Expand Your Knowledge

What Is a Scissor Truss?

What Is a King Stud?

How to Fix a Noisy Water Heater

Best Buying Advice

Design Secrets for Planning a Basement Bathroom
Inspired basement bathroom ideas and expert planning tips for creating stylish, smart, and functional basement bathrooms Facing today’s high real estate costs, many homeowners are

Expert Hacks for Remodeling Your Home Faster, Cheaper, and Smarter
Smart, expert hacks, tips, and strategies for controlling your budget and streamlining your home remodeling project. In This Article: Remodeling Hack #1: Reconfigure Existing Space

Basement Kitchen Ideas: Stylish Solutions for Common Design Issues
Expert basement kitchen design solutions for solving common issues with basement kitchens, such as low ceilings, poor lighting, and dampness. In This Article: How to

Four-Way Switch Wiring | How to Wire a 4-Way Switch
A four-way switch, combined with a pair of 3-way switches, allows you to turn on lights from three or more locations. The 4-way switch wiring
All About Heating & Cooling Your Home


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Decorate Your Home

Design Secrets for Planning a Basement Bathroom

Expert Hacks for Remodeling Your Home Faster, Cheaper, and Smarter

Basement Kitchen Ideas: Stylish Solutions for Common Design Issues

Four-Way Switch Wiring | How to Wire a 4-Way Switch
