Home Improvement Projects & Ideas

Tool Time was conceived as a parody of the PBS home-improvement show This Old House. Tim and Al are caricatures of the two principal cast members of This Old House, host Bob Vila and master carpenter Norm Abram. Al Borland has a beard and always wears plaid shirts when taping an episode, reflecting Norm Abram’s appearance on This Old House. Bob Vila appeared as a guest star on several episodes of Home Improvement, while Tim Allen and Pamela Anderson both appeared on Bob Vila’s show Home Again. In early seasons, Wilson was always seen standing on the other side of Tim’s backyard fence as the two engaged in conversation, usually with Wilson offering sage advice as Tim grappled with his problems.

“Demand for outdoor living products is surging,” says Nancy Musselwhite, a building materials industry analyst for Principia Consulting. “Homeowners sheltering in place during peak COVID regulations developed a renewed interest in their backyards, really, as an extension of their home.” The restaurant Camille works for furloughed her this past spring, so the budget for this project is limited, but like a lot of other do-it-yourselfers and contractors this year, Camille ran into material shortages. The river rock she wanted in order to help set an aquatic theme was nowhere to be found this spring, so Camille had to use 53 bags of pea gravel as a substitute.

  • Tim and Jill’s plans to spend some time together are interrupted when Tim’s brother and Jill’s sister announce that they are an item.
  • The single best way to save money around the house is by sticking to a maintenance schedule for as many of your home’s systems as possible.
  • Selecting the right power tool is the key to getting a job done right.
  • But as easy as it is, you still have to do it right, or you’ll be caulking again next year, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.

You must answer a minimum of 21 questions correctly to pass. The exam fee is separate from the license fee and is nonrefundable. If you fail the exam twice, you must pay the exam fee again in order to retake the exam.

We also appreciate how HIRI is evolving and expanding its research scope to further meet the needs of its members. Our HIRI membership provides valuable resources and insights into the home improvement industry, particularly in forecasting the size of the home improvement market. We’ve benefited greatly from our participation in the annual conference, which brings together a wide range of professionals for meaningful discussions on the industry and, of course, for valuable networking opportunities. The only nonprofit organization dedicated to home improvement research, HIRI empowers members with exclusive, ongoing home improvement data, and information for making better business decisions. Two business man professional engineer worker at the house building.

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As long as the frames and doors are structurally sound, you can clean them up and brush on some new paint—and within a weekend take that kitchen from dreary to sunny. All you need is some strong cleaner, sandpaper, a paintbrush, and a little elbow grease. What you don’t need is a whole lot of money, as the transformation will cost you a fraction of even the cheapest new cabinets. Here we show how a little measuring and a couple of coats of durable floor paint can add a lot of personality to a room for a small price. No plumber, no electrician—and no worries that you’re squandering your retirement money on a load of clean dishes. Crown molding makes it to the top of most remodeling lists because it adds charm and value to a home, not because people enjoy spending a Saturday try­ing to get the corners just right.

The burgundy red floor in the master bedroom of Sara and Andrew’s Massachusetts farmhouse didn’t fit the fresh and energetic personality of the newlyweds. So to update the space, they painted the floor in a light checked pattern, using beige and white to warm up their cool blue walls. We have the best home improvement projects, expert advice, and DIY home improvement ideas for your home.

By Chiki