Bob Stefko A shade sail is a practical way toadd comfort to a sunny deckor patio. Upgrade your outdoor living space with our top tips for shade sail installation. First and foremost, you must identify the possible connection points for the shade sail. Credit:Bob Stefko This means you must be able to securely install strong hardware such as lag eyebolt into a structural material. While steel may last longer and offer a more modern aesthetic, wooden posts are easier on the wallet....

Learn how to install a shower niche to increase bathroom storage. Use this guide to learn how to install a shower niche when remodeling the bathroom. This layout tool will help determine where to frame the niche to avoid awkward tile positioning. Credit:Marty Baldwin Prefabricated vs. Use a tape measure to measure and mark the location where the shower niche will be installed. you’re able to also create a story pole using your aluminum straightedge....

A switched receptacle allows you to control one outlet with a switch while the other remains hot. Here’s how to do it safely on your own. Many codes also allow a bedroom without a ceiling light if it has a switched receptacle. Credit: Jason Donnelly Check out our steps below to get it done right the first time. Without touching the terminals carefully pull out the existing receptacle andtest for power....

Stop settling for dry air. Instead, install a whole-house humidifier. It’s easier than you may think. Protect your family from dry air by doing a DIY whole-house humidifier installation. Installation ofwhole-house humidifiersis a relatively simple task. Some humidifiers are installed in the return-air duct and add moisture to the air before it’s heated. Installing either system involves cutting a hole in the venting using templates provided by the manufacturer. You’ll need about two hours to mark the template, cut holes, and implement the humidifier....

patch your home’s style or function and increase its energy efficiency with our tutorial for installing windows. Get to know the process of replacing a window below to see if it’s a project for you. The twotypes of windowsarenew-construction windowsandremodel windows. Credit:Cameron Sadeghpour What Is a New-Construction Window? As the name suggests, new-construction windows are intended for use in new construction. What Is a Remodel Window? Remodel windows are designed to fit inside the hole left behind by a previously installed window....

Stay cool all summer long with our expert guide to installing a window air conditioner. Choosing a Window Air Conditioner Window air conditioners come invarious sizesand with a wide range of features. To get started, measure your window and shop for units that fit within its dimensions. Credit: bgwalker / Getty Images The most important spec to note when shopping for window air conditioners is the square footage rating. While purchasing a suitably sized air conditioning unit is a must, some features are worth splurging on....

Give yourself a no-demolition route to faucets, drains, and valves with access panels. We’ll show you how to install one in drywall. By installing access panels, you preserve the ability to find and easily reach shut-off valves and drain cleanouts. Credit: Adam Albright But you don’t have to limit the panels to plumbing applications. Some styles of purchased panels permit a choice between easy surface mounting or flush mounting. Flush mounting is slightly more difficult but much less visible....

One solution is an air admittance valve or AAV. Then gravity closes the valve, keeping sewer gases out of the room. Depending on the valve and the size of the vent, AAVs can support one or multiplevent lines. Credit: Jay Wilde Air admittance valves are operated by gravity. When water and waste move down a drain line, it creates negative air pressure in the pipe. When the negative pressure ceases, the sealing washer falls back in place....

Install a new return air filter in your furnace to improve indoor air quality and prevent costly HVAC repairs. Failure to do so can compromise the indoor air quality. When you find the return duct that holds the filter, you might discover you have awashable air filter. Credit:Ilja / Adobe Stock Consider an air filter subscription service that delivers air filters to your home when you need them. In many cases, you could turn off the system at the thermostat....

Replace your thermostat with a heating option to help cut your monthly bills. double-check you buy a high-voltage thermostat designed for electric baseboard heat. Thermostats for electric-baseboard heaters operate at the same voltage as the heaterusually 240 volts. Credit:Helen Norman Replacing them is different, but no harder than replacing a furnace thermostat. There is one importantand potentially dangerousdifference between the two, however. A conventional low-voltage thermostat operates at 24 volts....

Take on this DIY project to add cozy warmth to your home. However, traditional wood fireplacesrequire a lot of maintenance, and they are costly to install. Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance and relatively inexpensive, plus they can be installed by an experienced DIYer. Credit: Adam Albright The easiest method for a DIYer is to install a wall-mounted electric fireplace. This requires installing mounting brackets directly to the wall, then mounting the electric fireplace on the brackets....

Take this important electrical step before putting up your drywall. You’ll thank yourself later! Wiring installation is easier before the walls and ceilings get covered with drywall or plaster. It’s easy to underestimate, so buy extra supplies. Local codes specify where cable should run and at what height to place receptacles and switch boxes. Check codes before you begin. Measure with atape measure or set your hammerupright on the floor and rest the box on top....

Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist. Lightweight fixtures can hold up on plaster or drywall if you have a remodel electrical box. Try your hand at this small electrical project using our step-by-step instructions below. Credit: Edmund Barr However, they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. Select boxes that meet local codes. Before cutting a hole,use a stud finderto double-check no joist or stud is in the way....