We make it easy for you to add circuits with our step-by-step guide to installing an electrical subpanel. A subpanel connects to the main service panel with a thick three-wire cable. The feeder breaker in the main panel acts as the main disconnect for the subpanel. Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris Before installing a subpanel, consult with an inspector to verify you do not overload your overall system. A subpanel has separate bus bars for neutral and ground wires and typically has no main breaker....

Give your space a fresh look with this easy-to-install wall treatment. Add texture, style, and sophistication to any room with a DIY board-and-batten wall treatment. You may not recognize the name, but board and batten is a classic punch in ofwainscoting. It blends different sizes of plywood boards and molding to create a chic, textured look. True board-and-batten is made with vertically installed wide boards and narrow battens fastened over the gaps between the boards....

Clear off countertops by learning how to install an over the range microwave. Over the range microwaves are conveniently placed and do double duty as range vents. The vent is built into the wall and is easiest to install when you’re building orremodeling the kitchen. Credit: Jay Wilde Youll also need a cabinet above the range to hang the microwave in. Plan two hours to hang the microwave, but it might take longer if venting and wiring are required....

Installing a new bathroom in a basement can be a major undertaking. The concrete floor must be broken into and drainpipes installed, then new concrete must be poured. An upflushing unit makes the job much easier. A 3-inch vent is required. confirm the vent and drain conform tolocal plumbing codes. Some upflushing units, especially those installed in the ’70s and ’80s, were unreliable and needed frequent repairs. Newer units are more dependable....

Wood-burning stoves generate a lot of heat. This could be dangerous if you don’t have a tiled heat shield. See how to add one yourself. Credit: Michael Partenio Safety trumps aesthetics when you add a gas or wood stove to your home. If your stove will be within three feet of a wall, adding a heat shield is essential. Tile can make it beautiful as well as effective. Credit:Better Homes & Gardens...

Cover gaps between hard flooring and baseboards with our tutorial. The only real question was whether you chose 1/2- or 3/4-inch quarter-round trim. The small scale and simple lines of most base shoe molding make it easy to cope the inside corners. Credit:Brie Goldman After cutting the copes in aroomful of baseboard, it will seem like a quick and easy job. Once you’ve gathered your tools and materials, follow our step-by-step instructions for installing shoe molding....

We share everything it’s crucial that you know when choosing and installing baseboard trim. Baseboards meet up with door casings and anchorarchitectural wall treatmentssuch as paneled wainscoting. If you decide to go the contractor route, obtain multiple bids for comparison’s sake. Credit:Jacob Fox Ask for references, and check with the contractor’s previous clients. Most home centers sell moldings of various materials and lengths that commonly range from 8 to 12 feet....

Give your home the desirable modern farmhouse look with board-and-batten siding. We’ll show you the right way to install vertical boards and battens. True board-and-batten is made with vertically installed wide boards and narrow battens fastened over the gaps between the boards. Credit:James Yochum Perhaps the most common board-and-batten arrangement uses 1x10 boards and 1x2 or 1x3 batten. it’s possible for you to also use 1x8 or 1x12 boards and 1x4 battens....

Replace old carpet or scratched hardwood with new carpet to give your home an updated look. Carpet comes in ahuge assortment of colors and designs. Additionally, DIYers need tomeasure the roomwhere they will implement the carpet. Credit:Getty Images / Mike Kemp Proper measurements are key for the success of this job. Measure the length and width of the room, and add 2 to 4 inches to each measurement. With the subfloor exposed, use a broom and vacuum to get rid of any leftover dust and debris....

Metal conduit helps protect wires and keep you safehere’s how to install it. Conduit offers superior protection and safety for wires. There are many different types and thicknesses of conduit. EMT (electric metallic tube, also called thin-wall) is strong enough for most interior home installations. Outdoors, use IMC (intermediate metal conduit) or PVC conduit. If you use PVC pipe, you need ground wire, either green-insulated or bare copper. Save time by buying prebent fittings for your conduit....

Invite a warm glow into your home with our easy step-by-step instructions to install crown molding uplighting. This project combines the architectural interest ofcrown moldingwith the soft glow of indirect lighting. Visit a local cabinet shop and you may be able to get the strips cut for a reasonable cost. Paint the inside of the lighting trough to maximize light output from inexpensive rope lighting. You’ll find the painting is easy because you apply it before installing the components....

The first step in adding the railing to the deck is installing the posts. We’ll show you how to do it in five simple steps. A railing is one of the most visible parts of a deck and a critical safety feature. Keeping both factors in mind when planning how to install railing posts is essential. Chooselumber, for example, that’s free of cracks and splinters. After the railing is installed, sand all the corners smoothly....

Save money while adding storage and character to your home by building and installing DIY built-in bookshelves. Plus, this will often yield much more aesthetically pleasing results. Work with your home’s architecture to achieve an effortless look. Credit:Brie Goldman For example, a 1x4’s actual dimensions are 3/4-inch by 3-1/2 inches. Before prying it off, score the paint and caulk with a utility knife. Rip side pieces to width on the table saw....