Resources on Home Improvement

Family Handyman: 13 Great Tips for New Homeowners
This resource offers useful advice for new homeowners, focusing on practical tips to manage their homes effectively. Topics include budgeting for unexpected expenses, completing projects on time, and verifying home improvement disclosures. The article encourages homeowners to take on DIY projects but to know when to call professionals if things go wrong. Additional advice includes finishing incomplete projects to avoid them lingering for years and buying tools from sellers downsizing their homes. These tips are designed to help first-time buyers avoid common mistakes and become more self-sufficient when it comes to home maintenance. The tone is approachable, empowering homeowners to handle minor issues while also emphasizing the importance of preparation.

Get Connected to Prescreened Contractors, Real Estate Agents and Lenders
If you're looking for a contractor, a real estate agent, or a lender, HomeAdvisor.com can put you together with a prescreened, fully licensed professional in no time. No matter what your project, from cabinets & countertops, to general carpentry, to cleaning services, concrete, brick & stone work, decks and porches, driveways, patios, walks & steps, drywall & insulation, electrical, telephones & computers, fences, flooring, foundations, garage doors, swimming pools, siding, roofing, painting and dozens of other categories, this site can help match you with the professional of your dreams. If you need an architect, an engineer, an appraiser, a home inspector, a lender, a professional mover, a maid service, or just about any other professional, this site has a matching service that can save you time and money. Click on Homefront Library and you'll find dozens of expertly-written articles, design ideas, and project estimates covering everything from room additions and cabinets to flooring, landscaping, decks, painting, plumbing, walls, windows and doors and so much more.

Lowe's: How-To Library
Lowe’s How-To Library is a comprehensive resource for DIYers of all levels. The site offers tutorials on a wide range of home improvement tasks, including plumbing, electrical, painting, and landscaping. Each guide provides step-by-step instructions, with materials lists and recommended tools. The projects are organized by difficulty, allowing beginners to start with simpler tasks like changing a light fixture, while more advanced DIYers can tackle projects like installing flooring or cabinetry. Lowe’s also offers seasonal projects and maintenance checklists, helping homeowners stay on top of upkeep throughout the year. It’s a well-rounded resource for anyone looking to improve their home.

Outdoor Spaces on HGTV
HGTV’s Outdoor Spaces section is packed with inspiration and practical advice for homeowners who want to take on outdoor projects themselves. The resource covers everything from building patios and creating cozy outdoor living areas to installing water features and crafting custom garden beds. For DIY enthusiasts, HGTV provides step-by-step guides that walk users through outdoor makeovers, landscape design, and even small garden projects that can transform any backyard into a personal oasis. Many of the projects emphasize creativity and budget-friendly solutions, with plenty of tips on using readily available materials and tools. In addition to written guides, the site features helpful videos to further demonstrate techniques, making it easy for homeowners of any skill level to tackle outdoor improvements on their own. Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden, add outdoor lighting, or build a pergola, HGTV’s DIY-focused content ensures that you have the resources to get started confidently.

Popular Mechanics Home Improvement Journal Online
Popular Mechanics Home Improvement Journal on the Web offers articles, columns, opinion and do-it-yourself tips on woodworking, gardening, electrical wiring, furniture making, power tools and other areas of interest under the home improvement umbrella such as appliances, plumbing, roofs and gutters, metal working, and pest control. The site is organized by departments such as Woodworking, Gardening, best products for your home, Homeowner's Clinic, and more. There are guides for homeowners on power tools and outdoor power equipment. The columns and tips are based on the writers' experience with the theme, It Worked for Us.