Tools and techniques seen on This Old House

Kevin handed Zack a chisel to split wood and free the cartouche sash before the demo crew came in.

DIY-friendly

Tom uses a chisel to get in behind the crown molding.

DIY-friendly

Paul uses a chisel to remove and V out the damaged area of an earthen floor before patching.

DIY-friendly

Tom used a router mounted in a door jig to cut the mortise for the new lockset.

DIY-friendly

Zack uses a router with an eighth-inch roundover bit to ease the edges of the butcher block.

DIY-friendly

Tommy used a router with a templating bit to cut the dados.

DIY-friendly

A drill was used to drive screws while installing the mortise lockset.

DIY-friendly

Tom used a drill to pre-drill holes for the mounting-bracket screws.

DIY-friendly

Sean used a hammer drill with a 5/8-inch bit to drill ports into the cold joint for foam injection.

Pro-only

Mark used a hammer drill with a masonry bit to drill into the concrete foundation for the window well.

Pro-only

Bob uses it to set up centers for the water closet and mark a pipe so he can cut it accurately.

Pro-only

A laser level was used to set strapping at finished countertop height around the kitchen.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used an oscillating tool guided by an angled 2x4 to make a relief cut in the PVC fascia board.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used an oscillating tool to cut drywall and trim studs for the hidden-door rough opening.

DIY-friendly

Mauro planned to sand the new fireplace mantel with 220-grit sandpaper before priming and painting it.

DIY-friendly

Mark used a 6-foot level as a screed to flatten the top layer of pea stone across the patio.

DIY-friendly

During demo, Zack placed an air scrubber so dust would gravitate toward it instead of lingering in the house.

DIY-friendly

Charlie tightened the knob set screws with an Allen wrench.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used an angle brush to cut in ceiling paint close to the crown molding.

DIY-friendly

Lee checked the blades and showed a sharpened one for a cleaner cut.

DIY-friendly

Ross used a blower door test to measure the home's air leakage rate.

Pro-only

Mark used a brick hammer to peel up bricks from the old walkway.

DIY-friendly

Brendan used a brick tong to clamp and carry bricks over to the pallet.

DIY-friendly

Mark used a bullet level to check the retaining wall caps were level and pitched slightly for water runoff.

DIY-friendly

A chimney sweep ran a camera up the flue to inspect for cracks.

Pro-only

Kevin shows Wendy how to use a chop saw, also called a miter saw, to cut pine boards against the fence to a marked line.

DIY-friendly

Heath threaded it into a light socket and used it at the electrical panel to find the correct breaker before turning power off.

Pro-only

Tommy said a circular saw, square, and speed square are enough to build the picnic table.

DIY-friendly

Roger used a claw to loosen pot-bound roots before planting.

DIY-friendly

Alison used a clean bucket to collect the combined soil samples.

DIY-friendly

The millwork factory used a CNC router to cut rice-hull composite window surrounds to size.

Pro-only

Michael described how a combine separates seed heads from the rest of the plant after cutting.

Pro-only

A 42-meter concrete pump was used to reach out back and pour the two-car garage and ADU foundation.

Pro-only

Lee showed Valerie how to run a core aerator that pulls up cores to relieve the lawn and let nutrients, oxygen, and water in.

DIY-friendly

Lee rented a dethatcher to pull thatch and debris out of the lawn so it could breathe.

DIY-friendly

A stonecutter uses four different-sized diamond blades to saw-cut an opening through new concrete and the old foundation.

Pro-only

Ross used a digital manometer to test static pressure and airflow at the air handler.

Pro-only

Lee and Arden used an edger to cut clean edges for the sod along the driveway.

DIY-friendly

Zack fits the eighth-inch roundover bit in the router so its bearing rides the cut and softens the butcher block edge.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used a homeowner-friendly electric hand-held sprayer to apply the paint.

DIY-friendly

Tom uses end nippers to pull nails.

DIY-friendly

Nick used it to expand the PEX-A pipe and sleeve to make an expansion connection.

DIY-friendly

Heath used fish tape to pull a pull line through the conduit before pulling the wire.

Pro-only

Charlie used a flat bar with a hammer to pry off the aluminum siding.

DIY-friendly

Tom uses different-sized flat bars to pry apart cabinet parts during removal.

DIY-friendly

Mark uses a flat chisel to pry up the metal chimney cap.

Pro-only

Lee used a flat shovel to remove damaged sod strips while keeping the surface shallow.

DIY-friendly

Genry used a flow hood to measure airflow from the bedroom supply vent with the door open and closed.

Pro-only

Paul wets the form, fills it with a stiff adobe mix, and pulls it after about 24 hours.

DIY-friendly

Charlie used a hammer along with a flat bar to remove the aluminum siding.

DIY-friendly

Pete uses a hand tamper to compact the clay and crushed stone base before setting the granite.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used a hole saw to drill the door for the latch bolt.

DIY-friendly

Don sent a hook down the chimney to jiggle and remove a brick chunk lodged in the flue.

Pro-only

Jeremy used a hopper gun to spray the finer concrete mix over the sink without slumping.

Pro-only

Richard used an impact gun to remove a stuck anode rod from the water heater.

DIY-friendly

Michael used the jointer to create a straight edge on the oak before ripping it on the table saw.

Pro-only

Bob drops them through pilot holes so he can go downstairs and check for hits or obstructions before drilling.

Pro-only

Tommy taught Zack how to turn a flower vase on the lathe.

DIY-friendly

Tom used a level to check the existing sill, and Charlie used a six-foot level as a straightedge for floor shim measurements.

DIY-friendly

Lee used a leveling rake to find the existing lawn grade and level the new loam.

DIY-friendly

Mark used a margin trowel to pack mortar into the joint, noting it should be thinner than the joint.

DIY-friendly

Mauro and Paula used medium stiff brushes, including a 2 1/2 angle and a 2-inch angle cut, to apply the gel stain.

DIY-friendly

Tom put a metal cutting blade in a saw to cut out the center section of the antique chest for the sink plumbing.

DIY-friendly

Heath and Matt used a multimeter to double-check that the old wiring was off before removing it.

Pro-only

The crew used a nail gun while installing the wainscoting components.

DIY-friendly

Tommy says to overdrive a trim nail with a nail set that fits the nail head.

DIY-friendly

Bill used a notched trowel to spread thinset for the board and membrane.

DIY-friendly

Four nozzles were placed around the space to spray the aerosolized caulk inside the house.

Pro-only

Charlie used an oscillating saw to finish cutting out old tongue-and-groove floorboards after scoring and chiseling.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used a paint brush to cut in the edges and to freehand fill the final gap between the arches.

DIY-friendly

Mauro showed a paint tray with a grid for loading and removing excess paint from a roller.

DIY-friendly

Richard pointed out the fill valve float has a Phillips screwdriver slot to turn counterclockwise and lower the water level.

DIY-friendly

Scot used a plane to shave the shutter edges at a slight angle for a tight fit.

DIY-friendly

Michael sent rough lumber through the planer to get it to the exact thickness for the cabinets.

Pro-only

Noah used a pocket screw jig to pocket-screw the casing sides to the top and bottom so it would hold square.

DIY-friendly

Shelby learned to use a propane forge instead of coal because it is more efficient and cleaner.

Pro-only

Nathan and Jenna used a pry bar with gentle taps to pop the tile soap and toothbrush holders off the wall.

DIY-friendly

Lee compared gas, battery-operated, and manual push mowers for lawn mowing.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used a putty knife to push under peeling paint and scrape it off the galvanized railings.

DIY-friendly

The crew uses it to heat PVC conduit so they can make their own bends for the underground electrical run.

Pro-only

Mark uses a railroad spike as a pry tool to get under the chimney cap and brick bed joint.

Pro-only

Mike connected the resistance meter to the heat cable to confirm it was not broken before installation.

Pro-only

Mauro and Emily rolled the walls and the accent wall colors with a roller to cover the flat surfaces.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used a scoring tool to ease out grout around the ceramic soap and toothbrush holders before prying them off.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used a scrub pad after the alcohol to scrub the softened shellac down to bare wood.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used a self-centering drill bit to bore screw holes for the door hinges.

DIY-friendly

Richard used a six-point socket with the impact gun so it would grip the anode rod nut.

DIY-friendly

Tom uses a sliding T-bevel to transfer arcs and find the bisected angle for an outside corner.

DIY-friendly

Alison inserted the soil probe 4 to 6 inches into the soil to collect samples.

DIY-friendly

Tommy used a speed square to mark the 25-degree angle for the picnic table legs.

DIY-friendly

Charlie used a spud wrench to line up the holes and tighten bolts on the beam.

Pro-only

Tommy used the spur drive to mount the scrap wood into the chuck on the lathe.

DIY-friendly

Mauro and William used a stiff brush to follow and recreate the swirl pattern in the wet joint compound.

DIY-friendly

Nathan and Lee set up a string line to keep the fence posts straight during layout.

DIY-friendly

The factory used a table saw to cut a bevel and kerf for the bulb seal.

DIY-friendly

Zack imported the architect's drawings into take-off software to calculate square footage and detailed lumber quantities faster.

Pro-only

Nathan used a tape measure to measure the windows, and Jenn used one on the sloped yard.

DIY-friendly

Nathan used a three-point laser to transfer swing-hanger layout marks from the ceiling down to the deck.

DIY-friendly

Tommy showed Zack how to position the turning tool on the tool rest while shaping the wood.

DIY-friendly

Mario used a torque wrench set to 250 inch pounds to tighten the service connections to spec.

Pro-only

Lee used a trimmer to knock down knee-high grass before mowing.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used a wet dry vac to remove remaining paint and water from the rug after cleaning.

DIY-friendly

Mauro handed Emily a wet rag to wipe up paint she accidentally got on the windowsill and ceiling before it dried.

DIY-friendly

Mauro uses the XRF machine to detect lead paint through layers of paint without cutting the wood.

Pro-only

Mauro used denatured alcohol on a rag to clean the fiberglass door before staining because it dries fast and leaves no residue.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used denatured alcohol to remove dried paint from hardwood and tile without disturbing the finish.

DIY-friendly

Mauro applied denatured alcohol with a light scrub pad to remove residue from the railings before painting.

DIY-friendly

Charlie removed the aluminum siding from the house with a flat bar and hammer, and it was later baled at a recycling facility.

DIY-friendly

Tom identified the existing aluminum siding by its sound and chalking and noted it would be stripped off.

DIY-friendly

Lee spread compost thin in low spots to help the new sod.

DIY-friendly

Lee called compost the gold and had Valerie spread it into the core-aerated holes to enrich the soil.

DIY-friendly

Jenn and Mark used crusher run as compacted base layers for the new patio, noting it is stone dust mixed with stone and drains well.

DIY-friendly

Mark used crusher run as the compacted base material for the new walkway.

DIY-friendly

Mauro included drop cloths to protect floors during painting.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used drop cloths to protect the landing and steps before prepping the railings.

DIY-friendly

It was used to build the new rectangular fire pit with a rock face edge.

Pro-only

Mark and Pete install pieces of granite into the hillside as steps.

DIY-friendly

Grass seed was spread by hand over the regraded lawn, including a sun-and-shade mix.

DIY-friendly

Lee mixed tall fescue and Kentucky blue grass seed and spread it after aerating and fertilizing.

DIY-friendly

Mario ran the ground wire to two ground rods to give errant current a path to ground.

Pro-only

Heath drove two ground rods and connected a bare number 6 wire to them.

Pro-only

They used landscape fabric over the gravel to keep sediment from clogging the drainage and cut and wrapped it around the step area.

Pro-only

Mark laid landscape fabric over the compacted soil so the pea stone would not mix into the dirt.

DIY-friendly

Jenn applied about 2 to 3 inches of leaf mulch around the new plants to add nutrients to the soil.

DIY-friendly

Jenn showed organic leaf mulch as a mulch that breaks down and adds nutrients.

DIY-friendly

Applied primer to the raw edges of the shutters and window to protect them from the weather.

DIY-friendly

Mauro applied one coat of primer to the cleaned railings before the finish coats.

DIY-friendly

Jeremy added sand from the river by Paula's house to the countertop mixes.

DIY-friendly

Paul adds sand to provide strength in the adobe mix.

DIY-friendly

Tom used shims to level the window sill, and Charlie used tapered shims on floor joists.

DIY-friendly

Noah put shims below the hinge locations against the framing, using 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch shims to plumb the door jamb.

DIY-friendly

They applied beads of silicone to the pan and jamb before setting the three-panel slider.

DIY-friendly

It was used to seal the mount, lag bolts, and receptacle box against water.

DIY-friendly

Lee and the grandkids rolled out freshly cut sod to replace lawn damaged by the snowplow.

DIY-friendly

Marina brought in fresh sod to cover the yard area around the pathway.

DIY-friendly

Roger added starter fertilizer to the planting mix when planting a tree.

DIY-friendly

Lee used a starter fertilizer with phosphate to support root growth and help the seed grow.

DIY-friendly

Zack and Jared installed new four-inch Dutch lap vinyl siding on the ADU, nailing loosely so the panels can move and drain.

DIY-friendly

Nathan presented vinyl siding as the most cost-effective siding option and easy to maintain.

Pro-only

White oak was used for the kitchen island, floors, and built-in cabinetry and bar top.

DIY-friendly

Paula picked new white oak hardwood floors with a matte finish.

DIY-friendly

A 1-ton beam over 20 feet long was used to take down walls and create the open floor plan.

Pro-only

Tommy says 100% silicone is good for bathroom joints such as where a shower wall meets a tub because it is waterproof and cannot be painted.

DIY-friendly

Heath replaced the existing cable from the basement light to the switch with 14/3 to add an extra conductor for a second switch.

Pro-only

Heath ran 14/3 NM cable to power and interconnect the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Pro-only

Mario uses 24-volt low-volt cable to power the L.E.D. tape, saying it is smaller and more flexible than the old line-voltage wire.

Pro-only

They continue an interior wall in 2x4 to tie into the 2x6 exterior wall and keep the wall thickness constant for cabinetry.

Pro-only

Tom and Jared frame an exterior wall with 2x6s to grab the stairs coming up from the basement.

Pro-only

Tommy used 2x8s for the picnic table top and the wider bench seats.

DIY-friendly

Tommy built the cubby sections from 3/4-inch plywood.

DIY-friendly

Jared said the thicker 5/8 board is used to achieve the firewall's one-hour fire rating.

Pro-only

Tommy recommends acrylic caulking with silicone added for exterior work because it adds adhesion and water protection while allowing expansion and contraction.

DIY-friendly

Paul shows adobe made from clay, sand, straw, and water and used for bricks, mortar, plaster, and earthen floors.

DIY-friendly

Mark installed aluminum edging around the walkway and spiked it down to hold the pavers.

DIY-friendly

Ron said the abatement crew uses amended water, basically soapy water, to mist asbestos surfaces during removal.

Pro-only

Mike cemented the anti-fracture membrane over the plywood to receive the heat wire.

DIY-friendly

Mario applied antioxidant compound to aluminum conductors to keep the connections from loosening over time.

Pro-only

Ron identified asbestos on the ductwork and said it had to be removed by an abatement crew.

Pro-only

Richard says baking soda and vinegar is an organic option to keep drains clear of grease.

DIY-friendly

Mark applied a bonding agent before the stucco to improve adhesion to the foundation.

Pro-only

The landscape work included boulder walls along with new plants.

Pro-only

The existing brick walkway was lifted and saved to incorporate into a new patio.

DIY-friendly

Mark showed that true paver brick is larger than modular brick and is laid tight without joints for the patio.

DIY-friendly

Tom mentions the weight of the bricks in each chimney helped hold the houses in place.

Pro-only

A silicone bulb seal was pressure-fit into a kerf to compress against the window frame.

DIY-friendly

Roger cut the burlap off the root ball before backfilling around the tree.

DIY-friendly

Noah and Zack cut and install a cherry butcher block as the countertop for Miah's kitchen island.

DIY-friendly

Tommy describes butyl as a rubber sealant for metal gutter connections and tile expansion joints because it stays soft and stretches.

DIY-friendly

Matt showed Heath old BX cable, an armored metal cable with no equipment ground, and they removed what they could.

Pro-only

Abe described the system's sealant as a caulk that can be aerosolized into a fine mist.

Pro-only

Tom ran a thin bead of caulking around the window opening to help air seal it.

DIY-friendly

Heath placed traceable metallic caution tape above the conduit before backfilling the trench.

Pro-only

Nathan favored cedar clapboards for their timeless look and ability to adjust exposure while coursing.

Pro-only

Jeremy's blend used cement with sand as the aggregate for the concrete countertop.

DIY-friendly

Cement board was installed as new siding on the flood-damaged house.

DIY-friendly

Paul mixes clay as the binder in the adobe recipe.

DIY-friendly

Charlie cut and installed wood cleats to support the shelves in the reinstalled china cabinet.

DIY-friendly

The third-floor attic ceiling was insulated with closed cell foam to create a hat on top of the building.

Pro-only

Richard identified the closet flange as the secure connection under the toilet that must hold the bowl's torque.

Pro-only

Mark spread coarse sand as the sand pad and later swept it into the paver joints.

DIY-friendly

A large composite deck connects the main house, ADU kitchen, and bonus room.

Pro-only

Jared used composite trim with a built-in J-channel around windows and doors so the siding could tuck behind and avoid a visible J-channel.

DIY-friendly

Concrete was poured for the new foundation, then leveled and vibrated to avoid voids while bolts were set.

Pro-only

Mark presented concrete pavers as modern pavers with color variation and nubs for sand joints.

DIY-friendly

Tom points out the poured concrete slab under the porches helped keep the houses from being pushed off their foundations during the flood.

Pro-only

The team set a custom copper pan in the slider opening, pitched it to drain outside, and wrapped it up the jamb.

DIY-friendly

Mark and Pete put crushed stone under the granite steps for drainage and as a compacted foundation.

DIY-friendly

Tom notes the siding is fastened with cut nails spaced about six inches apart.

DIY-friendly

Charlie compared dense-pack cellulose at about R-3 per inch as an alternative insulation.

Pro-only

Sean lays it above the electrical conduits to warn anyone digging later.

Pro-only

Charlie used saved Douglas fir flooring to patch the second-floor hallway and weave into the new linen closet.

DIY-friendly

The roofing crew installed drip edge as part of the new roof system.

Pro-only

Mauro used DTM acrylic enamel as the semi-gloss finish paint in two coats on the railings.

DIY-friendly

Richard and James ran new supply ductwork through chases and bookcase corners to improve airflow to upstairs rooms.

Pro-only

Mauro used elastomeric caulking to fill nail holes in fiber cement and run a bead where siding meets trim.

DIY-friendly

Mark used expanding wedge bolts to secure the window well to the concrete foundation.

Pro-only

Heath installed an expansion fitting above grade so frost heaves can move the conduit without damage.

Pro-only

Tommy applied exterior construction adhesive to attach the 2x4 cleats to the tabletop.

DIY-friendly

Tom slid felt paper behind the casing-to-siding joint to flash it.

DIY-friendly

Mauro prepped fiber cement siding by filling nail holes with elastomeric caulking and caulking where it meets the trim.

DIY-friendly

Nathan described fiber cement siding as a mid-cost option that is rot resistant and pest resistant.

Pro-only

New fiberboard was used as trim board around the siding.

DIY-friendly

Noah measured for filler to center the retro range in the cabinet layout.

DIY-friendly

Jared used fireproof caulking to seal penetrations between the bottom plate and top plate in the firewall.

Pro-only

A firewall will separate the ADU from the main house to provide fire separation between dwellings.

Pro-only

Melinda's landscape was updated with a flagstone walkway.

DIY-friendly

They taped the copper pan up the jamb with flashing tape before installing the door.

DIY-friendly

Mauro noted that flat interior paint on the ceiling allowed a white topcoat without primer.

DIY-friendly

Ross demonstrated that adding return ducting such as flex duct with a bend can muffle HVAC noise and lower the sound level at the register.

Pro-only

Mark chose galvanized steel for the replacement window wells because it withstands weather and will not rust.

Pro-only

Paula and Mauro applied gel stain to the door with brushes, going with the grain, then removed excess with a clean rag after 30 to 45 minutes.

DIY-friendly

Jeremy used glass fiber reinforcement to give the thin concrete slab tensile strength.

Pro-only

The wall plan called for gravel backfill and a gravel base around the perforated pipe to let water drain through.

Pro-only

It was placed and compacted as the base for the new fire pit.

DIY-friendly

Zack finds gypsum board layered with plaster in the ceiling, which doubles the demolition work.

DIY-friendly

Jenn mixed hairy vetch with oats and winter peas as another nitrogen-fixing legume for the cover crop blend.

DIY-friendly

For the doorway to the stairway, they make a header using 2x8s and sheathing filler to match the 2x6 wall thickness.

Pro-only

House wrap was installed on the exterior to allow air movement and reduce moisture in the wall cavity.

DIY-friendly

Tom installed a new I-beam to support the opened-up first-floor space.

Pro-only

Marina used Idaho quartzite to create a pathway that circles the fire pit.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used joint compound to patch the cracked ceiling and recreate the swirl texture.

DIY-friendly

Lee toured fields and a seed-cleaning facility to learn how Kentucky bluegrass seed is grown and processed.

Pro-only

Kevin points out old knob-and-tube wiring still connected to a receptacle, and the next episode shows an electrician cleaning it up.

Pro-only

Nathan pre-drilled and secured the ceiling storage brackets with lag bolts.

DIY-friendly

Tommy explains latex caulking is used on interior walls, trim, casing, and baseboard because it fills gaps and is paintable.

DIY-friendly

It was installed inside the fire pit to continue emanating heat after the fire goes out.

DIY-friendly

Heath mounted an LB fitting as the starting point where the wires come up and go into the shed.

Pro-only

Tom suspected lead paint under the siding and said a certified person would need to strip it.

Pro-only

The crew spread loam to fill low spots and level the uneven yard.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used thin low-tack tape along the outside of the pencil lines to mask off the arches before painting the accent wall.

DIY-friendly

They chose luxury vinyl plank throughout the ADU because it is durable and waterproof.

DIY-friendly

A new MC cable was mounted from the junction box to the tank during the water heater electrical work.

Pro-only

Adrian built the wainscoting entirely from MDF because it moves less than wood and paints well.

DIY-friendly

Jared used mineral wool in the firewall cavity as a fire block and for sound insulation.

Pro-only

A nailing fin was installed into a spline on the back of the casing for attaching the window surrounds.

DIY-friendly

Mauro brushed natural alcohol onto the shellac and let it sit to soften the old finish.

DIY-friendly

Nitrogen was used to test the refrigeration line set for leaks.

Pro-only

Tom describes the six-inch novelty siding as thick, nailed on every board, and acting as sheathing.

DIY-friendly

Jenn selected oats for Amy's raised beds because they avoid wheat, barley, and rye due to her daughter's celiac disease.

DIY-friendly

Charlie showed open-cell spray foam as an insulation sample with about 3.5 R per inch and vapor permeability.

Pro-only

Mauro used painter's tape to protect walls and cautioned that it must be removed within its time limit.

DIY-friendly

The crew stacked salvaged bricks on pallets so they could be reused for a new patio.

DIY-friendly

Jenn planted panicum virgatum, a switchgrass, to stabilize the slope and control erosion.

DIY-friendly

The crew installed pavers as the new walkway surface.

DIY-friendly

Mark proposed and installed a 16 by 14 foot pea stone patio as an affordable seating area, then coated it with a binding agent.

DIY-friendly

The crew placed perforated pipe on a gravel base behind the boulder walls so water could pass through and drain down the natural grade.

Pro-only

Nick chose PEX-A tubing for the new spigot line after Richard demonstrated the connection options.

DIY-friendly

Kevin and Zack note original plaster pulling off the lath and extra plaster layers that make demolition harder.

DIY-friendly

Mark explained that the nubs on pavers leave a gap for polymetric sand to sink down.

DIY-friendly

Mike installed 12x24 porcelain tile in the mudroom and half bath, noting it resists scratches and reduces grout lines.

Pro-only

Noah used pre-primed pine for the window jambs and casing.

DIY-friendly

At the lumber yard, Jose explained that pressure-treated lumber is usually placed as plates and stacked on top of later-used units.

Pro-only

Nathan used quarter-sawn white oak to build the new shelf and hook board for the bathroom.

DIY-friendly

The renovated kitchen has quartz countertops installed as part of the new open floor plan.

Pro-only

Don proposed installing new flue liners laid with refractory mortar.

Pro-only

Jenn used seed starter mix in the trays for starting seeds indoors.

DIY-friendly

Sheathing is used as filler in the header and later to sheath the framed exterior wall.

Pro-only

Pat shows sheep's fescue as a fine-bladed, low-maintenance grass used for erosion control and drought resistance.

DIY-friendly

Tom explains the shiplap half-lap piece sits over the scoop to keep rain from running into the building.

DIY-friendly

Pat says to prepare the soil like sod, with a good 4 to 6 inches of loom, before planting.

DIY-friendly

Jen mixes a soilless soil medium of perlite, peat moss, and coconut fiber substrate with native soil for the boulder wall to allow proper drainage and aeration.

DIY-friendly

Tommy used southern pine to patch both sides of the front door so the new mortise lockset would line up.

Pro-only

Tom and Charlie used Southern yellow pine to match the old front door and to make the china cabinet crown.

DIY-friendly

Used for the replacement shutters because it holds up well in the New Orleans climate.

DIY-friendly

Mauro said to topcoat the stained exterior door with water-base spar urethane, possibly two or three coats.

DIY-friendly

Alan installed a stainless steel insulated liner in the chimney to negate cracks, gaps, or clearance issues for the wood-burning insert.

Pro-only

Savage built the outdoor kitchen structure out of steel because it is lighter than cinder blocks.

Pro-only

Jayden installed step flashing where the roof intersects the sidewall.

Pro-only

Mark learned that the Grove Park Inn's stone was locally sourced from Sunset Mountain.

Pro-only

Nathan backfilled the fence post holes with stone dust because it compacts and drains well instead of cement.

DIY-friendly

Paul adds local barley or wheat straw to add strength in the adobe mix.

DIY-friendly

Roger added Superphosphate to help the roots grow when planting a tree.

DIY-friendly

Richard applied Teflon tape to the threads of the new anode rod before installing it.

DIY-friendly

Ross introduced theatrical smoke to the duct system to pinpoint duct leaks.

Pro-only

Bill mixed thinset and used it to embed waterproof fabric and set the board.

DIY-friendly

Jim's brother Bill installed tile in the new bathroom, including a basket-weave design Allie loved.

DIY-friendly

Bill and Kevin installed tile waterproof board around a shower window.

DIY-friendly

Mauro and Kevin applied water-based tinted gray primer before painting the cubbies.

DIY-friendly

James installed 3/4 tongue-and-groove as the permanent subfloor.

Pro-only

Mark recommended using Type N mortar to repack the cracked masonry joint on the raised hearth.

DIY-friendly

Bill put the underlayment before returning to do the tile in the bathroom.

DIY-friendly

A small piece of vinyl was used for flashing behind a siding joint.

DIY-friendly

Paula installed the happy wallpaper in her foyer herself.

DIY-friendly

Bill bonded waterproof fabric to the window and seams with caulking and embedded it in thinset.

DIY-friendly

Richard showed the wax ring with a horn as a seal option when the flange has been raised.

DIY-friendly

Tommy used wax sticks in different tones to fill and blend the holes left after driving squeak-repair screws.

DIY-friendly

Pat shows trays of about 20 varieties of wildflowers that can be planted like sod for seasonal color and pollinators.

DIY-friendly

Jenn added winter peas as a legume cover crop to add nitrogen to the soil.

DIY-friendly

Mauro prepped wood composite trim on the exterior, noting it expands and contracts differently from fiber cement.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used natural wood filler to fill nail holes in the wood composite trim.

DIY-friendly

Pocket screws were used to assemble window surround miters and to fasten the deck border from below.

DIY-friendly

Kevin and the kids use pocket screws with a jig to join the cut pine boards at an angle for the dress-up closet.

DIY-friendly

Tom says the houses are 2x4 construction with diagonal bracing in the corners.

Pro-only

Zack and Noah pull a 3-4-5 triangle on the butcher block to check whether it is square before cutting.

DIY-friendly

Lee called 811 before digging to have buried gas, water, electrical, and cable lines checked.

DIY-friendly

Richard and Abe demonstrated sealing a building by pressurizing it and spraying a mist that hardens in gaps and cracks.

Pro-only

The site team would backfill the whole property after the town inspected the waterproofed foundation.

Pro-only

Zack and Adrian used biscuit joints with glue when fitting the top and bottom rails to keep the joints from opening.

DIY-friendly

Jaclyn styled the bookshelves by decorating up, leaving breathing room, and balancing books with decorative objects.

DIY-friendly

Mauro showed that breaking the edges of the balusters first makes removing paint faster with a putty knife.

DIY-friendly

William and Kevin chalked lines before installing as much siding as they could.

DIY-friendly

Jay described the luxury vinyl plank as a click floater, clicking planks together and tapping them snug without adhesive.

DIY-friendly

Jenn explained that cover crops protect soil from erosion and feed soil microorganisms between seasons.

DIY-friendly

Tommy cut dados in the plywood sides so the shelves and seat could be installed.

DIY-friendly

Tom shows diagonal braces in the corners that run to a post and sill to reduce wall movement.

Pro-only

Charlie wanted to dry fit the doors before putting the trim on the old china cabinet.

DIY-friendly

Tom inserted a Southern yellow pine Dutchman to hide the old hardware holes in the front door.

DIY-friendly

Students learned how to frame a window with a king stud, trimmers, cripples, header, and sill plate.

Pro-only

Mike dry-laid the porcelain tile in a herringbone diagonal pattern, centering it from point to point rather than tip to tip.

Pro-only

Mark described herringbone as a paver pattern that requires the most cuts.

DIY-friendly

Richard explained that heated water from the boiler goes through air handlers to heat air for the main house and ADU.

Pro-only

The landscaped area was prepped, and hydroseeding was scheduled to happen the next day.

Pro-only

Sean injected polyurethane foam into the cold joint to waterproof where the new foundation meets the old foundation.

Pro-only

Jayden made a kick-out diverter from flashing to direct roof water into the gutter.

Pro-only

Jenn said to calculate mulch volume by using length times width times depth, then divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards.

DIY-friendly

Tom uses two boards of exactly the same width to find and cut a tight miter without caulk.

DIY-friendly

Zack toured a factory where an ADU was built as modules, shipped 400 miles, and craned onto its foundation.

Pro-only

Tom cut a mortise in the side of the original front door so the new lockset could sit into it.

DIY-friendly

Lee and Jenn explained how to read nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium numbers on fertilizer bags.

DIY-friendly

Roger shared the saying plant them high, they won't die, plant them low, they won't grow.

DIY-friendly

Michael used pocket screws and glue to assemble the solid maple face frames.

DIY-friendly

Tom notes the porches have a poured concrete foundation, which was rare in the 1920s and added weight that helped the houses resist the water.

Pro-only

Nathan and Lianne pre-drilled the mounting-bracket screw holes with a 1/8-inch drill bit.

DIY-friendly

ProPress connections were made to connect piping to the new tank.

Pro-only

Roger said the receiving hole should be twice the diameter of the root ball.

DIY-friendly

Charlie made relief cuts down the center of flooring boards to remove old sections and knock both edges inward.

DIY-friendly

Mark chose a running bond layout for the brick paver patio and started it with a half brick to set the pattern.

DIY-friendly

Mark described running-bond as a traditional brick pattern that runs lengthwise back and forth.

DIY-friendly

Charlie said more selective demo was needed on the porch before excavation began.

Pro-only

Jayden showed Kevin the six-nail application to improve shingle uplift resistance.

Pro-only

Jenn and Alison used soil testing to establish a baseline after flooding and guide amendments.

DIY-friendly

Ross discussed solar thermal as a way to use the sun's energy to create heat or hot water for domestic hot water or pool heating.

Pro-only

Frank created a swale to slow and divert water from heading straight for the sidewalk.

DIY-friendly

Harley taped off fixtures and layout in the primary suite to plan where the vanity, shower, and other elements would go.

DIY-friendly

Mark tapped the stucco and listened for hollow sounds to find areas that had not bonded and needed removal.

DIY-friendly

Tom made a template to mark where plumbing lines had to be drilled and the center locations on the antique chest.

DIY-friendly

Tom makes a temporary leg from scrap wood to support a cabinet while he removes its screws.

DIY-friendly

Roger said the right way to prune a tree is called the three-cut method.

DIY-friendly

Heath treated the black and red wires as travelers that go between the two three-way switches and connect to the brass screws.

Pro-only

Lee tucked the sod edges so they would not be exposed to the sun and dry out.

DIY-friendly

Underpinning was discussed as a costly option to deepen the existing 38-inch foundation to 48 inches for frost protection.

Pro-only

After stripping forms, the crew planned to waterproof the foundation before inspection and backfill.

Pro-only

Savage taught Jenn how to weld as part of fabricating the steel outdoor kitchen.

Pro-only

Sean installed and programmed smart switches that can be controlled by app and wireless remote.

Pro-only

Heath replaces existing switches with smart switches to control the new exterior and landscape lighting.

Pro-only

Nathan installed it overhead in the garage to hold totes and bins.

DIY-friendly

Lee checked the air filter and recommended blowing it out or replacing it when dirty.

DIY-friendly

Richard found the third-floor air handler sitting above the insulation, making it work harder.

Pro-only

Two-zone air handlers serve the ADU first floor and basement, while another in the attic serves the living room and bedrooms.

Pro-only

Richard installs an air switch under the sink so the disposer can be turned on by air instead of an electrical switch near the sink.

Pro-only

Nathan set anchors through the tile and drywall so the shelf brackets could be fastened where needed.

DIY-friendly

Richard replaced the water heater's sacrificial anode rod with a new bendable replacement.

DIY-friendly

Tom showed how the trailer tongue specifies the ball size and how the correct ball locks into the receiver.

DIY-friendly

Tom helped Cat measure and install an inside-mount blackout shade in her son's room.

DIY-friendly

Mauro planned to use bonding primer on the cabinets, noting that it takes 24 hours to dry.

DIY-friendly

Chris and Noah installed kitchen cabinets, starting with the uppers in the out-of-plumb corner.

DIY-friendly

Lee sprayed carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor ports and jets.

DIY-friendly

Removed old cast-iron hinges and installed replica cast-iron hinges on the shutters.

DIY-friendly

Richard and Bob installed a ceiling-mounted mini-split-style unit between the joists to heat and cool the basement without dropping the ceiling.

Pro-only

Nathan measured and installed top-down, bottom-up cellular shades to block Cece's view while letting daylight in.

DIY-friendly

Mauro chose Classic Burgundy semi-gloss paint for the finished cubbies.

DIY-friendly

Tommy says a common or flat head nail is used outside and then set and filled.

DIY-friendly

Paula's bathroom countertop was cast concrete made with river silt from the Swannanoa.

DIY-friendly

Jeremy and Kevin built a concrete vanity with an integral sink for Paula's main bathroom.

Pro-only

Richard used it to connect the existing copper pipe to the new PEX line for the spigot.

DIY-friendly

Tom installed a new energy-efficient double-hung window into an existing opening.

DIY-friendly

Richard demonstrates drain cleaner as sodium hydroxide/lye breaking down hair and grease, but warns it can damage pipes and harm people.

Pro-only

It replaced the existing breaker to protect the new outdoor TV circuit from shock.

Pro-only

Richard said they added an energy recovery ventilator to bring fresh air in and exhaust air out in a controlled way.

Pro-only

Richard says the enzyme has no caustic chemicals and will eat organic matter to keep pipes clean over time.

DIY-friendly

The evaporator panel was mounted on an exterior wall to harvest heat from outside for the split heat pump water heater system.

Pro-only

Mauro demonstrates the fast-result test by crushing parts A and B and applying it to a paint cut to check for lead.

DIY-friendly

Richard explained how a modern fill valve replenishes the tank and can be adjusted with its float.

DIY-friendly

Jared showed a fire damper in the shared HVAC duct that closes at about 165 degrees to stop fire spread.

Pro-only

Mauro used flat water-based paint to finish the patched ceiling and match the existing color.

DIY-friendly

Richard recommended it for the backyard hose spigot so the shutoff sits inside conditioned space and won't freeze.

DIY-friendly

Heath and Matt found an old fuse panel on the basement ceiling and decided it was time to remove it.

Pro-only

Richard helps Emily install a 3/4 horsepower continuous-feed garbage disposal under her kitchen sink.

Pro-only

They installed a propane-fired boiler to heat domestic hot water and supply the hydro-air system for the main house and ADU.

Pro-only

Heath installed interconnected hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house.

Pro-only

Mike clicked the heat cable into the floor track in a pattern around the bathroom, avoiding crossed cables.

Pro-only

Richard noted air conditioning condensers for heating and cooling were heat pumps, with separate systems for upstairs and downstairs.

Pro-only

Nathan assembled an all-metal adjustable shelving unit in the garage.

DIY-friendly

Ron set up HEPA-filtered negative air during asbestos abatement to keep fibers from blowing around the house.

Pro-only

A hidden fastener clip system was used to secure grooved deck infill boards to the sleepers.

DIY-friendly

Nathan assembled and installed a double hidden-door kit to turn a closet into a speakeasy.

DIY-friendly

Angela explained that a homeowner's insurance policy is divided into property and liability sections and what each covers.

Pro-only

Richard and Bob showed a hydro unit air handler that uses heated water for heat and conventional AC for cooling.

Pro-only

An inverter-style heat pump replaced the standalone attic cooling system to provide heating and cooling on the top floor.

Pro-only

Tom removes marked kitchen cabinets so they can be reused in the new pantry.

DIY-friendly

Mario uses an L.E.D. driver to transition from line voltage to low voltage for the under-cabinet lights.

Pro-only

Mario installs thin low-voltage L.E.D. tape in a channel under the floating shelves to light the counter below.

Pro-only

Heath installs landscape wall lights along the water table to light the driveway without bothering neighbors.

Pro-only

Heath shows standard low-voltage LED tape that can be mounted under the water table and cut to length for driveway lighting.

Pro-only

Ross powered the projector with a lithium-ion battery bank that has 120-volt, USB, and 12-volt DC outlets plus solar input.

DIY-friendly

Homeowners chose luxury vinyl plank throughout the ADU, and Jay showed it as a click-together flooring install.

DIY-friendly

Lee said Milorganite is good for lawns and flower beds and comes from human waste.

DIY-friendly

Charlie installed the mortise lockset into the edge of the front door, threading the exterior plate into the mortise set and attaching the knobs.

DIY-friendly

Tom screwed mounting brackets across the bottom of the head stock to hold the new blind.

DIY-friendly

The natural granule was mixed with water and applied to the soil to kill fungus gnat larvae.

DIY-friendly

Richard says the oil burner fires into the boiler chamber and creates the hottest flame to turn water into steam.

Pro-only

The existing single-zone oil-fired boiler and tank provide heat and hot water, and Richard discussed what to do with it for the house and ADU.

Pro-only

Heath described using an old work box to add sconce boxes in finished walls, noting that flush fixture bars can keep the fixture off the wall.

Pro-only

Heath used this enclosure to house and protect a TV mounted outside.

DIY-friendly

The existing panel is a 200-amp service that may need additional capacity for the ADU.

Pro-only

Roger recommended using this instead of wire to tie branches so they don't girdle.

DIY-friendly

Nathan and Lee installed a post-and-rail fence to create separation between the lawn and the street.

DIY-friendly

Ross showed a projector that can be used outside and connect through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to project video.

DIY-friendly

Pull-down stairs were installed to give the homeowner better access to the attic.

Pro-only

Richard describes steam filling every radiator and says they may need to move radiators during the renovation.

Pro-only

Tom explained that the shaft goes into the receiver and its dimensions must match the vehicle.

DIY-friendly

Ross compared a restrictive wooden 4x10 register with a more open metallic one and suggested upsizing to a 6x10 to reduce whistling and noise.

DIY-friendly

Lee and Kevin put on safety glasses before mowing.

DIY-friendly

Zack pointed out sanitary base tile shapes with radiused inside and outside corners to avoid hard-to-clean corners in the bathroom.

DIY-friendly

Jenn placed the seed tray on a seedling heat mat to help with germination and keep the plants from going into shock.

DIY-friendly

Mauro used shellac base primer to seal the water stains and cracks before patching and painting.

DIY-friendly

Ross showed weatherproof smart outdoor plugs that can be controlled from a phone and scheduled.

DIY-friendly

Ross installed and paired the SmartHub to control both garage doors from an app.

DIY-friendly

Nathan replaced the homeowner's hollow-core doors with a solid-core door slab to feel more solid and dampen sound.

DIY-friendly

Lee showed new, dirty, and damaged spark plugs and recommended cleaning or replacing them.

DIY-friendly

Tommy used a special screw with an attachment that snaps off below the finished floor to tighten the floor.

DIY-friendly

Kevin and Lee mixed stabilizer into gasoline to prevent separation and gunk.

DIY-friendly

Richard explains the existing steam boiler in the basement pit provides heat for all three floors.

Pro-only

A sticky trap was stuck into the plant so flying fungus gnats would hit it and get stuck.

DIY-friendly

It was installed inside the enclosure to protect the TV and future equipment.

DIY-friendly

Richard points out the boiler's tankless coil for making hot water and proposes removing it to save money.

Pro-only

Heath installed a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat in the wall box to control the heated floor.

Pro-only

The homeowners chose and the crew installed a three-panel slider with two sliding panels and one fixed panel.

DIY-friendly

Heath replaced a traditional three-way switch with a smart three-way switch.

Pro-only

Heath explained how a three-way switch has three screws and works with another to control a light from multiple locations.

Pro-only

Heath cut in a new two-gang box at the top of the stairs to hold two switches.

Pro-only

Zack and Adrian installed wainscoting in the mudroom/laundry room for durability in a high-traffic space.

DIY-friendly

Jay said three coats of water-based poly will topcoat the engineered white oak floor in the main house.

DIY-friendly

Mauro applied water-based polyurethane as the first finish coat because it off-gasses less than oil.

DIY-friendly

Jenn recommended a water-soluble fertilizer for feeding the low-maintenance houseplants.

DIY-friendly

It was installed outside as the new power source for the TV.

Pro-only

Bob showed a whole-house water-filtration system with multiple stages for the main house and ADU.

Pro-only

Mark replaced two rough, rusted window wells that were off balance and in poor shape.

Pro-only