Home Improvement and Remodeling: This Old House

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Give & Get Advice

Energy Savings

Drape Away Drafts

You probably haven't thought of this line of defense against the chills: window treatments. Here's how to use them to block the cold. PLUS, see more on Insulation and Windows :
•Insulate Sash Windows
•Install Window Shades
•Put in Storm Windows
•Hang Interior Shutters
Keep warm and boost interior style with window treatments … more

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Home Solutions

someone scraping old paint from a vintage chair

Everything You Need to Strip a Chair

How to reveal a vintage gem under all the old paint. PLUS, see more on Furniture upgrades and fixes, including:
•Stripping Painted Furniture
•Safer Paint Strippers
•Fixing the Furniture Finish
•Repair a Wobbly Chair Leg
Trashed furniture becomes treasure when it's properly stripped… more

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Special

Home Inspection Nightmares XVI

The latest "home improvement" gaffs and laughs, brought to you by the intrepid home inspectors of the ASHI Reporter. PLUS, see more on Home & Real Estate:
•100s More Nightmares
•10 Ways to Boost House Value
•Repair It or Replace It?
•47 Skills to Survive Homeownership
Don't let these dumb-dumb "improvements" happen to you … more

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Season Premiere

Sneak Peek: TOH's First-Ever NYC Project

This Old House heads to Brooklyn for an historic rowhouse remodel. PLUS, see more on the New York City Project:
•Read the Homeowners' Blog
•See the House's Gorgeous Details
•Watch the Crew at Work
•See what's happening on Ask This Old House
Tune into PBS starting January 22 for all-new episodes. Check the TV Schedule for dates and times… more

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Photo Gallery

Glass Doorknobs

Give your interior doors a little sparkle with clear, colored, or patterned glass knobs. PLUS, see more on Doors:
•Install a Lockset
•Replace an Interior Door
•Vintage Glass Door Knobs
•Strip Paint from Door Hardware
Glass knobs are back in style … more

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Paint Ideas

Add style by painting an oversized pattern on your walls

How to Paint an Oversized Design

With this relatively simple decorative painting technique, you can get the look of high-end wall coverings without the high price�or the pro. PLUS, see more on Painting, including:
•How to Paint a Color Wash
•How to Mimic Old Woodwork with Paint
•How to Paint a Two-Tone Patina
•How to Paint Damask
Give your walls some bold style for under $100 … more

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How-to Video

How to Install a Gas Fireplace

An easy way to warm a room? Install a direct-vent gas fireplace. TOH host Kevin O'Connor shows you how. PLUS, see more on Heating and Fireplaces:
•Pellet Stoves
•Tile a Fireplace Surround
•Shrink Your Heating Bills
•Best Way to Heat a Cold Room
You can sit fireside, even if you don't have a chimney … more

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Home Improvement Topics

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Planning & Ideas

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Watch Online

Live Webcams

This Old House TV heads to the land of egg creams, stickball, and brownstones for a rowhouse remodel

How-To Videos

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic

Spotlight

Honey-Do eCards

Looking for a nice way to say "Happy New Year?" Give your honey the gift of home improvement. Send a them coupon for a DIY project you promise to complete

Your Old House

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Calculators

Calculate exactly how much material you need

Photo Galleries

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Open Question

Q: How can I soundproof a music room?

I'd like to soundproof one of my rooms with cork or carpet so that I can play my clarinet without disturbing anyone. Will painting over the sound-proofing material lessen its ability to contain sound? Any other general advice or tips?

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