This Old House

This Old House gives you the inspiration, information and instruction you need to take on home improvement projects of all sizes and succeed. In every issue, find fresh design ideas for every room, creative DIY solutions, step-by-step projects, and tips from the pros.

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Help for new homeowners

How Safe Is Your Home’s Wiring? • Your home and family may be vulnerable to easily preventable dangers. Read on for ways to protect them.

Reader mail MAY 2018

homesolutions

Fresh takes on bath tile • Add personality to your personal space with unusual colors, patterns, and shapes. Here, some inspiring ideas for creating a distinctive look with lasting appeal. —K.W.

Is your sump pump ready for prime time? • April showers bring May flowers—and up the risk of basement flooding. Follow these steps to ensure your pump is primed to keep your lowest level high and dry.

Stave off spring invaders • Warmer temperatures herald the return of barbecues and other backyard fun, but they mean bugs are back, too. Here’s how to thwart three insects you’re likely to encounter this time of year.

Hedging your best • Buzz-cutting borders with electric shears can feel mighty satisfying, but your living fence deserves more. Here, TOH landscape contractor Roger Cook lays out what you need to do the job right.

Power up your compost • If you slacked on tending your compost pile this winter, it’s time to get it back into action. Give it a bit more attention now, and your garden will thank you later.

Spring cleaning for AC systems • Get whole-house cooling equipment, whether ducted or ductless, ready to run before hot weather arrives—and HVAC pros’ schedules are packed. Here’s what you can do, and what your HVAC technician should do, to prep your system for summer.

Character boost • Shiplap walls, distressed-wood cabinets, and mixed metal finishes set a new tone for a master bath in desperate need of a warmer, less generic look

Handsome coffee table • Build this furniture piece in just a few hours with basic cuts and pocket-screwed joints

Dress up the woodwork • It’s a period scheme that feels fresh today: plain walls, eye-catching trim

Fireplace makeover for $45 • A first-time homeowner transforms a dated brick fireplace with two cans of gray paint—and some DIY artistry

26 reno-worthy finds • From a dishwasher on steroids to a smart-tech toilet to a faucet that does the work for you, here are a few of our favorite things from the annual kitchen and bath show

From disjointed to delightful • A 1960s house gains much-needed polish and more pleasing proportions

This Old ask House

Norm’s tricks of the trade

Saving Grace • A dilapidated 1927 house regains its serene period spirit, thanks to a meticulous DIY renovation

Pretty perfect • A streamlined layout and period-style finishes clean up a dysfunctional cook space

Building Memories • With a more open (storage-packed!) first floor, a new master suite, and dedicated space for visiting grandparents, this 1879 Italianate’s remodel was designed with family in mind

Farmhouse sinks • You spend more time at the kitchen sink than the stove, so why not invest in one of these capacious attention-getters? But first, take a moment to master their surprising nuances

High-profile materials • Eye-catching options include hammered metal and natural...