Resources on Home Improvement Topics

Home And Beyond.com: Complete Do-It-Yourself Project Center
Whatever project you have in mind, HomeAndBeyond.com Project Center has free plans and guides to help you on your way. The number of guides and their detail and usefulness are truly astounding. There are 15 main categories of project help, including Doors & Windows, Electrical, Exterior Maintenance, Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Hand & Power Tools, Heating & Cooling, Home Safety & Security, Kitchen & Bath, Lawn & Garden and several more. But that's only the beginning—each main topic is then broken down into three to five subcategories, which means you will find detailed building plans, materials lists, even helpful tips on more than 60 specific household projects. To top it off, there is a monthly newsletter containing new projects, tips, and helpful ideas which you can subscribe to—plus there is an archive of back newsletter issues filled with a treasure-trove of helpful ideas, tips and plans.

How to Build a Propane-Fueled Fire Pit
A propane-powered fire pit is a bit more challenging than the standard backyard project. Find out about the process involved by visiting this informative site to learn how much time it will take and what the budget considerations are. Helpful images and text lead you through the process of preparing the area for the propane fire pit, building the wooden frame and adding concrete to it. Find out how to add the cinderblocks and attached manufactured stone to give the fire pit an attractive appearance. Having a professional connect the gas line completes the project.

Choosing Gel Fuel Gas for Outdoor Fireplaces
This article points out the advantages of choosing gas as a fuel, and these points apply to outdoor fireplaces as well as indoor ones. Not only is gel fuel a clean-burning fuel source, but you can control the level of the flame easily. Choosing a corner unit is a great option when you are dealing with limited space and still want to create a focal point in an area.

Auto Body Store Forums
If you are looking for advice and personal accounts of experiences with auto body repair shops, check out this online forum. It includes discussions in a number of categories, including pain topics, collision and rust repair, and working with filler. The site also includes discussions on other auto body repair topics, including restoring classic cars, custom paint jobs and planes, trains and boats.

The Money Pit—Home Improvement Radio Show
This is the website for The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show broadcast on radio stations coast to coast and hosted by Tom Kraeutler and Debby Robinson. You can stream the show live from the website every Saturday 4pm - 6pm ET, or find your local station. The website also lets you listen the prior week's show. You can also submit your home improvement question to be used in the upcoming show, and if your question is selected, you'll get a 200-page Home Maintenance Guide.

When It Comes to Outdoor Water Fountains, Start With a Beginners' Project
Not all projects involving water fountains are major undertakings. You can add a small water fountain to your outdoor space without having to hire a landscape designer to do it. After you have reviewed the material posted here, you will Stpknow what materials you need to shop for, what type of pump you should be looking for, and what kinds of optional pond supplies you may want to add to the mix. Step-by-step instructions are provided to take you from digging the hole straight through to turning the water on to see your fountain at work. Be sure to check out the link to home safety tips provided here, as well.

Need a Bigger Workbench? Consider a Portable Woodworking Table
When space is at a premium in your garage or shop and you need to have flexibility when it comes to placement of your workbench, consider the simple design featured on this About.com channel. If you are looking for a workbench that is easy to make and can be completed in an afternoon, this is the one for you. A list of tools and materials for building the workbench is provided for your convenience.