Guides to buying building and home remodeling supplies

Buying Guides

The Old House Web Buying Guide

The essential old-house toolbox

Assembling a collection of basic tools can be challenging for a neophyte old-house owner.

With that in mind, we asked tool-lover Scott Gibson to list of the dozen essential tools he would buy before any others.

How to buy (and use) ladders
Any fall can be serious, and a fall from the height of even a low ladder can mean a painful injury.
Choosing room-sized air conditioners
Buying a bigger air conditioner might not make you more comfortable. Here's why, along with other money-saving tips.
Buyers' guide: Programmable thermostats
Will turning your thermostat down save money? Should you get a programmable model? Here are some answers.
Buyers' guide: Radiant floor heating and cooling systems
Use this guide to learn more about the types of radiant heating systems - plus whether these systems make sense for you.
Synthetic slate: Fabulous fakes
These slate look-alikes are lighter on your roof -- and your wallet -- than natural stone.
What to look for when buying framing lumber
Grade stamps offer valuable information about finish, framing, composite woods
Selecting paint brushes and rollers
How to choose quality supplies.
Finishes for wood floors
A primer on choosing finishes for wood floors
Designer Specs: The traditional window
A search for new or replacement windows can be overwhelming. Join us as we explore basic window types - and offer pointers on how to choose windows for your old-house project.
Carpet buying guide
Don't make the mistake of choosing carpeting only for its color. Consider the carpet's fibers and construction, as well as your lifestyle.
Perfect paint palettes
Selecting the right paint color is like falling in love -- it all comes down to chemistry.
The essential old-house toolbox
A dozen indispensable tools for renovating a house
Choosing the right caulk
All caulks aren't created equal. Here's what to choose, and when to use it.
The right wood
Wide-plank boards, strip flooring, parquets, inlays: A guide to selecting wood floors
All-weather outdoor wicker
While it may resemble your grandmother's wicker, a new generation of woven furniture stands up to the weather. Here's what to look for.
Tankless water heaters
These nifty systems heat water only as it is used - or on demand. Here's what you need to know to buy one.
How to choose a pellet stove
Pellet stoves are clean and highly efficient. Here's what you need to know before you buy one.
Surprise! The Home You Bought Was a Former Meth Lab
No disclosure means no one is responsible.
What Recession? It's a Great Time to Be a Home Buyer
Thanks to the weakest housing market in 20 years, housing prices are falling and there are far more homes than buyers. Now can be a great time to buy a rental property, move closer to your job, or buy a neat old house you've had your eye on.

Buying Guides

New Old House

Experts

Topics