Here are our nine top picks for the best DIY renovation websites. Happy remodeling!
The Best DIY Renovation Websites
Some homeowners and property investors might remember the days when Bob Vila was the host of TV's This Old House. In the years since Vila's expertise in the home improvement and renovation field has turned him into a brand with a self-named website. Here, you'll find countless articles and resources that cover every part of homeownership; recent ones include "50 Plants That Thrive in Any Yard" and "12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help You Sell Your House." There are also clips and full episodes of his shows, Bob Vila and Home Again with Bob Vila, and his new Building Green web series, which focuses on construction and reno projects that use clean, energy-efficient technologies and methods.
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Before entire television networks were dedicated to the cause, This Old House and New Yankee Workshop were the home improvement TV shows of choice. In the digital age, the shows have spawned a robust website with access to full episodes and behind-the-scenes clips of This Old House, now in its 42nd season. You can also watch New Yankee Workshop (in its 21st season) with the original host and master carpenter, Norm Abram, and Ask This Old House, a show that focuses on specific homeowner issues (in its 19th season).
The DIY Smarts series collaborates between Ask This Old House and Home Depot (NYSE: HD) that takes enterprising DIYers step by step through various home improvement projects. Of course, If you'd prefer to read up on a homeownership topic, the site has you covered as well -- the Home Improvement A-Z section on the home page covers dozens of topics, from attics to yards (OK, so there's nothing in the Z category yet, but stay tuned!).
This site got its start as a print magazine with the same name back in 1951. Suffice it to say; it weathered the transition to the digital age very well. This site has plenty of articles and videos for the casual DIYer, but there's also a robust education component for those looking to take on more extensive projects. DIY University offers classes and workshops (subscription needed, though there is a seven-day free trial) that guide you through a wide variety of home improvement projects, ranging from basic topics like how to unclog a toilet to advanced workshops such as how to build an outdoor deck or even a tiny house.
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Another TV presence with a popular website is the DIY Network. If you're looking to see whether you can skip calling in a pro to complete that task on your home improvement to-do list, this is a good resource. There are plenty of videos and clips from the television DIY Network featuring hosts like Nicole Curtis, Scott McGillivray, and everyone's favorite rapper-turned-home flipper, Vanilla Ice. You can also check out dozens of photo galleries in the How-To Library that run the gamut from pantry organization to rehabbing bathroom vanities.
The site's title says it all: It's your one-stop-shop for enhancing your home and investment properties on your own terms. The site covers countless topics for both interior and exterior home improvements, including electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, gardening, household cleaning, and more. There are even forums for you to connect with other DIYers. For timely advice, check out the COVID-19 Projects and Advice section on the homepage, which offers articles on topics such as home and workplace sanitation.
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The site's tagline is "how to do anything," and it's not much of an exaggeration. (If you want to learn those dances on TikTok, there's an article for you.) But for home improvement DIYers, this site is a veritable gold mine of information. Put your search terms in the box, and up pops an article with colorful illustrations. Case in point: We searched "how to bleed a radiator" and discovered steps to bleed not only a home radiator but also one in a car.
We would be remiss to leave the HGTV empire off this list. The TV network needs no introduction, and neither does the print magazine, which is still thriving even as other publications fold. The comprehensive site's How To section covers various topics: home improvement, DIY, crafts (plus a section for kids' crafts), upcycling, and painting. Plus, you can catch up on episodes and behind-the-scenes clips of your favorite shows like House Hunters.
It's an understatement to say there are many DIY channels on YouTube. But when we find a site that has 1.38 million subscribers, we'll pause to take another glance. Jeff, the friendly and much-loved host (seriously, check out some of the viewer comments), claims to have been flipping homes with his family since he was 10; plus, he's been a general contractor for over 25 years. Jeff has recorded so many videos for this channel that he's had to divide them into playlists for easier access. Want to learn how to drywall? There's a master class for that, with nine videos that take you through the tools and techniques you need. If you're nervous about tackling a home project on your own, you won't be once Jeff teaches you the ropes.
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Brad is another knowledgeable host who has also garnered more than a million YouTube subscribers. The home improvement channel is chock-full of videos with a focus on woodworking and tools.
A companion channel, Fix This Build That Live has even more subscribers. These longer videos feature Brad and his wife Susan as they answer viewer questions during the Livestream. Each show is recorded along with the chat replay, so latecomers can easily catch up or view later.
The Bottom Line Of Renovation Websites
Whether you're interested in a certain category of home improvement, follow a TV host for the latest tips and tricks, or want to be inspired by before-and-after photos, you'll likely find what you're looking for among these top DIY websites.
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Cover photo by Sergiu Vălenaș
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