Sample Resources for Home Improvement

Do It Yourself Network - Home Improvement
This is a very thorough site that includes how-to information on a wide variety of home improvement topics. Instructional topics include doors, electrical systems, fences, exteriors, kitchens, lighting, plumbing and painting. Also includes simple "kits" that take you through short projects with step-by-step instructions. Theme projects are featured as well, like "home sports center" and "urban kitchen."

Want To See What a Five-Year BackYard Project with Water Fountains Looks Like!
If you thought your backyard plans were ambitious, think again. Visit this site to discover how some Maryland homeowners spent five years transforming their backyard space into a peaceful oasis by adding an indoor pool, gardens, outdoor fountains, and a pavillion. The pool house includes a spa, which is another example of how moving water makes us feel relaxed. The project also included construction of a new garage to house the homeowners' vehicles. Perhaps you can take some inspiration from this ambitious project and apply it to your own outdoor getaway!

MSN Lifestyle on House & Garden
The Home & Garden section on MSN Lifestyle contains a wealth of home improvement information. Home repair and improvement topics include kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, doors, windows, walls, floors, heating and cooling, exterior and outdoor, and tools and materials. Lawn and garden topics include garden plans, landscaping, structures and paths, trees and shrubs, lawns, bulbs and flowers, edibles, container gardens, garden basics, and houseplants. Home decoration topics cover bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, kitches and dining rooms, kids' rooms, home office, home theater, paint and wallpaper, decorating basics and crafts and hobbies.

Guide to the Learning the Essentials of Restoring and Renovating Historic Homes
A fitting complement to OldHouseJournal.com, the Restoration Exchange is practically an online starter kit for learning the basics of preserving an historic home. Links to the best industry Web sites and historical product and service providers are provided along with listings of historical societies, associations and government agencies. Features of the site include for-sale home plans of various traditional style homes, postings of historic homes for sale and information on financial assistance provided by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). Articles include stories of successful historical home rescues and tips for restoring old homes. Visitors are encouraged to submit their own historic home preservation stories for posting.

iHomeline
This is the site of Jim Neidner, a realtor, builder, and an online radio home host. You can ask him your home questions by email or phone. The Home Help Zone refers you to other sites on topics ranging from appliances and windows. Neidner's site has articles, video and radio show archives, and remodeling tips. You can find a builder and remodeler, real estate agent, and loans by area. The site features townhomes and other properties for sale.