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."

Build Your Own Outdoor Patio Fire Pit
You can build your own outdoor patio fire pit, and this informative site gives you the information you need to create a dramatic addition to your back yard. From contacting you local building department to measuring the area for the fire pit, homeowners can find out the way to use gravel and concrete to create the perfect fire pit. Manhole blocks and brick capstones complete the project and give it a professional look. Once the outdoor patio fire pit has cured, it's ready for friends and family to enjoy.

eHow Presents Articles About Heavy Duty Mobile Workbenches and More
Content network eHow has a number of articles about workbenches. Discover what you need to know about building a heavy duty mobile workbench, a specialized jeweler's bench, and how to build a closet workbench. You will also find articles on folding workbenches, how to turn a recycled door into a workbench, and what you need to know before building a garage workbench. The basics of how to use a workbench are also covered in this collection of online resources.

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.