Thursday, May 21, 2009

Michigan State University Extension
This site is bare-bones; no fancy graphics or features. Just hundreds of articles, searchable by keyword or browse able alphabetically. Everything from how to remove dried urine stains from carpet to drying walls after a flood to laundering foam pillows.
Lowe's
Everything for your home. Check out weekly specials and their special promotions. Their interactive design tools will help you bring your project to life. Use the store locator to find a location near year. Lowe's offers free classes on various aspects of home repair at many of their stores.
DoItYourself.com
Rich website full of information to help you with all the instructions you'll need for do it yourself home improvement projects. From building a deck to working with plastic pipe to extensive Q&A on siding. Be sure to stop by the community forums.
Home Depot
If you need it for home repair or maintenance, they have it. Find a store near you with their store locator, or shop online. Be sure to read about their return policy and then browse categories such as kitchens, lighting, baths, lumber, electrical and paint.
LoveToKnow Home Improvement
Informational articles, resources and how-tos for your home repair and remodeling projects. From bathroom remodeling ideas to lighting and windows and doors, we can help you fix it up, replace it and make your home shine!
DoItBest.com
Website storefront of a chain of independent hardware stores. Special farm and ranch section, and wild bird and pet supplies. Do It Best also offers special services, such as equipment rental and ship-to-store products in case your local store doesn't have something in stock.
DIYNetwork
The television network's website has extensive home improvement resources. Don't miss the hilarious I Did It With Duct Tape series. Other categories include outdoor home improvement, woodworking, tools and guide to products.
Ace Hardware
The place with the helpful hardware man. Visit Lou Manfredini's Tips from the Toolbox for ideas and suggestions. Use the Store Locator to find the nearest Ace. You'll want to sign up for their free email newsletter to get updates on special offers and free after rebate items.
Jim's Home Repair Stuff
One man's labor of love. Lots and lots of articles from the eponymous Jim. Must-reads: Jim's own favorite 'universal stool' and how you can make your own, and how to clean The Toilet From Hell. Even links to other home repair sites.
Home Hardware
A Canadian home store chain. Also in French. Save by buying frequently used items in bulk. Find out what items are exclusively offers by Home Hardware. They even offer a magazine. Use their handy store locator to find the nearest location.
The Natural Handyman
This guy knows it all, and is happy to tell you about it. Full length articles, keyword-searchable, and an extensive library of shorter Q&As. Check out his contest page. Articles cover just about anything from concrete staining to septic systems.
Amazon
Read up on how-to's in home improvement. Tons of titles from roofing to masonry to woodworking to electrical.. Some of the bestsellers include Black and Decker Complete Home Repair, New Fix-It Yourself Manual and Home Maintenance for Dummies.
Allabouthome.com
By ServiceMaster. Advice and information on caring for your home. Valuable tips on how to restore after an emergency, including flood, fire or vandalism. Other highlights: tips for moving, safety and pests. Be sure to check out the spotlight for new articles.
eBay
HUGE selection of products for your home improvement projects. Be careful - pay close attention to the stated shipping costs and the seller's feedback. You'll find everything from products in tools and home improvement to outdoor living projects.
ServiceMagic
Website to line you up with appropriate professionals to do your home maintenance and repair jobs. Has an article library for interior, exterior, major, utility and yard projects. Browse the design gallery to get ideas for your next project.
NexTag Ladders
Ladders, tools, organize your home inside and out. Everything at cost or below. Compare prices, read reviews. Also search for bathroom fixtures, plumbing supplies, kitchen fixtures, fireplaces and accessories and even household cleaning supplies.

BobVila.com
The website of This Old House guru Bob Vila, with lots and lots of do-it-yourself info. Huge home repair library that includes topics such as deck maintenance, repointing bricks in a wall, applying joint compound to drywall corners and even an audio tip of the day.

HGTVpro.com Marketplace
From Home and Garden television. Use the products seen on many of their shows. Be sure to check out the top picks to get the best products available. You can even find product demo videos. Links you directly to the supplier.
Pulte Homes
Info on maintaining and repairing your home, from one of the nation's largest home builders. See their Home Care Guide, and their seasonal maintenance tasks. You can also get more information about Pulte Homes and the warranty and quality they provide.
ShopZilla
Extensive home and garden catalog. Huge home lighting department. See also home decor. You'll find categories such as bath accessories, window treatments, building supplies, electrical supplies, home hardware and even some home organization products to help with clutter.