During difficult economic times, it pays to know how to do your own home repair and maintenance tasks. The Library can help!
Databases
The Library’s collection of research databases contains the following specialized DIY resources. To use these databases from home, you’ll need a valid library card and PIN.
- The Home Improvement Reference Center is a great resource for home repair, maintenance, and remodeling projects. It includes articles from magazines and reference books and step-by-step instructions for thousands of plumbing, outdoor, woodworking, electrical, and decorating projects. The “toolbox,” includes how-to videos, a glossary, and conversion charts.
- The Auto Repair Reference Center contains repair information on over 35,000 domestic and imported vehicles from most major manufacturers (1945-present). The repair information includes factory drawings, photographs, technical service bulletins and recalls, wiring diagrams, specifications, maintenance schedules, and labor time estimates.
- You'll find thousands of step-by-step maintenance and repair instructions for small engine machines (motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, tractors, snow blowers, generators, etc.) and their supporting components in the Small Engine Repair Reference Center. Routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, as well as more extensive repairs involving engine transmission disassembly are covered. Photographs and detailed illustrations accompany many of the documents.
Books
Of course, we also have plenty of books in our collection to help you tackle projects around the house. Here are some recent titles:
- Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money & Make Your Home More Comfortable & Green by Harley Bruce
- Do-it-Yourself Plumbing for Dummies by Donald R. Prestly
- The Complete Guide to Wiring
- The Complete Guide to Roofing, Siding & Trim
- Converted: How to Extend Your Home Up, Down and Out by Elizabeth Wilhide
- New Green Home Solutions: Renewable Household Energy and Sustainable Living by Dave Bonta
- The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Big and Small Improvements by John Krigger
- DIY Guide to Appliances: Installing & Maintaining Your Major Appliances
- Beyond Light Bulbs: Lighting the Way to Smarter Energy Management by Susan Meredith
- Renewable Energy Made Easy: Free Energy from Solar, Wind, Hydropower, and Other Alternative Energy Sources by David Craddock
Videos
Try some of these helpful videos in our film collection (unless otherwise indicated, all are available on DVD)
- Ask This Old House. The Complete First Season
- Ceramic Tile
- Construction Basics
- Curb Appeal
- Dare to Repair: a do-it-herself guide to home improvement (DVD & VHS)
- Deck Renewal
- Doors, Hardware & Locks
- Driveways
- Fences
- Finishing a Basement
- Flooring
- HVAC
- The Healthy House
- Home Update
- Household Repair Tips
- Kitchens & Baths
- Low Maintenance Exterior
- Painting Tips
- Plumbing & Bath
- Plumbing & Kitchen
- Positive Home Solutions: Basic Home Repair
- Quicksteps (VHS)
- Refresh, Remix, Restyle
- Roofing
- Siding Replacement
- Trading Spaces: Creative Home Décor with designer Doug Wilson
- Trading Spaces: Great Kitchen Designs
Magazines
- Better Homes and Gardens Wood
- Family Handyman
- Fine Homebuilding
- Home Power
- Old House Journal
- ReadyMade Magazine
- This Old House
- Workbench
On the Web
- Better Homes and Gardens: Home Improvement. The companion website to the magazine covers decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, and gardening.
- BeJane.com. “Home improvement from a woman’s perspective”. Home improvement articles, tips and tricks, videos, tutorials, and how-to guides.
- DIY Network. Step-by-step instructions for 15,000 projects related to home improvement, the garden and backyard, crafts, and woodworking. Each project contain detailed directions, materials and tool lists, and photographs. Streaming video channels, chat rooms, and bulletin boards are also available.
- DoItYourself.com. Lots of articles and over 100 moderated forums for DIYers to swap ideas and questions.
- This Old House. The companion website to the PBS home improvement/remodeling magazine and TV show. It offers a broad range of how-to and repair projects, planning ideas, and tool/product advice.
- Ace Projects and Solutions. Step-by-step how to's, FAQs, Learning Guides, seasonal tips, and project videos.
Still need help?
Call (513-369-6900) or email the Information and Reference Department and a librarian will be happy to assist you!