Just so you know, having a receptacle on a kitchen island is not optional; it’s actually required by the National Electrical Code on any island with a countertop bigger than 12-by-24 inches. Your wish is their command. Running electricity to your island shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you’re taking out the existing cabinets. And it will only require removing a strip or two of flooring. If you have scraps left over from when the floor was installed, I doubt you’ll be able to tell that any work has been done....

What You Need to Strip Wire A true multi-tool, wire strippers are essentially spring-loaded pliers that have different-sized notches cut into their jaws. Their main function is to cut and remove the plastic insulation from solid or stranded copper electrical wire without cutting the wire itself, so that the wire can be attached to a terminal or wire-nutted to another wire. They can also be used to cut, bend, and pull wire....

The minute she set foot on the old farmstead in Afton, Minnesota, Amy Matthews says she “felt something magical about this place.” Located in the greater St. Paul area, just 35 minutes from her current home in downtown Minneapolis, the site is surrounded by wooded slopes and sheltered in a hollow carved long ago by retreating glaciers, screened from any neighbors. Amy envisioned a rural farm compound that would serve as a private refuge for her and her 9-year-old son, Eli, but also offer an experience for guests....

Water View Sited about 22 feet above the road, the house takes advantage of its unimpeded view of Long Island Sound with a balcony off the second floor and three triple 8-ft. window units on the south wall of the barn-like great room. The center unit contains a patio door. Entry Courtyard The last of the prefinished Western Red Cedar siding goes up on the barn wing, which projects just enough to form an entry courtyard on the side of the house....

That was the challenge put to Studio Dearborn designer Sarah Robertson by the longtime owners of this 1929 Tudor Revival in Larchmont, New York. “They wanted a kitchen that brought in the home’s period details, but in a way that felt cleaner, not heavy and traditional,” she says. After: Expanding the footprint and adding new, larger windows opened up a space now washed in warm whites. Touches of oak and brass echo the Tudor Revival style and add rich contrast, but in a way that feels clean and fresh....

In this episode: Plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, travels to Salt Lake City to replace a shower valve he has never seen before in his career with a conventional pressure-balanced one. Painter Mauro Henrique assists a homeowner that needs help painting her radiator cover that is suspected to have lead paint. The house was built in the 1950s and lead paint was being used in houses until it was banned in 1978, that’s the indicator Mauro and other contractors use to determine whether or not to test for lead....

In this episode: There is something tranquil about a water feature in a natural landscape. It adds a beautiful visual element to the yard and the sound of running water creates a sense of peace and serenity. In this special episode, we’ll share some of the features we’ve added to homeowners’ houses over the years and we’ll break down the process of adding one of these to your own backyard....

In this episode: Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey tells all about how his career as a plumber started. As a 4th generation owner of a successful plumbing and heating company, Richard knew what he would do for a career very early on. He would draw pictures of himself fixing sinks and making plumbing repairs in school. While working for his father’s business, Richard explains the company received a call from a public television channel asking if they’d be interested in appearing on the show....

In this episode: Master electrician Heath Eastman explains the hand tools every homeowner should have in their DIY electrical kit. Heath shows us the voltage testers, special screwdrivers, pliers, and wire strippers that most homeowners should keep on hand, and even shows us how to use them on a basic home electrical repair. Next, we join home technology expert Ross Trethewey on a house call to help a homeowner figure out their energy loss....

In this episode: Several Ask This Old House crew members give us an inside look at the roles their fathers played as mentors, inspiring them to pursue the trades. Tom, Nathan, Mauro, Richard, Heath, and Ross explain how their fathers were their biggest mentors, fostering their respective loves for building and fixing things and helping them become the people they are today. Next, general contractor Tom Silva takes us on a house call....

In this episode: Master electrician Heath Eastman takes us on a house call to solve a homeowner’s doorbell problem. After moving in, the homeowner attempted to fix an old doorbell, only to have it crumble into pieces. Heath uses his expertise to track down the existing wiring and transformer first before running new wiring and installing a new doorbell, chime, and transformer—a process that might be more involved than it seems....

Gauge Its Metal You want the strong, silent type, which is characteristic—counterintuitively—of the lowest and thus best gauges. No need to lose sleep over 16- versus 18-gauge, but when you get up to 22-gauge the metal is more prone to denting and vibrating, and less able to handle a garbage disposer. High-gauge drop-ins can be especially thin around the edges, making them ill equipped to support the heavier weight of a quality faucet....

Top 5 Christmas Lights Most Durable: JMEXSUSS LED String Lights Best For Trees: Prextex Christmas Light Set Best Length: SANJICHA Extra-Long Lights Best White Lights: 612 Vermont Clear Christmas Lights Most Eco-Friendly: Joomer Solar Christmas Lights Most Durable: JMEXSUSS LED String Lights With 200 bulbs, these lights bring a warm glow to any room. In addition to being used to light mantels, trees, and other indoor spaces, these lights are also certified for outdoor use with their oxidation- and freeze-resistant design....

Top 5 Coffee Mugs Best For Camping: YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Mug Best Handle: Hydro Flask Coffee Travel Mug Best Design: Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug Best Smart Mug: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug Best Glass Mug: JoyJolt Serene Double-Walled Glass Coffee Mug Best For Camping: YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Mug This mug is made from durable 18/8 stainless steel that’s resistant to dents and scratches....

Top 5 Reading Chairs Most Portable: Milliard Cozy Chair Best Armchair: BELLEZE Accent Chair Best Recliner: GDFStudio Macedonia Fabric Recliner Best Papasan Chair: OSP Home Furnishings Wicker Papasan Chair Best Bean Bag Chair: Chill Sack Bean Bag Chair Most Portable: Milliard Cozy Chair If you’re seeking a reading chair that you can move from room to room based on where you want to read on a given day, this may be the product for you....

Top 5 Thermostats Best Smart Thermostat: Google Nest Learning Thermostat Best Value: Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat Best Sensor: ecobee SmartThermostat Best Non-Programmable Thermostat: Honeywell Pro Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat Best Programmable Thermostat: Orbit Clean Comfort Programmable Thermostat Best Smart Thermostat: Google Nest Learning Thermostat The third generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat has some of the most advanced features available. With automatic temperature adjustments, voice control capability, and energy-saving technology, this thermostat is hard to beat....

Top 5 Tool Backpacks Best Tall Bag: Klein Tools Tool Backpack Most Pockets: CLC Custom LeatherCraft Tool Backpack Best Hanging Hook: Klein Tools Durable Electrician Backpack Best Small Bag: DEWALT Lighted Tool Backpack Best USB Port: SWISSGEAR Work Pack Pro Best Tall Bag: Klein Tools Tool Backpack This 39-pocket tool bag is made from water-resistant woven fabric. The molded base and hard front pocket make it durable enough to store delicate items, such as safety glasses....

Top 5 Trash Cans Best Overall: Simplehuman Kitchen Trash Can This 13-gallon trash can has a semi-round shape and flat rear for easy placement in your room. This model also comes with a strong steel pedal and a silent-close lid for easy operation. Additionally, this trash can features a slide lock to help you keep pets and children from accessing its contents. Key Features Has a 13-gallon capacity Protected by a five-year limited warranty Weighs seven pounds Built with heavy-duty plastic...