What better way to learn about building and remodeling homes than to watch videos of pros demonstrating time-tested techniques? These are the most popular tips and techniques we published this past year, but there are plenty more how-to videos where these came from. Enjoy!

10. How to Install an Arc-Fault Breaker

Swapping out a standard breaker for an arc-fault breaker is a straightforward process. Learn exactly how to do it, step-by-step, in this Mastered in a Minute video.

Watch: How to Install an Arc-Fault Breaker

9. Tie In to Cast-Iron Pipe With PVC

No-hub couplings make it easy to tie in to existing cast-iron drain/waste/vent lines with new PVC.

Watch: Tie In to Cast-Iron Pipe with PVC

8. How to Transfer Hinge Locations to a Replacement Door

When fitting a new door slab to an old jamb, laying out the hinge locations is critical to the door’s operation. Learn how accurate measurements and marks help doors swing easy.

Watch: How to Transfer Hinge Locations to a Replacement Door

7. How to Mortise Hinges With a Chisel

Although a router and jig can be used, mortising hinges with a chisel is a solid, time-tested method. All it takes is a sharp chisel, a steady hand, and a mallet.

Watch: How to Mortise Hinges With a Chisel

6. Scribing Made Simple

In this video, we’ll show you some basic techniques, but all it takes is a bit of practice to move up to the more difficult versions.

Watch: Scribing Made Simple

5. How to Cut Window and Door Openings With a Router

Using a router and panel pilot bit is a fast and accurate method to cut out window and door openings. We’ll show you how it’s done in this Mastered in a Minute video.

Watch: How to Cut Window and Door Opening With a Router

4. How to Add a New Outlet to an Existing Run

Splicing a new receptacle in the middle of a run is simple. Watch this video and learn how it’s done.

Watch: How to Add a New Outlet to an Existing Run

3. How to Wire an Instagram-Worthy Electrical Subpanel

In this video, electrician C.J. Nielsen demonstrates how to wire up a subpanel that looks so good, you won’t want to put a cover on it (though, if the inspector checks in, you’ll have to).

Watch: How to Wire and Instagram-Worthy Electrical Subpanel

2. How to Transition From Copper to PEX

Transitioning from copper to PEX is a common thing to do when adding new supply lines to an existing home. Sweat adapters make this transition simple. Learn more about how it’s done in this video.

Watch: How to Transition From Copper to PEX

1. EZ Soffit Vent

Watch this video to see why the EZ Soffit Vent, distributed by Panasonic, is a real solution for a long-standing problem with soffit-mounted bath-vent outlets.

Watch: EZ Soffit Vent

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.

Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.

Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

Buy at Amazon