YouTube is an excellent resource if you want to be handier around the house. Whether you’re dealing with simple repairs or big improvement projects, these YouTube channels offer fantastic video tutorials that can save you time, money, and frustration.
HouseImprovements
The HouseImprovements YouTube channel covers a broad range of DIY projects including plumbing, carpentry, and electrical. Over the past four years, Shannon has created cover 125 DIY videos that range from projects for beginners to more complicated jobs like wood stud framing and how to hang dry wall. He does a great job of explaining projects and repairs in an easy to understand fashion. If you’re looking to tackle bigger home improvement projects, rather than small repairs, his channel will prove more useful than the channels listed below. He may not have the charisma of a Bob Vila, but if you want no-fuss help with your DIY projects, his YouTube channel is a must follow.
FIX IT Home Improvement
The FIX IT Home Improvement channel is the brain child of a former hardware store owner who made it his business to help homeowners with projects around the house. With over 6 years of “How To” videos at your disposal, you’re likely to find help with your home repair. Plumbing issues and repairs is his specialty, making his channel a great resource whenever you’re dealing with a toilet, shower, sink, or hot water heater. Whether you need help replacing a water heater pressure relief valve, replacing a toilet fill valve, or simply want to know how to properly set and place a mouse trap, the FIX IT channel has the answers.
DIY Hip Chicks
Beth Allen from the DIY Hip Chicks channel is a licensed contractor, interior designer, and DIY expert with videos that empower women to get handy around the house. She differentiates herself by offering videos designed for people who are intimidated by even the smallest home repair or improvement project. While she does post some videos of more complicated jobs, more seasoned DIY’ers will probably want to look elsewhere. I should also mention that while her niche is helping women, her videos are by no means gender specific. I have used several of her DIY videos including how to install a light fixture and how to install a USB electrical outlet to help get the job done correctly.
Home Repair Tutor
The Home Repair Tutor channel is hosted by Jeff Patterson, an expert handyman and real estate entrepreneur. With over 140 videos on plumbing, electrical, and carpentry, the channel is an excellent resource for home repairs and remodeling. Also, his channel is a great resource if you’re looking to sell your house in the near future. He will help you improve your home’s curb appeal and overall cleanliness via his ”cleaning” video playlist. He has some great tutorials on things like removing oil stains from concrete and how to effectively clean grout. Taking care of these little things around the house can add up to a significantly higher asking price when it’s time to list your home.
Steve Ramsey Woodworking
The woodworking tutorials on the Steve Ramsey channel have over 30 million views for a reason; they are highly entertaining and informative. The next time something made of wood breaks in your home, check out his channel. He probably has a tip on how to fix it, or instructions on how to make your own. For example, instead of replacing a wooden gate, learn to make one yourself. If your home is in need of some organization, learn to make your own closet organizer and shelving system. Whether you’re a novice woodworker or a seasoned pro, Steve’s channel will undoubtedly help you out.
Sparky Channel
As you may have guessed, the Sparky Channel does a great job focusing on DIY electrical projects around the house. A quirky fellow named Bill hosts all of the videos and does a thorough job explaining projects so you get the job done right and don’t electrocute yourself. A couple videos that I have used successfully include how to wire a 20 amp GFCI receptacle and how to wire a double duplex receptacle in a garage. Before you call the electrician, it’s worth checking out his channel to see if you can do the work yourself and save some money.
Growing Your Greens
John’s channel Growing Your Greens is a must follow if you want to turn your thumbs from black to green. His gardening videos are in-depth and cover topics like how to plant bare root fruit trees in containers, how to grow a garden when you have limited space, and how to compost the easy way. His style is fun and laid-back, yet very informative and detailed. A deal-hunter by nature, John’s videos always give advice on how to grow an organic garden in the most affordable way possible. This often includes the best stores to find gardening deals and tips on building free alternatives to costly supplies. With over 1,000 videos in the past five years, he is sure to have answers to whatever DIY gardening question you might have.
This Old House
While the This Old House channel is more widely known than many on this list, it’s worth including due to the tremendous depth of topics covered. With close to 1,200 videos covering plumbing repairs, curb appeal upgrades, flooring installation, and lawn care, you’ll easily find answers to your DIY questions. I have been a fan of the TV show for years and it’s very handy to have all of their segments broken up into searchable YouTube videos for quick access when you need help with a repair or project.
Use these YouTube resources as your starting point when researching whether you can handle a repair or home improvement project. It’s a sick feeling when you hire a professional only to have them charge you for something you could have clearly accomplished yourself with just a little bit of research.