The vast expanse of the Internet is filled with useful information for anyone planning to repair, renovate or redecorate their home, but it's not always easy to know where to look. Start with our selection of the top home remodeling and home improvement blogs, from the celebrity experts to the best local professionals ready to provide you with all the tips, advice and information you need to get and keep your home looking its best.
Best creative inspiration blog -- Apartment Therapy
Come for a never-ending supply of photos, ideas and trends culled from uniquely gorgeous homes from coast to coast. The goal, they say, is "a calm, healthy, beautiful home." If this doesn't get your creative juices flowing, nothing will.
Stay for bargain-hunting and do-it-yourself tips that can help you get the look you want without paying top dollar. The site includes individual portals for six metropolises -- New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. -- but you can find inspiration to bring home no matter where you live.
Best comprehensive home improvement blog -- On the Level
Come for news, tips, advice and information from the experts at BobVila.com -- though not directly from Bob himself, the iconic former host of "This Old House." They'll teach you everything you need to know about home repair, maintenance and renovation, from hurricane preparedness to water conservation to safety guidelines for the do-it-yourself homeowner.
Stay for a video library featuring step-by-step instructions for household projects and Bob Vila television clips. You also can get advice and share your expertise with other home improvement enthusiasts in the "My Projects" community.
Best tools blog -- Toolmonger
Come for an exhaustive guide to the best, newest and just plain coolest tools to fit all your home improvement needs. They have deals, news, reviews and more for anyone who loves to linger all afternoon in the Home Depot or Lowe's tool section.
Stay for the "It's Just Cool" section, which spotlights new products you might not need but definitely will want. Recent highlights include a mosquito-zapping laser and a personal jetpack with a maximum speed of 63 mph.
Best plumbing blog -- Ask a Plumber
Come for just what you'd expect from the name: the opportunity to get answers to all your plumbing questions. Founder Ron Turner, a master plumber with 30 years experience, leads a consortium of experts who publish articles and dish out information in the user forum.
Stay for a plumbing glossary that will have you talking like a professional the next time you hit the hardware store for a fitting, drain or fixture.
Best electrical wiring blog -- Ask the Electrician
Come for a comprehensive look at home electrical issues, much like Ask a Plumber. Licensed contractor Dave Rongey's site is a great reference tool for both inexperienced homeowners and veteran electricians looking to brush up on details.
Stay for all the safety information you'll need to avoid injury. The site includes articles and checklists to help you stay safe while you're working on a do-it-yourself wiring project.
Best reimagining furniture blog -- IKEA Hacker
Come for a wealth of ideas from IKEA fans who post photos and step-by-step descriptions of their efforts to reengineer existing pieces from the Swedish furniture giant. Learn how to turn a wall of bookcases into dresser bins or turn a kitchen butcher's block into a bathroom vanity with two sinks.
Stay for creative suggestions for remixing your existing furniture and other home items in unexpected ways, whether they're IKEA or not.
Best interior painting blog -- That Painter Lady
Come for an extensive guide to faux finish painting from custom interior painter Debra Conrad. Learn the techniques to give your walls a faux brick, stone, ceramic or marble look.
Stay for tips for the beginner mural painter. If you're feeling adventurous, Debra has techniques that will be invaluable if you're painting a children's room or rec room.
Best "what do you think?" blog -- Rate My Space
Come for the chance to view, rate and comment on photos uploaded by other homeowners. Pick up some new ideas or upload your own photos and videos - to show off your space or ask for help.
Stay for photo and video galleries of the lowest-rated rooms before and after they're renovated and redecorated by the crew from HGTV's "Rate My Space."
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Photo: workbench