Rafael Lumber & Building Supply

Do-it-Yourself Help -
Information Resources on the Internet

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For your convenience we have compiled a list of popular websites with useful product information and how-to information. We have also included links for consumer information and government agencies relevant to home improvement.

(Note: Rafael Lumber does not spcifically endorse the information on the following websites and is not responsible for their content. Always check local building codes prior to starting a project. Read the manufacturers instructions provided with tools and products, and seek the help of qualified contractors when necessary.) (back)

Categories:

TV and Magazine Related Sites

Home Improvement Directories with How To Info

Government and Consumer Information

Home Design

Energy Conservation

Rafael Lumber Vendor Websites

Industry Websites

TV and Magazine Related Sites

HomeTime http://www.hometime.com/
How-to information, including step-by-step guides, photos and supply lists, on dozens of home improvement projects from the producers of the weekly TV show on PBS.

BobVilla.com http://www.bobvila.com/
Official site with a how-to library and information on his TV shows.

Home & Garden Television (HGTV) (http://www.hgtv.com)
Thie site provides program guide, links to home and garden material referenced in their many shows, and on the Internet.

This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/)
The companion website to the popular PBS TV series.

New Yankee Workshop (http://www.newyankee.com)
The companion website to the popular PBS TV series.

DIY Net (http://www.diynet.com)
The companion website to the popular HGTV series.

Better Homes and Gardens Home Improvement Encyclopedia
(http://www.bhg.com/bhg/househome/index.jhtml)
Offers advice for home improvement inside and outside your home including wiring, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.

Woodworkers Journal Magazine (http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/)
The companion website to the popular woodworkers magazine.

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Home Improvement Directories with How To Info

Doityourself.com (http://www.doityourself.com/)
Offers information on home improvement and repair, remodeling, redecorating, and plumbing.

ImproveNet (www.improvenet.com)
Provides home improvement information and resources with a service that matches interested homeowners with architects, designers, and contractors.

Home and Garden Directory (http://HomeandGarden.us)
Home improvement directory covering many aspects of home improvement. Sections include decorating, electricity, plumbing, general repair and maintenance.

Hometips.com (http://www.hometips.com)
Home improvement directory covering many aspects of home improvement.

Ask The Builder (http://www.askthebuilder.com)
Home building, remodeling and improvement Information with links to a variety of products.

OldHouse.com (http://www.oldhouse.com/newsite)
A useful Directory for those taking on older houses. Not associated with the PBS-TV Series.

ebuild (http://www.ebuild.com) Information and reviews of hundreds of home improvement and building products from appliances to flooring to walls and ceilings products.

ImproveNet (http://www.improvenet.com/)
Online contractor-finder and general home design information

Great Possibilities (http://www.greatpossibilities.com)
A large directory of construction and home improvement links

Michigan State University - Home Maintenance And Repair
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/master02.html
A simple yet informative website with useful information on home repairs.

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Government and Consumer Information

California State Contractors License Board (http://www.cslb.ca.gov)
This California State government site allows you check the license status, workers comp, and bonds of contractors you are considering hiring. (http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/License+Request.asp)
There are also useful guides to hiring and working with contractors (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractorEd/FreeInfoPostcard.asp)
and information on contracting (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/hicontracts.asp)

Information on building codes and building permits
A directory of Marin County governments that have local planning and permitting requirements can be found at (http://www.marin.org/html/governments.cfm)
For unincorporated areas of Marin County contact (http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/CURRENT/)

Federal Trade Commission Information (www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/homeimpv.htm)
Facts for Consumers on working with home improvement and repair contractors

Federal Consumer Information Center
(www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/home-improve/homimprv.htm)
Advice about home Improvement and covers such aspects as hiring help and financing repairs.

HUD - US Department of Housing and Urban Development (http://www.hud.gov/improvements/index.cfm)
Information on home improvement Loans/grants for low income, Native Americans & Rural home improvement projects

State Consumer Affairs (http://www.dca.ca.gov/r_r/conhotoc.htm)
Good source of consumer information on working with contractors, architects, engineers, and surveyors.

Association of Bay Area Governments Earthquake and Hazard Maps
(http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/eqmaps/)
Provides information on Earthquake Planning and safety. Generates maps of earthquake hazard by zipcode.

Consumer Reports Magazine Online(http://www.consumerreports.org)
This is a subscription based service but there is very helpful information on home and garden products, reviews and ratings, etc.

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Home Design

Home Design Forum (http://www.DesignCommunity.com/home_design.html) A home design discussion area sponsored by ArchitectureWeek

The Not So Big House (http://www.notsobighouse.com/) Home design advice and information from the authors of the popular book The Not So Big House

Residential Home Design Articles (http://www.ArchitectureWeek.com/topics/home.html)
Articles on home design from ArchitectureWeek magazine

Websites4Contractors (http://www.websites4contractors.com) Web Design and Marketing for the Home Improvement Contractor.

eplans.com (http://www.eplans.com) Home improvement house plans, blueprints and floor plans for home design construction projects.

ArchitectureWeek (http://www.ArchitectureWeek.com/links/links.cgi/Home_Improvement)
Directory of many links to architecture and home improvement sites, plans, etc.

The Log Home Builder's Association (http://www.loghomebuilders.org/)
Good resource point for those interested in Log Homes.

Energy Conservation

PGE Energy Calculator
(http://www.pge.com/res/energy_tools_resources/energy_calculator/index.shtml)
PGE has a useful calculator for estimating and planning energy costs for various systems in your residence.

EnergyStar Information (http://www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement)
This U.S. government site provides energy on Energy Star related products and energy effeciency.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (http://www.nrel.gov)
Information on energy conservation and research into new building materials and procedures. (also http://www.nrel.gov/buildings_thermal)

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