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Welcome to our biggest, baddest (as in good) annual guide to the little-known items and resources that'll transform your house into a home like no other on your block. To create it, we tapped experts, both here at This Old House and among the trade-people we know—as well as a few super handy readers—to point us to those specialty products and services that are lifesavers when you're tackling a DIY project or need professional fix-up help. We've rounded up our list of favorites, including a bathtub refinisher who'll renew your vintage claw-foot and a no-polish zinc countertop that'll trim your KP duties, and we're excited to spread the word. Like you, we're all pretty budget-conscious these days, so we've included some special penny-pinching editors' budget picks for you to profit from. Read on for our top finds to get your own old house hum­ming again. Then, in the spirit of giving, pass it on.

The quickest way to transform an old light, other than changing the shade, is to replace the vinyl cord with an elegant fabric-covered one. The Antique Lamp Co. in Buffalo, New York, carries rayon cording in gold, white, brown, and black, companion Bakelite plugs, and a variety of other lamp parts—even brass socket housings. About 90 cents per foot of cording.