Once you know how to build a stud wall on a DIY basis, you can step into any remodeling project feeling confident that you have one of the most useful home improvement skills under your belt.

Notches in non-bearing walls can't exceed 40 percent of their width. The edge of a hole must be at least 5/8 in. from the edge of a stud. To appease the plumbing gods, building codes have made at ...