Roughly half the costs of a remodel are for materials, so it pays to be mindful of potential pitfalls. If you're a DIYer, avoiding some minor and major mistakes can help you make the most of this significant investment. You probably already know it's... more »

A contractor without a contract is just a worker and his or her word. Even the most honest person would be hard-pressed to keep track of all the conversations that go into planning for the average construction project. That's where a good contract... more »

Contractors didn't become contractors because they love to communicate. If they did they would have become speechwriters or newscasters (or get a gig writing ideabooks for Houzz). Sometimes what they say seems completely obvious to them, but makes no... more »

If you are working on a DIY remodel, deciding whether to call in a specialty contractor to perform a specific task comes down to several areas you'll need to consider: *Skill. Do you have the necessary skills to build a sound structure, ... more »

Unlike a specialized contractor, a general contractor (GC) oversees all onsite aspects of a construction project. Whether the GC, any employees or any subcontractors do the work, this is the person you call about everything. A good GC needs to know... more »

Everyone knows remodeling is expensive, but it usually ends up becoming even more expensive than you thought. So, how can you get the house you want while sticking to a strict budget? Take some advice from this contractor — the tips below can help you... more »

Let's get to the nitty-gritty of what it means to remodel green. Being green starts long before you think about where you want to put the tub, and the effects last into the future long after you're gone. Remodeling can be a wasteful process. The least... more »

There's no crystal ball that can tell you what might go wrong on your home remodeling project, but you don't need to be able to see into the future to be prepared for an unwelcome surprise or two along the way. Adding a contingency fund that's 5 to 20... more »

The contractor-homeowner relationship can be complicated, but it's not hopeless — understanding the process can help you get the most out of your remodeling project. Take a look at the hints and suggestions I've picked up from my years of working as... more »

A contractor and a client can have a complicated relationship. When you're dealing with your home, sensitive and incredibly important issues arise. While communication is key, there might be some things we contractors aren't saying. Sometimes there... more »

Many homeowners are intimidated by DIY plumbing projects. But if you follow a few simple steps, you won't have anything to fear. I asked Mike Hardy, a master plumber in Roswell, Georgia, to demonstrate the proper way to install a toilet. He was gracious... more »

Most households have a room where the main activity is watching TV. We're well past the era when all you needed was an outlet and a pair of rabbit ears — now, DVD players, game consoles, cable and satellites, computer networks and stereo systems all... more »

Laundry rooms these days are migrating upstairs from basements, where they've traditionally sat in most homes. Sometimes these rooms are little more than two appliances and a slop sink in an unfinished space. While this is a step up from rubbing the clothes... more »

Basements are tricky. These large spaces beg for a new use, but they often become dumping grounds for all of life's extras. If selling your house in this market isn't an option but you want extra living space, you might find yourself pacing back and forth... more »