Home Renovations: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Pre-Fab Shower Stall or Custom
When renovating your bathroom, you'll need to decide whether to install a prefabricated shower stall or construct a tiled shower stall. Let this guide help you decide.
When renovating your bathroom, you'll need to decide whether to install a prefabricated shower stall or construct a tiled shower stall. Let this guide help you decide.
Kitchen Design Layouts
Learn about kitchen design layouts for your kitchen remodel.
Learn about kitchen design layouts for your kitchen remodel.
Refinishing Your Bathtub
Got a yucky, chipped, and scratched bathtub? Learn how you can refinish instead of replace - the process, quality, cost, and more.
Got a yucky, chipped, and scratched bathtub? Learn how you can refinish instead of replace - the process, quality, cost, and more.
Bathroom Flooring Options
Style, durability, and resistence to moisture are three main considerations when looking for bathroom flooring. Let's look at all of your options--carpet, solid hardwood, laminate flooring, engineered wood, stone, vinyl, and ceramic tile.
Style, durability, and resistence to moisture are three main considerations when looking for bathroom flooring. Let's look at all of your options--carpet, solid hardwood, laminate flooring, engineered wood, stone, vinyl, and ceramic tile.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Follow these bathroom remodeling steps to transform an ugly, barely-functional bathroom into a thing of beauty!
Follow these bathroom remodeling steps to transform an ugly, barely-functional bathroom into a thing of beauty!
Engineered Wood Flooring
For many homeowners, engineered wood flooring just might be the perfect compromise between solid hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. Learn the basics about this great wood flooring product.
For many homeowners, engineered wood flooring just might be the perfect compromise between solid hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. Learn the basics about this great wood flooring product.
How to Tile a Shower
A tiled shower is the holy grail of bathrooms - clean, neat, and custom-made. But can you tile a shower yourself? Yes.
A tiled shower is the holy grail of bathrooms - clean, neat, and custom-made. But can you tile a shower yourself? Yes.
Bathtub and Shower Liners
If your bathtub or shower are scratched beyond repair or just generally falling apart, but you don't want to replace, reliners may be your best option.
If your bathtub or shower are scratched beyond repair or just generally falling apart, but you don't want to replace, reliners may be your best option.
How Much Does Granite Cost?
How much does granite cost for kitchen counters? Is the cost of granite within reach for your kitchen countertops? Find out...
How much does granite cost for kitchen counters? Is the cost of granite within reach for your kitchen countertops? Find out...
Bathroom Paint Colors
Want some great bathroom paint colors ideas? Follow our quick walk-through of tried-and-true bathroom paint colors, and just copy them for your own bathroom!
Want some great bathroom paint colors ideas? Follow our quick walk-through of tried-and-true bathroom paint colors, and just copy them for your own bathroom!
How to Renovate a Kitchen
A tutorial to help when you undertake kitchen remodeling. Start here and learn how to remodel a kitchen from beginning to end.
A tutorial to help when you undertake kitchen remodeling. Start here and learn how to remodel a kitchen from beginning to end.
Renovation Process
When you renovate a house, what comes first? Then second, then third, and so on? While not set in stone, the process of renovating does have a few key concepts.
When you renovate a house, what comes first? Then second, then third, and so on? While not set in stone, the process of renovating does have a few key concepts.
What is Romex?
When discussing electrical part, you often hear the word "romex" or "nm." What is romex?
When discussing electrical part, you often hear the word "romex" or "nm." What is romex?
Kitchen Design Software
Let's look at kitchen design software - especially the free kitchen design software - to help you design your kitchen without spending money on professionals.
Let's look at kitchen design software - especially the free kitchen design software - to help you design your kitchen without spending money on professionals.
Install New Electrical Outlet
Are your old electrical outlets old, worn, and loose? Replace them with new, safer electrical outlets. This is one of the easier quick-fixes you can do, and it'll make your house look a lot spiffier!
Are your old electrical outlets old, worn, and loose? Replace them with new, safer electrical outlets. This is one of the easier quick-fixes you can do, and it'll make your house look a lot spiffier!
Top 6 Kitchen Countertops
You have a host of countertop options for the kitchen. No longer limited to Formica, countertops now are being made of stone, concrete, granite, engineered stone, stainless steel and, yes, good old laminate.
You have a host of countertop options for the kitchen. No longer limited to Formica, countertops now are being made of stone, concrete, granite, engineered stone, stainless steel and, yes, good old laminate.
Laminate Flooring Basics
What is laminate flooring? Do you want it in your living room or kitchen?
What is laminate flooring? Do you want it in your living room or kitchen?
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Get great kitchen backsplash ideas. Kitchen backsplash design can be easy if you know a few simple tricks.
Get great kitchen backsplash ideas. Kitchen backsplash design can be easy if you know a few simple tricks.
Bathroom Plans
Check out our bathroom plans. Free bathroom floor plans for your next remodeling project - for you master bathroom, 2nd bathroom, or powder/guest bathroom.
Check out our bathroom plans. Free bathroom floor plans for your next remodeling project - for you master bathroom, 2nd bathroom, or powder/guest bathroom.
Roof Replacement Basics
Your roof is your "umbrella" against everything the world dishes out to you. It also protects your valuable inside home repairs. Replace your roof, and keep the rest of your house intact.
Your roof is your "umbrella" against everything the world dishes out to you. It also protects your valuable inside home repairs. Replace your roof, and keep the rest of your house intact.
Small Bathroom Ideas
Get the fast-track to a new bathroom: small bathroom ideas you can copy and use for yourself. Find small bathroom ideas, pictures, and plans.
Get the fast-track to a new bathroom: small bathroom ideas you can copy and use for yourself. Find small bathroom ideas, pictures, and plans.
Which Kind of Tile Mortar to U
Which kind of tile mortar to use?
Which kind of tile mortar to use?
Corridor Kitchen Design Basics
One of the better kitchen designs is the corridor-shaped kitchen. Learn the basics of designing a corridor style kitchen and maximizing space and efficiency.
One of the better kitchen designs is the corridor-shaped kitchen. Learn the basics of designing a corridor style kitchen and maximizing space and efficiency.
Kitchen Paint Colors
Sit back and relax - enjoy and learn from these 10 top kitchen paint colors to copy for your own kitchen from name-brands like Valspar, Sherwin Williams, Martha Stewart, and more.
Sit back and relax - enjoy and learn from these 10 top kitchen paint colors to copy for your own kitchen from name-brands like Valspar, Sherwin Williams, Martha Stewart, and more.
Should You Build an Addition
Debating the various aspects--good and bad--of building an addition to your house.
Debating the various aspects--good and bad--of building an addition to your house.
Drywall Sizing
Learn some of the basics of drywall sizes and thicknesses.
Learn some of the basics of drywall sizes and thicknesses.
Electrical Conduit Basics
Learn some basics about electrical conduit.
Learn some basics about electrical conduit.
HardiPlank Siding
Is HardiPlank right for your home? Find out if the higher costs associated with HardiPlank are worth it.
Is HardiPlank right for your home? Find out if the higher costs associated with HardiPlank are worth it.
Install Metal Roofing
Install metal roofing? You may have seen this in architectural magazines, but how about on your house?
Install metal roofing? You may have seen this in architectural magazines, but how about on your house?
Install Cement Board
Learn how to install cement backer board and make your tiling work go a lot faster and smoother.
Learn how to install cement backer board and make your tiling work go a lot faster and smoother.
Convert Dryer Cord
When moving a newer dryer into an older house, one common problem is that the dryer has a 4 prong plug yet the outlet has 3 prongs. How do you convert?
When moving a newer dryer into an older house, one common problem is that the dryer has a 4 prong plug yet the outlet has 3 prongs. How do you convert?
The Laws of Tiling
Keep these 4 basic rules of tiling in mind when setting tiles in your bathroom or kitchen.
Keep these 4 basic rules of tiling in mind when setting tiles in your bathroom or kitchen.
The Basics of Wood Flooring
Learn all the basics of wood flooring--from solid hardwood floor to laminate flooring.
Learn all the basics of wood flooring--from solid hardwood floor to laminate flooring.
What is Cement Board?
Cement board is one of home renovation's greatest inventions - find out how to use cement backer board to make your tiling work go faster.
Cement board is one of home renovation's greatest inventions - find out how to use cement backer board to make your tiling work go faster.
Bathroom Tile Ideas
Check out our picture gallery of great bathroom tile ideas you can install.
Check out our picture gallery of great bathroom tile ideas you can install.
Fix Sagging, Sloping Floors
Sagging, sloping, and out-of-level floors are common in old houses. What causes this, how to fix it, and how much to fix?
Sagging, sloping, and out-of-level floors are common in old houses. What causes this, how to fix it, and how much to fix?
Renovation Resale Value
What is the Resale Value of Your Home Renovation?
What is the Resale Value of Your Home Renovation?
Bathroom Tile Pictures
View bathroom tile pictures you can copy for your own bathroom.
View bathroom tile pictures you can copy for your own bathroom.
Basic Drywall Layout
The most basic way to install drywall on wall studs.
The most basic way to install drywall on wall studs.
Pre-Hung vs. Slab Doors
What's the difference between a prehung and a slab door? Why would you use one over the other?
What's the difference between a prehung and a slab door? Why would you use one over the other?
Save on Bathroom Remodel
Identify aspects of bathroom remodeling that drive up costs--and find solutions for lowering those costs.
Identify aspects of bathroom remodeling that drive up costs--and find solutions for lowering those costs.
What is Grout Sealer?
"Do I really need to use grout sealer on my tile grout? If so, how do I apply grout sealer?"
"Do I really need to use grout sealer on my tile grout? If so, how do I apply grout sealer?"
Greenboard Drywall
Learn more about where greenboard drywall should be used. Contrary to what some people may think, greenboard drywall is not used in shower stalls.
Learn more about where greenboard drywall should be used. Contrary to what some people may think, greenboard drywall is not used in shower stalls.
What is a Prefab Shower Stall?
The prefab shower is, in my opinion, one of the better home improvement items to come along in the last several decades. The prefabricated shower stall allows you to install a shower much quicker than building a tiled shower unit.
The prefab shower is, in my opinion, one of the better home improvement items to come along in the last several decades. The prefabricated shower stall allows you to install a shower much quicker than building a tiled shower unit.
Shower Repair with Filler
The spectrum of shower repair ranges from ignoring the ugly thing (zero cost) to ripping it out and starting again (high cost). Showers can be repaired in other ways, though. Take a look.
The spectrum of shower repair ranges from ignoring the ugly thing (zero cost) to ripping it out and starting again (high cost). Showers can be repaired in other ways, though. Take a look.
Interior Home Painting Tips
Interior house painting is a potentially messy, time-consuming job. Follow these rules and I guarantee your project will go faster and be cleaner.
Interior house painting is a potentially messy, time-consuming job. Follow these rules and I guarantee your project will go faster and be cleaner.
Small Kitchen Remodeling
Yes, small kitchen remodeling is different from other types of kitchen remodeling. Learn how a small kitchen remodel works, and how you can do it for the lowest possible cost.
Yes, small kitchen remodeling is different from other types of kitchen remodeling. Learn how a small kitchen remodel works, and how you can do it for the lowest possible cost.
Small Bathroom Remodel
Find out how a small bathroom remodel works. Small bathroom remodeling can greatly improve your property value and beautify your home, in the process. Learn how here.
Find out how a small bathroom remodel works. Small bathroom remodeling can greatly improve your property value and beautify your home, in the process. Learn how here.
How to Rent a Container
A dumpster (otherwise known as a container or rolloff) is essential for demolition work related to home renovation. How do you go about renting one?
A dumpster (otherwise known as a container or rolloff) is essential for demolition work related to home renovation. How do you go about renting one?
Electrical Service Panel Basic
Many home renovators may perform some electrical repairs on their own, but they often avoid the electrical service panel. Here are some basics of this oft-ignored but highly essential part of the electrical system.
Many home renovators may perform some electrical repairs on their own, but they often avoid the electrical service panel. Here are some basics of this oft-ignored but highly essential part of the electrical system.
Painting Cabinets
Painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to improve their appearance. Find out how to paint your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to improve their appearance. Find out how to paint your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Fiberglass Pan in Tile Shower
Q: Is it Possible to Install a Fiberglass Shower Pan in a Tile Shower? A: Our Advice...
Q: Is it Possible to Install a Fiberglass Shower Pan in a Tile Shower? A: Our Advice...
Laminate Floor Pros and Cons
Laminate flooring is great stuff. Looks super and it's easy to install. But there are problems, as well. Let's look at both sides of this popular flooring choice.
Laminate flooring is great stuff. Looks super and it's easy to install. But there are problems, as well. Let's look at both sides of this popular flooring choice.
Remodel Cost Estimates
Want an estimated figured for remodeling costs for kitchen, bathroom, exterior, and more? Looking for basic renovation costs? Look no further.
Want an estimated figured for remodeling costs for kitchen, bathroom, exterior, and more? Looking for basic renovation costs? Look no further.
Floating Floor Installation
The term "floating floor" is a misnomer, as floating floor is actually an installation method. Why then would you install a floor using the floating floor method?
The term "floating floor" is a misnomer, as floating floor is actually an installation method. Why then would you install a floor using the floating floor method?
Miter Box and Saw Basics
Why do you need a miter box and saw? And why, in the age of cheap power miter saws, would you need a manual miter box and saw?
Why do you need a miter box and saw? And why, in the age of cheap power miter saws, would you need a manual miter box and saw?
Bathroom Wall Surface Choices
Wall coverings for bathrooms - consider space and moisture. It's not always the easiest choice to make. Learn which kind of wall covering - wallpaper, tile, paint? - you want to use in your bathroom.
Wall coverings for bathrooms - consider space and moisture. It's not always the easiest choice to make. Learn which kind of wall covering - wallpaper, tile, paint? - you want to use in your bathroom.
Kitchen Triangle
The Classic Kitchen Triangle
The Classic Kitchen Triangle
Casement Window Downsides
Double-hung and slider windows are the most popular. Why aren't casement windows more popular? Here are some reasons why casements may not be the greatest window replacement choice.
Double-hung and slider windows are the most popular. Why aren't casement windows more popular? Here are some reasons why casements may not be the greatest window replacement choice.
Miracle Method Company Profile
Find out how the leader in the bathtub refinishing industry, Miracle Method, got there--and what their plans are for the future of tub refinishing and surface restoration.
Find out how the leader in the bathtub refinishing industry, Miracle Method, got there--and what their plans are for the future of tub refinishing and surface restoration.
Wood Floor Hardness Rating
Check out the Janka rating for the type of wood floor you want to buy.
Check out the Janka rating for the type of wood floor you want to buy.
Replacing Your Windows
Even though most window companies don't want you to know this, it is possible to replace your own windows.
Even though most window companies don't want you to know this, it is possible to replace your own windows.
Fast, Cheap Bathroom Remodel
With "easy, fast, and cheap" bathroom remodeling, you're turning a lousy and ugly bathroom into a minimally functional one. It will not win any interior design awards - but you'll always be able to brush your teeth and take a shower or bath.
With "easy, fast, and cheap" bathroom remodeling, you're turning a lousy and ugly bathroom into a minimally functional one. It will not win any interior design awards - but you'll always be able to brush your teeth and take a shower or bath.
Reduce Airflow, Reduce Sound
There is one little surprising trick you can use to soundproof a room. Find out how to soundproof a room considerably by doing just one thing that doesn’t cost much money.
There is one little surprising trick you can use to soundproof a room. Find out how to soundproof a room considerably by doing just one thing that doesn’t cost much money.
How to Test Electrical Current
Learn the safe and fast way to test an electric outlet with a voltage tester.
Learn the safe and fast way to test an electric outlet with a voltage tester.
Replacement Windows Basics
Learn a few basics of replacement windows - materials, cost, process, etc. - before you make the big leap and call a replacment window company.
Learn a few basics of replacement windows - materials, cost, process, etc. - before you make the big leap and call a replacment window company.
Floor Sander Basics
Educate yourself on the basics of floor sanders--drum sanders, vibrating sanders, and edge sanders.
Educate yourself on the basics of floor sanders--drum sanders, vibrating sanders, and edge sanders.
Bathtub Refinish Cost, Quality
How much does it cost to refinish your bathtub? We give some ballpark estimates of the price to refinish your bathtub.
How much does it cost to refinish your bathtub? We give some ballpark estimates of the price to refinish your bathtub.
Floating Floor - Definition
The term "floating floor" is used often when discussing laminate and engineered flooring. What does floating floor mean?
The term "floating floor" is used often when discussing laminate and engineered flooring. What does floating floor mean?
Bathroom Remodeling Cost
You want to know one thing: How much will it cost to renovate your bathroom? In this simple guide, we give you "ballpark" bathroom remodeling estimates.
You want to know one thing: How much will it cost to renovate your bathroom? In this simple guide, we give you "ballpark" bathroom remodeling estimates.
Kitchen Electrical Code Basics
Electrical code basics and highly recommended practices for kitchen renovation.
Electrical code basics and highly recommended practices for kitchen renovation.
Install Cabinet Hardware
A few tried-and-true steps for installing your cabinet and drawer knobs and drawers with a minimum of fuss...and zero damage to your cabinet's finish.
A few tried-and-true steps for installing your cabinet and drawer knobs and drawers with a minimum of fuss...and zero damage to your cabinet's finish.
Install Fiber-Cement Siding?
Fiber-cement siding is a great alternative to vinyl siding for many homeowners.
Fiber-cement siding is a great alternative to vinyl siding for many homeowners.
How to Build an Addition
What steps do you take to build an addition on your house? Is addition building really as painful as people claim? Find out here.
What steps do you take to build an addition on your house? Is addition building really as painful as people claim? Find out here.
Kitchen Islands Overview
Want more counter space? Place the cooktop (stove) on the kitchen island. Kitchen islands are great places to centralize your cooking operations!
Want more counter space? Place the cooktop (stove) on the kitchen island. Kitchen islands are great places to centralize your cooking operations!
3 Ways to Fix a Failed Window
If the view on your double-pane window is foggy, chances are the seal has failed. Find out 3 easier ways to fix this rather than replacing the whole window.
If the view on your double-pane window is foggy, chances are the seal has failed. Find out 3 easier ways to fix this rather than replacing the whole window.
Wonderboard - The Basics
Wonderboard is the brand name for a cement backer board for wet applications, mostly under tile? What is Wonderboard, and is it any good?
Wonderboard is the brand name for a cement backer board for wet applications, mostly under tile? What is Wonderboard, and is it any good?
Do I Need a Permit?
It's often difficult to know when you need a permit.
It's often difficult to know when you need a permit.
Steel Studs FAQs
Is it easier and cheaper to build an interior wall from steel rather than wood studs? Steel studs may be cheaper but not always easier.
Is it easier and cheaper to build an interior wall from steel rather than wood studs? Steel studs may be cheaper but not always easier.
Romex or Conduit Wiring
When dealing with exposed locations such as the masonry walls of a basement, there are certain rules governing the use of Romex or conduit.
When dealing with exposed locations such as the masonry walls of a basement, there are certain rules governing the use of Romex or conduit.
Accent Wall
It's easy and cheap to add an accent wall to charge up your room.
It's easy and cheap to add an accent wall to charge up your room.
Kitchen Design - 1 Wall Design
The most basic of all kitchen designs is the one-wall design. Find out the advantages and the many limitations of the one wall kitchen design.
The most basic of all kitchen designs is the one-wall design. Find out the advantages and the many limitations of the one wall kitchen design.
Tile Patterns
Get ready-made tile patterns you can duplicate for your own floor.
Get ready-made tile patterns you can duplicate for your own floor.
Finding Cheap Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are expensive. How hard can it be to find cheap kitchen cabinets. By being creative, you can find cheap kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen cabinets are expensive. How hard can it be to find cheap kitchen cabinets. By being creative, you can find cheap kitchen cabinets.
Tile Shower and Poly Pan
Combining a poly shower stall pan with tile gives you the best of both worlds: beauty and strength. It's worth investigating installing tile over a poly shower stall pan.
Combining a poly shower stall pan with tile gives you the best of both worlds: beauty and strength. It's worth investigating installing tile over a poly shower stall pan.
Basics of Trim and Molding
What are the different types of trim and molding for walls, doors, and windows?
What are the different types of trim and molding for walls, doors, and windows?
Save Money
Hiring windows installers is expensive. Can you put in your own replacement windows.
Hiring windows installers is expensive. Can you put in your own replacement windows.
Roof Pitch and Shingle Choices
Not all shingles can be used for every type of roof pitch. Learn how your roof pitch determines the type of shingles you can use.
Not all shingles can be used for every type of roof pitch. Learn how your roof pitch determines the type of shingles you can use.
Bathroom Layout Spacing
Space considerations when planning your bathroom remodeling layout.
Space considerations when planning your bathroom remodeling layout.
Sheet or Tile Vinyl Flooring?
Q: "I want to install vinyl flooring in my bathroom (8"x10") on a do it yourself basis. Which should I use - sheet or tile vinyl?"
Q: "I want to install vinyl flooring in my bathroom (8"x10") on a do it yourself basis. Which should I use - sheet or tile vinyl?"
Should I Use Bathroom Paint?
Do I really need to use special bathroom paint? How does bathroom paint differ from regular interior house paint?
Do I really need to use special bathroom paint? How does bathroom paint differ from regular interior house paint?
Install Asphalt Paving
You've decided to take the big leap and install new asphalt paving on your driveway. Here are the steps you'll take.
You've decided to take the big leap and install new asphalt paving on your driveway. Here are the steps you'll take.
Roofing Materials Basics
Asphalt, asphalt composition, shake, rubber, metal, ceramic tile - what type of roofing material is best, cheapest, and lasts longest? Learn about roof materials here.
Asphalt, asphalt composition, shake, rubber, metal, ceramic tile - what type of roofing material is best, cheapest, and lasts longest? Learn about roof materials here.
Kitchen Design Ideas
Get great kitchen design ideas. We have kitchen designs from professional kitchen designers you can copy for your own kitchen.
Get great kitchen design ideas. We have kitchen designs from professional kitchen designers you can copy for your own kitchen.
How to Fix Big Hole in Drywall
Eliminate that large hole in your drywall that has been staring at you for months. Do this easy drywall repair, and have solid, "hole-free" walls once again.
Eliminate that large hole in your drywall that has been staring at you for months. Do this easy drywall repair, and have solid, "hole-free" walls once again.
Bathroom Decorating Ideas
Get great bathroom decorating ideas with our picture gallery. Renovating your bathroom? Then get bathroom design ideas right here.
Get great bathroom decorating ideas with our picture gallery. Renovating your bathroom? Then get bathroom design ideas right here.
Bathrooms: Switch Toilet/Sink
Your toilet faces the bathroom door, but your sink is nicely secluded in a corner of the bathroom. Seems backwards, doesn't it? How hard is it to switch toilet and sink locations?
Your toilet faces the bathroom door, but your sink is nicely secluded in a corner of the bathroom. Seems backwards, doesn't it? How hard is it to switch toilet and sink locations?
What's a Microlam?
What's a microlam and how does it fit into your home renovation?
What's a microlam and how does it fit into your home renovation?
Backwire an Electric Outlet
When installing an electric outlet, backwiring is one of the essential skills you need to know.
When installing an electric outlet, backwiring is one of the essential skills you need to know.
Remove Load Bearing Wall
Removing load bearing walls is serious business. Consider all the factors before undertaking this important step.
Removing load bearing walls is serious business. Consider all the factors before undertaking this important step.
Kitchen Floor
See great kitchen floor ideas. Find out the best kitchen flooring options for your house.
See great kitchen floor ideas. Find out the best kitchen flooring options for your house.
Cut In Interior Trim Paint
"Cutting in" interior paint is a technique mainly reserved for professional painters. Find out their basic techniques.
"Cutting in" interior paint is a technique mainly reserved for professional painters. Find out their basic techniques.
Online Calculators Remodeling
Need a roof calculator, siding calculator, or tiling calculator? Check out our online calculator round-up!
Need a roof calculator, siding calculator, or tiling calculator? Check out our online calculator round-up!
Cheap Countertops
Cheap countertops? Are cheap countertops even possible? We explore the relative range of prices for kitchen and bathroom counters.
Cheap countertops? Are cheap countertops even possible? We explore the relative range of prices for kitchen and bathroom counters.
What is the Electrical Code?
The electrical code--properly called the National Electrical Code, published by the U.S. National Fire Protection Association--is one of the most important documents a home renovator can have. Here are the basics of the electrical code.
The electrical code--properly called the National Electrical Code, published by the U.S. National Fire Protection Association--is one of the most important documents a home renovator can have. Here are the basics of the electrical code.
Jacking Up House Yourself
It's your not already convinced that jacking up your house by yourself is a bad idea, read this cautionary tale about the woes of DIY house jacking.
It's your not already convinced that jacking up your house by yourself is a bad idea, read this cautionary tale about the woes of DIY house jacking.
Plastic / Metal Electrical Box
Learn when to use the plastic electrical box or the metal electrical box for home renovation.
Learn when to use the plastic electrical box or the metal electrical box for home renovation.
3 Types of Tile Materials
Tile is one of the most favorite design materials for kitchens and bathrooms. It has been used since Roman times, and even though excellent manmade materials have become popular in recent years, tile is still valued for its beauty and cost-saving potential. All tile can be classed into three different types: ceramic, quarry, and stone.
Tile is one of the most favorite design materials for kitchens and bathrooms. It has been used since Roman times, and even though excellent manmade materials have become popular in recent years, tile is still valued for its beauty and cost-saving potential. All tile can be classed into three different types: ceramic, quarry, and stone.
Kitchen Cabinet Door Ideas
Looking for ideas for kitchen cabinet doors? Trying rejuvenate your kitchen cabinets by replacing cabinet doors? Then check out our product review guide.
Looking for ideas for kitchen cabinet doors? Trying rejuvenate your kitchen cabinets by replacing cabinet doors? Then check out our product review guide.
How to Paint a Ceiling
Ceiling painting is no fun. Learn the best way to paint a ceiling.
Ceiling painting is no fun. Learn the best way to paint a ceiling.
Sandpaper Grit Basics
Choosing the wrong grit - or "grade" - of sandpaper can either result in destruction of your project, or at the very least, extreme frustration. Everything hinges on choosing the correct grit of sandpaper.
Choosing the wrong grit - or "grade" - of sandpaper can either result in destruction of your project, or at the very least, extreme frustration. Everything hinges on choosing the correct grit of sandpaper.
How to Install a Bi-Fold Door
Installing a bi-fold door is simple--but you need to get the hardware in place before you put up the bifold door, and that's a bit tricky. Here's how to install a bifold door.
Installing a bi-fold door is simple--but you need to get the hardware in place before you put up the bifold door, and that's a bit tricky. Here's how to install a bifold door.
How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges
If your cabinet doors bump into each other, hang unevenly or don’t close properly, the hinges may need adjusting. Here's the easy way to do it.
If your cabinet doors bump into each other, hang unevenly or don’t close properly, the hinges may need adjusting. Here's the easy way to do it.
Installing a New Toilet
Installing a toilet is one of those "looks hard but isn't" home renovation projects. Save money on the plumber and learn how to do it yourself.
Installing a toilet is one of those "looks hard but isn't" home renovation projects. Save money on the plumber and learn how to do it yourself.
Bellawood Wood Flooring Review
It seems like Bellawood wood flooring is everywhere nowadays. Is Bellawood any good? Find out in our product review.
It seems like Bellawood wood flooring is everywhere nowadays. Is Bellawood any good? Find out in our product review.
Mold Remediation Basics
Mold remediation has become big business in recent years. But is mold remediation worthwhile or is it all just a big witch-hunt?
Mold remediation has become big business in recent years. But is mold remediation worthwhile or is it all just a big witch-hunt?
Wood Paneling
Not all wood panelling is bad. Learn about 2 types of wood paneling that go up fast and look terrific.
Not all wood panelling is bad. Learn about 2 types of wood paneling that go up fast and look terrific.
Cement Asbestos Siding
You own a house built before 1950 and it has cement asbestos siding. What should you do with this potentially dangerous siding product?
You own a house built before 1950 and it has cement asbestos siding. What should you do with this potentially dangerous siding product?
What is BX or Armored Cable?
What is BX or armored wire and how would you use it when renovating a house?
What is BX or armored wire and how would you use it when renovating a house?
Side Wire an Electrical Outlet
If you already know how to back wire an electrical outlet, then you need to know how to side wire an electrical outlet, too.
If you already know how to back wire an electrical outlet, then you need to know how to side wire an electrical outlet, too.
Install New Cabinet Handles
Great tips on dealing with a home remodeling project that, on the face of it, should be very simple - new handles or pulls for cabinets.
Great tips on dealing with a home remodeling project that, on the face of it, should be very simple - new handles or pulls for cabinets.
Kitchen Plumbing Basics
Kitchen plumbing is complex. After we break down this complicated project, you'll see that kitchen plumbing is quite managable.
Kitchen plumbing is complex. After we break down this complicated project, you'll see that kitchen plumbing is quite managable.
Masking a Room Before Painting
How to mask a room before painting.
How to mask a room before painting.
Replacement Windows Guide
Learn how to negotiate the sometimes tricky world of replacement windows with our Replacement Windows Definitive Guide.
Learn how to negotiate the sometimes tricky world of replacement windows with our Replacement Windows Definitive Guide.
Permaglaze Profile
Get insider information on Permaglaze and whether Permaglaze is the right company to refinish your bathtub.
Get insider information on Permaglaze and whether Permaglaze is the right company to refinish your bathtub.
Modular Granite Basics
Modular granite countertops - budget-saver or just another ploy to separate you from your money? Modular granite is one of the newer ways to install real granite in your kitchen, avoiding high installer charges.
Modular granite countertops - budget-saver or just another ploy to separate you from your money? Modular granite is one of the newer ways to install real granite in your kitchen, avoiding high installer charges.
Galley Kitchen
While the galley kitchen is (nearly) the most basic kitchen design out there, it's also one of the best. Learn how to work with galley kitchens and to design the galley that works for you.
While the galley kitchen is (nearly) the most basic kitchen design out there, it's also one of the best. Learn how to work with galley kitchens and to design the galley that works for you.
Pro Window Install Process
Installing replacement windows is a process that few homeowners have experienced before. Learn what happens when the replacement window installers descend on your house!
Installing replacement windows is a process that few homeowners have experienced before. Learn what happens when the replacement window installers descend on your house!
Bedroom Paint Colors
Scratching your head over bedroom paint colors? We've got bedroom paint colors you can copy and use for your own house.
Scratching your head over bedroom paint colors? We've got bedroom paint colors you can copy and use for your own house.
Best Kitchen Design
What’s the best kitchen design you can get? Find out all the aspects of the best kitchen design in this article!
What’s the best kitchen design you can get? Find out all the aspects of the best kitchen design in this article!
Kitchen Ceiling Lighting
What kinds of kitchen ceiling lighting do you need. Get the best kitchen ceiling light for all of your general and specialized work areas.
What kinds of kitchen ceiling lighting do you need. Get the best kitchen ceiling light for all of your general and specialized work areas.
Grout Color
Grout color is one of the most ignored aspects of tiling. Find out how grout colors can add punch to your tile project.
Grout color is one of the most ignored aspects of tiling. Find out how grout colors can add punch to your tile project.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are highly valued because of their beauty and because they resist scratches very well. Learn all about solid surface countertops such as Corian.
Solid surface countertops are highly valued because of their beauty and because they resist scratches very well. Learn all about solid surface countertops such as Corian.
Stained Concrete
One way to spiff up an otherwise ugly or bland slab of concrete is to stain it. Find out about stained concrete.
One way to spiff up an otherwise ugly or bland slab of concrete is to stain it. Find out about stained concrete.
Vinyl or Wood Windows?
Vinyl or wood replacement windows for your home renovation project? For some, the answer may be wood.
Vinyl or wood replacement windows for your home renovation project? For some, the answer may be wood.
Plaster Wall Repair
Plaster walls look great--until the moment they start developing cracks. What can you do about cracked plaster?
Plaster walls look great--until the moment they start developing cracks. What can you do about cracked plaster?
Reduce Drywall Dust
Drywall dust is terrible. Here are suggestions for ways to reduce drywall dust: barrier, wet sanding, and drywall sanding vacuum.
Drywall dust is terrible. Here are suggestions for ways to reduce drywall dust: barrier, wet sanding, and drywall sanding vacuum.
Heated Tile Floor Basics
Anybody whose bare foot has met a cold tile on a winter's day has considered radiant or heated tile floors. Learn some of the basics first before ripping up your existing tile.
Anybody whose bare foot has met a cold tile on a winter's day has considered radiant or heated tile floors. Learn some of the basics first before ripping up your existing tile.
Vinyl Floor Tiles
Vinyl floor tiles are, hands down, the fastest and easiest way to spruce up an existing floor or lay a new floor. But anything that is fast and easy does have its drawbacks. Learn the basics of vinyl floor tile, installing tile, and some of the pros and cons:
Vinyl floor tiles are, hands down, the fastest and easiest way to spruce up an existing floor or lay a new floor. But anything that is fast and easy does have its drawbacks. Learn the basics of vinyl floor tile, installing tile, and some of the pros and cons:
Install Mosaic Tile Sheets
Find out great tips on how to install mosaic tile. Mosaic tile sheets make the process far easier than individual tile installation.
Find out great tips on how to install mosaic tile. Mosaic tile sheets make the process far easier than individual tile installation.
Bamboo Flooring Basics
Bamboo flooring has become so wildly popular of late that it deserves a special look.
Bamboo flooring has become so wildly popular of late that it deserves a special look.
Room Paint Colors
Get 6 great tips about room paint colors. Find out how room paint colors can change your house, without busting your budget.
Get 6 great tips about room paint colors. Find out how room paint colors can change your house, without busting your budget.
Bathroom Tile Design
Find out elements of effective bathroom tile design. Featuring bathroom tile designs from major tile manufacturers.
Find out elements of effective bathroom tile design. Featuring bathroom tile designs from major tile manufacturers.
The Tile Estimator
Recently, I found the best tile calculator that I have seen in a long time. Tile calculators are a dime a dozen, but this Flash-based calculator gives you a good "visual" of what's going on.
Recently, I found the best tile calculator that I have seen in a long time. Tile calculators are a dime a dozen, but this Flash-based calculator gives you a good "visual" of what's going on.
Granite for Kitchen, Bathroom
Granite is a wonderful but not necessarily perfect material for bathrooms and kitchens. Find out why.
Granite is a wonderful but not necessarily perfect material for bathrooms and kitchens. Find out why.
Blown In Insulation
What are the pros and cons of blown in insulation? Is blown in insulation better than batt insulation?
What are the pros and cons of blown in insulation? Is blown in insulation better than batt insulation?
Wet Sponge Drywall Joint Compo
Drywall dust is very fine and invasive. To reduce the amount of dust in your house, consider wet-sponging instead of dry sanding.
Drywall dust is very fine and invasive. To reduce the amount of dust in your house, consider wet-sponging instead of dry sanding.
The Small Kitchen
The small kitchen is the perfect "canvas" for a redesign. One of the great things about having a small kitchen is that it's easier, cheaper, and faster to renovate a small kitchen.
The small kitchen is the perfect "canvas" for a redesign. One of the great things about having a small kitchen is that it's easier, cheaper, and faster to renovate a small kitchen.
11 Bathroom Remoding Tips
Eleven great bathroom renovation tips to kick off your remodeling project with a bang.
Eleven great bathroom renovation tips to kick off your remodeling project with a bang.
Renovate Ranch-Style Houses
Notice how historically accurate home renovation has always been focused on Victorians and Craftsman-style homes? What about 1950s and 1960s-era houses? Don't they deserve some careful renovation?
Notice how historically accurate home renovation has always been focused on Victorians and Craftsman-style homes? What about 1950s and 1960s-era houses? Don't they deserve some careful renovation?