Home Renovation
What you need to know about your next home improvement, from DIY weekend projects to how to budget for a fixer upper overhaul.
Renovating a midcentury modern home: 9 tips from an expert
From what to do about wall paneling to the best landscaping, here are nine tips for restoring a midcentury modern house.
8 tips for renovating a small space
Interior designer Jessica Helgerson, tiny home designer and inhabitant, shares her time-tested strategies.
Best products to use for a green remodel
We assembled a cheat sheet for purchasing more eco-friendly building materials and finishes.
Looking to renovate? Here’s what to DIY and what to leave to the pros
Taking a renovation into your own hands may seem like a great idea, but is it realistic?
What I wish I’d known when budgeting for a renovation
Tips for staying on track, without delays or a ton of expected costs.
What I wish I’d known before hiring an architect
Here are lessons learned from a bumpy renovation.
How to restore your dream old house: a primer
It’s no secret that historic homes usually need a bit of a renovation. But how do you know when the house—even if it needs a lot of work—is right for you? We decided to find out.
6 easy steps to save more water at home
Experts outline six simple actions you can take to stop your home from being a water hog to save money on utility bills and sustain natural resources.
Are you ready to renovate?
Daniel Thomas, CEO of Portland-based Hammer & Hand and a 20-year veteran of the construction industry, offers eight baselines to consider before you embark on a home renovation.
How to find the best architect for your home improvement
An expert from the American Institute of Architects outlines five steps for finding an architect, and notes "This is a relationship that you’re entering, so it should be with someone that you feel you can work with over a period of time."
The truth behind 11 renovation myths
Like relationships and fame, renovations are seemingly made-for-television. We fantasize about them, dreaming of a beautiful home whose transformation is easy, fast, and affordable. According to the pros, the reality can be a lot grittier.
Guide to how architects charge for their services
If you feel in-the-dark as to how architects charge for their work, you’re in good company—it’s a system that mystifies architects, too. Here’s a breakdown of the three basic fee structures that clients can expect.
10 questions you must ask your architect
We spoke with different architects and checked in with the American Institutes of Architects to see what questions firms love to get asked by clients, but often don’t.
A guide to deciphering architect lingo
Architecture boasts a language all its own. To help you avoid confusion, here’s a comprehensive list of the most important words to familiarize yourself with before you sit down with your architect.
What to expect when working with an architect
The process of working with an architect is quite fluid, with the architect donning many hats at various times, from big picture thinker to detailed project manager. No matter what type of project, be prepared to follow these five basic steps.
How to Replace Facade Elements on a Historically Protected Building
A New York architect walks through the process of replacing the facade of a townhouse in a historic district.
The Biggest Renovation Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them
Architect Melody Emerick reveals the biggest renovation mistakes, and offers advice on how to make sure they don't happen. Spoiler: Stop worrying so much about who might live in your home next.