Author Profiles

Review your remodeling contract carefully and adjust it to make sure it protects you in terms of payments, work schedules, and project specifications. Read More

Doing maintenance jobs yourself can be a smart way to save money, but choose the right DIY projects or you’ll end up paying dearly. Read More

Don’t take contractor abuse lying down. If your contractor has fouled up your home improvement project—or disappeared altogether—you have recourse. Read More

Hiring an architect for your remodel is an important step. Where to begin? Here are essential questions to ask candidates, and the answers they should give. Read More

Working with a contractor takes effort and know-how in order to keep your project on time and on budget. Read More

Even veteran gardeners make rookie mistakes, like giving plants too much water and too little space. Here are common garden blunders. Consider yourself warned. Read More

Architects polish the look of a remodel. But design professionals add thousands to your bottom line. When does it pay to hire an architect? Here’s a guide. Read More

Personalize your master closet with special storage features that you select and install, or hire a professional to do the work. Read More

If you’re designing a master closet from scratch, select from a trio of features that add convenience and value. Read More

Master closet organization creates ample space for one or two users and includes storage features to make the space easy to arrange and maintain. Read More

When planning a master suite addition, don’t just think “bump out”—think “build up,” “do over,” and “fold in” the space you already have. Read More

A master suite addition is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Here’s a look at master suite must-haves. Read More

A master suite addition is a very popular—and very expensive—home improvement. Some home owners will recoup more of their investment than others. Read More

Converting from oil to gas heat will save money and the planet. Read More

Converting from an oil furnace to a gas furnace will cost you a bundle to install, but will save you real money each month. Read More

Open space is the goal, so don’t overload your family room with too many features. Choose only the most essential options. Read More

A family room is one of the most straightforward additions you can build with a relatively large payback—and it’ll completely transform your home. Read More

When shopping for a fence, you need to consider everything from style to function to how much maintenance it’ll require. Read More

If you live in the Northeast, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

If you live in the Southwest, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Protect yourself against contractor scams that threaten to stick you with shoddy workmanship or take your money and run. Read More

Done right, a walk-in closet will add convenience and value to your master suite addition, and extend the life of your wardrobe, too. Read More

If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house’s ductwork and insulation first. Read More

If a contractor puts a lien on your house, you’ll have to fight to keep your house out of foreclosure. Here’s how to defend yourself. Read More

You’re ready to remodel but you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job. Here’s what to ask the candidates before you decide. Read More

If you’re replacing your old oil heating equipment, you may want to crunch the numbers on switching to cheaper, cleaner gas heating. Read More

Getting your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control. Read More

The decision to repair or replace heating equipment depends on its age, the cost of repair, and how much money a more efficient system will save you. Read More

To calculate how much remodel you can afford, follow these four steps: Ballpark the cost, establish a spending limit, make a wish list, and set your priorities. Read More

Whether to move or improve is a harder question to answer than it was a few years ago, but a few cost-benefit calculations can help you make the right decision. Read More