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Know How

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Featured Project

Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials

Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials

Salvaged building materials allow you to improve your home inexpensively—but might require an extra investment of time and energy. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $315 avg.
Effort Med 1-2 wknds. hunting
Investment Low $20-$250 (pedestal sink)
Added to Binder
Sarah Susanka, subject of HouseLogic Q&A

(New!)

Q&A: Author Sarah Susanka Talks Budget-Smart Remodeling

HouseLogic sat down with author and architect Sarah Susanka to talk about remodeling that builds value and saves money. Read More

Progress K
Added to Binder
Salvaging an molding from a house

(New!)

Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials

Salvaged building materials allow you to improve your home inexpensively—but might require an extra investment of time and energy. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $315 avg.
Effort Med 1-2 wknds. hunting
Investment Low $20-$250 (pedestal sink)
Added to Binder
Luxury bathroom with universal design

(New!)

Adding Universal Design Features to Your Bathroom

Incorporating universal design into your new bathroom guarantees access for everyone and saves money in the long run. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 days (research options)
Investment Med $1,000-$2,500 (universal design features)
Added to Binder
Couple upset at work done by a bad contractor

How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor

You have options for recourse if a contractor disappears or does shoddy work, but which action to take depends on the particulars of your situation. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 hr-1 day (legal consult)
Investment Low $500-$1,000 (legal consult)
Added to Binder
Building official visiting house construction area

The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them

The best way to protect yourself against unscrupulous contractors is to be alert to the warning signs of these common home-improvement scams. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3 wknds (interview contractors)
Investment Low $0
Added to Binder
Architect and client discussing architectural model

Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project?

An architect can add to the cost of your remodeling project, but there are times when it pays to hire a design professional. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 3-6 mos added to job
Investment High $5,000-$20,000 (on $100,000 job)
Added to Binder
Architect studying home remodeling plans

7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect

The answers to these questions will help you zero in on the architect who’s right for your project, your budget, and your personality. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 3-6 mos added to job
Investment High $5,000-$20,000 (on $100,000 job)
Added to Binder
Man's hand signing construction contract

What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say

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

Progress K
Effort Low 3 hrs (review contract)
Investment Low $0
Added to Binder
Client discussing home renovation with contractor

Getting the Best Work from Your Contractor

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

Progress K
Effort High 1 hr/day (checking job site)
Investment Low $0
Added to Binder
Ladder leaning against wall in otherwise empty room

What to Do If a Contractor Puts a Lien on Your House

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

Progress K
Investment Low $1,000 (attorney reviews lien)
Added to Binder
Home Security Check

Take steps to make your home less vulnerable:

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