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Featured Project

7 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

7 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Novice gardeners can get their landscapes off to a healthy start by heeding some tried-and-true tips from the pros. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 2-4 hrs/wk (growing season)
Investment Low $250 to $500 (pro design help)
Added to Binder
Employees from a design-build firm at a home addition

Hidden Costs of a Two-Story Addition

A two-story addition project is fraught with cost variables. Here’s how to anticipate the hidden costs and stay on track. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $107,000
Effort High 6-12 mos (plan and build)
Investment High $156,000
Added to Binder
Construction on two-story addition to a home

Two-Story Addition: Return on Investment

A two-story addition returns almost 70% of its cost at resale, but it’s a significant investment that should be considered carefully. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $107,300
Effort High 6-12 mos. (plan & build)
Investment High $156,300
Added to Binder
House with a two-story addition

Evaluate Your House for a Two-Story Addition

When considering a two-story addition, carefully evaluate what’s possible physically, financially, and legally. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $107,000
Effort High 6-12 mos (plan and build)
Investment High $156,000
Added to Binder
Sunroom in a house

Sunroom Addition: Return on Investment

A sunroom addition returns 51% of its cost at resale, as long as the improvement is in line with other homes in the neighborhood. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $37,000
Effort High 12+ wks
Investment High $73,000
Added to Binder
Fans adorn the ceiling of a sunroom

Sunroom Additions: Top Features

Designing the perfect sunroom addition means thinking about windows, skylights, tile floors, and window blinds. Read More

Progress H E K
Value Added High $37,000
Effort High 12+ wks
Investment High $73,000
Added to Binder
An upscale sunroom, called a conservatory

Evaluate Your Home for a Sunroom Addition

A sunroom addition costs more than you think, because it’s just as involved as adding any other room—and it has a lot more windows. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $37,000
Effort High 12+ wks
Investment High $73,000
Added to Binder
Sunroom with open awning windows

Choosing Windows for a Sunroom Addition

Do you want casements or double-hung windows? Wood or wood-clad windows? Simulated divided lights or snap-in grilles? Here’s how to pick windows for your sunroom addition. Read More

Progress H E K
Value Added High $37,000
Effort High 12+ wks
Investment High $73,000
Added to Binder
Family room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling

Top Features of a Family Room Addition

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

Progress H K
Value Added High $54,000
Effort High 6-12 mos (including planning)
Investment High $83,000
Added to Binder
Family room with flat-screen TV

Family Room Addition: Return on Investment

A family room addition returns an average of 65% of its cost at resale, as long as the improvement is in line with other homes in the neighborhood. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $54,000
Effort High 6-12 mos (including planning)
Investment High $83,000
Added to Binder
Basement family room

Evaluate Your House for a Family Room Addition

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

Progress H K
Value Added High $54,000
Effort High 6-12 mos (including planning)
Investment High $83,000
Added to Binder
Replace Your Windows

It’s time to replace your windows if:

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This Week's Improve Poll

What's keeping you from going green in the kitchen?

See results

  • Nothing. I’ve already switched to green cleaners.

  • Green cleaning products are too expensive.

  • Green cleaning products aren’t as effective.

  • This whole green movement is overblown.

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