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Know How

Featured Project

Should You Move or Improve?

Should You Move or Improve?

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

Progress K
Effort High 3-6 mos (to build addition)
Investment High $156,309 (two-story addition)
Added to Binder
A separate building at a residence that is used for work

Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio

Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2 hrs
Investment Med $275 (building permit)
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
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
Sarah Susanka, subject of HouseLogic Q&A

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

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

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

Protect yourself against unscrupulous contractors by learning about 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
Home Security Check

Take steps to make your home less vulnerable:

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