Some projects are too complex to do yourself. When you decide to make a major home improvement, you'll want to hire a contractor. But why not just hire all of the subcontractors yourself, and cut out the middle man? Take our quiz to learn more about the difference between hiring a contractor and collecting a bunch of subcontractors yourself.
Move over, Gaudi, Gehry and Wright. There are some new architectural players on the scene, and they're shaping our world in unique and innovative ways. See more »
Whether you consider them innovators, or victims of imitators, some architects revolutionized the designs of their time. Who are 10 architects most likely to have been copied? See more »
We see buildings pop up and get torn down all the time, but some structures (and the masters who designed them) were made to last. Who were some of the most inspiring architects in history? See more »
Hiring a contractor can be similar to acquiring a brother in-law, except that when it comes to a contractor, you're the one who gets to do the choosing -- not your wayward little sister. What do you need to know before you hire one? See more »
Is your contractor buying shoddy materials, then pocketing the remainder of the dough you gave him for quality materials? Yep, it's time to fire him. See more »
If you've outgrown your home but don't want to (or can't) move, it may be time for a "renovation intervention." Here are some ways to expand your existing floor space. See more »
Home remodels can range from the extensive (can you say money pit?) to the everyday (a new roof, perhaps?). When fixing up your digs, do you always need to pull a permit? We'll explain why getting approval is prudent in this article. See more »
Building permits are the way counties, towns and municipalities enforce their codes to ensure that all buildings meet minimum safety and structural standards. When do you need one, and what does the process of getting one entail? See more »
The Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract passes any cost savings back to the contractee rather than the contractor but it's popular with both parties. Why is that? See more »
Investing in a newly built home is a large undertaking, both emotionally and financially. When dealing with a project of this magnitude, one of the first tasks you'll come across is creating the home's floor plan. See more »
