Home Improvement

You've emerged from your winter stupor, dazzled by spring's greenery and energized by an inexplicable urge to scrub things. Yep, it's spring cleaning time, but where to start?

By Shanna Freeman

Renovating your home is a big job. But making a mistake before or during construction can make the job even bigger. Here are 10 to avoid.

By Becky Striepe

Table topped with junk? Car packed with papers? Clean clothes MIA? There's a point where "messy" turns into "mess," making life unnecessarily difficult and stressful. Time to find out if your life fits the bill.

By Jessika Toothman

Are springtime birdies and budding leaves awakening your primordial urge to clean? More power to you! But before you go dusting up a storm, we suggest you sort through your stuff (and read this article).

By Shanna Freeman

It's easy to rail against the new big thing, but prefab homes aren't that new or (in the U.S.) widely popular. So how have they affected the industry?

By Allison Wachtel

How are cities coping with population increases and construction demands? We've got 10 of the most environmentally conscious urban spaces for you to consider.

By Jeff Harder

What if your thermostat could gather information about your climate and lifestyle, and then program itself to maximize your comfort and save energy? The Nest aims to do just that, but is it worth the cost?

By Stephanie Crawford & Bernadette Johnson

Roads that reduce pollution. Self-repairing buildings. It may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but nanotechnology is poised to fundamentally change the way we build the world around us.

By Jacob Clifton

Concrete may seem dull and gray. But the superplasticizers in fluid concrete are actually pretty intriguing. How do these little buggers make wet concrete flow like a river?

By Clint Pumphrey

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?

By John Kelly

Green homes have been trendy for some time, but now commercial buildings are getting in on the eco-building act. From living walls to mushroom bricks, check out 10 of the raddest advances in the field.

By Shanna Freeman

Linoleum has something of a reputation for being old-fashioned and drab. But brands such as Marmoleum are proving that the material can be eco-friendly and fun, too.

By Cynthia Pasquale

A fire can destroy a home -- and a life -- in seconds. It's imperative to be ready if that day ever comes. Find out what you need to do to prepare for a fire in your home.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Whether real or costume, jewelry deserves care and attention so you can enjoy your pieces for the long haul. We'll show you how to keep them safe while showing them off at the same time.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Cleaning an air filter can save you up to 15% on your utility bill. Learn more about cleaning a furnace filter.

By Josh Peterson, Planet Green

So, you're on board with detoxing your home and doing some green cleaning in your home; that's great! Learn more about disposing of toxic household chemicals, safely.

By Collin Dunn, Planet Green

Build a solar power generator for under $300. In this article, learn about how to build a solar power generator for under $300.

By Brian Merchant

How to choose a home energy monitor. In this article, learn how to choose a home energy monitor.

By Jaymi Heimbuch

Your garage is probably the most inefficient room of your house, but it doesn't have to be that way! Learn more about the top 7 ways to improve the energy efficiency of your garage.

By Eric J. Leech, Planet Green

You might be surprised at the tricks burglars can use to sneak inside your home. Not because they're so cunning, but because they're really quite simple. What should you be on the lookout for?

By Denise Harrison

Looking for a fun project to take on this weekend? Looking to improve your skills with solar? Learn more about the 7 great weekend solar power projects.

By Jaymi Heimbuch

Build a hydrogen fuel cell in your kitchen. Learn more about how to build a hydrogen fuel cell in your kitchen.

By Brian Merchant

Corning keeps mum on the products that use its super-tough Gorilla Glass. Apple is notorious for keeping quiet about its products as well. Which makes people wonder -- are the two working together?

By Jonathan Strickland

In this day and age of green living and energy efficiency, the type of insulation you choose for your home can make all the difference. So, what's the best? We'll tell you.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Wool carpets are ideal for high-traffic areas, and they're relatively easy to clean. But that doesn't mean they won't stain. So, what do you do?

By Emilie Sennebogen