Home Improvement

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.

By Colleen Cancio

Many say the pioneer of green design was the irascible Frank Lloyd Wright, but others note that sustainable architecture has been around forever. Regardless, who are some of the leading figures in the field today?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The production of traditional cement accounts for 5 percent of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions. Could carbon negative cement change all that at a reasonable price?

By Chris Warren

Is your new home proceeding on schedule or is your contractor just blowing smoke at you? Here's how to tell.

By Becky Striepe

We rely on our washing machine to wash our dirty laundry, but what if it's the cause of dirty clothes? Is there any recourse when our washing machine leaves stains on our clothes?

By Marie Willsey

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.

By Garth Sundem

The identical ranks of cookie-cutter neighborhoods have been immortalized (and often satirized) in American pop culture, but who first came up with the idea for these "little boxes on the hillside?"

By Kate Kershner

These days, homeowners have add-on options that previous generations could only dream of. From integrated electronics to secret rooms, we'll scope out 10 of the best.

By Shanna Freeman

Even in this Age of Machines, there's times when you have to pull out a washtub and take care of a couple garments by hand. But is this necessary and what is the best way to do it?

By Kim Williamson

It's study, durable and can be poured into any shape under the sun. Concrete has long been used as a basic home building material, but unlike others, it doesn't catch fire. See how you can use concrete in your bathroom, kitchen and backyard.

By Chris Opfer

Fly ash concrete is considered a green building product. But some think it could have potential hazards. We'll tell you both sides of the story.

By Mark Boyer

While some people use the terms "general contractor" and "construction manager" interchangeably, these are actually two different jobs. What specific role do construction managers play in building projects big and small?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

You may already know about solar heaters and rain barrels, but what about geothermal pumps and backyard wind turbines? Find out what's the latest in home green technology.

By Becky Striepe

Is it possible for a stream of air to behave like a door? Surprisingly, yes. This door may not block out burglars, but it can certainly fight against cold winds, flying insects and pollutants.

By Garth Sundem

As far as stains go, the ones made by lipstick are a double whammy: They're oil-based and brightly colored, so they're tough to clean and almost impossible to hide. It might take a few tries, but you should be able to banish that stain!

By Alison Cooper & Austin Henderson

You don't have to be a home design expert to know that granite countertops are all the rage for kitchens and baths -- and have been for quite some time now. But has their popularity finally peaked?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Did your wool sweater get stretched out? If so, how do you shrink it back to its normal size?

By Alia Hoyt & Denise Harrison

Sunscreen is no longer your only option for deflecting the sun's UV rays. Now, you can get protection from your clothes, too. But how do you wash them?

By Sara Elliott

Even if you're not in the habit of noticing the flooring under your feet, chances are good that you've trod on terrazzo before. Meet mosaic's sturdy cousin.

By Shanna Freeman

Inventive manufacturers have transformed the once dark and dim building material called concrete into light transmitting blocks that remain sturdy and compact. Here's how it works.

By Chris Opfer

Papercrete is a lightweight alternative to regular concrete that incorporates would-be trash paper into its mix. But what are the benefits and limitations of such a concoction, and is it green?

By Jacob Clifton

You've just come across an amazing deal on a new brand of laundry detergent. How do you know if this new detergent is going to do a better job than your tried-and-true bottle? Should you test it before you use it?

By Alison Cooper

The law of laundry states that certain colors are washed in certain temperatures. If you decide to be a laundry outlaw, though, will all of your clothes shrink?

By Emilie Sennebogen

Food stains are a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to living with them permanently. Kick those stains to the curb with these tips.

By Sara Elliott

Laundry sorting probably isn't on too many people's list of favorite household chores. But we promise these five tips will keep it from being such a pain.

By Alison Cooper