Construction

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

Before any major remodeling job, you have to accurately measure the work space. Learn about how to square a building in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to build a magnetic generator as you've heard it's just the thing to provide cheap energy for your house. Read on and learn how to build a small model magnetic generator before you progress to the bigger version.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

To be really eco-friendly, you want your roof to be cool, so you'll need one with reflective properties and the best insulation value possible. So what are some of your options when it comes to roofing materials?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

A bulky old lamp takes up a lot of space in a landfill. But if it doesn't fit your décor, you've got to do something with it. Is recycling an option? There are a few things to consider.

By Susan Batten

During the excitement of having your new mattress delivered, you might not care what happens to that old, back-pain-inducing one once it's hauled away – but you should. Although it can sometimes be a bit difficult to do, there are environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher

More than 20 million mattresses fill up American landfills each year. Don't add even one more to the pile. Instead, find a more creative way to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher & Francisco Guzman

There are a wide variety of cabinet options available to the environmentally-conscious shopper who wants a green kitchen. You can make your cooking area stylish, highly functional and Earth-friendly … here's how.

By Susan Batten

To save money, many people are considering alternative heat sources, and wood pellet fireplaces are one possible solution to rising energy costs. But what do you need to know before you head out to buy one of these energy savers?

By Denise Harrison

When the weather turns cold, the first thing on your mind is probably warming up your home. The most common heating choices are central heating and fireplaces, including pellet fireplaces. But are pellet fireplaces the most efficient choice?

By Denise Harrison

Companies in every part of the construction industry are going green, and roofing is no exception. If you want a stylish roof that really stands out, you may want to consider clay roofing tiles. So what makes them a green choice?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

You need to level a rough concrete floor. Find out here just how to level a concrete floor.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Compared to standard heating and air systems, going green is better for the environment -- and your wallet because they use less energy. So what kind of green HVAC systems are on the market today? Read on to find out.

By John Perritano

Are geothermal heating and cooling systems really better for the environment? If so, which system uses less energy and can actually save you money?

By John Perritano

Whether or not you go through the process of getting certified, following LEED guidelines as you build a new home or renovate an existing property can mean significant energy and money savings. But is it worth the extra upfront costs?

By Christie Mattheson

Does living in a house with no cold drafts, no temperature variations, and, virtually no heating or cooling bills sound too good to be true? Well it's possible in a passive house. See what some of the other benefits of this building standard are.

By Beth Brindle

The smell of paint usually gives away the fact that you're probably breathing in something that's bad for your health. But you might not know just how right your nasal signals are. How dangerous are the VOCs in paint?

By Sarah Alban

In a passive house, winter woes (or summer highs) are a thing of the past. Why? Because they're built to maintain comfortable indoor conditions without a conventional furnace, boiler or HVAC system. Read on to see how.

By Beth Brindle

One of the best places to get guidance on building an eco-friendly home is the U.S. Green Building Council's for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Better known as LEED, it's designed to help you create a greener place to live.

By Christie Mattheson

Clean energy technology is more advanced than ever before and can be as beneficial for your wallet as it is for the Earth. But what exactly is green construction technology?

By Wesley Fenlon

Green homes have come a long way from the prototypes (and stereotypes) of the early days. Now you can find eco-friendly architecture that is as attractive as it is comfortable.

By Terri Briseno