Construction

Today's homeowners are more aware than ever of the demands their appliances, lawns and heating and cooling needs have on the planet's limited supply of fossil fuels. So what are some affordable eco-friendly home improvements?

By Matt Cunningham

Although tearing down a house and recycling the building materials is more expensive and time consuming than outright demolition, it is far better for the environment. While not every bit of it can -- or even should -- be recycled, read on to find out the top 10 things that can.

By John Perritano

More than two million homes were built at the height of the housing boom. That means that a lot of contractors had to construct a lot of homes -- and cut a few corners -- to fulfill an insatiable demand. Of course, some things went wrong. Here are five possible culprits.

By Dave Roos

Most of us know that a house must have a well-insulated building envelope to be structurally sound. But we may not know how important this shell really is. These are 10 types of insulation that can protect your home.

By Echo Surina

Shotgun houses are modestly built and constructed in very close proximity to one another. Despite their simplicity, they are ornately decorated -- and culturally significant.

By Josh Clark

You may be sitting in your house this very second, but do you have any idea what it took to build it? From foundation to framing, these home construction pictures will show you the stages of building a house.

Construction has come a long way from the mud huts or canvas tents early man. But what materials should be used to keep that roof securely over our heads?

By Sara Elliott

You've probably heard the green mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. Those three actions aren't limited to your kitchen trash; they can be applied to renovations, too.

By Emilie Sennebogen

You meet with a contractor to go over the plans and budgets. He shows up to start the job, and he's got three different companies with him. So what are you paying him for?

By Heather Kolich

Today's log cabins can come equipped with polished hardwood floors, great rooms, cathedral ceilings, picture windows, two-car garages, septic-tank plumbing, solar panels and floor plans of up to 5,000 square feet.

By Eleanor Duse

If you're building something out of wood, you're going to have to choose between treated and untreated lumber. Which one is better?

By Elizabeth Abbess

Green communities aren't neighborhoods with lush grass and lots of trees. They're communities full of people who want to be eco-friendly.

By Sara Elliott

The terms metal and steel are constantly used in the same capacity but are they really the same?

By Vivien Bullen

Pole barns are some of the simplest and cheapest structures to build. Do you have what it takes to construct your own?

By Richard Winter

Building stairs is a tough job, even if it's just a short porch staircase. You should attempt it only if you have carpentry experience and feel comfortable with the project.

By Sarah Siddons

Wheelchair ramps allow disabled people access to places they might not otherwise be able to go. Read up on how to build one safely and correctly.

By Simon Shadow

Your garage is so packed with stuff that your car has to sit outside and get pummeled by the elements. A carport might be the solution to your problems.

By Chris Marlowe

You consider yourself a pretty good do-it-yourselfer. But now you're ready for a real test: grouting tile.

By Chris Marlowe

Your house is uncomfortably hot in the summer. And energy costs seem sky high and climbing. What can you do to beat the heat and ease spending? You may want to consider installing an attic vent.

By Vivien Bullen

One of the most dreaded projects for homeowners is roof repair. If you're looking for an alternative to the exhausting process of roof repair and maintenance with asphalt shingles, you may want to consider rubber roofing.

By Rosalind Jackson

If you have to get the buckets every time it rains, you should consider re-doing your roof. Installing a roof can be a job for pros, but if you want a challenge or a way to save some money, perhaps you'd like to try installing the roof yourself.

By Vivien Bullen

Looking to add some light between two drab, dark rooms? Or maybe you like the openness of your patio doors but want something with more style than a basic sliding glass door? French door installation might be the perfect choice for your renovation.

By Sarah Siddons

The house is looking a bit drab these days. So, you're thinking about sprucing it up. A new coat of paint, or hey, a whole new color might do the trick. But how can you make the best decision possible when choosing that new color?

By Vivien Bullen

You'd love to quit climbing up on your rickety ladder to clean your gutters. Are gutter guards the answer?

By Rosalind Jackson

It used to be easy to decide how to construct a deck. You could make it out of wood -- or wood. Nowadays, some decking material doesn't even have a trace of wood in it.

By Richard Winter