Construction

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

If you have tile walls, or the bathroom's just starting to look dingy, you may want to install a fiberglass shower and tub surrounds. These are durable and easy to clean, and you may be able to handle the installation yourself.

By Vivien Bullen

You love your home, but you're getting a embarrassed about the condition of its exterior. The paint is peeling and flaking in some parts -- so much so that it looks like you're not taking care of your house. It might be time to consider vinyl siding.

By Rosalind Jackson

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

If you've ever wondered about the Formica countertops in your kitchen or bath -- or the laminate that tops tables and furniture -- this article is for you.

By Simon Shadow

OSB stands for oriented strand board -- it's a competitor for plywood. So how do the two products stack up?

By Rosalind Jackson

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.

By Vivien Bullen

When you think of a metal roof, you think of a dilapidated lean-to with a corrugated tin roof. Today roofs are usually made of an asphalt/fiberglass combination or wood shingles.

By Sarah Siddons