Construction

Construction is happening all around the world. Construction may bother people but without it, none of the world's great cities would exist. Gain an appreciation for construction by learning about the planning, materials and projects involved.

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Stamped concrete is a form of decorative concrete that looks like other materials like brick, tile and wood. You can do it DIY, but it takes some skill.

By Mitch Ryan

Whether you're repairing concrete structures or coating surfaces, Quikrete products can be a simple and inexpensive solution.

By Vivien Bullen

Blazing fireplaces make things cozy and warm - but they're not very energy-efficient. Fireplace inserts will save you money and time.

By Richard Winter

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To most house hunters, granite means luxury and elegance. Concrete, on the other hand, is edgy, trendy and infinitely adaptable. So in terms of looks, durability and safety, which countertop is better?

By Julia Layton

Granite countertops don't come in the delightfully unnatural colors of 1960s orange or candy apple red, which is why many homeowners opt to install quartz in their kitchens. What else does quartz offer?

By Charles W. Bryant

Hiring a contractor can be similar to acquiring a brother in-law, except that when it comes to a contractor, you're the one who gets to do the choosing -- not your wayward little sister. What do you need to know before you hire one?

By Jessika Toothman & Kate Kershner

If you face the massive task of cleanup and decontamination after a flood strikes your house, you may be tempted to demolish the structure and start over from scratch.

By Jane McGrath

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Fluorescent lighting uses less energy than incandescent bulbs, but there's no replacing the sun for efficiency and for lifting your spirits. Is it possible to bring natural sunlight indoors?

By Jonathan Strickland

There are many tools that builders find useful, but only a few of them are absolutely critical. What tools are essential to get the job done?

By Jonathan Strickland

Ceramic tile may spruce up your kitchen, but this material is more than just a pretty face. How does clay get transformed into something so strong and useful?

By Molly Edmonds

People in the market for new homes usually have their eyes on key features during the search for their perfect potential abodes: location, space, a pretty yard. Others look for the green factor -- something Enertia Building Systems may provide.

By Jessika Toothman

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It's been preferred in Europe since the 1970s, but can radiant floor heating help with your allergies and get you a good night's sleep? Why would it make you toss your snow shovel?

By Charles W. Bryant

Some people like to eat paste. Others like the smell of gasoline or even paint. Whatever your chemical predilection is, it's not good for you, and paint is no exception.

By Jennifer Horton

Remember the story of the little pig who built a straw house, only to have the big, bad wolf huff and puff and blow it down? Nowadays, that pig would have a sturdy, energy-efficient home.

By Molly Edmonds

The Energy Star program helps cut down on the energy drain from computers and home appliances. But how much energy do Energy Star products save? And how much money will they save you?

By Tiffany Connors

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Let's say you're building a house. You want to "build green," but where do you start? Most likely, you'll turn to LEED.

By Tiffany Connors

"Green" is one of the hottest buzzwords in construction. Proponents say green building is environmentally friendly -- and also healthier and more cost-efficient.

By Tiffany Connors

With energy bills on the rise, homeowners are looking for new ways to use less power around the house. A cutting-edge window technology called the "smart window" allows consumers to fully or partially block light by turning a knob or pressing a button.

By Kevin Bonsor

Even Michelangelo had to deal with efflorescence -- white deposits that appear on masonry -- while painting the Sistine Chapel. What causes this unsightly problem, and how can you address it if it shows up on the surfaces of your home?

By John Kelly

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Adobe construction is one of the oldest building techniques known to man, but why is it now one of the hottest modern housing trends?

By Linda C. Brinson

How to mount a solar panel in 7 steps. Learn how to mount a solar panel in 7 steps with this article.

By Josh Peterson, Planet Green

If you read any home design magazines or Web sites, you know that the biggest projects are often in the kitchen. These days, homeowners are more interested in incorporating green living into this area, and they often start with the countertops.

By Kim Williamson & Chris Opfer

Driving up next to a limousine with dark tinted windows can make you wonder if there's an actor or athlete inside. While they're usually looking for privacy, the same tints are being applied to home windows -- but for very different reasons.

By Jessica Brown

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Tough, wear-resistant granite has long been one of the most popular choices for countertops. You should probably think twice before installing it yourself, though.

By Richard Winter

If you've installed a replacement door or two around your home, it seems pretty simple -- all it takes is tightening a couple of screws and you're done. Installing the largest door in your house, however, is not quite so simple.

By Sarah Siddons