Categories
Awning windows: great for rain-fresh ventilation
Awning windows are great for ventilation, and they hinge at the top and open outward, which is convenient in rainy climates. The sash on awning windows can be made from vinyl, vinyl-cladding, wood and more. Learn more about awning windows and decide if this window style is right for your home.
Bay windows expand rooms with welcoming charm
Bay windows are a great option for those who'd like to add architectural interest to their exterior and interior. They allow light to gather and can provide a nice window nook for reading or relaxing.
Bow windows open your room with a view
Bow windows are actually curved bay windows, they can include insulating glass, tints and patterns and they brighten up any room by gathering light. Find out more about bow windows and decide if this is the right window type for your home.
Brick siding offers clever new installation systems
There are beautiful brick siding options in almost any price range. Today's new light weight bricks offer ease of installation and are more affordable than standard bricks of yesteryears. Learn more about brick siding options to decide if this is the right siding option for your home and budget.
Composite siding: balance style and price
Composite siding varies depending on the materials that comprise it. Common materials include asphalt, aluminum, polymers, wood and fiber cement. Learn about the cost of composite siding and the variety of styles available.
Stone siding makes a solid statement
Stone siding comes in many different styles, materials, and price points. From real stone like fieldstone and ledge stone, to faux options made from cement, the look and cost vary wildly. Learn more about the stone siding options available today to decide which material might work for your home's exterior.
Composite roofing scores durability, affordability points
Composite roofs are long lasting, the average life span is 30-50 years, which is about double the average lifespan of some competing roofing materials. Learn more about the types of materials used in composite roofing, and decide if this option is right for your home.
Flat foam/single-ply roofing is dependable
Looking for a roofing material that delivers high-insulative value while withstanding humidity and heavy rainfall? Learn about affordable flat foam/single-ply roofing.
Metal roofing means lasting protection
Interested in a new metal roof? You're not alone. More and more Americans are discovering the benefits of this eco-friendly roofing material. Although metal roofs cost more than other options, like asphalt, they last much, much longer and are more durable.
Good subfloors make solid structural foundations
A good subfloor is one of the keys to a structurally sound floor. It can smooth out cold and irregular floors, and in cases like basements, allow the area to be finished into a more livable space. Learn about the importance of subfloors, and the different materials they're made of.
Good-looking, laminate flooring shines
Laminate is a popular choice for those interested in affordable, low maintenance flooring. Laminate floors can be made to resemble pine, cherry, oak, maple and other wood species, and they are easy to install. Learn about the pros and cons of laminate flooring.
Hardwood flooring: timeless appeal
Considering a hardwood floor? You've got plenty of options. From domestic woods like oak and cherry to more exotic woods like koa, Santos mahogony, and teak, to name a few. It pays to shop around and compare prices. Learn more about the benefits, and costs, of installing a new hardwood floor.
Kitchen remodel: antique kitchens hide conveniences
Antique kitchens are perfect for historic homes as well as for homeowners interested in a back-to-basics homey kitchen style. Learn about the types of antique-looking appliances on the market, and discover what elements make up this timeless kitchen style.
Kitchen remodel: contemporary kitchens reign
Contemporary kitchens have become popular over the last decade. They feature stainless steel appliances, recessed or glass cabinets, and clean, sleek lines in general. Learn more about this kitchen style and see pictures of contemporary and other kitchen styles.
Kitchen remodel: country kitchens charm
A country kitchen is a great option for homeowners interested in a warm, homey atmosphere that evokes images of Grandma canning tomatoes, and baking loaves of bread. Learn about the details that create this kitchen style, including distressed wood, beamed ceilings, and gingham or themed prints.
Concrete countertops: customize with class
Concrete countertops are increasingly popular because they offer the ultimate in design expression and extreme durability. Look at what else is cool about them.
Corian countertops for long-lasting beauty
Corian countertops are a well-known brand of solid surface countertops in over 100 colors and three different finishes. Here's a peek at some of Corian's durable features.
Granite countertops: tile, modular and slab
It seems as if everyone wants granite countertops these days. Why? Learn about granite's characteristics, top brands and the cost of tiles or slabs.
Arched cabinets: ahead of the curve
Arched cabinets can transform a ho-hum kitchen or bath. See what replacing, refacing or adding this style of cabinetry in different materials and finishes can do for your rooms.
Beadboard cabinets: informal, cozy decor
Beadboard cabinets, with their classic country or cottage style are popular in today's cozy kitchens. Look at ways to bring this element in by adding beadboard or assembled tongue-and-groove panels to existing cabinetry--or buying beadboard cabinets.
Flat panel cabinets: a DIY dream
The sleek look of flat panel cabinets appears most often in Shaker, Arts and Crafts and Transitional design. See how its simplicity also lends itself to dressing it up with color and hardware.
Buying an oven?
For the serious cook or the family dinner, an oven can become the most important appliance in the house at mealtime. See the latest trends in freestanding, slide-in, drop-in and wall-mount models.
Choosing an eco-friendly dishwasher
From Kenmore to Whirlpool, Maytag to KitchenAid, modern dishwashers offer more features while using fewer resources than ever before. Find one for your kitchen today.
Find the right refrigerator/freezer
Your refrigerator/freezer choices today include the old standby styles--top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, as well as new popular French door style with the freezer below. If you haven't shopped for a fridge lately, see what you've been missing.
Full bath additions: popular home improvements
Is all that door knocking disturbing your bubble bath? If so, it may be time for a new, full bathroom. Find out about average sizes, price ranges and the latest trends.
Half baths add convenience and value
In a full house, the half bath may win half the battle. From closets to garage conversions, mirrors to cabinetry, discover new ways to make creative use of existing space.
Showers: from functional to fabulous and beyond
Showers can be simple or lavish. From custom tiles and multiple heads that spray and pulse, to beveled glass doors and built-in seats, find new ways to customize this essential bathroom feature.
Metal fencing for style and security
Adding metal fencing to your yard requires a bit of pre-work planning, but by learning about the materials and steps that are needed, you can set off your yard and accomplish a task that can make your home stand out.
Surround yourself with vinyl fencing
Vinyl fencing is long-lasting, making that bit of extra money that you might spend worth the investment. Over a fence's lifetime, vinyl typically costs a third of the price of wood and also provides a convenient way for do-it-yourselfers to add value and style to their yard.
Wood fencing: security and privacy
Wood fencing is a must-have for those who want to showcase their yard with privacy fencing or just want to provide a decorate edge to their lawn. Fencing comes in a variety of woods such as cedar and redwood and can also be stained or painted to increase its lifetime.
Composite decks: 4 things to consider before you buy
Take a look at the long-lasting beauty of composite decks. Imagine trouble-free years of outdoor life, whether you're alone in a lounge chair with a good book, or surrounded by celebrating friends and family.
Vinyl decks join function, durability
Vinyl decks can be the solution for protecting your outdoor living space from climate extremes. This photo shows that a vinyl deck can be a beautiful as well as practical addition to your home.
Wood decks marry charm and economy
Wood decks are one way to expand the layout of your home and provide you with charming space to dine or enjoy a view. Pressure-treated pine is a common choice for decks, but other woods that are popular can help you to achieve the look and feel you desire.
Exterior doors: The portals to your home
Exterior doors not only greet guests, they also keep your family safe. This image shows an example of how you can combine functionality and customized style in your choice of doors.
Front doors set the tone for hospitality
A front door offers safety and protection as well as beauty and personalized style. Here's one example of the important first impression that your front door can make as you welcome guests into your home.
Make interior doors work for you
Interior doors are like a painter's canvas and palette, offering unlimited choices of color, material and design. Here is one example of how your home's interior doors can express your style and your personality.
Drapes: Where function meets fashion
Whether making a bold design statement or simply trying to keep the sun from fading your rug, there are simple ways to get the most from your window drapes without breaking the bank. Observe a great window blind option.
The right shutters can add style
Thinking of installing shutters or replacing tired shutters with something a bit more striking? Take a close look at this shutter example, and find out what you should consider when adding shutters to your home.
Window blinds: customize light control
Window blinds can be a utilitarian solution to block light or a handsome and important accent in a room. This photo illustrates one of many window blind options available today.
Keeping dry with aluminum gutters
Talented do-it-yourselfers find it possible to install low-cost aluminum gutters themselves. Cost-savings aren't the only thing in these gutters' favor; look at the gutters pictured here and learn about their other advantages.
Vinyl gutters: Protect your roof, choose the look
Initial and long-term cost savings are only the beginning when it comes to the upside of installing vinyl gutters over their metal conterparts. Get familiar with other important vinyl gutter advantages.
Wood gutters: historic homes benefit
With few manufacturers and technically challenging installation, it's not surprising that wood gutters can be costly. Be sure your wood gutters are as attractive as those pictured here and are designed to stand up over the long-term.
Above ground pools: affordable fun
The pool in this photo is but one example of a host of options for modern-day above ground pools. Start with the pool, and contemplate decking or landscaping that completes the aesthetic. You may be surprised by how many choices you have.
In-ground pools provide beauty and fitness
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, and easy access to an in-ground pool increases the likelihood that you will work that swim into your day. This photo illustrates one of many available options for in-ground pools.
Above ground hot tubs: soak in style
If this above-ground hot tub looks enticing, you're only seen the beginning. You may be surprised by how many options exist for above-ground hot tubs. Style, shape and decking alternatives abound.
In-ground hot tubs: pros and cons
Like other luxuries, in-ground hot tubs have their advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at this in-ground hot tub and review some of the chief pros and cons associated with them.
Carriage doors: a regal garage entrance
Consider carriage doors as a canvas upon which you can display your personal style. Start with handsome doors, as pictured here, and embellish with smart hardware, special windows and more.
Garage door sectional panel tips
Understand your options when it comes to sectional panel garage doors, like those shown here. It's sometimes possible to replace individual panels rather than all your existing garage doors.
Metal garage doors: upgrade your home
When it comes to insulation, metal garage doors can be among the best available. But, many homeowners choose them for their appealing texture, whether it be sleek or patterned. Look at the doors in this photo and read about other possibilities for metal garage doors.
Full glass sunrooms: Let the sunshine in
Full glass sunrooms can be the ultimate in outdoor living with constant temperature control. Picture yourself in natural light every day of the year in a full glass sunroom you build from scratch or from an existing room, porch or deck.
Partial glass sunrooms customize your comfort
Depending on how they are used, partial glass sunrooms might be a better choice than full glass. Remember that for people in glass houses, full exposure might be too much of a good thing.
Screened rooms help bring the outdoors in
Screened rooms let you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about pests like biting insects and rodents crashing the party. See just how much more fun you can have with a screened pool or porch enclosure.
Walk-in tubs offer safety and relaxation
There are many options for walk-in tubs, from design to jets to aromatherapy. View our walk-in tub photo gallery.