Contractors

If you’re looking to renovate your home, you’ll need to get the right team on your side: That’s where a general contractor comes in. These pros expertly pull permits, hire subcontractors, and generally organize a project to be sure the job is done well. Before you start reaching out to hire your A-team, we’ll run down everything you need to know to hire the perfect general contractor for your needs.

Tile contractor installs square tiles under bathroom mirror
Photo: Hoda Bogdan / Adobe Stock
Tile contractor installs square tiles under bathroom mirror
Photo: Hoda Bogdan / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A house front entrance with partially carpeted stairs
Dan Simms
•
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
Wondering how much it costs to build a staircase in your home? Use this convenient cost guide to get an accurate estimate for your home improvement project.
A child plays basketball in front of a garage
Lauren Bongard
•
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
Sometimes it’s best to start fresh with a new garage, and that starts with tearing down the old one. Learn how much it will cost to demolish your garage.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HAVING FUN IN KITCHEN
Ginny Bartolone
•
Dec 20, 2024
Dec 20, 2024
Strong floor joists are the key to a structurally safe home. The cost of floor joist repair will often come down to what is causing the problem.
A father and daughter mow their lawn
Heather Ayer
•
Apr 1, 2025
Apr 1, 2025
As you ring in the new year, you may wonder: What are the top home improvement ideas of 2025? Read on for a full breakdown of in-demand projects on the horizon.
A contractor checking her papers while doing a cost estimate
Kathryn Pomroy
•
Dec 10, 2024
Dec 10, 2024
As a general contractor, knowing what to charge can be difficult. But there are a few pricing models you can use to figure out the best rate. Discover how to come up with a fair price to keep your business thriving year-round.
A nice living room with hardwood floo
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Dec 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
Do contractors charge for estimates? The differences between an estimate, an inspection and a consultation will vary depending on various factors. Learn if you’ll pay a fee and why.
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A corner baseboard in a room
Kyle Schurman  •  Jul 2, 2025
How to Cut Baseboard Corners That Look Sharp
Learning how to cut baseboards for perfect corners in a DIY project requires precise measurements of the wall angles and a little math.
Wooden floor with white baseboard
Kate Fann  •  Jul 2, 2025
MDF Baseboards vs. Pine Baseboards: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Shopping for budget-friendly wood trim options? Compare MDF baseboards versus pine for a look that best suits your design needs while staying on budget.
plain wall with a simple white baseboard
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jul 2, 2025
How to Repair Baseboards: 5 Potential Methods
Baseboards see a lot of traffic and are susceptible to dents, dings, and water damage. Learn how to repair damaged baseboards to keep your trim looking good as new.
Carpenter framing the roof of a structure
Melissa Graham  •  Jul 2, 2025
Framing Calculator: How to Calculate Lumber for Framing
How much lumber you need for framing depends on several measurements. Use this calculator to estimate how to calculate lumber for framing.
Close-up of crown molding
Mitchell Grant  •  Jul 1, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Caulk Crown Molding? [2025 Data]
If your crown molding has edges or seams, you may want to caulk it. You can DIY this work or hire a pro—use this guide to learn the cost for both.
A house with a red brick wall
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Tuckpoint Brick to Make Your Mortar Look Like New
You can hire a professional to fix a decaying brick wall, or you can save money and do it yourself by learning how to tuckpoint brick using the steps below.
A worker checking on a brick wall of a construction site
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Hire the Best Masonry Contractor for Your Project
If your brick or stone wall needs repairing, then you need a brick masonry contractor to tackle the project. Hiring a mason for a project can feel daunting, but if you follow these tips you’ll know just what to do to find the perfect pro for you.
Bathtub and sinks in bathroom
Kate Fann  •  Jul 1, 2025
Best Types of Baseboards for Bathrooms: 6 Materials to Consider
Moisture-resistant materials are a must in a bathroom. Learn which materials are the best baseboards for bathrooms to fight water damage.
A vintage kitchen with a black baseboard
Kyle Schurman  •  Jul 1, 2025
What Are Baseboards? What to Know About This Often Overlooked Home Feature
What are baseboards? They’re the narrow pieces of trim that fit along the walls near the floor, providing a stylish look and protection for walls.
Gray paneling and railing on stairway
Mitchell Grant  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Measure the Railing Height of Stairs
Stair railing heights can be adjusted somewhat, but building and safety codes have parameters to obey. Read on and learn how to arrive at precise, usable measurements.
vinyl baseboard corner
Mitchell Grant  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Install Vinyl Baseboards in Your Home
Installing vinyl baseboards can be a great DIY project for those who like to tackle smaller projects. Learn what steps to take to ensure a proper installation that looks amazing.
An outdoor fireplace
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 30, 2025
How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace: Step-by-Step Guide
If you don’t want to buy an outdoor fireplace kit or get a pro to install it, you may be able to do it yourself. Learn how to build a DIY outdoor fireplace.