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 land with grass and trees
Dan Simms
•
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Going from an undeveloped plot to your dream home can be expensive. Learn about the cost to develop land and what factors can affect your total.
An empty room with wood ceiling
Mariel Loveland
•
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
The cost to install a tongue and groove ceiling depends on the size of the space and the cost of labor. This guide can help you price out your remodel.
Bathroom with marble floors
Margaret Wack
•
Dec 9, 2024
Dec 9, 2024
Some states set terms on how long a contractor should offer a warranty on their work, while others leave it up to the company. The standard warranty length is one year.
Automatic stair lift on staircase
Allie Ogletree
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Have stair lift questions? Before installing or replacing a stair lift, discuss these key questions with your contractor to ensure a smooth and safe project.
glass chandelier hanging from popcorn ceiling
Taylor Sansano
•
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
A textured, or “popcorn”, ceiling was once a popular home feature. Read on to learn about what a popcorn ceiling is and why it has mostly gone out of fashion.
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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.
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.
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.