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 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.
Modern staircase and elevator
Timothy Moore
•
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
Home elevator costs depend on the size and type of lift, if it needs retrofitting, and the number of floors. Our guide outlines all residential elevator costs.
The exterior of a luxury house
Allie Ogletree
•
Jun 24, 2025
Jun 24, 2025
The cost to frame a house can vary depending on the size of your home, the structure you’re building, and your materials. Keep reading to learn how much framing your house might cost.
Homeowner and contractor go over job
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Dec 10, 2024
Dec 10, 2024
How much do you pay a contractor up front? Many states cap how much a contractor can ask for before work begins. Here’s what you need to know.
Wooden beams at construction
Kelly Reilly
•
Jun 9, 2025
Jun 9, 2025
Learn about the eight most common types of house framing, each with different pros and cons, ideal locations, and costs, to determine the best one for your build.
home with screened patio deck
C.E. Larusso
•
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
What is dry rot and how do you manage it? Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood. Learn how to get rid of it before it causes structural damage.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wood crown molding on the ceiling
Kyle Schurman  •  Jun 30, 2025
Foam Crown Molding vs. Wood: Pros, Cons, and Costs
When comparing foam crown molding versus wood, foam offers multiple advantages, especially with price. However, wood has a traditional look that’s tough to beat.
House attic under construction.
Kyle Schurman  •  Jun 30, 2025
Parts of Floor Framing: Secure the Space Underfoot
The main parts of floor framing include the sill, rim joists, and other joists. Learn how this wood may require repairs against water or insect damage.
Elegant crown molding on a house’s ceiling
Kyle Schurman  •  Jun 30, 2025
Does Crown Molding Add Value to Your Home?
Does crown molding add value to your home? It adds aesthetic value to some designs, but you should install it less because of ROI and more because you love it.
A close-up of a baseboard
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jun 30, 2025
Baseboard Trim Sizes: A Guide to Common Heights and Widths
Baseboard trim protects your walls and adds character to your home. Our guide explains common baseboard trim sizes and how to choose the right one.
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.
foam crown molding wall
Mitchell Grant  •  Jun 27, 2025
How Much Does Foam Crown Molding Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Installing foam crown molding is a cost-effective way to elevate your home. Costs can be kept low by matching molding to existing wall colors and doing some DIY work.