Home Construction and Design

Deciding to design and build your dream home opens the door to an exciting new chapter. However, home construction and design require a practical approach that encompasses all of the moving parts and anticipates any potential challenges. Whether you're just diving in or needing advice for a particular phase of the project, you'll find what you need with our library of helpful resources, checklists, and cost guides.

A woman in sitting behind a desk
Photo: Getty Images 1210334452 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A woman in sitting behind a desk
Photo: Getty Images 1210334452 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A contractor in front of a new construction
May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025
The cost to rebuild a house after a disaster or demolition depends on the house size, features, and more. Learn what affects the cost to rebuild a house.
Tiny house in front of nature
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
Building a home and looking to go as green as possible? Learn about the cost to build a green home and how energy-efficient features will affect the total.
Log cabin in the forest
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
Log cabin costs vary depending on the size of the cabin, the location, and the cabin style. This guide will help you figure out the true cost of a log cabin.
modular home on land
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
Prefab and modular homes have a lot in common, but also some key differences. Learn about prefab vs. modular homes and which is the best choice for you.
A modern concrete house
May 8, 2025
May 8, 2025
Concrete is a more durable building material than lumber. Learn how much a concrete house costs to build and what factors may affect your pricing.
Gray new construction modern cottage home
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
It’s exciting to start planning your dream home, but first, you need to find the right professional to manage the work. Discover who to hire to build a house.
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A woman hugging a friend at the front door
A sticking, leaking, or otherwise malfunctioning door can sometimes be too much to handle. Learn about who to hire for a sticking door.
The exterior of a house on a bright day
From early blueprints to the final coat of paint, how long does it take to build a house? Let's walk through what to expect from the home-building timeline.
New home construction
Dreaming of a custom home but not sure where to start? Use this guide on building a custom home to stay organized and ensure you have all your bases covered.
Little kid reaching for door handle
Door knobs and door levers are standard opening mechanisms used in modern homes. Learn their differences and how to find the right one for you.
A living room with stone flooring
Stone restoration costs around $850 on average. It can range from $1 to $20 per square foot depending on the type of stone and method. Read on to learn more.
contractor talking to couple
Planning and construction takes longer when you don’t follow pre-set plans. Learn how long it takes to build a custom home so that you know what to expect.
Large brick classic traditional house
The cost to replace brick front steps depends on the type of brick, square footage, pattern, and more. Learn how much you may spend on this project.
An engineer writing on a notepad
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
A girl and a dog looking out a window
Want a quieter home? Learn how to soundproof windows with seven practical methods that block noise and boost comfort—light sleeper and city dweller approved.
window screen overlooking garden
Need to remove your dirty, worn-out window screen? Learn how with our easy-to-follow steps for common window types—double-hung, sliding, and more.
Mother playing with daughters in front of window with blinds
Installing blinds lets you control the amount of light and privacy in your room. Learn how to measure for blinds to get the perfect fit the first time.
Father and daughter looking out of new window
Experienced DIYers can save money by replacing a window on their own. Here’s a step-by-step process for learning how to replace a window.