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
Rachel Hoffman
•
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.
remodeled home with vaulted ceiling
Deane Biermeier
•
Dec 16, 2024
Dec 16, 2024
The cost to convert a vaulted ceiling to a second floor depends on factors such as its size, intended function, materials, and the project's complexity.
fenced backyard with small shed
Taylor Freitas
•
Jan 8, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
If your shed has seen better days, it may be time to fix it up. So, how much does a typical shed repair cost? Here’s what you can expect to spend.
A contemporary two-story house on a sunny day
Bry'Ana Arvie
•
Jul 5, 2024
Jul 5, 2024
Adding a second story to a house is a great way to get the space you need without uprooting your family. Find out everything you need to know here.
A gray wooden house with a wheelchair ramp
Xiao Faria daCunha
•
Nov 14, 2024
Nov 14, 2024
Building a wheelchair ramp for your home or residential business can offer vital accessibility. Learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with this DIY guide.
Exterior of cottage style house with front yard
Em Norton
•
Dec 12, 2024
Dec 12, 2024
Unsure of your home’s beginnings? This guide explains how to find the builder of a home, so you can work your way through until you find the info you need.
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The exterior of an exposed brick house
Kelly Weimert  •  Jun 27, 2025
What Is Repointing Brick? Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about repointing brick: benefits, how it works, basic procedure, cost, and who to hire for the job.
A beautiful red brick house
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 27, 2025
How Do You Clean Mortar off Bricks?
Learn how to clean mortar off bricks if you've noticed sloppy mortar stains that are outside the lines of your brickwork.
A dining area and swimming pool
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 27, 2025
How to Repair a Brick Patio Yourself
Here are the steps to repair your brick patio—whether you need to re-level a sinking patio or replace missing mortar.
large bifold door panels
C.E. Larusso  •  Jun 26, 2025
5 Common Bifold Door Problems and How to Fix Them
Learn about the 5 most common bifold door problems and practical solutions to fix them—repair sticking, misalignment, broken tracks, and more.
Two story brick house
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Jun 25, 2025
Black Stains on Brick: 5 Causes and Solutions
Learn about the five common causes behind black stains on your brick and how to remove them effectively, either by yourself or by hiring a pro.
Efflorescence on brick home exterior
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jun 25, 2025
How to Remove Efflorescence From Brick in 4 Steps
If you have white staining on brick, it may be time to learn how to remove efflorescence from brick gently and safely without harsh ingredients.
Large brick house
Taylor Sansano  •  Jun 25, 2025
Who to Call to Repair Brick Veneer
Problems in your brick veneer can range from minor, cosmetic cracks to extensive, structural issues. Find out who to call to repair brick.
woman having coffee and using laptop in the kitchen
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 24, 2025
What Is Tuckpointing and When Is It Necessary?
If you’ve started researching how to update old brick or repair crumbling mortar, you may be wondering what tuckpointing is. This guide has you covered.
House with gable roofs
Taylor Sansano  •  Jun 24, 2025
Who to Call for Stone Wall Repair
If you need masonry work done at your home, this article will help you learn about who to call for stone wall repair to restore safety and aesthetics.
A family gathering around a glass table in the backyard
Dan Simms  •  Jun 18, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Cut Glass? [2025 Data]
Interested in glass cutting? Here's what you can expect to pay to cut glass to a custom size or shape for a table, countertop, mirror, window, or shower.
A mountain house
Deane Biermeier  •  Jun 18, 2025
How Much Does a Glass Wall Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
If you’re looking to get the 411 on the latest glass walls prices, you’re in the right place. Get an all-inclusive guide on glass wall costs here.
Man hanging large mirror in room
C.E. Larusso  •  Jun 18, 2025
How To Hang a Heavy Mirror in 4 Simple Steps
Learn how to hang a heavy mirror securely with this easy 4-step guide. We’ll walk you through all the tips you need to ensure your mirror is safely installed.