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 single-storey wooden house
Dan Simms
•
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
Modular homes are more affordable than stick-built homes, but by how much? Learn about modular home costs to see if they fall within your budget.
Tiny house in front of nature
Dan Simms
•
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.
big red barn on a farm
Gemma Johnstone
•
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
Building a barn is a great way to add on to your property. Read this guide to find out everything you need to know about the costs to build a barn.
modular home on land
Rachel Hoffman
•
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 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.
Modern kitchen with stainless appliances
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Dec 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
If you are wondering what is builder grade when it comes to renovations, we share the differences and pros and cons every homeowner should know.
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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.