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
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
White house patio family table
Dan Simms
•
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Dreaming of building your own home from the ground up? Learn how much it costs to build a house yourself and if it’s worth it to skip the pro on this project.
A large metal barndominium with a patio set and propane fireplace outside the front door
Lauren Bongard
•
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
If home is where the barn is, a barndominium may be the dream house you’ve been looking for. Here are all the details you need to know about barndominium costs.
A construction site on the exterior of a house
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Wondering how much it costs to build a house? Use this guide to cover all your bases, from permits and planning to construction and finishing touches.
Architect and homeowner at home build site
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jan 25, 2024
Jan 25, 2024
It's time to make the ultimate decision: building vs. buying a home. We'll walk through the building vs. buying the debate from all angles.
fire pit in front of A frame home
Stacey L. Nash
•
Dec 4, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
An A-frame house is an appealing choice for homeowners who like the look, want a smaller home or cabin in a unique location, or want to save some money.
Gray new construction modern cottage home
Dan Simms
•
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.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
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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.