Design Vogue

Key Points Fly ash improves concrete durability and reduces permeability.Using fly ash in concrete can lower CO2 emissions and hazardous waste.Fly ash usage increases concrete's resistance to cracking

Mortar bonds bricks or other masonry units and strengthens walls and other structures. Type S mortar mix, in particular, is load-bearing and performs extremely well to withstand pressure from soil, wi

For a long time, your main option for roofing materials was asphalt shingles. Most metal roofs were confined to commercial buildings or to higher-end residential structures. Now, standing seam metal r

When a home has structural issues such as sagging floors, you might immediately worry about huge repair bills, which is understandable given the vital nature of your foundation. But in some cases, ins

Stucco is a durable, versatile exterior finishing plaster coat found on homes nationwide. Though fiber-cement panels, vinyl siding, and plywood are popular siding materials, stucco has been used for c

Easements can exist quietly on your property, not affecting you for years or decades. Then, when deciding to bump out your house, put on an addition, dig a pool, or erect a fence, you find a legal eas

Determining if you need a building permit for your home remodeling project can be difficult, because permitting departments often frustrate homeowners' attempts to sort out rules. Departments traditio

Few homeowners will ever say that they want less space. Once you live in a house for a while, the house always seems to get smaller with the constant accrual of furniture, pets, people, and belongings

Overhead power lines are subject to strict guidelines for minimum height clearances over streets, sidewalks, alleys, driveways, and other traffic areas. This is a safety consideration, aimed at keepin

Building a house has an undeniable allure. A new house can be designed exactly how you picture it, allowing you to take control of the building process. You can even save money by avoiding any unfores

Building a home addition is the ultimate way to add large amounts of fully usable space to your home and enhance its resale value. The average cost to build a home addition is $50,000; typically, cost

House renovation is less extensive than remodeling since it involves more cosmetic than structural changes. Both can be expensive, especially if you update bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms by changing ou

Adding a sunroom to your home is a great way to increase the amount of sheltered space you have to roam, especially for those in colder climates, when snowy weather forces you to spend more time indoo

If your home has a septic system, it has leach lines or a leach field. An essential component of all onsite wastewater systems, leach lines are the last step in a process that starts at your sink or t

If you own a house that is getting a little shabby, it might be beyond the point of more minor home improvements. As with an older vehicle, minor repairs are good for keeping the car running, but even

Your property is interlaced with utility lines crisscrossing at various levels: electric lines, low voltage lines, water, cable, sewer, natural gas, and more. Digging on your property can lead to an e

With a whole-house remodel, the entire house is transformed. It's an exciting step that can also be a bit intimidating, given the scale of the project and the amount of planning that is required. The

Paint and water don't mix. Though latex paint is water-based, introducing water during the application process results in streaks, bubbles, and discoloration, plus the paint cures too slowly. You cann

Home inspections are typically conducted during the selling process when a buyer wants to get an in-depth look at the property before investing. While home inspections are not required by most lenders

The average tiny house cost is low compared to that of a traditional home, contributing to their recent surge in popularity. A tiny house is exactly what it sounds like: A house shrunk down in size (u

There are many ways to upgrade your home, whether refurnishing your basement or simply changing the lighting in your kitchen. But if you're lost on which ones to invest in, look no further. Zillow and

A land survey or property survey records the existing descriptions, measurements, topography, and boundaries of a specific property. They will also typically include any man-made structures, like a ho

The process of fence staining may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Even if you're new to painting and staining, you can give your fence a brand-new look in just one weekend. Whether you want

When the weather is beautiful, a well-cared-for deck is one of the best ways to enjoy it. However, when the temps take a downward turn, it's crucial to take some time to prepare your deck for the wint

If you've been unable to size up from your current home, you're not alone—according to a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, there were 800,000 fewer moves in 2023 than the ye

Most homes aren't prepared for extreme weather, whether it be strong winds, flooding, wildfires, or other events. Luckily, there are some renovations you can do to prepare your home for extreme weathe

While high summer temperatures can make it difficult for people to work outdoors during the middle of the day, winter comes with ice, snow, and plummeting temperatures. Plus, the quality of some home

The process of preparing your home for winter is known as winterizing, though the exact steps a homeowner needs to take to winterize their home varies. Basic winterizing tasks can be as simple as drai

Power outages are all too common. In some places, they are an inevitable part of winter. Ensure your safety and comfort by learning how to prepare for winter power outages. We spoke to energy and prep

While there are some upgrades that can be completed indoors during the fall and winter, the temperatures can present challenges. Mild weather conditions make spring the ideal season for work that requ

Upgrading your home's curb appeal can be done on a budget with a few simple DIY projects.Painting, replacing house numbers and light fixtures, and updating hardware can be done quickly.Larger-scale pr

Whether you just bought a new home, you are looking to sell an old home, or you simply want to improve the appearance of your home, the exterior is important to most homeowners. But outdated lighting,

Pressure washers can't be used to clean everything, but they can be useful tools.Driveways, sidewalks, decks, patios, and fencing can all be cleaned with a pressure washer.Pools, artificial turf, tras

Termite damage and wood rot look similar and are damaging to a home.Termite damage is due to insects, while wood rot is caused by fungus or water.Knowing the difference between termite damage and wood

Key Points Unwanted outdoor lighting from neighbors can disrupt sleep and daily life.LED lights are problematic because they’re brighter and cheaper to operate than incandescents.Solutions include fri

When you've finally decided to sell your home, the process of doing so can be challenging and confusing. Whether it's going through numerous open houses or waiting around for the right offer (or any o

Key Points Regular cleaning, decluttering, and landscaping is essential when selling your home.Updating hardware, light fixtures, switch covers, and door handles makes your home feel new.Refresh the t

Many homeowners cover their outdoor air conditioning unit in winter to protect it from wind, sleet, hail, and snow. But covering the AC unit may not be a necessary step to keep it in good condition, d

Key Points Sealing gaps around windows and doors before fall can cut energy bills by up to 20% and prevent moisture damage.Experts say doing it early makes fixes easier and improves heating efficiency

Tackling DIY home improvement projects can make your home look better, be more functional, and can even increase the value of the home, making it a better investment for when you eventually sell. Howe

There are a variety of factors to keep in mind when you are deciding when to paint the exterior of the home. If you choose to paint during the wrong season, time of day, or weather then you may end up

Key Points Outdoor projects to prepare for the winter, like gutter or roof replacement.Heating upgrades, such as HVAC installation or fireplace replacement, should be done in the fall.Insulation, seal