Home Improvement Tips

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Home Remodeling

An unfinished basement or attic, disused bedroom, or decades-outdated living room might seem like wasted space to some but to others, these rooms represent a world of possibility. A home remodeling project, from a subtle re-envisioning to a structural overhaul, can breathe life and energy into even the most tired, lackluster spaces, making your home feel as new as the day you moved in. In this guide we'll show you how to use the breadth of the Web to get ideas, plan your rooms, develop a budget, hire the right professionals, and more.

Design Styles

Modern, Colonial, Tudor, Southwestern: there are no one-style-fits-all looks when it comes to ... read more »

How to Remodel Your Home

A serious remodeling project could mean taking down walls, tearing up floors, and buying roomfuls ... read more »

Find a Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project

If yours is a big job, chances are you don't have the skills, tools, time, or know-how to complete ... read more »

Choosing a Floor Plan

Choosing a floor plan can be tough—especially if you're not a visual person. A professional ... read more »

Home Remodeling Costs

Planning your remodel is fun—creating a budget and paying for it is not. Material costs, ... read more »

Home Improvement Tips

What are the keys to a successful project? The best home improvement tips come from people who've been through a remodeling project. Use the wealth of articles on the Web that offer advice on remodeling to learn what needs to go into a contract with builders, how to negotiate prices, and much more.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • Always have detailed contracts listing what you expect, a timeline, and a specific outline of materials. Many of the sites recommended in the "Design Styles" section of this guide also have advice for helping a project go smoothly.
  • Some of the blogs and forums in the "How to Remodel Your Home" section contain advice from homeowners who have worked on remodel projects and have personal suggestions for managing a project well, or comments about a remodel they wish they'd handled differently.
  • Make sure that you and your contractor have the proper insurance—for your home and the subcontractors.

Dulcinea's Picks

For home remodeling tips and advice ...
MyBuildingPermit.com is a site that explains why permits and inspections are important. The site is specific to Washington State but it includes some valuable information that can be useful for everyone.
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Insurance.com has a helpful article on the types of insurance you need during a remodel as well as other home insurance tips. Find a home insurance quote by entering your zip code in the search box on the right.
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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) helps you find certified remodelers, provides questions to ask your pros during the initial interview, and even lists warning signs of someone that you might not want on your project. This comprehensive site provides information on drafting a contract, as well as legal advice and design tips.
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