Home Construction and Design

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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.

Hiring Contractors

What to Know About Hiring a General Contractor to Build Your House
A general contractor handles all of the nuts and bolts of building a house, so you don't have to
What Is a Contractor Lien Release or Subcontractor Lien Waiver?
Build Your Dream House: Know Who To Hire To Get It Built Right
What Is a Homebuilder’s Bid and How to Read One

Planning & Preparation

Everything You Need to Know About How to Trim a Doorway
With a little elbow grease, you can make a statement with your entryway
40 Best Front Door Colors for a Stunning Entryway
Get inspired to repaint your front door in a color that speaks to your personality
Build Your Dream House: Know Who to Hire to Get It Built Right
You should hire a licensed building contractor to build your house
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story to Your Home?
It costs $100 to $300 on average per square foot to add a second-floor addition, though some projects can be as high as $500 per square foot.
How to Frame a House: The Ultimate Guide
Setting the framework to a solid foundation starts here
What to Look for in a New Deadbolt Lock
A highly rated Hillsboro, Ore.-based locksmith explains what to look for in a new dead bolt to help prevent break-ins.
Is Home Staging Worth It?
Is home staging a boom or a bust for sellers?
What’s the Difference Between High and Low Deductible Homeowners Insurance?
Find the deductible option that’s right for you
How to Design a House You’ll Love
Your new home is only a blueprint away
7 Must-Know Tips for Buying a Foreclosed Home
Cash is king—and patience is queen—when purchasing a foreclosure
How to Soundproof Windows: 11 Tips for a Quiet Home
With these noise-canceling tips, you’ll ask yourself, “what neighbors?”
Homeowners Association Questions You Need to Ask Before Move-In Day
Ask these HOA questions before you’re locked into the community guidelines
The Difference Between a Home Inspection and a Home Appraisal
Home inspections focus on the condition of the home, while home appraisals focus on value
Everything You Need to Know About Shoe Molding
Shoe molding is a decorative, yet functional, baseboard finisher
How to Accept Online Payments Without Fees
Free and low-fee payment options for home service pros
How Many Steps in a Flight of Stairs: Every Detail to Know
Let your stair project take flight
How Much Does an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Cost to Build?
The average cost to build an accessory dwelling unit is $82,500
Which Is Better: Pocket Doors or Barn Doors?
Open the door to these space-saving designs
The Contractor’s Guide to Charging for Permit Pulls
Before you start work on a job, you’ll need to do all the required permit pulls to protect yourself and the property owner from potential liability
Everything You Need to Know About Building a Barndominium
Both durable and highly customizable—the barndo possibilities are endless