Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Windows
Design a Glass Curtain Wall That’s Beautiful and Energy Efficient
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones — but they shouldn’t have to suffer through high energy expenses either! Rising interest in large glass installations is changing the way architects, builders, and homeowners think about walls and windows. The trend right now in homebuilding is toward more glass: large picture windows, sliding or…
Roofing
7 Unique Roof Styles You May Not Know About
If you’re building a new home, one of the first choices you’ll get to make is picking an elevation — simply put, that means what the outside of the house looks like. Play close attention to whether those elevations come with different roof designs. If you are custom-building a home, then you will have even…
Solar
What Kind of Solar Hot Water Heater Is Best for My Climate?
By now, you probably know that hot water heating eats up a big part of your energy budget. In fact, the Department of Energy pegs that number at around 17 percent of a home’s energy expenses—that’s a huge chunk of your utility spending. So how can you get a unit that won’t bulk up your…
Windows
Argon, Krypton, and Xenon — What’s the Best Gas-Insulated Window?
You thought krypton was Superman’s home planet, right? We did, too — until we realized it’s also an inert noble gas that can be used to insulate the glass panels in double- and triple-pane windows. Window makers regularly use argon, krypton, and xenon to turn ordinary glazing into draft-defying superglass. It may not be as…
Other Home Projects
Your garage may be your sanctuary when you need to get away from it all, but if it’s cold and dreary outside, it’s not fit for even the toughest constitutions. That’s when a little supplemental heat from a portable space heater can really make all the difference, especially for outdoor spaces that only get used occasionally. Unfortunately, space…
Siding
Choosing Between Vertical and Horizontal Siding
Like it or not, first impressions count. This is especially true for your home, which is judged based on its exterior. That’s why, when it comes to siding for your home’s exterior, there are plenty of elements to consider. In addition to the basics of home renovation — including cost, installation, and maintenance — there’s…
Roofing
Is a Flat Roof More Energy Efficient than a Pitched Roof?
Flip through the pages of an architectural design magazine, and you’re bound to see flat-roofed homes by the dozens. Flat or low-sloped roofs may garner designer accolades due to their edgy, modern feel, but there’s a lesser-known reason they’re gaining popularity: according to some building professionals, they’re more energy efficient, too. Flat roofs often get a…
Other Home Projects
The Benefits of Using a Solar Water Pump in Your Garden
Whether it’s the calming burble of a Zen-inspired water fountain or the showy spray of a three-tiered waterfall, a water feature adds a special touch to any garden or outdoor area. Water features can make cramped gardens seem lush and spacious—and cut back on mowing and trimming maintenance. Plus, adding a fountain to your pond…