Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Windows
Energy-Efficient Skylights: What to Know
Choosing the Right Skylight for Energy Efficiency Skylights are among the hardest-working windows in your home, offering natural light, improved ventilation, and an added sense of space. When selected carefully, they can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and help manage heat, ultimately lowering energy costs. However, not all skylights are created equal, especially in terms…
Other Home Projects
What Is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and How Do I Use It?
Rebates, incentives, and loan programs, oh my! When it comes to solar energy and other home efficiency updates, there’s a dazzling variety of ways to save. Your choices range all the way from federal tax incentives right down to rebate programs from your local energy provider. In fact, you could have hundreds of different programs…
Other Home Projects
How to Add a Breezeway Between Your Home and Garage
A connected breezeway running between your home and garage gives your property a luxury feel, offering a covered space for outdoor entertaining and lounging. It improves traffic flow in your home and can even add a covetable architectural element to your home’s exterior. Like any home addition, your options abound when designing a new breezeway.…
Solar
There are dozens of reasons why installing residential solar panels is a great idea. Perhaps the most popular is it will save you money on your electricity bill. In fact, the allure of solar panels for most homeowners is that over their lifespan, they will pay for themselves. To do that, most homeowners will need…
Windows
Best Tools and Products for Window Security
Many of us think about smart home products simply as a cool way to turn on the stereo, or how we can lower the AC without running over to the thermostat. But you can also use home automation devices to secure your valuables, prevent break-ins, and keep your family safer. Door and window security sensors,…
Solar
Understanding the Quality of Different Solar Panels
Every day it seems like solar companies are releasing the most efficient solar panels to date. With so many companies making that claim, it’s difficult to wade through the noise. One useful resource to help you choose is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), who created standards for manufacturing solar panels under the ISO 9000…
Solar
Installing solar panels is a big investment, even with tax incentives to ease the financial strain. Because of the investment— and their constant exposure to the elements— solar panels need to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, from the blistering hot summers of Arizona, to the bitter cold winters of upstate New York. But how…
HVAC
What is a Fixed Point Contract?
When the time comes to sign a contract for your home improvement project, you will be presented with one of two types of contracts: a time and materials contract, or a fixed point—or fixed price—contract. A fixed price contract includes a detailed explanation of the costs for: Your fixed point contract should also go into…