Building Tips

Fresh Start for a Master Bath: Layout Overhaul and Classic Fixtures

A well-executed master bathroom renovation can transform the way you start and end your day. The homeowners in this project inherited a cramped, dated 1980s master bath with a disjointed layout, worn finishes, and inadequate storage. Through careful bathroom design and layout planning, they completely reimagined the space. The result is a serene, spa-like retreat […]

Transforming a Mismatched Garage: Renovation Tips for Curb Appeal and Function

An attached garage that clashes with the rest of your home can undermine years of careful maintenance and design work. When the first thing visitors notice is a garage that looks disconnected or outdated, the entire property suffers. The good news is that even a severely mismatched garage can be brought into harmony with targeted

Adding Space to a Historic 1920s Bungalow Without Losing Its Soul

Expanding a historic home presents one of the most rewarding challenges in residential construction. A growing family needs more room, but the existing structure carries decades of character that cannot be replicated. The solution often lies in a carefully planned rear addition, one that tucks new square footage behind the original facade while respecting what

Design Lessons from a 1940s Cottage Remodel for Growing Families

When a family grows faster than the house they live in, the natural instinct is to move to a larger home. But for one resourceful couple in Savannah, Georgia, the answer was to transform their tiny 750-square-foot 1940s cottage into a warm, functional home that grows with them. Their story offers practical lessons for anyone

What an 18th-Century Saltbox Remodel Reveals About Historic Home Preservation

Renovating a historic home is a balancing act between preserving the past and making a property livable for modern family life. Few projects illustrate this challenge better than the 18th-century saltbox remodel undertaken by DIYer Jaime Costiglio and her family in Port Chester, New York. When the Costiglios purchased the Samuel Brown saltbox in 2013,

Essential Lessons from a Family DIY Home Renovation Project

Taking on a full home renovation as a family is a rewarding but demanding undertaking. When a couple discovered a dilapidated 1927 house in Charlotte, North Carolina, they saw past the nicotine-stained walls and piled garbage to envision a restored period home for their family of four. Their journey offers practical knowledge for anyone considering

Restoring a Folk Victorian: Lessons from the Diamond Oaks Remodel in Savannah

When Chad Faries spotted a tall yellow turn-of-the-century Folk Victorian house draped in Spanish moss along the Wilmington River in Savannah, Georgia, he knew he had found something special. The property, which he would later name Diamond Oaks after its striking porch-railing design and the towering live oak that first caught his eye, became a

Turning a Historic Schoolhouse Into a Cozy Family Home

When Annette and Richard Andradez discovered a 179-year-old former schoolhouse for sale in New Paltz, New York, they saw more than a dilapidated structure with a bowed front wall and failing systems. They saw a chance to combine Richard’s three decades of construction expertise with Annette’s natural design instincts, creating a home for their daughter

How to Clean and Restain a Deck Like a Pro

A wooden deck adds warmth and value to any home, but exposure to sun, rain, snow, and foot traffic takes a visible toll over time. Faded boards, mildew patches, and peeling stain are signs that your deck needs attention. Cleaning and restaining a deck is one of the most rewarding outdoor maintenance projects you can