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Remodeling Guides & Magazine

Latest Articles

Practical remodeling guides, ideas and trends on planning, budgeting and working with contractors. Choose a topic to narrow the list.

Frameless glass shower enclosure in a tiled bathroom beside a vanity and toilet
Article

Choosing a Shower Enclosure and Glass Door by Space, Use, Budget Tier and Upkeep

How to choose a shower enclosure and glass door by space, use, budget tier and upkeep, with the…

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Wood-framed accessory dwelling unit on a concrete slab in a backyard with stacked lumber
Article

California ADU Timeline by Phase: Design, Permit Review, Build and Occupancy

California ADU timeline by phase: design, the 30 and 60 day state review clocks, one builder's build ranges,…

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Framed doorway into an unfinished room addition with a sawhorse table and rolled plans
Article

In-Law Suite Timeline Runs Design, Permit Review and Construction in Turn

Check the phases of an in-law suite project: design and wait time, the California permit review deadline, construction…

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Projecting floor of a bump-out with rigid foam being fitted into the open joist bays
Article

Where Bump-Out Additions Go Wrong, and What to Check Before the Walls Close

The edges where a bump-out addition tends to fail, from the sealed floor edge to ducts, structure and…

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Stakes and string marking the footprint of a room addition beside a house
Article

Room Addition Quotes Depend on Permits, Setbacks, Septic and Flood Status

Before you ask for room addition quotes: permits, size triggers, setbacks, septic approval, flood status and the state…

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A room addition at the rough-in stage with open wood stud framing, two outlet boxes with cable, red and blue PEX lines and an insulated exterior wall
Article

Building Inspections Check Work Before It Is Covered and Again at the End

What building inspections are and which stages they check, from footings and rough-in work to insulation and the…

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Engineered oak hardwood in a living room meeting gray-beige luxury vinyl plank in a laundry room at a transition strip under an open door
Article

Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Engineered Hardwood: Water, Wear and Repair Compared

Luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood compared on the same points, construction, water, refinishing, feel and cleaning, with…

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A kitchen island with a sink, a gray countertop and three wooden stools under the seating overhang, with a clear aisle to the perimeter cabinets
Article

Kitchen Island Types: Island, Peninsula, Waterfall and Seating Options

Kitchen island types and options: standard island, peninsula, waterfall island and seating layouts compared on the same points.

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A wall-mounted tankless water heater in a garage with copper water lines and shutoff valves, a gas line with a yellow valve, a vent pipe and a carbon monoxide alarm beside it
Article

How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last, and What Signs Point to Replacement?

Tankless water heater lifespan as ENERGY STAR and a home builders' study report it, signals that replacement is…

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