Contractors

If you’re looking to renovate your home, you’ll need to get the right team on your side: That’s where a general contractor comes in. These pros expertly pull permits, hire subcontractors, and generally organize a project to be sure the job is done well. Before you start reaching out to hire your A-team, we’ll run down everything you need to know to hire the perfect general contractor for your needs.

Tile contractor installs square tiles under bathroom mirror
Photo: Hoda Bogdan / Adobe Stock
Tile contractor installs square tiles under bathroom mirror
Photo: Hoda Bogdan / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The exterior of a luxury house
Allie Ogletree
•
Dec 18, 2023
Dec 18, 2023
The cost to frame a house can vary depending on the size of your home, the structure you’re building, and your materials. Keep reading to learn how much framing your house might cost.
a brick wall and wood floor room with black modern reading chair and lamp, ottoman, and bookshelf with ladder
Dan Simms
•
Jul 22, 2024
Jul 22, 2024
Brick walls can add character and elegance to interior and exterior spaces. Use this brick wall cost guide to see the price range for adding one to your home.
Female construction manager one smartphone
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jan 29, 2024
Jan 29, 2024
When your home project requires a professional at the helm, how much are construction management fees, and how do they determine their rate? Let's break it down.
Wooden Frame Contractor
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Dec 28, 2023
Dec 28, 2023
Liens help to ensure a contractor gets paid for the work they did. But what is a lien release in construction? We’ll walk you through it.
Automatic stair lift on staircase
Jouviane Alexandre
•
Oct 22, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
Looking to install a stair lift? Find out who installs stair lifts and why hiring a professional ensures safety, compliance, and a smooth ride to accessibility.
A father and daughter mow their lawn
Morgan Rousseau
•
Dec 20, 2023
Dec 20, 2023
As you ring in the new year, you may wonder: What are the top home improvement ideas of 2024? Read on for a full breakdown of in-demand projects on the horizon.
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A popcorn ceiling
Mariel Loveland  •  Nov 1, 2024
Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?
Textured ceilings have long fallen out of fashion, but does removing a popcorn ceiling increase home value? The ROI depends on several factors.
Father and son playing together in the living room
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Nov 1, 2024
Smooth Ceiling vs. Textured Ceiling: Which Is Better?
Choosing a smooth ceiling versus a textured ceiling comes down to the home’s style, the amount of maintenance you want to do, and the ceiling’s condition
senior woman in stair lift seat
Timothy Moore  •  Nov 1, 2024
How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost? [2024 Data]
Use our guide to calculate the cost to install a stair lift in your home. Prices depend on the type of stair lift, including the seat style and other advanced features.
The exterior of a house on a bright day
Rachel Hoffman  •  Oct 31, 2024
How Long Does It Take to Build a House From Start to Finish?
From early blueprints to the final coat of paint, how long does it take to build a house? Let's walk through what to expect from the home-building timeline.
Two story house with well-maintained backyard
Dan Simms  •  Oct 31, 2024
Should You Hire a Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer?
You've heard of landscape designers and landscape architects, but what's the difference? Here's when to hire each pro to bring new life to your landscape.
Home under construction
Rachel Hoffman  •  Oct 31, 2024
Who Is Responsible for Pulling Permits?
If contractors don’t pull permits, homeowners are responsible for obtaining them after the fact. Learn more about how to get a permit after work is done or ongoing.
A construction site on the exterior of a house
Dan Simms  •  Oct 30, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House From Top to Bottom in 2024?
Wondering how much it costs to build a house? Use this guide to cover all your bases, from permits and planning to construction and finishing touches.
A couple looking at the blueprints of their home
Em Norton  •  Oct 30, 2024
How to Get Blueprints of My House in 8 Ways
It’s uncommon for people to have their home’s blueprints sitting in a drawer, but you might need them. If you do, here’s how to get blueprints of your house.
A man installing a light fixture on the ceiling
Lauren Bongard  •  Oct 30, 2024
How Much Weight Can Ceiling Joists Hold?
Wondering how much weight ceiling joists can hold and how to hang things from them safely? Learn about joists, how to find them, and hanging tips.
Worker using using jackhammer
Taylor Freitas  •  Oct 30, 2024
Partial or Total Home Demolition Cost Calculator [2024 Data]
How much should you plan to spend when demolishing some (or all) of your home? Use our demolition cost calculator to come up with a budget for your project.
A couple celebrating in front of newly built house
Chelsea Van Bloom  •  Oct 30, 2024
What to Know Before Hiring a General Contractor to Build a House
Hiring a contractor to build your house can simplify the project and give you peace of mind. Here are things to consider when hiring a general contractor.
Living room interior with textured ceiling
Kate Fann  •  Oct 30, 2024
Popcorn Ceiling vs. Textured Ceiling: What’s the Difference
Ready to add a bit more visual appeal to your home? Compare popcorn ceilings versus textured ceilings to suit your home's unique style.