Home Construction and Design

Deciding to design and build your dream home opens the door to an exciting new chapter. However, home construction and design require a practical approach that encompasses all of the moving parts and anticipates any potential challenges. Whether you're just diving in or needing advice for a particular phase of the project, you'll find what you need with our library of helpful resources, checklists, and cost guides.

A woman in sitting behind a desk
Photo: Getty Images 1210334452 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A woman in sitting behind a desk
Photo: Getty Images 1210334452 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A contractor in front of a new construction
Lauren Bongard
•
Jan 15, 2024
Jan 15, 2024
It’s essential to determine the estimated rebuild costs of your home to get adequate coverage with your homeowner’s insurance policy. Read on to learn more.
Exterior shot of a bungalow type of house on a sunny day
Sophie Yalkezian
•
Jan 16, 2024
Jan 16, 2024
How much does it cost to demolish a house? Average prices for demolition vary based on home size, materials, and location. A partial demolition can make a project more affordable than a full house demolition. Keep reading for more.
fenced backyard with small shed
Taylor Freitas
•
Feb 6, 2024
Feb 6, 2024
If your shed has seen better days, it may be time to fix it up. So, how much does a typical shed repair cost? Here’s what you can expect to spend.
The exterior of a prefabricated home
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Dec 8, 2023
Dec 8, 2023
You may have heard of them before, but what are prefab homes, exactly? Learn all of the ins and outs of prefab homes in this guide and find out if they're right for you.
A large metal barndominium with a patio set and propane fireplace outside the front door
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Jan 3, 2024
Jan 3, 2024
A barndominium may be the dream home you’ve been looking for. Here are all the details you need to know about barndominium costs.
Shipping container house orange door patio
Mariel Loveland
•
Dec 13, 2023
Dec 13, 2023
How much does a container home cost? It depends on the number of containers you use. This guide will help map out potential expenses for your project.
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woman at home with children in the kitchen dining area
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Oct 28, 2024
7 Ways to Tell if a Column Is Load-Bearing or Decorative
Removing columns can open up a space, but you’ll need to exercise caution to avoid damaging your home’s structure. Use these steps to find out if your column is load-bearing.
A front door of a house with a door sweep
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Oct 28, 2024
Door Sweep vs. Door Bottom: Get the Clarity You Need on This Door Part
If you're installing weatherproofing for your door, you've likely come across the terms door sweep and door bottom. Read on for all the details on this door part.
A door threshold in front of welcome doormat
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Oct 28, 2024
Door Sill vs. Threshold: What’s the Difference?
A door sill and a threshold each serve a purpose, but both are necessary for the performance of exterior doors. This guide covers door sills versus thresholds.
Steel I-Beam in House
Dan Simms  •  Oct 28, 2024
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Draftsperson at the office drawing up house construction plans
Dan Simms  •  Oct 28, 2024
How Much Does a Draftsperson Cost to Hire? [2024 Data]
If you’re looking to build new construction or make alterations to your home, it’s helpful to know the cost to hire a draftsperson to budget appropriately.
A beautiful landscaped garden
Dan Simms  •  Oct 28, 2024
How Much Does a Landscape Architect Cost? [2024 Data]
Few things elevate your outdoor space like a landscape architect can. Learn about how much a landscape architect costs and what affects your total.
door hinge door stopper
Stacey L. Nash  •  Oct 28, 2024
How to Install a Hinge Pin Doorstop: A Pin Popping, Wall-Saving Solution
Learn how to install a hinge pin doorstop, a small but effective way to protect your walls from gauges, dings, and dents.
Woman talking on the phone and using laptop in the kitchen
Lauren Bongard  •  Oct 25, 2024
How Much Does Interior Door Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Are you looking to upgrade an old door in your home? Use this interior door installation cost guide to estimate the project's total cost and learn how to save.
The interior of a bedroom with a split jamb door
Mariel Loveland  •  Oct 25, 2024
What Is a Split Jamb Door and When Should You Use It?
What is a split jamb door? There are a few things you should know about this type of pre-hung door—from the features to the pros and cons.
Children leaving home to go to school
Samantha Hawrylack  •  Oct 25, 2024
23 Types of Doors for Inside and Outside Your Home
Dreaming up new home construction or an addition? Perusing through all the types of doors is a crucial step in the design process.
Having a home should give you the feeling of comfort and safety. But, of course, homes are susceptible to
Rachel Hoffman  •  Oct 25, 2024
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Child opens interior door to another room
Dan Simms  •  Oct 25, 2024
Pre-Hung vs. Slab Door: A Complete Comparison Guide
Slab and pre-hung doors are both excellent interior door choices. This guide compares the two based on essential factors in the decision-making process.