Home Additions

Adding a carport to the side of your existing house is a job that a beginning do-it-yourselfer can do. A carport will protect your car from harsh weather, provide a shading spot for an outdoor...

A sauna room can be a wonderful resource in the wintertime. In addition to offering relaxation, a sauna can be a healthy way to help the season pass more quickly. Building a sauna with a kit can...

Although wireless intercoms are becoming more popular, many people still prefer to wire their intercom system. By wiring your system you will eliminate having to frequently change the batteries....

Pool ladders can add safety and easier access to swimming pools in your home. Ladders that are not constructed and installed properly can lead to injuries and accidents. It is better to invest...

Trex decking boards--made of wood and plastic fibers--have the appearance of wood but won't splinter like wood, according to Trex.com. The manufacturer also claims Trex decking doesn't require...

Cupolas are decorative elements that you can install on a house's roof. Mimicking a bell tower or a lookout and frequently topped with a spire or a weather vane, cupolas come in a wide range of...

The most foolproof method to secure wood to brick is with construction adhesive. You could also drill holes or use explosive fasteners, but both of those can break the brick. PL-400 is the most...

Garage additions turn a boring, cramped garage into a spacious storage area with increased functionality. Planning a garage addition takes attention to detail and an understanding of design and...

The facts are in: alternative green energy techniques can save households tens of thousands in annual utilities bills, and homeowners everywhere are answering the call. By taking your power off...

The rough opening of a garage door opening is usually six inches wider than the width of the garage door. Before installing the garage door, the framing of the door opening needs to be finished....

Want to add extra utility to your home? An enclosed room inside of a spacious garage can serve as a workshop, storage area or hobby room. These enclosed rooms in your garage add value to your...

Adding a room to your house is an excellent way to increase its value, and the pleasure you derive from the house. One of the main steps to this is building non-load bearing interior walls.

The trusses on a shed are one of the most important pieces to design. They consist of two rafters, which will hold up the roof of the structure. After they are finished, the trusses are lifted and...

Converting a garage into an apartment isn't cheap. Estimates run anywhere from $10,000 - $25,000 for a basic remodeling job, which includes closing in the garage door wall, wiring, flooring,...

Depending on the area in which you live, you may be legally able to build and add on a structure, such as a garage, in a floodplain. Some localities do not allow additions to existing structures...

Saving energy saves money and helps the environment by cutting down on carbon emissions from power plants. One effective method of saving energy is with insulation. When it comes to insulation,...

Shelves increase storage space and remove clutter from a room. Available in kits that can be easily installed by any do-it-yourselfer, shelves are attached to standards and brackets to help keep...

If you're a Chicago resident confused about the process of pulling a building permit from City Hall, you are not alone. Whether your replacing an existing one, or adding a new one, follow these...

Thinking about adding to your house? Or perhaps an extensive remodel (opening up rooms, adding larger exterior windows, etc.)? Here is how to go about it.

Spring and fall are the traditional times to take on major home-building projects. If you're thinking a shed might be the answer to your storage problems this winter—what you need to do is ensure...

The builder, like the architect and owner, is one of the three most important team members when it comes to a home addition, renovation or new home project. Finding and hiring the right builder...

Adding a room to your home can be a relatively inexpensive way to create more living space for you and your family. It must be done carefully, or costs can spiral out of control, and your room...

Calculating the cost of a block room addition is necessary when considering a project. Whether you're doing it yourself or paying someone to do it, the ability to calculate a block addition will...

If you have decided to work with contractors there a few things he should keep in mind. Most of them are excellent hard-working people but some give the rest a bad name.

A family room provides a casual setting for television watching, entertaining and play. Adding a family room to your home can be a simple redesign of an existing room or building from the ground...

A home office is a good way of preparing for the future. If you have a job, it is ready should a telecommuting opportunity arise in your current company (or it's just a bad weather day and you...

We will be constructing a very simple 10 x 12 foot deck, it's really not as hard as it looks. A few basic tools and some careful planning you to can do the same, be creative don't stick with my...

Are you thinking about selling your home or just want to remodel? Everyone is not looking for a fixer upper. Some people are looking for the perfect home they can just move their families into....

If you're a handyman you might have some version of a workshop in your garage already. Aside from the common household repairs and maintenance that make a workshop handy, there are tons of...

A carport will add shade and protection from the weather for your valuable vehicles. A carport is at first glance a large and difficult project, but the skills required are basic, and don't...

Adding a covering to an existing patio is a great way to add some shade and shelter from the rain. If you would like to tackle this project yourself and do it inexpensively, consider using a...

Before you start to build that addition onto your home, make sure you have secured the proper building permits required by your municipality. Dealing with the government can be frustrating, but...

Building a gable roof over your existing deck will make it more comfortable, providing shade and shelter from the rain. The gable design of the roof will also allow for excellent rain and snow...

Adding a roof to your patio will add shade and shelter from the rain. The project is not a difficult one, and most homeowners can handle it by following the simple steps below.

A pergola is a popular addition to a home. Many homeowners would like to have one in their backyard, but feel the cost to hire a contractor is prohibitive. A homeowner can build a pergola with...

A storage shed can be built well without a concrete foundation. A simple but effective method way to do this is to rest your shed on 4x4 skids.

Whether you're transforming an existing porch or adding a new one, you'll be very glad you chose to screen it in. A screened porch provides a sanctuary that lets you enjoy the outdoors without...

If you'd like to upgrade your patio and make it more functional, consider adding a covering to it. Building a patio covering is a project that can be accomplished with a few simple carpentry...

Building a pergola that attaches to an existing home usually requires that it be tied in to the fascia. The process is not difficult, but in order to be safe it does involve more than just a...

Upgrading your porch with a roof will provide many additional hours in which you can enjoy it. Anyone with an average set of do-it-yourself skills can build a roof for their porch, which will add...

Many homeowners purchase backyard sheds to free up space in their homes and garages. Building one of these simple sheds yourself will save you money and allow you to customize it.

This patio awning is meant to be permanently installed over a patio slab. This is an 8-foot square canopy, but it can be adapted to the size of your patio. The project involves building a frame...

There are several ways to build a home addition. You can be the general contractor and hire trades to do the work, you can hire a remodeling / build firm, or you can do all or some of the work...

Building a Floor or Framing a sub-floor for a home requires some construction skills. This article will walk you through the basics for building a floor.

Having your own home theater can be one of life's greatest luxuries. With a big screen and a state-of-the-art sound system, you can have a movie-theater-style experience without leaving your...

Ever tried to install a shelf? Ever end up with 7 holes for only 3 screws. Below I'll show you some simple tricks and tips to make installing a shelf a simple task.

Regular visits to a sauna are known to provide health benefits, but those trips can be costly when compared with having a sauna at your home. Constructing a sauna at home is an easier task that...

If you are like most people, you can never have enough room. The garage is a space that can be made livable with a few simple modifications. If you're looking to add another bedroom but don't want...

When remodeling an older home or adding an addition, you may want to add extra electrical outlets. Wiring from an existing power source, like a light fixture, makes sense in these cases -- you...

A 3-way switch is used whenever someone wants to be able to control one light in two different places. Installing a 3-way light switch can be a little tricky because you are dealing with more...