Fall is the best time to prepare your home – inside and out – for winter’s challenges and can help you save money on costly repairs by preventing damage before it happens. Fall maintenance can seem daunting, but most of it actually involves simple prep work and cleaning.

New-construction bathrooms are not simply chasing trends for the sake of it. Instead, new builds are improving on years of solid design work while not completely reinventing the wheel. Materials are chosen for fashion, function, eco-friendliness, and durability. This ensures that new bathrooms stay fresh for longer but cost less.

Brace yourself for an exciting – and perhaps, magical ride - as you embark on building your home from the ground up. Here’s what to expect from your contractor over the next five to 10 months as your dream home is built piece by piece.

With the days of “bigger is better” over, people are looking for homes with smaller footprints. And fear not… there’s nothing shabby about affordable house designs, ranging from a one-story ranch to a two-story country home. These house plans can be just as stylish, appealing and luxurious as those in a posh neighborhood.

Definitely not a rowdy Man Cave or a tree house, the “She” Shed is a retreat like no other. It is a haven in the backyard where women can spend some peaceful “alone” time, take a respite from their hectic schedules at home and at work, or immerse themselves in creative activities.

From Cape Cod to Ranch—and a lot more in between—there are many design terms and styles that you need to wade through on your way to finding the house plan that’s right for you and your family. We examine seven of the most popular architectural styles in America.

Few – if any – parts of the country have a more historic collection of architectural styles than New England. From Colonial to Cape Cod, Farmhouse, Georgian, Shingle, and others, New England plans are pure Americana. Here’s a descriptive guide to five iconic New England house styles that date to the original 13 Colonies.

You may never have thought much about it, but did you know the slope of your roof is an important element of your house plans? The slope that’s right for you will be dictated by your personal tastes, your location’s climate, and even the architectural style you want your dream home to be.

House Plan Lighting Dos and Don'ts for home builders

The most common type of cement used in the home building industry is white cement, which is expensive and used primarily for architectural purposes. Colored cement is mostly used for decorative flooring.