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Check out our blog for more remodeling articles.

articles written for Houzz.com:

6 Lessons Learned From a Master Suite Remodel - One project yields some universal truths about the remodeling process

Construction Contracts: How to Understand What You Are Buying - Learn how plans, scope of work and specifications define the work to be completed

Construction Contracts: What Are General Conditions? - Here's what you should know about these behind-the-scenes costs and why your contractor bills for them

Construction Contracts: What to Know About Estimates vs. Bids - Understanding how contractors bill for services can help you keep costs down and your project on track

9 Questions to Ask a Home Remodeler Before You Meet - Save time and effort by ruling out deal breakers with your contractor before an in-person session

Contractor Fees, Demystified - Learn what a contractor's markups cover — and why they're worth it

What to Shop for in Cabinet Hardware and Millwork - Learn about finishing touches for kitchen and bath cabinets to pick the options that will work best for you

10 Things to Discuss With Your Contractor Before Work Starts - Have a meeting a week before hammers and shovels fly to make sure everyone’s on the same page

Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets: Help for Deciding - Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

Learn the Lingo of Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles - Understand door types, materials and cabinet face construction to make the right choice when you shop

Choosing New Cabinets? Here’s What to Know Before You Shop - Get the scoop on kitchen and bathroom cabinet materials and construction methods to understand your options

Learn the Lingo of Construction Project Costs - Estimates, bids, ballparks ... know the different options and how they’re calculated to get the most accurate project price possible

9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone - Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

Must-See Mock-ups for Your Remodel - Avoid 'oops' and 'oh, no' with real-life tryouts of any design elements in question

6 Steps to Planning a Successful Building Project - Put in time on the front end to ensure that your home will match your vision in the end

Decking Materials Beyond Basic Lumber - Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs

7 Bad Things Your Home May Be Hiding - What you don't know about your home could cost you during a remodel. Here's what to plan for

10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors - Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about these topics that go beyond the basic

5 Common-Sense Ways to Get a Greener Home Design - You don't need fancy systems or elaborate schemes to make your home energy efficient and sustainable. You just need to choose wisely

5 Remodeling Monkey Wrenches and How to Prevent Them - Avoid delays and cost overruns by planning certain parts of a home remodel extra carefully. We show you which ones and how

10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project - Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

Movin' on Up: What to Consider With a Second-Story Addition - Learn how an extra story will change your house and its systems to avoid headaches and extra costs down the road

The Benefits of Building Out — and What to Consider Before You Add On - See how heading out instead of up or down with your addition can save money, time and hassle

How to Dig Down for Extra Living Space - No room for a ground-level addition? See if a finished basement is a good idea for you

Get Creative With Your Bathroom Floor Tile - Add movement, definition and interest to a humble bathroom floor by sidestepping uniform tile in favor of an unusual design

Travel Guide: Seattle for Design Lovers - Pioneers of the past and high-tech titans of the present make for an eclectic mix of architecture, museums, hotels and eateries

10 Amenities to Make Your Bathroom Extraordinary - Go beyond the basics for a luxury bathroom experience, with extra-special options starting at only $25

11 Things to Expect With Your Remodel - Prepare yourself. Knowing what lies ahead during renovations can save your nerves and smooth the process

How to Paint Your Hardwood Floors - Know how to apply nail polish? Then you can give your wooden floors a brand-new look

10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole House Remodel - Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

Should You Stay or Should You Go for a Remodel? 10 Points to Ponder - Consider these renovation realities to help you decide whether to budget for temporary housing