Renovation insights & ideas.
Practical guides and trends to help you plan smarter projects — and get the most out of every room. Pick a month to read the latest.
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Why Remodeling Costs Are Still Rising in 2026—and How to Protect Your Budget
Material, labor, fuel, insurance, permits, and project uncertainty can keep renovation prices high even when the market slows. Here is how St. Louis homeowners can plan around it.
Read the articleDo I Need a Permit for My Remodel in St. Louis? The 2026 Homeowner Guide
Walls, plumbing, electrical work, decks, additions, garages, and historic properties can trigger different approvals. This guide explains what St. Louis homeowners should check before work begins.
Read the articleAccessory Dwelling Units Are Now Legal in St. Louis: What Homeowners Can Build
Backyard homes, garage apartments, and attached accessory units can create flexible living space. Here is what St. Louis homeowners should know about the new ADU rules.
Read the articleBefore You Finish a Basement in St. Louis: Moisture, Radon, Egress, and Ventilation Come First
Flooring and paint come later. Before a basement becomes living space, homeowners need to understand water, radon, egress, ventilation, combustion safety, and local permit requirements.
Read the articleStorm-Ready Remodeling: How to Strengthen a St. Louis Home Before the Next Storm
A roof is more than shingles. Learn how roof decking, flashing, gutters, soffits, doors, drainage, and exterior details work together to reduce wind, rain, and hail vulnerability.
Read the articleFederal Home-Energy Tax Credits Ended: Which Efficiency Improvements Still Make Sense in 2026?
Old articles may still promise federal credits that no longer apply. Here is how to evaluate insulation, air sealing, windows, HVAC, roofing, and other efficiency projects on their real savings and comfort.
Read the articleShould You Build an Addition or Rework the Space You Already Have?
More square footage is not always the first answer. Compare additions, basement finishing, room conversions, floor-plan changes, and phased remodeling before expanding the footprint.
Read the articleWhy One-Story Living Is Growing—and How to Create It in an Existing Home
A first-floor bedroom, full bathroom, laundry, and easier entry can change how long a home works. Here is how to create main-level living without making the house feel institutional.
Read the articleThe Exterior Remodel Is Winning: Which Improvements Add the Most Resale Value?
Garage doors, entry doors, stone veneer, siding, roofing, and decks can change first impressions quickly. Here is how to use national value data without overbuilding your St. Louis home.
Read the articleCovered Deck, Patio, or Screened Porch? Which Outdoor Living Project Fits Your Home?
An open deck, covered deck, patio, and screened porch solve different problems. Compare shade, elevation, drainage, bugs, maintenance, cost drivers, and how each connects to the house.
Read the articleHow to Plan a Home Renovation Timeline Without the Stress
Decisions, dependencies, the critical path, permits, material lead times, phasing, temporary living, communication, and contingency — how to build a schedule the project can follow.
Read the articleHome Remodeling Contractor: How to Hire the Right Team
Scope, credentials, insurance, references, written bids, allowances, contracts, permits, payments, change orders, and warranty closeout — a homeowner's hiring guide.
Read the articleOpen Kitchen Concept Design Ideas for St. Louis Homes
Wall removal versus broken-plan layouts, islands and peninsulas, storage, ventilation, noise, lighting, structure, and permits — how to plan an open kitchen.
Read the articleBest Material for Kitchen Countertops: 2026 Comparison
Quartz, quartzite, granite, porcelain, marble, butcher block, solid surface, laminate, soapstone, and concrete compared on durability, maintenance, heat, and fit.
Read the articleThe Kitchen Triangle Rule: Maximize Your Cook Space
The 4-to-9-foot guideline, work aisles, island clearance, traffic flow, and modern kitchen zones — how to plan a kitchen that actually works.
Read the articleHow Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
The real kitchen remodel timeline — planning, layout, cabinet lead time, permits, construction phases, countertop templating, and what causes delays.
Read the articleKitchen Remodeling St. Louis: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Costs, layout, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting, permits, and timelines — how to plan a St. Louis kitchen remodel before it is priced.
Read the articleThe Housing Market Is Stuck. What Happens Next?
Mortgage lock-in, rising construction costs, and stalled inventory are reshaping housing — and pushing more homeowners to remodel instead of move.
Read the articleBefore You Ask for Remodeling Bids, Buy Clarity First
A low remodeling bid built on missing information may not be a bargain. Learn what to measure, plan, select, and budget before contractors price your project.
Read the articleHow Much Does a 10x10 Deck Cost in 2026?
A clear cost breakdown for a small pressure-treated wood deck — plus a free deck estimator to price your own project before you compare bids.
Read the articleThe Remodeling Trend That's Changing the Housing Market
Homeowners are not just updating homes — they're preparing them to live better, longer, and safer in the houses they already love.
Read the articleWhat Does Level of Finish Mean in a Remodel?
Why two remodeling bids can look completely different — even when they describe the same room.
Read the articleComing soon
New renovation insights are on the way. Check back for September 2026.
Coming soon
New renovation insights are on the way. Check back for October 2026.
Coming soon
New renovation insights are on the way. Check back for November 2026.
Coming soon
New renovation insights are on the way. Check back for December 2026.