Pros and Cons of DIY Flooring Installation
Decide if DIY flooring installation is right for you: a five-question framework and a comparison of vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile and carpet.
Author
Ryan
Ryan writes Home Remodel Guidance's planning guides: the order of a remodel, permits, contracts, budgets and contingencies, room-by-room renovations, and which jobs a homeowner can do versus which need a licensed trade.
Ryan has written most of Home Remodel Guidance, covering a renovation from first plan to final inspection: the sequence of work, permits and inspections, contracts and change orders, contingency budgets, financing and insurance, and guides for kitchens, bathrooms, additions and home systems. His DIY-versus-professional guides separate the jobs a careful homeowner can take on from those that need a licensed electrician, plumber or engineer. Guides on this site cite their sources and are updated when the facts change.
Articles by Ryan
Why Open-Concept Living Is Popular, and How It Is Changing
Why buyers still want open-concept living, what NAHB surveys show, and how semi-open plans solve noise and clutter before you remove any walls.
Predicting Home Renovation Trends for the Next Decade
What Harvard, AIA, NKBA and Houzz data say about where home renovation is heading, from energy and aging in place to flexible rooms and wellness.
Bathroom Upgrades That Pay Off at Resale
A midrange bath remodel recoups 80% of its cost at resale and an upscale one 41.7%, per Cost vs. Value 2025. See which bathroom upgrades are worth it.
Renovation Timeline Template You Can Copy
Copy a fill-in renovation timeline template with phases, waits, owners and buffer columns, plus a sourced kitchen example and weekly update habits.
Kitchen Remodeling: Where to Start and What to Expect
Start a kitchen remodel in the right order: set scope and budget, check permits, hire licensed pros, then know what happens in each stage of the work.
How to Update Outdated Light Fixtures Yourself Safely
Replace an old light fixture safely: shut off and test the circuit, check the box and wiring, mount and connect the new fixture, and know when to stop.
Outdoor Living Space Trends: What Homeowners Want in 2026
What homeowners want in outdoor living spaces, with NAHB survey data on patios, porches, decks and fire features, plus 2025 deck and patio costs.
The True Cost of DIY Renovations: Are You Really Saving?
DIY saves labor charges but adds tools, waste, rework, permits, insurance and your time. See each hidden cost and how to estimate it before you start.
The 5 Most Common Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The five renovation mistakes that cost homeowners most: weak budgets, unvetted contractors, skipped permits, bad sequencing and scope creep, and fixes.
