Pantry Organization: How to Maximize Storage in Any Size Pantry
Organize a pantry of any size: zone it, use containers and vertical space, add pull-outs, keep food fresh and safe, and know when to remodel instead.
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
Walk-In Shower Installation: Step-by-Step Guide
Install a walk-in shower step by step: layout, slope, waterproofing per Schluter, LATICRETE and Custom Building Products, plus plumber and permit rules.
Bathroom Fixture Selection: Water Efficiency and Style
Choose WaterSense toilets, faucets and showerheads: 1.28 gpf, 1.5 gpm and 2.0 gpm limits, savings figures, fit checks and how to pick a finish.
Mudroom Design: Layout, Flooring and Entry Planning
Plan a mudroom layout and floor: size benchmarks, zones, slip-resistant flooring, wet-gear drying, lighting and lead-safe entry habits, with sources.
Home Gym Design: Space, Floor, Power and Layout Planning
Plan a home gym: room choice, clearances, floor load, flooring, dedicated circuits, humidity and child safety, with sources for every number.
Laundry Room Renovations That Improve Efficiency
Cut laundry energy and water use: ENERGY STAR washers and dryers, heat pump dryers, cold washing and safe dryer venting, with sourced savings figures.
Staircase Renovation: Safety Upgrades With Style
Staircase renovation guide: IRC rules for risers, treads, handrails and guards, plus railing, tread and lighting upgrades and when to hire a pro.
Adding a Second Bathroom: Cost, ROI and Planning
Adding a bathroom costs $60,645 (midrange) to $111,255 (upscale) in the 2025 Cost vs. Value report. See ROI, layout options, code rules and steps.
How to Choose Paint Colors: Psychology, Light and Design
Choose paint colors using light direction, LRV, undertones and what color research does and does not show, plus sampling steps and 2027 brand picks.
Kitchen Island Design: Layout, Seating and Traffic Flow
Plan a kitchen island that fits: test the footprint, protect walking room, choose seating, and handle sinks, cooktops and outlets with licensed trades.
