Entryway Design: How to Plan a Functional and Stylish Entry
Plan an entryway that stores daily gear and welcomes guests: zones, lighting, flooring, small-entry fixes, door and landing code rules and 2025 door costs.
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
Timeless Home Design Trends That Last: What the Reports Show
Which home design choices last? Neutral palettes, natural materials, layered lighting and flexible layouts, each tied to NKBA and Houzz reports.
Permits and Regulations: Why Pros Get It Right
How building permits, inspections and licensing work, what IRC R105 requires, and how Seattle, New York City and Phoenix handle owner and pro work.
Multifunctional Living Spaces: Ideas, Layouts and Safety Rules
Plan rooms that serve two or more uses, from office-guest rooms to wall beds, with layout ideas, egress and anchoring rules, and NAHB trend data.
Project Planning Tools for Home Renovations
Compare apps and software for planning a home renovation: task boards, spreadsheets, floor plan tools and contractor portals, with free-plan details.
Smart Home Devices That Actually Improve Daily Life
Which smart home devices solve a real problem: thermostats, lighting, plugs, locks, doorbells and sensors, with what to check before you buy.
Storage Solutions for Growing Families: Safe, Built-In Ideas
Plan storage that grows with your family: built-ins, shelving, closet systems and toy storage, plus how to anchor furniture to prevent tip-overs.
Renovation Permits: What Homeowners Need to Know
Which home renovations need a building permit and which are exempt under the International Residential Code, with real city examples.
Cost-Effective Strategies for Large-Scale Renovations
How to control the cost of a whole-house or multi-room renovation: set the scope first, value-engineer the plan, bid it properly and protect what matters.
Master Bathroom Remodel Ideas for a Spa-Like Retreat
Spa-style master bathroom ideas that hold up: bigger showers, layered lighting, heated floors, steam, soaking tubs and ventilation, with sourced data.
