Houzz

Once upon a time, fireplaces were central to the home — meals were even cooked in them. Fireplaces go beyond physical comforts too, offering psychological and emotional warmth even in modern households. However, installing a new fireplace can go wrong, quickly. There is a lot to keep in mind,...

When the temperature heats up, there's nothing like having a deck or patio to kick back on and enjoy the warm weather. A functional deck design and patio layout is dependent on meeting your specific needs, so it's a space that needs to be created carefully. Luckily, there are professionals to...

Homeowners often don't realize just how important a driveway is when it comes to curb appeal; it's one of the first things guests see when they arrive and one of the last when they leave. So if your front drive is damaged or you want to switch from, say, a gravel driveway to an asphalt one, hire...

Whether you need to secure your yard or just add some decorative flair to your landscape, fences are an integral part of a home's exterior and curb appeal. Given their security and aesthetic importance, they need to be designed, installed and repaired correctly — luckily, fence contractors...

If you've never been involved in building a new home or doing a house renovation, you'll be amazed at the variety of building supplies and manufacturers that exist today.

For a passionate sports fan, having a personal basketball court or tennis court is the ultimate dream. With your own backyard court, you can host pick-up games and tournaments or just shoot hoops with your family. If you have the space and budget, consider installing a custom court in your home with...

Have you always dreamed of having a built-in pool in the backyard? Specialty contractors work on unique home renovations and landscape projects. From building custom wine cellars to designing elaborate iron staircases, specialty craftsmen and professionals in your area can make your home improvement...

With little ones in the home, safety is likely foremost in your mind, especially for structures that are designed for them to climb on, swing from and jump over. If you've decided to add an outdoor play system to your yard, it's well worth hiring a professional to craft one that's solid and...

As anyone who's ever tried to fix a broken garbage disposal or install a new microwave oven can tell you, sometimes hiring an appliance professional is worth every bit of the cost. Appliance problems can be time consuming for many homeowners to diagnose and repair, and a botched attempt can lead...

In need of some woodwork? Chances are you'll want to hire a carpenter. Carpenters work with all types of wood and can specialize in many different areas, including framing, finishing and custom-made furniture. Make sure you choose the right carpenter for your job by asking plenty of questions, viewing...

Planning on buying new furniture and accessories for your home? A wide range of home furnishings and home decor accessories are available in the marketplace. If this is your first home, check out our directory of furniture retailers in your area for ideas and cost comparisons. Or you may already have...

As we extend our living spaces to include outdoor rooms, it seems natural to want outdoor audio and visual systems. Sound system specialists can install state-of-the-art wireless weather-resistant music systems anywhere you want to add music to the mix.

A well-lit home is essential for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Lighting designers will analyze your home's layout, structure and needs to create an effective lighting plan throughout your home. Though electrical engineers or interior designers can take on the task of outfitting your home...

Without ironworkers and their structural know-how, many of the great buildings of the world would never have come to be. But most homeowners are more likely to hire an ornamental or architectural ironworker, who crafts metal pieces that are visible on the exterior. From window frames to grates and balconies,...

Having a hot tub or spa at your own home can provide more benefits than you may think. Ask any hot tub dealer and they will tell you about the numerous ways spas can enhance your life, including physically, emotionally and socially. If you've been contemplating adding a spa to your home, visit a...

Is it time you spruced up your outdoor living spaces? Creative pavers, masonry contractors and stone suppliers can help. Professionals specializing in hardscape such as walkways, patios and retaining walls will work with you to design, plan, install and even fix your exterior and interior home projects...

Are you interested in powering your home with solar energy? Whether you want to lower your electricity bill or help the environment (or both!), hiring a certified solar energy contractor is a smart first step to getting off the grid and getting into energy conservation. Solar energy professionals can...

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the hardest-working spaces in any home. When it's time to update them, ensure that they stay at peak functionality by hiring a kitchen and bathroom remodeler. With an eye for aesthetics, a practical approach to layout and design, and the skills of a contractor, a...

If you've been dreaming of relaxing summer days spent poolside, it may be time to consider hiring a pool builder. A professional can not only help with design and pool installation, but also aid in appropriate maintenance once it's complete. Whether you're at the beginning stages of planning...

Not gifted with garden tools? Professional landscaping companies are your best bet to get lush, lovely grounds year round. Hire a landscaper to create and maintain a beautiful yard that complements your home and blends into its native setting. From soil, grasses and plants to decks, walkways and patios,...

Professional landscaping anchors a house to the site, connects it with the environment and creates a welcoming entrance to a home. A landscape architect or designer works with living plants as well as building materials to design for future growth and maintenance as well as the present visual appeal...

Is the scope of your home design project beyond simply replacing countertops or flooring? It's the responsibility of a home architect to transform human needs and desires into visual concepts and habitable structures. When you hire an architectural designer, you are not only hiring someone for their...

If you're on the brink of a large home improvement project, remodel, or new build, you'll likely want to hire a general contractor. These professionals manage all aspects of the job to ensure it's completed on schedule and to your satisfaction. Whether you're trying to find building contractors...

When building a new house, people often turn to architects to kick off the project. However, a different model is becoming quite popular: design-build. Instead of dividing tasks between separate architecture and construction companies, you can hire a full-service design-and-build company to complete...

When the temperature heats up, there's nothing like having a deck or patio to kick back on and enjoy the warm weather. A functional deck design and patio layout is dependent on meeting your specific needs, so it's a space that needs to be created carefully. Luckily, there are professionals to...