Choose materialsthat outlastthe remodel.
Buying guides for flooring, paint, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, windows, roofing, siding and insulation, plus budgets, permits and hiring, so every decision in a renovation is made with the numbers in front of you.
Plan by room and building system
Interiors, kitchens and baths, the building envelope and outdoor projects. Start with the room you are opening up.
Flooring
Vinyl plank, hardwood, laminate, tile and carpet
Walls & paint
Paint, primers, drywall and wall finishes
Kitchen remodel
Cabinets, countertops, sinks and backsplash
Bathroom remodel
Showers, tubs, vanities, toilets and tile
Windows & doors
Replacement windows, entry and patio doors
Roofing & exterior
Roofing, siding, gutters and trim
Insulation & weatherproofing
Insulation, air sealing and moisture
Decks, fences & outdoor
Decking, railings, fencing and patios
Planning & budgets
Costs, permits, contractors and design
Before you sign a quote
Compare asphalt shingle and metal roofs on typical lifespan, upfront cost, weight, energy, noise, wind ratings and installation, for a roof replacement.
Verify licenses and insurance, compare written bids, understand permits, set a payment schedule and use lien waivers when hiring a remodeling contractor.
R-value per inch for fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, spray foam and rigid foam board, where each works, and DOE attic insulation recommendations.
Renovation questions, answered
How long does a metal roof last compared with shingles?
Standing-seam metal roofs often last 40 years or more; architectural shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years, depending on climate and ventilation.
Read: Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing →How much should a contractor's deposit be?
Many states cap deposits for home improvement work. Check your state's rule and avoid paying most of the price before work begins.
Read: How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor →How much attic insulation do I need?
The DOE recommends about R-30 to R-60 for attics, depending on your climate zone. Many existing homes have far less.
Read: Insulation R-Values by Type →Which is more waterproof, LVP or laminate?
LVP. Its vinyl and stone-plastic cores are not damaged by water, while most laminates use a wood-fiber core that can swell if water gets into the joints.
Read: LVP vs Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood →What paint sheen is best for walls?
Eggshell or satin for most rooms. They clean better than flat and look softer than semi-gloss.
Read: Paint Sheen Guide →Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Engineered quartz is non-porous, so it does not need sealing. Granite usually does.
Read: Quartz vs Granite Countertops →Durability and cost per square foot
We compare materials on what they cost installed and how long they last, including underlayment, trim and labor.
Each guide says who the material suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The renovation products index
- 01FlooringLuxury vinyl plank, engineered and solid hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, underlayment and installation.1 page
- 02Walls & paintInterior and exterior paint, primers, sheens, drywall, wallpaper, wall panels and trim.1 page
- 03Kitchen remodelCabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash tile, hardware and kitchen layout planning.1 page
- 04Bathroom remodelShower systems, tubs, vanities, toilets, waterproofing, tile and ventilation fans.0 pages
- 05Windows & doorsReplacement and new-construction windows, entry doors, patio and sliding doors, storm doors and garage doors.1 page
- 06Roofing & exteriorAsphalt, metal and tile roofing, vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding, gutters, soffits and exterior trim.1 page
- 07Insulation & weatherproofingFiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and rigid insulation, air sealing, vapor control and basement waterproofing.1 page
- 08Decks, fences & outdoorComposite and wood decking, railings, fencing, pavers and patio covers.0 pages
- 09Planning & budgetsRemodel budgets and cost per square foot, permits, hiring and managing contractors, design tools and financing.1 page