# RenovationTested

> Home renovation guides: flooring, paint, cabinets and countertops, kitchen and bath fixtures, windows, doors, roofing, siding, insulation, decks and remodel planning, budgets and contractors.

RenovationTested publishes renovation products reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://renovationtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://renovationtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://renovationtested.com/glossary): renovation products terms defined
- [How we test](https://renovationtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Flooring](https://renovationtested.com/category/flooring): Luxury vinyl plank, engineered and solid hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, underlayment and installation.
- [Walls & paint](https://renovationtested.com/category/walls-paint): Interior and exterior paint, primers, sheens, drywall, wallpaper, wall panels and trim.
- [Kitchen remodel](https://renovationtested.com/category/kitchen): Cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash tile, hardware and kitchen layout planning.
- [Bathroom remodel](https://renovationtested.com/category/bathroom): Shower systems, tubs, vanities, toilets, waterproofing, tile and ventilation fans.
- [Windows & doors](https://renovationtested.com/category/windows-doors): Replacement and new-construction windows, entry doors, patio and sliding doors, storm doors and garage doors.
- [Roofing & exterior](https://renovationtested.com/category/exterior): Asphalt, metal and tile roofing, vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding, gutters, soffits and exterior trim.
- [Insulation & weatherproofing](https://renovationtested.com/category/insulation): Fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and rigid insulation, air sealing, vapor control and basement waterproofing.
- [Decks, fences & outdoor](https://renovationtested.com/category/outdoor-projects): Composite and wood decking, railings, fencing, pavers and patio covers.
- [Planning & budgets](https://renovationtested.com/category/planning): Remodel budgets and cost per square foot, permits, hiring and managing contractors, design tools and financing.

## Buying guides
- [Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing: Lifespan, Cost and Noise](https://renovationtested.com/guides/asphalt-shingles-vs-metal-roofing): Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common US roof: lower upfront cost, wide contractor availability and a typical life of about 20 to 30 years. Standing-seam metal costs substantially more to install but often lasts 40 years or more, sheds snow, resists fire and can reflect heat with a cool-roof finish. Noise is rarely a problem over solid decking and underlayment. Compare warranties, wind ratings and the installer's experience.
- [How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor: Checks Before You Sign](https://renovationtested.com/guides/how-to-hire-a-remodeling-contractor): Get at least three written bids for the same scope. Check each contractor's license with your state or local licensing board and ask for certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Make sure the contractor pulls required permits. Sign a written contract with scope, materials, schedule, a payment plan tied to progress and change-order terms, and collect lien waivers as you pay.
- [Insulation R-Values by Type: Batts, Blown-In, Foam and Board](https://renovationtested.com/guides/insulation-r-values-by-type): R-value measures resistance to heat flow; higher is better. Fiberglass and mineral wool batts give roughly R-3 to R-4 per inch, blown cellulose about R-3.2 to R-3.8, open-cell spray foam about R-3.5 to R-3.6 and closed-cell spray foam about R-6 to R-7. Rigid foam board ranges from about R-3.6 (EPS) to R-6 (polyiso). The US Department of Energy recommends roughly R-30 to R-60 in attics depending on climate. Air sealing first makes any insulation work better.
- [LVP vs Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood: Flooring Compared](https://renovationtested.com/guides/lvp-vs-laminate-vs-engineered-hardwood): Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most water-resistant and suits kitchens, baths and basements; judge it by wear layer, with 12 mil common for homes and 20 mil or more for heavy use. Laminate has a hard, scratch-resistant surface rated AC1 to AC5 but a wood-fiber core that can swell if water sits on it. Engineered hardwood is real wood over a plywood core; a thicker wear layer can be sanded and refinished.
- [Paint Sheen Guide: Which Finish for Each Room](https://renovationtested.com/guides/paint-sheen-guide-by-room): Flat and matte hide wall flaws best but scuff easily, so they suit ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Eggshell and satin balance a soft look with washability for living areas, hallways and bedrooms. Semi-gloss is the usual choice for trim, doors, kitchens and bathrooms because it wipes clean and resists moisture. The glossier the paint, the more it shows surface flaws, so prep matters more.
- [Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Durability, Care and Cost](https://renovationtested.com/guides/quartz-vs-granite-countertops): Engineered quartz is mostly crushed quartz bound with resin. It is non-porous, needs no sealing and comes in consistent patterns, but the resin can be damaged by high heat and fade in direct sun. Granite is natural stone that handles heat well and every slab is unique, but most granites should be sealed periodically to resist stains. Both cost a similar range installed, depending on slab and edge details.
- [Window Energy Ratings Explained: U-Factor, SHGC and NFRC](https://renovationtested.com/guides/window-energy-ratings-explained): Every rated window carries an NFRC label. U-factor measures heat loss: lower is better, especially in cold climates. Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how much of the sun's heat gets through: low SHGC suits hot climates, while higher SHGC can help in cold climates. ENERGY STAR sets limits for four US climate zones, so check that a window qualifies for your zone, not just in general.

Contact: info@renovationtested.com