Renovation & DIY
Kitchen Remodels Are Back on Top: The 2027 Cost-vs-Value Outlook
Minor kitchen refreshes now recoup an estimated 94 cents on the dollar. We break down where the money actually goes.
Mortar Home / Category: Renovation & DIY
Category: Renovation & DIY
Projects that pay back. Permits, contractors, budgets and weekend builds — renovation coverage with a tape measure in hand.
Renovation & DIY
Backyard ADUs: What a $160K Build Really Returns in Rent and Resale
Accessory dwelling units are the hottest line item in residential permits. We audited 14 completed builds to find the real payback period.
Renovation & DIY
The $900 Weekend Bathroom Refresh (No Plumber Required)
Re-grout, re-glaze, re-light: a step-by-step plan that reads like a rescue mission for dated bathrooms.
Renovation & DIY
Deck or Patio? The Cost, Upkeep and Resale Math for Every Backyard
Composite decking prices fell 8% this year — and that changes the usual answer.
Renovation & DIY
Which Smart-Home Upgrades Actually Add Value (and Which Scare Buyers Off)
Smart thermostats help. Proprietary hubs hurt. A resale-minded guide to wiring up.
Renovation & DIY
The Basement Moisture Fixes That Work — Ranked From $20 to $20,000
From gutter extensions to full French drains, a contractor-reviewed ladder of fixes.