Cost To Build A House And Building Basics

Metal Roofs

Rising popularity for this long lasting alternative to typical roofing materials.

New Home Products & Trends at Dwell on Design & PCBC

David found cool new home ideas at the annual Dwell on Design Show in Los Angeles, plus other product news from the Pacific Coast Builder Show, also held in June, 2017.

What Makes A Well Designed House Plan?

Designs that successfully avoid common design flaws.

Shade Structures

From awnings to sails: ways to provide shelter from the summer sun.

Design Chat: Sandi Erdman

Sandi explains how she designs and what she feels makes a good house plan.

All Fired Up! Modern Ceramic Tile

Tile advice for counters, floors, walls, and more from Heath Ceramics, the famous Mid-Century Modern manufacturer.

Design Chat: Janet Hobbs

Austin building designer Janet Hobbs explains how she works and what influences her house plans.

Building On an Infill Lot

Many house plans -- from Craftsman to Modern to something in between -- will fit an infill lot. Here's an example of a first-time builder with some advice from his own experience.

Siting Help from an Architect

Pointers for situating your new house on your lot from architect, author, and teacher Donlyn Lyndon, who was one of the original designers of the internationally famous community on California's north coast, known as The Sea Ranch.

Estimating the Cost To Build Your House Plan

Ordering a Cost To Build Report (CTB) on a house plan is a good way to start assessing a project's affordability. Key features will have a major impact on the bottom line.

Subdivision Style Trend: Transitional Modern!

Boyce explores a new community in Florida with a fresh approach to residential design.

Rainwater Harvesting

Cisterns above ground or below and other matters related to storing and using rainwater in and around the house.