Chain link fence: heights, wire gauge, coatings and how installation works
How to choose a chain link fence: height, wire gauge and mesh size, galvanized or vinyl-coated, posts and fittings, privacy slats, and the steps of installation.
Better homes, smarter energy, beautiful yards and gardens
Practical guides for your home, energy and garden
Independent advice on remodeling, solar and energy efficiency, and landscaping — with US prices, units and rules.
Three areas, one home
Start with the part of your home you want to improve.
Renovation & Building
Plan kitchens, bathrooms, roofs and extensions with clear costs, materials and step-by-step guidance.
View all · 11 topicsSolar & Energy Efficiency
Compare solar panels, heat pumps and insulation, and see what they could save on your energy bills.
View all · 10 topicsGarden & Landscaping
Design, build and care for outdoor spaces: lawns, patios, irrigation, lighting and pools.
View all · 10 topicsKey topics
Core subjects our guides cover in depth.
Free calculators
Estimate costs and quantities before you talk to a contractor. Every calculator shows its formula and assumptions.
Renovation cost calculator
Estimate a budget by floor area, scope and type of work.Solar savings calculator
Estimate yearly output and bill savings from a solar system.Heat pump cost calculator
Compare installation and running costs with your current heating.Paint calculator
Work out how much paint you need for your walls and ceilings.Lawn area calculator
Measure your lawn and estimate seed, turf and topsoil.Irrigation water calculator
Estimate how much water your garden needs through the season.Electricity cost calculator
See what any appliance costs to run per hour, month and year.Roofing calculator
Roof area, pitch and the shingles or tiles to order.Concrete calculator
Concrete for slabs, paths and posts — in cubic metres, yards or bags.Area calculator (m² and ft²)
Square metres or square feet for any room, floor or plot.Tile & flooring calculator
Tiles, boxes or flooring packs for any floor or wall.Decking calculator
Deck boards, joists, pads and screws for a timber or composite deck.Insulation calculator (U-value)
New U-value, thickness needed and yearly heating saving.
United States
Written for your country
Costs in US dollars and feet, with federal and state programs and US building practice.
Latest articles
Foam board insulation: EPS, XPS and polyiso compared, where to use them and how to install
Rigid foam board insulation explained: EPS, XPS and polyiso, R-value per inch and moisture, where each works best, sealing seams and fire safety.
How much attic insulation do I need? Recommended R-values by climate zone
ENERGY STAR's recommended attic, floor and wall insulation R-values by climate zone, how to check what you have, and how to turn an R-value into a thickness.
Pressure treated lumber: use categories, ground contact, fasteners and safe handling
What pressure treated lumber is, above-ground vs ground-contact ratings, fasteners that won't corrode, drying before staining, and safe cutting and disposal.
Sliding patio doors: types, materials, glass and what to check before you buy
How to choose a sliding patio door: vinyl, aluminum, wood or fiberglass frames, glass and energy ratings, sizes, security and what installation involves.
Succulent plants: light, watering, soil and how to keep them alive indoors and out
How to care for succulents: how much light they need, when to water, the right soil and pots, overwintering, and fixes for common problems like rot and stretching.
Renovate once, save every year
Insulation, windows, heating and solar work best when planned together. These topics help you sequence the work.
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Sourced and dated
Prices, incentives and statistics are linked to their source and show when they were last checked.
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Electrical, structural and gas work is flagged clearly: some jobs need a qualified professional.