Remodel & Energy Guides
Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners ask before a remodel or energy upgrade: what things cost, how much material to buy, what size to choose, how long an upgrade takes to pay back, and what a project is worth. Each guide is paired with a free calculator so you can run your own numbers.
How Much Do Countertops Cost? Price per Square Foot by Material
Compare 2026 countertop prices per square foot and how quartz, granite, marble, laminate, butcher block and more hold up to heat, stains and scratches.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? A Budget Guide by Tier
What a kitchen remodel costs in 2026 at budget, mid-range and high-end tiers, where the money goes, what drives the price up, and how to plan a realistic budget.
How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom
Kitchen cabinet prices per linear foot for stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets, how to measure your kitchen, and where you can save without losing quality.
How Big Can a Kitchen Island Be? Sizing, Clearance & Seating
How to size a kitchen island: NKBA walkway clearances, the minimum kitchen size for an island, how much room each stool needs, and how to test the layout.
How Many Tiles Do I Need? Waste, Boxes & Grout Explained
How to calculate how many tiles to buy: measuring the area, waste allowance by layout, converting to boxes, estimating grout, and why to keep a spare box.
How Much Does a Kitchen Backsplash Cost? Tile, Labor & DIY
Kitchen backsplash cost per square foot in 2026 for ceramic, glass, stone and metal tile, what labor adds, how to measure, and when DIY makes sense.
How Much Paint Do I Need for a Kitchen or Bathroom?
How to work out how many gallons of paint a kitchen or bathroom needs, why moisture-resistant paint covers a little less, and how to choose sheen and coats.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost? A Budget Guide by Tier
What a bathroom remodel costs in 2026 at budget, mid-range and high-end tiers, why small bathrooms cost more per square foot, and where you can save.
What Size Bathroom Vanity Do I Need? Widths, Clearances & Double Sinks
How to choose a bathroom vanity size: standard widths, the space a single or double sink needs, NKBA clearances, and what to measure before you order.
How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost? Prefab vs. Tile by Size
2026 shower remodel costs by size for prefab kits and custom tile, what extras like glass doors and plumbing moves add, and how to keep the price down.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub? Cost by Style
2026 bathtub replacement costs for alcove, drop-in, freestanding, jetted and walk-in tubs, what tub materials cost, and the extras that add to the bill.
What Size Bathroom Exhaust Fan Do I Need? CFM by Room Size
How to size a bathroom exhaust fan: HVI's 1 CFM per square foot rule, fixture-based sizing for large bathrooms, the 50 CFM code minimum, and ducting tips.
Does a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel Add Value? Resale ROI by Project
How much resale value kitchen and bathroom remodels recover, from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report: minor vs. major, midrange vs. upscale, and what it means for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home EV Charger?
What a home Level 2 EV charger costs to install in 2026: hardware, labor, permits, panel upgrades, and why the federal tax credit no longer applies.
Is Home Solar Worth It? Cost, Savings, and Payback Period
What a home solar system costs in 2026, how to estimate your annual savings, how long payback takes without the expired federal tax credit, and what still affects the math.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Costs More to Install?
Installed cost of a heat pump versus a furnace and AC replacement in 2026, by system size and climate, plus why running costs depend on local energy prices.
Do New Windows Pay for Themselves? Cost vs. Energy Savings
What energy-efficient window replacement costs in 2026, how much it typically saves on heating and cooling, and how long payback takes.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
What it costs to upgrade an electrical panel in 2026, from 100 to 200 amps and beyond, what the meter box and permit add, and signs you need an upgrade.
Is Attic Insulation Worth It? Cost, R-Values, and Payback
What attic insulation costs in 2026, how much ENERGY STAR recommends adding for your climate zone, how much it saves, and why it usually pays back faster than other upgrades.
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost?
What a standby generator costs installed in 2026 by size and fuel, what installation includes, how to size one, and how much of the cost it recovers at resale.
Do Smart Thermostats Save Money? Cost, Savings, and Payback
What a smart thermostat costs in 2026, how much ENERGY STAR certified models save on heating and cooling, and how fast they pay for themselves.
How Much Do LED Light Bulbs Save?
How much switching from incandescent, halogen, or CFL bulbs to LEDs saves per bulb each year, how fast LEDs pay back, and whether to replace bulbs that still work.