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Project Guides

Every home project, start to finish.

One page per project with the whole plan in it: what it costs in your state, whether to DIY or hire, a step-by-step plan, the tools and materials worth buying, pro tips, and a vetted local pro if you would rather not do it yourself. Free, cited, and no lead-selling.

Every project guide is free and covers the decision. When project guides are not enough and you are ready to build, a Project Blueprint gives you the full step-by-step plan, exact materials and tool specs, permit steps, and a contractor hiring guide for your project.

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Interior

33 guides
Kitchen RemodelHard

Hire: $15,000$45,000 · DIY: $6,000$18,000

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Bathroom RemodelModerate

Hire: $6,500$18,000 · DIY: $2,500$7,500

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Interior PaintingEasy

Hire: $2,000$6,000 · DIY: $400$1,200

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Flooring InstallationModerate

Hire: $3,000$8,000 · DIY: $1,500$4,000

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Drywall InstallationModerate

Hire: $1,200$3,500 · DIY: $500$1,400

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Hardwood FlooringModerate

Hire: $5,000$12,000 · DIY: $2,500$7,500

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Basement FinishingHard

Hire: $15,000$50,000 · DIY: $7,000$25,000

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Countertop InstallationModerate

Hire: $2,000$6,000 · DIY: $800$3,000

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Cabinet RefacingModerate

Hire: $4,000$12,000 · DIY: $1,000$4,000

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Backsplash TileEasy

Hire: $800$2,500 · DIY: $200$700

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Tub-to-Shower ConversionHard

Hire: $3,500$12,000 · DIY: $1,500$6,000

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Luxury Vinyl Plank FlooringEasy

Hire: $1,500$5,000 · DIY: $600$2,200

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Laminate FlooringEasy

Hire: $1,400$4,500 · DIY: $500$1,800

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Tile FlooringModerate

Hire: $1,800$6,000 · DIY: $700$2,500

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Drywall RepairEasy

Hire: $150$800 · DIY: $20$120

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Popcorn Ceiling RemovalModerate

Hire: $1,000$3,000 · DIY: $100$500

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Fireplace InstallationHard

Hire: $2,000$8,000 · DIY: $600$3,000

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Epoxy Garage FloorModerate

Hire: $1,500$5,000 · DIY: $200$800

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Shower Tile SurroundHard

Hire: $2,000$6,000 · DIY: $700$2,500

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Room SoundproofingModerate

Hire: $1,000$4,000 · DIY: $300$1,500

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Ceiling Fan InstallationModerate

Hire: $150$600 · DIY: $80$350

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Garbage Disposal InstallationEasy

Hire: $150$450 · DIY: $80$300

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Closet Build-OutEasy

Hire: $500$3,000 · DIY: $150$1,200

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Wallpaper InstallationModerate

Hire: $500$2,500 · DIY: $100$800

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Toilet ReplacementEasy

Hire: $200$600 · DIY: $120$500

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Kitchen Faucet ReplacementEasy

Hire: $150$450 · DIY: $80$400

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Bathroom Vanity InstallationModerate

Hire: $400$1,500 · DIY: $200$1,200

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Carpet InstallationModerate

Hire: $700$2,500 · DIY: $300$1,200

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Baseboard & Trim InstallationEasy

Hire: $700$3,000 · DIY: $250$900

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Interior Door InstallationModerate

Hire: $400$2,500 · DIY: $150$1,000

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Mold RemediationHard

Hire: $1,500$6,000 · DIY: $50$500

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Plumbing Fixture InstallationModerate

Hire: $200$1,200 · DIY: $80$500

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Hardwood Floor RefinishingModerate

Hire: $1,200$4,000 · DIY: $400$1,200

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Exterior

17 guides
RoofingHard

Hire: $5,500$14,000 · DIY: $2,200$5,500

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Window ReplacementHard

Hire: $5,000$14,000 · DIY: $3,000$8,000

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Siding InstallationHard

Hire: $9,000$25,000 · DIY: $5,000$13,000

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Gutter InstallationModerate

Hire: $1,000$3,000 · DIY: $400$1,200

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Exterior PaintingModerate

Hire: $3,000$9,000 · DIY: $700$2,500

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Metal RoofingHard

Hire: $12,000$30,000 · DIY: $7,000$16,000

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Vinyl SidingModerate

Hire: $8,000$18,000 · DIY: $4,000$12,000

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Garage DoorModerate

Hire: $1,000$3,500 · DIY: $700$2,200

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Pressure WashingEasy

Hire: $200$600 · DIY: $50$400

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Gutter GuardsEasy

Hire: $1,000$4,000 · DIY: $200$1,000

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Chimney RepairHard

Hire: $500$4,000 · DIY: $100$600

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Skylight InstallationHard

Hire: $1,000$4,000 · DIY: $400$1,500

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Sliding Patio Door InstallationHard

Hire: $1,200$4,000 · DIY: $600$2,000

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Sunroom AdditionHard

Hire: $15,000$50,000 · DIY: $5,000$20,000

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Exterior Door InstallationModerate

Hire: $600$3,500 · DIY: $300$1,500

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Detached Garage BuildHard

Hire: $20,000$50,000 · DIY: $12,000$30,000

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Roof RepairModerate

Hire: $400$2,000 · DIY: $150$700

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Systems

20 guides
HVAC ReplacementHard

Hire: $6,000$13,000 · DIY: $3,000$7,000

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Water Heater ReplacementModerate

Hire: $1,200$3,500 · DIY: $600$1,800

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Solar Panel InstallationHard

Hire: $15,000$30,000 · DIY: $9,000$18,000

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Heat PumpHard

Hire: $6,000$18,000 · DIY: $4,000$9,000

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Ductless Mini-SplitModerate

Hire: $3,000$10,000 · DIY: $1,500$4,000

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Tankless Water HeaterHard

Hire: $1,400$5,000 · DIY: $1,000$2,500

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EV Charger InstallationModerate

Hire: $800$3,000 · DIY: $400$1,200

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Attic InsulationModerate

Hire: $1,500$3,500 · DIY: $500$1,500

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Sump PumpModerate

Hire: $500$2,500 · DIY: $150$600

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Recessed Lighting InstallationModerate

Hire: $800$3,000 · DIY: $150$600

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Electrical Panel UpgradeHard

Hire: $1,500$4,500 · DIY: $0$0

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Whole-House GeneratorHard

Hire: $5,000$15,000 · DIY: $0$0

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Well Pump ReplacementHard

Hire: $1,000$4,000 · DIY: $400$1,800

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Septic System InstallationHard

Hire: $5,000$25,000 · DIY: $0$0

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Radon MitigationModerate

Hire: $800$2,500 · DIY: $300$800

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Gas Line InstallationHard

Hire: $300$2,000 · DIY: $0$0

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Water Softener InstallationModerate

Hire: $800$2,500 · DIY: $400$1,500

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Smart Home InstallationModerate

Hire: $1,000$5,000 · DIY: $300$2,000

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AC ReplacementHard

Hire: $4,500$9,000 · DIY: $2,500$5,000

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Furnace ReplacementHard

Hire: $3,500$8,000 · DIY: $2,000$4,500

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Outdoor

15 guides
DeckingModerate

Hire: $4,000$11,000 · DIY: $1,800$4,500

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Fence InstallationEasy

Hire: $1,800$5,500 · DIY: $700$2,200

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Concrete DrivewayHard

Hire: $4,500$12,000 · DIY: $2,500$6,500

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Paver PatioModerate

Hire: $3,500$9,000 · DIY: $1,500$3,500

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Retaining WallModerate

Hire: $3,500$12,000 · DIY: $1,500$5,000

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Sod InstallationModerate

Hire: $1,000$4,000 · DIY: $400$1,500

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Deck RepairModerate

Hire: $800$3,000 · DIY: $200$1,000

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French DrainModerate

Hire: $1,500$6,000 · DIY: $400$1,500

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Sprinkler System InstallationHard

Hire: $2,500$8,000 · DIY: $800$3,000

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Pergola InstallationModerate

Hire: $2,500$9,000 · DIY: $800$4,000

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Shed InstallationModerate

Hire: $1,500$6,000 · DIY: $600$3,500

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Tree RemovalHard

Hire: $400$2,000 · DIY: $100$600

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Driveway SealingEasy

Hire: $250$700 · DIY: $50$200

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Landscape LightingModerate

Hire: $2,000$6,000 · DIY: $300$1,500

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Fire Pit InstallationModerate

Hire: $700$3,500 · DIY: $300$1,500

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