HomeCalc Pro DIY Project Resources
Planning is the key to a successful project. Use our expert-written guides, step-by-step checklists, and professional tips from HomeCalc Pro to help you get started right.
General Home Improvement
U.S. Climate & Hardiness Zone Guide
Find your official DOE climate zone for building and your USDA hardiness zone for gardening.
How to Measure a Room Accurately
Learn the proper way to measure a room's dimensions for paint, flooring, or wallpaper.
How to Build a Retaining Wall (Under 4 ft)
A DIY guide to building a block retaining wall. Learn the critical steps for creating a solid base, ensuring proper drainage, and safely backfilling.
A Homeowner's Guide to Paint Finishes
Choose the right paint sheen for any room, from durable semi-gloss for trim to flat for ceilings.
A Homeowner's Guide to Insulation
Learn about fiberglass, spray foam, and more to choose the best insulation for your home.
Kitchen Layout Planning Guide
Plan a functional and beautiful space by understanding the core principles of kitchen design.
Understanding Home Ventilation
Learn why proper home ventilation is crucial and how to choose the right exhaust fan.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier
A guide to selecting the correct dehumidifier size based on pint capacity and room conditions.
Roofing Materials and Installation
Learn about materials like asphalt shingles and metal, and understand roof pitch.
Tile Selection and Installation Tips
Tips for selecting the right tile and ensuring a professional-looking installation.
Drywall Installation Guide
A step-by-step guide to hanging, taping, and finishing drywall panels.
Water Heater Types and Efficiency
Compare tank, tankless, and heat pump water heaters to find the right one for you.
Driveway Materials Guide
Explore the pros and cons of asphalt, concrete, and pavers for your driveway.
Solar Panel Installation Guide
Understand the basics of solar energy, system sizing, and the installation process.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide
The complete guide to bathroom renovation costs, materials, and ROI in 2026.
Window Replacement Cost Guide
How to choose the best energy-efficient windows and estimate installation costs in 2026.
Home Addition Cost Guide
Learn the costs and structural requirements for home additions and bump-outs in 2026.
Basement Finishing Cost Guide
A comprehensive guide to converting your basement into livable square footage in 2026.
Garage Conversion Cost Guide
Turn your garage into a bedroom, office, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in 2026.
Mortgage Closing Costs Guide
A complete 2026 breakdown of lender fees, taxes, and prepaids for homebuyers.
Rent vs Buy Financial Guide
Is it better to rent or buy in 2026? A deep dive into the long-term wealth impact.
Property Tax Optimization Guide
Learn how property taxes are calculated and how to appeal your assessment in 2026.
HELOC vs Home Equity Loan Guide
Compare your options for tapping home equity in a shifting rate environment.
Debt-to-Income Mortgage Readiness
Assess your mortgage qualification based on 2026 gross income and debt standards.
Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway Guide
Compare the costs, longevity, and maintenance of paving materials in 2026.
Home Foundation Types and Costs
Understanding the costs and requirements for slab, crawlspace, and basement foundations.
Gutter Installation and Maintenance Guide
Master gutter selection and seasonal maintenance to protect your home foundation.
Lawn Seeding and Care Guide
Professional strategies for establishing and maintaining a lush 2026 lawn.
Outdoor Kitchen Design and Cost
Plan your luxury outdoor cooking space with our 2026 material and appliance guide.
Artificial Turf Installation Guide
The pros, cons, and costs of switching to synthetic grass in 2026.
Tree Removal Cost and Safety
A guide to the costs and risks of professional tree removal and stump grinding.
EV Charging Station Installation Guide
Everything you need to know about home Level 2 charger costs and installation.
House Flipping Profitability Guide
How to estimate fix-and-flip costs and ensure ROI in the 2026 real estate market.
Countertop Material and Cost Guide
Comparing Granite, Quartz, and Marble costs and maintenance in 2026.
Outdoor Projects
The Ultimate DIY Deck Building Checklist
A step-by-step checklist to ensure your deck building project goes smoothly from start to finish.
How to Build a Paver Patio: A DIY Guide
Learn how to build a durable paver patio with our step-by-step DIY guide. Covers excavation, base preparation, paver laying, and jointing sand.
Fence Installation Guide
Learn how to plan, set posts, and install different types of fencing.
