Guides
Home project guides
Straight answers to the questions homeowners actually search, with the number up top, the reasoning below, and the calculator to match. Every fact is sourced.
What things cost
Real price ranges for common home projects, and what actually drives the number.
How much does a concrete patio cost?
A concrete patio runs about $6 to $20 per square foot installed, or roughly $1,900 to $6,000 for an average patio. Here is what drives the price.
Read the guide →How much does a deck cost?
A deck runs about $15 to $60 per square foot installed, or roughly $8,000 to $14,000 for a typical project. Here is what drives the price.
Read the guide →How much does a vinyl fence cost?
A vinyl fence runs about $15 to $40 per linear foot installed, or roughly $2,300 to $6,000 for an average yard. Here is what drives the price.
Read the guide →How much does a wood fence cost?
A wood fence runs about $10 to $35 per linear foot installed, or roughly $1,900 to $6,500 for an average yard. Here is what drives the price.
Read the guide →How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
Painting a house exterior runs about $1.50 to $5 per square foot, or roughly $1,800 to $11,000 total. Here is what drives the price.
Read the guide →How much do I need
Simple formulas to size up materials before you buy, so you order the right amount once.
How much concrete do I need?
Multiply length x width x thickness in feet, then divide the cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. An 80 lb bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet.
Read the guide →How much gravel do I need?
Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches. Formula inside.
Read the guide →How much mulch do I need?
Measure the bed in square feet, pick a depth of 2 to 3 inches, then divide. One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches. Full formula inside.
Read the guide →How much paint do I need to paint a room?
Measure the walls, subtract doors and windows, plan two coats. A gallon covers about 350 to 400 sq ft. Here is the full formula, plus a calculator.
Read the guide →How long things last
Realistic lifespans, and the signs it is time to plan a replacement.
How long does a central AC unit last?
A central air conditioner typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Learn what shortens it, the signs it is failing, and when to replace vs repair.
Read the guide →How long does a furnace last?
A gas furnace typically lasts about 15 to 20 years. Learn what shortens furnace life, the signs it is failing, and when to replace it.
Read the guide →How long does a roof last?
Most asphalt shingle roofs last about 15 to 20 years for 3-tab and 25 to 30 years for architectural shingles. Here is what shortens or extends that.
Read the guide →How long does a water heater last?
A tank water heater lasts about 8 to 12 years; tankless can reach 20. Learn the signs it is failing and how to get more years out of yours.
Read the guide →Maintenance and new owners
Keep the house in good shape, and get the first year right.
How often should you change your HVAC filter?
Change a standard 1-inch HVAC filter every 1 to 3 months. Thick media filters last 6 to 12 months, and pets or allergies mean more often.
Read the guide →How often should you clean your gutters?
Clean your gutters at least twice a year, in spring and fall. Homes with lots of trees, especially pines, may need it three to four times a year.
Read the guide →What to do after buying a house
Change the locks, find your shutoffs, test the alarms, set the water heater to 120 F, and make a home inventory. Here is the full first-year plan.
Read the guide →