GreatBuildz Guide

Tips and advice for a successful renovation

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Remodeling Cost Guides

Cost Guides

design ideas

Design Ideas

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Finding a Contractor

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Selecting Materials

remodeling advice

Remodeling Advice

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Design Ideas

15 Ways To Make Your Old Home Look New Again

15 Ways To Make Your Old Home Look New Again

Do you feel like your home is stuck in a past decade? Many homeowners dream of major home improvements but are held back by the high cost of a full home remodel. The great news is you don't need to spend a lot of money to completely update your living space. With a...

Wallpaper Is Back in Style: How Homeowners Are Using It in 2026

Wallpaper Is Back in Style: How Homeowners Are Using It in 2026

Wallpaper is back in style, with bold patterns, textured grasscloth, and removable peel-and-stick options leading the trend, especially in accent walls, powder rooms, and dining rooms. It’s a fast way to add personality to a space. Here’s how wallpaper is making a...

No More Neutrals: Bold Colors Are Taking Over Homes in 2026

No More Neutrals: Bold Colors Are Taking Over Homes in 2026

Bold colors are replacing all-neutral interiors, with deep greens, warm terracottas, moody blues, and saturated accent walls leading 2026 design. Used thoughtfully, bold color adds personality without overwhelming a space. Here’s how the shift away from neutrals works...

5 Ways to Make a New Home Look Vintage (Part 2)

5 Ways to Make a New Home Look Vintage (Part 2)

Our first guide, How to Make a New Home Look Vintage, was a hit, so we’re back with fresh ideas that layer character without feeling themed. Think of this as Part 2: new moves that work alongside the originals and make your place feel warm, storied, and genuinely...

Tile Kitchen Countertops Are Back – Don’t Fall for the Hype

Tile Kitchen Countertops Are Back – Don’t Fall for the Hype

Tile kitchen countertops are having a comeback for their retro look and low material cost, but before you jump on the trend, know the downsides: grout lines stain and harbor bacteria, the surface is uneven for prep, and tiles can crack. For many kitchens, quartz or...

Mid-Century Modern Homes: Features, History & Design Guide

Mid-Century Modern Homes: Features, History & Design Guide

Mid-century modern homes, popular from the 1940s to 1960s, are defined by clean lines, flat or low-sloped roofs, large windows, open floor plans, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Natural materials, warm colors, and functional design are hallmarks. Here’s a...

Craftsman Style Homes: History, Key Features, and Remodel Guide

Craftsman Style Homes: History, Key Features, and Remodel Guide

Craftsman-style homes are defined by low-pitched gabled roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, front porches with tapered columns, and warm natural materials like wood and stone. Remodeling one means honoring those details while updating systems and layout, ideally...

Rebuilding Altadena with the Altadena Collective

Rebuilding Altadena with the Altadena Collective

The Altadena Collective is a community-driven group of architects and design partners helping residents rebuild after the 2025 wildfires with semi-custom and custom home designs, permitting support, and personalized advocacy. It’s one resource among several for...

A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting in Your Home

A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting in Your Home

Lighting is not just functional; it changes how a space feels. The right mix of ambient and natural lighting in your home, and artificial light can improve any room. If you want to create a cozy feel in your living room or provide focused light in your kitchen,...

Kitchen Island vs. Peninsula: Which Works Best for You?

Kitchen Island vs. Peninsula: Which Works Best for You?

If you're planning a kitchen renovation, one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make involves your layout, namely whether to incorporate a kitchen island or a peninsula. Both options offer additional workspace, storage, and seating, but each fits differently...

Vintage Vibes: How to Make a New Home Look Vintage

Vintage Vibes: How to Make a New Home Look Vintage

Making a new home look vintage comes down to details: reclaimed or wide-plank wood floors, classic tile like checkerboard or subway, vintage-style lighting and hardware, wainscoting and molding, and warm, period-appropriate colors. Layering these touches gives a new...

6 Kitchen Features That Are So Outdated According to Pros

6 Kitchen Features That Are So Outdated According to Pros

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home — but if yours still features trends from decades past, it might be more of a time capsule than a welcoming space. From tired materials to outdated lighting, certain design choices can make your kitchen feel less...

Custom vs Prefab Cabinets: Pros and Cons

Custom vs Prefab Cabinets: Pros and Cons

Renovating your kitchen can be a fun project. A key part of this project is picking the right kitchen cabinets. You'll need to decide between custom vs prefab cabinets. This choice affects how your kitchen looks and feels. It also impacts your budget and the way you...

A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting in Your Home

Creative Ways Lighting Can Improve Your Decor

Lighting does more than brighten rooms. It changes moods, highlights features, and shapes style. A well-lit space can improve your decor, making each room feel warm, elegant, or bold. But every detail counts. That’s why selecting the right lights matters. However,...

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