Whether you're hiring a professional or tackling the job yourself, you can't pursue any remodeling project without doing your fair share of preliminary homework. And although it's certainly good advice to ask for recommendations from friends and family who have used various contractors in the past, your home and your tastes present unique circumstances. What worked for them may not be right for you. So you're going to need to do a little legwork of your own. But the good news is that you won't have to leave home to do it.

The Home Building and Remodeling Network (HBRNet) offers Remodeling Online, the Web version of its magazine. The site contains not only various features on the subject of remodeling, but also a guide categorized with the topics "construction," "exterior" and "interior," under which consumers may select any subject of interest, from lighting to home offices to decks to skylights.

Illustrated with vivid color photographs, Remodeling Online's feature stories are useful and informative. The articles are particularly helpful in their use of real-world examples; in other words, one of the site's current features about boosting the curb appeal of your home contains links to several different homes that have effectively captured the "look" needed to attract prospective buyers. Each home used as an example is illustrated with color exterior and interior photographs, and also lists the respective developer/builder, architect, landscape architect, etc.

Remodeling Online is directed not just toward consumers, but also builders. One of its current articles features the top 50 most useful manufacturers' Web sites for contractors chosen by a panel of builders and remodelers. The professional panelists reviewed hundreds of sites and found -- much like in the real estate profession -- that many sites contain little more than a manufacturer's name and street address, and do little to attract prospective clients. Web site categories include Bath & Kitchen, Construction, Exterior, High-tech, Interior, Tools & Equipment and Windows & Doors. Readers also may link to HBRnet's Interactive Guide to Building Products, where they may locate building-product companies with Web sites. In addition, the guide shows readers how to conduct searches for product and other information quickly and efficiently. And, perhaps most important, the guide passes along sage advice for designing a Web site for your home building or remodeling firm that will increase leads as well as sales.

Aside from its well-written feature stories, Remodeling Online contains a number of additional links, such as "Products." Heading to this link will give you the option of seeing a lineup of some of the latest building products; conduct a product, category or company search; or conduct a story search from an archive of 1,000 stories. "The Boards" is an online forum where readers may chat about such topics as the remodeling business; design; how-to (techniques for doing it yourself); products; and "consumer-to-pro," a meeting place for remodelers and homeowners. A "Finance" link contains information about obtaining loans and passes along various money-saving tips. You'll also find an online store for building product information (software, books, magazine subscriptions and more), and a "Find-A-Pro" link, where you may locate designers and remodelers near you.

Regardless of what stage you find yourself in the remodeling process -- whether you're just considering the idea or you're ready to hire a contractor -- Remodeling Online is an excellent resource. The site not only helps you locate a qualified professional to do the job; it also illustrates examples of successful remodeling jobs to help you formulate a better idea of your project goals. Passing along professional advice at no cost, Remodeling Online is a money-saving tool that allows you to do considerable research long before you pick up the phone to call a contractor.

Published: February 23, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.