Radon in Columbus Basements: The $500 Test That Changes Your Finish Plan
Columbus sits in a high-radon zone and most homeowners have never tested. Here's why it matters for your basement finish and how to handle it.
Heat Pumps in Columbus: Cold-Climate Performance, AEP Rebates, and 2026 Switching Math
Cold-climate heat pumps now work in Columbus winters. Here's the 2026 math on switching, with AEP Ohio rebates and payback expectations.
How to Vet a Contractor in Westchester and Columbus
License, insurance, references, payment terms, and the red flags that should end the conversation. A practical vetting guide for both markets.
Whole-House Gut Renovation Costs in Columbus: $200K, $400K, $600K Tiers
A tiered guide to whole-house Columbus renovations — what $200K, $400K, and $600K actually buy in 2026.
How Much Does a Home Addition Cost in Columbus, Ohio? (2026 Real Numbers)
Real 2026 cost ranges for Columbus home additions — bump-outs, second stories, and full rear additions — with scope, structural, and finish variables explained.
Renovating in Clintonville: Older Housing Stock, Knob-and-Tube, and the Upgrade Path
Clintonville's early-20th-century homes hide expensive surprises. Here's how to plan a renovation that doesn't spiral into a gut.
Renovating in German Village, Short North, and Italian Village: Historic Review Inside Columbus
Columbus's historic neighborhoods each have their own review commissions, material rules, and cost realities. Here's the guide.
Renovating in New Albany: Strict HOAs, New Construction Zones, and Custom Home Premiums
New Albany's master-planned character drives one of the strictest private review processes in Central Ohio. Here's what homeowners need to know.
Renovating in Worthington, Westerville, and Hilliard: Suburban Permit Comparison
Three Columbus suburbs with different permit processes, review timelines, and construction cost baselines. Here's the homeowner's guide.
Renovating in Upper Arlington vs. Bexley: Permit Rules and Cost Differences
Upper Arlington and Bexley both have older housing stock and established review processes. Here's how they differ and what that means for your project.
Renovating in Dublin: Permits, Neighborhood Character, and Franklin County's Most Regulated Suburb
Dublin has some of the strictest residential design review in Central Ohio. Here's what that means for your renovation budget and timeline.
Ohio's 2024 Building Code Just Went Live in Columbus: What Changed for Homeowners
As of April 8, 2026, the 2024 Ohio Building Code — based on the 2021 International Building Code — is officially in effect. If you're planning a renovation, addition, or new build in Columbus this year, this is the code your plans will be reviewed against, and it's different from what your neighbor built under two years ago. Here's what actually changed, what it means for your project, and the trap most homeowners fall into when a code update lands mid-renovation.
Cut Your Energy Bill This Month: Quick Wins for Columbus Homeowners
Most Columbus homeowners overpay AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas without realizing how much free money is on the table. Here are the cheap weatherization fixes, smart thermostat rebates, and Ohio programs that can cut your energy bill 20–40% this year.
Do You Need a Permit for That? A Room-by-Room Guide for Columbus Homeowers
Most people only think about permits when a contractor brings them up — and by then, it's usually because the contractor doesn't want to pull one. That's a problem. In Columbus, the rules about what needs a permit are stricter than most homeowners assume, and the consequences of skipping one show up years later when you try to sell, refinance, or file an insurance claim.
How Long Does a Home Addition Actually Take in Columbus, Ohio?
The "three months" your contractor quoted is for construction only — and it's almost always wrong. Here's how long a Columbus home addition really takes from first decision to move-in, broken down phase by phase, plus the delays that catch every homeowner off guard.
Extreme Weather in Columbus: How to Harden Your Home and Cut Your Insurance Premiums
Ohio's 2024 was on track to be a top-10 tornado year, with golf-ball hail and 60+ mph winds hammering Columbus repeatedly. Here's how to harden your home against severe weather, what insurance traps to avoid, and how to cut your premiums with a smarter roof.
Finishing a Basement in Columbus, Ohio: Real 2026 Costs and Timelines
A finished basement is one of the highest-return projects you can do to a Columbus home, but the gap between a $25K basic finish and a $90K full renovation is enormous. Here's what it really costs, how long it actually takes, and the code issues that catch homeowners off guard.
ADU Costs in Columbus: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
Columbus legalized ADUs by right in late 2025, but "legal" doesn't mean "cheap." Here's what a backyard cottage, garage conversion, or basement ADU actually costs in Columbus in 2026 — and where homeowners blow their budgets.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Columbus, Ohio?
Bathroom remodels in Columbus range from $8,000 to $65,000+ depending on scope and materials. Here's what Columbus homeowners are actually paying in 2026 — and how to get the most out of your budget.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Columbus, Ohio?
Kitchen remodels in Columbus range from $18,000 to $150,000+ depending on scope and finishes. Here's what Columbus homeowners are actually paying in 2026 — and where the money goes.

