Link Roundup
I spend a lot of time learning from other sources—people doing the same work, institutional knowledge, and just pure luck finding something that explains a concept I’ve been stuck on. Here’s what I keep open in my browser when I’m working through a project.
The fastest way to avoid a bad estimate is to know what a reasonable estimate looks like before you start asking contractors for them.
Sites I Actually Keep Open
This Old House
The first place I check for a project I haven’t done before. Their cost guides alone have saved me from a few bad estimates. The project categories are well organized, and the how-to depth is exactly what a DIYer needs without veering into “you need specialty equipment for this.”
Bob Vila
Similar territory to This Old House but written by a different bench of contractors and pros. I use the two to cross-check each other when I’m deciding on methods or materials. The product reviews are also genuinely useful—they’re written from the perspective of actually using the thing.
How to Use This Roundup
| Step | What You Do | What You Should See |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Define your project | Write down exactly what you’re trying to fix or improve (e.g., “replace kitchen cabinet hardware” not just “update kitchen”). | A clear scope that you could explain to a contractor in one sentence. |
| 2. Search the resources above | Start with This Old House for the basic how-to. Check Bob Vila for product reviews if you’re shopping materials. | A cost range, a time estimate, and a list of tools you’ll need to buy or borrow. |
| 3. Search this blog | Look for our posts on your specific project type. We document what we did, not just the ideal-case version. | Before-and-after photos, what surprised us, and what we’d do differently next time. |
| 4. Get a contractor estimate | Now that you understand the scope and cost baseline, request a quote. You’ll spot outliers (good and bad). | A written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and timeline. If it’s vague, ask for detail. |
Key Figures for Resource Planning
- 15 minutes
- Average time to find a project on This Old House using their category system and search.
- 3–4 sources
- Number of different resources worth checking before you make a final decision on method or material, especially for your first time with a project type.
- 2 weeks
- Realistic timeline to get a contractor estimate after providing clear scope—faster if you email a detailed request rather than calling during business hours.
- 50–70%
- Percentage of DIY decision-making that is really just knowing what questions to ask. The sources above teach you what to ask.