Learn something new in the New Year: Bob Vila explains how to customize and fix textiles yourself.

No matter where you live, be it city, suburb, or country, noise is just about everywhere. Even the quietest of neighborhoods regularly experience some level of noise disturbance. So, what’s the best way to tackle the issue? Follow this three-part approach: Reduce noise transmission from the outside, reduce the noise that your household generates, and use sound-absorbing materials to lessen the effects of noise that you do generate. Try these easy soundproofing strategies to maximize peace and quiet in your home.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire kitchen, complete with new cabinetry and appliances, or you just want to update your living room with a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, and carpeting, remodeling can be a pricey prospect. That’s why it’s important to know how much it’s likely to cost up front before you start. The following figures come from "Remodeling" magazine, which analyzes costs for both midrange and upscale home remodeling projects, and "House Beautiful," which breaks projects down into the cost of their components. These costs reflect the upper range, but if you opt for fewer amenities and are able to do some of the work yourself, you should be able to save some money.

Q: We’re building a large addition on our house—to include two bedrooms, a vaulted great room, and two additional bat...