OCN Magazine https://ocnmagazine.com/ en-us Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT You are about to spend real money on your house, and we write OCN Magazine to help you decide where those dollars go. We focus on the actual mechanics of a remodel. You will find practical articles to help you read a bid, write a contract,… Planning an ADU from the zoning check to the floor plan Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/planning-adu-zoning-check-floor-plan/ https://ocnmagazine.com/planning-adu-zoning-check-floor-plan/ Planning a property addition starts with practical accessory dwelling unit ideas and a zoning check before you move on to a 2-bedroom adu floor plan. Can your attic become a bedroom and what it will need Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:13:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/can-attic-become-bedroom-what-it-needs/ https://ocnmagazine.com/can-attic-become-bedroom-what-it-needs/ Before you look at attic renovation ideas you must make sure the space has enough headroom, a strong floor and a legal window to become a safe bedroom. 9 basement remodel ideas to plan before you frame a wall Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:48:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/basement-remodel-ideas-plan-before-framing/ https://ocnmagazine.com/basement-remodel-ideas-plan-before-framing/ Plan your project with these nine basement remodel ideas to handle moisture, frame walls and pass code inspections before you start building. What it takes to turn a garage into living space Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:05:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/turn-garage-into-living-space/ https://ocnmagazine.com/turn-garage-into-living-space/ Turning a garage into living space means dealing with permits, fire codes and zoning rules. Find garage conversion ideas and steps to make your project legal. 8 home addition ideas and what each one involves Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:20:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/home-addition-ideas-what-each-involves/ https://ocnmagazine.com/home-addition-ideas-what-each-involves/ Comparing home addition ideas means looking at zoning rules, permit requirements and construction limits. Find the right way to add space to your property. A master bathroom plan that works for two people Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:31:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/master-bathroom-plan-for-two-people/ https://ocnmagazine.com/master-bathroom-plan-for-two-people/ Find practical master bathroom remodel ideas to help two people share a layout, covering double vanities, separate toilet rooms and layout clearances. How to lay out a bathroom around the clearances code requires Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:22:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-lay-out-bathroom-code-clearances/ https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-lay-out-bathroom-code-clearances/ Learn how to create a successful bathroom design by mapping out the required clearances for your toilet, shower and sink to pass local building codes. 12 bathroom remodel ideas to decide on before demo day Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:20:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/bathroom-remodel-ideas-decide-before-demo-day/ https://ocnmagazine.com/bathroom-remodel-ideas-decide-before-demo-day/ The best bathroom remodel ideas change what gets built behind the drywall so you can plan all your framing and plumbing changes before demo day. Is refacing kitchen cabinets worth it over replacing them Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:25:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/is-refacing-kitchen-cabinets-worth-it/ https://ocnmagazine.com/is-refacing-kitchen-cabinets-worth-it/ Decide if kitchen cabinet refacing makes sense for your home by reviewing the required materials, layout changes and when to replace completely. Standard kitchen cabinet sizes to plan your layout around Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:03:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/standard-kitchen-cabinet-sizes-layout/ https://ocnmagazine.com/standard-kitchen-cabinet-sizes-layout/ Plan your layout using the standard cabinet sizes for kitchen renovations and learn exactly how base, wall and tall units fit together along a wall. How to sketch your kitchen plan before you meet a designer Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:17:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-sketch-kitchen-plan-design-tool/ https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-sketch-kitchen-plan-design-tool/ Using a free kitchen design tool lets you check clearances before hiring a pro. Learn how to measure your room and map out a layout that actually works. 11 decisions to settle before your kitchen remodel starts Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:36:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/decisions-settle-before-kitchen-remodel/ https://ocnmagazine.com/decisions-settle-before-kitchen-remodel/ Make your kitchen remodel a success by settling these eleven decisions before the work starts, from cabinet layout to permits and lead safety. When a loft in a house can count as a bedroom Tue, 05 May 2026 00:16:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/when-loft-in-house-can-count-as-bedroom/ https://ocnmagazine.com/when-loft-in-house-can-count-as-bedroom/ A loft in a house can only count as a legal bedroom if it meets specific local building codes for emergency escapes, floor area and safety guards. Can a low basement ceiling be finished and still pass Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:28:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/can-low-basement-ceiling-be-finished/ https://ocnmagazine.com/can-low-basement-ceiling-be-finished/ A low basement ceiling can be finished and pass inspection if you plan your layout around local codes for low ceiling basement ideas and duct clearances. What a staircase needs in a floor plan to pass code Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:12:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/staircase-floor-plan-code-requirements/ https://ocnmagazine.com/staircase-floor-plan-code-requirements/ A code compliant stairs floor plan needs exact measurements for treads, risers, and landings. Learn how to calculate the space required for your renovation. How to hire an interior designer without overspending Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-hire-interior-designer-without-overspending/ https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-hire-interior-designer-without-overspending/ Find affordable interior design services for your next renovation by scoping the job properly and understanding how professionals charge for their work. Checking a contractor's license before you sign anything Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:11:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/check-contractor-license-before-you-sign/ https://ocnmagazine.com/check-contractor-license-before-you-sign/ A state contractor search helps you verify a builder has the right license and insurance before you sign a bid for your next home improvement project. How to hire a contractor you can trust with your house Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:47:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-hire-contractor-you-can-trust/ https://ocnmagazine.com/how-to-hire-contractor-you-can-trust/ Learn how to hire contractors with a proven track record, from checking state licenses to writing a contract that protects your renovation. How much contingency to keep in a renovation budget Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:09:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/contingency-renovation-budget/ https://ocnmagazine.com/contingency-renovation-budget/ Learn how to set a contingency budget for your home renovation to cover hidden damage and unexpected repairs without stalling your project. 10 ways to keep a home renovation on a budget Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:39:00 GMT https://ocnmagazine.com/ways-keep-home-renovation-on-a-budget/ https://ocnmagazine.com/ways-keep-home-renovation-on-a-budget/ Keep your home renovation on a budget by tightening your project scope, choosing standard sizes, and avoiding the hidden traps that cause expensive overruns.