Energy SaversThis site, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, has information on insulation and weatherization, landscaping, appliances, and lots of other ways to save energy.
HowToCleanAnything.ComInformation on household cleaning methods, arranged by house exterior, interior, pets, auto, recreation, and stains. Six experts in carpet, janitorial, pets, chemicals, clothing, and computer cleaning, Takes e-mail questions from the general public.
Washington State Building Code CouncilFind the state building codes for Washington, legislative language, and related links and acronyms defined. Links to the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, and the Washington State Energy Code.
American Society of Home InspectorsInformation on problems such as aluminum wiring, septic systems, and lead in drinking water. In addition the ASHI Library provides articles and links to topics such as chimneys and flues, electrical, foundations, heating, plumbing and all the other fun things involved with being a home owner. You can also search for local home inspectors certified by ASHI.
America's Master Handyman's Help SiteProvides "how to hints" for home repair, manufacturer contact information, seasonal hints, archived articles, "Ask a Question" section, and most requested phone numbers for home repair.
Construction WebLinksA searchable collections of links for the construction industry and related fields, including architecture and engineering. Included in Organizations are federal and state agencies, commonwealths, and territories and their laws and regulations; bidding and contract decisions, regulatory updates, and other legal documents of interest to the building industry; business and trade organizations; and colleges, universities, and libraries. Industry Topics contains licensing, financing, building codes, insurance and bonds, specifications, statistics, and more.
Green Building AdvisorExtensive site on all manner of green building topics. Articles, resources, blogs and active forums make this a great place to research details and all kinds of building considerations.
ImproveNetThis site offers many useful tools and calculators for home remodelers. There are estimators for specific jobs such as roofing or kitchen remodels or total house redesign; there are house plans and room "visualizers" and project calculators for tile, wallpaper, painting, etc. Most are free; some require Adobe Acrobat Reader or other free software. Registration (also free) allows the user to participate in newsletters and expert advice forums. It is also convenient, for comparison purposes, to have in one place the major suppliers of a particular appliance or product.
Sweet's Online: Building Product InformationA searchable collection of information on building materials based on manufacturer's catalogs, arranged in 16 building trades divisions. The Business Directory of construction may be searched by state and city, name of company, and business type. There are links to trade organizations and relevant federal agencies. From the publisher of the print Sweet's Catalog Files (since 1906).
The Plumber.comThis site includes a basic handbook; FAQ with information on water heaters, toilets, drains, faucets, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and water distribution; discussion forum; news items; and a history of plumbing.
US Green Building CouncilInformation on green building, including LEED guidelines, news, building certification, education and workshops.
DIY -- Do It Yourself NetworkDIY answers the call for more how-to projects with easy step-by-step directions. Whether you're creating a craft, remodeling a home, or planting the perfect garden, the DIY Network gives you the details you need, and the DIY Web site lets you see it again, print it out and take it with you." Instructions on a variety of home and do-it-yourself projects, as well as workshops that provide in-depth instruction on a variety of topics.
Do It Yourself.ComInformation sources and service providers for do-it-yourselfers.
Hometime.comCheck out "Project List" for linked categories or repair, remodel and construction.
Instructables.comCommunity for sharing tutorials on how to do various things, from ipod and bicycle modification to raised-bed planting. Has sections for art, crafts, food, games, green, home, life, kids, offbeat, pets, photography, ride and tech.
PM Zone"Popular Mechanics" is a publication and web site designed for the serious amateur.
RepairClinic.comAppliance parts and free repair help.
Toiletology 101Online course about how a home toilet works and how to repair one.
Flood Maps from FEMAView FEMA-issued flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) online. Print out small sections, or purchase printed full-sized maps.
Floodsmart -- National Flood Insurance Program websiteFind out how to get covered, file your claim, and learn all about the National Flood Insurance Program.
Landlord - Tenant Law for WashingtonDesigned to help answer questions about landlord and tenant law. Washington State Bar Association Consumer Information Pamphlet.
Landlord-Tenant Law for Washington - the Attorney General’s OfficeIncludes info for renters and mobile home renters. Includes pdfs of a booklet and checklist in English, Spanish, and Russian.
Making Home AffordableInformation, self-assessment tools and calculators for homeowners to determine their eligibility for federal mortgage modification or refinance programs. Connect with free counseling resources, locate local homeowner events, read the key document checklist and FAQ.
Tenants UnionInformation for tenants about their rights in Washington state. Includes sample form letters and a hotline number (with limited hours).
Parcel Search -- Grays Harbor County Online Parcel DatabaseSearch for land owner and tax information by parcel number, address or keyword.
Parcel Search -- Lewis County PATS -- Parcel Assessment and Tax SystemSearch for land owner and tax information by parcel number or site address.
Parcel Search -- Mason County Parcel Data Online Search for land owner and tax information by parcel number, last name or site address.
Parcel Search -- Pacific County TaxSifter Parcel SearchSearch for land owner and tax information by parcel number, owner name or site address.
Parcel Search -- Thurston County GeodataSearch for land owner and tax information by parcel number or site address. Find GIS, soil, wetland and park information, as well as county ordinances.
Soil Survey -- USDAAt Web Soil Survey, access soil data for your area and determine the suitability of the soils for a particular use, and view or print a soil map for your area. Maintained as "the single authoritative source of soil survey information."
Buying a HomeHUD's Web site for homebuyers includes common questions from first-time homebuyers; rights of a homebuyer; calculating how much mortgage you can afford; dealing with a real estate agent; various homebuying programs, including HUD's special programs; and information on inspections, appraisals, and homeowner's insurance.
CoAbodeOffers a unique 'matchmaking' service to provide single moms with one or more children the opportunity to share housing, while pooling resouces and finances with another single mom of their choosing.
Craigslist housing listingsFree online classified listing site. Find or post rentals, rooms, sublets, commercial space, real estate for sale and more. Search listings by town name, price, keywords.
ForSaleByOwner.comDatabase of homes for sale by owner (without a real estate agent) in the United States. Search for a home, or list your property. Also has information on local schools, price comparisons, loans, and tips on home buying. See also another database of for sale listings, allthelistings.com, which covers "62 states and provinces."
Realtor.comEnormous database of homes for sale, from the National Association of Realtors. Search for listings with a mapping feature. Includes a directory of realtors, mortgage information, real estate Q&A, and information on common real estate terms and topics including buying and selling a home. There is a mapping feature if the address of the house is available. In English and Spanish.
Trulia real estate"Search and find homes that you like on interactive maps. Refine your search by price, property type, neighborhood, and more with smart filters. Search recently sold home records to understand local real estate trends. Check the Street View of thousands of properties." Look at detailed information on the listing, neighborhood statistics and information. Lots of interesting features like a "heat map" of the states by real estate prices.