Home Repair and Renovation Projects, Featured Products Marketplace, Expert Do It Yourself, Budget and Green advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement. http://www.bobvila.com Tin cans are like air; they're all around us. Most families go through several cans each week, while some of use that... Tue, 21 May 2013 13:32:45 -0400 /blogs/tin-can-projects/ /blogs/tin-can-projects/ Blog Post diy, repurposing Jennifer Noonan Tin cans are like air; they're all around us. Most families go through several cans each week, while some of use that many day in, day out. Instead of recycling every single one of those cans, put a few aside for use in some quick and easy DIY projects.   1. MAKE PLANTERS [caption id="attachment_28394" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: designmisc.blogspot.com"][/caption] Transform yesterday’s can of diced tomatoes into a colorful planter or vase—all you need to get the job done is spray paint. Use your creation to brighten a windowsill or to delight a friend, neighbor, or hostess with a gift from your garden. Really want to perk things up? Add stripes, polka dots, or stars!   2. CREATE LANTERNS [caption id="attachment_28395" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: thegrnblog.wordpress.com"][/caption] Add some evening ambiance to your outdoor living area. These lanterns come together in no time: Just use a hammer and nail to punch holes in the cans, then paint their outsides in a pleasing pastel. (Or skip the paint; it's your choice.) Once you've added wire handles and tea lights, get ready to light up the night.   3. ORGANIZE CRAFTS SUPPLIES  [caption id="attachment_28396" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: bhg.com"][/caption] You can easily convert tin cans into charming storage containers by wrapping the cylinders with pretty paper. Punch a hole in the back of each decorated can, making it so they can all be hung via S-hooks onto pegboard. It's a stylish and practical way to organize nuts and bolts, paintbrushes and colored pencils.   4. CONSTRUCT A BIRD FEEDER [caption id="attachment_28564" align="aligncenter" width="650" caption="Photo: plumadorable.com"][/caption] Your kids would have a great time making this simple bird feeder. All you need is a dowel, a glue gun, some colorful paint, and a ribbon or string for hanging—oh, and birdseed! Hang the feeder in your favorite tree and sit back to watch the show.   5. BUILD A WINE RACK [caption id="attachment_28398" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: recyclart.org"][/caption] Tin cans and glue: It doesn’t get much more basic. Combine those two ingredients with spray paint, and you've suddenly got a DIY wine rack, plus another reason to buy wine!   For more on repurposing, consider: 5 Things to Do with... Old Tires 13 Easy Ways to Repurpose Antique Armoires 5 Upcycled Pot Racks & Cookware Storage Ideas Let’s face it: Many homes today feature inadequate, poorly positioned, and sometimes plain-old ugly light fixtures. B... Tue, 21 May 2013 08:09:47 -0400 /blogs/replace-ceiling-light/ /blogs/replace-ceiling-light/ Blog Post installation, how to, lighting Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_28515" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] Let’s face it: Many homes today feature inadequate, poorly positioned, and sometimes plain-old ugly light fixtures. But you don't have to live with anything you don't love, especially when so many ceiling-mounted and hanging fixtures can be found on the market. Since new ceiling light fixtures come with mounting hardware, replacing an existing unit is easy—even for the novice do-it-yourselfer. Step 1. Remove the old fixture Turn off electricity to the room at the main circuit breaker panel. Double-check that power has been cut by locating and testing the light switch that controls your ceiling fixture. Next, carefully unscrew and remove the canopy of the old fixture. With the junction box visible, remove the wire nuts and separate the supply wiring from the old fixture. Carefully examine the wires for damage, and if none are frayed or broken, leave the wires exposed for the new fixture. Step 2. Examine the junction box Having confirmed that your existing junction box is securely fastened to the ceiling joist, make sure it will be sturdy enough to handle the weight of your replacement fixture. If the new fixture weighs substantially more than the old one, it may be necessary to install an accessory mounting strap or support rod. (Either can be installed next to the junction box so that, once installed, the fixture hides the hardware.) Related: Trending Now: Pendant Lighting Step 3. If installing a hanging fixture Most hanging lights have a supporting chain or cable, through which (or next to) the wires should be threaded (or hung). I recommend using the paint tray of your stepladder to prop up the fixture, while you feed its wires up to the junction box. Carefully guide the fixture wires through the canopy, ceiling plate, and hanging bracket of your new fixture. Strip about a half-inch off of the fixture wires and about a half-inch off of the supply wires. [caption id="attachment_28469" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: goodceilinglight.com"][/caption] Step 4. Connecting the wires Most new fixtures are color-coded with black and white wire. Twist together the stripped, bare end of the fixture's black wire with the stripped, bare end of the supply line's black wire. Secure the connection with a wire nut, then repeat the process with the white wire. Many fixtures also have a bare copper or green-sheathed ground wire, which should be twisted onto the mounting bracket's copper or green grounding screw. Now carefully tuck the wires into the junction box, put a bulb in the fixture, and turn the circuit breaker on. If the light works, that means your wiring connections have been successful. Before continuing, turn the circuit breaker off again. Related: 16 Spectacular Light Fixtures to Improve Your Space Step 5. Securing the fixture Screw the ceiling plate to the mounting strap or support rod, then put the mounting stem onto the ceiling plate. At this point, make sure that the installation is secure and that the fixture is hanging at the proper height. (If the chain is too long, you can remove links or loop the extra chain around the mounting stem.) Slide the canopy into place so that it covers the mounting hardware; tighten the locknut to hold the canopy in place. Finally, install the correct bulbs, turn the electricity back on, and admire the radiance of your new ceiling light fixture! For more on lighting, consider: How To: Devise a Lighting Plan Bob Vila Radio: Types of Lighting Choosing the Right Energy-Saving Bulb and Fixture Equip the recent graduate in your life with the tools necessary for life in the real world—and we don't mean that metaphorically! Mon, 20 May 2013 18:26:11 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44462-10-great-tools-to-give-your-recent-grad http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44462-10-great-tools-to-give-your-recent-grad Slideshow tools Forever handy, the tape measure is arguably improved upon by its digital cousin, which features a digital display with memory storage. Plus, the tool reads out different units (metric and imperial) at the touch of a button.This multi-tool includes a bottle opener, mini saw, awl and pull-out knife. Also included are spring-loaded pliers, two flathead screwdrivers, and an LED folding light. Personalize it for the graduate with engraved initials on the handle.Every tool should multitask—even the tried and true hammer. Not only can this one drive a nail, but it can also open a cold one, so your graduate can easily shift from doing the job to celebrating the job being done.The ninja of flashlights, Joby’s Gorilla Torch has flexible legs and super-magnetic feet, so it can attach to just about anything. Equipped with a dimmer, the product is perfect for assorted DIY projects and late-night activities.The world has gone wireless, but we are still bound by cables of all sorts. Help the grad keep clutter to a minimum with a universal multi-cable hub. Compact and convenient, this leather roll-up gets the job done well—and with style, too.Whether used to assemble a flat-pack bookcase or to repair a second-hand desk chair, Allen keys are indispensable for the recent grad. This set allows numerous keys of different sizes to fold up within one handy package.Ideal for travel, this small yet powerful speaker system (from Lucky) delivers satisfying sound to grads on the go. When plugged in, the unit serves as a docking station; with fully charged batteries, it can play for 24 hours continuously.The Stanley Laser Level Square makes hanging posters and shelving a snap. The tool shoots out a 30-foot-long laser guide, and the integrated sticky putty means it can be affixed to the wall, so you can work hands-free.While Gam Hammer (from Restoration Hardware) pounds and extrudes the toughest nails, its handle contains four screwdrivers—two Phillips heads, two flatheads—the smallest of which fits most eyeglasses. Don’t forget an iTunes gift card! In the App Store, there's something for every grad, no matter his needs: converting units of measurement, creating room layouts, or choosing a new paint color.If you're looking for more about tools, consider: 10 Tools for Your Apartment That You Never Thought You'd NeedTop Tool Picks of 2012The Essential Toolbox Labor. Materials. Pizza?Some costs do not fit neatly into a renovation project's line-item budget, but if you ignore ... Mon, 20 May 2013 09:27:12 -0400 /blogs/hidden-costs-of-remodeling/ /blogs/hidden-costs-of-remodeling/ Blog Post remodeling, construction, budget Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_28453" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: landsourcecontainers.com"][/caption] Labor. Materials. Pizza? Some costs do not fit neatly into a renovation project's line-item budget, but if you ignore hidden costs, you will be left wondering why your wallet has sprung a leak. Prepare for these often unanticipated expenses: 1. Waste disposal. Dumping isn’t free. If you wish to have a dumpster parked on a public street, most municipalities will charge you about $50. Some local governments even require a homeowners' insurance rider to cover dumpster-related injuries. No proof of insurance, no permit. No permit, no demolition work. 2. Child and pet care. Keep your children at a safe remove from the work zone. If necessary, hire a babysitter. Pets, too, can react badly to construction noise or to the sudden parade of unfamiliar men stomping around in steel-toe boots. Depending on the nature and duration of your project, you may choose to board your pets with a kennel (local rates vary). Related: 7 Renovation Tips to Boost Resale Value 3. Meals of convenience. Delivery pizza and takeout Chinese food quickly lose their appeal, but if your kitchen is being renovated, your options at mealtime will be limited—and pricey. Not to mention that if you throw out all of your pantry staples that have passed their expiration date, you might spend $100 or more on restocking spices, baking supplies, and so on. 4. Landscaping. Extensive remodeling almost inevitably results in damage to landscaping: Flying shingles crush shrubs; stacks of lumber kill grass; and toxic spills destroy perennial flowers. Keep a list of the plants you must replace, so you can shop autumn sales at local nurseries. 5. Cleaning. Once work is complete, an industrial-strength deep-clean will be in order, especially if you are upgrading the home in order to sell it. According to Homeadvisor, you should expect to pay about $180 for a maid service, plus another $195 to have your carpets professionally cleaned. For more on managing construction, consider: Home Building Projects Estimating Checklist 2 Professionals Who Can Save You Thousands Construction Site Living: Surviving Days (and Days) of DIY Are you tired of jiggling the handle to stop your toilet from running? The noise and inconvenience drives you crazy, ... Mon, 20 May 2013 01:00:29 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-toilet-flappers/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-toilet-flappers/ Blog Post bathroom, toilets, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Are you tired of jiggling the handle to stop your toilet from running? The noise and inconvenience drives you crazy, but the real craziness is water waste. According to the EPA, a constantly running toilet can waste upwards of 200 gallons of water every day. [caption id="attachment_28336" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: todayshomeowner.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON TOILET FLAPPERS or read the text below: It’s time to stop the madness. Take off the tank cover, flush once, and watch the mechanism at work. A likely culprit is the flapper, the piece of rubber that stops the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If dirt or debris is keeping it from closing completely, clear the obstruction. If the chain is so taut that the flapper can’t close, or so slack that it gets caught in the flapper, reposition the chain on the handle arm. Flush again. If the flapper closes, but the toilet still runs after this cycle, push down firmly on the flapper. If this stops the running, your flapper is probably worn or torn and needs to be replaced. To replace it, shut off the water to the tank, flush the tank to drain it, and unhook the flapper from the base of the overfill pipe. Note the make and model of your toilet and bring the old flapper with you to the hardware store to make sure you buy the right one. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on bathrooms, consider: 15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big Bob Vila Radio: How To Replace a Shower Head Helpful Hints for Cleaning Bathtubs A beautiful green lawn requires regular watering to keep it looking great. The trick is to use enough water to keep y... Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:27 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-watering-the-lawn/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-watering-the-lawn/ Blog Post lawn, care, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry A beautiful green lawn requires regular watering to keep it looking great. The trick is to use enough water to keep your lawn thick and healthy, but not so much that you waste any of it. [caption id="attachment_28330" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: popularmechanics.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON WATERING THE LAWN or read the text below: One easy way to avoid waste is to make sure you’re not watering the sidewalk or pathways. Check the position of your sprinklers to be certain they’re targeting grass, not pavement. If you have sprinklers on a timer, make sure they don’t operate in the rain! And don’t water every day. In most climates, a deep, thorough watering twice a week should be enough to keep your lawn happy. More frequent watering ends up wasted, as water simply runs off a lawn that can’t absorb any more moisture. Of course, in dry climates you may need to water more often. You might also consider having a little less lawn to water in the first place. Giving over some of your lawn space to planting beds filled with drought-tolerant shrubs and ground cover is a smart and ecologically sound way to reduce your water consumption, without sacrificing a beautiful landscape. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on lawn care, consider: Top Tips for Watering Your Lawn How To: Choose a Lawn Mower 5 Common Lawn Care Problems— And How to Fix Them Getting the most out of your iPad sometimes means going hands-free, but you don't need to spend another dime! Fri, 17 May 2013 13:49:22 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44411-make-your-own-ipad-stand-10-cheap-and-clever-ideas http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44411-make-your-own-ipad-stand-10-cheap-and-clever-ideas Slideshow diy, repurposing Let's face it: Browsing the internet on your iPad takes two hands. One hand holds the device; the other hand swipes. Fine, but the approach no longer works if, for example, you want to watch a step-by-step video as you work on fixing the lawn mower. That's when you realize the importance—nay, the necessity—of an iPad stand. You could buy one, sure, but it's easy to build your own. It might only take a few minutes, and you can use parts you likely have already.Grab your youngster’s LEGO collection, and hopefully among its many colorful blocks, you’ll find pieces from a Technic building set: the sort used to build little cars with rack-and-pinion steering. These kits include bars and pins that firmly hold LEGO pieces together, enabling you to construct a sturdy and definitely fun-looking iPad stand. As a practical and whimsical finishing touch, incorporate rubber wheels to protect your tablet from scuffing.Want to be sure your stand will stay in place? Anchor it down with a pair of claw hammers. Yeah, the iPad could probably stand without assistance from the Philips head, but it's a nice touch—so is the polished hardware. Cooking in the kitchen with an iPad is a potential disaster. Cinnamon dust can cover every speaker hole on the device; splattered sauce can muck up the screen. Elevate the tablet out of harm's way, while placing the display at eye level, by simply bending an inexpensive wire coat hanger with linesman pliers—$0 and ingenious!Ever seen the basic bookends sold at office supply stores? To work as iPad stand, one of those thin metal organizers hardly needs adjustment. All you need to do is tilt back the bookend's side to achieve the best viewing angle, then clamp on a pair of binder clips to prevent the tablet from slipping.The simplest and most portable of the bunch, this stand consists of two wood arms that slip over the sides of the tablet. Glue a magnet to each arm so that when traveling, you can easily keep the stand paired with your iPad.Perfect for scenarios in which a flat surface is unavailable, this lightweight stand (which you can break down and transport) is made of PVC pipes and fittings—easy and inexpensive material to work with. If you have a couple of wine corks on hand, this is a fun stand to make. Here's how to do it: Drive a drywall screw through each cork, then tie cotton rope to the tip and head of each screw. The rope should be just long enough to hold the iPad steady as the corks meet the table top.You can also create a stand with cardboard. Repurpose a FedEx box or, alternatively, use the one your iPad came in (avoid flimsier material like cereal boxes). The beauty of this design is the way it folds in half.Build a handsome stand with scraps of cabinet-grade plywood. Start with a 6"-wide, 11"-long chunk (with a thickness, ideally, of 5/8"). Then cut a 3/8"-wide slot at 25 degrees, about an inch or so in from a 6"-wide edge. Using a sander, carve out a divot for the home button, then chamfer the edges for a finished look.The round footprint of a packing tape roll is wide enough to keep your iPad upright, but for stability, the key here is to put the groove (for the tablet's base) off to one side of the centerline.If you are interested in more about DIY, consider:5 Things to Do with... Mason JarsWing It: 11 Approaches to a DIY Birdbath5 "Make in a Weekend" Bookshelf Projects (No Fancy Woodworking Required) Shopping at the grocery store, one can usually find only eight or ten varieties of apples. That selection represents ... Fri, 17 May 2013 12:59:14 -0400 /blogs/heirloom-apple-trees/ /blogs/heirloom-apple-trees/ Blog Post gardening, trees & bushes Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_28362" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Pennsylvania Backyard Fruit Growers Annual Tasting. Photo: veggiegardeningtips.com"][/caption] Shopping at the grocery store, one can usually find only eight or ten varieties of apples. That selection represents an infinitesimal fraction of the estimated 15,000 varieties that have been grown in North America. You’ve probably never heard of a Northern Spy, Sheepnose, or Virginia Beauty apple. At one time, these and many more types of apples were cultivated and enjoyed in their respective regions. But they gradually lost ground to more productive, visually appealing varieties that better withstood transport and storage. Today, these so-called "heirloom" apples are staging a comeback, and our taste buds are reaping the benefits. Many heirlooms have rich, sweet, and complex flavors unmatched by varieties more commonly found. Related: 8 Disease-Resistant Apple Tree Varieties The Virginia Beauty is an heirloom apple in which I have a special interest. It was grown (among other places) on the banks of Virginia's New River, where my great-grandmother lived on a property with an orchard. My cousin actually grafted several new Virginia Beauty trees from that orchard, and she was kind enough to give one to me recently. I was equally thrilled and terrified by her gift. How exciting: a living piece of my family history! But oh, no, I've never grown an apple tree before! [caption id="attachment_28361" align="alignright" width="250" caption="My Family Heirloom Virginia Beauty Apple Tree"][/caption] So I’ve been doing my research. Like all fruit trees, heirloom apple trees require soil enrichment, pest control, disease management, regular thinning and annual pruning—all subjects about which you can read volumes. Most important in growing heirloom apples are researching and planning. Get your homework done before you make any purchases. For now, consider these factors: 1. Taste. The variety in taste and texture of heirloom apples is overwhelming. Some are delicious to eat out of hand; others are perfect for baking and cider. Many orchards offer tastings during the harvest season: Visit and you may encounter flavors you never imagined in an apple. Who knows? You could even be inspired to grow something you’ve never even heard or read about. 2. Climate. Fruit trees require a certain number of annual chill hours—hours when the temperature is between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Each variety has a different requirement. Find out your geographic area’s chill hour averages, so you can choose the most suitable varieties for your yard. 3. Bloom Time and Pollination. Most apple varieties produce their best crops when there's a different variety planted close by for pollination. To facilitate pollination, plant varieties that will either bloom at the same time or whose blooming will at least overlap. 4. Harvest. Every variety has a ripeness date. If you plan carefully, you can pick ripe fruit from trees all summer and fall. About a month ago, I planted my little Virginia Beauty in a bed outside our bedroom window, and it is already flourishing. With luck (and the proper care), we’ll be harvesting apples in as few as three years—the same apples my mother picked off the trees and ate at her grandmother’s house. It will be hard to wait. But I feel sure it’ll be worth it. For more on gardening, consider: How To: Plant an Apple Tree 10 New Perennials to Perk Up Your Garden Flowering Climbers: 8 Cures for the Common Garden Carbon monoxide (CO) is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the U. S.  A colorless and odorless gas, CO is a ... Fri, 17 May 2013 07:44:38 -0400 /blogs/how-to-choose-a-carbon-monoxide-detector/ /blogs/how-to-choose-a-carbon-monoxide-detector/ Blog Post healthy home Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_28350" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Kidde Nighthawk DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm"][/caption] Carbon monoxide (CO) is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S. A colorless and odorless gas, CO is a byproduct of combustion. That's why you should never use a charcoal grill in the shed, or leave the car running in the garage. That's also why it's so important to properly vent fuel-burning major appliances like furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens and ranges. If you're in the market for a carbon monoxide detector, the two most important feature options to weigh in your decision are power source and display. Power Source Carbon monoxide detectors come in three varieties: hard-wired, plug-in, or battery-operated. Hard-wired models have the advantage of being linked to each other, but if the electricity goes out, so does the detection system. (Any hard-wired unit should include a battery backup.) Battery-operated units are much simpler to install and will not fail in a power outage. Plug-ins with battery backups are readily available, but given that gases rise, the standard placement of electrical outlets (near the floor) makes them imperfect receptacles for CO detectors. In any case where batteries are involved, remember t0 replace them every six months. Related: 10 Houseplants to Improve Indoor Air Quality Digital CO Display The display on a digital carbon dioxide detector shows the concentration of CO in parts per million. Some models even feature a continuous stock ticker-like readout of the current level. A display that includes a timeline history of your home's CO concentration can be helpful in assessing or identifying dangers. Before buying and installing a carbon monoxide detector, consider the following: • Check your county/town regulations regarding types of alarms and placement. Codes differ from place to place. • Check the package to make sure the product meets UL Standard 2034. • Check the date of manufacture; CO detectors lose their sensitivity over time. (Expect to replace yours every five years or so.) • Consumer Reports suggests testing your alarm weekly and vacuuming it monthly. • In general, detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on the wall. Do not place them within 15 feet of cooking or heating appliances. Likewise, avoid placement near ceiling fans, vents, or air conditioners. Install detectors on each level of your home, including the basement. Ideally, there should be one within ten feet of each bedroom door. Carbon monoxide detectors start at about $35. For a professionally installed hard-wired model, you might pay as much as $250. No matter what type you buy, any CO detector is better than none at all. Installing one could save a life. For more on healthy homes, consider: Quick Tip: Use Low-VOC Paints Bob Vila Radio: Indoor Air Quality How To: Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste Late spring is the time to sit back and admire those azaleas as they bloom; azaleas add a veritable explosion of colo... Fri, 17 May 2013 01:00:53 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-pruning-azaleas/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-pruning-azaleas/ Blog Post gardening, care, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Late spring is the time to sit back and admire those azaleas as they bloom; azaleas add a veritable explosion of color to any garden this time of year. If you didn’t prune your plants back before they bloomed, you have another chance to do some trimming now. [caption id="attachment_28323" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: hallsgarden.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON PRUNING AZALEAS or read the text below: Pruning while an azalea is in bloom gives you beautiful cuttings to bring inside, and prepares your plant for a better bloom next year. To start, take a critical look at the azalea and identify dead or woody branches, branches that don’t get enough sun, and branches that stick out at odd angles from the main plant. Those should come off right away. Then trim branches to create a pleasing shape. Cutting long branches back to the base will force new growth next year from the bottom, ensuring that your plant continues to develop a lush, full shape. Be sure your pruner is clean and sharp to avoid jagged cuts. And if you miss the spring pruning season, don’t be tempted to cut back the plant later in the summer. Cutting an azalea too late in the year makes it vulnerable to damage over the winter. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on gardening, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Plant Containers Fresh Flowers: 10 New Annuals for 2013 We Heart Azaleas: Top Tips on Care Sick of housekeeping and home maintenance? Worry not. These home automation products do it all for you—no kidding! Thu, 16 May 2013 23:50:04 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44435-12-gadgets-to-lead-your-home-into-the-future http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44435-12-gadgets-to-lead-your-home-into-the-future Slideshow automation Crossing tasks off your to-do list is a little easier today, thanks to amazing advancements in digital technology. Whether you're cleaning the gutters or kicking back to relax in the den, there is now a home automation gadget to help you get the job done. Here's the best part: You don't have to lift a finger!Mowing is a tiresome weekend chore dreaded by homeowners everywhere. Say hello (and thank you!) to the Honda Miimo. This roving lawn mower cuts a pre-set measurement of grass over the course of seven days. Your only legwork is a one-time installation of perimeter wire that prevents the gizmo from wandering off into your neighbor's yard.The thermostat is behind nearly half of your home’s total energy consumption. Think about the difference an energy-smart unit could make for your household budget. The Nest Learning Thermostat quickly gets to know your family's schedule, then programs itself accordingly. Throughout the day, it makes countless tiny adjustments that maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system. Winbot is to windows what the popular Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner is to floors. A cleaning pad, built-in squeegee, and drying pad are all part of this impressive gizmo, which suctions to a window or mirror, criss-crossing the surface until there's no trace of dirt or dust.Can't remember if you locked the door or not? Lockitron enables you to check, without having to drive home and see for yourself. Left it unlocked? Just press a button on your smartphone or tablet in order to correct your mistake—done! Now if only we could only remember whether or not the iron is off...Belkin’s WeMo Light Switch allows you to control your home’s lights from any location, be it a different country or if you're feeling a little lazy, the couch in your living room. The system works with an iOS- and Android-compatible app, as well as with your home's existing internet and wiring—no expensive new electrical work necessary. Automatic sprinkler systems are nice, but they can lead to over- or under-watering. Toro’s wireless Xtra Smart Soil Moisture Sensor keeps the moisture level of your landscape just right. Not only will the health of you lawn improve, but your wallet (and the earth) will benefit, as well. Sometimes a regular-size screen just doesn’t cut it. That's why Roku's 3M Streaming Projector is a must. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this little gizmo features powerful speakers, so you can host your viewing party indoors or out. All you need is a wi-fi signal—and a bowl of popcorn!Are you scrambling to locate the garage door opener every time you pull the car into your driveway? Craftsman's Assurelink Garage Door Opener enables you to operate the garage door with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. That means if you forget to close the door as you're hurrying to work in the morning, you can secure your garage from the comfort of your office chair.A dream come true for the chef in any home (or rental apartment), the KitchenAid In-Sink Dishwasher frees up coveted cabinet space. Easily moved if you need access to the sink, the appliance, when you close the its lid, doubles as a usable countertop. Yet another advantage: The machine uses 20% less water than a traditional front-load dishwasher.You don’t have to remember to turn off the iron, either! You can rest assured that it won’t set the house on fire, so long as you've plugged it into the Belkin Conserve Socket. This smart outlet automatically turns off after a set amount of time has elapsed. Use this simple, handy tool to prevent mishaps or to save money on your monthly electric bills.Twine detects small problems before they become big ones. You decide what you want the box to monitor—moisture, temperature, movement—and if there's something to report, Twine alerts you immediately via text, email, or even Twitter.The task of cleaning gutters is an unenviable one. Entrust the job to the iRobot Looj 330, then sit back in a lawn chair to watch this humbly miraculous machine kick out the muck.If you are interested in more about gadgets, consider:How Many Tools Does a Good Multi-Tool Need?3 Products for Mounting Your Tablet DeviceSolar Power On the Go from Solio With the sun shining, the birds chirping, the temperatures rising, and the days getting longer, this is the season to... Thu, 16 May 2013 13:48:43 -0400 /blogs/transplant-a-plant/ /blogs/transplant-a-plant/ Blog Post how to, gardening, trees & bushes, grow Kristina Grosspietsch [caption id="attachment_28175" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] With the sun shining, the birds chirping, the temperatures rising, and the days getting longer, this is the season to take stock of your landscape. Will you plant something new? Or will you decide to transplant a tree, shrub, or perennial that already exists in your garden? The latter may seem daunting, but following a series of simple steps can help you ensure that your transplanted selection not only survives the spring, but thrives for many seasons to come. Here are ten trusty transplanting tips from the garden tool experts at True Temper: Enter Bob Vila's Great Big Garden Give-Away with True Temper, and you could be the next winner of a garden tools set worth $250, plus $250 CASH! 1. Pick a spot! Choose your new location with care, taking into account the plant's sun, soil, and space needs. 2. Use the right tools. The size of your plant will determine whether you should use a round-point shovel or a hand tool, such as the True Temper Ergo Gel Grip Hand Transplanter. [caption id="attachment_28176" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] 3. Prep the existing plant. Dig around the plant you’d like to transplant; keep a wide berth so as not to disturb the main root system. 4. Going under. After digging around the plant, you’ll be able to loosen the soil enough to dig underneath. 5. Say goodbye! Remove the plant, with the roots; place it on a tarp. Replant as soon as possible to encourage the plant's survival. In the interim, wrap the roots with damp burlap to prevent moisture loss. 6. Ready the new home. Dig a new hole that is twice as wide as, but equal in depth to, the root system. 7. Moving in! When placing the plant into this new hole, make sure that it sits level to the ground. 8. Finishing touches. Infill with soil from the original location of the plant. Water as you add soil, coaxing it deep into the hole. 9. Wrap it up. Add mulch on all sides of the newly transplanted plant, but do not cover the few inches immediately surrounding its base. 10. A little TLC. Your plant will be a little sensitive in its new home, so water it often, especially right after it has been moved. And voila! A new home for your favorite flora. Now that wasn't so bad, was it? For more gardening advice, visit True Temper on Facebook for daily tips and tricks. And don't forget: ENTER NOW to win in Bob Vila's Great Big Garden Give-Away from True Temper! For more on gardening, consider: 10 Fresh New Annuals for 2013 5 Common Lawn Care Problems—and How to Fix Them Add a Little Spice to Your Life with a Culinary Herb Garden Lightweight and low-maintenance, these budget-friendly planters match the look and style of much more expensive options. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:10:50 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44427-10-faux-planters-with-genuine-style http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44427-10-faux-planters-with-genuine-style Slideshow gardening, deck patio & porch From Plow & Hearth, the Sussex Resin Planter looks as if it were made of expensive copper. In truth, the material is a hardwearing, long-lasting composite that is impermeable to frost.Wicker is a warm and inviting element that many love to use in outdoor living areas. Unfortunately it's neither sturdy nor weather-resistant. This planter is a dead ringer for wicker, but it's made of stronger stuff: hand-woven resin strands reinforced with a rust-proof, powder-coated aluminum frame.A staple among planters, terra cotta can be heavy and easily broken. The Terrazzo Round Planter mimics the look of earthenware, but in comparison to the real deal, the clay-color plastic is lighter and heartier.The geometric-pattern embossing of the Mod Floral Black Bronze Planter imparts a subtle, sophisticated punch. While engineered to emulate antique bronze metal—pricey!—this 100% plastic planter can be had for only $10.The tapered contours of the Black Svelte Planter give it a clean, modern look. And while the matte black convincingly imitates slate, it's actually a weatherproof synthetic whose coloring won't fade due to sun exposure.Though equally well-suited for use outdoors, this Polivaz planter's nuanced faux wood grain complements a variety of popular indoor surfaces, including hardwood flooring and wood laminate furniture.The design of this planter evokes beadboard, but the material is actually durable, easy-maintenance vinyl. Gardeners with achy knees or a sore back will appreciate that posts raise the height of the planting bed to waist level. This tall, Colonial-style planter harkens back to yesteryear, but that doesn't mean it's not equipped with some modern advantages. For instance, a liner inside holds several days' worth of water, which gradually and automatically seeps into the soil.Featuring a subdued color and classic silhouette, this brushed stone-lookalike planter steals no attention from the flora you choose. Likewise, it's reasonable price tag probably won't prove a distraction, either.Though made of resin, the Threshold Cobalt Reactive Glaze Planter perfectly impersonates the baked coating of ceramic, and its deep tones and vibrant colors are sure to make a splash in any backyard.If you are interested in more about gardening, consider:10 Inspired DIY Planters to Dress Up Your GardenWindow Boxes That Raise the BarHow To: Make a Deck Rail Planter Grow your garden from ordinary to extraordinary with flowering vines that add a beautiful new level of interest to your landscape. Thu, 16 May 2013 12:28:37 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44400-flowering-climbers-8-cures-for-the-common-garden http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44400-flowering-climbers-8-cures-for-the-common-garden Slideshow landscaping A lush climbing vine can bedazzle any corner of your garden, or it make even the most derelict doorway look romantic and enchanting. Though unable to bear their own weight, these climbers' tensile strength allows them to twist and turn in ways no other plant stems can imitate. Click through to feast your eyes on eight of our spectacular favorites.Heavenly Blue, with its brilliant shades of indigo, may be the most iconic representative of the morning glory species. Blooming brightly in the mornings, the color of the flowers tends to recede when the sun gets strong later in the day.A member of the pea family, wisterias might very well be the most show-stopping of all vines. The Chinese and Japanese varieties produce giant clusters of flowers, each over one foot in length! Blessed with a fragrance as attractive as the ruffles of its flowers, the sweet pea vine is tougher than it looks, provided you get the plant established before the summer heats up. Try the Starry Night variety for greater heat-tolerance, and deadhead frequently to keep this Victorian favorite going longer.While not a member of the daisy family, this vine strongly resembles that famous flower: Bright yellow petals highlight a plush, brown-purple eye. Try the Blushing Susie variety for beautiful shades of red and rose that last through the summer.Easy to grow in a range of climates, with hundreds of varieties in so many colors, clematis are quintessential climbers. Most like full sun, although some are just as happy in the shade. Water well, provide rich soil, and make sure the plants' deep roots have good drainage. If you're tired of traditional purple, try Arctic Queen. For a brilliant red, choose Rebecca.The unusual look of the passion flower vine adds perennial interest to your garden, especially when the egg-shaped fruit appear. But don’t snack on the orange harvest, unless you want a stomachache! As it attracts pollinators in the summer and lures birds in winter, you won’t be alone in admiring the trumpet vine. But be careful: It can grow very fast, so you won't want this climber against the house. To enjoy this vine's bountiful blooms without having to worry about damage, trail it along a lattice fence or arbor.A thirsty, speedy grower that displays fragrant, pink-white flowers, this evergreen does best in tropical areas (zones 8 through 10). It usually blooms in midsummer, but if indoors, the vine will flower in late winter and early spring.If you are interested in more about landscaping, consider:On the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can MakeFresh Flowers: 10 New Annuals for 20138 Reasons to Love Azaleas Homeowners begin every renovation with the best of intentions. The budget is fixed, the schedule is firm, and the res... Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:31 -0400 /blogs/construction-site-living/ /blogs/construction-site-living/ Blog Post remodeling, construction Trish Popovitch [caption id="attachment_28089" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Kim Piper Werker"][/caption] Homeowners begin every renovation with the best of intentions. The budget is fixed, the schedule is firm, and the results—well, the results are sure to be spectacular. Unfortunately, life gets in the way, and that week of organized chaos for which you had bargained soon becomes a month (or more) of construction site living. If your home improvement is taking longer than expected, don't panic—plan! Demolition is only the beginning First things first, set aside sufficient time for deconstruction. A good way to kill your drive from the get-go is attempting too much on day one. Come up with a conservative plan, then stick to your set schedule. Remove debris as it accumulates; don't wait until you're knee-deep in rubble. Also, consider getting the demolition done a week prior to your official project start date. This strategy helps remodelers move through the "What did I get myself into?" phase. Put safety (and sanity) first Do everything possible to protect your children or pets. Unplug and store power tools, tighten the lids on paint cans, and vacuum all dust. Clean up loose nails, gather stray wires, and remove toxic liquids or putties (e.g., joint compound). Here's a neat trick for dealing with dirty paintbrushes: Between uses, wrap them in plastic and place them in the refrigerator. They'll be ready for action when you next need them, and your dog will stay its original color. [caption id="attachment_28368" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: retrorenovation.com"][/caption] Keep things moving You may discover after a few days that your seemingly simple project is more involved than expected. At this point, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. Resist the temptation to back away from the task altogether. Even if you can only bear to commit one or two hours per day, continue to chip away at making progress. Sooner than you think, the end will be in sight. Encase your project in plastic Plastic sheeting serves at least valuable roles: It prevents construction dust and debris from spreading throughout your home, and it enables you to hear when a child or animal has entered the work zone. Buy this product by the roll at your local home improvement center, and attach it to wall studs using a staple gun. Create an oasis of calm, or escape Give yourself a place to retreat. Maintain at least one room that is renovation-free. Here, you do not have to deal with, let alone see, the work underway. Being able to forget about the project, even for a short time, helps remodelers relax and rejuvenate. If the nature of your renovation is such that you cannot carve out a calming oasis, think about temporarily residing somewhere else—a relative's house, a hotel, or even a rented RV. For more on managing construction, consider: Cookies, and Other Tips for Coping with Remodeling Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma The 12-Year Kitchen If you have stubborn nails that pop out of your floorboards, or you need a way to get a finishing nail flush against ... Thu, 16 May 2013 01:00:08 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-nail-sets/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-nail-sets/ Blog Post Roseann Foley Henry If you have stubborn nails that pop out of your floorboards, or you need a way to get a finishing nail flush against the surface without damaging the wood, what you need is a nail set. [caption id="attachment_27988" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: homeadditionplus.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON NAIL SETS or read the text below: A nail set is a small tool that looks a bit like a nail, but thicker, with a rounded point on one side and a flat end at the other. You can use it to tap a nail in that last quarter inch without whacking the finished surface with your hammer. Finish nails usually have little depression in their heads that allows you to position a nail set without having it slip out as you tap. You can also use a nail set on woodworking projects that will be painted or stained. Use it to push a nail below the surface, then fill in the gap with wood filler. Finally, you can use a nail set to fix a pesky nail pop, when an old nail rises from a stair tread or starts sticking out of woodwork. The nail set lets you fix the pop without leaving a hammer-shaped dent in the wood. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on tools, consider: Nail Guide Tool Tip: Nail Guns 7 Essential Measuring Tools for Any Job Look to mirrors for stylish appeal and practical value in every room of the house. Wed, 15 May 2013 21:18:33 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44416-mirror-magic-10-ways-of-using-mirrors-to-your-design-advantage http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44416-mirror-magic-10-ways-of-using-mirrors-to-your-design-advantage Slideshow decor Set a large mirror on a tabletop, leaning it up against the wall. This is a casual yet sophisticated look, perfect for a console in the hallway or a dresser in the bedroom. To secure the mirror, use either a French cleat or picture wire and a nail.A lamentable result of so many staircase designs is "dead" wall space. It's difficult to decorate this real estate, so why not try filling the void with a hodgepodge of mirrors? An added benefit: You'll make the room appear more expansive.Repurpose an old door into an eye-catching leaning mirror. Paint the piece in a color that complements your decorating scheme, and for added functionality, attach vintage hooks to hang coats, hats, or bags.You don't need to see yourself in every mirror! Devise your own piece of artwork by simply stenciling an inspirational quote on a mirror; strategically placed, it can still create the illusion of more space.Antique mirrors, removed from their frames, have been hung together here to create a gallery wall. Each mirror is a different size, but the bare edges common to all somehow manage subtly to unify the look.You can easily purchase a mirrored tile backsplash or with a little DIY handiwork, you can recreate this distinctive look. It features reflective coasters and clear beveled tiles, with paint chips backing the latter for pops of welcome color.Limited outdoor space? Consider adding a large mirror to a wall on your patio. This mirror with lattice inlay accomplishes a few worthy goals: While providing visual interest, it also makes the yard look bigger and brighter.Ceiling medallions are primarily available in classic styles, and they can be expensive. Mimic this modern medallion at low cost by patterning honeycomb-shaped mirrors around a hanging light fixture. Hardware not required; use Liquid Nails to piece it all together.Amp up the style quotient of your bathroom vanity mirrors—and boost storage in the process—by introducing a low-profile shelving unit. Complete the package by trimming the perimeter above the sink in white-painted molding.Put up a hinged mirror to conceal a recessed storage cabinet. In tight quarters, opt for a thin mirror that can sit almost flush to the wall. Own a truckload of shower products? Now you see 'em, now you don't! If you are interested in more about decor, consider:10 New Uses for Old Doors13 Easy Ways to Repurpose Antique Armoires5 Things to Do With... Tin Ceiling Tiles This year marked the tenth anniversary of BKLYN DESIGNS, an exhibition of contemporary design and furnishings held in... Wed, 15 May 2013 18:11:54 -0400 /blogs/sustainability-at-bklyn-designs-2013/ /blogs/sustainability-at-bklyn-designs-2013/ Blog Post furniture, sustainability Marisa Villarreal This year marked the tenth anniversary of BKLYN DESIGNS, an exhibition of contemporary design and furnishings held in connection with New York Design Week. The show featured a wide range of heirloom-quality work, with reclaimed wood being the obvious material of choice for many of the impressive exhibitors. Here are some highlights:   1. Bien Hecho [caption id="attachment_28244" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Water Tower Table from Bien Hecho"][/caption] The utilitarian yet undeniably suave furniture of John Randall truly embodies the spirit of sustainability in design. His work features salvaged wood procured from all around New York, be it a Brooklyn demolition site or a dumpster at Coney Island. The table top here is of a handsome light cedar, which Randall reclaimed from a water tower in the Fort Greene neighborhood. 2.  Aellon [caption id="attachment_28247" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Duke Oval Coffee Table from Aellon"][/caption] Named for the 45-year-old shipwreck whose wood it repurposes, Aellon's "Grace" line sets a new course for sustainability, with the company upholding high standards both in design and operation. While its furniture honors Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) requirements and supports Trees4Trees, the studio itself observes a number of pro-planet best practices—using low-flow toilets, for example, and seasonally balancing the HVAC system.   3. 4Korners [caption id="attachment_28248" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Credenza47 by 4Korners"][/caption] Scott Raffaele's Credenza47 is an amalgam of wood species: mahogany, ipe, walnut and wenge. All are scraps from previous projects, and the piece is coated with an earth-friendly finish. Naturally.   4. Mark Jupiter [caption id="attachment_28249" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Storm Coffee Table by Mark Jupiter"][/caption] Some know Mark Jupiter as a founding member of New World Home, a company that creates energy-efficient modular homes inspired by historical styles. Still others know him as a custom furniture maker, whose pieces are handcrafted from locally reclaimed materials. Though Jupiter's reputation may precede him, this 500-year-old, storm-felled elm tree-cum-table speaks for itself, no?   5. Bower [caption id="attachment_28250" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Polaris Light from Bower"][/caption] Despite being newcomers to the scene, Bower introduced its new Polaris Lamp to much excitement. Made from solid pieces of scrap wood, these geodesic fixtures are embedded with magnets that ingeniously allow for the lights to be moved around easily, depending on mood or the activity at hand. Only a couple of days ago, the Polaris beat out 33 competitors to win the Editor's Choice Awards over at the sustainable design hub Inhabitat. Congratulations, Bower!   For more on furniture, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Buying Furniture Make a Statement with Your Mirror 5 Seating Picks from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair Looking for a small home improvement that yields big results? A programmable thermostat, properly installed and confi... Wed, 15 May 2013 13:36:09 -0400 /blogs/choose-a-programmable-thermostat/ /blogs/choose-a-programmable-thermostat/ Blog Post hvac, how to, choose Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_28033" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The Honeywell VisionPro Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat at PexSupply.com"][/caption] Looking for a small home improvement that yields big results? A programmable thermostat, properly installed and configured, helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperate while reducing your home's overall energy usage. Several factors come into play when choosing a thermostat: how much flexibility you want in the programming, your voltage requirement, and the type of heating and cooling system you have. You must also decide on a user interface. Yet another consideration is what style of mounting system suits your installation. The primary types of thermostats are: Heat Only. This type works only with a single heating source. According to Daniel, tech specialist at online retailer PexSupply.com, "A programmable thermostat is a good way to lower your energy bills when using a forced hot air or baseboard heating system." Cool Only. This works only with a single cooling source. Single Stage Heat/Cool. This type of thermostat controls one heating source and one cooling source—for example, a baseboard heating system and a central air conditioning system. Multi-Stage Heat/Cool. This type of thermostat is used to control multiple heating and cooling sources—for example, a heat pump with a supplementary forced hot air backup system, plus an air conditioning system. Electric Heat/Line Voltage. This type is used to control electric heaters or electric baseboard systems. Heat Pump. Heat pump applications require a specialized thermostat that can handle air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps. Fan Coil. This type works with fan coil units, such as unit ventilators. Millivolt. This type is used to regulate systems that utilize a pilot light rather than an electrical circuit (e.g., a gas-fired heater or gas fireplace). Programmable thermostats are a desirable alternative to non-programmable models, because they allow the user to heat and cool the home based on a specific schedule. Most programmable models have four "set points". These allow the user to define different temperatures for morning, daytime, evening and overnight. Some thermostats offer 24-hour programmability. You can also establish different programs for different days of the week. A "7 Day"-style programmable thermostat enables you to have a different program for every day of the week. With a "5-1-1" model, there is a five-day program for Monday through Friday, plus a program for Saturday and a different program for Sunday. A "5-2"-style thermostat gives you a five-day program for the work week, plus a two-day program for the weekend. Most programmable thermostats also feature a manual mode, allowing overrides to whatever program may have been established already. All thermostats run on either line voltage or low voltage. Low-voltage thermostats are connected using very thin doorbell or speaker wire. Line voltage thermostats require a heavier wire. Also available are wireless thermostats. Indoor and outdoor remote sensors can be found easily, as well. Many new thermostats are able to be programmed via internet, smartphone, or tablet. Some thermostats come with an auto-changeover switch, which shifts the unit between heating and cooling automatically, depending on the indoor temperature. Other styles must be manually changed from heat to cool and vice versa. Non-programmable thermostats typically have a mechanical user interface—either a rotating dial or a sliding lever. Programmable thermostats come with either a digital button and digital screen interface, or a back-lit digital touchscreen interface. Face plates and mount styles can be horizontal, vertical, or round. Online retailer PexSupply.com sells a wide variety of programmable thermostats, including leading brands Honeywell, White Rodgers, Robertshaw, Lux, Wirsbo and Tekmar. It also offers accessories, such as wireless interface modules, trim plates, and temperature sensors. The company has produced some helpful videos on programmable thermostats, including the one below on how to choose the right one for you: This post has been brought to you by PexSupply.com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. Walking through my Brooklyn neighborhood this past weekend, I spied an interesting structure on the sidewalk. Someone... Tue, 14 May 2013 18:51:17 -0400 /blogs/reuse-tires/ /blogs/reuse-tires/ Blog Post repurposing Marisa Villarreal Walking through my Brooklyn neighborhood this past weekend, I spied an interesting structure on the sidewalk. Someone had lovingly converted an old rubber tire into an outdoor planter with undeniable charm. That reminded me: With millions of cars on the road—and countless tires languishing in the corners of garages everywhere—it's a good idea (environmentally, economically, and creatively) to reuse tires whenever possible. Here are five creative ways to incorporate them usefully into your home and landscaping.   1. CREATE BIKE STORAGE [caption id="attachment_27179" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: lushome.com"][/caption] This one applies whether you’re sharing a house with a handful of bike-loving housemates, or your children have a habit of carelessly leaving their bikes strewn in the garden. Take a cue from Lushome, and reuse tires to introduce organized bike storage for your friends' and family members' beloved two-wheelers.   2. CONSTRUCT A SEESAW [caption id="attachment_28202" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: barefootnparadise.blogspot.com"][/caption] Over at Barefoot in Paradise, see how Lorren made a seesaw for her daughter using only basic tools and readily available, not to mention affordable, building materials. Best of all, there's easily enough to go around, since one tire yields two seesaws!   3. MAKE AN OTTOMAN [caption id="attachment_28151" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: homeattire.net"][/caption] Nikki from That Was a What?! obtained a large semi-trailer tire through Craigslist. Using rope and glue (and downright cleverness), she was able to transform the tire into a stylish and practical ottoman for her living room.   4. SET UP A TIRE SWING [caption id="attachment_27183" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] As the saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The tire swing is an American tradition; help keep it alive in your family. Just make sure to pick a sturdy branch and a strong length of rope.   5. BUILD OUTDOOR PLANTERS [caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: plataformaarquitectura.cl"][/caption] The tire planter idea is hardly novel. Mount them on the wall, letting plants cascade down. Or stack and stagger them in your backyard for a larger and more elaborate scheme. Alternatively, you can pursue a unique riff on the theme by building grass-cushioned seating, like the above, which were exhibited at Invasion Verde in Lima, Peru.   For more on repurposing, consider: 5 Things to Do with... Old Windows On the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make 10 Inspired DIY Planters to Dress Up Your Garden We often choose colors we believe to be an expression of ourselves. But the science of color psychology suggests that... Tue, 14 May 2013 18:37:47 -0400 /blogs/effects-of-color-on-mood/ /blogs/effects-of-color-on-mood/ Blog Post paint, color Michael Franco [caption id="attachment_28213" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: hgtvremodels.com"][/caption] We often choose colors we believe to be an expression of ourselves. But the science of color psychology suggests that we might successfully select paints based, not on who we actually are, but on who we want to be. The practice of using color to influence health and moods dates back to ancient times, when it was thought that blue heals burns, yellow alleviates breathing problems, and red overcomes paralysis. Though it doesn't support the bold claims of our ancestors, modern research has proven that, indeed, color can have dramatic effects on our mind states. By applying color theory in each room of the house, you can ensure, not only that your colorful abode is visually appealing, but also that it makes you feel great!   KITCHEN [caption id="attachment_28212" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Blackburn Architects, PC"][/caption] As part of an experiment known as the cocktail party study, a group of designers and scientists developed a series of rooms, each with a different prevailing color. People gravitated toward the room painted yellow; here, they were more sociable than in the other two rooms. Being that the kitchen always tends to be a popular gathering spot, why not paint the room yellow to facilitate exchanges among friends and family? Alternative: Red. In the same study, participants were also quite sociable in the red room, where they reported feeling hungrier and thirstier than participants in other rooms. That fact suggests that red may be the perfect color choice for revving up appetites prior to mealtime.   BEDROOM [caption id="attachment_28169" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: virtualimaging360.com"][/caption] Green has long been considered a symbol of fertility, so it's an obvious choice for the bedroom, even if your baby-making days are in the past. Ever wonder why talk show guests hang out in the "green room" before appearing on live television? Because green helps with the jitters; it's been shown to reduce stress. Green has also been associated with enhanced reading ability—a boon for anyone who likes to curl up with a good book before dozing off. Alternative: According to studies, blue has soothing properties, as well.   DINING ROOM [caption id="attachment_28208" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] For centuries, people held the belief that red gets the blood moving. Turns out they weren't wrong: Red is, in fact, associated with increased heart rate. Another effect of red is that it stimulates appetite, making the color a natural candidate for use in the dining room. Red's stimulating effects may lead to more lively dinner party conversation, but caution: Since red has been linked to aggression, too, steer clear of any topics that are especially contentious! Alternative: Orange exerts a similar, less intense influence on appetite.   HOME OFFICE [caption id="attachment_28167" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Photo: westelm.com"][/caption] We usually try to avoid "getting blue" in the office, but doing so may not be such a bad thing. If you work from home and frequently need to access the right side of your brain, then bear in mind that blue bolsters creativity. Another beneficial side effect of blue, particularly in the home office context, is that research indicates the color is calming. Alternative: Red. Its stimulating qualities can help you avoid mid-day slumps, and its aggressive tinge might give you the edge you need. In addition, studies correlate the color with improved memory and accuracy in detail-oriented tasks.   LIVING ROOM [caption id="attachment_28170" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Photo: carolinadesignassociates.com"][/caption] Because the living room hosts a variety of experiences, from rollicking Sunday football games to quiet candlelit nights, it’s best to go with a neutral color. Browns work well, because while fading easily into the background, they also create an overall sense of solidity, security, and warmth—perfect for a room at the heart of a home. Alternative: Green, often as refreshing as it is soothing, remains supportive of the living room's mood, even as that mood changes throughout the day.   For more on color, consider: Take the COLOR QUIZ! Boost Your Color Confidence Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Paint Colors Wake up your sleepy bedroom decor with a DIY headboard that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. Tue, 14 May 2013 14:11:42 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44410-9-dreamy-headboards-you-can-make http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44410-9-dreamy-headboards-you-can-make Slideshow furniture, repurposing, bedrooms Chalkboard paint features prominently in this elegant yet unpretentious headboard design. Add a new message daily to reflect your mood, or leave a note for a sleeping loved one. Whimsical and artistic, it's an easy and budget-friendly DIY.If you love repurposing old things for new purposes, try this clever project: Vintage shutters, joined together and mounted to the wall, give this bed a unique and relaxed appeal. A white-washed section of picket fencing becomes a charming headboard. Paired with quilts and wicker, it sets a folksy and fanciful tone in this cottage-style bedroom. Even a fireplace mantle makes for a memorable headboard that, counter to intuition, looks like it was always meant to be. True to form, the headboard-mantle doubles as a picture-perfect display for family photos and mementos.Want to create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to rest? Hang string lights over a dark-painted wall, with sheer curtains to soften and diffuse the effect. This headboard definitely lights up the night.Achieve a modern look with minimal expense by stapling bold fabric over a square or rectangular piece of plywood.Useful in every room of the house, modular shelving units in the bedroom form a storage headboard that anchors the sleeping area, while accommodating books, picture frames, and miscellaneous other personal items.Comprised of fiberboard (MDF) strips with iron cylinder bracing, this graphic headboard extends all the way to the ceiling and serves as a striking focal point in the space.A vintage door—painted and embellished with pine framing lumber, crown molding, and end caps—turns into a clean and classic headboard when mounted to the wall.  If you are interested in more DIY projects, consider:9 DIY Headboard Projects to Suit Any Bedroom6 Simple and Easy Closet Door Transformations13 Easy Ways to Repurpose Antique Armoires Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can be intimidating: This is a big, expensive job, and whatever color... Tue, 14 May 2013 01:00:21 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-exterior-paint-color/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-exterior-paint-color/ Blog Post paint, color, exteriors, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can be intimidating: This is a big, expensive job, and whatever color you choose is going to be there for a while. Here are a few tips to help you choose wisely. [caption id="attachment_27983" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: architecture.about.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR or read the text below: Start by looking at the colors on your home that you can’t change. If you have brick or stonework, for example, your paint colors will have to work well with these elements. Also consider your home’s location. A house in the woods usually looks great in earth tones, and homes near water look good in blues, greens, or cream shades. Take the color of nearby homes into consideration, as well. You probably don’t want to paint your house the same color as your neighbor’s, but you’ll want a color that looks good in the context of the other houses. Then consider the style of your home. A stately Greek Revival home looks great in white, and old Victorians look their best when sporting bold colors that accent their many architectural details. And of course think about what colors you just happen to like. Whatever you do, don’t commit to a color until you sample it. Paint a section of your house with a few possible choices, and live with them for a while before you decide. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on painting, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Historic Paint Color Bob Vila Radio: Painting The Front Door Bob Vila Radio: Paint Rollers All real estate is local, but it’s national real estate statistics that dominate headlines. If you wish to identify e... Mon, 13 May 2013 20:51:25 -0400 /blogs/tracking-local-real-estate-markets/ /blogs/tracking-local-real-estate-markets/ Blog Post real estate, trends Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_28113" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: npr.org"][/caption] All real estate is local, but it’s national real estate statistics that dominate headlines. If you wish to identify emerging trends relevant to your market, ignore such perennially popular statistics as the number of houses selling. Instead, focus on two other key metrics: Market inventory is the number of houses officially for sale, and how long it would take for them to sell them at the current pace. The lower the inventory the greater a seller's advantage, as homebuyers are motivated by a scarcity of choice. The traditional rule of thumb holds that a "balanced" market is one in which there are six months' worth of homes. That explains why the real estate firmament shivered when Realtor.com announced in late March that the national supply of inventory had dipped to 4.7 months. The other key metric is days on market—the median number of days that houses are officially for sale. The fewer number of days the faster-moving the market. When conditions are poor, the "days on market" (DOM) statistic stretches into months. Related: 10 Simple Home Staging Tips Every Seller Should Know Currently, the national DOM is 74, which is 24% lower than it was at this point in 2012, calculates Realtor.com. Translation: Houses are selling faster. That’s all well and good, but in this erratic market, bouncing Phoenix cancels out lagging Atlanta. The most relevant benchmarks are those put forward by your state or multiple listing service (MLS). Typically owned by consortia of real estate brokerages, an MLS collects data from individual real estate brokers and creates regional databases of listings. Find your local MLS online, and once you've zeroed in on the source, set up a Google alert to have local data dropped into your email inbox. For more on real estate, consider: Suddenly, a Seller's Market Bob Vila Radio: Sale-Ready Homes  5 Market Trends to Cash In On This Year It’s been about 18 months since we moved into our house, but only recently have we begun to landscape beyond the basi... Mon, 13 May 2013 18:48:43 -0400 /blogs/move-sod/ /blogs/move-sod/ Blog Post lawn, turf & sod Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_27753" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="A sod cutting machine, rentable by the day, makes quick work of transplanting. Photo: Flickr / jcelene"][/caption] It’s been about 18 months since we moved into our house, but only recently have we begun to landscape beyond the basic builder’s package. A designer helped us formulate a plan that we intend to roll out in stages over the next several years. This spring, we initiated phase one: creating more strategically placed planting beds. That meant removing sod—a LOT of sod. Sod is expensive to install and, surprisingly, expensive to remove. Even if you rent a sod cutting machine, the work is still labor-intensive and time-consuming. Not to mention that once you have the sod lifted, it must be hauled away and dumped somewhere—at a price, of course. Related: Artificial Turf: 7 Reasons to Consider the New "Grass" Alternative Our landscape designer suggested that we see if anyone nearby might want to re-use our sod. So I put the word out on our neighborhood Facebook page. Within 30 minutes, I had a taker: neighbors Pam and Ray, who had less than satisfactory success seeding their lawn upon moving into a home just blocks away. I was beyond delighted. For one, the time and money we saved in not having to haul and dump the sod could instead go to cutting more planting beds. More than that, I absolutely hate to waste anything and was thrilled that someone could use the perfectly good grass. Pam and Ray were ecstatic, too, when they saw an enormous pile of sod rolled up at the edge of our yard. It took several trips in Ray’s pickup truck, but our "old" sod is now enjoying a "new" home. [caption id="attachment_27750" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Our neighbor, Ray, prepped the area by roto-tilling and putting down lime. Photo: Flickr / jcelene"][/caption] While this was a somewhat unconventional application—laying sod over existing grass—the method used by Pam and Ray ultimately worked for them. Here's their advice: 1. Rough up the current ground cover. The roots from the sod need to make contact with dirt, so use a rototiller or similar tool to expose the soil beneath. 2. Add some lime. Lime promotes lawn health by providing nutrients and improving soil structure. Because lime is absorbed slowly, add it prior to the sod. 3. Fill in the gaps. After fitting the sod pieces closely together, cutting and trimming as needed, fill in the joints with a mixture of soil and grass seed. 4. Compact and water. Compact the sod using a roller—or by driving over the installation with a pickup truck! Water for 20 minutes in the early morning (before the sun gets too high) and 20 minutes in the evening (after the sun has set). A month later, the sod we would have sent to some refuse center is living on and looking great.  Both we and our neighbors couldn't be happier about that. For more on lawns, consider: Top 5 Tips for a Greener Lawn Bob Vila Radio: Lawn Care Hell Keep Off the Grass: 5 Traditional Lawn Alternatives You’re in the middle of a party, enteraining a houseful of guests, and the toilet acts up. Are you ready to spring in... Sat, 11 May 2013 01:00:24 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-unclogging-a-toilet/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-unclogging-a-toilet/ Blog Post bathroom, repair, toilets, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry You’re in the middle of a party, enteraining a houseful of guests, and the toilet acts up. Are you ready to spring into action? Here’s a game plan. [caption id="attachment_27971" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: lowes.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON UNCLOGGING A TOILET or read the text below: You’ll need a full-size plunger, an auger, a pair of rubber gloves, and a bucket. If your toilet is particularly tetchy, keep these supplies handy. If the toilet is about to overflow or actually spilling over, shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. Remove about half the water from the bowl. Insert the plunger, making sure there’s enough water to come halfway up the plunger cup, and start plunging. Keep a tight seal and plunge several times. If the water goes down, plunge once more just to be sure, turn the water supply back on, and try flushing the toilet. If it’s still clogged, reach for the auger. Feed it into the drain, cranking clockwise, until it tightens on the clog. Reverse a bit then continue as far down as possible. Pull it all up at once and remove any debris. Plunge once more for good measure, and flush several times. Now you—and your guests—should be good to go! Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on bathrooms, consider: Low-Flow Toilets Quick Tip: Replace a Toilet Bob Vila Radio: How to Replace a Shower Head Overcome common lawn blights and return your grass to its former green glory. Fri, 10 May 2013 17:40:08 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44431-5-common-lawn-care-problems-and-how-to-fix-them http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44431-5-common-lawn-care-problems-and-how-to-fix-them Slideshow lawn, care A well-balanced, perfectly groomed lawn is the prize of the neighborhood. But having rightfully earned its reputation for fussiness, grass frustrates many homeowners with its high degree of unpredictability. Growing beautifully one day, your lawn can become a splotchy brown eyesore by the following week. Here are few tips for battling those common lawn problems that make us just about as crabby as our crabgrass.These cheerful but malevolent weeds are lured by too much lawn traffic and too little calcium. Prevent dandelions by de-thatching and aerating your lawn annually. If any dandelions still manage to sneak through, spray them directly with diluted vinegar (an organic alternative to weed killer). Don't forget to have your soil tested, as it may be necessary to augment your soil with calcium to correct a chemical imbalance.This spiky weed starts competing with your grass (and winning) if you’ve mowed too closely. To help ensure that it does not make an appearance, lay down a pre-emergent herbicide like corn gluten meal. Combating existing crabgrass? Set your mower about two and a half inches higher, and water less frequently but for longer periods of time.If yellow is overpowering the green in your lawn, then your grass has fallen prey to iron chlorosis. This iron deficiency is often caused by highly acidic soil and can be corrected with an application of sulfur. For long-term prevention, avoid over-watering—a common cause of this condition.The fungus that causes brown patches is most prevalent mid-summer, when warm nights and humid days conspire to keep grass from ever fully drying out. Water in the early mornings (before 6 a.m.), and be sure to water deeply. Also, take a break from fertilizing, as nitrogen can induce leaf growth, which in turn encourages the fungus.Ants aren’t all bad: They can aerate your lawn, scavenge the eggs of other pests, and help decompose debris in your garden. However, if their mounds become too numerous in the grass, your appreciation for these tiny little armies might soon reach its limit. Take charge by raking down ant mounds as often as possible. At the same time, lay down a mix of Borax, water, and sugar.If you are interested in more about lawn care, consider:Need a New Lawn Mower? 10 Top-Rated "Grass Guzzlers"Lawn Care Tips from Pennington SeedKeep Off The Grass: 5 Traditional Lawn Alternatives For those who've always wanted to build their own home, the prospect may now be more realistic than ever, thanks to a new wave of kit homes. Fri, 10 May 2013 16:39:26 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44417-assembly-required-10-diy-kit-homes http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44417-assembly-required-10-diy-kit-homes Slideshow prefab Big or small, contemporary or traditional, kit homes are an intriguing alternative for homebuyers today. Most kit homes are designed to be swiftly assembled by even novice do-it-yourselfers, and the price per square foot runs as low as $20 (and as high as $400). We've pulled together some of our favorite kit homes, and the tour starts here!Contemporary design, premium materials, and sustainable building practices characterize modular kit homes from Stillwater Dwellings. They are fabricated with techniques that minimize construction waste, plus their insulation, tight seal, and high-efficiency space- and water-heating systems keep down energy consumption and costs. $225 to $300 per square footCustom kits from New Avenue come in a range of configurations, from small studio cottages to larger two-bedroom homes of over 2,000 square feet. Most models use 90% less energy than a traditional home, exceeding the requirements for LEED Gold certification. $225 to $400 per square footThe circular layout plans of Deltec prefabricated kits result in distinctive, adaptable, and durable living structures. These unique homes are shipped in pieces, and their panelized building system particularly suits first-time homeowner-builders.$28 to $60 per square footAccording to the company, 85% of the homes purchased from Shelter Kit are built by people who have no prior experience. Standard styles are available, but you can also customize your own design with appealing options like porches and cathedral ceilings.$20 per square foot and upBuilt from a repurposed shipping container, the CargoCottage from ShelterKraft Werks takes inspiration from nautical interiors. Only 160 square feet of living space accommodates amenities, such as a galley kitchen, bathroom with integrated shower, sleeping nook and a combination dining/living area.Starting at $35,000Wood Joiners practices the art of "vernacular architecture" and offers an array of building projects, all intended to create a positive carbon flow through the use of sustainably harvested wood. They can even help out with desks, trestle tables, cabinets and chairs to furnish interiors!$75 to $150 per square footMontsweag Brook Corporation's Bungalow in a Box relies on pre-cut, custom-designed components that are so easy to assemble, completion is possible within a matter of days. Sizes and styles range from the 12-by-16-foot "Studio" to the 16-by-24-foot "Madison Loft."$75 to $100 per square footCompact size and natural-looking exteriors are the hallmarks of kit homes from Small Home Oregon. Options include clear fir flooring, blue pine paneling, cedar siding and others. Due to their scale and simplicity, these dwellings use far less energy than larger, more conventional homes.$125 per square foot and upOne-of-a-kind log-built Montana Mobile Cabins feature full front porches, rustic wood ceilings, and natural wood floors. Each house is custom-designed and handcrafted.$165 to $250 per square footAvailable in several easily transportable sizes, the Tiny Green Cabin is a customizable steel- or wood-framed small home that includes myriad eco-friendly details: low-VOC paints, locally harvested lumber, and recycled denim insulation. Solar panels and composting or sawdust toilets are optional.Starting at $25,000If you are interested in more about architecture, consider:10 Cool Shipping Container Homes12 Unconventional Homes Inspired By Nature12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Living Underground Since my wife and I recently downsized, I am making do with a much smaller basement workshop these days. Whereas I co... Fri, 10 May 2013 14:16:33 -0400 /blogs/workshop-storage/ /blogs/workshop-storage/ Blog Post storage, workshop Joe Provey [caption id="attachment_28066" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="A slotted shelf is ideal for holding assorted tools. Photo: JProvey"][/caption] Since my wife and I recently downsized, I am making do with a much smaller basement workshop these days. Whereas I could fit as many as four workbenches into my old basement, I now only have a five-by-eight-foot area, that is just enough room for a worktable and some compact, well-organized workshop storage. Related: DIY Workbenches: 5 You Can Build in a Weekend Large stationary power tools may be out of the question, but there is undoubtedly sufficient room for me to fix things and build small projects like wooden toys and picture frames. Because I like being able to see the items I need, the design for my new workshop involves a great deal of shelving on which I plan to store everything from hand tools and portable power tools to drill bits and bottles of glue. [caption id="attachment_28065" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Bore holes in shelving to hold screwdrivers, pencils, punches, etc. Photo: JProvey"][/caption] Everything is within arm's reach. A narrow shelf positioned just above worktable height features bored holes of varying diameters that can hold pliers and screwdrivers. While pliers generally need ¾-inch holes, screwdrivers will fit in smaller openings. Figure out the best combination for you, then get to boring! Related: 5 Basement Workshop Essentials Plastic tubs (with insert trays for small items) organize job-specific tools and supplies that I don’t use frequently. These stow under my worktable. One tub is for electrical supplies, including spare receptacles, switches, and wire. A larger tub holds paint trays, stir sticks, roller frames, roller covers, brushes and the like. A third is devoted to miscellaneous plumbing supplies: propane torch, igniters, propane canisters, pipe cutters, flux, Teflon tape, solder and so on. [caption id="attachment_28063" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Stash safety equipment in a reusable grocery bag and hang from a hook. Photo: JProvey"][/caption] The safety sack. Fill a reusable grocery bag with safety glasses, goggles, dust masks, respirator, gloves and earplugs. Hang the bag on a hook to grab and go when a job beckons. [caption id="attachment_28069" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Use bungee-cord hangers for suspended tool storage. Photo: JProvey"][/caption] Bungee hangers. By stretching bungee hangers between the electrical cables between joists overhead, you can create a quick and handy place to hang lightweight items. This is a great approach to storing clamps or rolls of tape—anything with an opening through which you can string the cord. [caption id="attachment_28070" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="A "helper shelf" doubles surface for storing small items. Photo: JProvey"][/caption] Kitchen and office organizers. Borrow ideas from the kitchen or home office; if a storage method already works for you in another room, it may be equally useful in the workshop, as well. For example, I'm using a wire mesh "helper shelf", designed for kitchen use, to accommodate nuts and bolts. Meanwhile, I've repurposed an old metal file holder as a way to organize sandpaper. The trick to working successfully in a small workshop is always to keep the area clear of clutter and ready for action. I must admit, I haven't yet reached that lofty goal, but these ideas have helped me get at least occasional glimpses of my work surface! For more on workshops, consider: The Ideal Workshop Layout Keeping Your Workshop Clean How To: Stock Your Workshop If your file folders are bursting at the seams with to-do lists, contractor quotes, spec sheets and inspirational cli... Fri, 10 May 2013 11:43:39 -0400 /blogs/renovation-app/ /blogs/renovation-app/ Blog Post tools, digital tools Sarita Harbour [caption id="attachment_28030" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: apartmenttherapy.com"][/caption] If your file folders are bursting at the seams with to-do lists, contractor quotes, spec sheets and inspirational clippings from interior design magazines, it may be time to think about organizing your project with a renovation app on your mobile phone or tablet. Remodeling work can be overwhelming at times, whether you're tackling the entire house or one room only. Save time and money—and minimize your stress level—with a suite of well-chosen apps. Here are five of our favorites for compiling and managing all the information you need to make the most of your effort.   1. EVERNOTE [caption id="attachment_28031" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="iTunes"][/caption] Though not marketed expressly for remodelers, Evernote excels as a tool for collecting and collating notes, images, web addresses, video clips—you name it, you can save it. Just as important, you can easily find your stored data when you need it again in the future. While the free version is plenty powerful, consider opting for the paid version if you want to upload large files, work offline, or invite others to edit your plans. For both iOS and Android (free/$5 a month for Premium)   2. HANDYMAN CALCULATOR [caption id="attachment_28051" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Google Play"][/caption] A five-star renovation app available for Android devices, the Handyman Calculator offers a wide variety of customizable calculators to help you determine the quantity of materials required for whatever job you're planning. In addition, you can use the app to create shopping lists and based on your input, measurements are converted from metric to imperial. For Android (free/$4.99 for Pro)   3. COLOR CAPTURE [caption id="attachment_28034" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="iTunes"][/caption] Struggling to find a paint color resembling that of your favorite flower? Snap an image with your smartphone and run it through Color Capture, Benjamin Moore’s free paint-matching app. Available for both iPhone and Android, this tool gives users the power to identify which of Benjamin Moore's 3,300 paints most closely corresponds to any one color in your supplied image. For both iOS and Android (free)   4. D-PHOTO MEASURES [caption id="attachment_28053" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: play.google.com"][/caption] Looking for a fast and easy way to save and share things like room dimensions, door and window sizes, or cabinet lengths? Forget your notepad and pencil! Instead, use an app like D-Photo Measures for Android, which lets you mark up photos on your phone with measurements and notes. (It also calculates angles based on measurements). For iOS devices, an analogous app is Photo Measures. For Android (free/$2.99 for Pro)   5. MARK ON CALL [caption id="attachment_28036" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="iTunes"][/caption] The Mark on Call iPhone and iPad app enables you to map out the floor plans of rooms based on their real-life dimensions. Further, you can enrich those layouts you create with such fine details as furniture, window and door placement, and flooring types. Doing so gives you the "big picture"—indeed, it's a great way to compile all the information you've gathered in other apps into a single vision. For iOS ($4.99)   For more on digital tools, consider: Productivity Tools for Smartphone Top 3 Apps to Help You Plan a Remodel App Review: Houzz Interior Design Ideas That faint sucking sound you hear may be vampire appliances draining electricity from your walls. Vampires are electr... Fri, 10 May 2013 01:00:20 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-vampire-appliances/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-vampire-appliances/ Blog Post energy, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry That faint sucking sound you hear may be vampire appliances draining electricity from your walls. Vampires are electronics and appliances that consume power even when they’re turned off. Anything with a clock, digital display, or remote is always on, even when you may think it’s off. Drive a stake into these household vampires with a few good habits: [caption id="attachment_27965" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: dosomething.org"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON VAMPIRE APPLIANCES or read the text below: First, unplug rarely used appliances, like that microwave that you use for just two minutes a day. And don’t leave your phone charger or game charger plugged in when you’re not actually recharging anything. Next, power down office equipment and video game systems—notorious watt-suckers—when not in use. Invest in smart power strips, which can shut off power to electronics when they’re in standby mode, or even shut down peripherals when you turn off your computer. Sure, vampires account for only a small portion of your electric bill. But even if it’s less than five percent, multiply that by 115 million U.S. households, and we’re talking serious energy savings. Do your part, be energy smart. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on saving energy, consider: Bob Vila's 50 Shades of Green How To: Save Energy at Home Put Your Home on an Energy Diet—TODAY! Make the most of your project, whether you're planning to paint wrought iron or wood flooring, concrete or curtains. Thu, 09 May 2013 23:29:11 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44363-how-to-paint-everything http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44363-how-to-paint-everything Slideshow paint, how to Is your metal patio furniture looking a little worse for wear? Give it a makeover! When painting wrought iron, success comes down to three important prep tasks: sanding, washing, and priming. For complete instructions, click here.Wood laminate furniture is great: You can find it virtually anywhere, usually at a low price point. Pieces often come in a neutral color like black, gray, or white, but you can easily add color with a fresh coat of paint. See the simple how-to.If your to-do list includes painting masonry or concrete, keep in mind that a thorough, modestly demanding approach is necessary, the details of which are right here. Consider dyeing concrete as an easy way to add a tint of color.It's OK to be skeptical. Will a painted floor really last? The answer may surprise you: unequivocally, yes. Latex enamels formulated for floors, porches, and decks feature superior durability and a host of color options. Get the rundown on prepping and painting floors here. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try stenciling?A trendy design choice, painting the staircase is a wonderful way to make a dramatic statement about your personal sense of style. Click here for "step by step" instructions on tackling this fun project.There's no rule saying that beautiful curtains have to cost a fortune. All you need for an eye-catching set are plain curtain panels and latex paint in the colors of your choice. Get the scoop.Sure, it sounds like a mammoth undertaking, but if painting your home's exterior this year, doing the job yourself can save you some real dough (plus the work may be easier than you fear). Don't miss How To: Paint a House for help.We all know paint is probably the easiest and least expensive way to transform the appearance of a room. But as with any DIY, some methods deliver better results than others. Check out these quick tips, and for advice on choosing a color, click here.Recommendations for painting trim vary. Have the walls already been painted? Has the trim already been installed? Your answers to these questions and others may determine the best course of action. For an in-depth look, click here.At some point, most of us will look upon a battered old nightstand, bookshelf, or chair, and think, "Boy, that thing sure could use some TLC." Luckily, paint can restore furniture to its former glory, and we can show you how.Some swear by foam brushes, others prefer paint sprayers, and still others opt for plain old paintbrushes. When it comes to painting cabinets, opinions range pretty widely. If you plan to use a brush, click here; a paint sprayer, click here. You don't have to be a contortionist to get the job done right. Click here for a guide to painting ceilings like the pros.If you are interested in more about painting, consider:Trending Now: Painted Stairs12 "Expert Picks" for Fail-Safe ColorsPainted Cabinets: 10 Reasons to Transform Yours Now Sanding is the unsung hero of any project with wood. It can take a long time, and the results are subtle: Sanding doe... Thu, 09 May 2013 19:42:28 -0400 /blogs/sanding-wood/ /blogs/sanding-wood/ Blog Post how to, woodworking Chris Gardner [caption id="attachment_27955" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Chris Gardner"][/caption] Sanding is the unsung hero of any project with wood. It can take a long time, and the results are subtle: Sanding does not transform your workpiece in the way that cutting it to size does. Nor does sanding deliver the "wow factor" of a rich stain. But make no mistake, it is the key step to be taken when turning raw wood into an investment piece, one that adds value to your home or lifestyle. What Is Sanding? Though sanding makes wood feel smoother, it's really the process of abrading wood fibers so that they are rendered uniformly rough. We call it "sanding"—and the tools employed are sandpaper and sanders—but no sand whatsoever is involved. Rather, the abrasive performs as a cutting tool (not unlike a saw blade), which can be used to cut, shape, and finish raw wood either to completion or to the point where the material readily accepts a finish. Sanding by Hand. Hand-sanding gives you the most control over shaping the wood surface. You can address corners and recesses that a machine would not be able to reach. Yes, I use powered sanders on nearly every woodworking or finishing project I complete, but I always do some sanding by hand. Related: 5 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners [caption id="attachment_27956" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Chris Gardner"][/caption] For flat surfaces and sharp edges, use a sanding block; buy one at the hardware store or cut your own from scrap wood. The sanding block enables you to apply even pressure, and it prevents your sandpaper from bunching up or slipping. If you're sanding molding or trim with an intricate silhouette, opt for a specialty rubber or foam profile sander in order to pull off a sharp, professional look. [caption id="attachment_27957" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Chris Gardner"][/caption] When sanding curves or forming a rounded edge, forgo the sanding block and use the softness of your hands to create a satisfying arc shape. No matter what type of edge you're going for, always maintain steady pressure and sand with, not against, the grain. Don't employ sandpaper to remove things like pencil marks or dried glue, but do use it to smooth joints or filled nail holes. [caption id="attachment_27958" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Chris Gardner"][/caption] Sanding with Power Tools. It's  not strictly necessary for any job, but a powered sander can sure save you a lot of time and sweat. I highly recommend the random-orbit sander, if you don't already own one. The perfect tool for so many tasks, it smoothes wood quickly and evenly, and it does so without leaving surface marks. Sanding disks of varying grits may be affixed, and especially when the tool is connected to a shop vac, sawdust is not an issue. [caption id="attachment_27959" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Chris Gardner"][/caption] Sanding for Finishing. Sanding helps not only prior to finishing, but also during finishing. If you plan to stain or clear-coat your workpiece, first sand with 220-grit paper, then wipe down the surface with a wet rag or sponge. This raises the grain, making the wood more receptive to stain. Applying an oil finish? Sand the surface to 220, then apply Danish or teak oil (with the grain) using 320-grit paper. Continue until you get a light "slurry" of sawdust and oil. Last but not least: If you intend to paint your workpiece, then sanding will be essential to your success. It "roughs up" the surface, giving the paint something to stick to. Plus, sanding between coats of paint smoothes out any bumps or raised areas that are produced, so you are left with a super smooth, factory-like finish. For more on woodworking, consider: How To: Make a Mortise-and-Tenon Joint 10 Ways to Use Your Cordless Drill/Driver Bit of Knowledge: Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job Cove or crown, batten or baseboard? Differentiate between the molding types most commonly used in homes today. Thu, 09 May 2013 18:52:39 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44353-know-your-moldings-10-popular-trim-styles-to-spiff-up-any-space http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44353-know-your-moldings-10-popular-trim-styles-to-spiff-up-any-space Slideshow design, trim & molding Moldings exist in myriad forms. Each is designed for a specific purpose—framing a door, for example, or providing a visual transition at the junction of walls and flooring. So many types of molding decorate our homes today, it's often difficult to distinguish them. But here's the good news: You never again have to be confused between batten and baseboard. Click through to know your molding styles, once and for all!Casing is designed to cover the unfinished gap between walls and door or window frames. Though different variations are readily found, the width of casing usually spans two or three inches.Used to trim walls where they join flooring, baseboards usually measure three to five inches and feature simple styling. Often, baseboard is accented with a small piece of quarter-round (semi-circular) trim.This type of molding is the "crowning" architectural feature of a room, as it decorates the transition between walls and the ceiling. Crown moldings, also known as cornice moldings, typically boast intricate silhouettes.Chair railing is functional molding meant to protect walls from being damaged by furniture. Of course, it can also serve a purely decorative function, delineating two different types of wall coverings—paint and wallpaper, for instance.Picture railing allows artwork frames to be hung without nails having to be driven directly into the wall. Often combined with crown molding, this molding type is one or two inches tall and appears seven to nine feet off the floor.Also known as coving, cove molding is plain, concave-shaped trim employed where walls and ceilings meet. It can also be used on stairs, at the meeting of risers and treads. In essence, cove may be considered a less ornate version of crown.An ornamental detail with a Classical pedigree, dentil molding consists of small, evenly spaced blocks in a repeating pattern. Incorporated into crown molding, dentils are frequently found in historic homes.Mostly seen together with crown or chair railing, egg-and-dart molding includes oval egg shapes (modeled after ancient Greek template ornament) alternating with V-like darts.Batten, also called board-and-batten, is a trim piece used to hide the joint between two pieces of paneling.Bead and pearl moldings are two different, though very similar, types of trim. Both feature a row of small, symmetrical spheres. Paired often with other designs—leaves, darts, or spindles—this variety of molding typically accompanies crown or chair railing.If you are interested in more about walls and ceilings, consider:5 Ways to Give a New House Architectural CharmCharacter Building: A Case for MoldingsBob Vila Radio: Historic Trim Ceiling fans are a wonderful addition to any room, offering a cool breeze and providing a pleasant decorative accent.... Thu, 09 May 2013 11:26:41 -0400 /blogs/cleaning-ceiling-fans/ /blogs/cleaning-ceiling-fans/ Blog Post cleaning, hvac, how to, ac & cooling Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_27998" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] Ceiling fans are a wonderful addition to any room, offering a cool breeze and providing a pleasant decorative accent. However, like any appliance, ceiling fans collect dust and grime that can lead to noisy operation and, eventually, motor damage. A proactive approach to cleaning can help you keep your ceiling fan running quietly and smoothly. Here's how: [caption id="attachment_28002" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Photo: woolshop.com"][/caption] Cleaning Fan Blades • The first step is to turn off your ceiling fan, making sure the blades have come to a complete stop. If the blades are still moving when you begin, even a soft duster can do damage. • Fan blades should be dusted weekly. You can purchase a specialized pole duster that slides over fan blades, simultaneously cleaning both the top and bottom. • For deeper cleaning, position a step ladder beneath the fan and carefully go over the blades with a water-moistened microfiber cloth or terry towel. Repeat with a dry cloth. • Use a clean, dry cloth to go over the motor housing and wipe down any pull-chains. • If you are feeling ambitious, spray the motor housing with compressed air to remove interior dust. • Avoid bending, breaking, or warping the blades by being careful not to press down too hard. • Never use abrasive cleaners or toxic chemicals, as these products can scratch or discolor the fan blades and motor housing. • Do not use alcohol, baby wipes, or alkaline cleansers; these contain harsh compounds that can stain or destroy the finish on the blades. • Once your blades are clean, use a commercial anti-static, dust-repelling spray to help them stay that way. Spray the product onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe both sides of each blade. Make your own anti-static spray by mixing one part fabric softener to four parts water in a spray bottle. Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING [caption id="attachment_27999" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] Cleaning Attached Light Fixtures • Once again, make sure the fan is turned off. After removing the light bulbs, take off the glass shades by carefully turning the mounting screws counter-clockwise. • Wash the glass shades in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. • Inspect the rubberized gasket around the base of each shade. If it is worn or torn, either swap in a new gasket or use two or three heavy-duty rubber bands instead. • Replace the glass shades, being certain that the mounting screws are finger-tight. That way, the glass will not rattle or shake when the fan is operating. • Replace the light bulbs. Sit back, relax, and sip a mint julep while your ceiling fan gently circulates the air! For more on cleaning, consider: How To: Clean Painted Walls Top Tips for Cleaning Windows How To: Clean Stainless Steel Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? A natural remedy waits in your backyard: locally produced honey. To date, scie... Thu, 09 May 2013 09:50:00 -0400 /blogs/local-honey/ /blogs/local-honey/ Blog Post sustainability, pests Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_27761" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: localhoneyblog.com"][/caption] Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? A natural remedy waits in your backyard: locally produced honey. To date, science has not yet proved a link between eating local honey and allergy symptom relief. But there's no shortage of anecdotal evidence from allergy sufferers. Their testimonials suggest it may be worth your while to experiment with a local honey regimen of two teaspoons per day. Related: 20 Ways to Go Green Today Why does it work? The theory is that bees in your region are collecting nectar from the plants that make you sniffle and sneeze. And so by eating honey produced from this nectar, you are ingesting trace amounts of those allergens, helping your body develop defenses against them. Things get more complicated when you acknowledge the fact that honeybees are in serious jeopardy. Researchers continue studying their decline, but so far a few causes are suspected: manmade insecticides, naturally occurring parasites, and the proliferation of non-native bee species. [caption id="attachment_27762" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: sciencebuzz.org"][/caption] So what can you do to help save the honeybees? Love the Bees. Appreciate the vital role that honeybees play in maintaining the viability of our food supply. Their pollination accounts for as much as one-third of what we eat! Plant a Tree... and Some Flowers. Welcome honeybees—and beautify your landscape in the process—by planting flowers and trees; bees rely on these for survival. Avoid Broad-Based Insecticides. While the demise of bee colonies is a complex issue, we know for certain that bees are insects and as such, they can be adversely affected by insecticides. Attempt to manage garden pests without using synthetic pest control products. Support Your Local Beekeepers. Even if you don't have hay fever, go out of your way to buy local honey and honey-related products (e.g., beeswax candles). You may also support beekeepers in your area by contracting their services; these include crop pollination and bee removal. For more on sustainability, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Go Local Bob Vila's 50 Shades of Green Nature Inspires Sustainable Solutions for the Home Long before your tiles wear out, the grout between them can start to look tired, dirty, or stained. A good scrubbing ... Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:33 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-replacing-grout/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-replacing-grout/ Blog Post tile, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Long before your tiles wear out, the grout between them can start to look tired, dirty, or stained. A good scrubbing can help freshen it up, but at some point the grout will need to be replaced. New grout can extend the life of those tiles for many years. [caption id="attachment_27628" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: dexknows.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON REPLACING GROUT or read the text below: The first step is to remove the old grout. You can scrape it out by hand with a grout removal tool, but the work goes faster if you use a grout saw, or a grout attachment for your reciprocating or rotary saw. Just take care not to scratch the tile. Once the old grout is out, wash the surface with a grout-and-tile cleaner. Mix your new grout to the consistency of toothpaste, then use a grout float to apply it. Spread the grout diagonally across the tile, holding the float at a 45-degree angle. When the joints are firmly packed, wipe off any excess. Let it set for a few minutes, then wipe again using a damp sponge. The grout should be slightly lower than the level of the tile. Once the grout is dry, wipe down the entire surface the way you’d buff a car. After three days, use a grout sealant to protect it against future stains. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on flooring and stairs, consider: 5 Reasons to Love Subway Tile Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines Bob Vila Radio: Laying Tile Take a spin through our roundup of ceiling fans to suit every design sensibility. Thu, 09 May 2013 00:09:44 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44382-blades-of-glory-10-ceiling-fans-with-sharp-style http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44382-blades-of-glory-10-ceiling-fans-with-sharp-style Slideshow hvac, ac & cooling The fully adjustable dual motor heads on the Duplo-Dinamico rotational ceiling fan (from Mathews Fan Company) create 180-degree arcs of air movement. Available in several different metal finishes, the design suits any ceiling height and holds special appeal for anyone who favors the industrial chic look.The Stella ceiling fan features concentric plywood rings, surrounding a glass cylinder light fixture that exudes a soft, amber glow. Based on the look of a beehive, this fan hangs on a ten-inch down-rod and can be installed on a sloped ceiling.Seeking a ceiling fan with a 21st-century aesthetic? The contoured blades of the Artemis fan wrap around the motor housing to achieve a bold, aerodynamic, and distinctly modern effect. The halogen lamp in the center includes a sophisticated detail: etched opal glass. The Lapa fan evokes early 20th-century Europe; its stylistic elements are drawn from influences as diverse as French Art Nouveau and the Bauhaus movement of Germany. Melding form and function, this ceiling-hugger boasts a rich mix of materials—a rubbed bronze housing as well as mahogany blades.An energy-efficient light kit is set into the oil-rubbed bronze frame of the Cool Vista fan. Its unique canvas blades are specially designed for outdoor applications in damp climates. While providing all of the functionality you'd expect, the Esquire rotational-head ceiling fan's traditional elegance harkens back to yesteryear. Outfitted with an antique bronze finish that is embellished in gold, the fan can be aimed in any direction and is controllable via handheld remote.The crisp brushed-steel Spyder ceiling fan catches the eye with its five angled light fixtures and 60-inch blade span.The affordable Santa Ana ceiling fan (from allen + roth) incorporates only two blades—that's all the four-speed, remote-controllable fan needs to cool down virtually any room of average size.The conspicuous lamp that characterizes the Library ceiling fan takes its cue from the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The simple, square pattern of the fixture provides a simplicity of design, emphasizing the beauty of the art glass.The practical, low-projection Concept II is able to be configured with or without a fan light, while the handheld remote enables homeowners to control the unit's variable speeds.If you are interested in more about fans and air conditioning, consider:How To: Install a Ceiling FanHow To: Choose a Ceiling Fan10 "Really Cool" Cooling Fans People have been harvesting rainwater for thousands of years. In the last decade, the practice has emerged as a popul... Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:23 -0400 /blogs/rainwater-harvesting/ /blogs/rainwater-harvesting/ Blog Post outdoor structures Sarita Harbour [caption id="attachment_27767" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Flickr / Simply Bike"][/caption] People have been harvesting rainwater for thousands of years. In the last decade, the practice has emerged as a popular way to cut costs and help the environment. A variety of kits exists on the market, but if you have the luxury of a free afternoon, it's easy to devise your own setup. You only need five ingredients, the bulk of which you probably own already. Follow the recipe below: Ingredient #1: Roofing First things first, you need a roof—any roof, in just about any size or shape. The pitch of your roof will partially determine the amount of rain available for collection. Two other important determining factors are the climate and average annual rainfall in the region where you live. Slideshow: 12 Rain Barrels That Perform with Style [caption id="attachment_27730" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Flickr / slinz0"][/caption] Ingredient #2: Gutters Normally the downspouts of gutters empty onto the ground a few feet away from the foundation. A typical rainwater harvesting system links gutter discharge to a collection area. Because gutters are prone to collecting debris, plan to keep them clear with regular maintenance or by installing gutter guards. [caption id="attachment_27945" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] Ingredient #3: Collection Area If you intend to harvest rainwater for use in the garden, be prepared to purchase or make a rain barrel. Position the barrel on level ground, and as it fills up with water, remember that the barrel will become harder to move. As the season progresses, it may be necessary to adjust the connection between your downspout and barrel. Caution: Limit the top opening of your rain barrel to a narrow diameter so that neither thirsty animals nor curious children are at risk of falling in. Alternatively, skip the rain barrel altogether and angle your downspouts towards those sections of the landscape in need of water. The velocity of water exiting the downspouts may create furrows in the earth; adjust their placement accordingly. Ingredient #4: Distribution System Don’t let the term "distribution system" intimidate you; it's as simple as a garden hose or watering can. The ideal approach depends on the design of your rain barrel. Ingredient #5: Filtering System (Optional) Want to drink the rainwater that you're collecting? Consider either floating filters or a sand filtration system. Homeowners harvesting water for personal use are advised to review relevant state regulations. Great Expectations There's little need to worry about gathering too little rain to justify the effort. According to Water Wise at the University of Arizona, one inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof results in up to 600 harvested gallons! Further Resources Rainwater harvesting may qualify you for a tax incentive. Visit these sites for more information on financial incentives and making the most of your collection system: Rainwater Harvesting at North Carolina State University The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting Urban Waterways/Rainwater Harvesting: Guidance for Homeowners   For more on outdoor structures, consider: Compost Bins: 10 Smart Options Wing It: 11 Approaches to a DIY Birdbath Chick Magnets: 10 Irresistible DIY Chicken Coops Next time you pull on a pair of jeans, consider this: You can use denim to keep your house cool in the summer and war... Wed, 08 May 2013 09:02:14 -0400 /blogs/denim-insulation/ /blogs/denim-insulation/ Blog Post insulation, materials Elizabeth Arnold [caption id="attachment_27663" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: concensus.com"][/caption] Next time you pull on a pair of jeans, consider this: You can use denim to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Though it costs nearly twice as much as fiberglass, denim insulation (also known as cotton fiber) offers significant advantages over traditional insulation materials. Blue and Green. If sustainability is a priority in your project, you may appreciate that denim insulation is made from post-consumer recycled natural fibers in a low carbon-footprint process. Companies collect old blue jeans and resell the loose fibers to insulation manufacturers. In this way, Bonded Logic, one of the first and largest manufacturers of denim insulation, diverts an estimated 300 tons of the material away from landfills every month. Breathe Easier. Denim can help improve indoor air quality, because it contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—chemicals that may emit polluting gases that contribute to asthma and allergies. [caption id="attachment_27698" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Ultra Touch Denim Insulation at Lowe's"][/caption] Peace and Quiet. Thanks to an acoustic rating that is 30 percent higher than fiberglass, denim insulation contributes to a quieter home environment. Lower Energy Bills. Denim insulation is available in R-values of R-13, R-19, R-21 and R-30, which means that it insulates no less well than cellulose or fiberglass insulation. Hardwearing. Denim insulation is mold-, mildew-, and fungi-resistant. In addition, the product, typically treated with a non-toxic borate solution, boasts a Class A fire rating. Convenience. Though it cannot be blown in, denim insulation comes in perforated batts that are as easily to install, being sized to fit between standard studs and joists. For more on insulation, consider: Insulation 101 Superior Insulation—for Less Quick Tip: Proper Insulation Is Key Add life—literally!—to an interior space with a visually stunning vertical wall garden. Wed, 08 May 2013 00:23:51 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44305-10-great-ways-to-grow-your-walls-green http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44305-10-great-ways-to-grow-your-walls-green Slideshow decor Spring has sprung, and soon we’ll be spending our free time outdoors, surrounded by floral blooms and foliage. But that's no reason not to bring the greenery indoors—and we’re not talking about a houseplant on the windowsill! Living walls are visually stunning, but as added benefits, they also absorb heat and improve air quality. Click through to see some of favorite vertical wall gardens and consider ways to incorporate one into your own home.Situated within a minimalist space, this green wall seizes center stage and becomes an artwork-like focal point, impossible to ignore. Somehow the design of this room succeeds in making the green wall appear as if it was always there, when in fact an intricate system of support and irrigation exists out of view.A curved wall can be a troublesome design element: Traditionally hung art is out, and when positioned in front of a bend, furniture often looks awkward. Here, a living wall has helped the owner solve this familiar problem of aesthetics. And because the plants on the wall absorb heat, the air conditioning system is given a break.The illusion of walking in a forest is created by this pairing: a vertical wall garden in conjunction with stairs that rise over an indoor planting bed. Indeed, green walls brighten the home, but there are downsides that must be managed. An abundance of verdure not only attracts bugs, but also creates excess moisture that could lead to mold.Unwanted structural column in your space? Conceal it with plants! The post may always be obtrusive, but it doesn't need to stay an eyesore. 360 degrees of fauna provide a beautiful view to be enjoyed from any spot in the room.Although the impressive display seen here lives in an Anthropologie retail store, its concept could be easily applied at home. The lesson learned is that a green wall is capable of animating a would-be "dead zone" like this stair landing. If a green wall entails a greater level of commitment than you're prepared to make, simulate the look with a lower-maintenance setup. Schiavello manufactures a grid system that supports individual potted plants. Set in place with an abundance of overgrown plants, this unique shelving would serve as an unforgettable room divider.The chef in your house might prefer a green wall grown for a culinary purpose. Good thing the Minigarden makes it possible to grow your own herbs year-round. Complete with a foolproof built-in watering system, this product promises an easy entry to the world of wall gardening.No view? No problem! Woolly Pockets can be hung directly on the wall so that you can introduce plant life to virtually any room. Since there's a military-grade moisture barrier to protect your walls from seepage, you can experiment with no fear of causing water damage.If you’re up for a weekend project, why not try turning an old picture frame into scaffolding for a living wall? Low-maintenance succulents are ideal, as they require very little water. (They also spread easily, so don’t over-plant.) When hanging, remember to find a stud; the weight of a wall garden can be considerable.Important to consider are the types of plants used and their placement in relation to available light. Will your living wall receive enough sun in the location you’re eyeing? Are the plants you're considering actually desirable for the indoors? Be sure to stray from the pungent, pollen-full, and poisonous. And of course, happy gardening!If you are interested in more about interior design, consider:Say Yes to Salvaged WoodHow To: Make a Terrarium20 "Why Didn't I Think of That" Ways to Decorate with Rope Skip the bouquet of carnations this year, and make your mom smile with a lasting gift for the home. Tue, 07 May 2013 13:14:39 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44405-10-last-minute-gifts-sure-to-please-on-mother-s-day http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44405-10-last-minute-gifts-sure-to-please-on-mother-s-day Slideshow holidays If your mother has ever said, "I wish I had the time, money, or the help I need to repaint this room," then you know what to do! Buy the paint outright, if you know what color she would like. Or get a gift card to your local home improvement center and surprise her with a wrapped basket of supplies. For serious bonus points, do the job yourself and save mom the trouble.Mothers who love gardening also will love any gift that eases the stress of kneeling for sustained periods. Show mom that you've got her back! Give her a potting bench like this one from Wayside Gardens!  For mothers who are always renovating, there is the Shop Vac. Perfect for cleaning up in the wake of projects large and small, this a thoughtful, practical gift that keeps on giving.Particularly productive moms always appreciate superior gear. Both Fiskars and Felco manufacture affordable yet outstanding tools for gardening, lawn care, and crafting that are beloved by novices and veterans alike.Any mother worth her salt in the kitchen deserves a pot, pan, or bar tool from the renowned cookware maker Le Creuset. The company's products come in a host of happy colors, and its huge inventory means you can add on to mom's collection year after year. Ultimate moms deserve ultimate relaxation. What better way is there to help her unwind than by arranging a spa day in her honor? Book one locally or splurge on a home spa kit, such as this heated aqua-jet foot bath from Brookstone.If your mother's treasured planting beds continue to fill up with an expanding variety of flora and fauna, help her keep track of it all with a specialized garden journal like this one from Moleskine.Put your own spin on the traditional floral bouquet: Present your mother with blossoms that will remain beautiful for years to come. Many varieties can be found at your local garden center, but consider one of these English delights from Heirloom Roses.Whether posting to a blog or sending emails to family members, creative moms love to snap pics of their projects. With so many colorful options from companies like Nikon and Canon, you are sure to find a camera that clicks!No matter how she spends her waking hours, your mother is bound to appreciate some time out for herself. Set her up with a month of yoga classes at the local studio, or enroll her in a summertime painting class. Looking for a way you can spend time together? Sign yourself up for the class, too!If you're interested in more gift ideas, consider: Bob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide: For the DIY MomBob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide: For the GardenerBob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide: For the Gadget Loving DIY-er Every single drawer in your apartment is overflowing with chopsticks. Sure, you could toss a few pair in the trash. B... Tue, 07 May 2013 11:12:06 -0400 /blogs/repurpose-chopsticks/ /blogs/repurpose-chopsticks/ Blog Post repurposing Daniel Mintz Every single drawer in your apartment is overflowing with chopsticks. Sure, you could toss a few pair in the trash. But not many things in life are free; why waste one of those rarities? If only chopsticks could be used for a purpose other than lifting lo mein.... Good news! You can repurpose chopsticks in a number of ways. Here are five favorites:   1. BREATHE EASIER [caption id="attachment_26951" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: bakeat350.blogspot.com"][/caption] Summertime, when the livin' is—SNEEZE—just great. We all know that dust builds up within our oscillating fans and AC vents a little too quickly for comfort. No sweat: Use a rubber band to secure a paper towel around the tip of a chopstick, then soak the towel in cleaning solution. Now wipe away those dusty areas and restore your cooling apparatuses to factory-condition cleanliness. 2. IMPROVE DRAINAGE [caption id="attachment_26952" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: redbeacon.com"][/caption] Have your morning showers turned into standing baths? Mammalian sheddings might have finally gotten the best of your tub's drain. You could wait three weeks for the landlord to show up with a snake, or you could just grab a chopstick. Gently scrape it along the sides of the drain. Lift out the gunk and discard. Repeat two or three times. (This method is equally effective in sinks.) Note: Be gentle. Your pipes may be old and brittle, and one hard poke could pierce a hole.   3. PRACTICE KNITTING [caption id="attachment_26953" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: divyatimes.blogspot.com"][/caption] Symbols of Asian culture in their own right, chopsticks enable you to quickly and easily start practicing the Zen-like art of knitting. Only a slight adjustment is needed to make them suitable as knitting needles. This is all it takes : Instructions 1. With a serrated knife, carefully saw off the top inch of one chopstick at a 45-degree angle. 2. Smooth over the rough edge with a piece of sandpaper.   4. MAKE MINI FLAGS [caption id="attachment_26954" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: bp.blogspot.com"][/caption] Whether spreading the word about a new tech startup or galvanizing the world to protect animal rights, mini flags made from chopsticks are excellent promotional materials. Stake one in a planter located somewhere public, or hand out a hundred on the street. Here's one approach: Instructions 1. Customize your flag using graphic design software. (I recommend GIMPShop, since it's free and easy to use.) 2. Print your work, then cut out the image in the shape of a flag or pennant. 3. Place hot, crazy, or super glue around the top inch of one chopstick. Roll the edge of the flag around it. 4. Apply pressure as the glue dries.   5. CREATE COASTERS [caption id="attachment_26955" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: 5min.com"][/caption] Your guests are sure to be impressed by these nifty coasters made from—you guessed it—chopsticks. The possibilities are endless, as you can craft various shapes and designs by customizing the length of each individual chopstick. Below are some simple instructions for a basic square coaster to get you started: Instructions 1. Cut off the top and bottom two inches of ten chopsticks. 2. One by one, glue each chopstick together with hot, crazy, or super glue. Be sure let each pair dry before attaching the next one. See? Easy as pie. Speaking of which, go grab a slice with some coffee to test out your brand-new creation.   For more on repurposing, consider: 5 Things to Do with... Bottle Caps 13 Easy Ways to Repurpose Old Armoires Get Organized: 20 Ideas for Repurposed Storage Window boxes can really amp up a home’s curb appeal by adding color and a sense of welcome. Here are some tips for cr... Tue, 07 May 2013 01:00:28 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-window-boxes/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-window-boxes/ Blog Post design, bob vila radio, driveway & walkway Roseann Foley Henry Window boxes can really amp up a home’s curb appeal by adding color and a sense of welcome. Here are some tips for creating eye-catching cascades of color all season long. [caption id="attachment_27624" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: houseplantsguru.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON WINDOW BOXES or read the text below: First, the box should be about the same width as your window. Make sure it has drainage holes, and consider using a metal or plastic liner inside. That extends your box’s life and makes it easier to swap in a seasonal replacement. Next, select plants appropriate for the amount of sun your window boxes will get. Aim for a mix of textures and heights and an overall symmetrical layout. Start with a tall central focus, like spiky dracaena or shoots of salvia; fill in with medium-height stunners like coleus or pansies; and finish with dramatic spillovers like ivy or trailing petunias. Play with arrangements of your plants at the garden store before you buy to be sure they work together. Don’t use plants so tall that they’ll block your view, and don’t go plant crazy. For maximum impact, use just a few varieties in colors that suit your exterior. Then water frequently, and don’t forget to feed and deadhead, so those flowers flourish all summer long. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on gardening, consider: How To: Make a Window Box 10 Simple "Under $60" Curb Appeal Updates for Any Home Give Your Facade a Facelift: Simple, Affordable Ways to Boost Curb Appeal All of a sudden there are not enough houses for sale to meet homebuyers' rising level of demand.  Could you pull off ... Mon, 06 May 2013 09:42:09 -0400 /blogs/flipping-houses-in-2013/ /blogs/flipping-houses-in-2013/ Blog Post selling, real estate Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_27749" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] All of a sudden there are not enough houses for sale to meet homebuyers' rising level of demand. Could you pull off a fast-and-dirty flip—buying low, fixing quick, and selling in a rebounding market? Those who have already located the market’s sweet spot—buying low and selling within six months as prices continue to climb—are enjoying average profits of $37,375 on each property, according to RealtyTrac. But engineering such a feat truly takes as much luck as skill. Here are three factors to help you filter house-flipping fantasy from fiction: Can you buy with cash? Real estate investors are reportedly locked in tight with agents and lenders. Because they buy in bulk and pay with cash, those investors get the best deals. If you can't write a check for the full amount on the spot, don't expect your offer to compete with an investor's. Will your local market be strong in six months? If you buy the house, fix it up, and then discover you can’t sell it, you’ll have a flop, not a flip. Since market blips rarely become major housing trends, cut through the confusion by focusing on jobs. Strong and growing employment numbers are likely to sustain a steady real estate market. Are you sure you can make only the improvements that will support a profit? If your project budgets are usually overrun by expensive but beautiful details and add-ons, think long and hard before you tackle a project driven by cold, hard return. If the house you target is a bargain, first identify structural and systemic problems. (One big project like roof replacement might drain your potential profit.) Once the basics are sound, you’ll have to apply a will of steel to choose market-pleasing materials and fixtures that will yield the greatest appeal, even if that means forgoing the crown molding. For more on real estate, consider: Suddenly, a Seller's Market?  5 Market Trends to Cash In On This Year Beyond Stainless: What Buyers Want This Spring Make the most of long summer nights with the right kind of lighting for your outdoor space. Sun, 05 May 2013 20:26:09 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44312-10-illuminating-ideas-for-lighting-your-backyard http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44312-10-illuminating-ideas-for-lighting-your-backyard Slideshow lighting, deck patio & porch You can illuminate a garden walkway, deck, or patio to dramatic effect using a variety of landscape lighting options. Here, Mission-inspired lanterns on post mounts cast a soft glow over the adjacent stone path.With an LED bulb concealed under its dome, this fixture's beautiful scrollwork detailing remains unobstructed, and its beauty is further enhanced by a vintage rust finish.  Bring a bit of nature-inspired whimsy and charm into your garden or patio area with cattail garden accent lights.Kichler’s new LED accent lighting with Radiax technology allows you to focus light more precisely, resulting in fewer lumens per watt. That translates into better efficiency and less light pollution. Win-win!These solar-powered LED lights come in the form of flush-to-the-ground patio pavers—a great option for illuminating pathways. Plus, they don’t add to your electric bill!Illuminating landscape features creates an atmosphere that will make you want to live outdoors! Simple uplighting can highlight your trees without detracting from the beauty of the cool, dark night.If you want to go low-tech, tiki torches can add a tropical party mood to your patio space. They are generally inexpensive and easy to move from place to place, making a lovely and casual addition to any outdoor area!Create your own starry nights with miniature LED string lights attached to bendable wire. They are perfectly suited to being wrapped around tree branches and railings for a dreamy design.Lighting is also about creating a mood. A series of solar-powered Japanese paper lanterns suspended from the trees gives warmth to the patio beneath.Create a glowing ambiance anywhere in your backyard with this arcing LED lighting creation from Vibia—now that's illuminating!If you are interested in more on landscaping, consider:Outdoor Lighting: 12 Products to Light Your WayOn the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can MakeBob Vila Radio: Solar Garden Lights With imagination and elbow grease, you can transform that old door into a one-of-a-kind piece that's both useful and beautiful. Sun, 05 May 2013 15:11:44 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44384-10-new-uses-for-old-doors http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44384-10-new-uses-for-old-doors Slideshow diy, repurposing Salvage yards are full of old wood doors waiting to be put back into action. But you don’t have to use these swingers in entrances or exits. Instead, you can repurpose them in a variety of ways to create something affordable, functional, and best of all, impressively unique.Many old doors have recessed panels perfect for insetting a mirror. You can buy an inexpensive full-length mirror at your local home improvement center. Cut the mirror to size by scoring it with a glass-cutting tool. Snap off the excess pieces. Be sure the area of the door in which you place the mirror has been sanded or stripped of any finish, then glue the mirror in place using mastic.Solid wood doors make great table tops, as they’re already cut to a convenient size. Simply find a door you like, paint it—or strip or sand it lightly to give it an aged look—then attach legs or a base that suits your style. For a super-easy table, place any door atop two painted sawhorses. If the door has raised or recessed panels, consider covering it with a cut-to-size sheet of glass to provide a smooth surface for drinks or other items that might wobble.To create a striking outdoor table, hang your door from the beams of a porch or a strong tree branch. This creates a dramatic focal point for an outdoor room. Also, it allows more seating options, as there are no legs or supports to jockey around. For hanging, drape strong twine over the beam or branch, drill holes in the door, thread the twine through and tie large knots. Eyelets secured with a bolt under the table work well with hanging chain.Many doors are the size of bookcases, making them perfect for that (re)purpose! You can install shelves on the front of a door for a quick and easy storage solution. (Be sure to anchor the door properly to the wall or install wooden feet beneath the bottom shelf.) Or you can add top, bottom, and side panels to form a full-fledged bookcase. Put a clip-on metal lamp on the top for some extra form and function.When closed, doors hide the interior of a room from those outside. Using doors as screens keeps their original use intact while adding a creative spin. To execute this project, combine three or four doors that are roughly the same size, though not necessarily the same style. Varying doors or paint colors will make the screen more interesting. Use decorative hinges to create an extra-attractive screen.Hang an old door from your ceiling (being sure to anchor it properly), then screw in some long hooks, and voila—you’ve got an instant pot rack. Solid doors provide the most hanging space, but you can also use doors with windows by securing hooks in the frame. Try replacing the mesh in a screen door with heavy-duty hardware cloth or chicken wire, and use the area to store smaller pots and lighter-weight utensils.Before hollow-core doors were introduced, doors were solid and strong—strong enough to sit on. Take advantage of this strength by turning two old doors into a bench. Use one for the seat and another for the back by gluing and screwing them together at 90-degree angles; attach the legs of your choice. Or use two smaller door sections or panels as end pieces to hold the whole structure together.One of the easiest and least expensive things you can do with an old door is cover it with chalkboard paint for an instant in-home message center. If you find a door that has multiple panels, try using each panel for a different purpose. Paint one section with chalkboard paint, attach a cork board to another section, and fasten a piece of sheet metal in yet another for a magnetic memo square.Lots of people already attach hooks to the backs of doors to hang coats, belts, hats and other accessories. But who says the door must be attached to a door frame? Cover an old door with decorative hanging bars for towels in the bathroom, use long hooks for a coat rack in an entryway, or use smaller teacup hooks (perhaps on a smaller door) to hang jewelry.Carl Jung once said, "The dream is the small hidden door in the deepest and most intimate sanctum of the soul," so it seems fitting to place a door above your bed. To keep things simple, you can just lean two or three doors side-by-side behind the bed. For a more formal look, consider mounting an architecturally interesting door lengthwise on the wall. If you are interested in more on repurposing, consider:5 Things to Do with... Old Windows13 Easy Ways to Repurpose Antique ArmoiresGet Organized: 20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage Ah, pools. Whether humble aboveground 15-footers or elaborately designed in-ground beauties, swimming pools are refre... Sun, 05 May 2013 10:32:03 -0400 /blogs/pool-resurfacing/ /blogs/pool-resurfacing/ Blog Post water features Michael Franco [caption id="attachment_27492" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: backyardswimmingpools.net"][/caption] Ah, pools. Whether humble aboveground 15-footers or elaborately designed in-ground beauties, swimming pools are refreshing oases in backyards everywhere. They can be exercise-inducers, playgrounds, or simply soothing surfaces on which you can float and soak up vitamin D. Pools are even nice just to look at—except when they’re not. Perhaps more than any other landscaping feature, a neglected pool radiates an air of sadness. If yours has gotten rundown, you probably want to avoid it rather than dive right in. Related: 10 "Dream Worthy" Swimming Pools Fortunately, it's possible to rejuvenate a pool. A new lining might be the simple solution for an aboveground pool that's lost its luster. If you want to perk up a tired fiberglass or concrete in-ground pool, consider resurfacing. Fiberglass Thanks to its flexibility and resistance to shifts in the ground, fiberglass is a popular choice for resurfacing. To begin, your contractor will make things as smooth as possible by filling in, reinforcing, and sanding any cracks or chips. After that begins a multi-layer application process. Resin and fiberglass coats are applied and then sanded. Finally, up to three top coats—available in a variety of colors and textures—seal the job. What are the advantages? For starters, fiberglass lasts longer than concrete or plaster. Also, fiberglass is smoother, so it absorbs fewer chemicals and less organic material. Fiberglass resists algae stains, too. When correctly done, you are left with a good-looking pool likely to last a good long time. Plaster If you want to resurface a concrete pool, your most economical choice is plaster. Certain products, such as Sider-Proof, actually make resurfacing in plaster easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to tackle. An experienced professional will either chip or sandblast the old plaster out, leaving the original concrete shell. Next, a bond coat is applied that is topped with one or two coats of new plaster tinted to your choice of color. [caption id="attachment_27490" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="PebbleTec and PebbleSheen Pool Surfacing. Photo: tristatepoolrenovations.com"][/caption] Unlike fiberglass, plaster will react with pool water over the course of its lifetime, so more chemicals may be necessary to maintain proper water chemistry. To counteract this issue, add a "filler" to your plaster mix. Quartz and pebbles are common additives. Quartz is more stain-resistant than plaster; when the two are mixed together, you get an improved, durable surface that adds true sparkle to your pool water. QuartzScapes by NPT and DiamondBrite by SGM are popular quartz-plaster blends. Pebble-plaster aggregates like Pebble Tec or Pebble Sheen are some of the most expensive options in this category, but they create a striking look as well as a smooth, river rock-like texture underfoot. Additionally, pebble blends are the most chemical- and stain-resistant of all plaster techniques. Other Options If your fiberglass or concrete pool is in decent shape, consider painting instead of resurfacing it. Water-blast the old paint off, then spray on a new coat of epoxy paint, such as Nu-Pool), which should last seven to 10 years. Rubber-based or acrylic paint may also be used, but neither is as durable as epoxy paint. Still another option for bringing your pool back to life is retiling. Here, it's the same as indoors: A scratch coat is applied, tiles are laid, and grout is put in between. Depending on the size of your pool, of course, tiling can be an extremely expensive and time-consuming process. But it will give you an elegant result. For more on water features, consider: 12 Celebrity Pools to Envy Swimming Pools: Pump Woes Water, Water Everywhere: Installing a Small Backyard Pond When you have to tighten a nut, bolt, or other standard fastener, you need a wrench. But what kind?Listen to BOB VILA... Sun, 05 May 2013 01:00:17 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-wrench-roundup/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-wrench-roundup/ Blog Post tools, hand tools, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry When you have to tighten a nut, bolt, or other standard fastener, you need a wrench. But what kind? [caption id="attachment_27618" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: artofmanliness.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON WRENCHES or read the text below: Wrench types include open-end, box-end, and combination. Open-end wrenches, with their U-shape, slide easily onto a nut or bolt. Box-end wrenches have closed ends with 6, 8, 12 or 16 points inside the head. Because the box end completely surrounds the fastener, it offers a firm grip. Combination wrenches have one open end and one closed end. An adjustable wrench is an open-ended wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw. It gets points for flexibility, but it usually lacks the gripping strengh of a fixed wrench. And its bulky head isn’t ideal for tight spaces. Wrenches are sized in inches or metric. If you can afford only one set and do mostly household repairs, go with inches. If you do a lot of auto work, you’ll need a metric set. Or you can go for a combination set, which is usually cheaper than buying wrenches individually. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on tools, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Levels Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip — Sandpaper Bob Vila Radio: Power Drills Spring is a great time to sell your home. Houses tend to look their best this time of year, with fresh green lawns an... Sat, 04 May 2013 01:00:32 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-sale-ready-homes/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-sale-ready-homes/ Blog Post selling, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Spring is a great time to sell your home. Houses tend to look their best this time of year, with fresh green lawns and colorful spring flowers. If you’re putting your house on the market this spring, here are a few tips for making it look picture-perfect for a quick sale at a great price. [caption id="attachment_27321" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: miamiapartmentsandhomes.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SALE-READY HOMES or read the text below: For starters, think about curb appeal. Potential buyers who pull up in front of your house should be wowed from the very first view of it—and you only get one shot at that first impression. Make sure your landscaping is tidy, your lawn is mowed, and there’s no faded or peeling paint in view. Adding a few potted plants at the front entry helps create a welcoming atmosphere. Inside the house, clean up any clutter and reduce the number of family photos—you want potential buyers to picture themselves, not you, in this house. Open the shades and drapes to let in as much light as possible, and open a window to freshen the air. Make sure the house is as clean as whistle, too—scrub it from top to bottom, including windows. It may even make sense to recaulk or regrout old tile to liven up the kitchen and bathrooms. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on buying and selling homes, consider: 10 Simple Home Staging Tips Every Seller Should Know Beyond Stainless: What Buyers Want This Spring 5 Savvy Upgrades That Add Home Value No need to use chemicals—instead, use these herbal, fruity, or soap-laden solutions to problems with pests like ants, mice, and mosquitos. Fri, 03 May 2013 18:04:57 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44356-pests-be-gone-10-natural-ways-to-make-your-home-critter-free http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44356-pests-be-gone-10-natural-ways-to-make-your-home-critter-free Slideshow pests Flies hate the smell of basil. To discourage them, place pots of basil at doorways and windowsills and on the kitchen counter. Don't have enough sun for potted basil? Put dried basil in a small muslin pouch, rubbing it occasionally to keep the scent strong. Spiders are not fond of citrus. In a spray bottle, mix water and unsweetened lemon or lime juice. Wipe your countertops with the mixture or spray down doorways and windowsills. You can deter spiders in your garden by spreading around lemon, orange, or lime peels. Use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to wipe down countertops and other surfaces—anywhere you've spotted ants. For best results, repeat this several times a day. Doing so destroys the scent trails that ants use to navigate.A pair of barn owls and their brood can eat over 3,000 mice in a nesting season. Attract them to your property with an owl box, if a quiet rafter or tree crook is not available. Should the food supply be dependable, the same owls may return season after season.Wasps are incredibly territorial and will not build a nest within 20 yards of another one. So build or buy your own fake nest! It’s like a scarecrow for wasps. Hang one in the front yard and one in back, and you’re done.Cats love it. Mosquitoes? Not so much. According to Science Daily, catnip repels mosquitoes more effectively than DEET. Grow it in your garden or apply undiluted catnip oil to the skin for up to two hours of protection.Alternately salting and vacuuming your floors will kill flea eggs. But since fleas have a three-day reproduction cycle, you have to be diligent: Salt every day for nine days and vacuum every third day. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum every time, or the live ones will crawl right back out again! Cinnamon bark oil has been shown to control dust mites. Mix several drops into a 50/50 solution of water and denatured alcohol. Spray bedding, carpets, and any other places dust collects. Added benefit? Your house will smell like cookies!Trap fruit flies with this simple approach: Fill a glass three-quarters full with vinegar or cider vinegar, then add six to eight drops of dishwashing liquid, and fill to the top with warm water. Gruesomely effective.Who could call Bambi a pest? A gardener. Many have had luck deterring deer with Irish Spring soap. Hang it or spike it to a stake near things that deer like to eat. Alternatively, sprinkle shavings or small chunks on the ground.If you are interested in more about pest control, consider:The Complete Natural Guide to Apartment Pest Control and PreventionTop 10 Ways to Deal with BeesTermites! Now What? Warmer weather encourages us to spend more time on the deck, porch, or patio. Of course, lighting can extend outdoor ... Fri, 03 May 2013 10:54:39 -0400 /blogs/dark-sky-light/ /blogs/dark-sky-light/ Blog Post landscaping, lighting Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_27556" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: mckaylighting.com"][/caption] Warmer weather encourages us to spend more time on the deck, porch, or patio. Of course, lighting can extend outdoor living well into the evening, but before you light up the night, consider the advocations of The International Dark Sky Association, a campaign to reduce light pollution. Related: 10 "Illuminating" Ideas for Lighting Up Your Backyard As early as the 1980s, astronomers had noticed that city lights were making stars less and less visible in the night sky. Apart from that star-gazing conundrum, there is also mounting evidence to suggest increased light pollution even disrupts ecosystems and human circadian rhythms. Dark Sky proponents encourage the use of full-cutoff outdoor lighting fixtures, which, by casting light downward, enable you to see more with less light. Options that leak little to no light are increasingly prevalent on the market. Industry leader Kichler, for example, offers a line of fixtures that focuses light exactly where you need it—nowhere else. [caption id="attachment_27558" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Radiax Fixture from Kichler"][/caption] Though not required by law, using dark sky-compliant fixtures is definitely in the spirit of "Friendly Neighbor" ordinances and the recently approved Model Lighting Ordinance. Both help guide communities toward responsible outdoor lighting. Here are some ways you can reduce light pollution with your outdoor lighting choices: 1. Use Your Light Switch. Though many people leave on the porch light for an added sense of security, you can prevent light pollution—and save money, too—by simply turning the lights off when not in use. 2. Timers. Install timers to turn your fixtures off automatically at a set time. Again, doing so means as much for energy savings as it does for preserving a light pollution-free environment. 3. Use Motion Sensors. Even more convenient than switches or timers are motion sensors. Imagine lights flicking on as you walk down your garden path, only to go off again once you've exited the area—handy when your hands are full! 4. Use Low-Glare Fixtures. The International Dark Sky Association gives its stamp of approval to fixtures that meet its low-glare and efficiency criteria. There are also companies like Starry Night Lights, which specialize in low-pollution lighting. 5. Replace your Bulbs. LED and CFL lighting are more energy efficient in general, and when paired with dark sky-compliant design, they can reduce the total number of lumens emitted into the night sky. Since LEDs provide more directed light, they require fewer lumens than other bulb types that might require reflectors or lenses to do the same. Using more directed light in the places you really need it will allow you to use less light overall. Less light overall means you might see a few more shooting stars while you’re out enjoying that patio of yours this summer. Don’t forget to make a wish! For more on lighting, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Solar Garden Lights Seeing the Light: New (and Improved) Skylights Outdoor Wall Sconces: Lighting the Way with Style If you’re like a lot of people, you have a stack of old pots in your garage or shed just waiting for the next time yo... Fri, 03 May 2013 01:00:30 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-plant-containers/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-plant-containers/ Blog Post gardening, houseplants, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry If you’re like a lot of people, you have a stack of old pots in your garage or shed just waiting for the next time you need a container for the house or garden. Before you pop in a plant, though, it’s important to clean those old pots. [caption id="attachment_27315" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: stupaul.net"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CLEANING PLANT CONTAINERS or read the text below: Whether it’s clay or plastic, that old pot is not only dirty, but it’s probably also teeming with bacteria and mineral deposits. A white film on the outside of a clay pot is a good sign of salt deposits, which can dehydrate a new plant. Those minerals can be on plastic pots, too, but you won’t see any sign of them. They may be invisible, but they can still be dangerous for new plants. Play it safe and protect your new plants by disinfecting any previously used pot before you fill it again. Scrub visible dirt off the pot with a stiff brush, then wash it. A quick rinse isn’t enough—you need to soak it in a weak solution of bleach and water, then clean it with a solution of water and mild dish detergent. Finally, give it a rinse in clear water. A dried-out clay pot should sit in a bucket of water for an hour or so to rehydrate, so it doesn’t leach moisture from your new potting soil. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on gardening, consider: Add Flavor to Your Kitchen with an Herb Garden Grow Leafy Greens in Containers for Spring Salad Winter Care for Houseplants All air conditioners are designed to cool—that is, to remove heat and humidity from interior spaces. If you are in th... Thu, 02 May 2013 11:33:14 -0400 /blogs/choosing-an-air-conditioner/ /blogs/choosing-an-air-conditioner/ Blog Post hvac, ac & cooling Steve Bernstein All air conditioners are designed to cool—that is, to remove heat and humidity from interior spaces. If you are in the process of choosing an air conditioner, heed these important considerations before you buy. [caption id="attachment_27449" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: portableairshop.com"][/caption] Types of Air Conditioners 1. Window units 2. Through-the-wall units 3. Portable units 4. Central or whole-home units Window units are the most popular air conditioners, and for DIYers, they are the easiest to install and remove. This type of air conditioner fits in a window opening and vents to the outside. Through-the-wall units are larger and heavier than window units. Rather than sitting in a window, a through-the-wall unit rests within a weight-supporting air conditioner sleeve set into an exterior wall. Electric circuitry must be reviewed, especially in older homes, because these units often require greater amperage and voltage. Related: 10 "Really Cool" Cooling Fans Versatile by design, portable air conditioners—ideal for windowless spaces—exhaust through temporary ducting and can be moved from room to room. Central or whole-home units cool the entire house at once. Frequently combined with heating for a complete HVAC system, they are the most expensive option and typically require expert installation. [caption id="attachment_27450" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] Cooling Capacity of the Air Conditioner Air conditioning capacity is measured in units called BTUs. A small window air conditioner can deliver as few as 3,000 BTUs, while a through-the-wall unit can exceed 20,000 BTUs. Room size is perhaps the most important factor in determining the size of air conditioner you need, but consider also: 1. The number of windows in the room 2. The room's exposure 3. The quality of room insulation 4. Other appliances that may be in use 5. The number of people in the room Consult a handy BTU calculator to figure out exactly how many BTUs your air conditioner should have to keep your space cool. Efficiency Energy efficiency is measured by the Energy Efficiency Ratio rating (EER)—the ratio of the cooling capacity in BTUs per hour to the power input in watts (the higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner). Air conditioners, especially older units, are among the most expensive appliances to run. Choosing an appropriately sized unit is critical, because a unit that is too small will not meet your cooling demands, and one that is too large will cost more to run and will not properly control humidity. In making your decision, first identify units capable of adequately cooling your space and then purchase the one from that group with the lowest BTU capacity and the highest EER rating. When and How to Buy During the summer, air conditioners are an in-demand commodity, which means they are in short supply and consequently more expensive. You'll save money if you buy during the off-season, when manufacturers frequently offer rebates. As well, some municipalities and utility companies offer rebates on units with minimum EER ratings. And if you opt for central air, you may qualify for a tax credit to offset the purchase of an efficient whole-home HVAC system. In general, your best bet is to buy before summer, and remember to look for a warranty. For more on home cooling, consider: New Air Conditioning for Old Houses Cool Your House with Smart Landscaping Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning Warm weather is just around the corner, with its humming air conditioners and skyrocketing electric bills. You may be... Thu, 02 May 2013 01:00:00 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-whole-house-fans/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-whole-house-fans/ Blog Post hvac, bob vila radio, ac & cooling Roseann Foley Henry Warm weather is just around the corner, with its humming air conditioners and skyrocketing electric bills. You may be able to cut both the heat and the expense with a whole-house fan, which cools your home at a fraction of an air conditioner’s cost. [caption id="attachment_27309" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: lowes.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON WHOLE HOUSE FANS or read the text below: Whole-house fans work by drawing in cool night air from open windows on lower floors, cycling it through the house and exhausting it through the attic and roof. They work best in regions with low humidity and where the temperature drops at least five degrees at night. If you mostly use your air conditioner overnight, a whole-house fan can save you a lot in energy costs. Fans are rated by the amount of air they move, measured in cubic feet per minute. Your fan’s size will depend on your home’s volume and the desired number of air changes each hour, a figure the department of energy puts at between 30 and 60. One note for allergy sufferers: a whole-house fan pulls in outside air, complete with pollen and dust, so it may not be ideal for you. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on cooling your home, consider: Really "Cool" Cooling Fans New Air Conditioning for Old Houses Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning Your Home Now is the perfect time to ready your house and garden for the summer months ahead. Wed, 01 May 2013 19:11:36 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44393-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-may-projects/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44393-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-may-projects/pages/1 Article seasonal May is the month to prepare your house and garden for the dog days of summer. Start at the top—in the attic—working your way out, with a stop in the kitchen, before addressing the yard and your outdoor living areas. 1. PREPARE TO BEAT THE HEAT While it’s been a cold and rainy spring for most of the country, you can be sure that hot weather is just around the corner. That means the familiar hum of air conditioners and the unwelcome accompanying rise in energy bills. In preparing for the months ahead, think about what you can do to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without breaking the bank. Attic insulation. Just as they do in the heating season, insulation and ventilation in the attic help your HVAC system perform efficiently during the summer, when the air conditioner is in use, not the furnace. Also, if you don't have one already, think about installing an attic fan to usher out superheated air, reducing its considerable burden on your cooling appliance. Whole-house fans. If you mainly run your air conditioner overnight, a whole-house fan can probably save you a sizable chunk of change. How does it work? By drawing in cool night air through open windows on lower floors and cycling it through the house. A professional can assist you in determining whether it's the right solution for you, but generally speaking, whole-house fans work best in regions with low humidity, where the temperature drops at least five degrees after sunset. Related: 10 "Really Cool" Cooling Fans Ceiling fans. Since they cool by circulating air, ceiling fans should be installed in those rooms where you spend the most time (e.g., the kitchen, family room, or bedroom). They cost pennies to operate; even using them occasionally instead of the AC will make a positive difference in your utility bill. Window air conditioners. Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, ask yourself how old it is. Efficiency has improved so much that purchasing a new energy-smart unit may in fact be cheaper than relying on your old clunker for yet another summer. No matter its age, be sure to maintain your AC by cleaning or replacing its filter. And for safety's sake, make certain the installation is secure and won't budge! Awnings and solar blinds. Awnings are great for mitigating heat gain, as they shield windows from direct sunshine. Many fixed or retractable options exist in materials ranging from canvas to aluminum. Also, consider solar blinds and solar screens, either of which can be found in interior or exterior styles. Both work to absorb heat and block solar rays without obstructing your view to the outdoors. 2. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN Your kitchen makeover doesn't have to be a total gut job. If you’re looking for a way to infuse color and pattern, why not re-tile the backsplash? It’s an easy project to tackle over a long weekend, even if you're not a seasoned handyman. Want to go a step further? Re-face your cabinets. A new wood veneer or a bright coat of paint on cabinet doors and drawer fronts can really be transforming, effectively making your old kitchen look brand-new. Best of all, the price is right. 3. IMPROVE YOUR YARD AND GARDEN This month is the perfect time to make improvements to your landscaping. Try a distinctive edging that will define your garden walkway or planting beds. Another idea: Use containers to bring flowers and greenery to the front porch or the backyard deck or patio. Looking to have a little fun? Experiment with creating your own pots out of everyday household materials; see 10 Inspired DIY Planters. 4. RID YOURSELF OF SUMMER PESTS While there are numerous ways to deal with bees, wasps, mice and the critters, the best approach to pest control is the natural one. Did you know that mice find the smell of peppermint unbearable, or that cockroaches won't tolerate Tabasco sauce? For bed bugs, the answer is a treatment of diatomaceous earth! Find details and additional tips in The Complete Natural Guide to Apartment Pest Control and Prevention. 5. READY THE DECK, PATIO & GRILL Since this is the month many of us will start spending more time in the backyard, sweep your outdoor living space clean and make any necessary repairs to deck or patio surfaces. If your gas grill been idle for several months, check the burner jets for obstructions and secure all hose connections snugly. (And don't forget to refill the propane tank!) Meanwhile, charcoal grill owners are wise clean off ashes and grease residue—a good habit to keep up over the course of the season. Read plenty more in How To: Care for Your Grill—and bon appetit! Now that April showers have set the stage for May flowers, what better way to celebrate than with an assortment of Tr... Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:15 -0400 /blogs/enter-garden-give-away/ /blogs/enter-garden-give-away/ Blog Post contest Marisa Villarreal Now that April showers have set the stage for May flowers, what better way to celebrate than with an assortment of True Temper garden tools and $250 to jump-start your spring planting? ENTER BOB VILA'S GREAT BIG GARDEN GIVE-AWAY This week and every week in May (until 11:59 a.m. EST, May 31, 2013), you can enter to win one of four weekly prize packages with assorted True Temper garden tools (valued at approximately $250 MSRP), plus a $250 VISA Gift Card. (Entry period for WEEK ONE is from 12:00 p.m. EST, May 1, 2013 until 11:59 a.m. EST, Friday, May 10, 2013. See Official Rules below.) Whether you are a seasoned landscaper or consider yourself "florally challenged," there are a few tools everyone should have on hand. These durable "musts" from True Temper are sure to cultivate your green thumb—maybe even turn your neighbors a little green with envy, too. Each week's prize bundle will include a $250 VISA gift card, plus: A round point shovel, garden hoe, and 14-tine bow rake from the True Temper True American line, for those who value high-quality tools made in the USA. True Temper Pruning Solutions hedge shears, perfect for cutting grasses, bushes, small trees and hedges. A True Temper Ergo Gel Grip hand cultivator, hand trowel, and hand transplanter,each of which features ergonomic handle design and gel grip inserts for comfort, as well as stainless steel heads for durability. And if you’re worried about how you’ll move loads around while preserving those green thumbs, True Temper has included their Total Control 6-cubic-foot steel wheelbarrow. To top it all off, we’ve included a $250 VISA Gift Card, to help you start (or finish) that gardening project. Enter today and every day in May to increase your chances of winning one of four weekly prize packages valued at approximately $500 during Bob Vila’s “Great Big Garden Give-away” from True Temper! To learn more about True Temper’s other lines of high quality landscaping and gardening products, click here. The “Bob Vila’s Great Big Garden Give-Away” sweepstakes is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Contest Period runs from 12:00 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, May 1, 2013 through 11:59 a.m. (ET) Friday, May 31, 2013. One entry per household per day on BobVila.com. Alternative means of entry for Drawing is available by faxing your name and address to 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. See Official Rules. This is a busy time of year in the garden, what with planting and mulching, weeding and feeding. All that heavy lifti... Wed, 01 May 2013 01:00:09 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-wheelbarrows/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-wheelbarrows/ Blog Post bob vila radio, outdoor tools Roseann Foley Henry This is a busy time of year in the garden, what with planting and mulching, weeding and feeding. All that heavy lifting is why many gardeners invest in a wheelbarrow or a garden cart, either of which can make hauling a little easier on your back. [caption id="attachment_27299" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Shutterstock"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON WHEELBARROWS or read the text below: A typical wheelbarrow has a single wheel in front and two handles in the back. That design makes them nimble and easy to handle, at least when they’re empty. Once they’re loaded up with soil or plants, though, they can be surprisingly heavy. Although it may seem efficient to choose a wheelbarrow that can hold up to 250 pounds, it’s no use if you can’t budge it once it’s filled. Start by looking for a wheelbarrow with handles about the same width as your shoulders. Handles farther apart than that will be awkward to maneuver. If you see a wheelbarrow you like, give it a test run right in the store before you buy it. Put several bags of top soil in it and try to push it around the aisles. If it’s tough to navigate on a smooth floor, think how hard it will be on uneven surfaces. Look for a smaller one, or consider a two-wheeled or four-wheeled garden cart or trolley instead. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on outdoor tools, consider: 10 Wheelbarrows to Lighten Your Load 5 Rakes Everyone Homeowner Should Know Need a New Lawn Mower? 10 Top-Rated Grass Guzzlers Butterflies are mesmerizing creatures with more to offer than beauty alone. Because they are nectar eaters, they are ... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:22:05 -0400 /blogs/how-to-make-a-butterfly-garden/ /blogs/how-to-make-a-butterfly-garden/ Blog Post gardening Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_27418" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: blumengardens.com"][/caption] Butterflies are mesmerizing creatures with more to offer than beauty alone. Because they are nectar eaters, they are great pollinators, and their larvae provide food for birds and other wildlife. Related: 10 New Perennials to Perk Up Your Garden Due to loss of habitat, butterfly populations have been declining, but you can promote their welfare by selecting appropriate plants for your garden beds and borders. And as you attract butterflies, you’ll attract other insects like bees, which flourish in a flowering environment and are beneficial to the health of your backyard landscape. Here are some things to keep in mind: Pick the Right Plants Butterflies are attracted to brightly colored flowers, the nectar of which they feed on. Different species of butterflies like to eat different things, so find out which native plants are favored by the butterflies in your geographic area. Among the greatest hits are butterfly bush, milkweed, purple coneflowers and asters. You will also need to include "host" plants. These serve not only as sites for the butterflies to lay eggs, but also as food for the caterpillars, which often eat different plants than their adult counterparts. Clover, cassia, and violets are among the preferred host plants, but there are many others, so do your research. [caption id="attachment_27445" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Photo: miamikitchengardens.com"][/caption] Provide Shelter and Sun Unable to regulate their own body temperatures, butterflies need a sunny place to get warm as well as a shelter in which to find shade. Situate your garden so that it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Butterflies tend to lay their eggs in protected areas, away from harsh, excessively cooling winds. And they will need to rest their wings, so incorporate a few flat rocks into your landscape design. Water, Please Butterflies need water, not only for hydration, but also for nutrients. Have you ever seen butterflies congregating around a puddle after a rainstorm? In such a way, butterflies consume salts and minerals that are important for their survival and  reproduction. To be truly butterfly-friendly, put out a small container of water with sand in the bottom; add in a rock for resting. Spare the Insecticides Any broad-spectrum insecticides you use will kill butterfly larvae. If you wish to keep a population of butterflies in your garden but must use insecticides, spot treat insect-affected plants instead of spraying the entire yard. Bear in mind that using soaps and oils to discourage pests will kill caterpillars, so relocate larvae before using those types of treatment. Planting a butterfly garden will not only benefit the butterfly population and other wildlife, but also bring delight and pleasure to you as a gardener—and to anyone who visits and encounters these fascinating creatures. For more on gardening, consider: Wing It: 11 Approaches to a DIY Birdbath So, Who Are Master Gardeners and What Can They Do for You? Add a Little Spice to Your Life with a Culinary Herb Garden Mix and match these new-to-market annuals to ensure an unforgettable garden this year. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:51:19 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44314-fresh-flowers-10-new-annuals-for-2013 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44314-fresh-flowers-10-new-annuals-for-2013 Slideshow landscaping, gardening Boasting double-petaled blooms of a rich, deep red, Zinnia Profusion series 'Double Hot Cherry'—an All-America Selections "Bedding Plant Award Winner"—lasts from spring through frost and is forgivingly, enticingly easy to grow.With bright yellow pinwheels similar to those of mini petunia, Calibrachoa Superbells series 'Lemon Slice' stands out in any container. No need to deadhead this consistent bloomer; just keep it well fertilized over the growing season.Unusually heat-tolerant for a lobelia, the Hot Springs series features lovely trailing foliage adorned with seemingly everlasting blooms. Lobelia 'Dark Blue' adds a welcome shade of indigo to your summertime garden.A sharp 'Wicked Hot Pink' hue characterizes this verbena, a plant known for its vigorous growth under full sun.The Pinto Premium series 'White to Rose' Geranium comes on early, and as it matures, the color of its five-inch flower heads gradually deepens from pure white to bright pink.Bred for its compact size and arresting color that does not fade, Lantana 'Little Lucky Red' draws hummingbirds and other pollinators to your landscape.With foliage in wild irregular, festive shapes and colors, this Under the Sea series Coleus 'Bone Fish' offers a unique silhouette ready for a shady corner of your garden.Invite butterflies with light lavender Alyssum 'Blushing Princess', a sweet-scented plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade.A new addition to the New Guinea Petticoat series, 'Orange Star' is noteworthy for its ability to withstand more sun than typical impatiens. Use it in a border for continuous summer blooming.Supertunias, capable of growing more than two feet tall, have been bred to be drought-tolerant and deadhead-free. The brilliant pink 'Watermelon Charm' looks great in either a container or garden bed.If you are interested in more about gardening, consider:7 New "Must Have" Annuals for 201210 New Perennials to Perk Up Your Garden5 Spring Garden Favorites to Plant Right Now As the popularity of raising poultry in the backyard burgeons, so too does the variety and quality of designs in DIY chicken coops. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:25:08 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44309-chick-magnets-10-irresistible-diy-chicken-coops http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44309-chick-magnets-10-irresistible-diy-chicken-coops Slideshow outdoor structures A do-it-yourselfer in the United Kingdom converted a vintage Morris Traveller into a chicken coop for a small group of hens. After gutting the car, its body was halved and the sliding windows reversed so that eggs can be collected.This elevated coop-on-stilts, constructed of reclaimed wood, resembles a travel trailer from the 1970s. Compact in design, it can be easily moved around the yard, always leaving the chickens with fresh ground for scratching.Reminiscent of a country cottage, this cheerful coop includes several easy-maintenance features—a chicken run tall enough for a caretaker to stand up in, as well as extended eaves to keep its Seattle, WA, builders out of the rain. An A-frame coop is one of the simplest to build. After constructing the low-slung, triangular frame, cover one half in wire mesh to make the chicken run, then clad the other half to form the weatherproof shelter.If a coop would occupy too much green space in your yard, why not build one with an integrated planter? The rooftop soil bed here is perfect for an herb garden, while the roomy interior would accommodate as many as four birds.This large chicken coop was built using the boards from discarded and deconstructed shipping pallets. Since pallets can so often be found for free, you would not need to spend a fortune to build a setup like this one.Though it may resemble a farmyard barn, this pristine black-and-white coop in Washington State includes such refinements as electrical wiring, insulation, and vinyl flooring.Not every yard is large enough for a large portion to be dedicated to raising chickens. This clever design combines a coop with stairs to form a multifunctional structure fit for properties of virtually any shape or size.A Portland, OR-based architect made this gray-clad modern coop for his own backyard. The cube-shaped design is topped with a planter, and the decorative white doors are practical, too—they allow easy access to eggs.Not all coops are made from traditional materials. A North Carolina farmer used salvaged wood and tin to build the structure for this unique chicken coop, the shelter of which boasts crushed beer cans as shingles.If you are interested in more about outdoor structures, consider:How To: Build a Birdhouse10 "Style Setting" Garden Sheds10 Luxurious Doghouses for Your Pampered Pet Many of us know tin ceiling tiles as the reasonably priced domestic cousin of European plasterwork. Ubiquitous in Vic... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:57:01 -0400 /blogs/tin-ceiling-tile-diy/ /blogs/tin-ceiling-tile-diy/ Blog Post repurposing Marisa Villarreal Many of us know tin ceiling tiles as the reasonably priced domestic cousin of European plasterwork. Ubiquitous in Victorian homes, these lightweight, fire-resistant, subtly decorative tiles are finding a variety of unexpected new uses today—and not just overhead. Here are five creative ways to repurpose this classic American material.   1. UPDATE YOUR CABINETS [caption id="attachment_26910" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Better Homes and Gardens"][/caption] Take a page out of Better Homes and Gardens and try re-facing your kitchen cabinets with salvaged or store-bought tin ceiling tiles. So simple enough to be done in a weekend, this upgrade is transformative enough to impress guests for years to come. 2. CREATE A MAGNETIC BOARD [caption id="attachment_26912" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Ruffled Blog"][/caption] Not only is it an aesthetic improvement over the usual cork bulletin board, but this surprisingly simple tin ceiling tile magnet board from Ruffled takes almost zero labor to pull off. You may never look at your notes-to-self and family schedules the same way again!   3. BUILD A HEADBOARD [caption id="attachment_26913" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Apartment Therapy"][/caption] Amateur carpenters and beginning do-it-yourselfers need not be intimidated by this money-saving headboard project via Fresh Home Ideas. With the right tools and a stockpile of tin ceiling tiles, you can start and finish within a day—just in time for bed.   4. FRAME A MIRROR [caption id="attachment_26925" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: granddesignco.blogspot.com"][/caption] Follow this tutorial on eHow to refashion even the most modest of mirrors into an objet d'art that stylishly reflects its surroundings. A moveable feast of DIY ingeniousness, the same approach may be applied, on a smaller scale, to an artwork or photography frame.   5. MAKE A PLANTER [caption id="attachment_26916" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: This Old House"][/caption] Who knew that an element intended for ceilings could be equally striking at ground level? This Old House shows how you can make a charming, off-beat planter using only five tin ceiling tiles, some everyday tools, and a little plucky know-how.   For more on repurposing, consider: 5 Things to Do with... Cinder Blocks 13 Ways to Repurpose Antique Armoires 10 Inspired DIY Planters to Dress Up Your Garden Kids and chalk go together like peanut butter and jelly—and parents love the easy cleanup of chalk, whether it’s on t... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:00:49 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-chalkboard-paint/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-chalkboard-paint/ Blog Post paint, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Kids and chalk go together like peanut butter and jelly—and parents love the easy cleanup of chalk, whether it’s on the front walk or the living room walls. But there’s a fun way to let kids of all ages make their mark: chalkboard paint can turn almost any surface into a place for art, notes, or even shopping lists. [caption id="attachment_27007" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: inspirationforhome.blogspot.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CHALKBOARD PAINT or read the text below: Chalkboard paint, which is sold in paint stores and home centers, can be painted onto a single door panel, a small area above a desk, or even onto an entire wall. Use it on dresser drawers to label their contents, or on bedroom doors to leave messages or just express feelings. For finishing touches, install molding around a chalkboard-painted area to create a picture frame effect, and hang a ledge or cup nearby to hold chalk. Let the paint cure for three days before using it as a chalkboard, and use a damp cloth instead of an eraser to wipe it clean. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on paint, consider: How To: Stencil a Floor Trending Now: Painted Stairs Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Paint Colors Few do-it-yourself weekend projects deliver the beauty, utility, and overall satisfaction that building a brick patio does. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:53:58 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44366-how-to-build-a-brick-patio/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44366-how-to-build-a-brick-patio/pages/1 Article installation, deck patio & porch Of the materials suitable for use in patio construction, brick stands out for its beauty and ease of installation. Depending on the sophistication of your design, it may be possible to build a brick patio within the space of a single weekend. Here's how:  Tools and Materials - Garden cloth- Sand - Bricks- Border stones (can be bricks or a contrasting stone)- Push-broom 1. Location Choose an area of your property that is easily accessible from the house. Make sure the chosen area is relatively flat, with a moderate slope away from the house for the purpose of drainage. Plan around the position of mature trees, whose roots may complicate the process of surface leveling. (Also, plan around young trees that are nearby, as their growth over time may eventually shift patio bricks.) While you can level the yard to a degree, a deck may be more appropriate for a landscape with a dramatically steep gradient.   2. Size and Shape Having identified a location for the patio, you must next decide on its size and shape. Remember that bricks come in different sizes. Choosing a mix of bricks with different dimensions may facilitate the installation job by minimizing the need for cutting. Inevitably, a rectangular or square design will be easier to accomplish than one that is round or curved.  3. Prepare the Site Excavate the site to a depth that will accommodate the bricks' thickness as well as a two- or three-inch sand base. For example, if using reclaimed brick that measures 4" x 4" x 8", you should excavate to a depth of six or seven inches. Dig a deeper trench around the perimeter that will allow you to stand bricks on end—side by side—to create a border. Related: Patio Design: 7 Popular Materials to Consider Lay garden cloth on top of the soil (for weed prevention) and cover the cloth with an even layer of sand. Mark the area, row by row, with stakes and strings to keep perimeters square. Doing so also serves as a guide to help you get the right drainage slope. Note: Double-check with your building materials supplier, but usually a ton of sand covers about 200 square feet to a depth of approximately two inches. 3. The Bricks To calculate the number of bricks required, first determine the number of bricks per square foot. A brick measuring 4" x 4" x 8" is equivalent to 32 square inches, so each square foot in the patio would need four and a half bricks. Multiply that number by the overall dimensions planned for you patio; the sum is your total brick count.  Don't forget to factor in those bricks to be used in the border, not to mention the 1/4" space between bricks. If it's easier, use graph paper to draw your patio to scale. Consider ordering 10 percent more materials than is strictly necessary. You can always return the unused bricks or save them for a future project. 4. Set the Border Begin by setting the border. Insert bricks end first, shoulder to shoulder, so they sit flush with the patio surface. These border bricks will hold the patio installation in place, keeping its constituent bricks from spreading apart. The border will also provide a professional finish to your project. Alternatively, steel or wood beams may be used to frame the patio. 5. Lay the Bricks Once the border is in place, lay the bricks flat on the sand, using the strings as a height guide. Remember to leave a 1/4" gap between bricks. After positioning all of the bricks, apply additional sand in the spaces between them.  I have found it easiest to pour sand in a small area before using a push broom to move the sand over all the openings. Repeat the process until the gaps between the bricks and borders are evenly filled and level. Sweep off the extra sand and fire up the grill! Author's Note: With a background in business, construction, and academia, Steven Bernstein is a regular freelance contributor at doityourself.com. At times it's necessary to walk a fine line when remodeling. On the one hand, you want to give your house distinct ap... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:48:03 -0400 /blogs/remodeling-trends-to-avoid/ /blogs/remodeling-trends-to-avoid/ Blog Post real estate, trends Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_27136" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: gawker.com"][/caption] At times it's necessary to walk a fine line when remodeling. On the one hand, you want to give your house distinct appeal, but on the other hand, you should avoid making your residence so idiosyncratic (or so plain-vanilla) that it won't appeal to potential buyers. Here are three strategies to help you stay ahead of the market: 1. Don't trail the trends. If you strive to make your home reflect yesterday’s fashions—in other words, if you now install what your neighbors did a few years ago—you will be spending today’s dollars for an already outdated look. Instead, take your cues from cutting-edge styles. Updating your kitchen? Scour trendy expos like The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show to find what the next crop of home buyers expects to see, not what they are already tired of seeing. [caption id="attachment_27118" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Corian's "Rosemary" Solid Surface Countertop"][/caption] 2. Ditch tired granite. When every first-time homeowner demands granite countertops, it’s a sure sign this once-prized amenity is no longer a can't-miss draw. Stone countertops with strong colors or a conspicuous pattern are a love-it-or-leave-it proposition for potential buyers. If a buyer doesn't like the stone, he'll want to replace it—and he'll factor the anticipated expense into his purchase decision. For widest appeal, go with a countertop material that is low-maintenance and in a neutral tone. Some new variations of marble are finished to be less porous, and marble’s delicate gray veins are a timeless classic. Also, take a good look at solid-surface materials, which come in a spectrum of colors that add a splash of style without locking future owners into a certain look. 3. Have realistic expectations on return. The value of some home improvements diminishes with time: paint jobs chip, appliances break, floors wear out. In planning renovations, distinguish the permanent upgrades—structural changes, additions, and major overhauls of heating and cooling systems—from superficial improvements that swiftly lose their luster. If you won't be putting your house on the market for at least another five years, expect to refresh the hardest-worn surfaces. For more on ROI, consider: 5 Smart Home Improvements? Think Again! 7 Renovation Tips to Boost Resale Bob Vila Radio: Return on Investment Everyone knows the backsplash is an important element in kitchen design. What you may not know is that, considering i... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:09:47 -0400 /blogs/tiling-a-backsplash/ /blogs/tiling-a-backsplash/ Blog Post installation, kitchen, backsplash Trish Popovitch [caption id="attachment_27408" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: lebaroninteriors.blogspot.com"][/caption] Everyone knows the backsplash is an important element in kitchen design. What you may not know is that, considering its high degree of visual impact, tiling a backsplash is surprisingly easy for DIYers. Before you start, here are five points to consider: 1. Choose Tile Carefully Think long and hard about the type, size, design and color of your backsplash tile. Fads and trends come and go; consider colors and patterns with classic, assured appeal. Make sure that you buy a sufficient number of tiles by carefully measuring the backsplash area. (This is especially important if you are purchasing discontinued designs.) It's smart to buy a little extra, knowing that what you don't use can be stored for use in future repairs. 2. Plan Before You Place No matter how simple your backsplash design, take the time to lay out the entire project on the floor before putting it on the wall. (Alternatively, draw the planned arrangement of tiles on a sheet of graph paper.) Doing so enables you to determine whether you have enough tiles to complete the job and whether any tiles require cutting. Photograph and print out a copy of the layout so that you have a visual reference to consult as you work. [caption id="attachment_27479" align="alignright" width="220" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] 3. Prepare for Every Stage A backsplash project involves more than simply buying and placing tile. Make a list of all the supplies you need to get the job done from start to finish, then secure and organize those tools and materials in one place. Having everything required for the project before you begin will save time and reduce stress. 4. Consider Cleanup Protect surfaces in your work area from dents, dirts, and scratches, using a roll of wallpaper from the thrift store. Fasten the wallpaper sheets with painter’s tape, so they can be easily removed later. Once you've finished, simply shred the paper and compost or recycle it. 5. Time to Tile Leave yourself enough time to get the results that you want. If the experts' two-day timeline makes you feel anxious, then allow an extra day or two. A holiday weekend is an ideal interval during which to take on a backsplash. DIY supplies will be on sale, and you won't feel rushed to bring about your kitchen's beautiful new look. For more on backsplashes, consider: How To: Tile a Backsplash 11 Backsplashes for a Unique Kitchen The Backsplash: A Kitchen's Most Underutilized Real Estate Do you want to make sure that shelf you’re putting up is really on the level? Then you need. . . well, a level. Level... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:00:57 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-levels/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-levels/ Blog Post tools, hand tools, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Do you want to make sure that shelf you’re putting up is really on the level? Then you need... well, a level. Levels are indespensable for keeping projects horizontally true and vertically plumb. [caption id="attachment_26997" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: wikimedia.org"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON LEVELS or read the text below: There are specialized levels for different jobs—mason’s levels, post levels, line levels—but they all work on the same principle. A slightly curved glass or plastic tube is filled almost completely with a liquid, usually a colored spirit or alcohol. This leaves an air bubble suspended in the tube. When the level is placed on a surface, you’ll know the surface is level if the bubble centers perfectly between sets of parallel lines printed on the tube. Every workshop should have levels in several lengths. Most levels have more than one tube, with at least one mounted transversely so the tool can be used both vertically and horizontally. There is also sometimes a tube running at a 45-degree angle. A quality level will have an air bubble that precisely touches the parallel lines and reacts quickly when the level is moved. Look for levels with smooth surfaces free of seams or end caps that could affect accuracy. Some levels have a magnetic strip down one side, leaving your hands free to make adjustments. That comes in handy when you’re working with a metal surface like an appliance that needs leveling. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on tools, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Power Drill Bob Vila Radio: Tool Tip — Ratchet Sets Bob Vila Radio: Types of Paintbrushes These mighty mowers made the cut by earning high marks from consumer and testing sites around the web. Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:14:30 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44276-need-a-new-lawn-mower-10-top-rated-grass-guzzlers http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44276-need-a-new-lawn-mower-10-top-rated-grass-guzzlers Slideshow lawn, outdoor tools This rear-wheel-drive model received five stars from Popular Mechanics, which called it "the luxury car of walk-behind lawnmowers." At $700, the Honda HRX2172VKA is more expensive than other models, but it features a unique dual-blade system and domed plastic deck that keeps clippings suspended, so blades of grass are cut multiple times. The benefit—a "velvet finish" on the lawn.The Toro 20332 received a four-star review from The Home Depot customers, who praised its easy-start rear-wheel drive and "personal pace" features. The $389 mower has a lever that quickly switches between mulching and bagging modes. A garden hose fitting makes washing under the deck easy.This $400 model garnered a five-star review on Mowers Direct and was also named "Best Value Self-Propelled Lawn Mower" by Consumer Search. Its quiet, fuel-efficient engine meets California's strict emissions requirements. The Honda HRR216VKA excels at both mulching and bagging, and its side-discharge system is comparable to that of more expensive mowers.Consumer Search named this $280 model the "Best Gas Push Mower," citing its "excellent features for the price." It also received high marks from Mowers Direct and Amazon consumer reviews. The Husqvarna 7021P is able to rear-bag, side-discharge, or mulch. Its large 12-inch rear wheels offer easy maneuverability, and the mower has a quiet, fuel-efficient, low-emissions engine.This 21-inch gas push lawn mower received a four-star review from Lowe’s shoppers, who praised its quality, durability, and ease of use. The $199 Troy-Bilt TB110, which offers a choice of six cutting heights, also features the unique TriAction cutting system, designed to eliminate clumping with superior air flow and finely mulched clippings.Amazon customers gave this manual reel push mower a four-star review, citing its four-inch cutting height and blades that seldom need sharpening. Formerly known as the Fiskars Momentum 6201, the $230 StaySharp also earned "Best Manual Reel Mower" from Consumer Search. A patented drive system makes the mower easy to push, and a unique discharge chute throws clippings to the front.This 19-inch corded electric model received a four-star rating from Sears customers, who called it "easy to handle" and "quiet." It was also ranked as the "Best Corded Electric Lawn Mower" by Consumer Search. Priced at $240, the Black & Decker MM875 can either mulch or bag clippings, and it includes an optional side-discharge chute, a folding handle, and a polymer deck with lifetime warranty.This high-wheel rear-bag push mower received four stars from Craftsman shoppers, who admire the $239 model's easy-start features, durability, and Precision Plus cutting system. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine, the Craftsman 190cc offers enhanced maneuverability, flexible cutting heights, three-position handle adjustment, and both EZ clean and bagging features.Walmart shoppers awarded this mower four-and-a-half stars, saying its variable speed and self-propelled system makes operation "hassle-free." The mower also garnered high marks on Amazon and ranked "Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mower" at Consumer Search. With a durable polymer deck, lift-out battery, and folding handle for easy storage, the Black & Decker 36-Volt Electric—priced from $405 to $450—offers mulching, bagging, or rear-discharge options.Ace Hardware shoppers found this cordless electric mower easy to use and environmentally friendly, giving it four stars. The lightweight Earthwise mower, priced at $339, features adjustable cut lengths, ergonomic hand grips, and easy maneuverability—not to mention rear-bag, side-discharge, and mulch options. The 24-volt battery provides 45 minutes of continuous use.If you're interested in more on lawn mowers, consider:How To: Choose a Lawn MowerHow To: Mow the Lawn ProperlyMower Maintenance: 5 Ways to Keep Your Machine Up and Running The demand for fresh water continues to grow, and the easiest way to meet that demand is simply to waste less of it. ... Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:00:44 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-conserve-water/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-conserve-water/ Blog Post sustainability, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry The demand for fresh water continues to grow, and the easiest way to meet that demand is simply to waste less of it. Here are three easy ways to save water in your home. [caption id="attachment_26991" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: wikimedia.org"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CONSERVING WATER or read the text below: First, check your sinks—if you find a faucet without an aerator, or if the aerator is more than five or ten years old, install a new one. An aerator that limits flow to 1.5 gallons per minute will reduce water use by 30 percent over the old 2.2 models. Regularly cleaning an aerator helps keep the water flowing. Next, check your shower. A low-flow shower head conserves a lot of water—and you won’t even notice the difference, because it only reduces the volume of water, not the pressure. Look for a shower head rated at or less than 2.5 gallons per minute. Finally, use a soaker hose to water your garden—not only does it use less water than a sprinkler, but it also delivers water closer to the roots, which is more efficient. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on sustainability, consider: 5 Simple Ways to Save H20 at Home Bob Vila Radio: Water-Saving Fixtures Seattle Bans Plastic Bags at the Checkout Counter Want to replace your vintage cast iron bathtub? You may be surprised that a comparable antique tub, or even a period-... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:54:50 -0400 /blogs/bathtub-refinishing/ /blogs/bathtub-refinishing/ Blog Post bathroom, finishes, tubs & showers Trish Popovitch [caption id="attachment_27710" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: abcorefinishingservices.com"][/caption] Want to replace your vintage cast iron bathtub? You may be surprised that a comparable antique tub, or even a period-style reproduction, can easily cost thousands of dollars. Sure, $30 will get you a refinishing kit at the local home improvement center. But while that may sound like a deal too good to pass up, understand that bathtub refinishing is no modest undertaking. Related: Soak Up the Luxury: 11 Free-Standing Tubs However, if you possess the requisite skills, feel comfortable working with chemicals, and are able to commit the time it takes to accomplish the task, you can transform your old stained bathtub into a new version of itself within one weekend. Here are some important considerations to bear in mind: Calculate the True Cost Check to see what is included in your refinishing kit. If it comes with paint and only paint, then you will have to purchase other essential project materials separately. These include but are not limited to painting tools (brush, roller, painter's tape), protective gear (rubber gloves, eye wear, respirator), and cleaning supplies (drop cloths, mineral spirits, chemical cleaning agents). While it's possible to achieve a satisfying finish with a brush and roller, a paint sprayer will provide the most most professional-looking result. [caption id="attachment_27713" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: TPopovitch"][/caption] Understand the Project Scope Like any do-it-yourself project, bathtub refinishing involves an order of operations. As a first step, rid your tub of scum or soap residue, and be sure that chipped or pitted areas are filled with putty and sanded. Also, remove the drain cover, lever plate, and caulking around the tub's edge. Since you will be working with chemicals, wear adequate protective gear and keep the room well-ventilated throughout the process. Allow sufficient dry time between each application, and remember that once the project is complete, you won't be able to use the tub for three to five days—something to think about if it's your home's only bath. Related: SPA-oritize Your Home Bath Prepare for the Unexpected You never know when a straightforward bathtub refinishing job can turn into an elaborate bathroom overhaul. When I removed the old caulking around the tub in my own 1918 bathroom, I found hidden areas of damp in the walls. We had already planned to install new walls in the house, just not immediately. Needless to say, our priorities changed after this discovery. Indeed, older homes are full of surprises, so be ready for anything. [caption id="attachment_27759" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: allsurfacerenew.com"][/caption] Consult a Professional If you would rather not do the work yourself, professional bathtub refinishing may be an option worth pursuing, depending on where you live and how much you can spend. In your search for a local refinisher, don't forget to ask whether additional expenses (e.g., travel) are counted in the estimate. You can expect to pay between $300 and $650, according to the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. For more on bathrooms, consider: Helpful Hints for Cleaning Bathtubs Nate Berkus on Updating a Dated Bath  7 Easy Ways to Boost Bathroom Storage Outdoor lighting looks great along a walkway or in the garden, but it can be a pain to install the wiring for it. Sol... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:37 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-solar-garden-lights/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-solar-garden-lights/ Blog Post landscaping, lighting, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Outdoor lighting looks great along a walkway or in the garden, but it can be a pain to install the wiring for it. Solar-powered garden lights are a simple, earth-friendly way to add accent light to your lawn and garden, with no wiring required. [caption id="attachment_26774" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: garden-lighting-system.blogspot.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SOLAR GARDEN LIGHTS or read the text below: Solar-powered garden lights work on rechargable batteries—the batteries power the lights at night, then recharge themselves every day using light from the sun. Each fixture is standalone, so you can place a light anywhere you need it, as long as it gets enough sunlight during the day to charge up the batteries. Depending on the model you choose and the amount of sun the fixture gets, a solar-powered garden light may not throw off a tremendous amount of light, but most provide at least enough accent light to add a safe, dramatic outline along a pathway. Some fixtures are whimsical, in the shape of butterflies or flowers, and add a decorative touch to your house’s nighttime look. And the nicest part is, all the energy to power them comes from mother nature, not the power grid. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on landscaping, consider: Outdoor Lighting: 12 Products to Light Your Way The Right Path: 10 Wonderful Walkway Designs Patio Design: 7 Popular Materials to Consider From gravel to brick, bluestone to concrete, these gorgeous garden paths will take you where you want to go with your landscaping. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:33:18 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44301-the-right-path-10-wonderful-walkway-designs http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44301-the-right-path-10-wonderful-walkway-designs Slideshow driveway & walkway, design Large stones laid over grass form a casual, comfortable walkway leading through this yard to the garage. Even for beginning DIYers, making a stepping-stone walkway like this is an easy weekend project.Brick allows for many design options. This path is laid in a running bond pattern with a contrasting border, but basket-weave, herringbone, and stacked bond patterns are also excellent choices for a brick walkway.Recycled pallet wood makes a rustic complement to this short garden walk between drive and yard. The spaces between boards allow vining plants to creep underfoot.Gravel isn’t just for driveways. This extremely versatile material is available in myriad colors and sizes. Here, wooden railroad tie steps strike an elegant color contrast with the gray gravel stones.Bark mulch is an affordable and DIY-friendly walkway material. This path, edged in round river stone, winds casually through a tulip-lined garden for a natural and unaffected look.Pavers can really dress up a garden and are an excellent choice for more formal areas. Though pricey relative to other materials, pavers require less maintenance and upkeep than many other options that cost less.If you really want to blow out the budget, a mosaic pebble walkway will impress anyone who walks on it. A luxury housing trend, this type of path must be installed by a skilled artisan. Every one is a unique work of art. Bluestone walkways have a classic and tidy appearance. Many pattern and color choices exist (in fact, some bluestone isn't even blue). In this yard, the stone's natural character gives earnest charm to the entryway.Concrete has so much more to offer now than it did in the past. These days, it can be colored and textured to look like many other types of stone or paving materials. This stamped concrete design has an undeniable warmth lacking in traditional floated concrete.The thyme growing between these stepping stones adds a heady fragrance to strolls along this lush, low-maintenance garden path.If you are interested in more about driveways and walkways, consider:Designing a Driveway with Long-Lasting AppealGarden Paths: 12 Easy-to-Imitate Stone Walkways10 Simple "Under $60" Curb Appeal Updates for Any Home While renters don't need to worry things like the furnace or lawn, they are not safe from all maintenance woes. Here are ten tools to keep your digs in good shape. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:37:37 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44336-10-tools-for-your-apartment-that-you-never-thought-you-d-need http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44336-10-tools-for-your-apartment-that-you-never-thought-you-d-need Slideshow tools If you're thoroughly convinced that the only tools you'll ever need for living the city life are nail clippers and a pair of scissors, it's time to get with the program. Here's a rundown of ten tools for your apartment that you never thought you'd need.Tightening screws on your new IKEA bookcase? Don't expect to use that worn-out Phillips-head screwdriver left by the previous tenant. Pick up a cordless power screwdriver. This baby has the accessibility of a ballpoint pen and the efficiency of an Indy 500 pit stop mechanic. You'll wonder how you ever got by without one.Your plasma TV is so dusty that everything you watch looks like it's being viewed through the window of an abandoned house. Wait, put that tissue down—you're going to scratch the screen! Instead, grab a microfiber cloth. Just make sure you wash it thoroughly after each use, because the plethora of particles it collects can themselves cause scratches the next time around.Your kitchen faucet sprays like the neighborhood bully holding his thumb over the spout of a garden hose. Too bad the fixed-size wrench you borrowed from your neighbor is too big. What you really need is an adjustable wrench. They come in various sizes, but go for one on the larger side—you can always make it smaller.Oh, no! Startled by the sound of the smoke alarm, you accidentally back into a side table and watch a family heirloom crash to the floor. Quick! Get the hot glue gun! There's no shortage of scenarios where a strong restorative adhesive can be of use. Just be super careful when using the gun—and always wear gloves.With the weather getting warmer, tiny winged creatures will soon be flying the friendly skies of your apartment. Unlike other pests, flying ones are tough to eradicate. Swap your flyswatter for a handheld bug zapper, and you'll never have to worry about wiping bug juice off the wall. Just don't touch the mesh part—ZAP!That little toy you won at the county fair as a kid can actually come in pretty handy—or claw-y. Need to fetch something from underneath your desk? Use the claw! It's also helpful when you need to adjust tough-to-reach cables behind your home entertainment system. You'll find the claw surprisingly versatile. The beeping of your smoke alarm is driving you up the wall—literally, because you're climbing up your new bookcase trying to change the battery. You think for a second, then drag over that old rickety wooden chair you found on the street. Now, hold on! No need to risk breaking bones. Use something a little sturdier, something made for the purpose: the good old step stool.No apartment would be complete without wall decor, whether framed paintings or just a couple of thumbtacked posters. If only you could hang them up straight! Time to toss away that protractor you've been using since elementary school. Get yourself a laser level. It'll give you perfectly straight lines every single time. Use it for a multitude of other DIY projects that require precision alignment.Now that you've changed the batteries on your smoke alarm, fixed your kitchen faucet, and dusted off the screens on all your electronic devices, you're left with quite a few knots in your back. Forget the masseuse—add a Thera Cane to your shopping list. This little-known self-massage tool will provide you with immediate muscular pain relief in those hard-to-reach areas whenever you need it.It's not like in the suburbs: "When the lights go down in the city...," standard generators aren't an option. Invest in a solar power generator, and you won't have to restock your entire fridge the next time the grid goes out. Just be ready for a rendition of "Kumbaya" from everyone who ends up crashing at your place.If you are interested in more about tools, consider:7 Essential Measuring Tools for Any JobWhy Every DIYer Needs a Thickness PlanerThe $20 Japanese Pull Saw: A DIYer's Best Bang for the Buck The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 with a mission toward conservation and education. It’s the largest nonpr... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:27:38 -0400 /blogs/plant-a-tree/ /blogs/plant-a-tree/ Blog Post trees & bushes Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_27375" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: cedarlandforestresources.com"][/caption] The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 with a mission toward conservation and education. It’s the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees—they planted over 8.7 million trees last year alone! When you join the Arbor Day Foundation, for a $10 fee, they will either plant ten trees in the nation’s forests or send you ten trees to plant yourself—along with a few other membership perks. While the election of trees is based on what grows well in your geographical region, you can choose from a package of 10 Flowering Trees, a 10 Trees Mix, 10 Wild Bird Garden Trees, 10 Eastern Red Cedars, 10 Oak Trees, 10 Redbuds, 10 White Pines or 10 Autumn Classics. Related: 5 Ways to Jump-Start Your Garden for Spring Your ten trees will be small—very small. The diameter of a pencil and a foot tall, if you’re lucky. They'll need to be protected for a couple of years, but before you know it, these new trees will be contributing to the beauty of your landscape in major ways. I chose the 10 Trees Mix, which includes Sugar Maple, White Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, River Birch, Silver Maple, Red Oak, Pin Oak, Red Maple, White Flowering Dogwood and a Redbud. I can’t wait to get my seedlings in the mail! My family will have fun planting them in large containers, which I’ll do so we can move them to shelter when the winds pick up in our area. Once they are a little bigger and stronger, we’ll move them to their permanent home in the yard. [caption id="attachment_27378" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Photo: arborday.org"][/caption] Planting a seedling is a little different than planting a larger, more substantial tree. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Transplant. Plant your seedlings as soon as they're received in order to give them the best chance for survival. 2. Moist Roots. Seedlings have fine roots that can dry out quickly. Carry them in a bucket with moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. 3. Location. Choose an area that is free from grass, weeds, or other trees and plants. Seedlings can’t tolerate much competition, so keep them well off on their own. 4. Planting. Plant your tree at the same depth as it is packed in soil. No higher, no lower. Make sure your hole is deep enough for the roots of the seedling to extend down fully, straight. Curled or bunched-up roots won’t be able to take up water properly. Allow soil to fill in around the roots, tamping it down frequently to remove air pockets, which can dry out the roots. You probably don’t need to water your new trees more than every seven or ten days. Give them a good soak, then let them dry out between waterings. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water, which will make the tree more stable in the long run. You can also mulch around your tree to help keep moisture in the soil, and if you want to protect your trees from foraging animals (or the lawnmower), you might want to add some light fencing or a landscape border. Planting a seedling can give you great satisfaction. You'll be rewarded in watching it grow, and it’s a gift you can give the Earth that will last for generations. For more on trees and bushes, consider: Mail-Order Seeds: Variety, Viability, Value Planting a Tree on the Patio (VIDEO) Bob Vila Radio: Shrub Success There’s probably no simpler, less expensive way to give your home a quick facelift than to repaint the front door. A ... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:00:32 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-painting-the-front-door/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-painting-the-front-door/ Blog Post paint, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry There’s probably no simpler, less expensive way to give your home a quick facelift than to repaint the front door. A new color can make your home look more welcoming, more dramatic, more quirky, or more cozy—all for the cost of a quart of paint and half a day’s work. [caption id="attachment_26769" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON PAINTING THE FRONT DOOR or read the text below: Start by cleaning your door thoroughly, using a mild solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Scrape or sand off any flaking paint. Remove the doorknob and as much other hardware as you can. It’s not absolutely necessary to take the door off its hinges to paint it, but it’s easier to get great results if you paint the door while it’s lying flat. If your door has any stains or discoloration, or if you’re changing from a dark color to a lighter one, you may want to use a coat of primer first. Then apply your new color. On paneled doors, paint the panels first, then the outer sections, always following the direction of the grain. Allow the door to dry, and voilá—a whole new look! Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on painting, consider: Painting Tools and Materials How To: Paint a Ceiling Choosing a Paint Sprayer Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. With so many variables and options, what should y... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:01:10 -0400 /blogs/choosing-a-ceiling-fan/ /blogs/choosing-a-ceiling-fan/ Blog Post hvac, how to, ac & cooling, choose Joe Provey [caption id="attachment_27213" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: greathomepainting.com"][/caption] Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. With so many variables and options, what should you consider when choosing a ceiling fan? Here are my suggestions: Get the Height Right If  you're planning the installation for a low-ceilinged room, insist on a flush-mount model (also called a "ceiling hugger") to ensure adequate head clearance. For average-height ceilings, using the manufacturer-supplied hanging rod should do the trick. For higher ceilings, an extension rod will lower the fan to optimal position within the room, about eight or nine feet off the floor. Available in lengths from 12 to 72 inches, extension rods are for sale online and at home centers. To make sure its finish matches that of the fan, source the rod from the same company you buy the fan from. Related: 10 "Really Cool" Cooling Fans [caption id="attachment_27232" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: tcvillas.com"][/caption] Size Your Fan to the Room  Blade spans range from 24 to 80 inches. The American Lighting Association suggests the following guidelines: Room Size                                              Fan Size Up to 75 sq. ft.                                      36 inches or smaller 75 to 144 sq. ft.                                     36 to 42 inches 144 to 225 sq. ft.                                   44 to 50 inches 225 to 400 sq. ft.                                  50 to 54 inches For very large rooms with high ceilings, fans with 60- to 80-inch blade spans are available. Large-sized fans are as much about scale as function in meeting the requirements of a large space. Place Your Fan Properly Ceiling fans don't actually lower room temperatures; they cool by creating a breeze. Install them in places where you spend the most time. Good spots are over the bed or above family-room or kitchen seating. [caption id="attachment_27256" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Honeywell 40015 Combo Wall and Handheld Remote Ceiling Fan Control"][/caption] Consider Control Options  Do you want to control the fan from a wall switch, a remote, or a good old-fashioned pull chain? You may not have a choice. Mode of operation depends on the fan that you choose. Tastes vary, but there is certainly something to be said for the convenience of a remote that enables you to change fan speed (or ceiling-fan light fixture settings) effortlessly. Note: It’s a good idea to keep the ceiling fan on a separate circuit from lighting. If both are on the same circuit, you won't be able to run your fan when the lights are off (especially important in the bedroom). Shop Online  The universe of ceiling fans is amazingly big! Don’t settle for the limited selection to be found in brick-and-mortar stores, especially if you need a fan with small blades or a model suited for cathedral or vaulted ceilings. My favorite Web site for ceiling fans is Hansen Wholesale. Think of it as a sort of Consumer Reports. For each product it sells, Hansen offers information on motor quality, CFM (air movement measured in cubic feet per minute) output, energy efficiency and other pertinent data. The ratings graphs show the average rating in each category, so you know immediately how the fan you’re considering stacks up. Hansen also includes an excellent ceiling-fan size calculator. For more on AC and cooling, consider: Buying and Installing a Room Air Conditioner Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning Cool Your House with Smart Landscaping Why put your plants in a boring pot, when you can make your own unique planter with materials you may already have on hand? Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:29:44 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44352-10-inspired-diy-planters-to-dress-up-your-garden http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44352-10-inspired-diy-planters-to-dress-up-your-garden Slideshow gardening, repurposing How many colanders do you come across at weekend yard sales? Fit one with a linked chain to create an appealing hanging planter for colorful pansies.A rusted wagon is reborn as a planter displaying pretty annuals. The wheels on the wagon mean the planter can be easily moved around the yard or garden to gather sun or serve as a showpiece.Pairs of red rain-boot planters parade across this porch. Though "made for walking" (as song the goes), these repurposed boots are filled with a variety of herbs and geraniums in a matching hue. Contrasting flower colors would create an equally pleasing look.This cluster of tires, all dressed up in show-stopping colors, makes for a fun and funky wall of flowers. Best of all, these tires won't end up in a landfill.In this bright and playful courtyard, recycled and painted oil drums provide new homes for trees as well as plants. Some of the drums are fitted with platforms to serve as benches. Who wouldn’t want to sit and stay awhile?Stacked cinder blocks, with their readymade potting compartments, create a geometric platform to show off a variety of plants. Unfinished or painted in bold colors, cinder blocks make quick and easy planters with structural heft.Cracked teapot got you down? Look at this charming, cheerful series of teapots adorning the railing of a stone staircase. Any cracks would be perfect for drainage!Three stacked dresser drawers create a planter with stepped-up height and flair. Shabby chic makes its way to the garden!A waterfall of petunias cascades out of an old cast-iron bathtub. So many of these antique beauties are discarded to make way for new fixtures, yet here this classic household icon is whimsically reborn.A flourish of flowering plants breathes new life into an old wheelbarrow. What a festive way to dress up a utilitarian tool!If you are interested in more about lawn and gardening, consider:On The Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make10 Houseplants to Improve Indoor Air QualityOn The Fence: 7 Top Options in Fencing Materials There is nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a luxurious hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, ... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:57:48 -0400 /blogs/cleaning-bathtub/ /blogs/cleaning-bathtub/ Blog Post cleaning, bathroom, how to, tubs & showers Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_27328" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] There is nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a luxurious hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, unless your dirty tub is one of the things that you're stressed about! Bathtubs seem to be magnets for soap scum, mildew, and grime, not to mention stubborn stains. We all know that a dirty or stained tub makes the whole bathroom feel grungy. Luckily, with just a few simple household ingredients and the following helpful hints, you can keep any tub sparkling clean: • Diligence is the key. After bathing, rinse the tub with clean, warm water and wipe off excess moisture with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or soft sponge. • For a deeper clean, pull out the green-cleaning standby, white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the tub surface, let stand for 15 minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and wipe again. • For heavier dirt or mild stains, sprinkle the tub with baking soda and spray on the vinegar-and-water solution. Let the mixture bubble for several minutes, then scrub with a soft cloth or sponge until a paste forms. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes, then wipe and rinse. If you have hard water stains, dip paper towels in full-strength white vinegar and put the soaked paper towels on the stains. Let stand for one to two hours, then scrub with the baking soda and vinegar paste before rinsing clean. Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING [caption id="attachment_27268" align="alignright" width="263" caption="Photo: DIYgreen.com"][/caption] • To remove tougher stains, make a paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse. If necessary, repeat until the stain is gone. • Rust stains can be treated with a paste of borax powder and lemon juice. Sprinkle the stains with borax and use the cut half of a lemon to rub the stain until a paste forms. Let the paste stand for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe and rinse. There are a wide variety of commercial cleansers available to clean bathtubs. Some of the more popular ones include Scrubbing Bubbles, OxiClean, Clorox Clean-Up and Clorex OxiMagic. Commercial stain removers include Lime-A-Way and CLR Cleaner. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Some additional things to keep in mind: Avoid using steel wool or extremely abrasive brushes and scouring powders, as these products will scratch the surface. Never mix cleaning products! Certain combinations of chemicals—chlorine bleach and ammonia, for example—can create toxic fumes or burn your skin. When using chemicals, always make sure the area is well-ventilated. Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves. Hydrogen peroxide and bleach will discolor fabrics, so be sure to wear old clothes when using any products containing these chemicals. Wipe and rinse away cleaning products to make sure that they do not leave any residue in the tub. Again, taking a proactive approach—rinsing and wiping down the tub after bathing—is the best way to prevent dirt, grime, soap scum and stains from ruining your otherwise relaxing soak. For more on cleaning, consider: How To: Clean Grout The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors 7 Surprising Pantry Items Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home Thinking of re-roofing your home? So-called green roofs proffer many benefits for the environment and your community—... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:22:42 -0400 /blogs/green-roofs/ /blogs/green-roofs/ Blog Post roofing, materials Sarita Harbour [caption id="attachment_27056" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Flickr / Jennifer Juniper mom"][/caption] Thinking of re-roofing your home? So-called green roofs proffer many benefits for the environment and your community—even your wallet. While they have been used for years in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, green roofs have only recently begun to gain popularity in the U.S. In fact, the number of living roofs nationally grew a whopping 115 percent in 2011, according to a study by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, an advocacy organization. What exactly is a green roof, anyway? According to the American Association of Landscape Architects, a green roof is a lightweight, living system of soil, compost, and plants. Slideshow: 12 Unconventional Homes Inspired by Nature [caption id="attachment_27103" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Illustration: greenerheights.wordpress.com"][/caption] A green roof system is typically comprised of as many as nine layers. These include structural support, a vapor control barrier, thermal insulation, waterproofing, drainage, a filter membrane, growing medium and finally the vegetation itself. Environmental Benefits. In addition to filtering pollutants, a green roof absorbs storm water instead of allowing it to run off to the pavement or ground below. As the water evaporates, roof surface temperatures are lowered, particularly in urban areas with dense populations and areas with hot and dry climates. [caption id="attachment_27057" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Flickr / kretyen"][/caption] Improved Insulation. The layers of a green roof help insulate the interior, thereby reducing homeowners' dependence on costly home heating and air conditioning. And because these roofs are varying shades of green, they remain cooler than black roofs in hot warm weather. Wondering just how much energy you would save with a green roof? Try this handy Green Roof Energy Calculator. Green Oases. In some cases, green roofs support vegetable gardens. They also attract wildlife, such as insects, squirrels, and birds. If your roof is accessible, consider following the example of some condominium and office buildings that have turned their rooftops into relaxing garden patios. [caption id="attachment_27110" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, MA"][/caption] Tax Advantages. Depending on where you live, government grants or other initiatives may be available to help you offset the cost of installation. Some cities even offer a tax break to property owners, who have opted for a green roof. Three such programs are: Ecoroof Incentive Program of Portland, OR Stormwater Utility Fee Credit of Minneapolis, MN Green Roof Rebate Program of Washington, D.C. Before you start your green home project, check your local building codes to be sure that a green roof would comply with relevant rules and regulations. For more on roofing, consider: The Basics: Wood Shingle and Shakes Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof? Bob Vila Radio: Roofing Options There’s nothing like a freshly tiled floor or backsplash—but there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing those beaut... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:23 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-grout/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-grout/ Blog Post cleaning, tile, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry There’s nothing like a freshly tiled floor or backsplash—but there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing those beautiful clean grout lines become stained or mildewed. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive regrouting job to restore your tile’s look. It’s going to take some elbow grease, but you can clean up those grout lines. Here’s what you need to know. [caption id="attachment_26764" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: frommoontomoon.blogspot.com/"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CLEANING GROUT or read the text below: First of all, the best cure is prevention—a spritz of a 50-50 mix of vinegar and water once a week will keep those grout lines from getting mildewed in the first place. But if the damage is done, arm yourself with a stiff-bristled brush and get to work. Start with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Let it stand for five minutes before scrubbing. For tough stains, cover the grout with a paste of baking soda and water, then spray on the vinegar solution and watch it foam. Scrub with your brush and rinse it off with plain water. If the mildew seems hopeless, try a product that includes oxygen bleach, and be sure to follow label instructions carefully. Use chlorine bleach only sparingly, as a last resort, as it can break down the grout over time. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on cleaning, consider: Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines Bob Vila Radio: Cleaning Your Dryer Vents 7 Surprising Pantry Items Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home There once was a saying among contractors that went, "It’s not if your skylight will leak, it’s when it will leak. " ... Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:24:40 -0400 /blogs/solar-tubes/ /blogs/solar-tubes/ Blog Post windows, skylights Michael Franco [caption id="attachment_27127" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption=""Fresh Air" Skylight from Velux"][/caption] There once was a saying among contractors that went, "It’s not if your skylight will leak, it’s when it will leak." Fortunately, advances in skylight design and installation practices have made this old saw as useless as... well... an old saw. These new-and-improved skylights can benefit a home in several eco-friendly ways. For starters, they beam 100% free light into a room, and if vented, they improve air circulation. Additionally, skylights can help regulate a home’s climate. (Rising hot air escapes through them in the summer, and in the winter, they admit warming sun rays.) Not to mention, the natural light admitted by skylights ultimately promotes good health. Sunlight balances your circadian rhythms, wards off Seasonal Affective Disorder, and replenishes vitamin D levels. Slideshow: Know Your Window Styles: 10 Popular Designs Unlike the bubble-style skylights of old, today’s versions are made to the same standards as high-quality windows. Many are Energy Star-rated and feature dual-paned, argon-gas-injected low-e glass that not only insulates well, but also blocks UV rays that can bleach furniture and carpets. One of the more technologically advanced skylights on the market is the solar-powered “Fresh Air” Skylight from Velux. An operable window-on-your-roof, it features solar cells built into the frame, so there is no need to hook up the skylight to your home’s electrical system. Using the preprogrammed remote control, you can either open and close the skylight at will or program it to lift and lower automatically throughout the day. Conveniently, a built-in rain sensor closes the window in wet weather. [caption id="attachment_27126" align="alignright" width="300" caption="LED Tubular Skylight from Solatube"][/caption] If an attic takes up most of the space beneath your roof, a skylight may seem impractical. Fortunately, you can still let the sun shine in through tubular solar lighting. These systems, some of which are simple enough to install yourself, consist of a skylight on the roof and a fixed or flexible tube that channels the light to wherever you need it. The resulting installation indoors often looks like a recessed ceiling light fixture. A leader in this area is Solatube. The company manufactures a tube-lighting system that features a roof-mounted dome, which collects sunlight from different angles. That light is then filtered down through a tube lined in Spectralight Infinity, a highly reflective material (the most reflective on earth, Solatube claims). Finally, the light is released through your choice of fixture; some impart special effects like warming, softening, or sharpening sunlight that passes through. In the past few years, one of the brightest advances in skylights has come, not from a research facility, but from the federal government. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 allows homeowners to claim a 10% tax credit—up to $500—on certain components of skylight installation, so if you do install any of these systems, be sure to check with your accountant! That way, you’ll not only save on electric, heating, and cooling costs, but on your taxes as well. For more on windows, consider:  Replacement Windows 101 It's All in the Details—Stained Glass Affordable Window Inserts Promote Energy Efficiency Sometimes creativity is the only thing that can help you clean up after the kids. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:23:17 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44313-10-diy-storage-ideas-to-help-corral-your-kids-clutter http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44313-10-diy-storage-ideas-to-help-corral-your-kids-clutter Slideshow storage, kids Hang repurposed planter baskets on the wall to get odds and ends off the floor. When your kids outgrow this storage system, you can always return the baskets to their flower-containing duty!Pick up simple wooden crates at a craft or big-box home improvement store. Finish the crates with paint or stain and stack (or hang) them in a configuration that works for you. Cheap and cheerful!Mount a magnetic knife strip to the wall, and you’ve got a place off the floor to park all those toy cars! A fun and lively visual display, this approach also saves you from stepping on cars (ouch!) in the dark of night.With a storage hoist, you can turn dreaded playtime cleanup into an exciting game! An added bonus is that using a rope-and-pulley system like this one offers a science lesson in itself!Use magazine holders to organize that jumble of books on the shelves of your playroom. Label the holders for quick and easy access. This is a great solution for both odd-sized books and titles you want to switch out seasonally.PVC couplings can be glued together in different combinations to hold any number of bits and baubles. (Wide-diameter couplings would hold larger items like stuffed animals.) Either leave the piping white or spray-paint it to coordinate with the colors in your kids' room.An over-the-door shoe rack serves as a "high-rise condominium" for action figures and other toys, making them easy to see and reach. Every superhero in his—or her (right, Wonder Woman?)—place.Perhaps the ultimate flexible DIY storage solution is pegboard. And the minute your needs change, you can easily redistribute the hooks to accommodate new playthings. This boldly painted board also functions as wall decor.A wall of adjustable shelving creates a desk for two youngsters as well as space for all the supplies they could possibly need. It’s a solution that can "grow" along with your kids—just keep raising the desk higher!Repurpose old drawers as underbed storage for clothing (or even more toys). Add casters beneath the drawers to make them more easily movable.If you are interested in more about storage, consider11 Sneaky Storage Ideas12 Fresh Ideas for Your Kids' Room17 Creative and Whimsical Kids Rooms You bought a beautiful antique lamp but upon closer inspection, you notice there is damage to the sheathing, the plas... Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:29:39 -0400 /blogs/how-to-rewire-a-lamp/ /blogs/how-to-rewire-a-lamp/ Blog Post diy, how to, lighting Elizabeth Arnold [caption id="attachment_27248" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] You bought a beautiful antique lamp but upon closer inspection, you notice there is damage to the sheathing, the plastic cover that protects the wires. (Over time, normal wear and tear causes a plastic cord to crack or fray, exposing the wires inside.) Don't give up on your vintage find! Instead, rewire the lamp so that it shines like new. You only need a few basic tools and a lamp rewiring kit (containing cord, plug, and socket) to restore the fixture to working order. 1. Be safe and make sure the lamp is unplugged. Then unscrew the light bulb and set it to the side (along with the lamp shade). Using a flat-head screwdriver, remove the sleeve of the lamp’s socket. If the words "press here" are imprinted there, you may be able to slide out the socket with your thumbs. 2. Pull up the socket to expose the old cord. Use wire cutters to remove the socket. Then turn the lamp over and unscrew the nut on the bottom of the fixture to remove the base. Pull the cord out through the lamp’s pipe. 3. Install the new cord (from the lamp rewiring kit) by feeding it up through the pipe. Reattach the base and attach the new socket. Related: Outdoor Lighting: 12 Products to Light Your Way [caption id="attachment_27249" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: nationalartcraft.com"][/caption] 4. Split the top of the cord into two pieces by cutting along its groove with wire cutters. Snip off one inch of the plastic sheathing, then twist each of the wires in a clockwise motion. 5. Loosen the screws on either side of the new socket. Hook the neutral wire (the one with ridges on the sheathing) to the silver screw. Attach the other wire to the brass screw. Secure the wires by tightening the screws with a screwdriver. 6. Push the lamp’s sleeve down onto the new socket and screw the light bulb back in. Now, plug in the rewired lamp to test out your handiwork! For more on lighting, consider:  Pendant Lighting 101 Bob Vila Radio: Types of Lighting How To: Add Under-Cabinet Lighting Innovative shipping container homes show just how good sustainable architecture can look. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:43:01 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44304-10-cool-shipping-container-homes http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44304-10-cool-shipping-container-homes Slideshow architecture, prefab Shipping container-based construction saves time, money, and materials—and it benefits the environment. While container homes may no longer be a novelty, this collection proves the trend is here to stay.Its location in the Hamptons may be flattering, but Andrew Anderson's Beach Box would look great just about anywhere. Although the exterior doesn’t overtly suggest the bones underneath, select areas of the interior reveal the corrugated steel of shipping containers, as the four-bedroom house leverages the material's immunity to salt and sea.This art studio by MB Architecture is not far from the Beach Box. The client’s modest budget and desire for a simple design both pointed toward building from shipping containers. Painted dark charcoal to match the main house, the studio stands in harmony with its woody surroundings.Container-made and solar-powered, this Colorado retreat gives new life to two shipping containers. Studio H:T cut out segments of the steel exteriors to serve as sliding doors between the bedrooms and the central common area, while concrete used throughout complements the containers’ industrial vibe.The Spacebox at Utrecht University maximizes the benefits of container living. Because these structures are inexpensive and quick to build, the university can easily accommodate a growing student body. Although dorms often have an institutional look, the Spacebox’s colorful façade makes for campus housing any student would be lucky to call home!In his design for this San Antonio guesthouse, architect Jim Poteet celebrated rather than disguised the container’s aesthetic, even maintaining its original color. An electric composting toilet, green roof, and bamboo floors help minimize the space’s eco-friendly footprint.Adam Kalkin created a massive abode that features a dozen shipping containers housed within a large warehouse-like structure. Two groups of containers, stacked in pairs, flank an open, glass-walled central area. Each "wing" offers support and space for the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and reading area.It would be hard not to include more than one house from Kalkin. The so-called "Old Lady House" incorporates a bevy of shipping containers, but this time around Kalkin used drywall on the interiors to create a more traditional feeling. Bridged by a courtyard and outdoor terrace, the two-story dwelling is spacious and airy.Architects James & Mau designed this Chilean home for eco-friendly construction company Infiniski. Hidden behind an envelope of wooden pallets, the containers' unusual arrangement gives the structure its unique form. The pallets serve double duty, providing both shade and cross-ventilation of fresh air.The recycling of three containers in the WFH House is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to its eco-pedigree. A sustainably sourced bamboo façade, rainwater-collection system, solar cells, green roof and permeable paving all contribute to the structure’s carbon-neutral status. And it isn’t hard on the eyes either!The Seatrain Residence, by the Office of Mobile Design, employed shipping containers and reclaimed steel to yield a sum vastly greater than its parts. Masking the structure's modest means of construction, the firm created a picturesque and cost-effective 3,000-square-foot home in the Brewery District of Los Angeles.If you are interested in more about architecture, consider:Mobile Homes: Then and NowChicago's First Prefab Modular Home12 Unconventional Homes Inspired by Nature The workbench is a DIY project's hub. It's where supplies are kept and progress gets made.  Sure, you can buy a workb... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:40:50 -0400 /blogs/diy-workbenches/ /blogs/diy-workbenches/ Blog Post workshop, woodworking Chris Gardner The workbench is a DIY project's hub. It's where supplies are kept and progress gets made. Sure, you can buy a workbench, but unless you're upgrading to a professional European-style model, I recommend building your own. A basic, customizable bench requires only two tools—a saw and a drill. Scroll down to see five DIY workbenches you can build in a weekend.   1. WORK TABLE [caption id="attachment_26578" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: EAA"][/caption] Designed for building small aircraft, this work table is built from easy-to-find materials and features simple yet rigid construction. Though it's able to withstand a banging, the table is still lightweight and compact enough to be portable. I use a similarly designed bench in every single one of my projects and I love it. 2. GARAGE OR BASEMENT BENCH [caption id="attachment_27063" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Family Handyman"][/caption] This workbench from The Family Handyman perfectly suits those who work in a garage or basement (any space that is shared with other family activities). The setup includes a stable surface for hobby or repair projects, a built-in pegboard for storage, a shop light, plus a recessed shelf that allows for seating.   3. TOOL CABINET WORKBENCH [caption id="attachment_26580" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Woodsmith Magazine"][/caption] If you are looking for a mobile or small-space solution—or you want a secondary work surface to complement an existing bench—consider this idea from Woodsmith: a rolling tool cabinet outfitted with a solid top. A small vise and a power strip are included here, along with magnetic and pegboard tool storage, not to mention the storage provided by the cabinet drawers.   4. DOOR-TOP BENCH [caption id="attachment_26584" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Photos: Woodgears"][/caption] Planning on doing some serious work with hand tools? A solid-core door makes an excellent workbench top, as in this design from Woodgears. The base is made of affordable dimensional lumber, with joints that are both glued and bolted, meaning this bench is not only a thrifty option, but a sturdy one, indeed.   5. LAMINATED MDF WORKBENCH  [caption id="attachment_26585" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Fine Woodworking"][/caption] My next bench will be inspired by this design from Fine Woodworking. Though intended for sophisticated woodworking, it won't cost a lot to assemble. The top uses two sheets of laminated MDF, and the plan incorporates handy features like bench dog holes and a woodworking vise.   For more on woodworking, consider: Blog Stars: In the Workshop Manage Noise in Your Workshop How To: Stock Your Woodworking Shop There are lots of options available in driveway materials, including asphalt, gravel, brick and pavers. In addition t... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:00:56 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-driveway-drainage/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-driveway-drainage/ Blog Post bob vila radio, driveway & walkway Roseann Foley Henry There are lots of options available in driveway materials, including asphalt, gravel, brick and pavers. In addition to variables like the cost, the look, and the durability of each, there’s another factor you may not have thought about, but which is important. That’s drainage. [caption id="attachment_26759" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: southgateresidential.blogspot.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON DRIVEWAY DRAINAGE or read the text below: Your lawn and garden can absorb water when it rains. Your driveway can either absorb water or shed it—but either way you need to consider where that water is going, so it doesn’t end up in your garage or basement. Some driveway materials, like brick and pavers, are permeable because the little spaces between them allow water back into the ground where it belongs. A driveway that’s covered in a nonporous material like concrete or asphalt needs to be pitched in a way that directs water away from your home, or it needs a drainage trench along the side to divert water. No matter what material you choose, if your driveway runs downhill toward your garage, you should install a trench in front of the garage door to stop water before it enters. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on driveways, consider: How To: Seal a Driveway Create a Distinctive Driveway Designing a Driveway with Long-Lasting Appeal Dreaming of a breakfast nook or looking to maximize space? The answer to your kitchen seating conundrum may be a banquette. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:51:22 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44342-trending-now-banquette-seating http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44342-trending-now-banquette-seating Slideshow kitchen, design Alcoves, bay windows, and unused corners are all good spots for a banquette. Upholstered benches and a simple pedestal table transform this cozy corner into a breakfast nook that doubles as a workspace.Pedestal tables are best for banquettes, because they keep knees from knocking into table legs whenever anyone climbs in or out. This angular design is both practical and eye-catching.Bay windows are traditional sites for banquette seating, and a semicircular design makes practical, elegant use of this sunny space. Two side chairs increase the table's flexibility and capacity—and they look great, too!A great appeal of banquette seating is its efficient use of space, as in this inviting kitchen corner. If you are placing a banquette in front of windows, be sure the windows are a good 24 inches off the floor to allow for a seat height of 15 inches. Although this kitchen alcove could accommodate a full table and chairs, an L-shaped banquette offers the clever benefit of under-seat storage.Fans of retro kitchen styles will find much to love in banquette seating. Here, bold red upholstery lends this mint-green kitchen the spirit of a '50s diner.Not all banquettes need to have cushions or even throw pillows to be stylish. In fact, where young children are concerned, less can often be more. This playful, easy-to-clean banquette proves the point.Banquettes can make good use of an otherwise unused space—this small stretch between a wall and cabinetry, for instance. Easiest to clean is leather or vinyl upholstery.Installing a banquette in the space formerly used as a walk-in pantry allowed designer Susan Klimala (of The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn, IL) to accommodate a large island and ample storage elsewhere in her kitchen.A table with a banquette on one side and chairs on the other offers the best of both worlds.If you are interested in more about kitchen design, consider:10 New Ways to Store Kitchen NecessitiesUnder-Cabinet Lighting: 10 "Shining" ExamplesCabinet Hardware: 10 Styles to Invigorate Your Kitchen  Banquettes have a nostalgic charm about them, whether you sat at one in your grandmother's kitchen or you shared a di... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:11:14 -0400 /blogs/kitchen-banquettes/ /blogs/kitchen-banquettes/ Blog Post kitchen, design Marie Proeller Hueston [caption id="attachment_27066" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: ellentuckinteriors.com"][/caption] Banquettes have a nostalgic charm about them, whether you sat at one in your grandmother's kitchen or you shared a diner booth with friends in college. But is this distinctive seating right for your home? For insight, we reached out to kitchen and bath designer Susan Klimala, CKD - CBD and owner of The Kitchen Studio in Glen Ellyn, IL. "Banquettes allow for a cozy, intimate dining experience with a casual feel, but they're not for everyone," says Susan, who has designed numerous banquettes, including one in her own kitchen. She cites several good reasons to consider a kitchen banquette. Related: Trending Now: Banquette Seating Efficient Use of Space "From a design standpoint, banquettes offer a very efficient use of space. You are eliminating the need for some of the clearances you would require with a table and chairs. This makes seating possible in areas where a table and chairs would just be too tight." Perfect for Casual Dining "Banquettes are ideal as a casual dining spot for a small group. They are better for breakfast and after-school snacks than they are for formal dinners." [caption id="attachment_27092" align="alignright" width="280" caption="Photo: kitchenstudio-ge.com"][/caption] You Can Repurpose Out-of-the-Way Places "Alcoves, bay windows, and corners are all good spots for a banquette. Another option—if you are planning to build or remodel—is to think about repurposing the space that might have been planned for a walk-in pantry. I did this in my own kitchen and was able to design a large island, plus plenty of storage, while still having enough room for an eat-in kitchen." There are, however, situations where banquette seating may not be the perfect solution, among them: Not for Big Families "I would not recommend banquette seating for a very large family. If someone needs to get out for another serving, a glass of water, or what have you, then everyone has to scoot over to let them out." Finding the Right Table Is Challenging "It can be tricky to find an attractive table to service a banquette. The table has to be a pedestal of some sort. It cannot have legs at the four corners, because you would bang your legs every time you got in or out. Most times a banquette necessitates some type of custom table." They Can Be Hard to Clean "Banquettes can get a little grungy, especially the parts tucked away in the back, so ideally you want a movable table that you can pull in and out when you need to clean or change the tablecloth. We did a banquette where the table was on casters for this exact purpose." Related: 12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options CONSTRUCTION DETAILS [caption id="attachment_27095" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="MB Wilson Interior Design / Photo: Beth Singer"][/caption] If you are thinking about putting a banquette in your kitchen, heed Susan's advice: Ideally, you need a minimum of 27 inches of space for each person to sit comfortably. The depth of the benches should be at least 24 inches, because you will want to leave space for an angled back or upholstered seating. The table should overlap each bench by three inches or so. If you are designing a banquette in front of windows, be sure that the windows are a good 24 inches off the floor to allow for a seat height of 15 inches (not counting the height of the cushions). When it comes to upholstery, opt for something washable. Fabric-upholstered cushions are never a great idea, especially with children. Choose an upholstered banquette in leather or pleather, just like the seating you would find in a restaurant. Such material can be easily wiped clean, and you won't have to deal with the cushions falling off the benches. Your local upholsterer should be able to help you pull this together. For more on kitchen design, consider: Kitchen Design Trends for 2013 12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling House hunters today aren’t necessarily fixated on luxury finishes like stainless steel. They are practical and focuse... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:04 -0400 /blogs/what-home-buyers-want/ /blogs/what-home-buyers-want/ Blog Post selling, real estate Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_27154" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] House hunters today aren’t necessarily fixated on luxury finishes like stainless steel. They are practical and focused on function, willing to pay more for a house whose features align with their buying priorities—especially if the seller can spare them the average $4,550 that 53% of buyers spend on improvements within three months of closing. This list of wants and must-haves, compiled by the National Association of Realtors in its 2013 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences, shows you what to promote if you are selling a house this spring. In other words, give buyers what they want, namely: New appliances are worth a $1,840 bump in the offer, buyers claim A separate laundry room is coveted by 47% Fireplaces are top-of-list for 57% 41% of recent buyers bought houses with basements In-law suites The number one amenity is central air The one thing buyers can’t get enough of is storage space. As part of your home staging routine, emphasize all closets and ancillary storage areas. For more on real estate, consider: Suddenly, a Seller's Market? Market Trends to Cash In On This Year 5 Savvy Upgrades That Add Home Value Picking the right shovel for the job saves time—and can save your back as well. Here are a few shovels you’ll want in... Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:00:56 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-shovels/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-shovels/ Blog Post bob vila radio, outdoor tools Roseann Foley Henry Picking the right shovel for the job saves time—and can save your back as well. Here are a few shovels you’ll want in your gardening lineup. [caption id="attachment_26751" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: asia.ru"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SHOVELS or read the text below: The classic round-point shovel has a sharp, slightly curved blade that’s perfect for digging holes and cutting into compacted soil. Square-point shovels, which often have turned-up edges, are best for scooping up loose material like mulch. Garden spades, which have long handles and flat, square-point blades, are tailor-made for edging and breaking up clumps. Shovels come in a variety of lengths, and some have grips shaped like the letter "t" or "d." Some people feel that a D-shaped grip gives more control in scooping and tossing, but that’s just a personal preference. Look for a strong connection between the handle and the blade, and make sure the step of the blade—the top edge where your foot rests—is wide enough for your foot, and turned or rolled for comfort. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on outdoor tools, consider: How To: Care for Garden Tools 9 Essential Tools for Every Gardener 10 Wheelbarrows to Lighten Your Load A wooden fence is a beautiful accent on any home, but it takes some maintenance to keep it looking neat and trim. Spr... Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:00:35 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-spring-fence-routine/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-spring-fence-routine/ Blog Post maintenance, bob vila radio, outdoor structures Roseann Foley Henry A wooden fence is a beautiful accent on any home, but it takes some maintenance to keep it looking neat and trim. Spring is a great time for an annual fence spruce-up. [caption id="attachment_26746" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: mydesignchic.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SPRING FENCE ROUTINE or read the text below: Start by looking for any obvious signs of rot or insect damage, and replace those wood sections. Call in an exterminator if you see signs of insect damage or nests—those problems only get bigger if you don’t take care of them promptly. Check that all hardware and latches are securely in place, and that all gates are in working order. Painted fences need to be touched up every year or two. You’ll need to scrape or sand any flaking areas first, and you may need to scrub off some mildew. If you do have mildewed areas, scrub them with a solution of oxygen bleach and water, and then rinse. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can discolor the fence and damage grass and plants. When you’re ready to paint, use a good quality outdoor primer first, to get a good seal before you apply the top coat. Be sure the primer is completely dry before you put on the top coat. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on outdoor structures, consider: Fences 101 Arbors: A Garden's Best Friend The Gazebo: At Home Everywhere Today of all days, take one step toward protecting the planet, and your monthly utility costs will benefit as well. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:50:24 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44343-20-ways-to-support-earth-day-this-year http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44343-20-ways-to-support-earth-day-this-year Slideshow energy, sustainability According to the government's Energy Star program, vampire power—the energy some electronics use when they are switched off but still plugged in—accounts for more than $10 billion per year in avoidable costs. Unplug devices when they are charged or not in use; alternatively, plug your appliances and gadgets into smart outlets.Why spend time, money, and natural resources to redecorate, when you can repurpose what you already own? Everything from shipping pallets, silverware, ladders, and old windows can live second lives in your home. And if you can't repurpose something, dispose of it responsibly!Combine common household ingredients into sweet-smelling mixtures that clean, disinfect, and freshen your home—naturally. Karyn Siegel-Maier, author of The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning, serves up easy, effective homemade cleaning solutions involving items you probably already have in your pantry.Lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater is an easy way to save money; for each 10ºF you decrease the temperature, you can save 3% to 5% in energy costs.If your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated, then your home may be losing heat in the winter and cool air in summer. As a result, it's possible that your furnace and air conditioning units are working harder (using more energy) than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.Air conditioning accounts for about 25% of a home’s electricity costs. Before you crank it up this summer, first try a little old-fashioned ventilation. Just keeping air moving can make your home feel much cooler. Consider circulating that air rather than chilling it with these low-cost, low-energy alternatives.By now, most people are familiar with Energy Star. In addition to certifying consumer products, this government program also certifies homes—and you might be surprised to learn the number one way that most homes fail to meet its requirements.Why pay an exterminator hundreds of dollars to douse dangerous poisons, when myriad natural, non-toxic, economically priced solutions are at our disposal? You can create your own natural pesticides solutions with everything from peppermint to Tabasco sauce. Check out The Complete Natural Guide to Pest Control and Prevention. Before you consider changes to your home’s energy-consuming devices and systems, complete an energy audit. You might be able to get a free one from your local utility company. Otherwise, locate an accredited contractor through the Building Performance Institute.Of course, you can turn that old bicycle into a garden planter (yes, it can be done), but where the environment is concerned, it would be better if you were to use that two-wheeler for transportation. Vow to ride your bike to work at least one day a month in 2013. (Or use the bike instead of your car to run errands over the weekend.) You’ll save gas, get a little exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week. How long should you leave the sprinkler running? There’s an easy way to find out. Simply set out a small container and water until it’s holding one inch. If it takes 60 minutes, then that’s how long you need to water the lawn each week.There's no better way to give back to Mother Earth than planting a tree. No room for a tree? Donate to the Arbor Day Foundation, and the organization will use that money to plant trees in a national forest. Indoors, improve air quality and your overall mood with one of these ten easy-care houseplants. There are so many ways you can go solar. Opting for solar-driven outdoor lighting is one that often gets overlooked. For more info on getting started, don't miss Solar Power Systems 101.You've heard it before, but choosing compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs is an easy and cost-effective change, one that really makes a difference. According to Energy Star, if every American home swapped out just one bulb, we would save enough energy to light three million homes for a year. Enough said!Still using a mercury thermostat? Replace it with a programmable model. After the initial $100 investment, you can see payback within a matter of a few months, and over the lifetime of the product, you're likely to save thousands.Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills and helps your garden thrive in ways that even fertilizer cannot match. To get started, all you need is a cubic yard of space and one of these compost bins. For a happy and healthy garden, take note of what you can and cannot compost—learn all you need to know in Composting 101.Rain barrels are smart and efficient—they capture water that would normally go to waste and save it for you to deliver to your garden later, when you need it. They’re easy to install and maintain, and they don’t use any energy. In fact, you'd be amazed at how easy it is to make your own. Low-flow shower heads and pressure-compensating shower control valves and faucets are all fairly affordable options today. When shopping, look for the EPA's WaterSense seal, which certifies that products meet strict conservation standards. And don't overlook the benefit of installing a low-flush toilet.Leaks in American homes reportedly account for 1 trillion gallons of wasted water per year—an amount equivalent to that used annually by Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami combined! If you have a leaky faucet or running toilet, fix it on Earth Day! And remember always to turn off the bathroom faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving. For more ideas, see 5 Ways to Save H2O at Home.It's important to remember that going green extends beyond the home. Whether you volunteer time or donate money, continued support for environmental groups is critically important. For more information on how you can help, consider the Arbor Day Foundation, National Audobon Society, Green Towns, World Wildlife Fund, and Sierra Club. Remember, every day is reason to celebrate Earth Day! Staining wood furniture adds color and brings out the natural beauty of the grain. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:28:13 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44273-how-to-stain-wood-furniture/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44273-how-to-stain-wood-furniture/pages/1 Article finishes, how to, furniture The process of staining furniture is intimidating to many do-it-yourselfers, because special tools and chemicals are involved, if, say, you are removing a layer of paint from the furniture you're refinishing. (Words like "toxic" have a way of popping up frequently on the labels of paint-stripping products.) But once you know how to stain furniture, you'll want to tackle everything from your kitchen cabinets to your Great Aunt Mabel's corner cupboard. Here's an overview: Tools and Materials: - Drop cloths (newspaper, plastic, or canvas)- Tape - Paint stripper- Scraper- Gloves- Wood stain- Paintbrushes- Paint tray- Clean rags- Sandpaper/sander 1. Getting started. Remove the furniture's doors and drawers and hardware—its legs, too, if they are removable. (Staining wood is much easier when you are working with parts of manageable size). Next, clean the furniture to eliminate dust, dirt, and grime, any of which inhibits the stripping process. (If you are staining a chair with a fabric seat cushion, either remove it or protect it with plastic and painter's tape.) Be sure to cover the floor with a drop cloth, newspapers, or plastic. And make certain the work area is well-ventilated and out of the way of your family's typical traffic flow. 2. Choosing the right stripper. Look for a good leave-on paint stripper. Many nontoxic varieties are available. Choose one that suits your requirements; different products exist for removing different types of finishes (paint, varnish, shellac and others). Read and follow the manufacturer's directions. In most cases, stripper is applied with a paintbrush and must be allowed to sit for a time. Related: 5 Easy Steps to a Successful Paint Makeover 3. Removing the old finish. Once the stripper has set, use a scraper to remove the old finish. Don't try to force the issue by scraping too aggressively. Doing so could damage the wood surface. When the finish has been completely removed, lightly sand the surface to lift the grain of the wood, making it more receptive to stain. Because sanding creates dust, remember to wipe down the piece with a rag or a tack cloth; also, vacuum the area in which are you working. 4. Testing the stain. Choose your stain carefully and test it on either a similar piece of wood or a small, inconspicuous section of the furniture. Because stain reacts differently to different types of wood, you may find that the color you loved on the sample ends up looking altogether different once applied. The easiest product to use is a stain-polyurethane mix. If you are using stain only, it will be necessary to seal the finish with butcher's wax, tung oil, or some form of "poly" protective sealer. Step 5. Applying the new finish Once you’ve decided on a stain for your project, stir the stain well and apply it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Begin by brushing on a light, even coat. If the color seems dark, you can use a clean rag to wipe away some of the excess before it soaks in. If the color appears too light, wait until the stain has dried, then apply a second coat. Be sure to invest in a good natural-bristle brush and always work in the direction of the grain.  Author's Note: Adept at re-purposing furniture, KC Morgan is a professional freelance writer, with articles and blog posts appearing on dozens of sites. Read more at doityourself.com. Welcome feathered friends to your backyard with a birdbath that you've made on your own. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:41:31 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44300-wing-it-11-approaches-to-a-diy-birdbath http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44300-wing-it-11-approaches-to-a-diy-birdbath Slideshow diy, outdoor structures Building a birdbath like this requires only two steps: wedging broken branches into the ground and placing a bowl, plate, or saucer on top. Take care to space the branches so that they can support the weight of a water-filled vessel. This quirky, beautiful birdbath was created by combining a lamp base with a bundt cake pan, then applying the "upcycled" creation with cheery coat of yellow spray paint.The base of this earthy, standing birdbath is a stack of small, medium, and large terra-cotta pots (on top is a big saucer). Want to make your own version? You may choose to inject personal style with paint in multiple colors.Don't send that old pedestal sink off to the junkyard; instead, reuse it as a birdbath! To make the basin more shallow, fill it with a layer of pebbles before adding water.The base of this DIY birdbath is a twig wreath (make your own or purchase one from a craft store). In the center, simply set in a terra-cotta saucer, and if you'd like to hang your project, use rope or twine.Many homeowners have spare bricks lying around. By stacking these into a pillar, you can build a sturdy birdbath base that needs only a bowl or tray on top to function as the water basin.A trash can lid was used as a concrete form for the base of this birdbath. (The middle indentation comes from the top of a water cooler that was pressed into the wet concrete.) Broken pieces of colored glass and pottery create a decorative mosaic effect along the edges. Cast in cement, this little "leaf" holds a shallow pool. To make your own, position a real leaf in a pile of sand, then cover the leaf with concrete. After drying, you'll be left with a natural-looking bowl that is the perfect size for placement on a deck rail or patio table. This tiny, whimsical birdbath is just a teacup and saucer attached to a painted wood spindle. Cleverly reusing unexpected materials certainly brings a touch of charm to the garden!This smart DIYer spiced up a plain, round serving tray with a design cut from vinyl. The tray was then attached to a metal plant stand with a few dabs of construction adhesive.Sometimes you don't have to go far to find materials that can be used to make something wonderful. This grouping of birdbaths is comprised of stacked stones and recycled galvanized trash can lids. No tools required!If you are interested in more on outdoor DIY, considerHow To: Lay a Stone Path9 Easy-to-Make Garden LuminariesOn the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make If you live on a property with a lawn or garden, you should be aware of Master Gardeners. In 1972, the first Master G... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:34:22 -0400 /blogs/master-gardeners/ /blogs/master-gardeners/ Blog Post gardening Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_26849" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: gardeningescapes.com"][/caption] If you live on a property with a lawn or garden, you should be aware of Master Gardeners. In 1972, the first Master Gardener program started in Washington State, after the growing suburban population had inundated the Washington State University Cooperative Extension with requests for horticultural information. A group of volunteers was trained to help; the idea took hold; and there are now Master Gardener programs in all 50 states. Slideshow: 10 New Perennials to Perk Up Your Garden Master Gardeners go through intensive training in a diverse range of horticultural subjects, including sustainable gardening, soil health, plant pathology and wildlife and pest management. In return for their training, Master Gardeners commit a substantial number of volunteer hours, serving the local community in a number of ways: answering questions via phone or email, teaching at workshops, leading gardening tours, conducting research and more. Do you need to figure out when a particular apple tree variety blooms in your area? A Master Gardener can help with that. Are you confounded by a mysterious plant malady you can’t seem to diagnose? Yup. Call a Master Gardener! [caption id="attachment_26850" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: extension.umn.edu"][/caption] So, what are the top three reasons you should seek out Master Gardeners for advice? Local Knowledge Your area's Master Gardeners have undergone training that is specific to your location. They will have knowledge about the soil types as well as the plant and tree varieties native to your area. In contrast, most gardening books and resources are written from a broad perspective. Master Gardeners know the territory—they will be able to impart wisdom based on their own experience, plus the experiences of a large number of other gardeners in your county. Quality of Information Provided by local extension experts, university professors, and industry figures, the training Master Gardeners receive is rigorous and continuous. In offering you assistance, they can draw not only on their own training, but also on a network of other Master Gardeners who have confronted and researched many of the horticultural challenges encountered in your locality. [caption id="attachment_26852" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: gardensaltlakemerritt.org"][/caption] It’s FREE Master Gardeners volunteer their time to help their communities; there’s no charge for their expertise. You can find out about the Master Gardener program in your area by contacting your local extension office. Avail yourself of their expertise. You have nothing to lose—and a beautiful, thriving garden to gain. For more on gardening, consider: Zen and the Art of Weed Whacking 5 Ways to Jump-Start Your Garden for Spring Composting 101: What You Should and Shouldn't Compost The first job any gardener has this time of year is that all-important spring cleanup that starts with raking out any... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:00:18 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-rakes/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-rakes/ Blog Post outdoor tools Roseann Foley Henry The first job any gardener has this time of year is that all-important spring cleanup that starts with raking out any leftover leaves, debris, and the remains of last year’s annuals. Using the right rake for the job is half the battle. [caption id="attachment_26739" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: yardbutlerstore.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON RAKES or read the text below: A leaf rake is what most people picture when they think of a rake – this is the wide rake, usually with metal tines, that’s great for collecting large volumes of leaves. Metal leaf rakes can be tough on plants, though, so if you’re raking out a flower bed you may want to use a leaf rake with bamboo tines instead. A shrub rake looks a lot like a leaf rake, but it’s much narrower. You’ll need one to get into those tight spots like the base of a hedge, around a fence, or in between bushes. A bow rake has short metal tines and a flat edge, and it’s great for loosening soil for planting or for leveling out gravel or mulch. Once your garden is all raked out and cleaned up, you can start thinking about planting season! Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on outdoor tools, consider: 9 Essential Tools for Every Gardener 10 Wheelbarrows to Lighten Your Load Watering Well: 10 Sprinklers to Quench Your Garden's Thirst Homemade recipes from Karyn Siegel-Maier’s "The Naturally Clean Home" empower you to freshen, clean, and disinfect without chemicals. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:51:01 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44330-7-surprising-pantry-items-naturally-clean-and-freshen-your-home http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44330-7-surprising-pantry-items-naturally-clean-and-freshen-your-home Slideshow cleaning Karyn Siegel-Maier can often be found in her kitchen, creating concoctions of common household ingredients that vanquish dirt, germs, and odors. The results of her efforts are compiled in The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning, where we found some of our favorite fixes that freshen with no chemicals!Sprinkle salt on fresh grease stains in the oven. When the oven cools, wipe clean with a soft cloth.Sanitize wooden cutting boards by rubbing them with half of a freshly cut lemon. For a cleaning bonus, toss the rind in the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.To remove stains on tablecloths or clothing, combine two tablespoons of cream of tartar with two drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil. Add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and allow it to dry before washing.To clean and remove tarnish from copper, mix a half-cup of ketchup with two tablespoons cream of tartar. Spread on the copper and let stand for an hour. Rinse first in soapy water and then in clean water. Dry thoroughly.For an easy silver tarnish remover, place silver pieces in either a sink or a pan filled with water. Add two tablespoons cream of tartar or baking soda, plus a few strips of aluminum foil. Let the silver soak for an hour or until tarnish-free. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.To preserve a fresh-smelling refrigerator, pour two ounces vanilla extract (imitation is fine) into a saucer or a small, shallow bowl. Place the vanilla on a lower shelf and leave it for a few days.To keep terra-cotta pots looking clean and new, coat them inside and out with a light layer of olive oil.If you are interested in more about cleaning, consider:How To: Clean EVERYTHINGCleaning Green: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your HomeHappy Birthday, Bon Ami! In recent years, architecture has seen a flurry of offbeat yet beautiful abodes with designs based on the world around us. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:49:04 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44310-12-unconventional-homes-inspired-by-nature http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44310-12-unconventional-homes-inspired-by-nature Slideshow architecture Whether it's a hike in the woods, a night beneath the stars, or a sunny day at the beach, natural inspirations are creeping more and more into residential architecture. Intended to be in sync with their surroundings, these homes may appear out of the ordinary, but their designs are based on common features of the great outdoors like mushrooms and seashells. Click through to see a dozen stunning examples of organic architecture from yesterday and today.Perhaps the most famous house on this list, Fallingwater was designed by the incomparable Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. The house represents an attempt by the architect to build a structure both inspired by and integrated with nature. Taking its cues from Japanese architecture, a waterfall on the site, and the surrounding Pennsylvania forest, Fallingwater is considered a consummate success in creating harmony between man and nature.Can you guess what natural feature this house mimics? Undulating walls ensure that the cross-section of this remarkable residence resembles a fluffy, floating cloud. Built as an addition to an Edwardian-era home in Australia, the "cloud" is not visible from the street, keeping this little bit of tranquility a well-guarded secret.Wrapped around a redwood tree in New Zealand, this cocoon of sustainably harvested pine and poplar slats—a treehouse restaurant, in fact—plays host to what must be a most ethereal dining experience. The open-slat design allows light to filter in by day; at night, light emanates from inside, visually setting the cocoon and walkway ablaze.Inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí and Frank Lloyd Wright, the Nautilus House in Mexico City was designed by Javier Senosiain of Arquitectura Orgánica to resemble a seashell. The smooth walls and spiral interior create a transporting experience that suggests what it must be like to walk in a cephalopod's shoes—well, shell.This mushroom-shaped New York abode was actually inspired by Queen Anne’s lace. The five interconnected pods define distinct private and common areas. Texturized walls create a cavelike effect indoors, while a bevy of large windows provides a visual gateway to the woods beyond.In designing a family’s floating house in Oregon, architect Robert Harvey Oshatz looked to the river that would buoy the structure. The roofline comprises two ‘waves’ on the verge of breaking. Solid walls on either side provide privacy from neighbors moored nearby, and a glass wall that is open to the river offers a view that could easily inspire an cannonball dive on a hot summer day.The reinforced concrete exterior of this home, designed by Tokyo firm ARTechnic, mimics the organic curves of a shell. The soft arcs of the façade are echoed indoors. Though inspired by a shell, the rounded walls of the interior and exterior evince a futuristic twist that goes beyond nature.When this flowery dwelling is completed, a wind turbine, ground-source heat pump, and array of solar panels will help it achieve a zero-carbon footprint. The living area of each "petal" will converge underground to create a four-bedroom home. Skylights and expansive windows at entry points will fill the subterranean house with light.This Brazilian home employs an open floor plan to create a strong cross-breeze—important in such a balmy climate. The leaf-shaped roof traps the cool air inside and protects the house from the hot sun. If the distinctive botanical form doesn’t leave you feeling at one with nature, the swimming pool that stretches from the backyard to the indoors might do the trick.Just as leaves provide cover in nature, the copper "leaves" of the roof on this Australian home give shelter to its occupants. Shaped to resemble a cascading pile of fallen foliage, the roof is supported by walls of glass that allow those inside to feel as if they're living within the landscape.Two freestanding circular structures bookend this Australian home, providing much-desired shade and visually announcing the design as distinct from its suburban surroundings. Even as they shield and unify the living spaces, below, these "lilypads" allow a nearby park to seem almost integrated with the property, establishing a connection between outside and in.Well-known treehouse builder Takashi Kobayashi constructed this human-sized bird’s nest for the set of a Nescafé commercial in Japan. Due to the structure’s growing fragility, visitors are no longer permitted, but the treehouse's unique appearance still draws attention in the nearby town and has surely inspired a backyard fort or two.If you are interested in more about architecture, consider:11 Tiny Houses We Love12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Moving Underground Bob Vila's Guide to Historic House Styles Thinking about giving your dated kitchen a new appearance? Fortunately, there is a cost-effective alternative to repl... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:27:43 -0400 /blogs/kitchen-cabinet-refacing/ /blogs/kitchen-cabinet-refacing/ Blog Post kitchen, cabinets, finishes Steve Bernstein [caption id="attachment_27012" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: excelconstructiontx.com"][/caption] Thinking about giving your dated kitchen a new appearance? Fortunately, there is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your cabinets completely—you can reface them. Refacing is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to achieve a refreshed aesthetic with minimal disruption to your kitchen and daily life. Cabinet Boxes and Trim As part of a refacing project, the cabinet boxes and frames are usually kept, while the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are replaced. (The size and layout of your cabinets remains unchanged.) Assuming your cabinet boxes are are in good condition, the next step is to decide on the look you wish them to have. Painting the boxes is one option. If, however, you desire traditional stained wood or a smooth, glossy, and modern finish, a veneer layer will need to be added. Veneers are available factory-finished or unfinished, the latter of which may be stained. Note: Applying the veneer requires care and precision. Prefinished veneers are difficult to touch up, even if you make a minor mistake during installation. Unfinished veneers are very thin but can be touched up more easily. Doors and Drawer Fronts Standard cabinet door styles and sizes will be appropriate for most cabinet openings, and the same is true of cabinet drawer fronts. To reface older or custom cabinets whose dimensions are not standard, you can always opt to have specially sized doors or drawer fronts manufactured, but doing so can significantly cut into any savings you gain by choosing to reface. Like veneer, cabinets doors and drawer fronts are available unfinished (which you can paint or stain) or prefinished. Given the wide selection available, it should be easy to find a standard factory finish to your liking. [caption id="attachment_27025" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: buzzle.com"][/caption] Measuring When shopping for new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, accurate measurements are of the utmost importance, particularly when purchasing online. To minimize error, provide your cabinetmaker with an old door and drawer front in each size that you will need. Hardware New hardware is an important part of refacing. If possible, coordinate your choice of knobs or pulls with the hinges of your cabinet doors. Remember that, because re-hanging cabinet doors can be tricky, the smart move is to use adjustable hinges, which allow for adjustments and fine-tuning to be done with a screwdriver. A Final Thought Refacing cabinets with new doors and drawer fronts is a straightforward project for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. But even if you decide to hire a contractor, the cost remains significantly less than a complete kitchen cabinet replacement. Most impressive of all is the fact that you can have a new kitchen within the space of only one or two weekends! For more on kitchen cabinets, consider: Kitchen Cabinets 101 How To: Refinish Kitchen Cabinets 5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry Tile roofs come in many styles, and each has its own preferred applications and intrinsic beauty. An exotic sense of ... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:09:59 -0400 /blogs/tile-roofs/ /blogs/tile-roofs/ Blog Post roofing, materials Joe Provey [caption id="attachment_25679" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Reclaimed Clay Tile Roofing. Photo: performanceroofingcompany.com"][/caption] Tile roofs come in many styles, and each has its own preferred applications and intrinsic beauty. An exotic sense of romance is associated in particular with clay roof tiles, which commonly appear on Southwest-style and Mediterranean-inspired homes. In addition to their beauty, tile roofs are extremely durable, lasting for centuries in some cases. Whether made of fired clay or concrete, individual tiles are often molded in a barrel shape, and reinforcing their strength is tile roofing's interlocking mode of installation. Related: Debunking 5 Metal Roof Myths Although most tile roofs are found in warm climates, they can be used in cold regions, too. When installing a clay or concrete tile roof in a cold climate, however, ask for products designed to handle freeze-thaw cycles. Be sure also to ask a structural engineer if your roof framing will support the weight of a tile roof. While a typical asphalt installation weighs about 230 pounds per square (a 10' x 10' area), a tile roof can range anywhere from 580 to nearly 1,100 pounds per square. [caption id="attachment_25681" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Spanish "S" Clay Roof Tiles. Photo: dighomedesign.com"][/caption] Clay vs. Concrete Compared to concrete, clay tiles are more colorfast. They are also more durable. An installation of clay roof tiles can be expected to last 100 years. (The average lifespan of concrete roof tiles is about 50 years.) Because they wear so well over time, clay roof tiles add significantly to a home's resale value. At $700 to $1,000 per square, clay costs twice as much as concrete. While both score top fire and impact ratings, they are more difficult to install and repair than more common roofing products like asphalt shingles (which usually run $150 to $300 per square). [caption id="attachment_25687" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="MonierLifetile from Boral Roofing. Photo: Remodeling Magazine"][/caption] De-polluting roof tiles Boral, a clay and concrete roof tile maker, offers a smog-eating tile coating that neutralizes harmful nitrogen oxide, converting it to calcium nitrate, which washes off in the rain. The manufacturer claims that in one year, the average roof can remove a quantity of nitrogen oxide equivalent to that produced by driving a car 10,800 miles! For more on roofing materials, consider: Asphalt Shingles 101 Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof? The Basics: Wood Shingles and Shakes It takes about nine square feet of floor space to swing open a typical 3-foot-wide door. That’s a big chunk of real e... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:00:35 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-pocket-doors/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-pocket-doors/ Blog Post doors, design, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry It takes about nine square feet of floor space to swing open a typical 3-foot-wide door. That’s a big chunk of real estate, particularly in a small space like a powder room. For tight quarters, consider the space-saving pocket door, which slides efficiently into a wall. A bonus: its easy operation makes a pocket door ideal for universal design applications. [caption id="attachment_26731" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/"][/caption] Pocket Doors Listen to BOB VILA ON POCKET DOORS or read the text below: First evaluate your space. If the wall you’d like to slide your door into is a load-bearing wall, or if it’s got a mess of pipes or wires, a pocket door probably isn’t going to work. But if you’re doing new construction, or if your wall can accommodate a retrofitted door, you’re in business. You can purchase a pocket door hardware kit at your local home improvement store. A kit usually includes a track, door hangers, floor brackets, and rollers. Pocket doors themselves are available in many different styles, including paneled, divided lite, and french, and can be installed singly or in pairs. A standard kit will accommodate a door that’s about 125 to 150 pounds; specialty kits can carry heavier doors. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on doors and windows, consider: Know Your Door Styles: 10 Popular Designs How to Replace a Window Screen Bob Vila Radio: Interior Lockset Put some imagination—and recycled products—to good use in your landscape with inventive DIY garden edging. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:52:10 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44302-on-the-edge-11-garden-borders-you-can-make http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44302-on-the-edge-11-garden-borders-you-can-make Slideshow landscaping Edging formed with upside-down wine bottles is a refreshing change. Cleverly and artistically involving recycled materials, this border would look great with bottles of any color!A truly organic approach is to line your landscaping beds with fallen tree branches. Regular maintenance may be needed to keep things tidy, but the beautiful result is both earth- and wallet-friendly.This gracious polished stone mosaic creates a sleek transition from walkway to grass. While it’s a custom treatment with a custom look, it’s one that any industrious DIYer could accomplish as well.Large, whole clam shells make a unique edge between grass and flower beds. Sun-bleached and natural, this beachy border almost conjures up the ocean wind.Repurposed steel pipes form an industrially inspired border of narrow, cylindrical planters that show off succulents in style. No need to worry about the age of your pipes: A rusted patina has earthy appeal and evokes a sense of history.An eclectic collection of dinner plates makes a whimsical and unexpected border for this mature garden bed. Anyone up for a picnic?Turn your unused flower pots upside down for a bright, no-frills terra cotta border. Later in the season, when it's time to repot, the planters can be returned to service. Cinder blocks define a simple, geometric edge between driveway and plantings. For good drainage, keep the holes facing out, or you can turn them up to make a series of mini planters.Staggered-height bamboo lends a Zen-like effect, plus the plant's fast rate of growth makes it a sustainable resource, not to mention an economical one. Oh, and it looks great, too!Bricks aren't just for walkways and patios. Here, red clay bricks are set side by side on an angle to create a beautiful garden bed border. Buy new bricks—or pick up salvaged ones for added character!Now that winter has passed, try turning your leftover wood logs into a dramatic raised border. Birch logs, shown here, offer a stunning contrast to surrounding greenery.If you are interested in more on landscaping, consider:How To: Install Landscape EdgingOutdoor Lighting: 12 Products to Light Your WaysLandscape Edging: 10 Easy Ways to Set Your Garden Beds Apart Polyethylene cross-linked tubing, better known as PEX, is a fine addition to the industrious do-it-yourself plumber's... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:02:31 -0400 /blogs/using-pex-tubing/ /blogs/using-pex-tubing/ Blog Post plumbing Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_26923" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="ViegaPEX Press Starter Kit from PexSupply.com"][/caption] Polyethylene cross-linked tubing, better known as PEX, is a fine addition to the industrious do-it-yourself plumber's arsenal. Inexpensive to buy and surprisingly versatile, PEX is also relatively easy to install. No complex soldering or messy gluing is required, and the tubing can be easily "fished" through walls and around corners—try that with copper or PVC pipe! More than 20 different types of PEX are on the market, each suited to a specific plumbing or heating job, so knowing which PEX product to pick for your project is important. Non-Oxygen Barrier PEX Most plumbing applications, especially those involving potable water, call for the use of non-oxygen barrier PEX, offered in several grades. PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant. Both types of tubing come in three colors—red, white, and blue—in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. While the tubing is the same regardless of color, it does make it easier to differentiate between hot and cold water lines by choosing red or blue tubing.  For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size. For outdoor applications, "sleeved" versions of non-oxygen barrier PEX are readily available. Oxygen Barrier PEX Since oxygen can cause many heating system components to rust and corrode, baseboard or radiant heating applications require the use of oxygen barrier PEX, offered in grades of PEX-A and PEX-B. The 1/2-inch size is most commonly used; 3/8-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch sizes are also available. Aluminum Barrier PEX Also known as PEX-AL-PEX, aluminum barrier PEX is three-layer tubing that consists of a layer of PEX, a layer of aluminum, and another layer of PEX. Its primary benefit is that once bent, PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape and doesn't need to be tied down every few feet. The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems. Fittings and More Once you've determined which type of PEX tubing you need, you will need to choose the fittings. The easiest to use are brass push-fit fittings, which simply “bite” into the tubing. Though they are more expensive, SharkBite fittings require no special tools, making them ideal for smaller jobs and repair projects. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press and compression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools. Online retailer PexSupply.com sells a wide variety of PEX Tubing, fittings, and tools. The company has produced a helpful video that provides more information about choosing and using PEX tubing for your next project: This post has been brought to you by PexSupply.com.  Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. There are 10 billion electrical outlets in North America, and over the last few years, inventors have been hard at wo... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:57:52 -0400 /blogs/smart-outlets/ /blogs/smart-outlets/ Blog Post electrical Michael Franco There are 10 billion electrical outlets in North America, and over the last few years, inventors have been hard at work making them easier, safer, and more energy efficient than ever before. Here are our five favorite innovative “smart” outlets:   [caption id="attachment_26795" align="alignright" width="219" caption="Belkin Conserve Socket"][/caption] 1. Conserve. According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, vampire power accounts for more than $10 billion per year in energy costs. While "vampire power" might sound like the latest anemic thriller from Hollywood, the term actually refers to the energy some devices use, when they are switched off but still plugged in. Belkin's Conserve Socket helps battle the electricity-suckers in a simple and easy-to-use way (that doesn’t involve garlic). Simply plug one of these $10 devices into the wall, set the switch to one-half, three, or six hours, and press the start button. The socket shuts off all power after the programmed time. In addition to vanquishing vampire power drain, Conserve works great for an air conditioner or fan you don’t need to run all night, or for a curling iron or coffeemaker you’re afraid you might forget to turn off in the morning. In other words, both energy and stress are saved.   [caption id="attachment_26797" align="alignleft" width="216" caption="SafePlug"][/caption] 2. SafePlug. Though it's a more costly and labor-intensive option, SafePlug has additional features that make it worth a look. Initially, the product developers were driven to create a power outlet that would stop fires caused by appliances and other electrical devices. Their research showed that the circuit-breaker systems in most homes do little to prevent fires triggered by overloaded outlets. Thus, the SafePlug system moves the protection of a breaker directly to the wall. Most home DIYers can probably handle its installation. Setup involves replacing the wall outlet, plus installing a small "tag" in the plug of any device plugged into that outlet. SafePlug instantly cuts power if something goes wrong, and it also prevents kids from getting shocks and burns if they insert something like a paper clip or metal toy.   [caption id="attachment_26793" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Smart Strip 7-Outlet Energy-Saving Surge Protector"][/caption] 3. Smart Strip. This well-named power strip delivers a unique approach to saving energy. Plug a main device, such as a TV or computer, into the blue outlet on the strip, then plug peripheral devices like printers, speakers, and receivers into the strip’s "switched outlets." When you turn off the main device, the strip automatically cuts power to the peripherals. The Smart Strip includes three "hot" outlets for plugging in devices you want continuously powered. In addition, a substantial 2,225 joules of surge protection are provided.   [caption id="attachment_26791" align="alignleft" width="231" caption="360 Electrical 4-Outlet Rotating Surge Protector"][/caption] 4. 360 Electrical Rotating Surge Protector. If you’ve ever faced the frustration of not being able to fit two bulky plugs into a standard outlet at once, this is the device for you. Simply plug it into any wall outlet and it provides four grounded (three-prong) outlets that swivel a full 360 degrees. That means you can rotate a plug until it plays nicely with the other plugs around it. The outlet also acts as a surge protector. Do you travel a lot? Be sure to check out the company’s Mobile Surge Protector, which turns typical hotel-room outlets into "revolutionary" wonders with two sockets and two USB-charging slots.   [caption id="attachment_26789" align="alignright" width="275" caption="SwitchLinc Remote Control Dimmer from Insteon"][/caption] 5. Insteon Remote Control Dimmer. Insteon manufactures two outlets that create instant mood lighting. One is a plug-in module, and the other is a replacement outlet you wire directly into the wall. Both let you plug in any lamp with a load up to 300 watts, which you can then dim to 32 different brightness levels using any Insteon remote control. It’ll let you see your surroundings in a whole new light!   For more on electrical, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Extra Outlets 12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet—TODAY! Bob Vila Radio: Electrical Outlet Inspection Bamboo flooring has won fans both for its look and performance, not to mention its environmental sustainability. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:40:23 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44311-10-reasons-to-love-bamboo-floors http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44311-10-reasons-to-love-bamboo-floors Slideshow materials, flooring While bamboo boasts an appearance similar to that of hardwood, it's considerably denser than many wood species frequently used in flooring. These caramel-color planks from Mohawk mimic maple but provide greater durability.Edge-grain planks are formed by bamboo strips turned on their sides and stacked together. The effect brings a stunning amount of detail to everything from floors to cutting boards, and to nearly every surface in this kitchen!Strand bamboo floors are made by compressing shredded bamboo fibers under high heat. Some manufacturers even use old-growth reeds to achieve greater density and hardness without compromising anything in the looks department!Bamboo flooring can be stained virtually any color to complement your interior. This Roasted Espresso finish from Excalibur Flooring carries a dark sophistication, even as it protects against everyday wear and tear.The light almond color of natural bamboo does not necessarily need to be stained. Teragren’s flat-grain planks (part of the Signature Naturals line) celebrate the material's inner beauty, making it clear why bamboo flooring is on the rise.Bamboo can be darkened by a process called carbonizing, in which carbon is added during pressure-steaming to imbue the flooring with a beautiful toasted honey color (though durability somewhat suffers as a result).Not all bamboo floors are monochromatic. Elaborate patterns are formed when small rectangles of edge-grain bamboo are bonded together. This style highlights the natural variations in bamboo while transforming your floor into a distinctive statement piece.These strand-woven planks combine strips of both natural and carbonized bamboo to create a unique tiger-stripe effect. As a safeguard against pests, the bamboo has been boiled in a boric acid solution to eliminate the sugar that attracts termites.While bamboo stalks usually only grow up to a few inches in diameter, bamboo flooring planks come in a variety of sizes to fit virtually any room aesthetic. Case in point: These planks from Duro-Design exceed seven inches in width.This strand bamboo flooring from Teragren features a fold-down locking system that enables planks to be installed with neither nails nor glue, but rather as a floating floor. Anyone in the mood for an easy DIY project?If you are interested in more about flooring, considerEco-Friendly Flooring: 5 Ways to Go Green from the Bottom UpTrending Now: Cork FloorsWood Flooring 101 Exotic in look yet inexpensive to buy, sustainably harvested bamboo flooring continues to grow in popularity as an alternative to hardwoods. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:34:40 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44307-bamboo-flooring-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44307-bamboo-flooring-101/pages/1 Article materials, flooring If you’re looking to install new hardwood floors, why not consider today’s eco-friendly alternative, bamboo? Considered a renewable resource because it grows so quickly, a freshly harvested bamboo plant only takes about seven years to reach maturity again. Of course, hardwood trees like oak, ash, and maple regenerate also, but it takes them considerably longer, at least 40 or 50 years.  Related: Eco-Friendly Flooring: 5 Ways to Go Green from the Bottom Up There’s no denying that bamboo flooring can look as beautiful as hardwood. It can even offer a comparable level of durability. But its looks and longevity depend on the variety chosen. On the one hand, there's natural bamboo, light in color (almost blonde), which boasts twice the stability of red oak (America's most popular flooring). On the other hand, there's carbonized bamboo, a darker and softer, less resilient material.  Though comparatively few color variations are to be found in bamboo, a range of design options are available, from edge-grain planks to exotic, striped "tiger" designs. Note that solid bamboo is stronger than engineered, which consists of multiple layers. If intent on the latter, choose a product featuring a 1/4-inch-thick top layer for best results.  Coming in between $5 and $8 per square foot (before installation), bamboo flooring is on par with, or less costly, than traditional hardwoods. If you’re handy, you can install bamboo flooring by nailing or gluing it directly onto the subfloor. If you opt to have a professional install the floor, expect to pay between $3 and $5.50 per square foot.  Bamboo Flooring Pros: • High-quality bamboo wears as well and lasts as long as traditional hardwood.• Bamboo flooring lends a clean, modern appearance to any room.• Bamboo is more sustainable than traditional hardwoods.• You can easily clean bamboo flooring with a mop and mild soap; no special treatments are required. Bamboo Flooring Cons: • Inexpensive bamboo may be prone to dents and scratches.• Bamboo flooring from China may contain high levels of urea formaldehyde, a toxic chemical; make sure the flooring you buy is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). • The contemporary look of bamboo may not fit in with a vintage- or antique-inspired home decor scheme. It should be easy, right? Just measure the boards, cut the miters, and nail the trim in place. Well, not exactly. If ... Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:40:50 -0400 /blogs/how-to-install-baseboard/ /blogs/how-to-install-baseboard/ Blog Post installation, how to, trim & molding Joe Provey [caption id="attachment_26944" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] It should be easy, right? Just measure the boards, cut the miters, and nail the trim in place. Well, not exactly. If you've ever tried to install baseboard on your own, then you would probably agree that looks can be deceiving. All too often a DIY baseboard installation is compromised by gaps or ill-fitting joints, resulting from walls that aren't flat, floors that aren't level, or corners that aren't square. Inside corners can be especially tricky to pull off. For a tight fit, use a coped joint. A mitered corner might be ideal for an outside corner, but an inside corner joint will be better formed if you cope the profile of one baseboard to fit snugly against the contours of its mate.   COPING A CORNER JOINT [caption id="attachment_26815" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="A coping saw is used to cut baseboard for a corner. Photo: diynetwork.com"][/caption] 1. Make a miter cut on one board, then clamp the piece to a worktable. 2. Using a utility knife, file, or sander, trim the pointed edges left by the miter cut to help prevent slips. 3. Turn the blade of your coping saw 90 degrees to the frame of the saw and back-cut along the lead edge of the miter cut. 4. Finish shaping contoured portions of the cut with a half-round rasp. (Use a flat rasp or file for square edges.) 5. Test the fit by butting a square-cut piece of molding against the coped edge of your baseboard, making any necessary adjustments with your saw or file.   FITTING AN OUTSIDE CORNER [caption id="attachment_26816" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Illustration: oldhouseweb.com"][/caption] Whereas a coped joint is recommended for inside corners, a mitered joint is appropriate for outside corners. For a clean mitered corner, it’s a good idea to cut your baseboard about 1/16-inch longer than necessary. Doing so ensures a tight fit by enabling you to "spring" the next board into position. As you install baseboard, or any trim for that matter, expect to do some re-cutting. It’s all part of the game. Be careful to not leave yourself too short, though.   MORE TIPS AND TRICKS • Prior to installation, use a putty knife or paint scraper to clean excess material from the wall and floor. • If you are working in a room that will have carpeting, make sure to install baseboard at least 1/2-inch off the floor. That way, the carpet installer will be able to tuck the carpet edges beneath your trim. • To speed the work (and avoid unsightly hammer marks), buy or rent a finish nail gun in combination with a compressor, or use a cordless finish nailer. • Standard 3/8-inch baseboard is a lot more flexible than 3/4 or 5/8. Greater flexibility means greater success when trying to fit baseboard snugly against an uneven wall. Construction adhesive helps, too. • Do everything you can to make the trim fit tightly, but when you can’t, it’s okay to fill small gaps with caulk prior to priming and paint.   For more on trim and molding, consider: Bob Vila Radio: Ceiling Medallions Quick Tip: Installing Crown Molding Hang Time: Making a Case for Picture Rails Does shopping for a bathroom faucet make you feel like a fish out of water? Expert tips simplify the selection process. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:32:23 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44282-10-tips-for-finding-the-perfect-faucet http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44282-10-tips-for-finding-the-perfect-faucet Slideshow bathroom, faucets, design "Changing a faucet can give a whole bathroom a new look," says Delta Faucet product manager Allison McKinney. Though seemingly innumerable options exist on the market today, you can find the perfect design by focusing your search on three criteria—style, function, and fit.When choosing a faucet style, shape is usually the first consideration. Whether curvy and traditional or angular and modern, designs can be found to suit every taste. Here, Kohler's Revival collection boasts scroll lever handles and a silhouette of smoothly rounded details.Having settled on a shape for the faucet, you must next decide on a finish. While polished chrome and brass are perennial favorites, the old standbys are now sold alongside luxury finishes, such as brushed nickel and champagne bronze, shown here.Among the innovations in faucets today is touch technology, which uses motion sensing to automatically turn water on and off—a plus for families with young children who tend to leave the faucet running!If you fall in love with a particular sink faucet that showcases an eye-catching shape or an unexpected finish (like these wrought iron designs from Moen), check to see whether matching accessories are available before making a purchase.Select a style based on the amount of traffic the bathroom is likely to see. Chic silhouettes and fanciful finishes are well-suited to powder rooms or master baths, while high-traffic kids baths warrant something sturdier.Porcelain handles, a high-rise spout, and a beautiful satin nickel finish give Victorian flair to this design from Kingston Brass. If you are creating a period bath, there's no shortage of historically influenced fixtures available to complement your vision. Eco-conscious homeowners may seek out a specialized low-flow bathroom faucet, some of which feature a luxurious "waterfall" effect, like this one by Sumerain. Saving the environment never looked so good!A tall, single-handled faucet is the prefect accompaniment to a vessel sink. Shown in English Bronze, this graceful faucet design from Newport Brass is available in 26 additional finishes.Faucet models with lifetime warranties may cost more, but considering that your faucet will be exposed to water and wear on a daily basis, insurance might be a worthwhile expense. If you're interested in more on bathroom design, consider:Free-Standing Tubs: Soaking Up the Luxury12 "Decorator Worthy" Bathroom Vanities15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big The sleek look of stainless steel lends sophistication to any kitchen. But keeping those surfaces gleaming takes care... Tue, 16 Apr 2013 01:00:05 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-stainless-steel/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-stainless-steel/ Blog Post cleaning, kitchen, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry The sleek look of stainless steel lends sophistication to any kitchen. But keeping those surfaces gleaming takes care and some old-fashioned elbow grease. [caption id="attachment_26725" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: ceholt.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL or read the text below: For daily cleaning, wipe with a damp sponge and a little liquid dishwashing soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately, rubbing in the direction of the stainless’s grain. To take care of fingerprints, wipe with a little undiluted vinegar, then rinse and dry. For baked-on foods, use a nylon scrubbie, or rub in a paste of baking soda and liquid dish soap. Always remember to rinse and dry thoroughly afterward. Remember: many cleaning products can scratch or damage stainless finishes. Avoid steel wool and abrasive cleansers and pads. Never use bleach. Even water can leave deposits that spot and stain, so always dry the surface immediately. And don’t use excessively hard water. There are plenty of stainless cleaners and polishes on the market. But before using any cleanser, check your owner’s manual. Even if the manual says a product is okay to use, first test it on an inconspicuous place. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on cleaning, consider: Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines Top Tips for Keeping Countertops Like New  7 Surprising Pantry Items Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home In the overall scheme of a bathroom, the sink faucet might seem like an incidental detail, but its design can set the... Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:53:12 -0400 /blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/ /blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/ Blog Post bathroom, faucets, choose, how to Marie Proeller Hueston [caption id="attachment_26523" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Delta's Cassidy Faucet"][/caption] In the overall scheme of a bathroom, the sink faucet might seem like an incidental detail, but its design can set the tone for the whole space. If it's been a while since you last shopped for a faucet, you'll be amazed by the broad range of styles, finishes, and state-of-the-art functions available today. Related: Bob Vila's "April Showers" Give-Away Buying only one from a field of so many options may seem daunting. Allison McKinney, a product manager at Delta Faucets, says that "the three main considerations when choosing a new faucet are style, function, and fit." Indeed, zeroing in on these criteria helps simplify the selection process. STYLE Are you updating an old sink or planning a complete bathroom remodel? If you're focusing on the sink, your choices will be somewhat limited, since the faucet will need to fit into the existing setup (ideally, it will coordinate with other fixtures in the room). If you are redoing the entire room, all avenues are open. Curvy or sleek, one handle or two, there are truly styles to fit any taste. Once you've honed in on a silhouette you like, next you will need to decide on a finish. Do you prefer traditional chrome or something a little unexpected, such as old-rubbed bronze? McKinney reminds renovators: No matter what shape and finish you love, be sure the faucet has matching tub and shower fixtures so that you can complete the whole room.   FUNCTION If you want a faucet with no bells and whistles, take your pick—there's no shortage on the market. But a lot has changed in faucet technology over the past decade, so you may find it worthwhile, not to mention fun, to see what's out there. Popular now are hands-free designs that use motion sensors to turn on and off automatically. (These are a great option for households with young children who tend to leave the water running.) Or maybe a luxurious waterfall flow is just what you've dreamed about for your new master bath. Before visiting a showroom, consider your lifestyle and the amount of use the new faucet is likely to receive. A more decorative style better suits a powder room used mainly by guests, while your high-traffic kids bath may warrant a sturdier choice. FIT Whereas style and function are often a matter of personal taste, "fit" is the technical part of the equation that will be of particular importance if you are replacing the faucet on an existing sink. The basic sink configurations and their associated faucet types are: Single-hole sinks fit either single-handled or smaller two-handled faucets. Centerset (also called mini-widespread) sinks feature three holes drilled within four inches and accommodate single-handled desins or two-handled faucets mounted on a plate or escutcheon. Widespread sinks, which have three separate holes at least eight inches apart, accept larger two-handled designs. Wall-mounted designs are also available. If replacing an old faucet, be sure to bring a picture and dimensions of your sink to a showroom. [caption id="attachment_26524" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Delta's Victorian Faucet"][/caption] BUDGET Prices vary from about $50 to more than $500, depending on style, finish, and technology. Have a budget in mind before you begin your search and realize that to get the look you want, it may be necessary to compromise. Affording a hands-free design, for instance, may mean opting for a less expensive finish. Related: 12 "Decorator Worthy" Bathroom Vanities Inquire how the finish on a faucet was applied, as this usually affects price. So-called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating is extremely durable but costs more. Also, note that warranties on faucets (for both finishes and inner valve construction) are usually worthwhile. BEFORE YOU SHOP Before you begin your search, take a picture of the sink you plan to update, jotting down its dimensions and hole configurations. Or if you're renovating the space in its entirety, collect pictures of dream bathrooms and fixtures to develop a sense of what you like. Installing the faucet yourself? Ask which models have the greatest ease of installation. "Bring all the information you can with you to the showroom, so there are no surprises when you get there," McKinney concludes. For more on bathrooms, consider: Delta Innovation: Then and Now 5 Simple Ways to Modernize Your Bath Bathroom Sinks That Rise Above the Rest Will your project pay off? For a trustworthy estimate, consult Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report to ... Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:07:02 -0400 /blogs/add-home-value/ /blogs/add-home-value/ Blog Post real estate, roi Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_26844" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: homeremodelingportland.org"][/caption] Will your project pay off? For a trustworthy estimate, consult Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report to find comprehensive data you can use to gauge whether a given upgrade is likely to add home value. The methodology of the report evolves every year. Currently, three streams of information are taken into account: typical project costs, home sale prices, and survey data from the National Association of Realtors. Slideshow: 7 Renovation Tips to Boost Resale Value You can't know the exact dollar amount to be returned by a renovation you're considering, but the report may help you locate the sweet spot between adding home value and going overboard—spending more than you're likely to recoup upon resale. Most useful are the regional estimates indicating the likely return for upgrades, whether routine or extravagant. Nationally, the top five high-value projects are: Replacing an entry door Replacing siding Replacing a deck Replacing a garage door Completing a minor kitchen remodel This hit parade underscores the overriding caution that pervades most home improvement projects. While replacement projects return a national average of 67.6%, remodeling projects that incorporate upgrades, on average, return 59.7% of the initial investment. For more on return on investment, consider: Biggest Bang for Your Buck? The Bath Bob Vila Radio: Return on Investment 5 Smart Home Improvements? Think Again! If you’re starting a paint project and worry about protecting your floors, don’t just throw down a drop cloth. Consid... Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:00:52 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-kraft-paper/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-kraft-paper/ Blog Post bob vila radio, painting tools, paint Roseann Foley Henry If you’re starting a paint project and worry about protecting your floors, don’t just throw down a drop cloth. Consider kraft paper instead. [caption id="attachment_26676" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: amazon.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON KRAFT PAPER or read the text below: Rolls of kraft paper, sometimes referred to as builder’s paper, are available at paint stores and home centers. The paper can be unrolled across a floor from edge to edge for perfect coverage. Unlike a drop cloth, it lays perfectly flat on the floor and can be left in place for days or even weeks. Overlap the paper by an inch or so as you lay it out, and use low-tack painter’s tape to hold it in place along the seams. Kraft paper rolls are usually two to three feet wide, so for most rooms it only takes a few passes to cover the floor from wall to wall. You’ll have to do some custom cuts in irregular-shaped corners. One of the best places to use kraft paper is on staircases, where a loose drop cloth can be a dangerous trip hazard. Take your time and tape down the edges and seams carefully along treads and risers. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on paint projects, consider: Bob Vila's 12 DIY Painting Tips How To: Paint a Room How To: Clean a Paintbrush For a home office, you don't always need extra square footage, only creative thinking and a little ingenuity! Fri, 12 Apr 2013 21:21:16 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/43096-10-ingenious-alternatives-to-a-traditional-home-office http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/43096-10-ingenious-alternatives-to-a-traditional-home-office Slideshow home office, design By adding shelves and closed storage to a little-used closet, you can create a functional home office in which everything is close at hand when you need it, then tucked away out of sight once you're done for the day.The underused space beneath stairs is the perfect place to host a home office nook. Open treads, along with a painted white desk, keep this one feeling light and airy.If you have no room on your main floors, it's possible to carve out a peaceful home office in the attic. Here, large windows invite in natural light to offset the lower, slanted ceiling.Only a step from the house but seemingly miles from distraction, a single garage bay has just the right dimensions for a no-frills home office.Who knew that you can sneak a home office into a dormer window? This cozy, quiet space feels tucked into the trees just outside the window seat.This sleek, secretary trunk-styled office fits into a polished aluminum case that, once packed, can be neatly rolled elsewhere.This loft office is removed from the main living area but looks out over the space below, giving the office occupant the best of both worlds. Converting storage sheds into offices is a huge trend in the U.K. An office snugged into the backyard is separated from the distractions of home, though it's not so far away from the coffee maker in the kitchen.Landscape architect Andreas Stavropoulos takes his office wherever he goes. Retrofitted into a six-by-ten-foot cargo trailer, the workspace is equipped with solar power, and it even has wifi!This is not your father's office cube. It’s an office, sleeping nook, and meditation loft in one. Designed and built by Spaceflavor Architecture for Feng Shui expert Liu Ming, the CUBE suggests the ultimate in work-life balance.If you're interested in more on home offices, consider: Planning Guide: Home OfficeCreate a Home Office that Works for You: 10 Expert TipsCreating Your Home Office Plan For an increasing number of us, a functional and comfortable home office design is not a luxury, but a necessity. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:14:03 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/41582-planning-guide-home-office/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/41582-planning-guide-home-office/pages/1 Article home office, design With more and more people telecommuting to work each day, the home office is no longer a luxury—for many, a productive and comfortable work space at home is now a necessity. Numerous factors must be considered as part of an effective home office design; before setting up phone and fax lines, invest time in developing a plan. Identify Your Needs Figure out what kind of home office space you require. Do you work from home every day or only on occasion? Will the space be shared with family members? To perform your job successfully, what equipment must the office contain? Will you be video-conferencing or meeting clients in person? The answers to all of these questions may influence your home office design plan. Pick Your Space If you regularly work from home, having a dedicated office space may help you foster improved at-home work habits (and if you meet the IRS requirements, the room can be a write-off on your income taxes). Choose a space—a room with a door, ideally—removed from the distractions of your home's main living areas. Don't have such a space? There's always the possibility of converting a prefab shed into a backyard studio. If your home office will be used by different members of the family for different purposes, then be sure it's large enough for more than one person but also private enough to facilitate work getting done. Related: Create a Home Office That Works for You: 10 Expert Tips Putting It Together Once you’ve determined the "what" and "where" of your home office design, several key components must be added for the space to perform its role satisfactorily. Desk Choosing the right desk depends on two things: the type of work you do and the amount of space you have. If your responsibilities are mainly confined to the digital realm, you may not need a lot of physical real estate. But those who regularly work with print-outs and reference books may require a large desk top, perhaps even multiple work surfaces. Before committing to buy, sit down at the desk and test the feel. Is the desk a good working height for you? Will it accommodate all of the equipment you require?  If you access files frequently, a desk with built-in storage may be your best bet. Streamlined, modern table styles are fine to use in office settings but necessitate a separate file storage solution. You ought to have no trouble finding a desk to suit your style and budget, but remember, there are DIY options, too.   Chair The most important piece of furniture in your home office design is the chair. There are many styles from which to choose, but resist the temptation to make your selection on the basis of aesthetics alone. Look for a chair that offers sufficient depth; the ideal seat supports your thighs without touching the back of your knees. If you are prone to lower-back pain, insist on a design that provides adequate lumbar support. And if not adjustable, be sure the chair's height is appropriate for your desk or worktable.   Plenty of excellent options exist in the $100 to $200 range. Take your time and when faced with a choice between comfort and good looks, err on the side of comfort, which is likely to enhance your level of productivity. Other Work Areas What other work areas would it be wise to add? Those who review large documents or assemble materials may appreciate the virtues of a standing desk. If you expect to host clients for face-to-face meetings, think about including a small conference table. The best home office design will respond sensitively to the realities of your day-to-day schedule. Technology and Peripherals Love it or hate it, technology is the reason so many of us are able to work from home—embrace it! If you are shopping for a new computer, fax machine, or copier, get the best your can afford. That way, you can be assured that your equipment will be compatible with the latest software and operating systems. When possible, choose hardware with wireless capability, and if you can, go paperless. Related: Update Your Home Office: 9 Inspirations Lighting Lighting plays a major role in home office design. As in other rooms, the best approach here is to layer lighting from multiple sources. Use table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to achieve diffused, ambient lighting that fills the room. While natural light is certainly a plus, direct sun may result in glare. Install window treatments so that over the course of the day, you can control the amount of daylight admitted through your windows. For task lighting, use desk lamps that not only deliver the quality and intensity of light you prefer, but also provide flexibility through design features like adjustable swing arms. Organization and Storage No matter the details of your home office design, organization is key, particularly in a shared space. Find a categorization routine that works, then stick to it. Since all those cords and cables are a distracting eyesore, look for ways to consolidate and conceal them as well. The last step in creating the perfect home office space is making it your own. Add personal touches that make you feel comfortable and that inspire creativity. Your home office can and should be a place you can grow and prosper.  Now, get to work! Homeowners have no shortage of choice in selecting doors, which range from solid, flush styles to decorative, glass-paneled designs. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:08:13 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44296-know-your-door-styles-10-popular-designs http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44296-know-your-door-styles-10-popular-designs Slideshow doors, design Widely used—and the material of choice for custom and luxury installations—wood doors may be found in designs and finishes to fit virtually any home style, including Colonial, Craftsman, and Victorian among many others.Sturdy, low-maintenance, and affordable, steel is a leading choice among exterior doors. Most feature an insulating foam core covered by a durable layer of steel, which in turn can be painted to complement any color palette.Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for installation in entryways. Energy efficient, durable, and affordable, they are available in a variety of styles and finishes, including embossed grain patterns, which emulate the appearance of wood.Solid doors with no decoration are known as having a flush style. Most commonly used as interior doors, they can be painted, stained, or even covered with wallpaper. Also called stile-and-rail doors, panel doors typically come in 4-, 6-, or 8-panel configurations. Whether used in exterior or interior applications, they feature smooth, framed sections that surround deeply embossed panels. Often, one or more panels will feature a window insert, or lite.Dutch doors are divided horizontally, so the top half can be open while the bottom half remains closed. Dating from the 17th century, this style originally was designed to admit light and air while keeping out wild animals and livestock.Highly decorative, French, or casement, doors usually come in pairs, with each door featuring a frame around one or more window panels. French doors typically are installed to introduce formal living areas or to provide access to outdoor living areas.With reclaimed wood furnishings and country decor becoming more popular, barn doors have left the farmyard and entered our homes. Genuine or reproduction, barn doors are often characterized by rough-hewn wood embellished with classic "z" or "x" designs in wrought iron.These clever space-saving interior doors are designed to disappear into the wall when closed. Ideal for areas with little room for the swing of a standard door with hinges, pocket doors travel on rollers suspended from an overhead track. Often, they have a hollow core and are constructed of lightweight materials to facilitate handling. Typically constructed of full-size glass panels, patio doors may feature a hinged or sliding construction. Designed to draw the eye, they allow for an easy, attractive transition between indoor and outdoor environments. If you're interested in more on doors, consider: How To: Select the Right Front Door10 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door6 Simple & Easy DIY Closet Door Transformations If you love to cook, then you know the value of fresh herbs. Modern transportation and preservation methods make all ... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:45:57 -0400 /blogs/herb-garden/ /blogs/herb-garden/ Blog Post gardening Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_26712" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Photo: gardenofeden.blogspot.com"][/caption] If you love to cook, then you know the value of fresh herbs. Modern transportation and preservation methods make all sorts of produce, including herbs, easily accessible from most of our groceries. But if you want them even fresher, more convenient, and cheaper, consider growing a culinary herb garden. You’ll have fresh herbs at the ready at any time of day, as well as plenty to share with neighbors and friends. Related: 9 Essential Tools for Every Gardener When planning what herbs to plant, think first about the dishes and styles of food you make. What herbs do you most often use? Oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, dill and chive are some of the most popular. If you make fresh salsa, you’ll want to grow cilantro. If you cook a lot of Asian cuisine, on the other hand, you might want to try lemongrass if you live in a warm enough climate. Herbs can even be very ornamental in a landscape, besides contributing to your dinner table: Thyme is a common addition to a garden pathway. If you’re ready to start a culinary herb garden, here are some things to keep in mind: [caption id="attachment_26713" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: herbsguide.org"][/caption] Location. Herbs do best in full sun. Give them a garden location that gets 8 hours of direct sun a day. You also want convenience, so a spot easily accessible from the kitchen is ideal. You can plant your herbs together, amongst other vegetables, or even throughout your landscape. Soil. Herbs like fertile, well-drained soil, though many will tolerate less ideal conditions. Enrich your soil with compost or other organic materials, like mulch. Most herbs thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. If you don’t know your soil’s pH, you can pick up a kit inexpensively from a home improvement or hardware store. Then you can amend it with something like lime or wood ash (for more alkalinity) or peat moss (for more acidity). [caption id="attachment_26714" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: thekingsgarden.com"][/caption] Watering. Make sure your herbs remain well watered, but not saturated-- you don't want them to drown. Some herbs like rosemary prefer drier soil, where others like mint, need more moisture. (**A note about mint** It’s very invasive, and can quickly overtake a garden, so it’s best to plant it in a container.) Consider grouping herbs together by their watering preferences to make things a bit easier. Many diseases thrive on dampness, so water herbs close to the ground to keep their leaves dry. Soaker hoses, which allow water to slowly permeate through them to the ground, are wonderful for this task. Pruning. As with other plants, pruning stimulates growth in herbs, so feel free to harvest regularly even if you don’t need it for your cooking. It will benefit your plants long-term. Herbaceous herbs, like chive, oregano and mint, will die over winter, but return the following season. You can cut them to the ground then, but feel free to harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time during the growing season. Annuals, like basil, dill and cilantro will seed themselves for the following year. Once an herb starts to flower, however, it stops sending energy to its leaves. Try to prevent flowering as best you can by pinching off buds as you see them come on. You can also plant these herbs in succession, every 4 weeks or so, to ensure a constant supply. Evergreen herbs, like rosemary, sage and thyme, will get woody as their stems mature, and will stop producing growth. Prune out the tall, woody branches to let light and air get in to the more tender shoots. When you cut any branch or stem, prune back to an area that is showing new growth. [caption id="attachment_26715" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: thekingsgarden.com"][/caption] Growing herbs is practically a piece of cake; it’s a wonderful way for inexperienced gardeners to begin. Most herb starters are relatively inexpensive, so planting as an experiment is low-risk and tons of fun. And best of all, herbs grow incredibly fast! Before you know it, you’ll have a bounty that’s the envy of all the cooks in the neighborhood. For more on gardening, consider: How To: Plant a Vegetable Garden Growing Leafy Greens in Container Gardens Top Tips: Growing Tomatoes If you get a thrill out of watching your garden grow, you might want to get a jump on the season by starting from see... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:00:53 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-starting-seeds/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-starting-seeds/ Blog Post bob vila radio, gardening Roseann Foley Henry If you get a thrill out of watching your garden grow, you might want to get a jump on the season by starting from seeds this year. Seeds are less expensive than young plants, so starting from seeds saves money, but the real benefit just might be the joy of seeing those new seedlings peek out of the soil for the first time. [caption id="attachment_26670" align="alignnone" width="495" caption="Photo: etsy.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON STARTING SEEDS or read the text below: Garden centers and home stores have plenty of seed packets available this time of year, but there are also lots of mail-order companies that stock a wider variety of seeds. To get started, sow the seeds according to packet directions. There are plenty of seed-starting kits out there, but almost any flat, shallow container will do. An inexpensive shop light hung over the flat provides the gentle, constant source of light your seeds need to get started. Don’t forget to keep your seeds watered – but don’t drown them! Follow the packet instructions to know when your seedlings are ready to be separated and prepared for life outdoors. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on gardening, consider: Starting Tomatoes from Seed Mail Order Seeds: Variety, Viability, Value How To: Plant a Vegetable Garden Add excitement to your flower beds this spring by planting standout varieties from 2013's crop of new perennials. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:35:44 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44284-10-new-perennials-to-perk-up-your-garden http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44284-10-new-perennials-to-perk-up-your-garden Slideshow landscaping, gardening Don't forget your old standbys, but if you have a gap to fill in your garden, try planting one of the standout varieties from 2013's crop of new perennials—impressive in their color and their exceptionally long bloom time.Blooms of Bressingham, a breeder in Japan, has introduced an unusually compact variety of anemone that looks great in borders or containers and boasts a rich pink hue. USDA zone: 5Developed for its disease-resistance and lasting, golden flowers, ‘Tuscan Sun’ depends on lots of light to bloom from mid- to late summer. USDA zones: 3-9Known for breeding azaleas that bloom through spring, summer, and fall, Encore released this dwarf azalea with white-ruffled coral pink blooms in fall 2012, but now is the time to settle it into your landscape. USDA zones: 6-9Light pink deepening to red—that special color makes this fragrant dianthus a splendid addition to Proven Winner’s FRUIT PUNCH line. Plant ‘Apple Slice’ in full sun and expect some butterflies to visit. USDA zones: 4-9The KICKIN series of asters is known for being easy to grow, and with its busy shape and late-season pastel blooms, ‘Pink Chiffon’ fits right in. USDA zones: 5-11This hibiscus’s rose-purple blooms, which appear in spring and summer, are matched in intensity only by the fiery orange that its leaves turn in fall. USDA zones: 5-8Wine-red flowers will delight pollinators, not to mention those who appreciate vigorous growth and disease-resistance. USDA zones: 5-9 The first-ever purple-leaved hydrangea, this deciduous shrub grows in full to partial shade and features unique foliage graced by lacecap flowers. USDA zones: 7-10Unusually heat- and humidity-tolerant, this lavender’s deep indigo color pleases the eyes as its scent does the nose. Keep the blooms in your garden or dry them for an aromatic reminder of summer. USDA zones: 5-8There’s no better way to welcome spring than with this double-flowered and rosy pink hellebore, of the WINTER THRILLERS collection. Settle it in moist woodland areas and watch it spread. USDA zones: 6-9If you're interested in more on gardening, consider:5 Spring Garden Favorites to Plant Right Now7 New "Must Have" Annuals8 Reasons to Love Azaleas Getting your yard ready for spring? The right equipment can mean the difference between a beautiful garden and a barren wasteland. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:53:00 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44279-9-essential-tools-for-every-gardener http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44279-9-essential-tools-for-every-gardener Slideshow gardening, outdoor tools The first flush of a forsythia’s color has you ready to hit the home center and jump headfirst into yard work. Though it may be tempting, buying newfangled equipment isn't necessary—you can skip the motorized wheelbarrow! To whip your landscape into shape, these are the essential outdoor tools to keep at hand. Digging is hard enough. Spend a little more on a shovel that can make the job easier. This one has a steel plate, not an open gap, behind the scoop; that means enough dirt can't gather to slow you down. Only remember to keep the ash handle oiled in the off-season and every so often, sharpen the 14-gauge scoop’s edge.Left to their own devices, shrubs and small trees would grow into messy tangles. Pruning not only controls shape but promotes new growth. A bypass pruner is the best tool to cut green, or living, wood. Its two sharp blades pass each other like a scissor, leaving a clean, tear-free cut that heals quickly. Unloading soil, mulch, or compost is easier when you can easily maneuver the wheelbarrow. From first tip to final dump, the D-shaped handle on this one keeps your hands in control. Opt for a rust-resistant poly resin tub instead of one that's painted steel and if you're likely to tackle heavier-duty projects, avoid wheelbarrows with folding designs.The two-foot-wide head on this rake is the right size to gather a small pile of leaves or spread out compost without exhausting yourself. The design deters clogging—11 teeth leave little space in between for leaves to gather—but when you’re dealing with dry leaves, no rake is truly clog-free.No other battery-powered lawn and garden tool makes more sense than the string trimmer. The minimal amount of torque required to trim a 10-inch wide swath of grass means the battery will edge your entire yard (and more) on one charge. Buy one that has a battery pack that fits other cordless tools, such as a hedge trimmer and blower.A backpack blower isn't only in the domain of professional landscapers. If you have more than a pair of mature leaf-droppers on your property, a handheld leaf blower will tire your wrist out in no time. Putting the power on your back means you can work comfortably for an hour or so.Working far from the shed is not when you want to realize that you're without a knife to cut string or a saw to cut thick branches. This trowel packs in those uses plus an additional six—it’s a Swiss Army Knife for your yard.Few things frustrate more than a cheap hose that kinks and sprouts a leak. Pay a bit extra for a quality one and when you’re shopping, put the hose out and give it a bend; if it kinks, move on. The couplings should be heavy-duty brass, enough to withstand a heavy stomping.Threading a hose on and off the spigot is a knuckle-buster. This connector converts any male-to-female parts into a click-and-go system—no more threading. At the store, you’ll see plastic ones next to the brass ones; skip the former and get brass for each of your hose-end sprayers. Your hands will thank you.If you're interested in more on gardening, consider:Garden Hose Management: 10 Stylish Solutions10 "Style Setting" Garden ShedsHow To: Plant a Vegetable Garden Looking to cut energy costs and improve home comfort? Focus on your heating and cooling systems. While it is imperati... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:38:43 -0400 /blogs/home-ventilation/ /blogs/home-ventilation/ Blog Post insulation, ventilation Larry Bilotti [caption id="attachment_26546" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Illustration: idevelop.ie"][/caption] Looking to cut energy costs and improve home comfort? Focus on your heating and cooling systems. While it is imperative to choose an Energy Star-certified unit properly sized for your home, a variety of factors influence the effectiveness of your system, according to the experts at Lennox. And some of those factors, it turns out, have very little to do with areas of the home that you actually live in. Your attic is the primary buffer zone between the conditioned air of your home and the roof that shields your dwelling from the elements. If your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated, then your home may be losing heat in the winter and cool air in summer. As a result, your furnace and air conditioning units may be working harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Proper attic insulation is key to ensuring that you pay no more than necessary to run your HVAC equipment. Requirements vary by region, but for most attics, the recommended R-value is up to R-38, or about ten to 14 inches, depending on insulation type. Insulation alone won’t do the trick. Attic ventilation also plays an important role in optimizing your home’s heating and cooling performance. In winter, a natural flow of outdoor air helps the attic stay cool, reducing the risk of ice dams and related roof damage. In summer, the same ventilation—in some cases aided by an attic fan—helps usher out superheated air, reducing its burden on air conditioning. Take note: One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when installing insulation is blocking the flow of air at the eaves. Not only does this compromise the insulation’s effectiveness in winter, but also, the combination of blocked vents, poor insulation, and an operational attic fan could mean you’re paying to air-condition the attic—something you certainly don’t want to do! The condition of your crawl space also impacts the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Years ago, it was common practice to insulate the floor above the crawl space and to keep the wall vents open so that any moisture buildup would vent to the outside. Particularly in climates with humid summers, the reality was that vents actually allowed moisture in, and that moisture would eventually degrade the crawl space’s insulation. Energy experts today advise that crawl spaces be included in a home’s conditioned space. That way, condensation is eliminated, energy loss from air ducts is reduced, and in winter, thanks to drafts being prevented, first-level floors remain warmer. Looking for more ways to improve home comfort and save energy, check out the video below:   This post has been brought to you by Lennox. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. For more on HVAC, consider: Insulation 101 Bob Vila Radio: Mechanical Ventilation What You Might Not Know About HVAC Filters What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “historic color”? Do you envision a rather limited palette of muted grays... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-historic-paint-color/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-historic-paint-color/ Blog Post paint, color, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “historic color”? Do you envision a rather limited palette of muted grays, blues, and greens? It turns out you can choose historic paint shades, for use indoors and out, without sacrificing cheerful, vibrant colors. [caption id="attachment_26653" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: flickr.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON RANGE HOODS or read the text below: Restoration experts have come to understand that original paint colors in historic homes were probably much stronger than they had realized, but that they had faded over the years. Those pale yellows and grays you’ve thought of as historic probably started out as much brighter shades. If you’re committed to creating an authentic look for your home, look into what colors were common for your home’s style. Georgian-style homes were often yellow or brown. Federal style brought in softer creams, yellows, and wedgwood blue. The bright, varied colors of victorian homes had as much to do with new technology as they did with changing styles – as the 20th century approached, chemists were coming up with ways to create a wider variety of colors than had previously been available. They also had at their disposal a brand-new invention that revolutionized the availability of color choices: the paint can! Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on paint colors, consider: Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Paint Colors Selecting a Historic Paint Color The Do's and Don'ts of Choosing a New House Color In the course of designing your dream patio, be sure to factor the material's aesthetic value, expected longevity, and maintenance requirements into your decision-making. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:50:21 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44283-patio-design-7-popular-materials-to-consider http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44283-patio-design-7-popular-materials-to-consider Slideshow design, deck patio & porch Patios are at the center of outdoor living and entertaining. In the course of designing yours, remember that the patio material you choose will play a major role in determining the appearance and performance of your installation.A natural stone mined from quarries, fieldstone features an unmistakable look, at once earthy and distinguished. The heavy, irregularly shaped and sized stones, however, discourage installation by the casual DIYer. Bluestone is prized for its bluish-gray hue. To retain that coloring, the material must be treated with a sealer every year or two. Because it's so dense, bluestone becomes rather warm under direct sun, so experts usually recommend it for shady yard areas.Clay bricks have been used for centuries to build walkways and patios, their handy size and regular dimensions facilitating installation in any number of patterns. Increasingly, homeowners choose reclaimed brick for its charm, not to mention its eco-friendly attributes.  Made of natural stone, concrete, clay or recycled materials, pavers are a popular patio material, in part because they are so easy to work with and like brick, can be laid in a range of patterns.Typically the least expensive to build, a concrete patio may be shaped, painted, stained, stamped or colored, though in its most basic form, will be nothing more than a square or rectangular slab.Gravel is a quick and easy patio option that offers excellent drainage, and when installed over fabric landscape liner, it effectively deters weed growth. If you expect your patio will get considerable foot traffic, avoid round, pebble-like stones in favor of crushed gravel, whose angularity helps the installation stay in place.If you are interested in more on decks, patios, and porches, consider:Porch Style12 Sensational Deck Designs10 "Best in Class" Patio Pavers Grass. It’s easy to plant, covers most types of terrain, and feels good under bare feet in the summer. It’s also. . .... Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:23:36 -0400 /blogs/grass-alternatives/ /blogs/grass-alternatives/ Blog Post lawn Michael Franco Grass. It’s easy to plant, covers most types of terrain, and feels good under bare feet in the summer. It’s also... kind of ordinary. [caption id="attachment_26569" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: lawnshelp.com"][/caption] NASA satellite imagery shows that in America, lawns occupy about fifty thousand square miles, an area roughly the size of New York State. All that green requires many homeowners to shell out "green" for maintenance. That's because many yards are planted with non-native grass species in need of extensive upkeep, from mowing and fertilizing to weed-killing and watering. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of all water usage in the U.S. goes toward landscaping. So if you’re ready to turn your resource-stealing suburban savannah into a low-maintenance oasis filled with color, texture, and fragrance, consider planting one of these five grass alternatives: 1. Microclover [caption id="attachment_26560" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Microclover Lawn. Photo: ohio.com"][/caption] For years, grass seed has benefited from the addition of clover, which fertilizes soil by drawing in nitrogen, resulting in a healthier and greener lawn. Microclover, a relatively new variety, makes an ideal companion to grass, in that it's low-growing and doesn’t flower often (bye-bye, bees), and the shade it provides to the soil reduces water evaporation. Clover may also be used on its own for a non-traditional lawn with no grass at all. For this purpose, choose white, or Dutch, clover. It can stand up to occasional mowing, doesn’t grow tall, tends to crowd out weeds and is virtually impervious to pet urine.   2. Fescue Grass [caption id="attachment_26561" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Fescue Grass. Photo: brumfieldsodfarm.com"][/caption] Technically a grass, fescue has one distinct advantage over species traditionally planted in yards—you barely have to mow it. With growth, fescue blades fold over on themselves, creating a lovely sea of green that actually ripples in the wind. For a shorter lawn, mowing once per month is sufficient (normal grass often needs weekly mowing). Fescue is shade- and drought-tolerant and can stay green throughout the entire year. Though it can tend to grow in clumps, a specially engineered mix by High Country Gardens eliminates this issue.   3. Creeping Thyme [caption id="attachment_26562" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Creeping Thyme. Photo: mnn.com"][/caption] This common herb may be used, not only in the kitchen, but outside of the home as well— to brighten landscaping. Popular varieties worthy of consideration are spicy orange thyme and creeping lemon thyme. Neither usually exceeds four inches in height, and both produce pink blossoms that, when crushed underfoot, emit a wonderful smell. If bare feet will be on the lawn, wooly thyme is recommended for its delightful, soft texture. Hardy and undemanding, thyme varieties grow well even in poor soil, so as it’s well-drained and gets good sun.   4.  Corsican Mint [caption id="attachment_26563" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Corsican Mint. Photo: loghouseplants.com"][/caption] The lowest-growing of all mints, mentha requienii prefers dry to moist soil and medium to full sun. It tolerates foot traffic well and when trampled, gives off a pleasant creme de menthe aroma. Corsican mint can even be used to make a tasty peppermint-like tea.   5.  Artificial Turf [caption id="attachment_26564" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Artificial Turf. Photo: ingrass.com"][/caption] Turf doesn't necessitate water, chemicals, or a gas-powered mower; that makes it an unlikely eco-friendly option. If synthetic grass reminds you of those bristly doormats, think again. A number of manufacturers like SYNLawn and ForeverLawn have developed versions that aren't easy to distinguish from the real thing. For more on lawns, consider: To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize? How To: Mow the Lawn Properly Bob Vila Radio: Spring Lawn Preparation Popular patio building materials run the gamut from poured concrete and pavers of recycled plastic to natural flagstone and bricks of fired clay. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:30:54 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44281-patio-materials-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44281-patio-materials-101/pages/1 Article installation, deck patio & porch Patios can make your outdoor space more enjoyable, increase your home's value, and not so insignificantly, save you money on landscape maintenance costs. What type of patio is right for you? Any number of colors and patterns may be installed in a variety of materials. Pros and cons for a few of the most popular are discussed here.  FLAGSTONE The color and characteristics of flagstone result from the natural process by which it forms, a slow and gradual accumulation of layers of sand, clay, mineral and organic sediments. The most common colors available are red, blue, and buff, with regional varieties like Arizona sandstone and Pennsylvania bluestone among the most popular.   Flagstone patios are unmistakable—and hard to resist, if you favor the material's earthy, timeless appearance. Irregularly shaped and sized, quarried flagstones are heavy and rather difficult to work with, especially for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. Since flagstone is subject to erosion and splitting, a successful flagstone patio design prioritizes adequate drainage. Note: Different types of flagstone entail different maintenance requirements. Sandstone has a cooler temperature in summer, but it's porous and prone to water damage. Bluestone is more durable but requires a sealer to maintain its coloring. CLAY BRICK A time-tested, enduringly popular patio building material is clay brick, which offers a distinguished aesthetic that complements both traditional and contemporary architecture.  Over time, bricks usually retain their rich, warm color, and due to their handy weight and size, installing them in a patio is DIY-friendly work. Mortar is not strictly necessary; bricks can be laid easily on a dry bed of sand.  Homeowners love brick's versatility—myriad patterns are possible, from rectangular to round. Reclaimed brick, though typically more expensive, has grown in popularity owing to its "green" status and unique look.   Note: Though it may crack with wintertime freeze-thaw cycles, brick is otherwise durable, and individual damaged bricks are easily replaced. PATIO PAVERS Pavers come in forms as varied as natural stone, concrete, clay and even recycled plastics. For patio installations, experts recommend either stone or concrete pavers, which, due to their higher density, may be expected to last longer and undergo less color fading than other paver types. Concrete pavers in particular are a mainstay of patio building, beloved for their easy installation and the range of sizes, shapes, and colors in which they can be found. Inevitably, this manmade product lends itself to a less "natural" look, although some concrete pavers are manufactured to look like natural stone or clay brick.  Note: With the exception of interlocking designs, all pavers will spread over time. To maintain the shape of your patio, be sure to ring your paver installation with a border of pressure-treated lumber. CONCRETE Concrete patios are typically one of the least expensive to build. Assuming proper installation and maintenance, they are one of the most durable, too, though like brick, concrete is subject to cracking with freeze-thaw cycles. Since poured concrete follows any form, unlimited patio design options are possible. If your dream patio is one covered with glazed decorative tiles, a concrete slab is the way to go, as it will provide a solid, even base on which to add tiles in future. Note: Control storm water runoff by devising the shape, depth, and slope of your poured concrete patio in such a way that adequate drainage is achieved. GRAVEL If you are looking for a patio material that may be installed quickly and easily, look no further than gravel. Usually two types are available, river rock or crushed stone (in sizes ranging from a quarter-inch to one inch in diameter). When installed over a fabric landscape liner, gravel effectively deters weed growth, and compared to other materials, it offers excellent drainage.  At best, a gravel patio recalls English cottage-style gardens and Tuscan courtyards. At worst, a gravel patio is high-maintenance, plagued by stones that are difficult to keep level and in place. Some folks also complain that gravel is uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet, and other materials provide superior support for outdoor furniture. Note: Round, pebble-like gravel stones are more likely to shift than angular, crushed gravel stones; in a high-traffic area like the patio, it may be wise to insist on the latter. A mitered corner is formed by joining two pieces of wood, each cut to a 45° angle. One of the easier joints to cut, a... Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:05:10 -0400 /blogs/how-to-make-a-mitered-corner/ /blogs/how-to-make-a-mitered-corner/ Blog Post build, woodworking, how to Chris Gardner [caption id="attachment_25986" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: CGardner"][/caption] A mitered corner is formed by joining two pieces of wood, each cut to a 45° angle. One of the easier joints to cut, a mitered corner does not require a lot of special tools or setup time, yet it's useful in a variety of applications. Choose your weapon. A hand saw, circular saw, or table saw may be used to make a mitered corner. If you're interested in building basic picture frames or doing light work with trim and molding, consider purchasing an inexpensive miter box, a tool that helps woodworkers achieve accurate angles. There are two types of miter joints—flat and edge. A flat miter, also known as a frame miter, joins two pieces that have been cut across the wood face. The best power tool option here is the compound miter saw, which is of course named for its ability to make these angled cuts. A case miter joins two edges that have been "beveled," or, cut at an angle across the end grain. The most versatile tool here is the table saw, whose blade can be tilted. If you opt instead for the circular saw, smooth out the rough cut it makes using a router and chamfer bit. [caption id="attachment_25988" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Table Saw Blade Tilted for Miter Joint. Photo: CGardner"][/caption] Cut it out. Let's say you're cutting a basic frame miter. Set up your saw at precisely 45° (double-check the angle with a triangle), then cut the angle so that your workpiece reaches the desired length on its longest side. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the workpiece. Related: 5 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners If installing trim or molding, you can get away with nailing in one piece before butting the second, but stabilizing the joint by other means can be tricky. Freshly glued edges are so prone to slipping around, it's tough to get precise alignment, though specialty clamps, such as the strap clamp, aid in the process. [caption id="attachment_26617" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Strap Clamp. Photo: rutlands.co.uk"][/caption] The trouble with miters. They certainly look great, but there's a problem with miter joints—they're not very strong. As suggested above, glue tends to set in them poorly, and even if screws or nails are used, those fasteners may not hold when sunk into end grain. Depending on the project, it may be possible to use dowels as reinforcement. Woodworkers also use biscuits, keys, and splines, any of which may serve as a decorative accent if created from a contrasting wood species. Still, a mitered joint on its own boasts a finished, professional look. For more on woodworking, consider: 10 Ways to Use Your Drill/Driver How To: Drill Straight 90° Holes (Without a Drill Press) Bit of Knowledge: Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job A range hood can blend quietly into your kitchen cabinetry or make a dramatic architectural statement. But whether it... Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:00:22 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-range-hood/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-range-hood/ Blog Post kitchen, appliance, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry A range hood can blend quietly into your kitchen cabinetry or make a dramatic architectural statement. But whether it’s a wallflower or a showstopper, your range hood still needs to do its job, which is to get rid of cooking odors, heat, and grease. Here’s how to make sure your next range hood has what it takes. [caption id="attachment_26604" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: thecopperworks.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON RANGE HOODS or read the text below: The venting capacity of a range hood is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFMs. How many CFMs you need depends on a lot of variables, including the length of the ductwork. But as a general rule you need enough CFMs to handle the strength of your range. To figure out what you need, add up the BTU output for each of your range’s burners and divide by 100. A 60,000 BTU range top will require a range hood of at least 600 CFMs. Take your cooking style into consideration, too: If you do a lot of frying, you’ll want more CFMs. You’ll also want to consider the range hood’s noise rating, which is measured in sones. The lower the number, the quieter the hood. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on kitchen appliances, consider: 10 Smokin' Hot Range Hoods Selecting Appliances How To: Clean an Oven Illuminate every corner and recess of your kitchen for maximum utility and improved aesthetics. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:44:58 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44270-under-cabinet-lighting-10-shining-examples http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44270-under-cabinet-lighting-10-shining-examples Slideshow kitchen, lighting, cabinets, design Battery-powered LEDs from Pegasus Lighting automatically flick on when motion is detected within five feet. An affordable option for renters, these fixtures can be installed with tape for a temporary under-cabinet lighting solution. Sleek LEDs from IKEA (in 16- or 24-inch sizes) provide a warm, white light over a lifespan of 20,000 hours. Easily plugged into existing outlets, the fixtures are connected via their concealed cords or a separately sold corner piece. LED strip lights are sold in reels, which the homeowner can easily cut to fit under cabinetry. While maintaining excellent heat dissipation, these 24-volt strips from LED-LES feature 60 bulbs per meter.If your kitchen has a modern feel, consider enhancing your countertops with ultra-bright LED strip lights from Flexfire LEDs, rated to last a whopping 50,000 hours.Looking to avoid a complicated installation? Adjustable track lighting from Improvements is powered with batteries, and its four pivoting heads may be positioned to bounce light off the backsplash.A unique hardwired option, the Xenon Low Voltage Triangle Light (available in multiple finishes) evenly distributes under-cabinet lighting through a pane of frosted glass and conveniently, the fixture can be dimmed.Illuminate a kitchen with dark corners and recesses using Utilitech's Xenon Light Bar Kit. Whether hardwired or plugged in, these straightforward fixtures can be linked together to complement any cabinet configuration.From Legrand, this fully customizable under-cabinet lighting system builds off a modular track fitted with outlets (into which LED fixtures are plugged) and USB ports (which charge cellphones or tablet devices).Halogen lighting, though typically more expensive to buy and operate than other types, is uncommonly pleasant. From Sea Gull Lighting, this fixture with frosted glass creates an even, warm glow. Fluorescent lighting, such as the fixture at left from Pegasus Lighting, is cooler to the touch and far more energy efficient than incandescent, and newer fluorescents emit "warmer" light than predecessors did.If you're interested in more on lighting, consider:How To: Install Under-Cabinet LightingPendant Lighting 101Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Lighting There are two types of wood roofing—shingles and shakes. Neither boasts the practicality of a modern roofing material... Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:59:44 -0400 /blogs/wood-shingles-and-shakes/ /blogs/wood-shingles-and-shakes/ Blog Post roofing, materials Joe Provey [caption id="attachment_25816" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: peakperformanceroofing.com"][/caption] There are two types of wood roofing—shingles and shakes. Neither boasts the practicality of a modern roofing material like asphalt shingles, but it's difficult to deny traditional wood's aesthetic appeal. In fact, many other roofing products try to simulate look of wood shingles and shakes. Made from cedar, spruce, or treated pine, wood roofing is especially appropriate for older homes and those based upon historical styles. Related: Debunking 5 Metal Roof Myths [caption id="attachment_25818" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Western Red Cedar Roof Shingles. Photo: calfinder.com"][/caption] Wood shingles are machine-cut and tapered for a trim, crisp appearance. By contrast, wood shakes look more rustic, as they are hand-split on one side. Each has its own specific installation requirements, but generally speaking, wood roofing is more difficult to install than some other common roof types. Though susceptible to discoloration, wood products last about as long as asphalt (up to 30 years), plus they're biodegradable and derived from a renewable resource. [caption id="attachment_25820" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Detail of Cedar Shakes. Photo: capstonebros.com"][/caption] Wood shingles costs between $400 and $700 per square installed, while a shake roof runs between $600 and $900—that's three or six times the cost of an asphalt roof! Maintenance is another consideration: Wood shingles and shakes require periodic treatments with preservatives and fungicides in order to keep from drying out, warping, cracking and being attacked by mildew and fungus. For more on roofing, consider: Asphalt Shingles 101 The Basics: Composite Roof Shingles Hurricane-Resistant Roof Tiles (VIDEO) Home values are bouncing back—is the trend strong enough to support your bid for a home equity loan?According to the ... Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:02:33 -0400 /blogs/home-equity-loan-success/ /blogs/home-equity-loan-success/ Blog Post budget Joanne Y. Cleaver Home values are bouncing back—is the trend strong enough to support your bid for a home equity loan? [caption id="attachment_26537" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo: shutterstock.com"][/caption] According to the S&P Case Shiller index, sale prices are up 8.1% for the 20 metro areas the company tracks (for the 12 months ended in January). That means it may be an advantageous time to pursue a home equity line of credit for that bigger-scale project you’ve been eyeing. Appraisers rely on recent sales to put a value on your house, so after about a year of steady-to-increasing values, chances are that an optimistic valuation will be accepted by lenders. Still, homeowners and lenders alike are operating with caution, says Brad Blackwell, executive vice president and portfolio business manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. As in the past, two questions are of key importance today: how much can you borrow, and how should you spend your equity? The prevailing rule of thumb is that an individual's total home debt—original mortgage plus home equity line—should not exceed 85% of the property's value. For a house worth $200,000 with an outstanding first mortgage of $100,000, the cap for the home equity loan will likely be $60,000. Blackwell cautions, "don’t take out more than you can afford." You will be paying off the equity loan with earnings, so consider current and expected financial obligations before accepting the maximum amount offered. Plot the financial parameters of the project first, then adjust its scope accordingly. Now more than ever, traditional wisdom applies: Keep your home improvements in sync with neighborhood norms. "If you over-improve," Blackwell says, "you won’t necessarily get it back. Typically the money you spend on home improvement will not give you a dollar-for-dollar increase. Different projects will provide different values, with kitchen and bathroom renovations and energy efficiency returning the greatest value." See the latest Cost vs. Value report, compiled by Remodeling magazine, for estimates on the return for various types of remodeling projects. If you limit the amount you borrow and reign in the scope of your remodeling work, you’ll find the sweet spot where investment intersects with higher value. For more on financing, consider: Footing the Bills HELOC? HEL, Yes! FHA Financing for Renovations? Yes, But... Innovation has transformed the landscape of lawn sprinklers for consumers, yielding an expanded field of quality performers. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:48:26 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44265-watering-well-10-sprinklers-to-quench-your-garden-s-thirst http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44265-watering-well-10-sprinklers-to-quench-your-garden-s-thirst Slideshow outdoor tools The Noodlehead features 12 flexible PVC tubes, each of which can be positioned individually, so you can water every corner of your lawn and garden—not the driveway! Ever wish you could have a robot do the watering? Look no further than the Rain Train Traveling Sprinkler. Once you snake a garden hose through the yard, this clever contraption travel along path of the hose, spraying water from its whirling arms. Bring a lightshow to your backyard with a fountain sprinkler featuring integrated color-changing LED lights that fluctuate between red, blue, green, yellow and purple. From Hammacher Schlemmer, this sprinkler runs off the power generated by the attached hose and  is perfect for adding a splash to your outdoor entertaining.Some sprinklers are an eyesore but not the Solar Flower Sprinkler Sculpture, which, doubling as yard decor, waters the lawn when attached to a hose. At dusk, a decorative flower glows in the middle of this copper-finish sculpture.Here's a humane way to prevent vermin from disturbing your garden: Orbit's Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Pest Deterrent Sprinkler. This high-tech sprinkler uses sound, motion, and water to keep animals away. It also can be programed as a regular timed sprinkler.Skip the costly underground sprinkler system—a portable, aboveground system from Miles Kimball can keep your lawn lush for about $20. The staked sprinkler heads attach to a single spigot and are joined by lengths of hose. If you don’t want your watering system to be seen, consider a simple sprinkler that blends into landscaping. Covert style comes at a price, though. Starting at $79.50, this chic Handmade Copper Flower Sprinkler attaches to other artisan-crafted pieces ranging up to $129.The telescopic Tripod Impulse Sprinkler adjusts up and down, enabling gardeners to customize the spraying area. Meanwhile, the sprinkler's rotating head allows for partial or full-circle water distribution. The metal frame, sturdy when expanded, conveniently folds into a compact size that is easy stow in a garage or tool shed.Lack of range has resulted in a bad rep for oscillating lawn sprinklers, classic though they may be. Compared to the standard design, the Pattern Master Polymer Sprinkler provides superior flexibility, with its spray tube flexing to adjust the width of coverage. Plus, its rotating dials allow you to create your own pattern of movement.Rather than snake unsightly hoses around the yard, why not position an adjustable sprinkler so that it peeks over the tops of waist-level shrubs? Extendable to 50 inches high, the HideAway Sprinkler features an adjustable watering pattern that delivers even coverage.If you're interested in more on lawn and garden care, consider: How To: Choose a Lawn Mower10 Wheelbarrows to Lighten Your LoadGarden Hose Management: 10 Stylish Solutions Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to think about lawn maintenance again. Go ahead and tune up your mower and sta... Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:06:05 -0400 /blogs/watering-the-lawn/ /blogs/watering-the-lawn/ Blog Post lawn, care Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_26290" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: blackburnsprinklers.com"][/caption] Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to think about lawn maintenance again. Go ahead and tune up your mower and start focusing on what is required to care for your grass—that includes watering. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week. How long should you leave the sprinkler running? There's an easy way to find out. Simply set out a small container and water until it's holding one inch. If it takes 60 minutes, then that's how long you need to water your lawn each week. Related: Watering Well: 10 Sprinklers to Quench Your Garden's Thirst Indeed, best practices in watering the lawn can help keep your grass healthy. Here are some top tips: [caption id="attachment_26294" align="alignright" width="262" caption="Photo: todayshomeowner.com"][/caption] Water Early. Water your lawn in the early morning. The air is cooler and the winds are calmer, so there will be less evaporation. Grass will also have a chance to dry out before the sun really starts beating down. Water Evenly. Make sure you’re getting coverage over your entire lawn. Test your sprinkler setup by placing small containers in several places around your property. After a session of watering, compare levels in the containers, making adjustments if necessary. Water Slowly. Only water as much as your lawn can efficiently absorb. If you water too much too quickly, excess water will run off your lawn—a waste of water resources and your money, not to mention a potential environmental hazard. Have an irrigation system? Try this: Cut in half the amount of time you water each zone, but run your watering program twice. In other words, instead of watering each zone for 30 minutes, water each zone for 15 minutes, then cycle through all the zones again for another 15 minutes. That will give the ground time to absorb the initial watering before it receives another good drink. [caption id="attachment_26289" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Illustration: txsmartscape.com"][/caption] Water Infrequently. It’s better to give your grass a good soak every three days than to water a little bit every day. Watering less frequently encourages roots to grow downward (in search of water), which in turn makes your lawn more stable overall. Your lawn will tell you when it needs watering, provided you know the signs. As you walk over the grass, your footsteps should readily disappear; if they don't, you need to water. A bluish-green color is another indicator of dehydration. So are curling glass blades. You might also try the screwdriver test: Pushing a screwdriver into the ground will be difficult if the soil is very dry. With some diligent observation and attention to best practices, you can keep your lawn happy, healthy, and green all season. For more on lawn care, consider: Top 5 Tips for a Greener Lawn How To: Mow Your Lawn Properly Bob Vila Radio: Spring Lawn Preparation With the right tools and some basic skills, you can install laminate flooring this weekend. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:36:23 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44271-how-to-install-laminate-flooring/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44271-how-to-install-laminate-flooring/pages/1 Article flooring, installation, how to Laminate flooring enables homeowners to get the look of wood for less, and it's easy to install. In fact, tongue-and-groove or snap-and-click joinery makes the installation of laminate flooring ideal for the average do-it-yourselfer. If you're at least moderately handy, own some basic tools, and are able to follow directions, then you can install a new floor this weekend. Tools and Materials: - Tape measure- Level- Hand saw/coping saw- Hammer- Tapping block- Pull bar- Spacers- Foam underlayment- Laminate flooring Step 1: Getting ready  Before you tear out the old flooring, make sure you have on hand the necessary tools and materials for the project, because once you begin, a trip or two to the home center will only cause stress and delays. As you measure the room to determine its square footage, plan on purchasing 10% more than strictly necessary in order to account for boards that will be cut for end fittings. Step 2: Acclimate the new flooring Floors shrink and expand as temperatures and humidity levels change, so at least one week prior to installation, you'll need to begin acclimating your flooring to the conditions of your space. Lay flat or stack the boards in the room where you plan to install them. Don't forget to remove any plastic packaging; doing so promotes air circulation, which aids in the acclimation process. Step 3: Prepare your subfloor Remove and store base moldings before doing anything else. Then, working from the edge of one wall, carefully start lifting up the old flooring. As you go, remove nails and staples (or tack strips, if you are pulling up carpeting). Clean up debris and inspect the surface of the subfloor for areas in need of repair. Installing over concrete? Make sure it's completely cured and moisture-free. Step 4: Lay the underlayment Some laminate flooring is sold with pre-attached foam underlayment (also known as a vapor barrier). Otherwise, underlayment sold separately may be installed one strip at a time, starting with the longest wall. Follow the manufacturer's directions on forming butt edges and sealing seams.  Step 5: Trim the door jambs Once the underlayment is down, there's one additional preliminary step to undertake: trimming the door jambs. To accomplish this, lay down one plank so that its edge runs along the side the jamb. Mark the board and using a hand saw, cut parallel to the floor, creating a cut-out that allows the board to fit neatly under the jamb for a clean, professional look.  Step 6: Install the flooring Install planks parallel to the longest wall. Remember, the first plank is the most important—position it so that its groove faces the wall and is flush to a corner of the room. To allow for natural expansion and contraction, place half-inch spacers between the board and the wall at intervals of 12 inches. Once that's done, proceed one plank at a time, matching tongues to grooves and gently tapping for a snug fit. (Avoid damaging board edges with your hammer or mallet by using a rag or tapping block to soften the impact.) For a lasting, attractive installation, be sure to stagger the end joints of adjacent boards. Step 7: Finish up Your last plank can be somewhat of a pain. It may be necessary to trim the board, or at least the tongue, to ensure that it's flush. Complete the job by putting in thresholds anyplace there is a door, or wherever your laminate meets another flooring material. Last, take out the spacers you put in, then re-install your base molding. Now sit back and admire.   Author's Note: Perry Miller has been a freelance writer since graduating from Missouri State University with a degree in journalism. Having worked on dozens of home renovations, Perry has completed projects from shower installation to garage rebuilds and asbestos removal. Read more at doityourself.com There’s nothing like a beautiful green lawn to make your house look great. Now that spring is here, it’s time to get ... Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:00:18 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-spring-lawn-preparation/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-spring-lawn-preparation/ Blog Post lawn, bob vila radio, care Roseann Foley Henry There’s nothing like a beautiful green lawn to make your house look great. Now that spring is here, it’s time to get your lawn ready for its big debut. mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SPRING LAWN PREPARATION or read the text below: First, walk around your yard and find the problem areas—you may need to aerate your lawn if it’s become compacted, remove thatch that’s blocking water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, or build up low spots with topsoil. This is also the time to prevent summer weeds by putting down pre-emergent herbicides. You don’t have to use toxic chemicals to keep the weeds away—apply corn gluten meal now, before weeds germinate, to stop them in their tracks. Give the corn gluten meal plenty of water to activate it. Don’t seed until at least five or six weeks after you’ve done the corn gluten meal treatment – that natural herbicide prevents weeds from germinating, but it will have the same effect on your grass seed if you seed too early. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on lawn care, consider: 5 Ways to a Greener Lawn How To: Mow Your Lawn Properly How To: Choose a Lawn Mower Outdoors and in, take care of a few simple tasks now to bring your house out of winter hibernation! Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:32:01 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/42167-10-ways-to-wake-up-your-house-for-spring http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/42167-10-ways-to-wake-up-your-house-for-spring Slideshow seasonal, maintenance Few tasks put us in a spring mood like planting window boxes. It’s as simple as buying potting mix and plants. A planter that’s a couple inches shorter than the width of the window looks best. For a stand-out look, include plants with a variety leaf sizes, colors, and growth habits—trailing, compact, spiky and so on.Give your gardening tools and equipment a good once-over now so that you're ready for heavier landscaping work later in the season. Sharpen blades; replace weak or broken handles; and tighten any loose nuts, bolts, or screws. Plus, don't forget to test the garden hose for leaks!Test your soil’s pH—only then can you confidently plan for soil amendments like fertilizer. Home centers and hardware stores carry basic kits, any of which will prove fairly accurate if you closely follow the directions. Since soil composition varies, take samples from several places around your property.Don't delay! Now is the time to order seeds, bushes, and trees so that you can plant once the the last frost has passed. As a convenience, saving you the hassle of storage, many online or catalog vendors will delay sending your purchases until the time comes to put them in the ground.Before heading outdoors to entertain, clean the surface of your deck and as you go along, inspect the structure for any issues in need of repair. Fix loose handrails, steps, and deck boards as soon as possible and if appropriate for your decking material, add a fresh coat of sealer. Last but certainly not least, fire up that grill!Your rugs have spent the long winter under the treads of slushy, salty boots—they deserve a little TLC. Once the weather starts to warm up, DIY rug cleaning is the perfect project to tackle when you can only spare an hour or two. So get out your vacuum and garden hose and ready your rugs for another year of cushioning footfalls.Along with spring comes the ritual of lawn mowing. Make sure you’ll be ready once the grass starts getting high. Change the oil in your mower, replace its spark plug or plugs, and swap in a new air filter. Also, clean the cutting blade; if it's dull, have a professional do the sharpening.As the days get longer and brighter, sunlight suddenly reveals all those bumps and scuffs that your walls sustained over the winter. Take the first opportunity you get to open your windows wide, then start painting! Soon, your house will feel as fresh inside as spring does outside.Adding an inch or two of mulch to your planting beds is a surefire way to clean up the look of your garden or yard. Plus, mulch helps retain moisture, inhibits weeds, and feeds your soil. Just be sure not to suffocate your plantings—leave a little breathing room.When the weather gets warm, your family will be racing for bikes, scooters, and other recreational items that spent the winter hibernating in your garage. To ensure that everything fun is easily accessible, give your garage a good clean-out, wash, and reorganization.If you're interested in more seasonal tasks, consider: How To: Clean EVERYTHING15 Spring Home Maintenance Musts5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Garden for Spring Living in the city has its perks. But it also has its pests. From mice to roaches to bed bugs, dreaded pests can and ... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:00:14 -0400 /blogs/apartment-pest-control/ /blogs/apartment-pest-control/ Blog Post pests Daniel Mintz Living in the city has its perks. But it also has its pests. From mice to roaches to bed bugs, dreaded pests can and will descend upon our apartments. Why pay an exterminator hundreds of dollars to douse dangerous poisons, when myriad natural, non-toxic, economically priced solutions are at our disposal? Of all the methods I've tried, the following are the most effective. Use them either to treat a present pest problem or to prevent a future infestation.   WHERE ARE ALL THE FRESH-SCENTED MICE? Peppermint is a beloved staple of soothing herbal teas, breath-freshening chewing gums, and bestselling toothpastes. Though for mice, this invigorating scent works like one of those prank stink bombs from yonder days of elementary school. They find it unbearable and will quickly scurry for the hills. [caption id="attachment_26426" align="alignright" width="198" caption="Photo: frontlinepest.com"][/caption] Materials: - Spray Bottle - Peppermint Oil Instructions: 1. Fill your spray bottle with 1⁄4 cup of water and 40 drops of peppermint oil. Shake. 2. Spray liberally along baseboards and rear interior edges of kitchen cabinets, particularly beneath the sink. 3. Locate entry points; fill each with a cotton ball soaked in the oil. Safety Tip: Keep your fingers out of entry points—you could get bitten! For safety's sake, wear thick gloves or use tweezers.   [caption id="attachment_26427" align="alignleft" width="99" caption="Photo: darlenemichaud.com"][/caption] ROACHES CAN'T DO SPICY Cockroaches are renowned for their ability to survive harsh conditions and hazardous environments. They do, however, avoid "spicy" situations. In fact, there's a condiment that's as painful for cockroaches as it is for people with ulcers. Even just the scent of this substance is intolerable for cockroaches. Yep. Tabasco sauce. The owner of that taco joint shut down by the health department is slapping his forehead right about now. Every table held the answer to his problem. Materials: - Spray Bottle - Tabasco Sauce - Protective Eye Wear Instructions: 1. Combine five tablespoons of Tabasco and a 1/4 cup of water in your spray bottle. (Tabasco may need further dilution to flow through the nozzle of a small spray bottle.) 2. Judiciously spray along baseboards, beneath radiators, and near doors. Don't spray willy-nilly. I love Tabasco as much as the next guy, but its scent is undesirable for living quarters. Safety Tip: Spray may accidentally return in your direction. I learned the hard way that protective eyewear is important.   BEDBUGS WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS Bedbugs are notorious for being extremely difficulty to eradicate. They're impervious to most insecticides. So effectively removing them takes a somewhat aggressive approach. Enter diatomaceuous earth. When bedbugs journey across this gritty powder made from the fossilized skeletal remains of ancient marine life, their bodies are sliced open and drained of vital fluids. Materials: - Diatomaceous Earth (go for the food-grade variety, which is free of stabilizers and chemicals) - Spoon - Powder Brush - Protective Eye Wear - Respirator Mask (a disposable one is sufficient) [caption id="attachment_26431" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: diatomaceousearth.net"][/caption] Instructions: 1. Spoon out a thin layer of diatomaceous earth at the base of your bed, along baseboards, in the crevices between floorboards, and at the interior edges of bookshelves and cabinet drawers. 2. Use your powder brush to spread the layer even thinner. This step is crucial. If the layer is too heavy, these crafty fiends will venture around it. 3. Patience. It may take up to a week to send bedbugs to their final resting place. Safety Tip: Accidental eye exposure or inhalation may cause irritation. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and a respirator mask.   NO VACANCIES Thankfully, pests don't magically materialize out of thin air—they sneak in from outside, or from the apartment of the eccentric hoarder living next door. To prevent their entry, it's imperative to patch up entry points with expanding foam sealant. Also, heed your mother's advice and remember to "clean your room" frequently. Roaches and mice thrive in filthy environments. These pests are more likely to set up shop where there are piles of dirty clothes and crumpled-up papers sprinkled with last year's pizza crust crumbs. And there you have it! A pest-free place. Now you can finally invite your friends over. Throw a party to celebrate! Just make sure you clean up afterward.   For more on pests, consider: Termites! Now What? How To: Rodent-Proof Your Home Bob Vila Radio: Natural Pesticides Ceiling medallions are moldings that are installed in the center of a ceiling, typically around a light fixture or ce... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:00:55 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-ceiling-medallions/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-ceiling-medallions/ Blog Post bob vila radio, ceilings, design Roseann Foley Henry Ceiling medallions are moldings that are installed in the center of a ceiling, typically around a light fixture or ceiling fan. [caption id="attachment_26413" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: remodelista.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON CEILING MEDALLIONS or read the text below: Medallions may be circular, oval, or square, and are available in lots of sizes and in all kinds of patterns, from Baroque to contemporary. And because today’s medallions are often made of plastic, polyurethane, or wood, they’re lighter and less expensive than their plaster or marble forebears. In addition to choosing a style, you’ll need to make sure the medallion is the right size for your space. One rule for estimating your medallion’s diameter is to divide your room’s area by seven. A 15-by-15 room is 225 square feet, so you’d need a medallion about 32 inches in diameter. This assumes a nine-foot ceiling, so if your ceiling is lower, scale down a bit. Choose a medallion that’s either wider or narrower than the light fixture’s overall diameter—not the same width. And make sure the hole in the center of the medallion is the right size for your fixture’s canopy. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on ceilings, consider: How To: Install a Ceiling Fan How To: Paint a Ceiling 10 Great Looks in Tin Ceilings From Southern roots, azaleas have grown into a countrywide favorite, prized for their beautiful blooms in so many colors. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:17:27 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44238-8-reasons-to-love-azaleas http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44238-8-reasons-to-love-azaleas Slideshow landscaping, gardening, trees & bushes Famous for fluorescent blooms in diverse, exciting shades, azaleas are poised to set gardens on fire in the coming weeks. Click through to see eight convincing reasons why you ought to consider this colorful springtime shrub for your own landscape—let the fireworks begin!Classified in the genus Rhododendron, this signature of the South actually thrives above and below the Mason-Dixon line, in zones 5 through 9.There are thousands of azalea varieties. Evergreen varieties feature purple and red blooms, while deciduous varieties see pink, orange, or red.Evergreen azaleas prefer partial shade, plus they flower and finish sooner than deciduous azaleas, which last through the summer but require full sun.  Multi-season blooming specialties have hit the market via breeder Encore Azaleas.Plant your azaleas in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Depending on the variety, plant in full sun or semi-shade, being sure to pick a spot that is removed from any competing tree roots. Having determined the ideal amount of sun for your variety of azalea, dig wide first and then plant the root ball so that its top is level with the surface grade.Already have azaleas in your garden? Spring is the time for transplanting. But whether planting anew or moving a pre-existing shrub, remember to add a good layer of mulch and to water well through the summer.If you are interested in more on landscaping, consider:7 "Must Have" AnnualsLandscaping Made Easy5 Spring Gardening Favorites to Plant Right Now Whether you’re remodeling the whole house or freshening up only a few rooms, new floor coverings can revive spaces th... Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:01:03 -0400 /blogs/how-to-choose-carpeting/ /blogs/how-to-choose-carpeting/ Blog Post carpeting, choose, how to Elizabeth Arnold [caption id="attachment_26326" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Shaw's Sneak Away Polyester Carpeting"][/caption] Whether you’re remodeling the whole house or freshening up only a few rooms, new floor coverings can revive spaces that have seen better days. Usually, more expensive carpeting retains its color and pile for a longer period of time than cheaper offerings. Composition. Remember that carpeting is usually made of nylon, Olefin, polyester or acrylic fibers adhered to a mesh backing. If yours must withstand the demands of children, pets, and frequent family gatherings, nylon can’t be beat for durability. It's know for colorfastness, stain-resistance, and a high level of resilience against everyday wear and tear. [caption id="attachment_26328" align="alignright" width="260" caption="Detail of Shaw's Sneak Away Polyester Carpeting"][/caption] Density. Generally, the denser the pile yarn the longer the carpeting will keep its tight, thick appearance. With carpeting that has a loose pile, the fibers are likely to separate and relax over time, causing the floor covering to lose its plushness and color vibrancy. Cleaning. If you plan to install carpeting in a high-traffic room, save yourself headaches by choosing an easy-to-clean product. Since it stands up to soil and stains, nylon is a popular choice, though in bathrooms and other similarly moist areas of the home, mildew-resistant Olefin may be the superior choice. Healthy Home. Interested in creating an eco-friendly environment at home? Be wary of the fact that traditional carpeting is known to off-gas a mix of latex, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and other chemicals. Opt instead for carpeting composed of non-toxic, natural materials, such as wool, cotton, or even seagrass. For more on interior design, consider: 12 Daring Doormats How To: Clean an Area Rug Bob Vila Radio: Recycling Carpet Follow these simple guidelines from the National Restoration Network to reduce your risk for basement flooding this season. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:17:16 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44256-7-ways-to-avoid-basement-flooding-this-spring http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44256-7-ways-to-avoid-basement-flooding-this-spring Slideshow basements, storms & disasters Keep gutters free of debris and position downspouts away from the foundation. The goal is to drain storm water at least three feet away, so if necessary, consider running extensions or troughs.Inspect the exterior foundation and your basement's walls and floors. Use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks and if warning signs are detected, apply masonry sealer indoors. For more serious problems, call a pro.If you have a below-grade sump pump, check to make sure its well is free of debris. If you have a portable pump, position it in the lowest part of the basement and be sure it's connected to a power source.If you haven't had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, spring is a good time to address these concerns. During periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall, clogged sewers and over-taxed septics are disasters waiting to happen. If you have below-grade basement windows, install window well covers that will fasten securely to your home's foundation. Clear acrylic covers allow light to enter, even as they keep out rain, leaves, and pests.Remember a sump pump only works if you have power. If you live in an area plagued with frequent storms and power outages, a generator may be a long-term investment worth considering.Review your property insurance policy and consider additional coverage, especially if you have a finished basement. Usually, homeowners' insurance does not cover flooding or sewer backups. Undecided? Check out The Case for Flood Insurance.If you are interested in more on basements, consider:How To: Dry a Wet BasementPlanning Guide: Basement RemodelingSave Money and Stay Comfortable by Embracing Your Crawl Space Though water issues may demand homeowners' attention this time of year, springtime is when gardeners really get going. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:49:14 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44266-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-april/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/44266-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-april/pages/1 Article seasonal Spring is officially underway, and while our focus has swung toward outdoor projects, it's not all daffodils and sunny skies for homeowners this season. 1. Avoid basement flooding The past couple of years—certainly last November with Hurricane Sandy—we've seen that in order to undergo serious storm damage, a house does not necessarily have to be located in a flood zone. This spring, water issues are top of mind for many homeowners discovering leaks that developed over the winter. Snowmelt in combination with seasonal rain showers can result in overwhelmed culverts, backed-up sewers, and flooded basements.  Of course, there's little you can do about the weather, but some steps may be taken to ensure your basement or crawl space remains dry. Having cleared your gutters of debris, position downspouts away from the house and foundation. The goal is to drain storm water at least three feet away, so consider running extensions or troughs. If you have below-grade basement windows, install window well covers made of a strong acrylic that will fasten securely to your home's foundation. Inspect the exterior foundation and your basement's walls and floors. Use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks and if warning signs are detected, apply masonry sealer to basement walls. Does the problem appear more serious? Call in a professional.  If you haven't had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, April is a good month to address these concerns. And if you're operating a sump pump, be certain it's free of blockage, correctly positioned, and connected to a power source. Since a sump pump won't run if your electricity goes out, a generator may be a long-term investment worth considering.  2. Consider a fresh coat of paint There's nothing like paint to transform the look of a home's exterior, and it makes good sense to tackle the job now before the hot, humid days of summer. Before settling on a new color scheme, though, take into account your neighbors' palettes. Make your house distinctive, but try not to make it look out of place. Remember that while light colors make a house look bigger, dark colors make it look more substantial. Think about using a contrasting color on trim and architectural details, and for maximum curb appeal, don't forget to factor in the color of your roof. For more tips on choosing exterior paint color, click here. 3. Start your lawn care early April ushers in the ultimate homeowner challenge—growing the perfect lawn—but before you pick up the fertilizer, first determine what type of grass you have. Cool-season grasses (including Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue) benefit most from fertilizer in the fall, so dosing again is not recommended. But if you forgot back in autumn, or if your lawn suffered winter damage, a light application now isn't a bad idea. Springtime fertilization of warm-season grasses (including zoysia and Bermuda) is appropriate once grass is actively growing, about six weeks after the last frost date. For more on fertilizing grass, click here. 4. Make a planter for your deck or patio  You will find a multitude of planters at your local garden center this time of year, but if you are moderately handy and possess a saw, hammer, drill and assorted hardware, you can easily make a planter of your own—for under $40! Shown here is a DIY cedar deck rail planter that provides a place for flowers and greens to grow from spring through fall. For the project tutorial, click here. 5. Take advantage of selling season Thinking of putting your house on the market? Historically, spring has been the optimal time to do so, and the market seems to have picked up momentum this year. Since you'll want to showcase your house in the best possible light, why not complete a few inexpensive curb appeal upgrades? Meanwhile, seize opportunities to make the interior more welcoming. Eliminating clutter, concealing family memorabilia, and emphasizing your kitchen's finest features could all mean the difference between "for sale" and "sold." For more home staging tips, click here. Azaleas are getting ready to set gardens on fire. The fluorescent shades of this plant's hallmark blooms tend to make... Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:31:50 -0400 /blogs/azaleas-care/ /blogs/azaleas-care/ Blog Post gardening, care Kelsey Savage [caption id="attachment_26266" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: gardenblog.winterthur.org"][/caption] Azaleas are getting ready to set gardens on fire. The fluorescent shades of this plant's hallmark blooms tend to make a near-instant impact on the landscape. Though a signature of the South, azaleas—classified in the genus Rhododendron—thrive on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. [caption id="attachment_26267" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Deciduous Azalea. Photo: moosycountrygarden.com"][/caption] There are thousands of azalea varieties, evergreen or deciduous. The former is known for purple and red blooms, while the latter features shades of pink, orange, and red. Evergreens prefer partial shade, and they flower and finish faster. Deciduous azaleas need full sun but last through the summer. Note also that multi-season blooming specialties have hit the market, courtesy of breeder Encore Azalea. [caption id="attachment_26268" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Evergreen Azaleas. Photo: hollyhillsnurseries.wordpress.com"][/caption] Plant your azaleas in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Depending on the variety, plant in either full sun or semi-shade, being sure to pick a spot that is removed from competing tree roots. Dig wide but plant shallow; the top of the root ball should be at surface grade. Now is also the time to transplant any pre-existing azaleas in your garden. For protection of new or replanted azaleas, add a good layer of mulch, and remember to water well throughout the summer. For more on gardening, consider: Spring Garden Favorites to Plant Right Now 5 Ways to Jump-Start Your Garden for Spring Plant Cool Weather Crops in Containers for Spring Salads Despite its name, sandpaper isn’t made of sand, and often doesn’t even involve paper. Listen to BOB VILA ON SANDPAPER... Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:00:47 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-tool-tip-sandpaper/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-tool-tip-sandpaper/ Blog Post Roseann Foley Henry Despite its name, sandpaper isn’t made of sand, and often doesn’t even involve paper. [caption id="attachment_26374" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: diylife.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON SANDPAPER or read the text below: Sandpaper is typically made from the chemical compounds aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, or of the mineral garnet. Ground-up particles of these abrasive materials are glued to a backing that might be made of paper, cloth, or polyester film to create sandpaper, or what we now call “coated abrasives.” Sandpaper’s coarseness is measured in grit size, or the number of particles per square inch of paper. The higher the number the finer the paper. Coarse sandpaper, in the 40 to 60 range, is best for rough shaping or removing old finishes. The next step up, medium grit—between 80 and 120—is for general sanding and final shaping work. Fine grit, in the 150 to 180 range, is for final sanding. Very fine sandpaper, 220 through 240, is used for sanding between coats of varnish. Extra-fine and super-fine grits, beyond 240, are also often used in sanding of final finishes. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on tools, consider: Laser Levels Ratchet Sets Pliers Browse some of today's most commonly used fencing materials, from timeless wood to utilitarian chain-link. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:55:13 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44064-on-the-fence-7-top-options-in-fencing-materials http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44064-on-the-fence-7-top-options-in-fencing-materials Slideshow outdoor structures, fences Through the ages, fences have constructed from many things, but which of today's materials is the right fit for you? That depends on your budget, performance requirements, and personal style preferences. Click through to see the pros and cons of homeowners' favorite fencing materials.Vinyl fencing is manufactured in a range of styles, including solid privacy, semi-privacy, and post-and-rail fences. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is that vinyl does not need to be repainted. A hard-wearing material, it won’t warp, splinter, rot, split or blister.Composite fencing (made from engineered wood) comes in a bewildering number of variations. Due to manufactured textures and colors, fences of this type convincingly simulate the look of wood.Wood fencing can be crafted in so many ways and painted or stained any number of colors. Likely to last many years, a wood fence costs significantly less than vinyl or composite, at least initially, but its maintenance is more demanding.In many ways, ornamental metal fencing combines the best qualities of other materials. A variety of styles are available to choose from, and all sorts of cast finials, spears, and rings may serve to customize your installation. Best of all, metal is highly durable yet low-maintenance.Chain-link fencing is sturdy, maintenance-free, durable and economical. Though it almost always looks utilitarian, choices can be made with regard to mesh size, wire gauge, and even color.While cast iron was the standard for decades, today’s ornamental metal fencing is powder-coated galvanized steel or aluminum, or a combination of aluminum and solid metal. Maintenance is limited to an occasional hosing, and if rust appears, it can either be brushed off or the metal can be recoated with a rust-inhibiting primer and a fresh coat of paint.Cedar is the preferred wood for fence-building, because of its resistance to rot and insects. (In some regions, redwood is the top choice.) Both species may be left to weather naturally, but every few years, it's wise to coat natural wood with a clear preservative.For more on outdoor structures, consider: 12 Birdhouses We Love Arbors: A Garden's Best Friend 10 "Style Setting" Garden Sheds Pros and cons define and differentiate the most popular fence types chosen by homeowners today. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:52:48 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/33566-fences-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/33566-fences-101/pages/1 Article outdoor structures, landscaping Through the ages, fences have been made from a variety of materials. Around my neighborhood, I see vinyl, cedar, metal and a number of other fence types. Which is best for you? The answer depends on your budget and stylistic preferences. These are the pros and cons of homeowners' most popular choices: Vinyl There's much to recommend vinyl fencing. It is manufactured in a range of styles, with decorative post caps to match, and there's now a greater variety of colors and finishes to choose from. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is that you do not need to repaint vinyl. A hard-wearing material, it won’t warp, splinter, rot, split or blister. And it's easy to clean; dirt can be washed away using only a sponge and hose (or a pressure washer). Though vinyl may initially cost more than wood, it's less expensive over time.  There are of course negatives to be aware of. Dozens of styles are available, but design options are not unlimited with vinyl fencing, and its plastic appearance is not everyone's favorite. Related: Arbors: A Garden's Best Friend It's tough stuff, to be sure, but vinyl can break—under high winds, for example, or upon impact from a well-struck soccer ball. Minor damage (holes, cracks, and so on) is repaired with body filler followed by sanding and re-painting. More extensive damage may require a replacement component, so if and when you install vinyl fencing, hang on to any spare parts. If your fence style is discontinued, that could mean you're out of luck. The construction of vinyl fencing is more complicated than might be expected. Rails are attached using specialized brackets or crimping tools, and posts must often be reinforced with concrete or metal stiffeners. Last but not least, it's important to note that vinyl is generally considered environmentally unfriendly. Toxins are produced in its manufacture, and the material is difficult to recycle. Composites Composite fencing (an engineered wood product) comes in a bewildering number of variations. Some fences have solid, not hollow, boards. Some are “capped” or “co-extruded” with a layer of PVC. And while multiple components are often required, in some cases construction is similar to that of a wood fence. Common to all is the fact they are made with recycled fibers, plastics, and binding agents. Due to manufactured textures and colors, composite fencing simulates wood more effectively than vinyl does, but if you opt for a solid color, there are fewer choices among composites. Like vinyl, composite fences require no staining or painting, and their low maintenance requirements can be easily take care of—only mild detergent and a hose are needed for cleaning. Durable and often backed by warranty, composite fencing is assembled, not with special brackets, but with traditional fasteners. Another pro: Composite fencing is environmentally friendly. Up to 95 percent of materials used in its manufacture are recycled, and some makers employ a nearly waste-free manufacturing system. Unfortunately, however, composite products cannot be recycled easily. Compared to vinyl or wood, fewer styles are available with composite fencing, whose designs are mainly limited to fence types that involve boards—privacy, shadow box, and post-and-rail fences, not to mention those with simple dog-ear pickets. Another con is that composites are susceptible to scratching, staining, and fading. Cost? Composite boards go for about twice as much as pressure-treated wood, and between the two, wood is easier to work with. Wood Wood fences have been a mainstay of the American landscape since Colonial days. They can be crafted in a wide variety of styles and painted or stained with innumerable colors. In some regions, cedar and redwood are the preferred material on account of their resistance to rot and insects, but several other wood species are also used. For longevity, pressure-treated wood is best, at least when it comes to structural members. Any non-pressure-treated pickets or boards should be coated with a preservative prior to finishing.  Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood fence will last for many years. And unlike petro-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested. Related: 10 "Best in Class" Patio Pavers On the other hand, wood requires more maintenance than other materials. A couple of times per year, it should be rinsed off, and every three or four years, it should be repainted or finished with a stain. Cedar and redwood fencing may be left to weather naturally, but even so, a clear preservative should be applied every few years. Because of the additional maintenance required, the cost of wood fencing may ultimately equal or exceed that of other fence types. Ornamental Metal In many ways, ornamental metal fencing combines the best qualities of other materials. Available in a wide variety of styles, it's very low-maintenance and unsurpassed in durability. While cast iron was the norm for many decades, today’s standard is powder-coated galvanized steel, aluminum, or a combination of aluminum and solid metal. Maintenance is limited to an occasional hosing. If rust appears, it can be brushed off, or the metal can be treated with a rust-inhibiting primer and a fresh coat of paint. Even after many decades, metal fencing can easily be recycled. Ornamental fencing is not without drawbacks. For one thing, repair work can be tricky. But metal fences are highly resistant to damage. Indeed, you can buy Civil War-era cast iron fencing that has outlasted the house it once surrounded. Steel Chain Link Steel fencing takes many forms, the most popular of which is chain-link. Though it's not normally thought of as pretty, chain-link fencing can certainly be used without becoming an eyesore. For starters, the mesh is immediately useful as a trellis for everything from moonflowers to morning glories. Chain-link is sturdy, maintenance-free, durable and economical, plus it’s ideal for situations in which you want your fence to be see-through (burglars cannot hide behind chain-link, after all). Installation is easy. Most of the fittings are tightened down with a socket wrench. The only special tool you may need is a second pair of hands to assist in pulling the mesh tight. Since it's often possible to re-stitch damaged mesh fabric, repairing a chain-link fence is relatively easy. Another pro: Chain-link fencing is considered "green," since any scrap metal dealer will be happy to receive (and may even pay for) one you're discarding. Try that with an old vinyl or composite fence! Inevitably, chain-link fencing possesses a utilitarian aesthetic, but style options exist. Different mesh sizes and wire gauges are available, and the polymer coatings now come in colors, such as brown, green, and black—any of these provides a softer look than silver. When installed among shrubs or along the border of wooded areas, it's possible for a chain-link fence to be nearly invisible, especially if outfitted with fabrics or lattice panels. Whether you've been bitten by the travel bug or merely want to give the impression of being well-traveled, maps lend ... Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:43:27 -0400 /blogs/map-diy/ /blogs/map-diy/ Blog Post diy, repurposing Kristina Grosspietsch Whether you've been bitten by the travel bug or merely want to give the impression of being well-traveled, maps lend decor a sense of far-flung sophistication. Be it an ancestral family town or a favorite vacation spot, metropolis or no man's land, maps do more than show streets and landmarks—they connect us to another part of the world. So browse these great map DIY projects and ponder where YOU might take the maps-as-decor concept:   1. PUT UP WALLPAPER [caption id="attachment_26351" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Bob Vila Nation"][/caption] Whether you work with one large print or a mosaic of different maps, a little glue can help you translate your wanderlust into a room's stunning focal point as wallpaper. 2. CRAFT A CLOCK [caption id="attachment_26350" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: Crafts Unleashed"][/caption] From Crafts Unleashed, mod podge your favorite map to a tin candle plate. Add the clockwork and you've got a personalized timepiece—in no time at all!   3. CREATE COASTERS [caption id="attachment_26352" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Photo: sfgate.com"][/caption] Trace the outline of your coaster on the back of a map, then découpage the map to the coaster. Insert "it's five o'clock somewhere" joke here.   4. DECORATE A DRESSER [caption id="attachment_26353" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Photo: modgepodgerocksblog.com"][/caption] This great DIY map project comes to us straight from the Mod Podge Rocks Blog. All it takes to give your modest dresser a worldly facade is—you guessed it—mod podge!   5. FASHION A FRAME [caption id="attachment_26354" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: lillianmckay.com"][/caption] By now, you've probably detected a theme: Découpage is the key to so many of the best map DIY projects, including this picture frame. Immortalize not only a photo, but where you were when it was taken.   For more repurposing project ieas, consider: 5 Things to Do with... Wine Bottles 5 Things to Do with... Globes 5 Things to Do with... Bottle Caps Tin ceilings were very popular in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. These mass-produced ceilings, stamped with decorativ... Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:00:01 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-tin-ceilings/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-tin-ceilings/ Blog Post ceilings, design, bob vila radio Roseann Foley Henry Tin ceilings were very popular in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. These mass-produced ceilings, stamped with decorative patterns, were lightweight, hardy, and fire-resistant. They offered an inexpensive alterative to the elaborate plasterwork and woodwork popular during the victorian era. [caption id="attachment_26338" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: americantinceilings.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON TIN CEILINGS or read the text below: You can recapture the victorian charm of a tin ceiling today. Manufacturers produce metal ceilings in tin, aluminum, and copper, as well as hand-painted or powder-coated finishes. In the old days, tin ceilings were usually painted to create the look of plaster, but many people today leave metal ceilings unpainted. Tiles can be nailed up to a plywood base or dropped in to a suspended ceiling. There are do-it-yourself systems out there, but be careful of those sharp metal tile edges! For a less expensive option, consider pvc tiles with the look of tin. These can be glued onto a flat ceiling or dropped into a grid system. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on ceilings, consider: 10 Great Looks in Tin Ceiling Tiles How To: Paint a Ceiling The Walls and Ceilings - A Crash Course It's spring, the season for cleaning. Washing windows is at the top of our list. Many commercial window-cleaning prod... Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:18:31 -0400 /blogs/clean-windows/ /blogs/clean-windows/ Blog Post cleaning, windows, how to Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_26285" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: orderwindowsonline.com"][/caption] It's spring, the season for cleaning. Washing windows is at the top of our list. Many commercial window-cleaning products are available, all of which promise to impart a “streak-free shine.” But we have found that a simple solution—one part white vinegar to two parts water—is perfect when mixed up in a spray bottle. Here are a few tips and techniques to make the job of cleaning windows go a bit faster, and easier: For cleaning inside windows: • Fill a bucket or large pot with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. • Place a large bath towel beneath the window to catch any spills. • Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top and working down to the bottom. Don’t forget to wipe down the frame as well, both inside and out. • Spray the window thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution, or if you prefer, a commercial window cleaning product (Zep or Windex work well). Another option is mixing one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water. • Using a clean, lint-free towel (or the black-and-white pages of a newspaper), dry the window completely using a Z-shaped motion. You also can use clean paper towels to dry the windows, if you prefer. • If dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. (Dirty windows typically require two rounds of spraying and drying.) • It is best to work on a cool, cloudy day so that the soapy water and window-cleaning solution do not dry on your windows. Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING [caption id="attachment_26286" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: sparklingcleanwindowcleaning.com"][/caption] For cleaning outside windows: • Outside windows typically have more dirt and stains. Start by rinsing the windows with the hose, then fill a bucket with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. • Using a soft microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the window. For higher windows, use a sponge mop (or a soft cotton or microfiber mop) on a pole. • Rinse thoroughly with the hose. • Spray or mop with the vinegar and water solution or with a commercial cleanser. • Wipe the window dry using a clean, rubber-bladed squeegee. Angle the squeegee towards the bottom of the window and work from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee with a clean, dry towel at the bottom of each pass. Alternatively, you can use a clean, lint-free towel or newspaper pages to dry the windows. • For stubborn dirt and stains, including bird droppings, saturate thoroughly with vinegar and water and let stand for several minutes before drying. You can also try rubbing with a soft “scrubbie” sponge, but do not use steel wool or harsh scrubbing cloths; these will scratch the window. • Don’t neglect the window screens. Rinse with plain water, spray with a vinegar and water solution, then rinse again with plain water. Let dry thoroughly before replacing the screens on the windows. Sometimes windows will be stained with mineral deposits, particularly in areas with hard water. There are several commercial cleansers that can be used on these stains, including CLR, which removes calcium, lime, and rust stains. Follow the manufacturer directions when using these products. Although cleaning windows can be a “pain,” it is worth it to be able to enjoy unobstructed views... and let the sun shine in! For more on cleaning, consider: How To: Clean Concrete How To: Clean Vinyl Siding How To: Clean Painted Walls That choking sound you hear is the echo of real estate deals not getting done, because suddenly, buyers can’t find ho... Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:22:21 -0400 /blogs/sellers-market/ /blogs/sellers-market/ Blog Post selling, real estate, trends Joanne Y. Cleaver [caption id="attachment_26310" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Illustration: activerain.com"][/caption] That choking sound you hear is the echo of real estate deals not getting done, because suddenly, buyers can’t find houses they want. In markets where buyers are clamoring for properties, this spring may give sellers the rare opportunity to cut agents’ commissions, and in so doing, save a bigger slice of hard-won equity. In late March, the National Association of Realtors blamed low valuations (dang those appraisers!) and a shortage of new homes (huh?) for a February stall in pending home sales. One factor the NAR conveniently overlooked is the traditional 6% realty commission. With millions of homeowners owing more than their homes are worth, according to real estate data cruncher CoreLogic, that transaction cost is a burden many cannot shoulder. Those close to the line—underwater by just a few percentage points—could be able to make up the difference by trimming the commission. Success is not assured, but it's probably worth investigating your options. After all, 6% of the selling price likely equates to more than 6% of your actual equity or savings. Here are three ways to turn a seller’s market to fast advantage, for less than the standard commission: 1. Hijack the real estate selling machine. The multiple listing service is a powerhouse for getting your listing in front of the 90% of buyers represented by the National Association of Realtors. Sure, Craigslist is free, but market conditions change quickly. If you are serious about selling, get your house in front of as many people as possible. Use a discount broker who charges 1% or 2% (or a flat fee) to get your house online asap. 2. Make it worthwhile for buyers’ agents. If you are handling the sale yourself, you have to win over buyers’ agents by offering to cover their slice of the traditional commission (that’d be 3%, split between the agent and his or her brokerage). 3. Throw yourself into the deal. In your listing and supplementary marketing materials, promise to use your buyer’s agent as your own buyer’s agent. This of course works best when you are buying another home locally. But if you're moving out of town, you could still cut in the buyer’s agent on a referral fee. Make your best virtual first impression with these tips on polishing your online listing. For more on real estate, consider: Is Housing Really Back? 10 Simple Home Staging Tips Every Seller Should Know 3 Ways to Polish Your Online Real Estate Listing Everyone knows that a new shower head can be a stylish, water-conserving improvement for any bathroom—but why stop th... Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:00:58 -0400 /blogs/enter-april-showers-giveaway/ /blogs/enter-april-showers-giveaway/ Blog Post contest Larry Bilotti Everyone knows that a new shower head can be a stylish, water-conserving improvement for any bathroom—but why stop there, when you could win the Delta shower head of your choice plus $2,000 to jump-start your dream bath remodel in Bob Vila's "April Showers" Give-Away? ENTER BOB VILA'S "APRIL SHOWERS" GIVE-AWAY Today and every day in April (until 11:59 a.m. EST, May 1, 2013), you can enter to win one of four Delta shower heads (options shown below) in addition to a $2,000 Visa gift card!   [caption id="attachment_26298" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Delta's (clockwise from top left) In2ition® Two-in-One Shower, Dryden, Contemporary, and Transitional shower heads, each with H2Okinetic Technology"][/caption] Each shower head features Delta’s H2Okinetic™ technology—an innovative internal system that controls the speed, movement, and water droplet size to create a custom shower experience like no other. The shower actually sculpts water into a unique wave pattern that provides more coverage, more intensity, and more warmth (since the larger water droplets retain their temperature longer). Best of all, you get the feeling of more water without actually using more water. So, go ahead: CHOOSE YOUR SHOWER HEAD and seize your opportunity to win $2,000. Remember, you can enter Bob Vila's "April Showers" Give-Away daily to increase your odds of winning. To learn more about Delta H20Kinetics, click here. The “Bob Vila’s Spring Showers from Delta Faucet” sweepstakes is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Contest Period runs from 12:00 p.m. (EST) Monday, April 1, 2013 through 11:59 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, May 1, 2013. One entry per household per day on BobVila.com. Alternative means of entry for Drawing is available by faxing your name and address to 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. In the event that Winner fails to provide Sponsor with a choice of shower head, Winner’s prize package will include the Default Selection. See Official Rules. Durable composite roof shingles arguably improve upon the traditional slate and wood shake shingles they are engineered to mimic. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:40:55 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44241-composite-shakes-and-slates-the-great-pretenders http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/44241-composite-shakes-and-slates-the-great-pretenders Slideshow roofing, materials, shingles Creating alternatives to traditional roofing materials has proved a steep and slippery slope for a surprising number of manufacturers, but in recent years, several companies have developed composite shingles that successfully mimic the look of real slate and wood shake roofing.DaVinci Roofscapes, LLC, offers a comprehensive line of composite shake- and slate-type products. It is a polymer-based product with top impact and fire ratings, plus a strong warranty. Shown here: DaVinci's Fancy Shake Polymer Cedar Tile.Durable composite shingles are available in multiple widths and multiple colors, allowing homeowners to create blends with realistic textures and shade variations. Shown here: DaVinci's New Cedar Polymer Shake.CertainTeed’s luxury line of slate-like shingles is a dead ringer for slate, from its surface texture to its rough-chiseled edges. Shown here: CertainTeed's Symphony Evergreen Blend Slate.CertainTeed's lightweight, fade-resistant Symphony shingles arguably improve upon the genuine article. Aside from being cheaper to buy and less costly to install, they are backed by a 50-year warranty and boast Energy Star certification. Shown: Certainteed's Symphony Capital Blend Slate.Unlike many of its competitors' products, EcoStar composite shingles have a 20-year track record. They’re green, too, being made of up to 80-percent recycled rubber and plastics. Shown here: EcoStar's Red Gray Majestic Slate.EcoStar shingles and shakes are virtually indistinguishable from real slate and wood, earning them approval for use in historic preservation projects. Shown here: EcoStar's Chestnut Brown Aspen Blend Seneca Shake.Composite shake or slate roof installations will cost at least four times as much as asphalt shingles. And "although composite roofs are not as difficult to install as slate and cedar," says Rick Damato, editorial director of Roofing Contractor, "the contractor will have to know what he’s doing for them to come out right." Shown: DaVinci's Single Width Valore Slate in Black.If you are interested in more on roofing, consider: Debunking 5 Common Metal Roof Myths Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof? Asphalt Shingles: A Showcase of Roofing Styles, Colors, and Options The advent of spring is generally welcome, but warmer temperatures also bring out unwanted pests, namely termites. Of... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:26:00 -0400 /blogs/termite-infestation/ /blogs/termite-infestation/ Blog Post maintenance, pests Donna Boyle Schwartz The advent of spring is generally welcome, but warmer temperatures also bring out unwanted pests, namely termites. Often, termite infestation shows up in the weeks following winter, when those destructive chewers begin swarming and forming new colonies. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year, an expense not typically covered under homeowners' insurance policies, according to The National Pest Management Association. Indeed, damage from termites is five times more likely than damage from fire. To heighten awareness of these pervasive pests, the association designated March 25 to 29 as “Termite Awareness Week.” [caption id="attachment_26225" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Diagram of Common Termite Entry points, from EcoChoice"][/caption] Termites are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week, silently feeding on the cellulose found in structural wood. "Pest-proofing and home improvement projects are often designated to the spring season," says Scott Fortson, president of Terminix Service, Inc., a South Carolina-based franchise of pest management firm Terminix International. "Now is the perfect time of year to remind homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their greatest investment from costly damage. Because termites aren't often detected until it's too late, we advise consumers to arrange for termite protection from a qualified pest professional." [caption id="attachment_26222" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Subterranean Termites. Photo: backyardbio.dreamhosters.com"][/caption] The first step in preventing termite infestation is recognizing the problem. Because termites work from the inside out, you may not see a sign of infestation until the damage has been done. There are numerous species of termites in the U.S. Subterranean termites live underground or in moist, secluded areas aboveground, as many as two million to a colony. Each measuring up to one inch in length, these cream-colored termites travel along distinctive "mud tubes" through foundation cracks and expansion joints, along plumbing and electrical penetrations, behind veneer and anywhere wood meets the ground. [caption id="attachment_26223" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Dampwood Termite. Photo: floridapest.com"][/caption] Dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content. Conehead termites, also known as "tree termites," are an invasive species native to the Caribbean. Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. [caption id="attachment_26227" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Termite Baits. Photo: nachi.org"][/caption] Once a termite infestation is present, professional help is necessary, and treatment is determined by the severity of the problem. The two major methods of elimination are termite baits and liquid termite treatments. Termite baits are placed around the home and gradually eliminate the population as workers carry the pesticides back to the colony. Liquid treatments are sprayed around the home to kill and repel any termites coming into contact with the chemicals. Another treatment option is borate. Typically used in new construction, borate is applied directly to the wood of the house as a coating. Some treatment options work on specific species in specific geographical areas. For instance, fumigation, electrocution, and liquid nitrogen have been effective in controlling drywood termites, common in Southern states. Heating and microwave treatments are used elsewhere. Because termite damage can go undetected, the NPMA and Terminex also recommend an annual termite inspection by a licensed professional. Terminex offers the following prevention tips: • Carefully inspect the perimeter of the home for mud tubes and rotting wood. • Make sure gutters and downspouts are unclogged and actively divert water away from your home’s foundation. • Repair fascia, soffits, and rotted roof shingles. • Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry. • Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of the home. • Any wood in direct contact with the soil and your structure is vulnerable to termites. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and before bringing it indoors, check the wood for pests. For more on pests, consider: Bob Vila Radio: House Pests How To: Rodent-Proof Your Home How To: Protect Your Home from Carpenter Ants Nothing kills a home’s curb appeal faster than a couple of trash cans and recycling bins parked in the driveway, or l... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:00:57 -0400 /blogs/bob-vila-radio-hiding-trash-cans/ /blogs/bob-vila-radio-hiding-trash-cans/ Blog Post bob vila radio, driveway & walkway Roseann Foley Henry Nothing kills a home’s curb appeal faster than a couple of trash cans and recycling bins parked in the driveway, or littering the front yard. Keeping them out of sight can stop your home from looking... well, trashy. [caption id="attachment_26260" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: premierdsp.com"][/caption] mp3_link Listen to BOB VILA ON TRASH CANS or read the text below: The garage is one obvious place to stash the trash, but that can create quite a stench on a hot summer day. And if it’s a chore to drag cans back into a crowded garage, you might end up just leaving them out. One solution is to erect a short screen, or lattice, in a spot between your trash exit point—usually the kitchen—and the trash pickup spot by the curb. There are many styles of easy-to-install screens on the market, or if you’re handy, you can build your own small screen with trellis panels. You can even create a natural screen with tall grasses or bamboo. In areas rife with wildlife, consider covered storage, either a small shed or lean-to built alongside the house or garage. Both are available in ready-made varieties, and neither’s too tough for a diy project. Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. For more on curb appeal, consider: 10 Simple "Under $60" Curb Appeal Updates for Any Home 10 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door 11 House Numbers to Count On for Curb Appeal Use a paint sprayer to revive your old cabinets with a glossy, smooth finish. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:50:35 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30129-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-cabinets-with-a-paint-sprayer/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30129-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-cabinets-with-a-paint-sprayer/pages/1 Article paint, how to, cabinets When it comes to painting cabinets, I know there are a lot of opinions and methods out there. But after I painted my kitchen island with a sprayer, I knew that doing my cabinets with a brush would not produce the look I wanted. My cabinets have a lot of raised panels, nooks, and crannies that despite my best efforts would likely ends up with drips and brush marks. However, paint sprayers can be expensive, particularly models that hook up to a turbine. I did some research, though, and found one (the Wagner HLVP Conversion Gun of Awesomeness) that I could connect to our air compressor for a fraction of the cost. Let's get to the details. How did I prep my cabinets? What kind of paint did I use? What finish did I choose? 1. Sand and Clean. Since my cabinets didn't have a glossy finish to begin with, I started by giving them a light sanding. Then I used Krud Kutter Gloss-Off, which is a great all-in-one cleaner AND deglosser, so with this product, you can kill two birds with one stone. For primer and paint I used Fresh Start Superior Primer and Advance paint by Benjamin Moore. I cannot say enough good things about this Advance paint. Oh... my... goodness! As the paint-store guy/expert said, "It's revolutionary." As he explained it, Advance is basically an oil-based paint that acts like a latex (even though it is a latex paint). You get all of the good points of an oil-based paint with none of the negative. Though it hardens and wears like an oil, the paint cleans up like a latex—and it doesn't smell! Revolutionary, indeed.  2. Remove Doors. Before you can really get moving, you first must remove your cabinet doors and drawers. I highly recommend putting together some sort of numbering system so that you don't lose track of what goes where. While it all seems to make sense when you're planning, you'll be glad you did this when your paint-weary brain goes to put the doors and drawers back. 3. Tape. You will also need to tape off the countertops, floor, some of the ceiling, and the inside of the cabinets (walls, too, if you don't plan on painting them in addition to your cabinets). This was by far my least favorite part of the project. Taping off the inside of cabinet frames is harder than it sounds. TIP: Tape off the bottom, sides, and top of the frame first (newspaper works well for this), then tape off the back of the inside frame. You can see what I mean here: Photo: The Evolution of Style TIP: When you take off your cabinet hinges, put them in Ziploc baggies and tape them to the inside frame of that cabinet. This makes rehanging much simpler! You will need to go all Dexter-like and tape off any open areas in your kitchen to avoid spray particles from floating through your house. Photo: The Evolution of Style 4. Get ready. You will also need to set up a staging area and a "spray booth" for painting your cabinet doors and drawers. If it's warm enough, you can do this in your garage. I ended up setting up shop in our basement storage area. The great part about this space is that there are doors that lead to the outside, so I could open them up for ventilation. Plus, working here meant I had room to create my spray booth and there was enough space for my cabinets to dry. The photo on the left shows the little table I set up using a piece of medium-density fiberboard. I nailed five finish nails on this board so that as I painted, the cabinet doors would be slightly elevated, and I would not have to worry about them sticking to the table top.  The same is true for the area (outside of my spray booth) where I set everything out to dry. Since I was painting both the front and the back of my cabinet doors, the nails helped keep the drips to a minimum and lowered the risk of the doors sticking to anything while drying. Note: I obviously removed the hardware before doing this and used Elmer's wood putty in one of the holes, since I was going with knobs instead of pulls. Make sure you plan out the placement of your hardware before you start painting. You'll avoid having to make adjustments that require more priming and painting. 5. Priming and painting. Now the fun begins! Before you start spraying your cabinets, practice on a large piece of cardboard or an old box so that you can get the hang of the spray gun. It's really very simple to use. It just takes some experimenting. Photo: The Evolution of Style TIP: If you're going to paint both sides of your cabinet doors, start by painting the inside of the cabinet first. That way, if you make any mistakes or have problems, you'll learn early and it will be on an inconspicuous part of the cabinet. Plus, this way the cabinets will end up drying with the outside of the cabinet facing UP, and you won't have to worry about any potential scratches or indentations from the nails that are used to balance your cabinets for drying. You will have a freshly painted cabinet surface when you rehang your doors. Start by priming the outside edge of the door with a narrow spray, making sure that you cover the outside edges of the door. Then fill in the center area to ensure complete coverage. Carefully pick up the door and move it to the drying area. Lather. Rinse. Repeat ;-) Once you get into a rhythm, you can paint the doors relatively quickly. Priming probably took me the longest, since I only used one coat and wanted to be sure I covered the doors really well. I followed the primer with two coats of paint.  It's a bit of a hurry-up-and-wait kind of process. For the primer, I allowed 24 hours for each side to dry. For the paint, there's a 16-hour wait time in between coats, which essentially amounts to a whole day for each coat. For each side. Photo: The Evolution of Style TIP: Clean your HVLP spray gun after you're done for the day. It's really easy, so don't be intimidated! All I had to do was empty the paint out of the spray cup, fill it with warm water, and spray it out until the water ran clear. (Of course, instructions are provided with the spray gun.) You don't need to clean the needle every time, as indicated in the directions. So do the math: Two sides, one coat of primer, two coats of paint. You're talking about at least a week of just painting and waiting. Then you want to let everything sit and cure a bit before rehanging. I recommend two or three days of cure time once you have completed all of the priming and painting. While your doors are curing, you can tackle the frames (or at least that's what I did). And really, if you want to paint the frames with a brush, you could do that and save some of the trouble. But since my frames had a lot of raised panels and I wanted the clean look that the HVLP sprayer provides, it was worth the extra prep work. I saved this part for last, because this is what rendered my kitchen pretty much inoperable (you're taping EVERYTHING off in order to get a clean spray of just the frames).  The same process that worked for the doors also worked for the frames: - Lightly sand the frames (I used 220-grit sandpaper) - Remove excess dust and wipe clean with tack cloth - Clean and degloss the frame surface with Krud Kutter - Prime cabinet frames and allow to dry 24 hours - Lightly sand and use tack cloth before painting - Paint cabinet frames with two or three coats of paint, waiting 24 hours in between coats - Wait two or three days for paint to cure before rehanging doors TIP: Since gravity is working against you on the cabinet frames, I recommend using a fine spray to avoid drips as much as possible. If you do get drips, avoid sanding too much before the paint has fully cured. Wait until the paint has become more "sand-friendly." You can touch up with a small artist's brush. The paint experts told me that it takes 30 days for the Advance paint to fully cure. Don't panic—it's not like you're going to be working with sticky cabinet doors or anything. Just use a little extra caution in the first month. Once your doors and frames have cured enough, the fun of putting your kitchen back together begins! From here, you can install new hardware if you have it, reinstall your hinges (or replace your old ones with new), and then rehang your doors and drawers. Now sit back and enjoy your new kitchen! Photo: The Evolution of Style   Jenny, mother of three and self-described rookie photographer, is the unstoppable force behind the popular Evolution of Style Blog. From kitchen remodels to laundry room updates, with an undeniable gift for organization, Jenny's talent makes her site one of our favorite places to find tips and tricks on home fix-ups. Installing a storm door may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, but advances in manufacturing and design have ... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:54:25 -0400 /blogs/storm-door-installation/ /blogs/storm-door-installation/ Blog Post doors, installation Donna Boyle Schwartz [caption id="attachment_26149" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="Andersen Contemporary Series Storm Door with True Scene Insect Screen"][/caption] Installing a storm door may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, but advances in manufacturing and design have made the process easy enough for the average homeowner to complete start-to-finish in a single afternoon. The first step in installing a pre-hung storm door is getting the proper measurements. First, use a level to be certain that your door frame is square. If adjustments are necessary, you can use wood shims to improve the fit. Next, measure the height and width of the frame from the inside of the exterior trim pieces. It is a good idea to measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door. If there is any variation, use the narrowest width measurement. Related: Enhance Your Entryway with Storm Doors [caption id="attachment_26144" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Diagram: larsondoors.com"][/caption] Major home improvement chains and hardware stores offer pre-hung storm door kits in the most commonly used door sizes—30-, 32-, 34- and 36-inches. If your door frame is larger, you can either order a custom-sized door or purchase an extender kit to fill the extra space between door and frame. Such kits are sold with installation and operating hardware, although handles and locksets are often sold separately. The storm door connects to the frame with hinges and has either a hydraulic or pneumatic door closer that pulls the door closed automatically. A typical storm door installation project will take about four hours. However, industry leader Andersen Windows recently introduced a new system, the 45-Minute Rapid Install Storm Door.  The doors come pre-hung in the factory with drip caps, sweep, and lock case already in place. A self-squaring clip system is also built in, along with pre-drilled closer bracket holes and a new closer jamb bracket design. The handle set twists and locks securely in place without the use of set screws or tools. Available at select dealers and The Home Depot, Andersen’s Rapid Install system is available in multiple sizes, eight colors, three hardware finishes and a variety of clear or decorative glass options. [caption id="attachment_26155" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Andersen Contemporary Trim Series Storm Door with Single Vent Full Light"][/caption] Today's storm doors are much more stylish than the white, black, or brown styles of days past. A variety of fashionable colors and decorative effects are now offered, benefiting homeowners with personalized choices for enhanced curb appeal. To learn more about Andersen’s 45-Minute Rapid Install Storm Door, click here for a video overview: For more on doors and entryways, consider: 30 Inspiring Front Door Designs 10 Simple "Under $60" Curb Appeal Updates 10 Design Inspirations for Mudrooms and Entryways If you want to keep a little bit of your summer garden with you all year long, you can do so by drying herbs and stor... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:17:54 -0400 /blogs/drying-herbs/ /blogs/drying-herbs/ Blog Post gardening, grow, how to Jennifer Noonan [caption id="attachment_26235" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: tallgrassdesign.blogspot.com"][/caption] If you want to keep a little bit of your summer garden with you all year long, you can do so by drying herbs and storing them for use after your plants have fallen to the frost. Drying herbs is simple, can save you money, and imparts peace of mind—it's nice knowing exactly where your food ingredients come from! Related: Top Tips on Growing Herbs Indoors The best time to cut herbs for drying is just before they flower, at which point the leaves contain the most oil. So keep an eye out for buds. If you’ve been harvesting all summer, your herbs may not have had a chance to flower. A good time to cut for drying is in late summer when plants are starting to flag. TOOLS AND MATERIALS - Sharp scissors, knife, or small pruners - Twine, string, or rubber bands - Paper bags (optional) - Cookie sheet or cooling rack (for oven drying method) DIRECTIONS 1. Harvest. Use sharp scissors, a knife, or small pruners to snip steps from your plants. Cut when leaves are dry and free from dew (late morning or in the evening). 2. Prepare. Remove any damaged or discolored leaves, wash in cold water, and dry thoroughly. If herbs are left wet, they can mold and rot. [caption id="attachment_26232" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="Photo: inmyhomeabide.blogspot.com"][/caption] 3. Dry. Air Drying Method Using twine or string, tie the stems of your herbs into loose bunches. Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate around them. Turn your herbs upside down and hang in a warm, dry place that is out of the sunlight—an attic, for example, or an empty closet. If you don’t have a dark place to hang herbs, you can place them upside down in a paper bag, having cut holes for ventilation. Wrap the opening of the bag around the stems, securing the closure with rubber bands or string (this will also help to keep dust off). Hanging upside down allows the essential oils to flow downward from the stems to the leaves. Oven Drying Method Herbs with a higher moisture content (basil, tarragon, mint, lemon balm) need to be dried more quickly, so they won’t mold. Remove the leaves from stems and place on a cookie sheet or cooling rack. Place in a low oven, 180 degrees or less, for two to four hours, checking frequently until they are dry. 4. Store. Put dried herbs in labeled, airtight containers (plastic baggies, re-sealable plastic containers, canning jars) stored in a cool, dry place. For optimal flavor, store leaves whole, then crush before using. Leaves retain more oil when stored whole. Your dried herbs will keep for a long time, but they are best used within one year, at which point they start to lose flavor. If the color fades, you’ll know the flavor has faded, too. But before that happens, you’ll have more herbs growing fresh in your garden to use. And as soon as the growing season ends, you can start the process all over again. A sustainable cycle to sustain a flavorful kitchen. For more on gardening, consider: Top Tips: Growing Tomatoes How To: Plant a Vegetable Garden Plant Cool-Weather Crops in Containers for Spring Salad Putting into action a few simple home staging tips will help your house stand out from the pack in today's improving market. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:28:28 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/42537-10-simple-home-staging-tips-every-seller-should-know http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/42537-10-simple-home-staging-tips-every-seller-should-know Slideshow selling, real estate Home staging may not seem hugely important, but in today's improving real estate market, the tiniest detail could mean the difference between "For Sale" and "Sold." Click through to read all of our top tips on staging your home for sale and watch the bids come flying in!You may have spent hours making sure the kitchen is clean, and doing so is worth the effort. But remember, the facade is the first part of your house a potential buyer will see. A little landscaping can go a long way. Strapped for time? Potted plants placed around the front door will add welcome charm to your entryway.You want to enable potential buyers to easily imagine themselves living in your place—so don't compromise the fantasy with pictures from your aunt's 90th birthday party. Instead, help other people connect with the house by disconnecting yourself from it.Sure, house hunters aren't in the market for your furniture, too, but that old living room sofa isn't helping your house stand out from the rest. Try giving worn-out pieces a pick-me-up with new pillows or a slipcover.Think about switching around the furniture in some rooms. Your preferred setup may not be the most appealing one to would-be buyers. Where logical, opt for a social layout that makes it easy to envision the space being enjoyed among family and friends.If you're willing to pick up a paintbrush, tone down any bold color choices in favor of neutral colors schemes that will make the rooms in your house more palatable for all potential buyers, no matter their personal style preferences.During home staging, your bathrooms and kitchen deserve extra attention. The kitchen in particular can make or break a buyer's overall opinion of your home, so if you have reservations about its condition, consider budget-friendly quick fixes.Stow everything not essential to your daily life: Remove appliances from counters, clear magazines from table tops, and take your boots out of the mudroom. A house on the market should appear ready for a new occupant.As you're clearing away the clutter, keep in mind that buyers visiting your home may look in every corner of every room. So don't try hiding all your stuff in one closet! Your stash is sure to be discovered, leaving house hunters to wonder what other secrets may lurk under your roof.Open a window. Doesn't your home feel more homey and inviting already? Opening windows at least ten minutes prior to showings will ensure that your space smells fresh and doesn't feel stuffy.We cannot stress enough how important cleaning is in home staging. Scrub grout lines in the shower, wipe your window blinds, and wash the concrete floor in your garage. Let no detail go unnoticed! Clean everything.To make your house irresistible, remember to add a few thoughtful final touches. A bright tablecloth or a vase of fresh-cut flowers can really perk up a room, making your house as welcoming—and worthy of sale—as possible.If you're interested in more on real estate, consider: 7 Renovation Tips to Boost Your Home's Resale ValueQuick Tip: Why Home Staging Pays5 Smart Home Improvements? Think Again! While so many of us own pieces of wood laminate furniture, so few ever think to reinvent them with paint. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:19:27 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29772-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-laminate/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29772-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-laminate/pages/1 Article paint, how to, furniture I recently gave my bookcases a much-needed makeover. Ever since I had painted the room a deep blue, this faux-wood furniture had been lost in the dark hue of the walls. A transformation was needed, and a crisp, fresh coat of white paint on the bookcases was the perfect solution. Step 1: Sanding To begin, I gave each bookcase a good sanding with my orbital sander (hands down, my favorite power tool). These bookcases are made of a particle board-like composite with a faux-wood laminate exterior. It was important NOT to sand too much since the surface is essentially paper, but it was important to get them ‘roughed-up’ enough so the paint would absorb into the surface. Photo: SAS Interiors Step 2: Priming The next key step was to prime all the surfaces. I used Kilz Primer, which blocks, seals, and preps the surface to which the paint will adhere.  Photo: SAS Interiors Primer is important, especially when painting over laminate. Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth, non-porous material, so it really needs something to 'grab' onto—primer will do the trick! It’s suggested that primer takes seven days to completely dry. Step 3: Painting After sanding, priming, and making a few updates, it was time to PAINT! I used a brush for the corners and a roller for the flat surfaces. In certain areas, I used a brush first, then went over the same surface with the roller to achieve a smooth, stroke-less surface. Photo: SAS Interiors Here’s a tip: If the surface isn’t sanded or not sanded enough, then the paint will "bubble" or spot, as shown on the right, because it’s not properly adhering.  I’ll be honest, these bookcases took about three or four coats before I felt they were fully covered. And even after they were dry to the surface, I didn’t put anything on the shelves for at least a week. Paint takes about 30 days to fully cure and since heavy books and accessories would be sitting on the bookcases, I didn't want to risk the paint job being ruined or beginning to peel! And this is the result… Photo: SAS Interiors So refreshing! Now it's time to add the books and accessories. Painting laminate wasn’t difficult, but I did find it more time-consuming than painting wood. To sum it up, the most important steps are to sand and prime all the surfaces before painting. If you were to skip those two steps, your paint would have nothing to adhere to and would most likely peel right off. Going into this project, I wasn’t sure if the paint would even stay on such a smooth, but thanks to the correct preparation, I was thrilled with the outcome.   Jenna Burger, the creative force behind SAS Interiors, is both a home blogger and a professional interior designer, not to mention a wife and mother. She has been passionate about interiors from an early age, though got her start in the field through architecture. After graduation, she switched gears and her dream of becoming an interior designer finally became a reality. With easy to follow tutorials, unique do-it-yourself inspiration, and an undeniable passion for the subject, Jenna Burger is a design name we aren't likely to forget. Just as shovels and rakes come in every size and shape, wheelbarrows are now available in varying designs to suit your gardening needs. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:29:27 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34933-10-wheelbarrows-to-lighten-your-load http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34933-10-wheelbarrows-to-lighten-your-load Slideshow outdoor tools A modernized version of the classic wheelbarrow, this steel-construction model from Ames features ergonomic handles for superior control and maneuverability, and with six cubic feet devoted to hauling, it can handle your heaviest loads with ease.This is your Dad’s wheelbarrow, a traditional one-wheel, two-handled design with a steel bucket. In other words, it’s a landscaping workhorse that would serve a gardener for many years.From Keter, this is a multi-position work wagon. Featuring ergonomic handles and heavy-duty rubber wheels, the Realbarrow tips forward onto a steel-reinforced edge, allowing materials to be swept, raked, or pushed in from ground level. Handily, it can be stood upright to save precious storage space.The Lifetime Yard Cart is a wheelbarrow and more. Designed with a steel-tongue assembly, the push handle converts to a towing hitch, which means you can use your tractor or riding mower to haul heavy loads. An added benefit is that the ten-cubic-foot tub is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, so the cart is as easy on the earth as it is on your back.If you don’t have space to store a wheelbarrow, consider this one—it folds up to only eight inches thick! And even though it only weighs 20 pounds, this model can hold up to five cubic feet of material, or roughly 250 pounds, in its PVC-lined polyester fabric bed.This model's bicycle-like wheels allow for maximum maneuverability; its ergonomically designed handle makes for easy pushing and pulling; and its strong, steel undercarriage with corrosion-proof poly tray can hold six cubic feet of material.If you are mixing and pouring materials more than you are hauling and tipping them, a wheelbarrow with a pour spout may very well be your best bet. The integrated pour spout on the EZPour makes placing that mulch or concrete more exact.The WheelEasy LE is a collapsible yard cart capable of supporting 150 pounds in its canvas basin, and when the handles are pushed down, convenient ground-level loading is possible. Plus, the wheelbarrow's low center of gravity translates into your only having to push a small portion of the load.A reproduction of early German construction, this vintage wooden wheelbarrow is constructed of ash and has removable side panels to aid in hauling larger items. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery, it's a testament to traditional craftsmanship.The Neuton Battery Powered Garden Cart has a five-cubic-foot capacity and can haul up to 200 pounds of plants, dirt, wood and other materials. The cart has two forward speeds and a powered reverse, and the rechargeable battery will give you a day’s work on a single charge. It’s a great solution for gardeners with physical challenges.If you're interested in more on garden tools, consider:10 Style-Setting Garden ShedsHow To: Care for Garden Tools5 Rakes Every Homeowner Should Know From shower doors to stainless steel, concrete, and slate, we've collected our best scrub-and-polish advice to aid in your spring cleaning. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:27:23 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/41401-how-to-clean-everything http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/41401-how-to-clean-everything Slideshow cleaning, how to Throw back those curtains and put on your rubber gloves: the time for spring cleaning has arrived! Sure, you know how to mop, but are you prepared to wash all those surfaces and materials that go untouched the rest of the year? If you need a few tips on tidying up, we've got the lowdown on how to clean just about everything.Always wipe stainless thoroughly dry—and in the direction of the grain. For most stains, a mild detergent with water should do the trick. For rust stains, consider applying a light paste of baking soda and mild detergent with a non-abrasive pad. Then rinse with water and wipe to dry. Get the full tutorial here!Pantry items like ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste may help you restore the shine of brass accents around your home. Simply rub a thin coat of your chosen cleaner onto the brass surface, let sit for an hour or so, and then clean with hot, soapy water. Read more here.If a mild detergent doesn't do the job on your slate floor, consider mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution directly onto stains, let sit for about ten minutes, then scrub with a soft, non-abraisve pad or soft-bristled brush. Check here for further details.Your first line of defense in maintaining hardwood floors? Wiping up spills as soon as they happen. For oil and grease stains, apply mineral spirits or TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) on urethane-treated floors, and either TSP or high-content lye soap on floors with a penetrating finish. For specific advice on treating spills of all kinds, don't miss RX for Hardwood Floors.No matter what type of paint is on your walls, regular dusting helps preserve the finish. If you choose to wash painted walls, start with the gentlest cleaning solution there is, plain water. Step it up a notch, if necessary, with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent soap. For tougher stains, help is here.When it comes to cleaning vinyl floors, you can't go wrong with plain water and a sponge mop! If you're looking for a deeper clean, one of the best cleaners to use is apple cider vinegar, believe it or not. The acidity in vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without leaving a buildup of soap or wax. You can find additional here.Vacuum rugs regularly to keep dirt from settling into the pile. If you need to do spot cleaning, use a store-bought rug shampoo or as an alternative, add a couple of capfuls of mild dish detergent to a bucket of warm water. With a brush or sponge, work the lather into the rug and let it sit before rinsing. Go here to see our full guide.Due to its typically light color and porous composition, grout is prone to staining. To remove mild stains, fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution directly onto the grout, let stand about five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Tougher stains and mold may be cleaned using the tips offered here.Looking for a way to clean your garbage disposal? Fill the unit with a cup of rock salt poured over a handful of ice cubes, then run the motor for a few minutes. To get rid of bad smells, pour warm water (not hot) into your garbage disposal as it grinds up cut lemons. For other issues, click here to find expert advice.For food and drink stains on marble, create a paste by mixing five tablespoons of dish soap with a cup of flour or baking soda. Spread the paste over your stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and let sit overnight. Gently remove the mixture with warm water and a sponge. Click here for in-depth pointers on maintaining some of the most common countertop materials.To prevent soap scum and mold buildup, use a squeegee, sponge, or absorbent towel on your glass shower doors after each and every use. For heavier cleanup, rub on a paste of baking soda and water, by hand or with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse with vinegar. Head here to learn more.Dust buildup on your tools? Use a shop vacuum to clean all visible parts. To clean vents, use compressed air. Meanwhile, a stiff brush or steel wool will go a long way toward removing any evidence of rust. And don't forget to run a damp rag over any molded plastic or PVC details. Further info on cleaning power tools is available here.Regular dusting with a microfiber duster, feather duster, or soft cloth is a benefit to all blinds. For heavier dust, use the small brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to go over the blinds, working in the direction of the slats. Blinds will need a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. Take a microfiber cloth, terry towel, clean sock or cotton gloves and gently rub each slat from end to end, making sure to clean top and bottom. For more in depth solutions for metal, vinyl, wood or fabric blinds, read the full how-to here.Soap and warm water will do the trick on latex paint, but removing the residue from oil-based paints involves mineral spirits or turpentine. Immerse your brush in the solvent and stir. Once the paint has been removed, wash the brush off in warm, soapy water to clean away lingering traces of the solvent used. Read more here!After each use, remove the bottom tray from under your gas grill and place it over a trash can. On occasion, use a plaster scraper to get out all the excess grease. If you have a charcoal grill, grease is equally important to address, and to guard against the risk of rust, emptying the ash pan is critical. Many more grill maintenance recommendations are in our full guide here.Concrete is a porous material with innumerable tiny voids that can harbor dirt, mold, and all kinds of deep, stubborn stains. To clean concrete, begin with the least toxic cleanser appropriate, then up the ante if necessary. Common detergents scrubbed directly onto the tough spots often leads to success. Hydrogen peroxide or ammonia also work well. Check out other options here!Vinyl siding is fairly easy to clean, and you can make a quick cleaning solution at home! 70% water, 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleanser that removes light mold and mildew stains. For a stronger solution, mix together one-third cup powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water. For what to do next, read on here.For more on maintenance, consider: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist3 Essential Lawn Maintenance TasksHome Maintenance Checklist Looking for a way to liven up a drab set of stairs? You might want to pick up some paint. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:51:54 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/39167-trending-now-painted-stairs http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/39167-trending-now-painted-stairs Slideshow paint, stairs A staircase does more than connect the floors in your home—it provides you with a prime place to show off your sense of style. If you're looking to add personality and pizzaz in a way that will be unmissable to anyone who walks through your front door, check out these inspiring designs that prove the power of paint. We all know it's possible to paint treads and risers, but have you ever thought about adding color to spindles? Follow the example here and beautify your balusters by painting them in graduating tones. The key is sticking to a single hue so that it still looks grown-up. Want to give the illusion of a rug without actually having to buy one? Paint a 'runner' in a favorite color like orange and for an additional accent, paint a stripe above the baseboard to lead the way up.Why stop at color? These stairs are painted in a soft yellow with a burnt-orange border, then each is highlighted with a number. You can do the same with a couple cans of paint and differently sized stencils meant for house numbers.This look was created by alternating two paint colors and two stencil patterns. The result is a budget-friendly, luxe-look, mosaic-style creation. Even one stencil and one color would make a dramatic impression.Love color? Want to make a big change? These stylish steps are what you might get if you combine smart color choices with only a few hours spent painting.With risers painted in different shades of blue and a rope used in place of a wood handrail, a fun nautical-theme design like this one is easily within reach for even beginning DIYers. No serious talent needed! Just paint, rope, and time.If you want to jazz up your stairs but aren't big on color, keep it simple with a neutral palette. You can played it up as much as you like using patterns, creating a layered, even opulent, design. Consider your steps an open book! Write a favorite saying, a cheerful greeting, or a memorable quote on the risers. Be silly or witty—or just plain welcoming, as in this "come on up" treatment.Here's an easy way to get emerald green, Pantone's "Color of the Year," into your life! Paint the color on your stairs, then repeat it in picture frames hung, for the most striking effect, on a white-painted wall.If you are interested in more on painting, consider:How To: Paint Stairs10 Creative Uses for Chalkboard PaintPainted Cabinets: 12 Reasons to Transform Yours Now Making the right decisions about your roof ensures your home's optimal performance and safeguards your peace of mind. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:54:54 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/34586-should-you-replace-or-repair-your-roof/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/34586-should-you-replace-or-repair-your-roof/pages/1 Article roofing, repair Making good decisions is the key to minimizing near- and long-term costs related to any home improvement. This is especially true for large, complex jobs like reroofing. In this particular case, some of the most important decisions should be made before you hire a contractor or choose a shingle manufacturer. The first decision is whether to simply patch leaks and damaged areas or whether partial or complete reroofing is in order. If you choose the latter, you’ll also have to decide whether to roof over your existing roof or whether to remove it. There are cost consequences either way. Replacing shingles due to wind damage or a fallen limb is a relatively easy and inexpensive. Torn or damaged shingles can be removed, and new ones can be slipped in place. The downside is that unless your roof is relatively new and you happen to have saved some spare shingles from the job, your patch job may not match the existing roof. But that is a small price to pay if the repair would extend the life of your current roof for another 10 or 15 years! However, if you plan to sell your home in the next few years, ask your contractor to order shingles that match as closely as possible. A roof with a prominent patch is unattractive and will not inspire a potential buyer's confidence. Slideshow: Asphalt Shingles: A Showcase of Roofing Styles, Colors, and Options If the damage is more significant but confined to one side of the roof, partial reroofing is an option that will cost thousands of dollars less than doing the entire roof. Repairing a section of roofing will also make it easier to blend new with old, because slight color differences will be less noticeable.  Counter to intuition, partial reroofing jobs are more expensive on a cost per square (a 10' x 10' area) basis. They can create added problems, too. For example, if an asphalt roof already has two or more layers, all layers will have to be removed in order for the partial re-roofing to proceed. So in addition to increased labor and disposal costs, you may face the possibility of a lopsided effect at ridges, with the old roof ending up a couple of inches higher than the new one. Even when built up with a course of shingles and covered with a ridge cap, the hump may still be noticeable. A New Roof—Cheaper in the Long Term? Even if only part of your roof is showing signs of wear, it's wise to consider doing the entire job while the crew is on-site with its scaffolding, ladders, and equipment. This will likely be less expensive than doing one part now and the remainder in a few years. I recently had a quote to repair one side of a four-sided hip roof for $2,800. For the entire roof, meanwhile, the quote was $9,000, or $2,250 per side. Given that the previous owner had reroofed 17 years before with shingles that only carried a 20-year rated life expectancy, I decided to spring for a complete reroofing. When to reroof depends on several variables, including the shingles' wear and age, the climate in your area, and your home's susceptibility to future damage. I patched my own roof after Hurricane Irene blew off six or seven shingles in 2011. The replacement shingles were off the rack at the home center and lightweight, but they matched the existing three-tab style, were somewhat close in color, and saved me from having to buy more shingles than I needed. Added a few extra dabs of roofing cement under the patching shingles, I hoped for the best. The job cost $160. A little over a year later, Hurricane Sandy blew away another dozen or so shingles. Reroofing with a more durable shingle, one with vastly improved adhesives, held a lot of appeal. The fact that the new shingles would have six nails per shingle instead of four, as now recommended by the shingle manufacturer for high-wind areas, was also an incentive. Tear Off or Roof Over? Once you’ve decided to reroof, you’ll have to decide whether to install your new roof over the existing one or whether to tear the old one off. Once again, the choice comes down to saving a little money now and risking greater expenses down the road, or spending more now to do the job right and minimize future expenses. If you already have two layers shingles, the decision is made for you. The International Residential Code (R907.3) says that you cannot put a new roof over two or more applications of any type of roof covering. Part of the reason has to do with weight and its effect on the structure of your home. A shingle in your hand may not feel as though it weighs much, but cover a roof with 1,500 square feet of them, and it’s nearly the equivalent of parking a two-ton SUV up there! If you have only one layer of asphalt shingles, you may decide to have them removed even though you’re not required to. Doing so may save you money in the future. For example, if you live in an area that is subject to high winds, keep in mind that shingles will hold better if fastened directly to the roof deck. In addition, removing the old shingles will allow you to inspect the roof deck or sheathing.  The opportunity to evaluate the condition of your roof deck is valuable, insofar as you can check for wood rot and the presence of inadequate sheathing fasteners. By making any necessary repairs and adding fasteners to sheathing (especially annular nails or screws), you will avoid the dramatic losses caused when sheathing blows off the roof, allowing rain to cause extensive interior damage. Beginning your roofing job with a clean roof deck (old shingles and roofing felt removed) also means you have the option of adding ice-and-water-shield membrane along the eaves. It can only be applied to a clean deck but will help prevent damage due to ice dams. A new roof is a big expense but should last you for decades. Do it right and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when storm winds blow. In the long term, you’ll also end up with more money in your pocket. If a smokey, wood-burning hearth seems like a hassle, these sleek and clean electric fireplaces will warm you up—with no mess to bring you down. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:09:46 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/35423-10-electric-fireplaces-that-turn-up-the-heat http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/35423-10-electric-fireplaces-that-turn-up-the-heat Slideshow hvac, heating, fireplaces Yesterday's electric fireplaces are long gone; so, too, are their obviously artificial flames. Innovations in technology and design have made these appliances not only more efficient, but also more authentic-looking. Whether portable or hardwired, electric fireplaces are a hot option for interior walls and any other part of the home not accessible to outside venting. Click through to see nine favorite models.Heat & Glo’s Simplifyre is mounted in-wall at a height typically reserved for wall-hung paintings, but when a fireplace is this beautiful, who's to say that it's not art?Retrofitting an existing wood-burning fireplace is easy with an electric insert like this one, which is molded from real logs for a convincingly authentic look. LED lighting technology makes possible a rather detailed simulation that includes flames and embers—even an inner-log glow.A tailored fit for modern interiors, Napoleon's 48"-long electric fireplace features a stone-ember bed that's set within a dramatically horizontal profile.The Mini Cube electric stove from Dimplex comes available in fun colors (e.g., fire engine red), so while kicking out the heat, it can also provide a bright focal point in decor.The generously sized viewing area of this double-sided electric fireplace means it can heat two rooms at once. Starting at $1,429 from Heat & Glo, the unit plugs into a regular wall outlet and operates for about five cents a day.A traditional-look stove with a three-dimensional flame gives you the best of both worlds: a rustic, old-fashioned experience and the modern convenience of zero cleanup.Cleverly designed with a tinted reflection panel that exaggerates the firebox size, Napoleon's 30" electric fireplace, though deeply appealing, is shallow enough to permit easy installation.The Jasper media cabinet from Dimplex is perhaps the ultimate two-in-one. Shown here in Black Ash, the unit combines an electric fireplace and a television in one sleek and space-smart arrangement. Northern Tool offers an affordable yet luxurious electric fireplace that features a rounded front, two power settings, and a sophisticated, contemporary appearance.If you're interested in more on fireplaces, consider:Gas Fireplaces 101Trending Now: Pellet StovesHot Fireplace Inserts For a quick, low-stress room update, skip the walls and try painting your curtains! Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:35:21 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/28450-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-your-curtains/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/28450-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-your-curtains/pages/1 Article paint, window treatments, how to It might sound weird, but regular old latex paint on curtains can add up to lots o’ drama (the good kind). 1. Wash and hem your curtain panel to fit your window (we used inexpensive Ritva curtains from Ikea for twelve dollars a pop). Photo: Young House Love 2. Lay your curtain flat on a drop cloth and apply horizontal stripes of painter’s tape across the entire curtain at equal increments (we did six stripes that were about 12 inches thick). 3. Thin your paint with textile medium. We used latex paint thinned out with Folk Art Textile Medium from the craft store. (Just follow the directions on the bottle.) 4. Using a small foam roller, apply two thin coats of paint for each of your stripes. We alternated between Benjamin Moore’s Caliente and Berry Fizz to make our bold red and magenta stripes. 5. Carefully remove the tape as soon as you’re done with your last coat of paint to get the cleanest lines and repeat the process on as many curtain panels as you’d like. When everything’s dry, hang those babies up.   Photo: Young House Love This DIY comes to us straight from Sherry and John Petersik, the charming husband-and-wife duo behind the beloved blog Young House Love. With an eye for budgets, a dedication to simplicity, and a seemingly never-ending trove of ideas for updating your space, it's no wonder this team is making a serious name for themselves in the home improvement world. Following the success of their blog and their whole-house transformation, the Petersiks released a New York Times bestseller, Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love, and frankly, we loved it. We can't wait to see what they come up with next!   This month, get a jump on spring cleaning, start planning your garden, perfect your home office, and paint something—anything! Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:02:02 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/38729-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-march/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/38729-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-march/pages/1 Article spring, seasonal, maintenance On the cusp of spring, March is the month to start readying your house for the warm weather ahead, as well as to address any projects you put off over the winter.  1. Get a jump on spring Even if you're diligent about cleaning year-round, spring is the traditional time to address those areas of the home missed by your regular cleaning routine. Dust or vacuum out-of-the-way nooks and crannies—the tops of wall-mounted cabinets, for example, and the floor beneath large appliances. Launder or dry-clean fabric draperies and use a damp cloth to clean wood and vinyl blinds. Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses, and if you have area rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting, think about renting a carpet cleaner. In short, the goal is to remove dust, mites, and allergens wherever they have settled in order to achieve a healthier home. Grease residue lingering in the kitchen? Consider washing your cabinets, backsplashes, and walls with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. The same goes for the bathroom, where soap scum and mold and mildew are persistent nuisances. While you're cleaning tile, look for areas of worn or missing grout, as these may lead to more serious water damage if not repaired. Related: 15 Spring Home Maintenance Musts And just as you readied your furnace for fall, now is the time to make sure that your air conditioning unit is in good working order. Change the filter, examine hose connections for leaks, and verify that drain pans are draining freely. If you suspected problems with efficiency or performance last summer, call in a professional to check things out before the warm weather arrives. Spring cleaning is by no means confined to the indoors. Take a walk around the exterior of your house to evaluate the condition of your home's roofing, siding, and foundation. Snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can all take their toll on shingles and other exterior architectural elements. If you have a deck or patio, give it a good sweep, in the process checking for any minor issues in need of repair. You can get a year’s worth of grime and mildew off your deck and siding in minutes with a pressure washer and an oxygen-based bleach solution. Photo: Closet Maid 2. Organize a closet or two Though many of us would rather keep the door closed on the subject of closet organization, cleaning up your act storage-wise can yield abundant daily and long-term benefits. Pick one closet as a starting point for your efforts and set a goal for what you wish to accomplish. List what you want to store in this closet and identify the ways in which it's currently letting you down. Big box stores and specialty shops offer storage options running the gamut from strictly functional wire systems to highly decorative cabinetry. Budget, style, and the amount of space you have available should all factor into your decision-making. 3. Start planning your garden While it may be too early in most parts of the country to start planting your garden, it's never too early to plan! Consult seed catalogs or online retailers to find new varieties to experiment with. After all, nurseries and home improvement chains only have room to stock the most popular plants. So if you are looking for heirloom or rare varieties—anything to make your yard truly distinctive this summer—seed catalogs are the way to go. If you're anxious to begin any way that you can, consider starting your starting tomatoes from seed indoors. 4. Paint something—anything! There's nothing easier or more rewarding than applying a fresh coat of paint to a room or piece of furniture. Would any room in your house benefit from a totally new hue or just a touchup? The answer is probably yes. If you're interested in adding bright colors to your home's palette but aren't sure where to begin, don't miss these expert tips on boosting color confidence. And there's no need to stop at the walls: You can use paint to give new life to an old piece of furniture, worn-out cabinets, or a lackluster stairway. 5. Create a home office that works for you Making the right design decisions in your home office can make the difference between working hard and hardly working! Even if you already have a home office, consider whether there may be a better place for it. Two important questions to ask: Will you actually work in this space (steer clear of bedrooms, which our minds associate with rest), and will there be few distractions (laundry hampers, kitchen sinks, and anything else that might compete for your attention should be out of sight)? Be sure you have room for everything that is essential to the work that you do. If your work area is small, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves above your desk or putting tall bookcases adjacent. A home office should work for you, so if the setup you have isn't working, change it! Improve your home’s indoor air quality—and your overall mood—with an easy-to-grow houseplant. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:07:19 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/38726-10-houseplants-to-improve-indoor-air-quality http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/38726-10-houseplants-to-improve-indoor-air-quality Slideshow gardening, houseplants Among houseplants that remove pollutants from a home's indoor air, the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii) is a star. These palm trees have slender, cane-like stems and deep green, feathery leaves. They grow from ten inches to an average maximum height of about 15 feet.Popular dracaena varieties for improving indoor air quality include Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis), Warneck (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii'), Cornstalk (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'), and Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata). Bushy, spiky-leaved dracaenas are very easy to care for, tolerating low humidity, infrequent watering, and low light.Long popular as houseplants, several varieties of philodendron excel as air fresheners, including Heartleaf (Philodendron scandens 'oxycardium'), Elephant Ear (Philodendron domesticum), and Selloum (Philodendron selloum). Able to thrive even on minimal care, philodendrons have glossy, bright green foliage and can grow quite large. A versatile houseplant, English Ivy (Hedera helix) grows well in pots or hanging baskets and can be trained to grow on a trellis or railing. While it can be an aggressive grower, regular pruning will keep the plant contained to virtually any size and shape.The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and share, as the species regularly produces “baby spiders” at the end of long, wiry stems. Since they perform best in moderate sunlight and prefer humid environs, Spider Plants are recommended for bathrooms or kitchens.The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa') is well known for its positive effects on indoor air quality. Considered an easy-care and attractive houseplant, the Peace Lily, which tolerates low light and moderate to high humidity, is characterized by its thick, glossy leaves and dramatic white blooms.Weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina) are some of the most common indoor trees, typically growing between four and six feet tall. It thrives in moderate to bright light and humidity, but be warned, the Weeping Fig doesn’t like to be moved around!A climbing vine, Golden Pothos (Epipiremnum aureum) features lush, heart-shaped leaves and requires little care to flourish. Golden Pothos tolerates low light, low humidity, and low temperatures, making it one of the top-selling houseplants in the country.The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria laurentii), is another hardy, easy-to-grow houseplant. It features vertical leaves with spiked tips, which have a deep, glossy green and yellow or white stripes. Snake Plants do best in low to moderate light and low to moderate humidity. The large, vivid blooms and lush green leaves of Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) make them a very popular perennial that, with a little care, can be encouraged to bloom all year. Also known as African Daisies, these plants grow about a foot tall and are a popular choice for cut blossoms.If you're interested in more on houseplants, consider:Winter Care for Houseplants5 Nearly Kill-Proof HouseplantsAdd Flavor to Your Kitchen with a Winter Herb Garden Making the right renovation decisions can help you sell your house quicker, and for more money. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 23:46:21 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34409-7-renovation-tips-to-boost-resale-value http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34409-7-renovation-tips-to-boost-resale-value Slideshow selling, real estate, roi Planning to sell your house this year? Remodeling can mean the difference between "for sale" and "sold." But before you tear the whole place apart, be certain you're investing in upgrades for which you'll see a return. Top tips from Renovation Realty can help you identify the home improvements likely to pay you back.The most frequently used and commented upon room in your house is the kitchen, and that makes it your number-one renovation priority. Since an up-to-date kitchen helps entice homebuyers, money you spend in this space can usually be expected to find its way back into your wallet.Even small, low-cost improvement projects can change the face of your home more dramatically than you might expect. For example, a fresh coat of paint will transform the character of a room. Likewise, adding new plants to the front yard greatly enhances curb appeal, and it's important that your home make the best possible first impression.Keep your eye on what's working for others. Market trends may provide clues as to whether buyers will respond to a remodeling effort you're pondering. Data suggests, for example, that homebuyers are hot on modern bathrooms but lukewarm on home theaters. Also trending are open floor plans and water-conserving landscaping.In trying to sell your home, appeal to the largest number of potential buyers you can. Hold off on painting the dining room a bold color, no matter how much you might love that shade of purple. Opt instead for an earth tone. Not only do neutral colors help buyers visualize themselves permanently living in a home that's on the market, but subdued tones also easier to paint over. Do a little reconnaissance. Check out other homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold, paying special attention to those features that buyers have found most appealing. Knowing the details of how other sellers have been successful will help you determine which areas of your home deserve your attention first.Don't get caught in the home improvement trap of shelling out remodeling dollars you won't make back upon resale. To be sure you're spending wisely, ask a real estate professional for advice on whether or not to pursue a particular renovation you may be considering.Know your limitations and avoid having to pay a contractor to fix your mistakes. If you're not 100% sure you can handle a project, seek a helping hand at the outset. Doing so is likely to save you time, money, and heartache in the long run. As always, hire only licensed contractors for any home improvement project you decide on tackling.If you're interested in more on selling homes, consider: 5 Smart Home Improvements? Think Again!3 Top Ways to Capture Value in 2013Bob Vila Radio: Remodeling Return on Investment We reached out to Diana Auspurger, long-time board member of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, for her tips on closet organization. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:43:16 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34930-closet-organization-9-pro-tips-to-end-stuffication http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34930-closet-organization-9-pro-tips-to-end-stuffication Slideshow diy, storage, closets Though many of us would rather keep the door closed on the subject of closet organization, cleaning up your act can yield abundant daily and long-term benefits. Click ahead to see nine pro tips that will help you on your way toward taming unruly storage.In closet organization, as in many other home improvement projects, planning is the most important step. Before taking the plunge, survey the closets you have and decide what you wish to store in each space—crafts, hobby supplies, clothes, toys, tools or what have you.Pick one specific closet as a starting point: Consider the ways in which the closet is currently letting you down, and set a goal for what you would like to accomplish in this area.Get ready to measure—not just the space, but the items you’ll store in it. Measure clothing while it’s on the hanger, the height and width of containers and bins, and any special items that will require more space than average.Make use of often-overlooked space. Add hooks or shoe bags to the backs of doors, install high shelves for out-of-season items, and use transparent or decorative bins to store items neatly and provide easy access.Remember you don’t have to revamp everything at once: This is a project you can tackle over time, spreading out the emotional and budgetary stress. Depending on the size of the job and your skills, you may feel comfortable doing all or some of it yourself. Big box stores, storage specialty shops, catalogs and the web offer a huge spectrum of storage options.Think outside of the box (or in this case the closet) with freestanding options. There’s no reason why you can’t store things outside of the conventional closet, as long as they are organized, presentable, and easy to access when needed. Professional closet organizers will come to your home to talk over your needs, goals, and preferences. They will also take measurements, draw up plans, and make recommendations.If you’re truly “stufficating” in possessions you can’t seem to part with, some closet-org pros are clutter coaches who can help you shed items from your stash. If you are interested in more on storage, consider:11 Sneaky Storage Ideas20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed StorageGet Hooked: 10 Favorite Wall Storage Ideas So many closet storage conundrums are solved, not by adding space, but rather by using space more effectively. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:08:41 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/33952-closet-organization-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/33952-closet-organization-101/pages/1 Article storage, closets Though many of us would rather keep the door closed on the subject of closet organization, cleaning up your act storage-wise can yield abundant daily and long-term benefits.  For starters, well-organized closets are time-savers: It’s much easier and faster to get out of the house in the morning when you can put your hands on exactly what you need. And you can dig into a new project more quickly when you don’t have to search the house to find all the necessary tools and supplies. Ideally, “You should be able to stand in front of your closet and take everything in at a glance, to see which jacket goes with which pants and which blouse,” says Diana Augspurger, a 30-year veteran of the organization and installation business, and the owner of Creative Storage in Buffalo, NY. Having everything at your fingertips “looks good, feels clean, and is energizing,” she says.  While great storage systems could make it easier to sell a house, they could also make it unnecessary to move: The amount of square footage you have doesn’t matter nearly as much as how well you use it. A small house with well-organized closets has room to accommodate more stuff than a larger home with jumbled storage, according to Augspurger.  Like many home improvement projects, planning is the most important step in getting your closets shipshape. It’s helpful to have an overview of the way you’d like to use each space eventually, perhaps earmarking future sites for crafts and hobby supplies, sporting gear, or out-of-season clothing. But the good news is that you don’t have to revamp everything at once. This is a project you can tackle over time, spreading out the emotional and budgetary stress.  Pick one specific closet as a starting point and set a goal of what you aim to accomplish. Make a list of what you want to store there and consider how the closet is letting you down now. For example, do you need more shoe space? Among the many options are keeping them in boxes on shelves, hanging shoe bags, or floor-standing racks or cubbies. Not enough room for hanging clothing? Lots of closets can easily accommodate multi-level bars; consider leveraging the full height of available space with a pull-down clothing rod.  Want more places for folded items like sweaters, pajamas, and underwear? Shelves, drawers, cubbies and even hanging bags can do the job. Big box stores, storage specialty shops, catalogs and the web all offer a huge spectrum of storage options, from the strictly functional to the highly decorative, from wire systems and clean-looking laminates to wooden cabinetry that would be at home in a kitchen or bathroom. Personal preference, available space, and how much you want to spend will influence your choices. With regard to budget, it’s a good idea to keep your budget in proportion with the overall value of the house, Augspurger says. Depending on the size of the job and your skills, you may feel comfortable doing all or some of the job yourself. A simple solution might consist of weeding out items you don’t use, then organizing what remains by adding a shelf or two, a shoe rack, or a simple freestanding drawer system tucked beneath hanging clothing.  Get ready to measure—not just the space, but also the items you’ll store. Measure clothing while it’s on the hanger, as garments are longer and wider on a hanger than on the body. If you store your shoes in boxes, measure those too, since large boxes for tall boots may require deeper-than-average shelves. While you're measuring, take into consideration allowances for drawers and doors that open, or racks that pull down. Make use of overlooked space, adding hooks or shoe bags (the pockets are also great for small items like socks, gloves, and scarves) to the backs of doors. Installing high shelves creates a stash for out-of-season items; as weather demands, you can simply swap out the box of bathing suits, shorts, and tank tops for the box of wooly scarves, hats, and sweatshirts. Use transparent bins, or clearly label each container, so you can find what you need at a glance. And make room in the closet for a folding step stool to enable safe and easy access to the high-up storage.  Professional closet organizers will come to your home to talk over your needs, goals, and preferences; take measurements; draw up plans and make recommendations. “I like to see what people are dealing with,” says Augspurger. Before signing on with a pro, ask about their experience, how they learned the trade, and if they’re certified. Some design-assistance employees may be more experienced offering advice as to what will simply fit versus devising a system to best utilize every bit of space. If you’re truly “stufficating” in possessions you can’t seem to part with, some closet-org pros are clutter coaches who can help you shed belongings. It may be easier to let go of things if you feel they’re going to a good home. Consider charitable organizations such as Dressed for Success, which provides business-appropriate clothing to women entering the workforce, or DonateMyDress.org, which offers prom and attire for other special occasions to those in need. Check out local coat drives; church or community organizations that need usable items for fund-raising sales; and schools and assisted-living centers that will accept books, magazines, and art and hobby supplies. If you're able to sell some of your items at a yard sale, on Craigslist, eBay, or through consignment stores, you may even be able to recoup some of the cost of your spiffy new closet organizers! Take wood furniture from drab to fab with a fresh coat of paint. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:01:47 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30124-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wood-furniture/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30124-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wood-furniture/pages/1 Article paint, how to, furniture Most anything can be transformed with a can of paint and some step-by-step instructions. Here's an easy, four-step tutorial on how to paint wood furniture: 1. Sanding. The first order of business when updating wood furniture is sanding. Don’t be tempted to skip this step... proper sanding will ensure an even, smooth finish that is not prone to chipping. I use an orbital sander, but other small sanders would work just fine too. (I wouldn’t really recommend hand-sanding unless you are very strong and very patient. It takes a LOT of sanding to remove old paint and stain, and I would get very weary of sanding if I had to do it manually. I get tired of sanding even with the orbital sander!) Photo: The Frugal Girl I usually start out using 80- or 100-grit sandpaper, especially if there’s a durable lacquer finish on the piece.  Once most of the stain/paint has been removed, I switch to 150-grit or higher to remove any remaining finish and smooth out the surface. Once I’ve sanded everywhere I can with the orbital sander, I tackle hard-to-reach spots by hand with either a sanding block or a piece of plain sandpaper  that I can bend and fold to reach awkward areas. As long as you sand enough to remove the sheen, the primer and paint should stick. 2. Dust Removal. When you’ve finished sanding, it’s important to remove all the dust, as residual dust will not only mess up the new finish, but also keep the paint and primer from sticking. I often use a damp cloth, or sometimes a dry cloth followed by a thorough vacuuming. Now comes the fun part! (I hate the prepping.) 3. Priming. Once your piece is sanded and dust-free, you’re going to need to prime it. I prefer to use a spray primer, as it usually gives a neater, thinner coat than a brush-on. The brand I use is Painter’s Touch, which comes in gray and white. Obviously, gray is best to use under dark paint colors, and white is best for light colors. Photo: The Frugal Girl When you prime, you want to do several very thin coats. In fact, when you do the first coat, it should barely look like you’ve even primed. Let the primer dry for ten minutes or so (depending on the weather and manufacturer recommendations), then do another coat. Let that coat dry before doing one or two more. The goal is to have the piece completely covered in a thin, even coat of primer.  Depending on the wood type, I sometimes sand before the last coat of primer goes on, as the primer can raise the grain of the wood. If the surface doesn’t feel smooth to the touch, I run the orbital sander lightly across, using fine-grit sandpaper. I wipe it down again, apply one more coat of primer, and I’m finally ready to paint. 4. Painting. My favorite paint for wood furniture is Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Semi-Gloss, available at The Home Depot. This paint is thinner than ordinary paint, which makes it easier to achieve a smooth finish. Painter's Touch comes in several different sheens, but I like to use the semi-gloss. (One can goes incredibly far. Just to give you an idea, the 2-1/4 cans I’ve used so far have covered two dressers, three nightstands, a chair, a desk and a file cabinet.) Mix the paint well and using a clean paint brush (I use a regular, bristled brush, not a foam brush), brush on a very thin first coat. Just as with the primer, it’s very important to do a number of thin coats. I don’t think I can overstress this: applying five thin coats is much, much better than one thick coat. The thin coats look better, and they will be more durable. I have also found that when you’re painting a large, flat section (like the top of a dresser), it’s best to use long strokes that cover the entire length of the piece. This will help to ensure a smooth finish with an even gloss. Photo: The Frugal Girl This paint dries very quickly, so by the time you’ve put a coat of paint on the entire piece of furniture (unless you're painting in very humid conditions), the area you first painted should be dry again. If it’s not, wait ten minutes or so, then apply another very thin coat. Repeat this process until the furniture is painted to your satisfaction. If you sand down to the wood, are careful to apply thin coats of paint, and your piece of furniture is made of nice wood, then you should be able to turn out a smooth, durable finish while still being able to see some wood grain through the paint. And if you’re anything like me, once you see what an enormous difference paint can make, you’ll start looking around for more stuff to paint. Happy painting!   When she's not homeschooling her four children, Kristen is making a name for herself on the web as The Frugal Girl, a blog dedicated to DIYs, repurposing projects, and living simply. Kristen is enthusiastic about living on less—a passion that has allowed her to use her creativity to its fullest. We can't wait to see what she does next! No need to rip out the cabinets—inexpensively update the look of your kitchen with new cabinet hardware. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:57:23 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34774-cabinet-hardware-10-styles-to-invigorate-your-kitchen http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34774-cabinet-hardware-10-styles-to-invigorate-your-kitchen Slideshow hardware, cabinets, kitchen Bronze knobs and pulls with exposed screws bring a classic look to these traditional raised-panel cabinet doors. Paired together, the two are matched perfectly, with the hardware's bronze finish being as warm and solid-feeling as the glazed wood beneath.Here, standard metal ring pulls add the final touch to classic Mission-style cabinetry. To bring the look together throughout the room, the oil-rubbed bronze finish of the hardware can be repeated in the faucet and light fixtures.Tubular drawer pulls finished in brushed nickel are a fitting complement to this blonde-wood kitchen’s contemporary look. Sleek, lightweight, and horizontal in design, these pulls echo and enhance the angularity of the custom wood countertops.Black, hammered-iron handles impart a handmade quality to this country-home kitchen, the natural-woodgrain cabinets of which exude simple, rustic charm.Using smooth sea stones as cabinet hardware will not only make your kitchen unique, but will also add a natural, eco-friendly element to your decor.If something off the shelf or out of a catalog is just not your style, opt for a one-of-a-kind hardware selection, such as these mosaic-glass knobs, individually hand-crafted in vibrant dichroic art glass and available from Uneek Glass Fusions.Cup pulls—like these oil-rubbed bronze examples—deliver a farmhouse look in any kitchen, particularly when paired with white-painted cabinets detailed with beadboard panel insets. This buffet cabinet's neutral paint color combines with generously sized, Asian-style brass hardware to create an air of sophistication that is simultaneously classic and contemporary. Porcelain pulls with nickel-plated metal would make a gorgeous contrast against boldly painted cabinets, and at under $7 per pack of two from IKEA, the style pictured fits any construction or remodel budget.These chunky but graceful oil-rubbed bronze knobs and pulls make a stunning contrast against light-color raised-panel cabinet doors—it’s an Old World European feel, provincial yet elegant.If the style is right but the finish is wrong, consider painting your hardware. These sophisticated pulls, now metallic silver, were bronze at the outset. All it took to complete the transformation was primer and spray paint.If you're interested in more on cabinets, consider: 10 New Ways to Store Kitchen NecessitiesHow To: Restore Cabinet Finishes5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry Making the right decisions about your home office design can make the difference between working hard... and hardly working! Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:26:36 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34432-create-a-home-office-that-works-for-you-10-expert-tips http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/34432-create-a-home-office-that-works-for-you-10-expert-tips Slideshow home office On her popular blog WorkingNaked.com, author and home office expert Lisa Kanarek shares advice on all aspects of working from home. Click through to read her top tips on designing the perfect home office space, one that not only meets your specific needs, but also inspires your work.Even if you already have a home office, consider whether there may be a better place for it. Two important questions to ask are: Will you actually work in this space? (Steer clear of bedrooms which our minds associate with rest.) And will there be few distractions? (Laundry hampers, kitchen sinks, and anything else that might compete for your attention should be out of sight.)Assess your electrical needs. Are there enough electrical outlets? Is it possible to run a phone line and/or internet connection into the room? Of course, if you rely on a cell phone and already have wireless internet, no room is off limits!Choose a place that is comfortable year-round. A sunroom might be lovely in the spring and summer, but having to pack everything up and move inside when the seasons change will not be efficient.Be sure you have room for everything that is essential to the work that you do. If your work area is small, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves above your desk or putting tall bookcases adjacent. Opt for furniture that can serve double duty (e.g., an ottoman that opens for extra storage). An all-in-one machine—with printer, copier, scanner, fax—can also be a great space-saver.By no means is a window a must, but a nice view and some natural light can help you work better. For overcast days and work in the evening, a bright desk lamp is essential. Surround yourself with colors that inspire and motivate you. Pressed for ideas? Identify a favorite hue from a rug, throw pillow, or piece of art, match that shade to a paint color, and put it up on your walls. Limit what you keep on your desk to the items you use most often. Decorative or sentimental objects are fine in a home office, but it's usually best to place them on a shelf that's out of the way.Never underestimate the importance of a good chair: Proper seating can mean the difference between productive work and an unproductive trip to your chiropractor! Ergonomic design doesn't have to be expensive; shop around for a quality chair that suits your budget.Invest in an external hard drive or some other effective means of backing up your data. You can always replace hardware, but not data.Make sure the home office space is your own. For instance, the computer used here should be for your personal use only. If the kids download a game with a virus, you could be out of business for several days.If you're interested in more on home offices, consider:Creating Your Home Office Plan6 DIY Standing Desk Projects to Keep You Healthy While You Work10 Smart Cord Management Solutions Under $50 Use spray paint to give new life to your old wrought iron patio furniture. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:46:45 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29777-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wrought-iron/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29777-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wrought-iron/pages/1 Article paint, how to, furniture I’ve had some rusty-looking wrought iron patio furniture staring at me from my backyard for years now. It came with the house. And it came from 1960-something. So unsurprisingly, it needed an update. My go-to tool for quick and inexpensive makeovers? Simple spray paint.  Krylon has the best color options, and opt for a matte finish—it always looks better. Photo: Today's Mama 1. Sand. You need to make sure you give iron furniture (or iron anything) a light sanding before you put paint on it. You can use a sponge-block sanding pad. 2. Wash. My husband insisted that we didn’t need to spray the furniture down, but I didn’t want little dust flecks and spider webs sealed into my furniture, so I sprayed all of the chairs down with the hose, letting the furniture dry completely before applying primer. 3. Prime. We sprayed a light coating of primer on the chairs, since they were a bright red color that we wanted to hide completely. 4. Paint. In order to NOT spray paint our lawn a festival of colors (and to save our backs from hunching over), we put the chairs up on sawhorses. Voila! Indeed, this is the first time in my life I have felt like a DIY Goddess. Bust out the spray paint and you can too! Photo: Today's Mama   Rachael Herrscher is the founder of TodaysMama.com, a comprehensive blog community for modern moms. A self-described "wannabe tech geek," Rachel also founded the Evo Conference for women in social media.  Eschewing excess space and making the most of every inch, these functional but tiny homes prove that bigger is not always better. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:21:53 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33953-11-tiny-houses-we-love http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33953-11-tiny-houses-we-love Slideshow architecture It’s a trend that's growing in popularity: Houses are shrinking. Homeowners keen on paring down have begun learning how to pack essential functionality into less square footage—much less—and they're doing so with style. In San Antonio, TX, Poteet Architects added doors, windows, HVAC and an innovative green roof to a steel shipping container, ingeniously transforming a utilitarian unit into a cozy space for living. Bamboo floors and a cool wallcovering bring the interior design to life. Small and modern, but undoubtedly a home.To test the boundaries of small-footprint living, interior designer Jessica Helgerson moved her family to a 540-square-foot cottage of her own design 15 minutes north of Portland, OR. By using mainly reclaimed materials to construct her miniscule maison, and by adding a moss-and-fern green roof, Helgerson completed the project for less than anticipated, and it requires little energy to heat and cool.With a shed roof and corrugated siding, this off-the-grid cabin, beautifully sited on an island off the coast of New England, runs on solar power. A rainwater tank with an instant hot-water heater provides drinking and bathing water, while rolling exterior door panels protect the home in inclement weather. It may be tiny, but this house can stand tall all on its own.This 28-foot-square design by MN-based Wee House features a bright blue exterior and a lively yellow interior, but its striking color palette is not the only reason that this little lodging stands out. Constructed of two modules, the units seamlessly adjoin with the help of a large exterior porch; bug screens with magnetic catches keep insects at bay on summer nights.Brad Kittel of Tiny Texas Houses believes there are already enough building products out there, so why buy new? His small structures use 99% salvaged materials, including doors, windows, siding, lumber, door hardware, flooring and porch posts.The folks at Jamaica Cottage Shop offer a kit for their 16’ x 20’ Vermont cottage, a 'roll your own' residence that takes two people roughly 40 hours to construct. The interior can be outfitted a number of ways; a sleeping loft can be added for maximum efficiency.In only 65 square feet, the XS house from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company (profiled here) manages to squeeze in a bathroom, kitchen area, built-in desk and sofa, as well as a sleeping loft. It costs roughly $16 per square foot for a DIY version, $39 per square foot readymade. Built on a 7’ x 10’ utility trailer, the whole thing can be towed, making "home" anywhere you go.Up in Massachusetts, Derek Diedricksen applies a “can do” attitude to tiny-house construction. Making creative use of household cast-offs like a broken front-loading washing machine door (repurposed as a porthole), his tiny structures cost only about $200 a piece.The Boxhome from architect Sami Rintala is just 205 square feet, but amazingly there’s room inside for guests—the seating platform in the living room becomes a bed! Taking cues from Finnish summer houses and Japanese cooking traditions, the design offers a cultural mix.Nestled in the woods in Hilverstum, Netherlands, this house designed by Piet Hein Eek plays on the theme of traditional log cabins. Instead of notched log beams, cross-cut sections make up the exterior, an aesthetic touch that helps this little getaway blends into its surroundings.A former Catskills hunting cottage is remade in a romantic Victorian style by owner Sandra Foster. Doing much of the carpentry work herself and using a variety of salvaged elements, she’s created a cozy hideaway filled with books and lit by a crystal chandelier.If you're interested in more on alternative homes, consider:Home Sweet Shipping Container12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Moving UndergroundMobile Home Design Evolution From traditional oil-fired boilers to newfangled hybrid heat pumps, an almost dizzying number of options in heating systems is available to today's homeowner. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:19:02 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31814-heating-systems-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31814-heating-systems-101/pages/1 Article hvac, heating, furnaces So you’re in the market for a new furnace, maybe because the old one is hopelessly inefficient, or because Hurricane Sandy flooded your basement, or because you’ve decided to switch fuel types. Or maybe you want a unit that will make less noise. There are many reasons to scrap an old furnace, and just as many considerations to make when buying a new one. Your first job will be to educate yourself about the options. That way, when you call in an HVAC contractor, you’ll understand the language. Knowing that you need a new “furnace” won’t cut it.  In fact, depending on your home's heating system, “furnace” could be a misnomer. Furnaces heat air. If your heating appliance heats water, then it’s a boiler. If your appliance sources heat from the air, the ground, or a water reserve (such as a well or pond), then it’s one of several types of heat pumps. Fuels vary too, of course. Furnaces and boilers may be fueled by oil or gas, or by propane, while heat pumps are typically powered by electricity (although new gas-fired and hybrid units are also available). An “electric furnace”—an electric strip heater in an air handler, that is—runs exclusively on electricity. On the other end of the spectrum are fireplace inserts and solid-fuel stoves, furnaces, and boilers, which use wood, pellet fuel, or coal. Whatever heating appliance you choose must be matched to your home’s method of heat distribution—so again, it’s important to know what you have. If there are ducts and registers through which warm air blows, then you have forced-air distribution. If you have baseboard radiators, your distribution system is hydronic (hot water). If the heat comes from your floors (or walls or ceiling), your home relies on a radiant heat distribution. Yet another type, convective distribution, relies on the natural movement of air. If you’re buying a new furnace, it’s a good time to consider changing your distribution system as well. Just be forewarned that doing so will add significantly to the cost of the overall project. Plumbing is never inexpensive, especially when long runs are involved. Finding spaces in which to run new ducts isn’t easy either. You may have to sacrifice a closet or run ducts from an attic space into the rooms below. Some clever carpentry is often required. The Sum of its Parts Your heating system can be defined as the combination of your heating appliance and your method of heat distribution. Numerous combinations are possible. One common permutation is a gas-fired furnace paired with forced-air distribution. This type of system delivers somewhat dry heat, can operate unevenly and noisily, and is subject to heat loss through ducts. But such systems easily accommodate central air conditioning–a big plus for many homeowners—and their cost is relatively low. Gas- or oil-fired boilers are used as the heat source for radiator and baseboard hot-water systems. These produce a more comfortable heat but are more expensive than furnaces and do not accommodate air conditioning. Radiant floor heating is likewise known for comfort. A typical setup is comprised of tubing (installed beneath flooring) through which circulates warm water that's been heated by an oil or gas boiler. For small areas like bathroom floors, electric-resistance cables or heat mats might take the place of hydronic tubing. A hydro-air system is part hydronic and part forced air. In this type of system, either a gas- or oil-fired boiler heats water that is pumped through a heat exchanger. Air blown through the heat exchanger is consequently warmed and distributed through ducts. Conveniently, the boiler in a hydro-air system may be used for heating domestic-use water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate water heater. Yet another popular choice is the air-source heat pump. Once only an option in moderate climates, advances have made this technology suitable in colder regions as well. Air-source heat pumps run on electricity but are more efficient than other electric heaters, since they draw heat from the outside air, even when it’s fairly cold. When it gets a bit colder though, electricity is required (expensive!). Heat pump-heated air is usually distributed to rooms via ductwork, but ductless heat pumps, called mini splits, are another option. A mini-split system involves one or more wall- or ceiling-mounted unit that blows warm air. The nice thing is that, when several units are running simultaneously, each is able to be controlled separately, so you can adjust output in different rooms as needed. The not-so-nice thing is that each unit must connect, through pipes or tubing, to an outdoor condenser/compressor. Many heat pumps, ductless included, can run in reverse during the summer to supply cool air. The same pump technology that works with air actually works even better when drawing heat from the earth or a water reserve—in either case, temperatures are fairly consistent (45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon your climate). A ground-source heat pump (GSHP) operates efficiently in almost any climate, and it, too, can supply warm air in winter and cool air in summer. One more heat pump-based system, a hybrid, marries an air-source heat pump with a gas- or oil-fired furnace, allowing fossil fuel to be used when air temperatures plummet and the heat pump ceases to be efficient. The system switches from one mode to the other automatically. Folks typically end up replacing an old heating appliance with one of the same, or a similar, type. Some exceptions: When the homeowner wishes to change fuels, add central air conditioning, create extra space with a compact boiler, or relocate heating equipment. (New compact wall-hung boilers, called combi units, have no tank and can fit in a closet or hallway.) Obviously there are lots of choices, and if you're replacing your furnace, there's no better time to consider making other changes to improve your heating system. From log cabins to grand mansions, Northern cottages to Southern plantations, celebrate this Presidents' Day by testing your trivia knowledge of presidential hometowns and homesteads. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:46:54 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/quizzes/32699-presidents-day-quiz-how-well-do-you-know-your-presidential-homes http://www.bobvila.com/quizzes/32699-presidents-day-quiz-how-well-do-you-know-your-presidential-homes Quiz architectural history The fabled home of an unforgettable political family, stately Springwood endures with vitality to match the Roosevelts' legacy. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:56:23 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31813-fdr-s-real-springwood-on-the-hudson/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31813-fdr-s-real-springwood-on-the-hudson/pages/1 Article architectural history With the release of Hyde Park On Hudson, a Focus Features film starring Bill Murray as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt—moviegoers are treated to a rare, albeit theatrical, glimpse of FDR's life at Springwood, the Roosevelt family home in Duchess County, NY. While the movie was shot on location in England and not at the historic property, Springwood remains unique among presidential sites, as revealed in this excerpt from Houses of the Presidents  (Little, Brown; November 2012) by author and historian Hugh Howard.   BY 1915, FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT’S PUBLIC CAREER followed the path of his idolized cousin, Theodore. Both Roosevelts had been elected to serve in the New York State Senate and received appointments to be assistant secretary of the navy. Franklin’s private life was proving productive, too. In 1905, against his mother’s wishes, he married Teddy’s niece, Anne Eleanor, and she birthed five children in ten years. Another was expected. With his large ambitions and growing family, the need became obvious: The house known as Springwood, located at Hyde Park, New York, simply had to be expanded. His father had died almost fifteen years earlier, but his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, remained in charge at Springwood. Over the years minor changes had been made to the house (a staircase was shifted in 1892 and electricity arrived in 1908), but a more radical rethinking was required. Together, mother and son commissioned a respected New York architectural firm, Hoppin and Koen, to prepare a plan. The revamped house that resulted mingled the architects’ beaux arts training and Franklin’s fondness for elements of the Dutch colonial design native to the Hudson Valley. The raising of the existing roof allowed for the construction of a large playroom. At either end of the original structure new fieldstone wings were added. The north addition contained a common room for the servants and a schoolroom on the first floor, along with five servant bedrooms and a bath above. The south wing enclosed a spacious library down, three bedrooms up. The new plan retained the old configuration of the principal rooms, but the house was doubled in size.  Sara Delano Roosevelt paid the bills and managed the year-long renovation, which saw removal of the old clapboard cladding and the application of gray stucco for a look more compatible with the coursed rubblestone of the new wings. Other decorative touches added formality to what became a more imposing house, with a columned portico and a fanlight over the door. A vernacular Victorian dwelling reemerged as an orderly and symmetrical statement that spoke for the means and expectations of the man of the house.  In the years that followed, Roosevelt’s rise seemed likely to continue. In 1920 the Democrats named him their vice-presidential candidate, though he and his running mate, Ohio Governor James M. Cox, lost by an overwhelming margin to the Republican pairing of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Roosevelt returned to his law practice but, less than a year later, on vacation at his cottage on Campobello Island, off the coast of Maine, he took to his bed. The diagnosis was polio and, for much of the next seven years, Roosevelt worked at his rehabilitation. He would never regain full use of his legs and, wary that people would think him unfit for public office, he attempted to appear more mobile than he was, delivering speeches while standing (he wore iron leg braces) and taking pains to avoid being photographed in his wheelchair.  Eventually, he reentered politics, and, in 1928, was elected governor of New York. After two terms in Albany, the fifty-year-old Roosevelt pledged at the Democratic convention in 1932 that, if elected president, he would deliver “a new deal for the American people.” That November he won a national mandate, carrying forty-two of the forty-eight states. He would win a total of four presidential elections as he sought to lead the nation out of the Great Depression and, eventually, to victory in war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which he described as “a date that will live in infamy.”  Historians and biographers have wrestled with the popularity of the politician and the complex personality of the man. Franklin Roosevelt was raised an eastern aristocrat but seemed genuinely to like everybody, regardless of class or region. When he addressed people as “my friends,” whether among a small group, in a public speech, or over the radio waves in one of his periodic “fireside chats” (many of which were broadcast from Springwood), all kinds of people were drawn to the man with the welcoming manner and a passion for conversation and company. The American people not only accepted his friendship, but they admired his implacability and the seemingly bottomless optimism that had been in evidence since childhood. Everyone felt they knew this man, and most people liked him.  Although Springwood offers a superb vantage from which to consider Roosevelt and his many facets, the home never actually belonged to its most famous occupant. At his death in 1900, Franklin’s father, James, left it not to his son (then newly enrolled at Harvard) but to his widow, Sara; prior to her death in 1941, Franklin had asked his mother to deed the estate to the federal government. Yet Springwood remains unique among presidential sites, as the property at Hyde Park was Roosevelt’s principal home throughout his life; even as president he traveled there often, making almost two hundred trips to Springwood in the course of his thirteen-year presidency.  President Roosevelt spent languid summer days in the house that overlooked the Hudson; he ritually returned home at Christmas for his hearthside reading of A Christmas Carol to the children and grandchildren; he planned war strategies with Churchill there. After his death on April 12, 1945, his remains made one last pilgrimage to Hyde Park, traveling through the night past thousands of Americans who gathered to watch and grieve as the funeral train passed. He was bound for the resting place he had chosen, his mother’s rose garden at Springwood. Color photos courtesy of Roger Straus III; B&W image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library The recipe for a functional, clutter-free kitchen is easier than ever before, thanks to innovative storage solutions designed for every corner of your kitchen. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:41:18 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33794-10-new-ways-to-store-kitchen-necessities http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33794-10-new-ways-to-store-kitchen-necessities Slideshow storage, kitchen This isn't your mother's pantry. From utilizing areas you previously ignored (e.g., the toe kick) to installing devoted storage for individual appliances (e.g., a stand mixer), getting the most out of your kitchen is all about packing creative solutions into every nook and cranny of available space. Browse ten innovative products that will help you do just that!Manufacturers like Master Brand enable you to harness that empty space beneath your base cabinets, commonly referred to as the "toe kick." Unseen when pushed closed, these drawers are ideal for storing infrequently used or wide, flat items, such as baking sheets and roasting pans. Despite attempts to hide them away, pet dishes always seem to linger in plain sight. No more! When meal time is over, you can slide this pull-out drawer from Plain & Fancy back into the wall, completely concealing Fido's dining area.When not in use, necessities like cooling racks and cutting boards typically sit on the bottom of a cabinet or worse yet, take up valuable real estate on your countertops. A cabinet outfitted with vertical dividers stores such items more efficiently while allowing you to access them more easily.Bigger isn’t always better. Thin cabinets can serve as the perfect place to stash spices and other small pantry items. For optimal convenience, consider adding one next to the oven or range.Things like kitchen chopsticks and measuring cups tend to live in a jumble. German cabinetmaker Bulthaup responds to this common problem with a grooved interior that keeps everything in a drawer in its own designated place. What looks like a "filler" piece of woodwork from the side is actually a functional end cabinet. Used here as a utility hub for the family, this shallow but tall one-stop compartment organizes items grabbed on the way out the door.Not all kitchen utensils are created equal—in shape or in size. To accommodate tools of different dimensions, this storage drawer uses diagonal sections to gain maximum length, comfortably accommodating even the longest instruments in the cook's arsenal.  A true baker loves a good stand mixer, but it’s a cumbersome appliance to drag out for each use. A base cabinet devoted specifically to mixer storage is a smart solution, especially as hefty hardware does the heavy lifting for you. All you need to worry about is adding the right ingredients!Stock ingredients like onions and potatoes require specific storage conditions; they do well in dark areas but still need air circulation. A cabinet outfitted with removable baskets delivers bespoke storage for keeping staples fresh.If you thought putting the toe kick to good use was clever, you'll love this tilt-out sink drawer from Mullet Cabinet. Designed to store and hide sponges, gloves, scrub brushes and other cleaning supplies, the drawer takes advantage of dead space between thee sink's outer wall and the cabinet's exterior.  If you're interested in more on kitchen storage, consider:5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry7 DIY Pantry Hacks and Kitchen Storage Solutions5 Upcycled Pot and Cookware Storage Ideas Paint the stairs in your house to make the hum-drum trip between floors a journey worth remembering. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:54:06 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29359-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-a-staircase/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/29359-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-a-staircase/pages/1 Article paint, how to, stairs As the times changed, so did my design style. When it became clear that my stairs needed an upgrade, and I was unable to find an affordable runner carpet that I liked, I went for the full-on painted stairs. Although there were a few glitches along the way, it was a pretty easy project to do. Photo: Painted Therapy Tools needed: - Paint and primer - Tape measure - Pencil - Lots of painter's tape - An angle - A DVD movie case. (Why a DVD movie case? Well, I used the movie case, because the width of the spine is about how wide I wanted my outside gray stripe. How convenient!) Photo: Painted Therapy 1. Prime and Tape. I decided to go with a low-luster enamel paint. I chose the Porch and Patio Floor paint from Behr and had it color-matched to go with my furniture. After first priming and painting the stairs in my base color (which happens to be the same color as the house's trim), I went to work on taping. I used a tape measure and decided how wide I wanted my center "runner" to be, used the angle to get a straight line, and then used painter's tape to create a line on each step. It definitely gets tricky going over the lip and trim pieces, so you want to make sure you seal the edges well. 2. Measure. After getting the first piece of tape on, I marked the width of my trusty DVD case (we were watching The Lion King, so why not?), made a straight line with the angle, and applied this next line of tape parallel to the first (making sure again to seal the edges well). Then I did it all over again on the other side of the stairs. Side note: I have a sweet reader who reminded me of a very special tip (that I forgot until AFTER the stairs were painted). Paint over your tape edges with your base color. If you do so, you will seal the tape with the base color, and the next color (in my case gray) cannot get under that pesky tape. BRILLIANT! 3. Paint. Once I had finished the stripes, I then painted the tread of the stairs. You may want to paint every other step, giving yourself a dry place to step up and down, but I chose not to do that, since there was enough dry room on the sides. Let it be noted that I did use paint additive to give the stairs a little rough texture and create traction. I didn't want my little girl to wake up one January morning, socks on feet, and slipping down the stairs to me. Additive can easily be found in the paint section of your paint store. Photo: Painted Therapy And there she is! I've decided I like the stairs. They are much easier to clean too, as I just sweep down and vacuum up. I chose not to put poly on the stairs, but I have no problem with them looking "worn" over time. By then, I'm sure my decorating style will have changed again anyway.   This guide comes to us from Debbie—wife, mother of two, and the creative force behind the popular DIY blog Painted Therapy. Eager to try anything, from painting stairs to making art from old shipping pallets, Debbie is on a mission to prove that home improvement can be both fun and therapeutic. To celebrate Cupid's holiday this year, we count off ten ways to show your house that you care. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:16:32 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33792-10-ways-to-give-your-house-a-valentine http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/33792-10-ways-to-give-your-house-a-valentine Slideshow maintenance, seasonal Around Valentine's Day, as you're debating how best to make your loved one feel special, don't forget the other love in your life, one you may be neglecting a bit too frequently—your house! Don't let February pass without showing some love for the roof over your head. Here are ten ways to give your house a Valentine. There’s a reason we associate flowers with love and happiness, especially this time of year when the outside world is cold and gray. The next time you’re running errands, why not grab an assortment of flora, or a dozen stems of your favorite flower? Apart from the beauty of the blooms, your house will reward your generosity with a wonderfully fresh scent. Just one! Whether you’re changing the color or not, a fresh coat of paint is almost never a bad idea. And for as little as $25 a can, painting is one of the easiest home improvement projects you can tackle. For tips on how to do it like a pro, click here. Depending on where you live, February can be the perfect time to get a jump on your spring garden by starting seeds indoors. First things first, check on the timing of the estimated final frost in your zone. If it's still a ways off, consider building a cold frame.Really clean them. Either hire a professional or rent one of those heavy-duty cleaning machines over a long weekend. Sure, the carpet may look clean enough, but a thorough conditioning not only removes dirt, but also redistributes the pile, making the carpet appear new again.It’s cosmetic, sure, but while you’re saving up for a full remodel, replacing the shower curtain is an easy, quick, and inexpensive shortcut on the way to a rejuvenated bath.If your stained or painted wood cabinets have seen better days, give them a facelift. Your level of investment in the required tools and materials will be small, and the immediate payoff to the look of your kitchen is likely to be huge.It’s easy to keep buying replaceable fiberglass furnace filters, but if you really want to treat your HVAC system well, consider stepping up to a model that improves air quality and energy efficiency. For help selecting the right type of furnace filter, click here.While normal cleaning will make your countertops look good, a bit of extra care will make them look great. Whether laminate, granite, marble or stainless steel, learn the keys to maintaining the countertop material in your kitchen. Artwork can transform any room in an instant. Choose a piece that appeals to your taste and complements your existing room decor. For top tips on hanging pictures, click here. While it may take some serious effort, putting your closets in order will not only make you feel better, but will also make your life easier. Take measurements and use appropriate storage hooks, containers, and shelves to corral your closet items.If you're interested in more February content, consider: 45 Ravishing Red Rooms Trending Now: Classic Red How To: Bring the World's Most Romantic Color into Your Home The color of the year may be emerald green, but in February—it's undeniably red. Browse ten classic products forever linked to the bold and powerful color of love. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:32:39 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/32354-trending-now-classic-red http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/32354-trending-now-classic-red Slideshow color, decor The classic look of Radio Flyer wagons continues to win hearts nearly a century after the rolling playthings were first manufactured in the '20s. Creative homeowners find new uses for this all-American design today, whether it's holding toys in a playroom, organizing craft supplies in a studio, or supporting plants on a porch. If color experts believe that red stimulates the appetite, does having KitchenAid's Artisan Series mixer in Empire Red on your counter ensure the success of your next culinary creation? Perhaps!Red is one of the most beloved colors for one of the most beloved mainstays in outdoor furniture, the Adirondack chair. This reclining model from L.L. Bean is made in the Adirondack region of New York State from sustainably harvested wood.In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck and happiness. What better color to welcome friends at the front door? Consider hues like "Real Red" from Sherwin-Williams or "Tawny Day Lilly" from Benjamin Moore to make your entryway stand out from others on the block.Not only will Task Force's steel tool chest look stylish in your workshop, but its deep red hue—thought to make people more alert—may help you complete projects faster!Like any other color, red can be found in infinite shades to fit any taste. Consider the variations between fire engines, Southwest roof tiles, rural barns and faded red-and-white quilts. Based on a '50s original, this Vintage Painted Watering Can from Williams-Sonoma adds a dash of warm color to any garden room.  To balance the bold look of a gas range like Viking's Professional Series in Racing Red, you might choose neutral tones as the surrounding colors, or go all the way and use the stove as the visual anchor for a more vibrant scheme.Whether held under your chin to tell ghost stories or used to locate the circuit breakers during a power outage, Maglite's popular flashlight holds an enduring place in our collective memory. The most common color? Red, of course.Since it is the color most commonly associated with power and assertiveness, a red snow blower may instill you with the confidence to take on whatever wintry challenge nature sends your way.If you're interested in more February content, consider:Bob Vila's 5 "Must-Do" Projects for February45 Ravishing Red RoomsHow To: Bring the World's Most Romantic Color into the Home From asphalt to brick, basalt to concrete, this is the stuff dream driveways are made of. Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:17:20 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31677-10-popular-driveway-options-to-welcome-you-home http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31677-10-popular-driveway-options-to-welcome-you-home Slideshow driveway & walkway, materials Gravel driveways are very popular throughout the U.S. Though initial installation costs for gravel are low, the ongoing maintenance requirements are considerable, and it's not the best choice for snowy regions. Quick to install, the material comes in different colors, allowing customized looks to complement your specific house style.A concrete driveway is versatile, durable, low-maintenance and cost-friendly in the long term, making it another popular choice, but one that is suitable for any part of the country. The design of a concrete drive can be simple and traditional (as pictured) or made elaborate with color, texture, and decorative flourishes.A paver driveway can be a big boost to curb appeal; an enormous array of design choices are readily available. Although it's more expensive than some other materials to install, a paver driveway carries relatively low long-term maintenance costs and can last 30 to 40 years.A natural crushed-shell driveway can be very beautiful and is usually quite cost-effective. Coming in three main varieties—clam, oyster, and scallop—these drives range in color, from off-white to gray to brown. So long as the shells are sourced responsibly, this type of driveway, which provides excellent draining, is an eco-friendly choice.Asphalt driveways are a popular option in Northern U.S. climates, since the material is pliable and weathers freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete or pavers. Also, the black color of asphalt retains heat, which helps melt snow relatively quickly. One drawback is that it requires regular maintenance; sealing is recommended every three to five years.Pervious concrete, which has little to no sand in its mix, allows water to run through its porous surface, eliminating the run-off issues commonly associated with asphalt and concrete driveways. With a rustic, textured, look and feel, environmentally friendly pervious concrete driveways can be unexpectedly attractive.Basalt is an igneous rock that makes up most of the earth’s oceanic crust. Hard, dense, and durable, it's a beautiful natural paver stone in patios, walks, and driveways. Resilient and naturally beautiful, basalt's rectilinear geometry and gray-to-black color palette make it a suitable visual complement to modern architecture.In grass driveway technology, 'geo-grid' materials provide the necessary support structure for cars, while protecting the soil's root zone and allowing grass to grow, even in this high-traffic area. Of course, grass is permeable, and as a driveway material, it's pretty darn cool to look at. Recycled materials can be used to create one-of-a-kind driveway surfaces. Just take the example at left, where brick, stone, and gravel have come together to create a beautiful, sustainable solution that's sure to be unlike any other on the block. Rich colors and varied patterns make brick driveways a truly elegant choice. Though expensive to install, they can have a big, positive impact on a home's resale value. If installed properly, the maintenance costs are modest, and the material should last a lifetime.If you're interested in more on driveways, consider: How To: Seal a DrivewayHow To: Create Distinctive DrivewayDesigning a Driveway with Long-Lasting Appeal Make the most of this short month and show your house some love in honor of Valentine's Day. Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:20:11 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31678-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-february/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/31678-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-february/pages/1 Article seasonal While February is the month with the fewest number of days, one of them is of course Valentine's Day. So show some love to your house this month. Change your furnace filters, restore your tired kitchen cabinets, and add some architectural detail to a bland room in need of character. Here are my top 5 "Must Do" Projects for February.  1. Breathe Easier: Change Your Furnace Filter Now that the heating season is in full swing—even in parts of the country not accustomed to (or prepared for) near-freezing temperatures—be sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. Why? Since most of the air in your house circulates through your HVAC system, furnace filters are a first line of defense against dust and airborne allergens. Basic furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particulates before they can get into the system and potentially damage the fan or heating coil. More expensive filters perform the same role, plus they can enhance the air quality in your home by trapping bacteria, pollen, and mildew and mold spores. So how do you know when it’s time to change a furnace filter? Here are some general guidelines—although, as always, it is a good idea to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.  Typically you should change a basic (fiberglass or paper) furnace filter every one to two months. And you should change or clean an electrostatic or HEPA filter every two to four months, if... - you have one or more furry pets
 - you notice excessive to moderate dust buildup in your house - you live with a smoker
 - your heating-system fan runs most of the time
 - you open your doors and windows frequently - you notice dust or dirt buildup on your current filter You can learn more about the types of filters, here.  2. Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Facelift Your kitchen gets a lot of use, so it doesn’t take long to begin seeing signs of wear and tear on wood cabinets. Before you decide to invest in replacements, consider a more budget-friendly solution: DIY restoration. If the wood stain on your cabinets has worn out, try cleaning with a mix of TSP and water. When dry, sand lightly and use a tack cloth to remove dust. Then apply a polyurethane varnish tinted to whatever tone you find appealing. This varnish-stain combo is likely to do the job in one application. If you are tired of the wood tone all together, give your cabinets a totally new look with a coat (or two) of paint. 3.  Add Some Architectural Charm If you live in a newly constructed home but long for that 'old house' charm, there's plenty you can do to add character. Crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, wainscoting and recessed panels are all great ways to inject personality. If you have a stairwell, replacing the handrails and newel post with more elegant woodwork is another way. Check local salvage yards, classified ads, and online sites, from eBay to Craigslist, to snag impressive vintage pieces on the cheap. Even swapping out builder-grade light switches and outlet plates with nickel- and brass-finished ones, or replacing a modern pendant with a historic reproduction fixture, will make a strong impact. 4.  Save that Amaryllis If you were the lucky recipient of an Amaryllis this year, don't think of the plant as a one-bloom wonder. Once it has finished blooming, cut back the flowering stalk and place the pot in a sunny window. Fertilize and watch for the shoots of leaves to grow tall. When the danger of frost has passed, move the plant to a sunny spot outdoors. Water and fertilize through the summer, and when the plant enters dormancy come fall, store it in a dark spot for about eight weeks. Replant it in a bigger pot, place it in a sunny spot, water when dry and watch for a repeat performance timed just right for the holidays. 5.  Forget 50 Shades of Grey—GO GREEN! While our "50 Shades" may not be as sexy as the blockbuster novel, these green tips for the home promise gratifying results and earth-friendly fulfillment. Begin by planting a tree, recycling something, fixing a leak—many more ways to go green await in 50 Shades of Green. With a little ingenuity, you can move your antique armoire into the 21st century without sacrificing any of the furniture's old-fashioned charm. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:44:34 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31434-13-easy-ways-to-repurpose-antique-armoires http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31434-13-easy-ways-to-repurpose-antique-armoires Slideshow furniture, repurposing An antique armoire is a treasure—but yours doesn't need to remain stuck in time. Creative thinkers and tinkerers have come up with plenty of conversion solutions, from media centers to freestanding home offices. Click ahead to see all of our favorite armoire DIY ideas.By adding a bottle storage rack below and a wine-glass hanger above, an armoire quickly goes from ho-hum to party central. With room enough to hold packaged bar snacks, cocktail essentials, and even serving dishes, this is one well-stocked bar cabinet.Modern kitchens often lack charm. This vintage armoire delivers old-fashioned appeal while also supplying organized storage for pantry items. The door’s interior panels are outfitted for spices and smaller packaged goods, while the baskets held below are a portable alternative to stationary drawers.With a few thoughtful modifications, a classic armoire can easily become a catch-all for anything and everything crafting. A box with holes dispenses tangle-free ribbon; the door panels hold tools at the ready; and magnetic tins house bits and baubles.Dogs and cats somehow accumulate items just like their human counterparts. A cupboard devoted to Fifi and Fido’s food, medications, toys and treats makes it easier to stay on top of what you have and what’s running out. Clothing can usually find a place inside a closet or dresser, but what to do with accessories like shoes and bags? A converted armoire will keep all your options in one spot, making the daily ritual of dressing so much less chaotic.Kids create their own kind of clutter. This armoire provides a designated zone that neatly corral toys and art projects while teaching youngsters the basics of organization. Especially genius are the chalkboard surfaces on the inside of the armoire's doors.By converting an armoire with desktop and shelves, you can whip up a home office just about anywhere. Consider adding a pull-out keypad shelf for better ergonomics and, for electrical access, drill a cord hole in the back.With storage shelves, cabinets, special racks for tools, and its very own work surface, this miniature armoire is unexpectedly ideal for serving duty as a gardener's potting station. Best of all, its compact size makes it suitable for a mudroom, garage, porch or patio. Make your own designated gift-wrapping station, putting all papers, ribbons, scissors and gift tags into one well-labeled interior. Chalkboard-painted doors record upcoming birthdays so that no important date will go forgotten.Add a decorative touch to a utilitarian laundry room with a freestanding cupboard. Bins organize clothes for washing, and shelves store detergent and other supplies. If folding drying racks or an ironing board won't fit within, either could be mounted on the outside with a simple, sturdy hook.Even a grand bathroom might lack adequate storage space for toiletries. With doors removed, this antique armoire holds and displays pretty soaps, potions, and towels—and does so with a bit of subtle French flair.An exceptionally wide armoire can even be transformed into a reading nook, as in this stupendous DIY from A Detailed House. Just be absolutely sure your piece is structurally sound before allowing a little person to try it out! For a special detail, add lighting inside with corded sconces that feed through the back.If you are interested in more about repurposing, consider:20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage5 Things to Do with... Bottle Caps20 Inventive Ways to Upcycle Shipping Pallets NJ-based builders Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, who began their TV careers in the kitchen, are now hard at work on the whole house, and beyond. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:23:38 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30822-getting-to-know-hgtv-s-kitchen-cousins/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30822-getting-to-know-hgtv-s-kitchen-cousins/pages/1 Article people & places The kitchen has always been considered the most important room in the house, the warm heart of the home. When you add in a couple of good-looking brawny thirty-something Italian guys from Jersey—armed with sledgehammers and power tools, construction expertise, and lots of positive energy—the kitchen gets undeniably hotter.  With renovations worth pinning and Nielsen rating worth tweeting, Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, HGTV’s well-known Kitchen Cousins, are applying their talent for remodeling to the rest of the house in a new series, Cousins on Call , which launched earlier this month. "Cousins on Call is a much bigger show with many more facets," says Anthony. The "Jersey Strong" premiere was a gratitude-filled collaboration with Ellen DeGeneres and featured an intense, nearly sleepless six-day mega-makeover for two Jersey Shore EMS responders, whose shared home was severely damaged in Hurricane Sandy. When the renovation was revealed, nary an eye was dry. For the cousins, that episode hit home. "We’re both emotional guys," says Anthony, "and the ability to give back to those who gave to so many other people is really cool." Post-Sandy eye candy: A repurposed surfboard makes a great bar in a backyard beach shack. Photo: Anthony Carrino Not every Cousins on Call episode reaches the same level of feeling, but for Anthony and John, helping people define and design comfortable, efficient, and personal spaces is always a gratifying experience. The two view themselves as problem-solvers dedicated to providing creative solutions that enable people to live and function optimally and without waste. They attribute their success to an honest approach to design and would rather have some fun than create unnecessary drama for TV’s sake. There are of course challenges and moments of increased stress. "I can’t tell you a single job where I opened the walls and stuff was the way it should be," says Anthony, recalling a construction career that unofficially began at age ten, when he helped his father with an extension on their home. About 14 years later, Anthony and Alfonso Carrino co-founded Brunelleschi Construction. A little while later cousin John was recruited into the family biz. BrunCon is headquartered in an 1896 firehouse. Photo: Alex Goodlett/The Jersey Journal BrunCon, as it's usually abbreviated, develops underutilized urban structures and turns them into dynamic mixed-use properties. In the process, the company strives to retain as much of a structure’s historic vibe and existing materials as possible while making the building strong, safe, and technologically current. BrunCon also makes eco-friendly choices when possible, preferring tankless hot water heaters, spray foam insulation, low-E windows and low-VOC paints. Before the advent of "Cousin TV," Anthony and John were starring on Brunelleschi Construction’s Vimeo channel, piecing together videos that detailed some of the company's big Jersey City restoration projects. The duo's ease on camera was evident; the familial warmth was genuine and endearing. A friend of theirs sent a reel to a producer, and a show deal followed. Kitchen Cousins launched in October 2011. The kitchen was a great place to ingratiate themselves to a large HGTV audience hungry for tips and ideas on how to tackle a daunting kitchen renovation. Anthony explains, "There is an order of operations, and planning is absolutely paramount to having a successful renovation." Speaking as contractors and designers, they offer some hard-earned wisdom: 1. Figure out the basics of what you want to achieve. Keep an inspiration file of magazine tear sheets and design-blog printouts to share with your contractor. 2. Understand the way an estimate works. The first estimate is based on everything the contractor can see. Once the walls are open, expect a minimum 10% contingency fee. Adding black grout to a white tile backsplash accentuated the modern geometric design. Photo: Anthony Carrino 3. Splurge on the backsplash! The eye is drawn to the backsplash, and because it is a contained space, it's a great area to step up the quality of materials.  4. Hang pendants over a breakfast bar or island. Pendant lights provide a lot of mood, shape, and light. And they don’t have to be expensive. 5. Invest in multipurpose furniture, such as a stainless steel table on casters that can be wheeled into position—as a prep station, dining table, etc.—as needed. A piece like this is especially useful in a small kitchen or rental apartment. 6. Balance the new with the old, industrial, and organic. Juxtaposing grainy old lumber with industrial steel makes an open kitchen feel harmonious and inviting. Aside from HGTV and BrunCon projects, Anthony and John have a new passion project. Rust and Grain is a collection of objects such as farm tables, cutting boards, and coasters made from reclaimed lumber and new wood scrap. R&G, as it is logoed, blends a respect for classic hardworking materials with a commitment to sustainability and enables the cousins to get back to building and making things. "It keeps us in touch with the tangible aspect of the job," says Anthony. Photo: Rust and Grain Despite the crazy pace, the cousins insist on spending one day a week at Brunelleschi Construction’s home office, and they also carve out personal time to refuel. Anthony spent New Year's in Istanbul. "For me," he says, "inspiration comes from seeing things I have not seen before." From small wooden houses to patterns in fabric, shapes of tile, and colors in the market, Anthony's Flickr is now filled with images a thousand times more alluring than any imaginable travel brochure's photos. The cousins also try to get to the gym; they like reconnecting in a stress-free zone. Anthony says, "Sometimes we’ll be working out and somebody’ll wave and say, 'Thanks for showing Jersey City in such a great light.'" If you can't get enough of these cousins, be sure not to miss their "delicious" 7 Secrets to a Successful Kitchen Renovation. For kitchen design and renovation wisdom, the buck stops with HGTV's "Kitchen Cousins." Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:16:05 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31101-7-delicious-renovation-tips-from-hgtv-s-kitchen-cousins http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/31101-7-delicious-renovation-tips-from-hgtv-s-kitchen-cousins Slideshow remodeling, kitchen Jersey-based remodeling duo Anthony Carrino (left) and John Colaneri, of HGTV's Kitchen Cousins, know more than most how daunting a kitchen makeover can be. Anthony explains, "There is an order of operations, and planning is absolutely paramount to having a successful renovation." Here, the cousins share some tips, tricks, and advice on how to get the most out of a remodel.Figure out the basics of what you want to achieve. Keep an inspiration file of magazine tear sheets and design-blog printouts to share with your contractor. A small detail like this Moroccan tile can be a point of departure for a design project.Understand the way an estimate works. The first estimate is based on everything the contractor can see. Once the walls are open, expect a minimum 10% contingency fee. Balance the budget by pairing luxury with practicality, like choosing reasonably priced cabinets while springing for granite countertops.Splurge on the backsplash! The eye is drawn to it, making it a great area to step up the quality of materials. Here, a black grout is used to accentuate the modern geometric pattern of these Heath Ceramic tiles.Hang pendants over a breakfast bar or island. They provide a lot of mood, shape, and light. And they don’t have to be expensive. (The Cousins are keen on recycled cardboard pendants from graypants.)Invest in multipurpose furniture, such as a stainless steel table on casters that can be wheeled into position—as a prep station, dining table, etc.—as needed. A piece like this is especially useful in a small kitchen or rental apartment. Balance the new with the old, industrial, and organic. Juxtaposing grainy old lumber with industrial steel makes an open kitchen feel harmonious and inviting. This beautiful free-form wood slab is the ultimate in rustic luxury.If you're interested in more on kitchen remodeling, consider:Getting to Know HGTV's Kitchen CousinsDIY Kitchen Makeover (Without the Renovation)Award-Winning Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover Though narrow and compact, galley kitchens can appear bigger with the right mix of style and efficiency. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:46:44 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/29771-11-gorgeous-galley-kitchens http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/29771-11-gorgeous-galley-kitchens Slideshow kitchen, design This U-shaped galley kitchen takes full advantage of its ceiling height and the available light. The location of the sink provides views outdoors, while glass-front, white-painted cabinet doors help make the space feel open and generous.High-gloss cabinets and walls in crisp white give this modern space its clean look. Large-scale floor tiles in a textured, organic gray make the space feel more expansive than a tiny mosaic tile would.With no window, this homeowner decided to layer oversized kitchen-theme art on a functional chalkboard wall, ideal for shopping lists and notes. An unexpected chandelier adds a glamorous touch.Industrial-style pendant lights give a nod to the galley kitchen’s seafaring roots. Stainless steel appliances extend the theme and provide a bit of sheen—perfect for a small space. Open shelves and a built-in bar allow maximum space efficiency.Ceiling-high cabinets topped with traditional stacked crown molding make the most of this kitchen’s vertical space. A retro stool, wall-mounted clock, and basic ceiling fan add character as well. Adding a breakfast area to a galley kitchen can make the space more inviting to friends and family. By locating the cabinets near the room's entry point and placing a dining table in front of the windows, this kitchen becomes a cheery spot to work and host.Tall cabinets can be tough to reach, but a vintage library ladder makes the job easier, and looks great too! In this traditional galley kitchen, glass fronts help provide easy sight lines to the items inside the gorgeous cabinets.Some galley kitchens suffer from narrow aisles, but in this wider version, multiple cooks can work comfortably side by side. A commercial-style faucet and range add to this kitchen's unique design and utility.Built within a traditional Brooklyn brownstone, modern cabinets render this kitchen fresh and unexpected. A mix of materials, including wood floors, solid surface cabinets, marble tiles and countertops, and stainless steel appliances, add interest to the long space.A design element frequently employed by decorators, the mirrored backsplash in this kitchen makes a confined room feel more expansive by reflecting any natural light back into the narrow space.Turning a dark, cramped kitchen into a light and airy one is no easy feat. DIY by ADD accomplished this by lining one side of the galley kitchen with shelves, and by replacing the old wood exterior door with a new glass one.If you're interested for more on kitchens, consider:DIY Kitchen Makeover (Without the Renovation!)12 Outstanding Kitchen Island OptionsPlanning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling A perennial budget-friendly favorite, today's laminate kitchen counters have upped their game, both in performance and style. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:43:51 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/25494-trending-now-laminate-countertops http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/25494-trending-now-laminate-countertops Slideshow materials, kitchen, countertops Love the look of granite but not the high price? Wilsonart's Winter Carnival may be the answer. This luxurious large-scale exotic Brazilian granite-look design brings an exotic edge to the company's High Definition collection.Made with AEON Enhanced Performance Technology, which provides an extra protective layer, Wilsonart’s Crystalline Onyx laminate features a medium-scale quartz/marble effect in warm grey and beige hues.Give your counters the look of metal at a more affordable price with Nevamar’s Silver Alu Metalx laminate. This easy-to-maintain metal-like surface is available through local dealers and universally appealing to those who love clean, streamlined design. Make a statement with Formica’s Dolce Vita 180fx countertop product, which captures the true scale and visual drama of a granite slab. Made with advanced printing technology, the laminates in the collection reproduce exotic stone and granite patterns with unmatched realism in an overall five-foot span.Introduce the look of a granulated engineered stone counter with this laminate from Pionite’s abstract collection. The surfaces come in a wide range of hues from the crystalline black of Graphite Talc to the icy white of Ivory Cirrus to the subtlety of Blue Sandstone, shown.For the modernist, nothing compares to the Minimal Due surface from Poliform’s Varenna collection. The sleek limed wood look merges high design with practicality and brings a touch of warmth to the minimalist kitchen.For an organic look with luxe shine, craft your counters from Formica’s new Mineral Terra laminate surface with Radiance finish. The shimmering smooth glass effect is penetrated with a texture of 3D holographic facets that refract and reflect light.Recreate the look of a butcher-block countertop at a fraction of the price with Pionite’s Select Butcher Block laminate pattern. The easy-care surface can be cleaned with mild soap and water without the need for special treatments or sealers.Give your kitchen the rich, earthy character of travertine counters on a budget with Formica’s Travetine Gold laminate (from the 180fx collection). The honed Etchings finish adds depth to the alternating cream, caramel, and gray colors of the vein-cut travertine pattern. For a clean, crisp Scandinavian look, consider IKEA's Numerär double-sided countertop in white or dark gray with a wood-effect edge. The moisture-, heat-, and scratch-resistant, high-pressure melamine laminate has a 25-year limited warranty.If you are looking for more on kitchen planning and countertop options, consider: Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling Kitchen Countertops 101 Top Tips: Choosing Kitchen Cabinets If you're shopping around for products to use in a budget kitchen renovation, consider buying laminate countertops, now available in more style options than ever before. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:03:15 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25541-laminate-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25541-laminate-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 Article kitchen, countertops, materials When you’re remodeling a kitchen on a budget, laminate is the best affordable option for countertops.  Nowadays this tried-and-true material comes in a wider array of designs than ever before, from beautiful solid colors to interesting wood looks with embedded texture to lovely stone patterns with a variety of finish options. Slideshow: Trending Now: Laminate Countertops Before selecting laminate as a countertop material, it’s helpful to know the plusses and minuses. We asked Kent Brasloff, principal of New York-based design firm Ask Kent and Co., and vice president of programs for the New York chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, to share his insights on buying laminate countertops. Here’s what he had to say: What is laminate? A combination of plastic and paper—interestingly, though, generally not recycled—and sometimes board. These materials are formed into a thin layer and colored or manufactured with naturalistic or textured designs. This layer is then laminated to particleboard or chip board. What makes laminate a good choice for countertops? It's flexible and can be used in a variety of ways and in a variety of spaces: a kitchen, bath, work room or laundry room. Laminate can also be used on a shop table or as a furniture surface. Available in a multitude of colors and textures, it's easy to work with and can be cut into any shape, including forms with sharp corner points or with a smooth radius. It's quite durable. What is the difference between a low-cost laminate and an expensive one? The key difference between high- and low-end laminates is generally the finish of the material. Higher-end products offer greater variety in luster or sheen and texture. They also come in a broader range of colors. The cost of the laminate will be affected by whether or not there is a built-in backsplash and how high or low the backsplash may be. What are the maintenance requirements for laminate countertops? To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent. To remove difficult stains from coffee or tea, use a mild household cleaner and baking soda mixed into a paste, scrubbing with a stiff nylon bristle brush and being careful not to mar the surface finish. Stubborn stains may call for gently rubbing the spot with a cotton ball that has been saturated with undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface to bleach will cause discoloration, so always rinse thoroughly with warm warm water and wipe dry. Do not use steel wool and other abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, such as a rust remover. Also, avoid placing hot pots and pans on the surface, as its level of heat resistance is limited. What are the pros for choosing laminate? Its durability, range of color and design options, flexibility to accommodate unique shapes, and ease of installation. Its cons? On the downside, laminate shows scratches, which usually be cannot filled or repaired. And to some people it can look "cheap" or "papery". It hasn't been popular for quite some time in the US, but it is stilled used extensively in Europe, often in high-end contexts. Also, it gets brittle and chips with age.  How much does it cost? A fair range would be between $35 and $40 per linear foot at retail. Of course cost may be affected by the intricacy of the design and whether the counter will have a "self" or "beveled" edge. Cost will also be impacted by countertops with a lot of corners, a wide radius, or a built-in backsplash. Laminates with standard finishes are more affordable than those with upgraded finishes. What are its installation requirements? After the contractor installs your cabinets (or support structure), the countertop area will be templated and made to fit for installation by a professional. While our 50 Shades may not be as sexy as the blockbuster novel, these green tips for the home promise gratifying results and earth-friendly fulfillment.  Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:20:20 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30316-bob-vila-s-50-shades-of-green/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/30316-bob-vila-s-50-shades-of-green/pages/1 Article energy, sustainability Standing in her kitchen, she knew the handsome stranger wasn't like the other men in her life, when he pulled her close, gazed into her eyes, and whispered, "Can I fix your leaky faucet?" And that was only the beginning. He adjusted her thermostat, put air in her tires, even convinced her to get up on the old bike again. She swooned at his knowledge of glorious things. Could this be the man, she wondered? The man whose desire for energy conservation would finally unleash her deep desire to recycle, repurpose, and live sustainably. As he drew a deep breath to speak, her heart leapt. Could this really be happening? And so begins the 50 Shades of Green...   1. Photo: whatgives365.wordpress.com Plant a tree (or two). These hardworking beauties help prevent soil erosion, absorb C02 and produce oxygen, and provide sweet shade come summer. To determine the right species for your region, visit arborday.org. 2. Photo: earth911.com Recycling is great but precycling is better. Choose products that create less waste from the get-go: If possible, buy grocery staples in bulk and opt for items with less packaging, such as a two-liter bottle of soda instead of a dozen single-serve cans. 3. Photo: oregonlive.com You’ve it heard before, but remember to turn off the faucet each time you polish your pearly whites (or shave). You’ll save two to four gallons of clean water every time you brush 4. Photo: flickr.com/alan_cressler Volunteer at one of American Rivers’ annual cleanups and help collect some of the millions of tons of trash that wash up along the nation’s waterways. To locate an event near you—or find out how to become a sponsor—visit americanrivers.org. 5. Photo: ehow.com Feed the birds, especially in winter, when providing food and water may really make a difference. If it dips below freezing in your region, invest in an electric deicer so your birdbath doesn’t ice over. 6. Photo: polygodgroup.com Fix leaks promptly. According to the EPA, leaks in American homes account for 1 trillion gallons of wasted water per year—or the annual water use of Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami combined! 7. Photo: etsy.com Buy clothing that doesn’t require dry cleaning—and the toxic chemicals that entails—whenever possible. 8. Photo: didsburydad.wordpress.com Brew organic, fair-trade coffee. No chemicals are used on the fields, famers make a living wage, and the tasty java costs just pennies a cup! And if the beans are shade grown (which most organic coffee is), the trees that shelter the coffee plants provide habitat for birds and mammals, too. 9. Photo: visualphotos.com Save water and energy by only running your washer and dishwasher when fully loaded. 10. Photo: autogeekonline.net Does your car need cleaning? Use a bucket of soapy water to tackle the grime, saving the final rinse for the hose. Bob Vila's "50 Shades of Green" continues here. 11. Photo: keetsa.com Carry a reusable tote on your errands—and do your part to reduce the estimated 100 billion plastic grocery bags Americans throw away each year! 12. Photo: Methow Valley Farmers Market Buy local and regionally grown fruits and vegetables. This simple act bolsters family farms, cuts down on the fungicides required to ship foods around the world, and reduces the amount of fossil fuels needed to transport out-of-season produce. 13. Photo: Roborooter.com At four to six gallons of water per flush, the toilet reigns as the largest single water user in a home. If possible, invest in a model that bears the EPA’s Water Sense label or a new high-efficiency toilet, such as American Standard’s Cadet 3 Right Height, which uses just 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Bonus: many municipal water suppliers offer consumers substantial rebates on models that conserve H20. 14. Photo: greenorganicdevotion.wordpress.com If replacing your old commode isn’t an option, place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank, thereby taking up space and reducing the amount of water needed to fill the receptacle between flushes. 15. Photo: etsy.com Invest in organic cotton dinner napkins—and vow to use them regularly instead of single-use paper ones. 16. Photo: aliexpress.com Then consider ditching paper towels for more eco-friendly dishcloths, too. 17. Photo: levelgreenlandscape.com Check the weather before you fertilize your lawn. A surprise rainstorm could wash the chemicals into your local waterway. 18. Photo: hopeheartblog.com Clean produce in a big bowl of water, not under the faucet, and save gallons of fresh water from slipping down the drain. 19. Photo: youtube.com Let indie rocker Jack Johnson and the students from Sunset Beach Elementary School in Hawaii teach your kids the 3 R Song (reduce, reuse, recycle). 20. Photo: alzheimers24-7.com The average adult in America receives roughly 41 pounds of junk mail a year. Clear out your mailbox by cancelling unsolicited mail and catalogs at dmachoice.org. (There’s a $1 processing fee.) Bob Vila's "50 Shades of Green" continues here. 21. Photo: tendig.com Wanna take it a step further? To stop receiving preapproved credit card and insurance offers in the mail, visit optoutprescreen.com. 22. Photo: newerabank.com Save even more trees by signing up for paperless bank statements, credit card bills, and utility invoices. 23. Photo: brewerytownliving.com Host a clothing or tool swap. Or join a scheduled event near you.  Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a clothing exchange started in Brooklyn in 2005, has now spread to more than 100 cities nationwide. 24. Photo: healthfreedoms.org Collect rainwater to use for watering houseplants, filling birdbaths, and tending your garden. 25. Photo: visualphotos.com Tidy patios and walkways with a broom, not a hose. 26. Photo: wescarverelectric.com Install a ceiling fan. The whirling wonders can reduce heating bills by 10 percent and air conditioning costs by as much as 40 percent. 27. Photo: buildaroo.com If a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine is in your future, look for appliances that bear the Energy Star label, an EPA designation awarded to energy-efficient models. 28. Photo: wikihow.com Use baking soda on carpets to eliminate pesky pet odors. Simply sprinkle it on, let sit overnight, then vacuum. 29. Photo: Snapguide.com Improve gas mileage by as much as 5 percent just by inflating your car tires to proper pressure and using the grade of motor oil the manufacturer recommends. 30. Photo: washerdryerinfo.com Close to 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating the water. Just switching from hot to warm water can cut energy use in half—and save you more than $60 a year. Bob Vila's "50 Shades of Green" continues here.31. Photo: agwilliamspainting.com Choose zero-VOC paints for DIY projects. Benjamin Moore’s Natura line, Behr Premium Plus, Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony line, and Yolo Colorhouse are just a handful of the brands we trust. 32. Photo: ourcrazycraftylife.blogspot.com And don’t forget old-fashioned (and all-natural) milk paint, which “decorators” have been using to spruce up interiors since the Colonial era; milkpaint.com. 33. Photo: greenupgrader.com Don’t turn on the shower until you’re actually ready to get in and shower. 34. Photo: homeguides.sfgate.come Water your plants and lawn in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. 35. Photo: softsolder.com Millions of unsolicited phone books land on consumer’s doorsteps each year. If you don’t want a copy, opt out by logging on to yellowpagesgoesgreen.org. 36. Photo: wasterecyclingnews.com And while we’re on phones. Remember to recycle old cell phones, Blackberries, and rechargeable batteries. Visit call2recycle.org and enter your address to find free drop-off sites in your area. 37. Photo: diylife.com Another thing: unplug your phone, iPod, and laptop chargers when not in use. They all use electricity even when they’re not charging. Ditto for idle coffeemakers, toasters, microwave ovens, and hair dryers. 38. Photo: blog.rpu.org Check out energytaxincentives.org to see if your utility company encourages energy conservation through appliance purchasing assistance programs, energy rebates, and tax incentives. 39. Photo: toro.com Love your lawn? Consider Toro’s Xtra Smart Soil Moisture Sensor, an innovative new gizmo that wirelessly communicates with most in-ground sprinkler systems about whether or not your grass needs watering. If moisture is adequate, sprinklers stay off, saving water—and money. To learn more, click here. 40. Photo: tampagov.net And speaking of saving water: More than 12 gallons travel through a regular garden hose per minute. Consider buying an H2O-conserving hose attachment.  It'll allow you to turn water on and off as you work in the garden and adjust the flow and volume according to the job at hand.   Bob Vila's "50 Shades of Green" continues here.41. Photo: publicbikes.com Vow to ride your bike to work or to run errands at least one day a month in 2013. You’ll save gas, get a little exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint. Pedal in style with Public’s seven-speed Sierra Club bike ($595), which features a steel frame, memory-foam seat, and a handy rear rack. Best of all, a portion of each sale benefits Sierra Club’s conservation programs; publicbikes.com. 42. Photo: energy.gov In case you haven’t done so already, install inexpensive low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators throughout your house. No plumber needed! 43. Photo: laurelofleaves.com Make your own cleaning products. White vinegar and water clean grimy windows for next to nothing, a paste made with inexpensive washing soda cuts grease, and lemon juice and baking soda work miracles on bathtubs and countertops, minus toxic odors. 44. Photo: endalldisease.com Support your local beekeeper and the pollinating wonders they tend. Use more honey and purchase chemical-free beeswax candles, which burn cleaner and brighter than their paraffin cousins. 45. Photo: mslk.com Hold the ketchup! When ordering takeout, remind the restaurant not to include napkins, plastic cutlery, condiment packets, and straws if you don’t need them. 46. Photo: minolusa.com Donate to local and national conservation groups working to safeguard the environment, keep our oceans clean, and save endangered habitats and animals. Some to consider: National Audubon Society, World Wildlife Fund, and the Nature Conservancy. 47. Photo: blog.risinggreen.com Download Seafood Watch, a free app for iPhones and Androids from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which recommends the most sustainable and ocean-friendly seafood to buy at your favorite restaurant or fishmongers. 48. Photo: activecampingtents.com Pay it forward. Take your kids camping at a national park, start a backyard vegetable garden together, or teach them to locate the Big Dipper in the night sky. 49. Photo: thenatureofrealestate.com And like your mom always said, turn off the lights when you leave a room. And shut your computer down at night. Screen savers save your screen, not energy. 50. Photo: epa.gov Want more tips? Sign up for the EPA’s new monthly consumer email newsletter Go Green! From trendy bathrooms to hidden home offices, barn doors provide an ultra-stylish solution for cramped spaces. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:29:12 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/26399-10-chic-new-ideas-for-barn-doors http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/26399-10-chic-new-ideas-for-barn-doors Slideshow doors, design This home office brings a "now you see it, now you don’t" approach to bills and work tasks. By tucking the backless stool under the desk and rolling the door into place along flat track hardware, the office quickly goes from "open" to "closed".This Brooklyn Home Company-designed bathroom door originally comes from a sheep barn in New England. Black flat track hardware is a contemporary contrast to the rustic wood, accomplishing timeless function and fashion.Minneapolis-based Alchemy Architects uses sliding door hardware on a custom translucent panel in this bungalow renovation. The door is designed to allow light through to an interior bath while providing modest privacy.Design duo SchappacherWhite went for a black sliding barn door where a swinging door wouldn’t fit—elegant proof of this architectural element's utility in tight spaces!California-based designer Tineke Triggs of Artistic Designs for Living uses beautifully stained doors on flat bar hardware to separate a home office from the family den.The rustic reclaimed wood used for this sliding door has uneven edges that allow for a charming peek-a-boo effect. Simplistic flat track hardware offsets the rough-hewn wood and gives the room an updated country feel.This heavy industrial door, which hangs from a similarly rugged box track, slides open to reveal a homey little pantry. Sometimes opposites do attract!In this Houston home, antique swinging doors get new life as space-saving sliding doors between the dining room and kitchen.Even small doors can benefit from a hanging treatment. A media cabinet installed above a fireplace can be hidden away by rolling barn-style doors.Long decorative mirrors installed on sliding track hardware make a statement in this home designed by Ezra Lee Design + Build.For more on doors, consider:Beyond the Farm: Using Barn Doors at Home10 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door6 Simple and Easy DIY Closet Door Transformations If the cost of a high-tech security system is beyond your means, consider these low-cost options to keep your home safe. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:06:38 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/29780-10-low-cost-ways-to-improve-your-home-security http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/29780-10-low-cost-ways-to-improve-your-home-security Slideshow safety Install window and door shades that make it difficult to see if someone is home. Consider treatments that offer some light filtration so that by day, interiors benefit from natural daylight, and by night, the house looks occupied.Upgrade locks on all doors and windows—and use them! For exterior doors, enhance your security by choosing a locking solution that includes a Grade 1 (highest-grade security certificate) deadbolt.Put interior lights, TVs, and radios on timers so that you can create the illusion that someone is home when they're not. Modern digital light timers offer a key benefit over traditional models by having lights cycle on and off randomly.There is nothing more suspicious than a porch light left on from dusk to dawn over a long period of time. Install motion- or infrared-controlled outdoor lighting. Motion detector lighting is inexpensive and easy to install.Prune or replace large foundation plantings; that way, intruders cannot hide behind shrubs while prying open a window or door. Low thorny bushes are also a deterrent. Form or join a neighborhood watch group. Such groups are effective crime deterrents, because they encourage residents to be vigilant and to call the police whenever they see something amiss. They also provide information about crime in your neighborhood and work with police to improve response times.Don’t forget about garages and sheds. Always keep garage doors closed, even while at home, so thieves are not able to spot items they may want to steal later. Lock valuable items, such as expensive bicycles and grills, with a chain and pad lock. Install a hasp and padlock on shed doors.Change the greeting on your answering machine, so it doesn’t indicate whether you are away or not. Never leave a note on the door for delivery people indicating you are away.  Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Never leave valuables, especially electronics or money, in the car. Or if you must, put them out of sight. Use a locking device on your steering wheel in high-crime areas.When engaged in a home improvement project, do not leave ladders in sight. They are an invitation to burglars. Similarly, don’t leave tools lying about that might be useful to an intruder, such as a hammer or pry bar.If you're interested in more on home security, consider:Home Security 101Smart Windows for Improved Security and Energy EfficiencyLocksets Whether you opt for a high-tech system or take a more common-sense approach, our home security tips will help you achieve peace of mind, no matter what your budget. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:31:09 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/27474-home-security-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/27474-home-security-101/pages/1 Article security It wasn’t so long ago that when an intruder broke into a home, the home security system would sound an alarm. If it was a monitored system, the central station would call the police to report the intrusion. This assumes, of course, that you armed the system, the batteries were still good and the intruder wasn’t quick enough to disable the system before it sounded the alarm or dialed the central station. The revolution brought on by wireless technologies, smart phones, and mobile apps have changed all of that. Today, home security systems can still sound alarms, but are much more difficult to forget about or foil. A software-supported security system can send you a text message every time a door or window is opened, whether you’ve armed it or not. It can stream live video or send still images of what’s happening in your garage, living room, backyard or wherever you deploy a security camera. You can even be alerted before the break-in, the moment the burglar pulls into the driveway! Slideshow: 10 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security And that’s not all. Home security has teamed up with home automation so the same interactive service can give your home the appearance that someone is home. Lights, TVs and radios can be turned on and off at random intervals, or according to the schedule you choose. Even motorized blinds can be raised or lowered upon your command. Home security systems can give you peace of mind in other ways, too. Whether you’re home or away, they can inform you of hazards like fire, elevated carbon monoxide levels, and power outages.  They can alert you if someone is tampering with a safe, a locked tool chest, or a medicine or gun cabinet. You might even use it to check on the safe arrival of a child returning home from school. Or, if you lose sleep wondering whether the water heater is flooding your basement, you can have your system set up to alert you of that as well. With interactive systems come other benefits as well. Prefer not to hand out house keys to housekeepers, or other service providers? You can unlock a door for them from wherever you are, whether you’re at work or on a trip, with systems such as Kwikset’s SmartCode. You can also use the system to program your home’s temperature so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling your home unnecessarily. During cool seasons, it can automatically lower settings when you’re sleeping or away—and raise them just before you wake or return home. BUILDING A SECURITY SYSTEM Smart systems consist of hardware that doesn’t look a lot different than it did twenty-five years ago. There are some specialized sensors and video cameras that weren’t common in the past and window and door contact switches have gotten a lot smaller, but the basics are the same: a control panel or console, magnetic contact switches, motion sensors, a siren. The new systems may also be connected to central monitoring stations, as do many old-style security systems. The big difference, however, is the degree of interactivity. New software platforms, such as alarm.com and iControl allow you to send commands, program home systems, view surveillance video, and receive alerts on a smart phone or computer—whether you’re at home or away. When shopping for a system, review software platforms first. Alarm.com and iControl are the two biggest. The former has partnered with more than 2,500 dealers and the latter with ADT and Comcast. Among other things, you’ll have to decide between a “cellular primary” or “broadband primary” system. The former is a wireless connection to the monitoring station, making it immune to power outages or someone cutting a cable. It is limited, however, with regard to transmitting large quantities of video, so many cellular primary systems incorporate broadband for video.  Broadband primary services, on the other hand, have cables running down the side of a house that can be cut, thereby disabling the system.  Some services offer cellular back-up should this occur. Be sure to choose a reputable dealer; one that will sell you the equipment as well as a monitoring plan. Many dealers will install the system for you, but there are others that sell equipment and services for the do-it-yourselfer. Frontpoint Security, a national provider based in Virginia, for example, offers a GE-branded system, the Simon XT, that can easily be installed by the homeowner (along with alarm.com features, and a third party monitoring plan). Installing the system yourself can save you several hundred dollars and make you more knowledgeable about how it works. Smart home security systems do not restrict the type of security hardware you use, although a dealer may limit your choices. The inside-the-house components may connect by wire (known as hardwired) or via radio frequency (wireless) or RF radiation. While hardwired components were considered the standard because they are more difficult to disable and don’t rely on batteries for power, the reliability gap has narrowed—or even disappeared—with new technology. Alarm.com and its partners, for example, offer “smash and bash” protection for wireless home security systems. As soon as a point of entry is breached, the central station is immediately sent a pending alarm signal. It doesn’t wait to find out if the person who entered is you or a bad guy. If the system is not disarmed within the programmed amount of time, the alarm is treated as an intrusion. In this way, a smashed controller won’t stop the central station from calling the police. A conventional system, on the other hand, does not send a signal for a period of time (typically 30 seconds while it allows time the homeowner to tap in a code and then more time for the dialer to call the monitoring station). It doesn’t sound like much time but for a smart burglar, it can be enough to disable the security system or to grab a purse or valuable and run. Wireless hardware is, of course, much easier to install than wired components, making it more appealing to do-it-yourself homeowners. You can also take it with you should you move. Look for a home security system with a full line of wireless peripherals, including modules for controlling lights and appliances, thermostats, cameras, motion sensors (some can distinguish between a pet and a person), water sensors, and glass break and vibration sensors. Look for long-life battery power, too. Lithium sensor batteries, for example, can last three to five years. When they do run low, the system lets you know well in advance. Choose a controller with back-up battery so the system will stay active in the event of a power outage or if the Internet is down. If you will be installing smoke alarms you’ll need the extra power of a 24-hour battery back-up, not the 4-hour back-up offered by many manufacturers. Smart systems all require a subscription to a third-party alarm monitoring service. Ask about which central station will be handling your account and be sure that it is UL certified. THE COST FOR SECURITY There are two costs to keep in mind when shopping for a home security system. The first is for the equipment and the installation, if you’re having it done by a professional. It can run from a few hundred dollars for a basic installation (or less that half of that if you install it yourself) to north of $1000 for a full-feature system with specialized sensors and wireless smoke and CO detectors. The second is the monthly service charge that includes fees for software-driven features and central station monitoring. It typically ranges between $35 and $60 per month. Some dealers, much like mobile phone and cable TV companies, will reduce the installation cost in return for a multi-year contract. LOW-TECH, LOW-COST ALTERNATIVES Burglaries have been dropping steadily for 20 years in the US according to the FBI, but that’s small consolation to the roughly 2 million victims of break-ins every year. To avoid becoming part of this statistic, there are a number of things you can do to make your home less vulnerable to theft. They begin with relatively low-cost improvements and common-sense practices. This is where to make your initial investment in home security. 1. Install window and door shades that make it difficult to see if someone is home 2. Upgrade locks on all doors and windows—and use them! 3. Put interior lights, TV and radio on timers so you can create the illusion that someone is home when you’re out. 4. Install motion-controlled or infrared-controlled outdoor lighting. There is nothing more suspicious than a porch light left on from dusk to dawn over a long period of time. 5. Prune or replace large foundation plantings so intruders cannot hide behind shrubs while prying open a window or door. Low thorny bushes are also a deterrent. 6. Form or join a block watch group. Such groups are effective crime deterrents because they encourage residents to be vigilant and to call the police whenever they see something amiss. They also exchange information about crime in your neighborhood and work with police to improve response times. 7. Don’t forget about garages and sheds. Always keep garage doors closed, even while at home, so thieves are not able to spot items they may want to steal. Lock valuable items, such as expensive bicycles and grills, to a very heavy object with a chain and pad lock. Drill holes in garage door tracks and insert a padlock or bolt, to prevent the door from being forced open. Install a hasp and padlock on shed doors. 8. Change the greeting on your answering machine so it doesn’t indicate whether you are away or not. Never leave a note on the door indicating you are away. 9. Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Never leave valuables, especially electronics or money, in the car. Or, if you must, put them out of sight. Use a locking device on your steering wheel in high-crime areas. 10. When engaged in a home improvement project, do not leave ladders in sight. They are an invitation to burglars. Similarly, don’t leave tools lying about that might be useful to an intruder, such as hammer or pry bar. New radiators mean that keeping warm the old fashioned way no longer forces you to leave your style sense out in the cold. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:00:21 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/28030-12-new-designs-to-change-your-mind-about-radiators http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/28030-12-new-designs-to-change-your-mind-about-radiators Slideshow hvac, heating From slim, wall-mounted versions to traditional monolith iron models, many of us still rely on the classic radiator to heat our interiors. But as some consider them an eyesore, we wanted to defend the honor of this classic heater and showcase some of our favorite new fashionable takes on an old fixture.Belgium-based Vasco’s new Flatline radiator is exactly what its name suggests. The ultra-slim profile makes it a sleek alternative to traditional radiators, while its flat water-conducting front plate and robust steel construction make it both functional and durable.The sculptural Trame radiator stands out as a piece of art. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, the radiator takes on the look of woven material, even though it's made of steel. And with valves mounted up to six meters from the radiator, new design opportunities exist for the entire room.The manufacturer Runtal has introduced a line of radiators available in some of renowned modernist architect Le Corbusier’s classic colors. Now your radiator can be a design statement instead of an eyesore.Arbonia's bench seat radiator is a multipurpose design, providing a heat source as well as a place to sit. Your toasty room (and bottom!) will thank you. Four Steel’s electric and water radiator Black Diamond plays up the geometric design popular in today’s design community. Constructed in stainless steel and iron, it comes finished in White, Brushed, Forge, and Gold options. The added bonus? It looks nothing like how you would expect a radiator to look.When Swiss company Bremo launched their Roca Caliente radiators, the idea was to make something totally one-of-a-kind—and with a slab marble front, these rockin' radiators are just that.Looking to take radiators out of the corner and put them into the limelight, Antonio Pizzolante designed this statement radiator for Italian brand Brem. Doubling as a work of art, the heater warms a room both physically... and culturally.K8 Radiatori’s beautiful bamboo design consists of bamboo-like metal tubes, sticks out only 3 1/2 inches from the wall once installed, and looks stunning in any finish. Whether your decor has a feng shui vibe or you're just looking for a change, bamboo can't be beat.Have an existing radiator that’s a bit of an eyesore? Building a radiator cover is a relatively simple DIY task, as proven by the blogger DIY with ADD, who built this version for her Brooklyn brownstone. Big box home improvement stores feature options for the pierced front panel, so check your local source for cloverleaf, mosaic, and grid designs.Projecting only 2 1/2 inches from the wall, customizable in a rainbow of colors, and available in lengths of 24 to 72 inches, the versatile Steamview radiator is an ideal option for small space and retrofit applications alike.Italian company I-Radium turns the typical idea of a radiator on its ear with their Kelly infrared heater. Shaped like a child’s standing chalkboard, this plug-in heat source goes where you need it while not cramping your design style.We are living in a material world... and sometimes it gets cold. Don't settle for any old space heater—warm up with this Madge-inspired radiator, and come on, vogue!If you're interested in more on heating, consider:10 Space Heaters We LoveGas Fireplaces: A Showcase of Design and InnovationQuick Tip: Radiant Heat Has Other Options Beat Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and protected from the elements, earthen shelters—or hobbit houses—aren't only for Bilbo in the Shire. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:06:02 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27590-12-hobbit-houses-to-make-you-consider-moving-underground http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27590-12-hobbit-houses-to-make-you-consider-moving-underground Slideshow architecture Ever since JRR Tolkien placed his diminutive characters in houses built into the ground, underground dwellings have been nicknamed Hobbit Houses. Whether or not these homes resemble Bilbo's famous house in the Shire, earth sheltering was around long before we first heard about Frodo and the Ring, and its environmental benefits are especially appealing today. Typical to Northern China, this style of carving houses into the hillside, called yaodong, dates back to the second millennium BC and is still employed today. Since any change in the temperature of the dense earth occurs very slowly between seasons, earth shelters such as these remain temperate year-round.While no one knows exactly when the tiny underground Tunisian village of Matmata was formed, it found international fame in 1976 when its Hotel Sidi Driss was chosen as a filming location for Star Wars. (In the film, the hotel appeared as Luke Skywalker's childhood home on Tatooine.) Subterranean construction keeps the Berbers who live here cool beneath the extreme desert sun and provides shelters from wind storms.For over 1,000 years, Iceland has been constructing these turf houses, which blend into the landscape and capitalize on nature's insulation. While similar constructions in Norway, Scotland, Ireland and Greenland were only built by those who couldn't afford anything else, turf houses in Iceland were even built by tribe chiefs.  Domesticated cave dwellings are usually called "troglodyte homes," and the Loire River Valley in France is full of them. Excessive quarrying of the local rock in the 11th century created cavities in the hills and plains, and not surprisingly, people moved in... and never moved out.The Iranian village of Kandovan is usually described as a "gigantic termite colony". Volcanic rock formed a small group of cone-like caves that eventually attracted human inhabitants. The small town, like many of the other underground dwellings on this list, has become a veritable tourist destination.Founded in 1915, the small Australian town of Coober Pedy is known for two things: opal mining and the below-ground homes in which a large portion of its residents live. Coober Pedy means "white man's hole" in a local aboriginal language, but when extreme daytime temperatures reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, seeking refuge below the surface seems only natural.The most mysterious hobbit hole of all is this more modern construction in Whitefish Bay, WI. Little is known about the earth-bermed dwelling, but its whimsical design has earned it the nickname "The Door County Mushroom House". We don't know who built it, but we do know it wouldn't look out of place on a The Lord of the Rings set.Earth shelters have come a long way over the years, and some—like the Earth House Estate Lättenstrasse in Switzerland—marry the comfort of a modern home with the low environmental impact of an underground abode. The estate includes nine separate homes, an artificial lake, a subterranean parking lot and room to grow vegetation. Each building uses "only a third of the energy a normal home would consume".Buried almost completely into the side of a hill, this Alpine home built by a Dutch architecture firm features both subterranean insulation and jaw-dropping, panoramic views. It's so integrated into the mountain terrain, a passerby might not even know he's walking over the roof of someone's home!While it is completely above-ground, the fantastical construction of this sheep shed in the Cotswolds, England, has earned it the local nickname "Hobbit House". Built without permission by a local artist, the sprawling construction took nearly ten years to build. Abandoned in the 1990s, it's an unconventional tourist stop today.Proving the UK loves its hobbit holes, this completely subterranean residence is also the first zero-carbon property in North West England. The Bolton Eco House is "designed to use less energy than it creates. A ground source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, and a wind turbine will generate on-site renewable energy."One couple in Wales decided to go full-Shire and build themselves an earth shelter out of found materials. Four months and $5,000 later, they had a fully functional, low-impact hobbit house. "There are just a couple of solar panels—just enough for for lighting, music, and computing. It’s a simple life." Exactly what Bilbo wanted (at least before his Unexpected Journey)!If you're interested in more on alternative homes, consider: The Container HousePocket NeighborhoodsKit Houses Providing both illumination and style, here are 12 helpful tips for choosing a pendant light to complement your decor. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:47:54 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27591-trending-now-pendant-lighting http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27591-trending-now-pendant-lighting Slideshow lighting, design Not only do they play a practical role in providing illumination over tables, counters, or bars, pendant fixtures bring character and often become a dramatic focal point in a room. Here are ten tips to help you choose the right one for your space.As a general rule, a pendant should hang about 30" above a table top. At this height, the lamp will provide ample illumination for diners without compromising headroom or generating glare. Lamp shown, the Finley from Crate & Barrel.Opt for a fixture with materials and shapes that complement your style or provide an interesting counterpoint to other furnishings in the room. Shown here, the Clemons Pendant from Restoration Hardware.Consider shape and scale when choosing a pendant (or three) to place over a dining table. If most of your furniture is boxy in shape, a round or cylindrical style will offer an interesting contrast. Shown here, Bentwood Pendants from West Elm.An oversized rectangular pendant could be just the thing to bring focus and illumination to an expansive dining table. This one from West Elm is layered with tiers of shimmering natural capiz shells (often referred to as "glass oysters")—a dramatic decor statement with a soft, luminous glow.There are also designs incorporating multiple lamps within a single fixture. This one from Pottery Barn uses jar-like glass lamps for a fun, modern twist. It could even be inspiration for a DIY project of your very own.Add a dash of whimsy to a minimalist space with Possini’s Euro White Flower pendant, available from LampsPlus. The multi-petaled orb, with its modern, organic shape, certainly catches the eye and would provide a dramatic focal point in a dining room or foyer. Introduce a modern industrial look to your space with this pendant from Barn House Electric. Its warehouse-style metal shade, shown here in Barn Red, comes with an industrial cotton twist cord. The white enamel underside enhances the illumination by reflecting the light down.While pendant fixtures look best when their size and scale is in harmony with the size and scale of the room, if you are looking to make a dramatic statement—super size it.If you are looking to add ambient, as opposed to task, lighting, then consider a fixture like this Väte from IKEA. Made of rice paper over a steel frame, the 22" W x 10" H shade sells for just $7.99.  In sculptural shapes and materials ranging from gutsy metal to twinkly crystal, pendants offer ample opportunity to make a bold statement in any decor. This selection from Crate & Barrel.When hanging multiple pendants over a bar or counter top, remember what is commonly known as "The Rule of Three." It calls for the use of three identical fixtures to establish a rhythm and sense of balance, patterns of odd numbered elements being more pleasing to the human eye.If you're looking for more in lighting, consider: Pendant Lighting 101 5 Things to Do with... String Lights  Bob Vila Radio: Lighting in Layers Looking for pendant lighting ideas? Whether hung singly or in multiples, these versatile fixtures offer bright possibilities. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:44:32 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21907-pendant-lighting-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21907-pendant-lighting-101/pages/1 Article lighting Of all the various forms of light fixtures, pendants may offer the greatest opportunity to make a statement and introduce a pop of personality to a room. Though functional—in that they provide either overall ambient light or directed "task" lighting—pendant fixtures come in a wide range of styles, shapes, materials and colors that can be combined to form a dramatic sculptural focal point in a room. Whether positioned over a sink in a kitchen, lined up in a row over a countertop, or suspended over a hall or dining table, pendant fixtures look and function at their best when employed using a few aesthetic and practical rules of thumb. Slideshow: Trending Now: Pendant Lighting Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about pendant fixtures. 1. What should I look for in design? Before buying a pendant fixture, consider the context. The style of your home and your decor is the best starting point. Are your rooms modern and minimalist or warm and rustic? Is your home classic and traditional, playful and eclectic, rich and glamorous, or understated and simple? Opt for a fixture with materials and shapes that complement your style or that provide an interesting counterpoint to other furnishings. For a rustic space you might opt for a schoolhouse-style pendant with antique pewter or iron hardware. In a modern space, a sleek linear chrome or brushed nickel fixture would be more suitable. An eclectic room is ideal for a whimsical fixture with a colorful glass shade, while fabric-covered rectangular or drum-shaped fixtures are great transitional lighting elements that can work with most interior looks. Also, think about where the fixture will be placed. Pendants over dining tables offer the greatest potential for a dramatic statement. Hanging them in a group? Then a subtle, compact fixture might be more appropriate. When choosing multiple fixtures to place over a bar or countertop, consider what is commonly known as "The Rule of Three," which calls for three identical fixtures to establish a rhythm and sense of balance (patterns of odd numbered elements being more pleasing to the human eye). And if most of your furniture is boxy in shape, consider choosing a round or cylindrical fixture as a counterpoint, or vice versa. 2. What size and scale should I choose? Pendant fixtures look best when their size and scale is in harmony with the size and scale of the room and its furnishings. A band of pendants running the length of a kitchen bar or countertop should be at least 10" smaller in diameter than the width of the counter. Why? To leave headroom for anyone seated beneath. A massive dining room can handle a massive pendant or chandelier, while a compact breakfast nook needs a smaller-scale fixture in keeping with its size. In general, however, bigger is better with pendants if your goal is to make a powerful visual statement. Diminutive pendants lose their impact among other room elements. So long as you follow the headroom rule above, opt for the biggest pendant that will work in your context. Just be careful not to produce a barrier effect between one side of the counter or table and the other. Another approach for choosing the size of a pendant or chandelier in a foyer is to simply add the room’s dimensions together and change the total from feet to inches. For example, if your foyer is 11’ by 14’, add 11 plus 14 to get 25. The proper pendant or chandelier size chandelier would be 25" in diameter. 3. What is the ideal height for a pendant? There are two approaches to positioning pendants properly over a dining table. One is to hang the bottom rim of the pendant 60" to 66" from the floor. The other is to suspend it about 30" above the table surface. Either approach will yield the same result by providing ample illumination on the table surface while shielding the glare of the light sources from the eyes of diners around the table. If your ceilings are more than 8' high, increase the height of the chandelier or pendant 3" for each additional foot of ceiling height. If a pendant fixture or a series of fixtures is placed over a bar or raised counter, the bottom of the fixture should (ideally) float 30" above the counter surface, though this may vary depending on the height of the inhabitants or the function of the table or counter surface (desk surfaces, for example, need light positioned about 16" from the surface). For a pendant in a foyer, suspend the fixture so that its bottom hangs about 7' from the floor. 4. When should I use multiple pendants in a row? This is a great option over a very long dining table, or over a kitchen bar or counter. The key to using a collection of pendants in any space is finding balance among all of the other competing elements in the room. In some cases, such as over a short, wide counter in a small room, it may be worthwhile to break the "Rule of Three" and instead use one or two larger pendants to call attention to the bar while keeping the space from looking too busy. When placing pendants in a row, the space between the bulbs or light sources (not the edges of the fixture themselves) should be about 30" apart. 5. Should I use a dimmer? It’s always worthwhile to install a dimmer. Not only does it allow you to control the mood and amount of light shed on any given surface or space, it’s also a great way to limit energy consumption and lower your energy bills. Author Note: Jean Nayar is the author of Detailing Light (The Whitney Library of Design), a book on lighting designed by the country’s most notable architects and lighting designers. Before you find yourself saying, "What was I thinking?" see what five home upgrades topped last year's list of loss leaders. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:45:34 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/27473-5-smart-home-improvements-think-again/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/27473-5-smart-home-improvements-think-again/pages/1 Article roi Built-in aquariums: the amenity that quickly becomes an eyesore.  Of all the misfired home improvements that Daniel Fries has observed in his 30 years as a home appraiser, aquariums top his list of 2012 loss leaders—home improvements that offered little to no return on investment. “It’s not a prudent investment,” deadpans Fries, who is based in Atlanta, GA. The tank's glass fogs, while grimy filters emit an odor of rotting seaweed. Even worse—yes, it gets worse—some owners repurpose fish aquariums as reptile dwellings. And few things send a potential home buyer fleeing faster than the sight of a bull snake in the dining room. Aquariums top our list of "improvements" with poor return on investment, but every project on that list has at least one thing in common: a profound mismatch between a homeowner’s intent and a neighborhood's standards. Local culture, preferences, and market conditions dictate return on improvements. Sink your money into amenities that don’t reflect the norm for your immediate area and you won’t even gain a 5% premium over neighboring homes, regardless of what you spent, says Kevin Cross, owner of the Anchorage, AK-based real estate agency Cross & Associates. Case in point: Granite countertops actually undermine market value in Alaska. Extreme temperature changes force constant settling and resettling of home foundations, which results in warping and cracking of solid stone surfaces. Laminate gives just enough to make it the counter material of choice.  "Understand that anyone looking for a house is going to stand in front of yours with their cell phone looking at all the estimated values of the houses all around yours," he continues. "When a buyer looks at a house, they’re not looking for reasons to buy a house. They’re looking for reasons to not buy yours. Your job is to remove as many of those reasons 'not to buy'. If it’s priced right, clean, staged and looks inviting, an older house will sell faster than a new house even with superior amenities." Buyers pick up on price discrepancies immediately and aren’t willing to pay for misguided improvements... like the rest of the items on our list of top don’ts. Loss leader #2: Built-in electronics Bragging rights last only a few months when it comes to the latest televisions and sound systems. Once the next gizmo lands on the market, today’s shiny toy quickly tarnishes. The value added by splurging for top-of-the-line freestanding electronics may be debatable, but at least you can easily take the gear with you. Built-ins often dominate the entire room and their reverberations can erode the usability of adjoining rooms, too. The owner of a $3 million house bragged to Fries that his built-in sound system cost $650,000. That was overkill even for a mansion. "He could have spent $50,000 on the media room and gotten just as much value from it," says Fries. "You have to consider electronics as personal property, even if they are built in." Loss leader #3: Eliminating a third or fourth bedroom. Sure, a walk-in closet and expanded master bath would be a selling point—but only if that space isn’t hijacked from a third or fourth bedroom. If the neighborhood norm is three bedrooms, a two-bedroom house is at a severe disadvantage. The number of bedrooms should be in balance with the common living space. A house with too many or too few bedrooms has a lopsided layout that won’t be useful to many buyers. Still want that master closet? You might be able to justify it if you apply the second cardinal rule of return (keep reading). Loss leader #4: Overimproving the basement. Below-grade improvements never pay back as much as space renovated or added above grade. Carefully compare the cost of renovating the attic, adding a dormer or even raising the roof, to a high-end basement remodel. This is especially true for mid-priced houses. High-end houses may well be able to retain the value of a finished basement, but only if all the above-grade space is livable. Loss leader #5: Expansive outdoor living space out of synch with the climate. Outdoor kitchens with manly grills and wood counters can be used ten months a year in the South, so those projects retain value, says Fries. Not so much in the North, where a fireplace is a cozier investment. Cross reports that water features don’t sell Alaskan houses, considering that they are under four feet of snow for half the year. Especially if you are relocating, settle in to the local lifestyle before creating a sunroom, screened porch, elaborate deck or outdoor kitchen. Each of these horrors is grounded in the grand misconception of home improvement: if you build it, they will pay. Fries explains that appraisers’ guidelines will force a challenge from the lender if improvements boost the market value of the house more than 10% from its value without the improvement. As you scope out the budget for your project, keep the total tab to no more than 10% of the current value of your house. Spend more only if you count the payback in terms of personal enjoyment. Use as a reference Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report. The regional breakouts chart the cost of remodeling, the return, and the difference. The averages are useful for benchmarking estimates and can help you set expectations from the start. It can be a balancing act to polish to the point of perfect return, especially if you expect to sell the house soon. Consider putting in one moderately priced focal point improvement that can make the room memorable. For example, one—just one—built-in specialty appliance in the kitchen can be a selling point. That appliance might be a warming drawer, or a wine cooler, or a five-burner stove with a griddle instead of the standard four-burner stove. Even then, calculate your payback in terms of a shorter selling time, not in terms of dollar return. There is an antidote to misfired improvements. Appraisers call it the 'cost to cure,' and it’s the second cardinal rule of return. How much will it cost to rip out the offending amenity and make that part of the house look, well, normal? The cost to cure a derelict aquarium is only about $1,000. The cost to revert a walk-in closet to a bedroom could be as little as $500. But the cost to rip out an algae-clogged, crumbling swimming pool could run ten times that. When in doubt, get two estimates: one to put in the improvement, the other to take it out.  If you must have it, budget time and money for the 'cure', and make sure you squeeze every moment of happiness from that feature in the meanwhile. Keep the snow—and backache—at bay this winter with one of these ten smart, ergonomically-friendly snow shovels. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:59:54 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24823-10-snow-shovels-to-clear-the-path-and-save-your-back http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24823-10-snow-shovels-to-clear-the-path-and-save-your-back Slideshow outdoor tools The Dakota Sno Blade snow pusher shovel has a 36-inch blade to cut through up to five inches of snow on any surface. Developed in the harsh winters of North Dakota, it will have you rolling out of your driveway in no time.Both the blade and shaft of the Back-Saver Snow Shovel are made of sturdy, lightweight aluminum. It has a contoured handle, which puts you in a comfortable stance and helps you bend less while shoveling. It also comes with a five-year warranty.The unusual design of this True Temper Sno Boss shovel lets you adapt to conditions and remove snow by either scooping or pushing. It has a curved ergonomic shaft and two forward grips that are more comfortable to grasp than a traditional shovel shaft.Ideal to keep in the car, this Collapsible Snow Shovel works two ways, as both shovel and dig-out scoop. With an aluminum handle and polycarbonate shovel, it is lightweight, easy to use, and converts in seconds.The ManPlow is a traditional snow pusher, which comes in 22- and 30-inch models and is ideal for decks, patios, and small driveways.According to an independent study at University of Massachusetts, the Sno Wovel (a wheeled snow shovel) was found to have virtually eliminated back stress, and to have reduced overall exertion threefold. Just scoop, lift, and throw. The wheel is removable for easier storage.Who knew that many laud a farming shovel as their secret weapon for snow removal? The Grain Hog is a lightweight scoop made of durable thermoplastic. With reinforced ribs for strength and high sides, it lets you scoop up a lot of snow at once. It’s an old school tool that is built to last.The Snowmaster Snow Scoop is a 56-inch long, 24-inch wide snow pusher. It has a four-inch wheel on the back, which can help you move up to 250 pounds of snow! It’s made of a durable polyurethane plastic, so it should stand up to several snowy seasons of use.If you don’t have large areas to cover and simply can’t bear to shovel anymore, an electric snow shovel might be the answer to your prayers. The SnowJoe will clear a 12-inch swath of snow, four-inches deep, and throw it 20 feet. Bye bye, back pain!The Shovel Master is not a shovel at all but rather an add-on handle, which turns an ordinary shovel into its ergonomic alter-ego. The easy-to-install handle gives you more leverage while shoveling, allowing you to stand straighter and minimize stress on your back.If you're interested in more on snow removal, consider:Shopping for Snow BlowersSalt vs. SandQuick Tip: Buying a Snowblower Accent your home with the trendiest bold hue of today, 2013's emerald green color. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:07:26 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27172-trending-now-emerald-green http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/27172-trending-now-emerald-green Slideshow decor, color Whether you bathe the room in emerald green or use it as an accent, there are plenty of ways to incorporate 2013's Color of the Year into your home, even if your decor is not so trendy to start. Click through to see ten of our favorite examples.  Glitter glass subway tiles from Susan Jablon would surely dazzle in virtually any setting. The mosaic tiles are back-mounted on mesh for easy installation.Signature Hardware's green-glass cabinet knobs add a touch of emerald to kitchens and baths. The pulls are offered in three sizes—7/8-inch, 1 1/8-inch, and 1 3/8-inch—with either nickel or solid brass accents.There is plenty of emerald green to be found in glassware, including vintage Depression Glass. These fluted green glass salt and pepper shakers from Ruby Lane prove the point beautifully.Lodge's Dutch oven in emerald green is the perfect choice for a stylish stove. Skillets and panini pans are available in the same jewel tone. Available at Wayfair.Inspired by the energy and color of Brazilian Carnivale, ABC Carpet & Home's Rio Collection carpet is handwoven from recycled silk. Available in 2'3" by 8', 8' by 10', and 9' by 12' sizes.Cover the walls in emerald with this Glazed Abaca grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries. Available in 36-inch, pre-trimmed rolls—plus seven other sensational hues.  Looking for an easy way to enliven a room with color? Paint it! Emerald Isle from Benjamin Moore is just one of the 1, 232 pure, saturated colors in the company's Color Preview Collection.Why settle for just the color when you can have illumination too? This dome-shaped Emerald FLY Suspension Lamp from Kartell comes with a 7' clear cord and dome-shaped ceiling canopy. Available at Lumens.Sometimes it only takes a hint of color to get the look. These 18-inch square, emerald green silk pillows from Studio Tullia on Etsy would make for delightful, on-trend accents in any space.To see more about color, consider: Historic Paint Colors  Tangerine Tango: 10 Products on Trend 12 "Expert Picks" for Fail-Safe Colors Adopt one of these 12 home energy saving ideas and save money on utilities in 2013. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:48:35 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/25846-12-ways-to-put-your-home-on-an-energy-diet-today http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/25846-12-ways-to-put-your-home-on-an-energy-diet-today Slideshow energy FACT: Just because an appliance is turned off, that doesn't mean it's not drawing power. According to the energy experts at Cornell University,"vampire power" costs consumers $30 billion a year—or about $200 per household.  DIET PLAN: Unplug devices and appliances like countertop microwaves, cell phone chargers, and laptops when they are not in use (or once they are fully charged).FACT: Lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater is an easy way to save money; for each 10ºF you decrease the temperature, you can save 3%–5% in energy costs.  DIET PLAN: Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, but a temperature of 120ºF is more than sufficient for most households. Check and reset yours if necessary.FACT: You can save 5% to 15% on your heating and cooling costs by regularly cleaning or replacing the filters on your furnace and air conditioning unit, according to The Home Handyman.DIET PLAN: Different filters require different actions; fiberglass filters should be replaced monthly throughout the heating season, while permanent filters should be cleaned regularly. FACT: According to the California Energy Commission, a load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37% less water than washing them by hand.DIET PLAN: Don't rinse dishes before loading and be sure to fill your dishwasher to its capacity before running. Save more by opening the door after the final rinse to let dishes air-dry naturally. Also, run the machine at night to benefit from off-peak rates. FACT: About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes toward heating the hot- and warm-water cycles.DIET PLAN: Opt for the cold cycle. With the advances in washers and laundry detergents, it's possible to get both white and colored clothes perfectly clean in cold water anyway.FACT: A programmable thermostat—one that lowers the temperature when you are away from home—can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.DIET PLAN: Replace your standard thermostat with one of the new programmable models (selling for as little as $50) or simply lower the temp when you leave the house. FACT: If the average drip is between 1/5 and 1/3 ml, a single leaky faucet can be wasting anywhere from 10 to 30 gallons of water a day (or close to 4,000 gallons a year), according to Georgia Water Science Center.DIET PLAN: Regularly check all of your faucets for leaks, and when you discover them, fix them yourself or get them fixed as quickly as possible.FACT: You can pay anywhere from 36 cents per hour to operate a room air conditioner, but a ceiling fan (running on medium) will cost roughly a penny for the same amount of time, according to The New York Times.DIET PLAN: Consider circulating the air rather than cooling it. And don't think that ceiling fans are only effective in the hot summer months. Reverse the direction during the winter to recirculate warm air collecting near the ceiling.FACT: According to the EPA's WaterSense, Americans use more than 1.2 trillion gallons of water while showering, marking it as one of the country's top residential water uses.DIET PLAN: Low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators allow you to save resources without sacrificing water pressure. By installing one you can save up to $285 per year for a family of four. Plan B: set a timer for shorter showers.FACT: If every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-certified variety, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, according to the EPA.DIET PLAN: As your incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with new, energy-efficient bulbs that are manufactured to use about 75% less energy and to last at least six times longer. FACT: ENERGY STAR estimates that you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on your total annual energy bill) by making sure your home is adequately sealed and insulated.DIET PLAN: Be sure to seal leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets and elsewhere with weatherstripping and caulk. Consider hiring a certified home energy rater to perform an energy audit on your home.  FACT: If everyone in the US flushed the toilet just one time less per day, we could save the equivalent of a lake full of water about one square mile and four feet deep every day, according to Green Living Ideas.DIET PLAN: Flush less, repair leaky flappers, and retrofit the tank with water-conserving kits—or replace the toilet with one that carries the WaterSense seal (certified to use 1.28 gallons of water per flush). As you adopt New Year's Resolutions, be sure to do something for your home—and your wallet. Take the Bob Vila 2013 Energy Diet Challenge and let us know how you plan to make your home more efficient this year.  And if you're looking for more on energy-utility savings, consider:Water-Saving FixturesTankless Hot Water Heater: Should I or Shouldn't I?How To: Install a Ceiling Fan Start the new year with a plan for cutting energy use, even as you clean up after the holidays and continue prepping for winter. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:12:05 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25566-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-january/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25566-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-january/pages/1 Article seasonal Happy New Year! January is the month to take stock and plan ahead. That's why my five "must do" projects for January include everything from adopting some home-focused resolutions to storing holiday decorations and getting snow-ready. 1. Make "Energy Savings" a Resolution to Keep This year, as you make your New Year's resolution to spend less, go on a diet, join a gym, learn a new skill or perhaps find more time for yourself, consider adding another goal for 2013—putting your house on an energy diet.  Just like taxes and death, you can be sure that energy and utility costs will continue to take a bite out of your home operating budget. How big of a bite is within your control. That's why it pays to do everything you can to keep your home as trim and fit as possible. After all, sometimes even a seemingly modest change in your home (or change in your personal habits) can make a dramatic difference over time.   For example, there's been plenty written about energy-efficient light bulbs, but have you put that information into practice? If not, make it a goal this year. If every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-certified variety, we would conserve enough energy to light three million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent nine billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (equivalent to the amount produced by about 800,000 cars), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And if you've turned a deaf ear to that dripping faucet or runny toilet, you can be sure that your water company hasn't. If you know that there's a leak, fix it. It may require something as simple as tightening a valve or replacing a worn washer or ineffective flapper, all simple repairs you can take care of yourself. If the leak requires replacing the faucet or toilet altogether, call in a professional and choose a fixture bearing the WaterSense label. And the next time you flush, consider this: If everyone in the US flushed the toilet just one time less per day, we could save the equivalent of a lake full of water about one square mile and four feet deep every day, according to Green Living Ideas. Looking for more ways to conserve and save this year? Seal those drafts, make sure your home is well-insulated, install low-flow shower heads and change furnace filters. You can find out more—and take the Bob Vila 2013 Energy Diet Pledge—here. One simple change will make a big difference for you and all of us!  2. Pack up the holiday decorations As fun as it is to unearth boxes of holiday decorations in November, there is nothing enjoyable about packing them all away again in January. Big box stores will be happy to sell you bins and containers geared specifically toward holiday-realated storage, but with a little planning and ingenuity, you can create your own DIY solutions that will work just as well. A piece of cardboard with slots at both ends is ideal for wrapping string lights, while those inexpensive, six-ounce plastic party cups are the perfect individual holders for fragile ornaments. And if you have a real tree, consider bringing it to a treecycling location, where it will be chipped into mulch for beneficial use. 3. Get snow-ready—before the snowfall If you live in parts of the country where snow is likely, take time now to make sure you are prepared for its arrival. Snow shovels, snow blowers, salt or sand should all be at the ready. If you haven't fired up your snow blower since last winter, you might want to do so now. Consider some routine maintenance like changing the oil; replacing frayed or cracked belts; tightening nuts, bolts, and screws; and lubricating drive and chassis. Also, watch for the formation of icicles along the eaves as snow begins to melt. They can create ice dams and serious damage to the roof if left unattended. A roof rake is a great way to pull the snow from the eaves to lessen the problem.  4.  Employ some countertop TLC Perhaps never before have there been so many enticing countertop options to fit every budget, decor, and culinary need. But all countertops are not created equal. So what's the best way to keep yours in peak condition? You can start with some pretty basic "do's and don'ts," such as cleaning often with a sponge or soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent, or by practicing caution when using sharp knives and hot cookware. If you have granite or marble, be sure to use a good sealer, which will help prolong the life of the stone and provide a barrier of protection against staining. Wood countertops should be rubbed with tung, linseed, or mineral oil anywhere from monthly to quarterly, depending on usage. The same mineral oil can be applied to soapstone to provide a protective coat and rich, dark color. For stained laminate, try a homemade paste of baking soda and water. For tips on caring for concrete, stainless steel, quartz, solid surfaces and ceramic tile, visit Countertop Care 101.  5.  Make a better fire While many of today's homeowners opt for the convenience of a gas fireplace, the traditionalists among us may always prefer the smokey smell, crackling sound, and tactile ritual of fire building. While there is an art to making a fire, it all begins with the right choice of wood. Every species has its own set of burning characteristics. Some species—oak, for example—offer a very slow burn and hot fire, while other species like fir provide medium heat with less ash. You'll also want to make sure the wood you use is properly seasoned and stored in a well-ventilated outdoor area, protected from the elements. Cross-sections of a tree branch are all that keep you away from a house full of one-of-a-kind rustic, woodsy decor. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:14:07 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24264-10-things-to-do-with-cross-cut-trees http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24264-10-things-to-do-with-cross-cut-trees Slideshow decor Fallen branches and trees don't often have much to look forward to besides becoming mulch on the forest floor. But with a little ingenuity, designers are starting to find new ways of using wood and cross-cut lumber indoors as decor.A medium-size cross-section of a log makes an excellent trivet, protecting your kitchen counters and dining table from the likes of hot casserole dishes. Add felt pads from the hardware store to make the trivet easier to move, and you've got a versatile and attractive new kitchen staple!Rustic chargers under fine holiday china create an interesting juxtaposition, while the levelness of the chargers steady dinnerware on the table. If you're short on timber, an online source like Save on Crafts offers pre-cut versions that you can seal yourself.Around the holidays, there's bound to be a lot of company at the house. Use tree-slice coasters to protect the finish on your coffee and side tables from spills. Made from smaller tree branches and sealed with mineral oil, these can also be bundled together as a set to make a host or hostess gift. To skip the DIY route, try this readymade version from Terrain.When the dessert hour rolls around, surprise your guests with multiple levels of treats displayed on a woodsy cake stand. A smaller trunk acts as the base while a larger slice adhered with wood glue holds the cake or pie. Seal the top with a food-safe finish or add a round doily cut from parchment paper. Full instructions, including a source for cross-cut wood plaques, are available from Once Wed.Vases made from logs are another take on the theme. If routing out the log is too time-consuming or tool-specific, try using a sheet of bark, often sold at craft or floral supply stores, wrapped around a yogurt container or large glass jar to get the look without the work.If you need to keep certain relatives apart, place cards make it easy to assign seats. These place card holders are made from medium-size branches that have been saw-cut on an angle and notched on top to hold cards with guests' names.Beyond tabletop decor, a coffee or side table made from a fallen tree trunk makes a bold yet relaxed statement. After drying out the wood in a warm room, sand down the top with a hand sander, then apply primer and a coat or two of paint (remembering to sand with fine grit paper between coats). Furniture coasters on the bottom make these heavy specimens easier to move around. Full instructions available from Martha Stewart.A good cutting board is a kitchen necessity. To make your own, simply sand a medium-size log cross-section on top and bottom before applying a food-safe lacquer.Holiday ornaments can cost a pretty penny. Slices of a tree branch, each drilled with a hole and strung with twine, make for great alternatives to store-bought decorations.At the end of a long night of entertaining, tuck into bed next to a log night stand. Again, let the log dry out completely in a warm and dry area (this also allows the bark to be easily removed). Next, sand down the top and sides. Keep it natural with a coat of low-luster polyurethane.If you're looking for more on decorating with wood, consider:18 Reasons to Fall for Faux Bois11 Ways to Use Salvaged Wood in your Home5 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners A rural farmhouse dating back to 1789 gets a contemporary kitchen makeover. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:35:43 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24789-house-tour-old-house-modern-kitchen http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/24789-house-tour-old-house-modern-kitchen Slideshow kitchen, remodeling While not the likeliest design for a 1789 farmhouse kitchen, this modern addition by Elaine Monchak, architect and owner of Monchak A+D Design LLC in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, speaks to the homeowners' taste and meets their program requirements. When Monchak first visited the property with her client, it was in “very, very bad shape,” she says. But the house’s location—far back from the road on several bucolic acres with lovely views in every direction—made the necessary upgrades seem worthwhile. “For a project like this, where you have a house with a very strong character and structure (and a homeowner who appreciates modern architecture), there are really only two ways to go. You can do a building addition that fits into the same character or do something completely different,” says Monchak.The tall cabinet next to the microwave maximizes efficiency with pull-out drawers (other built-ins include a trash/recycling center installed below the windows). The warmth of fine-grained oak, with a white milk-tint rubbed finish, nicely bridges the centuries between Colonial and contemporary.To maintain a light, airy, open feeling and make the most of the views, Monchak nixed the idea of upper cabinets. Shelves in front of the windows and above the sink provide additional storage without adding bulk.  “I wanted something bright as an accent,” Monchak says. The seamless, easy-care backsplash was created from a single sheet of glass that was back-painted in a warm hue. Use glass tiles as a budget-wise way to replicate the look of back-painted glass.The Fireslate countertop may look familiar to anyone who ever took a high school chemistry class, since the manufactured slabs are so tough they’re laboratory mainstays. However, oil, acidic foods, wine and even water will leave their mark on Fireslate.The range hood was another topic of debate. The client, who enjoys cooking, insisted on one. Monchak was reluctant to install anything overhead but ultimately developed the perfect solution for the space: a cylindrical stainless steel unit with a sculptural look that’s at home in its modern surroundings. Sliding doors—crafted of sandblasted glass and fiber-cement panels—separate the kitchen and sunroom, adding to the versatility of the space. They can be open for entertaining larger groups or closed to create separate intimate spaces.The flow between kitchen andsunroom continues to a stone patio perfect for al fresco relaxing, dining, andentertaining, further fulfilling the original project goals of creating anattractive and functional space to share with friends. For more on this kitchen, click here. For more on kitchen remodeling, consider: 10 Smokin' Hot Range Hoods Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling Kitchen Layouts:  4 Space-Smart Plans In Upstate New York, architect Elaine Monchak's contemporary kitchen design animates the old bones of a 1789 farmhouse. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:43:53 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21561-old-country-farmhouse-gets-city-slick-kitchen/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21561-old-country-farmhouse-gets-city-slick-kitchen/pages/1 Article kitchen, remodeling If undertaking a home improvement project can take a lot of courage, the buyer of this 1789-vintage farmhouse in Chatham, NY, must have an abundance of the right stuff. When project architect Elaine Monchak first visited the house with her client, it was in "very, very bad shape," she says. But the house’s location—far back from the road on several bucolic acres with lovely views in every direction—made the necessary upgrades seem worthwhile.  Slideshow: Old House, Modern Kitchen Perhaps the greatest demonstration of valor was the decision to add a contemporary sunroom to the Colonial-style spread. "For a project like this, where you have a house with a very strong character and structure, there are really only two ways to go. You can do a building addition that fits into the same character or do something completely different," says Monchak, principal of Monchak A+D Design LLC, in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. The homeowner "is very sophisticated and appreciates modern architecture. The decision was made early on to preserve the traditional character of the main house and use the kitchen as a transition to the contemporary addition. The kitchen is the ‘knuckle’ that holds the two together". The warmth of wood under a white milk-tint rubbed finish nicely bridges the centuries. Enhancing the effect is the rift-sawn oak’s consistent tones and minimal knots, which produces a less traditional look than other cuts of this wood type. To maintain a light, airy, open feeling and make the most of the views, Monchak’s design nixed upper cabinets. Shelves in front of the windows and above the sink provide additional storage without adding bulk. The tall cabinet next to the microwave maximizes efficiency with pull-out drawers (other built-ins include a trash/recycling center installed below the windows). This project is Monchak’s second for the homeowner; the first was a Manhattan apartment. For the Chatham house, the client was amenable to most of Monchak’s suggestions. As Monchak puts it, "She was confident in my abilities and let me do what I wanted". But the client did have to be talked into the orange backsplash. "I wanted something bright as an accent," Monchak says. "Everything else is neutral. This color picks up the oranges in the mahogany window frames, it complements the wood." The seamless, easy-care backsplash was created from a single sheet of back-painted glass.  The installation, however, was more complex than its gleaming simplicity may suggest. Durable tempered glass is too tough to cut to have accommodated the outlets or the shelves’ mounting hardware. So the holes had to be made before the glass was even tempered.  The range hood was another topic of debate. The client, who enjoys cooking, insisted on one. Monchak resisted at first, reluctant to install anything overhead. "I did a lot of research to find one as unobtrusive as possible," she says. The solution: a cylindrical stainless steel unit with a sculptural look that’s at home in its modern surroundings.  The contemporary look of stainless steel is carried through in the mid-range appliances, which, chosen for looks and function, are more in scale with the modestly sized kitchen than pro-style models would be. Other metallic touches include the sink and faucet, the cabinet hardware, the under-island cabinet and the niche above the microwave. The sunroom sconces and ceiling fan continue the theme. The Fireslate countertop may look familiar to anyone who ever took a high school chemistry class. In fact, the manufactured slabs are so tough that they’re laboratory mainstays. Available in a variety of colors, Fireslate won’t crack, can handle high heat, and is lighter and less expensive than natural stone. However, oil, acidic foods, wine and even water will leave their mark. Over time, the material develops a patina that yields a casual, organic, contemporary vibe that many homeowners prize. Sliding doors—crafted of sandblasted glass and fiber-cement panels—separate the kitchen and sunroom, adding to the versatility of the space. The doors can be open for entertaining larger groups or closed to create separate intimate spaces. Even when the doors are shut, light filters through the translucent glass. Fiber-cement panels are used again on the floor; "It looks like concrete but is thinner and doesn’t crack," says Monchak.  The flow between kitchen and sunroom continues to a stone patio perfect for al fresco relaxing, dining, and entertaining, further fulfilling the original project goals of creating an attractive and functional space to share with friends. For some of the designer's kitchen remodeling tips, click here.  Whether you are actively planning or merely contemplating a kitchen remodel, here are some smart design tips from architect/designer Elaine Monchak, Monchak A+D Design LLC, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY: 1. Determine how you want to use your space and what you want to get out of the remodeling project. 2. Do you want your remodeled space to blend with the rest of the house or be something different? 3. Take natural light and views into consideration, as well as mechanical necessities like outlets, ventilation, and plumbing. 4. Take time to think through suggestions from your architect or designer. An idea that surprises today may delight in the long run. 5. Think about how much maintenance different materials and products require. Certain items (pro stoves without self-cleaning ovens, stain-prone countertops, polished surfaces that show every fingerprint) may not be appropriate for a low-maintenance space. 6. A door between the kitchen and family room can be a plus while entertaining. With the door open, the host can prep food and still join in the fun; during dinner, a closed door hides dirty dishes and makes it easier to relax and put the cleanup out of mind for a while. 7. Use glass tiles as a budget-wise way to replicate the look of back-painted glass. Pine needles? Who needs 'em? Here are ten DIY wreaths that will really stand out. Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:58:44 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23462-10-alternative-wreaths-to-make-you-forget-about-evergreens http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23462-10-alternative-wreaths-to-make-you-forget-about-evergreens Slideshow holidays The vibrant green of Granny Smith apples make a beautifully natural alternative to the traditional evergreen wreath. Bright, crisp, and clean—but not without subtle holiday cheer.Few things are as welcoming or evocative of the holidays as the warm and spicy smell of cinnamon. Bring on the Christmas cheer with this cinnamon stick wreath your guests will drool over.Wrapped yarn and felt flowers are all you need for a simple and modern wreath alternative to garnish your front door. With colors that don’t “shout” Christmas, you can leave it up until April if you like.A wreath of memories from Christmases past and present will charm newcomers and stir nostalgia in old friends and family members. Make one to spotlight every kid—or kid-at-heart—in the household.Cut and wrapped into cones, colorful paper is a readily accessible and relatively inexpensive material to use in making a terrific twist on the Christmas decorating classic.This cork and jingle bell wreath feels both rustic and festive all at once. What a fun way to remember those shared bottles of wine.Classic Starlight Mint peppermint candies make a vibrant adornment for your holiday door. A wreath never tasted—rather, never looked—so good. This year, Santa may opt for the front entry instead of the chimney!Cookie cutters can pull double duty in the kitchen. What a whimsical addition to any pantry or cabinet door!Who would ever imagine that burlap could look so lush and lively? Paired with a dark-colored door, this rich and red wreath is positively eye-popping.Light and airy, this wreath made with a feather boa could make you believe the angels themselves had a decorating party.For more on holiday decor, consider:58 Outstanding DIY OrnamentsHow to Keep a Christmas Tree FreshBob Vila's 8 Tips for Hanging Holiday Lights From recreations of the White House to the Wonders of the World, today's gingerbread houses are both architecturally sound and finger-licking good. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:40:53 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23792-10-architectural-appetizing-gingerbread-houses http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23792-10-architectural-appetizing-gingerbread-houses Slideshow holidays Behold: a nearly 300-pound replica of our nation's most famous home! With working electric lights, chocolate furniture, a candy replica of the Kitchen Garden, a marzipan First Dog, Christmas trees made from blown sugar globes and a Santa Claus on the roof with reindeer, it's no wonder the First Lady reportedly called this gingerbread masterpiece "phenomenal"."Using 164 different pieces of gingerbread, 3 batches of hard candy, 12 square feet of gingerbread dough, 8 bags of sugar for the frosting, and over 40 sleeves of Smarties to make the dry stack stone", culinary artist Melonie Dreadon was able to recreate a miniature and delicious version Frank Lloyd Wright's chef d'oeuvre Fallingwater.Every year, the chefs at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani create an edible spectacle for their guests. This year's theme, "Hawaii and the World", featured gingerbread recreations of monuments like the Eiffel Tower, London's Tower Bridge, and this Japanese Pagoda. Yum!Single story. Clean lines. A sharp silhouette. This is mid-century modern architecture immortalized in gingerbread form. That is, until someone eats it.NYC hotel Le Parker Meridien hosts a gingerbread auction for charity every year, made possible by "houses" donated from local bakeries. This entry was inspired by an unforgettable scene from Hurricane Sandy, the broken construction crane dangling from a skyscraper roof, which forced surrounding buildings (including Le Parker Meridien) to evacuate!We couldn't brag about the gingerbread White House without showing its counterpart from across the pond. Feast your eyes on the gingerbread Buckingham Palace, complete with marshmallow Queen's Guard. Home to the British Royals since 1837; the Castle-I-Most-Want-to-Eat since 2012.Another participant in Le Parker Meridien's gingerbread extravaganza is this incredible, edible Sphinx. Sure, it's not technically a house... but a near-perfect recreation (in baked goods) of one of the world's great wonders? That's something we'll applaud any day.In case you needed another reason to go on a cruise, every Disney cruise ship during the holidays will show off its own super-size gingerbread house, created by the ship's own crew. Shown here is the largest house on the Disney fleet, made with 650 pounds of gingerbread dough, 5,250 gingerbread bricks, and 220 pounds of icing sugar. At 237 square feet, this gingerbread house is larger than some apartments!King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a man who loved architectural splendor, was the driving force behind a real-life fairytale castle in the Alps. Sadly, his plans for a second, even more whimsical palace (to be named Falkenstein) were never executed... until now."Best in Show" at the Boston Christmas Festival was this impossibly intricate Santa's Workshop from the Wicked Goodies bakery. Over three feet tall, this large-and-in-charge construction comes complete with Christmas trees, snowmen, a reindeer stable, elves making candy toys, and even Santa himself relaxing by a jellybean fireplace.If you're interested in more on holiday decorating, consider:10 Easy Ways to Add Christmas Curb AppealHow to: Make a Pine Cone Garland12 Days of Christmas DIY Introduce decorative nutcrackers to your holidays this year for a whisper of whimsy and a touch of tradition. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:39:17 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22461-nutcrackers-on-parade http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22461-nutcrackers-on-parade Slideshow holidays Few sights are as jolly as an artful arrangement of nutcrackers. Some people collect one each year; others create an instant collection by purchasing several at a time. Visitors to the Oregon City shop Christmas at the Zoo, pictured, can make selections year-round.Attention to detail is what attracts many collectors to Steinbach nutcrackers, handcrafted in Germany. A velvet jacket and feather-and-ruby detailing adorn this noble design, available through gumps.com.Long ago, a red-coated soldier nutcracker inspired a book and then a ballet. Today, all the characters from the story can be found in nutcracker form. This mischievous Herr Drosselmeyer from Christian Ulbricht is available from brookstone.com.The earliest figural nutcrackers depicted soldiers and kings, much like these contemporary designs from Holiday Lane, available through macys.com.Borrow this simple display idea: Place a single eye-catching nutcracker on a shelf or mantel and surround him with holiday greenery. This charming Woodland Santa, available through gumps.com, was crafted by the sought-after German firm Christian Ulbricht.Show your patriotic side—and your holiday spirit—with an Uncle Sam nutcracker from Kurt Adler, available through kohls.com. Kurt Adler nutcrackers are known for their wonderfully whimsical style.Most full-size nutcrackers stand between 15" and 20" tall. Shorter designs like this 11" Steinbach "Gingerbread" design are affectionately called "Chubbies"; available at lnt.com.A trio of Hollywood nutcrackers designed by artist Holly Adler boasts a palette of soft pastels, proving that holiday displays need not be limited to red and green.Nutcracker designs not only depict traditional soldiers and Santas, but also beloved characters from movies, television and books, like Kurt Adler’s Scrooge available from hsn.com.Whether it stands alone or complements a collection of smaller designs, a 6'-tall lighted nutcracker commands attention in the holiday home; available from frontgate.com.For more on holiday decorating, consider: Holiday Lights 101 10 Easy Ways to Add Christmas Curb Appeal O, Christmas Tree—O, Variety Liven up the front door and share your holiday spirit with the whole neighborhood this year! Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:53:37 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23182-10-easy-ways-to-add-christmas-curb-appeal http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23182-10-easy-ways-to-add-christmas-curb-appeal Slideshow deck patio & porch, driveway & walkway Whether you plan to wrap string lights around the house, hang illuminated icicles from the eaves, or install glowing blow-up figures in the front yard, it doesn't take much to whip up some amazing holiday curb appeal at your entryway. Here are ten how to's.Bring the beauty and fresh scent of evergreens to the front hall by filling an oversized clay pot with cut boughs and pine cones. Add a couple of ornaments, or drape with a single strand of miniature lights, and let your arrangement sparkle! Sometimes the objects of winter can serve to elevate holiday curb appeal. Here, a woven basket hung on the door with fresh greens and a standing sled help create a charming scene that evokes Norman Rockwell. Next year's card, perhaps?Even if you already have a distinctive doormat, celebrate this season in every way possible—add a themed outdoor mat to your landing. You'll find a good many holiday welcome mat designs, patterns, and colors, but hurry—the best of them sell out quickly.Lanterns and luminaries are both functional and beautiful either along walkways or on the porch, regardless of the season. Those that you buy now can be used year-round. Choose real candles or one of the new non-flame varieties. Nothing could be simpler than hanging a festive wreath on the front door. You will find a wealth of options at your local garden centers and even more varieties online. Feeling crafty? Making your own with this step-by-step guide.No one said that you couldn't buy a cut tree to display outdoors. This one—decorated with burlap garland, twig snowflakes, pine cones and ornaments—was featured on HGTV. Copy it, or decorate one of your own design.Garland is another easy way to add some holiday flair to your front entry. Use it to wrap around columns, drape over railings, and frame in doorways. You'll find fresh varieties at your local nursery and garden center. You can also make one yourself—as we did with our pine cone garland.If you've been looking for ways to re-use cardboard boxes that your online purchases have arrived in, here's the perfect solution. Wrap them in festive papers, decorate with ribbon and bows, and put them on display.Want to add some traditional color? You can't do much better than a potted poinsettia—or two or three or more. Cluster a group next to the door, place them on steps, or line a walkway with their blooms. The bold red and green coloring makes them instant accents with a long holiday tradition.Sometimes a simple string of white lights is all you need to make a bold statement. Use single strands to outline door and window frames, columns, or railings. Or get creative and suspend them like stars from the ceiling to provide a welcoming, magical glow.For more on holiday decorating, consider: 12 Days of Christmas DIY Tabletop Christmas Trees A Christmas Tree Timeline Looking to find gifts for pets, or planning to give pets as gifts? Look no further. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:25:17 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23195-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-pets http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23195-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-pets Slideshow pets This 8g Nano 180 Half Moon Aquarium features a single pane of glass (not plastic) for optimal viewing. Included are fluorescent lighting, a three-stage filtration system, and a flip-top canopy for easy maintenance. Drs. Foster and Smith; $99.99Made from 100% post-consumer products, this Eco-Friendly Bunk House Doghouse will make the neighbor's dog "green" with envy. The structure is moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and includes a vented roof for fresh airflow. Available in three sizes. Remmer; from $179.95Appealing to a feline's natural instincts, this Peek-a-Prize Toy Box is the perfect gift for your playful, pouncing kitty. Just hide toys—two are included—and sit back to watch the fun begin! Wag.com; $21.19If your dog is over bouncy and squeaky toys, give him something he can really sink his teeth into. This polyester-fill Colossal Fleece Bone is machine-washable and safe for dogs of all sizes. Sundance; $18With its top entry, reusable liner, ergonomic scoop and stylish look, the Modkat Litter Box, available in four colors,will complement your modern decor and, most importantly, allow your cat the privacy it needs. Modko; $144This Prevue Dometop Bird Cage features a gracefully curved roofline, durable wrought iron construction, and caster wheels at the base. Available in three colors, the cage includes one wood perch, three stainless steel cups, and a rounded-corner seed guard set. Petsmart; $289.99This Portable Petite Habitat is just the right size for small pets like dwarf hamsters, gerbils, and mice. Featuring a "scatter-less" base, and with a roof that's easy to remove for cleaning, the Habitat comes with an exercise wheel, water bottle, and food dish. Walmart; $17.37If you have an equestrian on your gift list, consider this custom Western Trail Ranch Saddle. Made from 100% premium harness leather, the training saddle is classically finished, boasting a fancy basket-weave border and padded suede seat. saddleoneline.com; $325The beauty of Lee's Herp Haven is that it can be used as a reptile carrier, terrarium, or nursery. Available in three sizes, it features a self-locking lid with a hinged view-finding window. Pet Mountain; from $2.16Now your dog can be as fashionable as you with his own Field Coat. Made of 100% cotton canvas with 80-gram polyester insulation and plaid cotton flannel lining, it comes in three sizes and is machine-washable. L.L. Bean; $29.95If you are looking for more gift guides, consider: For the Gadget-Loving DIYer For the DIY Mom For the Gardener From pine cone garlands to recycled coffee-cup ornaments, we've gathered 12 easy-to-do Christmas DIY projects to brighten your holidays. Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:57:22 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22001-12-days-of-christmas-diy http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22001-12-days-of-christmas-diy Slideshow holidays Who said ornaments had to go in trees? String together leftover ornaments—or pick up some new ones—to make this beautiful holiday garland. Simply thread lightweight twine through the hook hole of each ornament and then cluster them tightly. In no time, you'll be decking the halls.From How To Nest For Less. Fill a plastic container two-thirds of the way with water, cranberries, and greens. Then place a smaller container (filled with water for weight) inside the first. Pop the whole thing in the freezer and once frozen, run it under hot water until the plastic containers separate. Insert a votive and strike a match!From Raised in Cotton. Separate the stem and flute from the bottoms of plastic wine glasses, trimming down their stems with a Dremel or utility knife. Glue small figurines to pieces of chipboard, then glue the wine glass (flute-side down) onto the chipboard, over the figurines. Once everything dries, funnel in glitter to complete the winter scene.From My So-Called Crafty Life.Cut six large concentric circles out of craft paper and layer them on top of each other, each layer slightly smaller than the one underneath. Next, cut a smaller circle—large enough for the trunk of the tree—out of the center of these circles. Glue each layer together around this opening and cut fringe around the edges for a charming and unique tree skirt! From Poppy Haus.Just when you thought Christmas lightscouldn't get any cuter. Clump together colored cellophane and a section of twinkle lights. Place inside a light, clear container (e.g., corsage box). Wrap colored cellophane around the outside of the container and squeeze pipe cleaners around each end to create the look of a candy wrapper. Repeat as many times as you can along the string!From Oh Happy Day.These are DIY ornaments you can make while drinking your morning coffee! Cut newspaper—or any paper—into thin strips. Fold the strips into loops. Hot glue the loops together in a circle and add chipboard stars to the center for flair!From Scrapbooks Etc.Everyone loves mugs! Stencila message or design of your choosing on a plain mug using glass paint, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Fill with presents or keep for yourself—get that hot chocolate ready! From One Artsy Mama.A pine cone garland can bring in a rustic sense of the outdoors, especially this time of year. Simply string loops to the base of each pine cone and then tie each loop to a long string—here's our step-by-step tutorial. From BobVila.com.Put a branch of greenery in the bottom of a Mason jar. Fill two-thirds of the way with water, then add some cranberries and a floating candle for a simple and charming accent to invite holiday cheer. From BHG.Not every tree needs branches. Pin layers of holiday cupcake liners to a foam cone for a fun and easy tabletop Christmas tree! From A Spoonful Of Sugar Designs.Make your whole house smell like the boughs of a Christmas tree. Spritz some wintery pine cones and greenery with a spray made from a mixture of distilled water and essential oils. I can practically smell it from here!From Creative Kismet.Start with a hoop, either plastic or made from a branch. Place a clump of greenery on the hoop and secure it by tightly wrapping wire around the stems. Layer a second bunch over the first, being careful to conceal the wire. Repeat all the way around the circle... and you've got yourself an evergreen wreath!From BobVila.com.For more on holiday decorating, consider:How To: Keep A Christmas Tree Fresh58 Outstanding DIY OrnamentsHoliday Lights Go Neutral: 9 Options Steer clear of bright combos of green, red, yellow and blue. Holiday lights are going neutral this year. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:47:15 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23451-holiday-lights-go-neutral-9-options http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23451-holiday-lights-go-neutral-9-options Slideshow holidays Far from boring, a muted palette brings simplicity and elegance to seasonal decorations. Strings of light in winter whites, muted zincs, and antiqued mercury glass provide a sophisticated base and let your ornaments shine. Here are 10 strands that will certainly stand out.Create a winter wonderland with this light strand of glittered plastic Pine Cone bulbs. Available in 11.5' lengths (10 lights) at Terrain for $38.Ornaments and light string in one, the Sparkle Snowflake Glass String displays delicate silver snowflakes affixed to glass orbs. Available in 9.5' lengths (10 lights) at Luna Bazaar for $47.50.Bring the outdoors in with this flower-like string of Galvanized Metal Party Lights. Available in 11.5' lengths from Lamps Plus for $24.99.Floating Globe Lights evoke al fresco summer eating, but they can also be re-purposed during the holidays as simple and refined decor. Available in 25' lengths, with either clear or frosted bulbs, at Target for $12.99.The battery-operated Everlasting Glow Micro Light Strand features the benefits of LED bulbs and the beauty of a delicate, warm white light. Available in 3' lengths (18 lights) at eLightbulbs for $7.99.For nature lovers, Rattan Balls atop a string of lights make for a relaxed and cozy tree. Available in 9.5' lengths (10 lights) at Luna Bazaar for $39.50.Outfit your tree with a cool industrial vibe using Metal Lantern Light Strings by Smith & Hawken. Available in 11' lengths (10 lights) at Target for $24.99.Vibrant Mercury Glass Globes add an elegant look to holiday decorations with their fluted shape and silvered glass finish. Available in 8' lengths (10 lights) at Pottery Barn for $39.50.Like paper snowflakes you made as a child, these Swedish-inspired Snowflakes add a whimsical touch to the tree. The battery-operated light string is available in 7.5' lengths (10 lights) at Terrain for $42.For more on holiday decorating, consider: Holiday Lights 101 Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial How To: Make a Pine Cone Garland Add rustic charm to your holiday decor with this simple DIY pine cone garland. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:58:11 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21916-how-to-make-a-pine-cone-garland http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21916-how-to-make-a-pine-cone-garland Slideshow holidays Holiday garlands come in all different varieties—evergreen, tinsel, beaded and more. A pine cone garland can bring indoors a rustic sense of nature at Christmastime. And if you have pine cones nearby to collect for free, a sumptuous and earthy garland can be yours for the price of a roll of jute twine—around $2. So start collecting!Jute twine, scissors, and pine cones—lots and lots of pine cones. You will also need tin foil and a large pan or cookie sheet.Head out on a beautiful day to collect pine cones from the park or yard. To make a really full garland, you’ll need approximately 15 cones per linear foot, or about 90 pine cones for a 6' garland. If you have a small dwarf in your household to conscript, collecting becomes much more fun.Wash your pine cones under running water to remove any loose dirt and sap.Line a large pan or cookie sheet with foil and bake the pine cones at 200 degrees for 1 hour. This will kill any critters that might be living in them. Stay in the kitchen to watch for any sap flare-ups. If your cones close up due to excess moisture, you can set them out to air-dry until they open up again.Cut one long length of twine for your garland and many smaller lengths (about 10") to wrap around the base of each pine cone. Err on the long side for your garland twine. It’s easier to cut off than to add on later. Make a loop on one end for hanging purposes. You will add a second loop (on the other end) upon completion.Wrap a small length of twine around each pine cone by working it into the scales at the base. Tie in a single knot to tighten, letting the loose ends hang free.Tie each pine cone onto the garland twine with a simple knot. Slide the pine cone into place on the twine by tugging on the ends of the short twine. Make a second knot with your short twine piece to lock it into place.Continue adding pine cones to the garland twine, snugging them together as you go. After knotting, leave the ends of the short twine hanging—you can use those ends to make adjustments. (Pine cones are prickly!)Complete your garland by trimming all your short ends of twine and creating a hanging loop on your finished end. Depending on the length of your garland and the size of its pine cones, your creation may be heavy. So be sure to use a stable fastener for display. Hang and enjoy!For more holiday content, consider:3 Easy DIY Wreaths8 Tips for Hanging Christmas LightsHow To: Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh A traditional piece in Christmas decor, feather trees are tickling a new generation of holiday revelers. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:42:16 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23132-trending-now-feather-trees http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/23132-trending-now-feather-trees Slideshow holidays Although the tradition of feather trees began in Germany more than a century ago, these playful pieces look right at home in a modern setting.In addition to their small scale, the wide spacing between branches on a feather tree are ideally suited to displays of ornaments, like these vintage Shiny Brites arranged by Eclectically Vintage.Faux berries are a common adornment on the branches of green feather trees. This 24" design is just one of many from The Feather Tree Co.White feather trees—a popular color choice since these holiday decorations were first sold in the US—continue to attract attention today. True to their name, feather trees are hand-crafted by attaching dyed goose feathers to wire so that they resemble pine boughs. The branches are then inserted into a wood dowel "trunk", which in turn is set into a base. The classic feather trees feature green branches with red berries or ivory branches. Updated variations boast a full range of colors, like these assorted hues from The Feather Tree Co.Designer Amy Chalmers (of Maison Decor) was thrilled to decorate a 24" feather tree she had purchased on eBay. This Martha Stewart (for Kmart) tree is no longer being produced, but it can still be found online.Many homeowners use feather trees throughout the year, displaying Easter eggs, Halloween decorations, and more. This one exhibits a definite patriotic flair with its red-white-and-blue ornaments. Feather trees should be stored in a closet or a climate-controlled location, not in an attic or basement where they will be exposed to extreme heat or moisture. Avoid storing your tree in an airtight container; instead, cover it with a pillowcase (or paper bag) with cedar blocks.A great source of feathers for all manner of craft and fashion projects, Feather Place also offers an exotic twist on the feather tree: a design that incorporates peacock feathers.For more on holiday decorating, consider:How to Make a Pine Cone GarlandHow to Keep a Christmas Tree FreshHow to Make an Evergreen Wreath From bicycles to home soda maker systems, we've gathered 11 green gift ideas for the earth-minded person on your list. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:20:09 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22000-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-eco-smart http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/22000-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-eco-smart Slideshow sustainability, energy Ditch the plastic bottles, not the bubbles, with a Soda Stream soda maker, newly designed by Yves Behar. The compact, streamlined appliance requires no electricity to operate and boasts an LED display indicating three levels of fizziness. Starter kits include a reusable BPA-free carbonating bottle, a CO2 carbonator (it makes up to 60 liters!), and a sampler of add-in pop flavors. Choose from four colors at sodastreamusa.com; $149.95Slap a red ribbon on this beauty and make somebody’s holiday extra special. Upright handlebars, seven speeds, durable steel frame and handy cargo rack ensure Public’s Harrison Bike (here, painted British Racing Green) can handle just about anything, from daily urban commuting to weekend jaunts in the country. Check it out at publicbikes.com; $850In her book Salvage-Style Projects, This Old House editor Amy R. Hughes offers up 22 projects for DIYers with a good toolbox and a healthy appreciation for architectural castoffs. The 144-page paperback also features a handy state-by-state resource guide to salvage yards and reuse centers.; amazon.com; $11.53Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, Green Toy’s kid-tastic Recycling Truck means business with a moveable recycling bed that has a swinging rear door and seperate chutes for bottles, cans, and paper. Best of all: the packaging is completely recyclable, and there's no cellophane or twist ties for little fingers to contend with on the big day. Available at abesmarket.com; $27.99Green-minded fashionistas will swoon over this super-chic messenger bag, handmade in Nepal of renewable hemp. It features a roomy, canvas-lined interior with a large zipper pocket, plus a long, wide strap for comfort. Available at earthloversshopping.com; $48Instead of a ho-hum houseplant, give your favorite green thumb the Garden State Box, a clever, two-toned vertical planter that can be hung anywhere in the house. (We’d opt for the kitchen, planted with herbs or baby lettuces!) A wire mesh framework secures plants in place. From goodsie.com; $52, plants not includedA cheeky, 21st-century twist on the Gramophone, the low-tech Eco-Amp 2.0 amplifies the volume and clarity of any iPhone 4 or 4S—no power needed. Constructed of 100% post-consumer recycled fibers, the easy-to-assemble gizmos come in 24 graphic patterns. From eco-made.com; starting at $7.99Sleek adaptations of classic lanterns, Alessi’s Portable Table Lanterns feature a glowing flame and a dimmer switch that controls the brightness of the warm white LED. At full wattage, these cordless, rechargeable torches shine bright for four hours. When dimmed, a single charge can last 100 hours or more. From lumens.com; $150 each (rechargeable lithium batteries included)Reduce the carbon footprint associated with everyone's least favorite weekend chore with a cordless, rechargeable electric lawn mower, such as Black & Decker’s lightweight 12-amp, 18-inch model. Eco-bonus: It needs no gas, oil, or tune-ups! From lowes.com; $199.00Warm up your favorite beach buddy’s holiday with classic board shorts from Greenlines, made to last from 100% recycled polyester. Feeling generous? Tuck a ticket to somewhere tropical in the box! Available in men’s and women’s styles at greenlines.com; $50Shiny and bright—and available in 38 jaw-dropping colors—nail polish from Scotch Naturals has a nontoxic water-based formula that’s free of the chemicals and heavy metals found in most traditional polishes. Choose a shade at scotchnaturals.com; $14.99 eachIf you're looking for more gift guides, consider:For the GardenerFor the Tool LoverFor the DIY Mom From table lamps to finials, the centuries-old pineapple design motif is enjoying renewed popularity. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:37:29 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21979-trending-now-pineapple-design-motifs http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21979-trending-now-pineapple-design-motifs Slideshow decor, preservation You can decorate the walls with any number of pineapple-inspired wallpapers. This one from the UK is a paint-by-number design that you can complete with any colors that strike your fancy or match the room. For availability and pricing, visit Jenny WilkinsonThis mosaic table top features a center pineapple created from hand-cut pieces of Honey Onyx and Green Marble tiles; the rest is constructed from Paradon, Noce, and Beige travertine tiles. The table can fit on any standard base and is treated with a protective sealer. At Unique Style Solutions; starting at $399 for 24" roundThe centuries-old symbol of welcome is reflected in these pineapple-inspired drapery tie-back. Drop-forged and cast of solid brass, they are available in a choice of bronze, silver, or brass finishes. At Restoration Hardware; $25 eachHighlight an entry hall or living room with this decorative mirror enhanced by pineapple design flourishes. The mirror accents circling the iron frame are finished in antique gold. The frame measures 33" in diameter, with a mirror area of 17-1/4 inches. At Clark Street Home; $199.99A small and versatile piece of British Colonial descent, this Coco accent table has a tripod base that boasts a carved pineapple design motif. Measuring 28" round and 26-1/2" high and finished in a warm traditional wood finish, the piece is ideal as a lamp or accent table. Ethan Allen; $349This Pineapple Table Lamp from designer Barbara Cosgrove is made with a resin base and finished in subtle, antiqued white finish. The base and shade (faux croc shade, pictured) measure a total height of 30", making the lamp a formidable addition to any room. At Decor Interiors; $715 Add the luster of copper to any deck or fence with this lovely carved pineapple post cap. Each finial is made of 20-gauge copper, which has been left uncoated so that it will age to an attractive patina over time. Available in 4" x 4" and 6" x 6" sizes. At Post Cap Depot; from $35The Colonial Williamsburg Pineapple Armillary Sphere provides a unique accent in the garden. A cast iron base with steel rings finished with hand-applied verdigris, the piece measures 24" high. At Fine Garden Products; $171This pineapple stepping stone—designed by Philip David Edenfield on Saint Simons Island, GA—measures 18" in diameter. To prevent scratches, the glass sits just below the level of the concrete surface. At Happy Trails Stepping Stones; $39.99 eachThis large door handle is made more intriguing by the decorative pineapple finials at top and bottom of the 'reed' shaft. The handle is constructed of brass and is available in 19-1/4-inch or 24-1/4-inch lengths and 13 different finish colors. At Doorware.com; from $640 Of all the many species availabe, which types of firewood are the best to use at home? Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:19:34 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21380-firewood-primer-which-wood-burns-best http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21380-firewood-primer-which-wood-burns-best Slideshow fireplaces, hvac, heating The smoky smell, crackling sound, and tactile ritual of fire building is what gives real wood-burning fireplaces their appeal. But what type of firewood is best? Each species has its own set of burning characteristics, and there are a lot of choices out there. Here’s a quick primer on firewood facts and types.Even the best firewood will not burn well if it has not been seasoned—aged in a dry area, that is. Many dealers sell "seasoned" wood, but if it’s been split this year, it probably won’t be dry enough. Most experts advise buying wood this year to burn next year.Whatever wood you choose to burn, make sure that you're storing firewood in a well-ventilated outdoor area that is protected from the elements. Bring in only as much firewood as you plan to use at one time. (Indoor temperatures can encourage any bugs in the wood to become active.)Readily available in the northern US and Canada, hard maple is extremely dense and heavy, a makeup that allows it to burn very slowly, even in comparison to other hardwoods like oak and hickory.Probably the best conifer for firewood, Douglas Fir has a medium heating value and does not produce too much ash. Older trees are easy to split and easy to start. Fir does produce a moderate amount of sparking.Birch is very attractive and gives off a lot of heat, but it burns fairly quickly. Though birch can be easier to find and cheaper than many other species, you’ll go through it faster. It’s best mixed into your firewood supply and used in combination with other types.Oak is considered one of the best species for firewood. Dried properly, it can produce a very slow-burning and hot fire. But it does need to be seasoned for at least one year, preferably two. Like other hardwoods, oak is difficult to ignite, but you’ll be rewarded once it’s burning with an intense, sustained fire.Pine seasons faster than hardwood varieties, is easy to split, and easy to start. The cons are that it burns very quickly and does not produce the heat of hardwoods. Also, burning pine is usually characterized by exploding sap pockets that cause sparking, which in turn can cause creosote buildup in your chimney. Best to use with hardwoods.Quick Tip: Make Your Fireplace More Efficient10 Accessories for the Fashionable FireplaceHot Fireplace Inserts Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift to slip under the tree, our top tool picks will help you shop for the tool-loving handyman or woman in your life. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:06:54 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21409-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-tool-lover http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21409-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-tool-lover Slideshow tools Whether you are looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift to slip under the tree, our Top Tool Picks for 2012 will help you shop for the tool-loving handyman or woman in your life. We turned to tool expert Ethan Hagan, editor of One Project Closer, for his advice and insights. Here are 12 tools reviewed, vetted, and worthy of your consideration.The Channellock 13 'N 1 (full review) combines the efficiency of a ratcheting screwdriver with the versatility of a multi-bit driver, and you'll feel the difference from the very first turn. Channellock has designed the smoothest ratcheting mechanism we've tested. The direction setting can be adjusted one-handed, and this driver can ratchet left, right, or be locked in place. ChannelLock; $35.62The innovative, tool-free Hyperlock accessory clamp delivers 1 ton of clamping force, and the Universal Accessory system enables you to mix and match competitor's parts. These features and a 3.0 amp motor make the Rockwell Sonicrafter X2 (full review) our top pick among oscillating multi-tools. Rockwell; $149.99The DeWalt 12v Pivot Reciprocating Saw (full review) is the cordless little brother to the bigger, traditional reciprocating saw. Even still, DeWalt's tool is powerful enough to cut a variety of materials and compact enough to be useful in tight spaces. Weighing in at only 3.1 lbs., it's one of the lightest saws of its kind. Lowes; $149.99The Ridgid 18v Compact Drill Driver-Impact Driver (full review) delivers outstanding performance, solid battery life, a comfortable grip, and a lifetime repair and replacement warranty (which also covers the batteries). With a 1/2" chuck, 535 in. lbs. of torque, and a two-speed gear box delivering up to 1,650 RPMs, Ridgid's drill driver will handle a broad range of applications. Home Depot; $199While little innovation has come to groove joint pliers over the last few decades, Irwin has made a significant breakthrough. The jaws of GrooveLock Pliers (full review) can be sized whether the pliers are open or shut, and the selected jaw size is retained until it is purposefully reset. Grainger; $24.56 (for 10" Model) The Johnson 9500 (full review) features powerful rare-earth magnets that lock onto any magnetic surface, and the precision-milled edges are great for scribing straight lines, unlike the beveled edge found on some competitors' models. The 9500 has replaceable end caps for protection, and it's proven job-site tough. Sears; $96 (for 24" model)The Ryobi Tek4 Mulitmeter (full review) is a versatile diagnostic tool that can measure voltage, current, resistance, continuity and more. The Ryobi's capabilities and feature set make it a professional-grade tool available at a consumer-friendly price. Home Depot; $79.97Bosch's DareDevil Spade Bits (full review) have revolutionized drilling large holes through wood studs with an innovative self-starting, self-drilling head that literally pulls the bit through the wood. These bits drive through material up to twice as fast as standard spade bits while providing less overall resistance to the user. Amazon; $29.93This Milwaukee 4-1/2" Cordless Grinder (full review) combines a 9,000 rpm motor, convenient paddle-switch, and tool-less changing of accessories in a maneuverable grinder that is powerful enough to cut through bolts, rebar, pipes, threaded rod and to grind through brick mortar. Home Depot; $349The Maxxeon Workstar 220 Pocket Floodlight (full review) is a super-slim flashlight that puts out an incredible 140 lumens! The Workstar, powered by three AAAA, is 6" long yet weighs only 1 ounce and at its widest point, measures just 9/16". Amazon; $26.21You'll save room in your tool belt with Milwaukee 6-in-1 Combination Pliers (full review), since they can cut and strip wire, cut bolts, ream pipe and make loops. The patent-pending locking thumb switch is easy to operate, and the spring-loaded open means you're always ready to work. ToolBarn; $29.99This Craftsman 154-Piece Socket Set (full review) comes with every socket you'll need for nearly every project around the house, shop, or garage. The set includes all standard and metric sizes, regular and deep well sockets, 12 common wrenches and three ratchets. Kmart; $99.99If you're looking for more gift guides, consider:For the DIY MomFor the WoodworkerFor the Gadget-Loving DIYer So alike in DIY ambition, this year's blog stars fix, tinker, and create in spaces that couldn't be more different. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:47:51 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21913-in-the-workshop-blog-stars-2012/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21913-in-the-workshop-blog-stars-2012/pages/1 Article people & places As more and more doers and makers broadcast their home improvement adventures online, the world of DIY has never been more popular. Whether the reason to fix, improve, or beautify on one’s own is motivated by economics, ability, or the thrill of a good challenge followed by self-satisfaction, one thing is certain… where there’s a will to get the job done, there’s definitely a way, and it need not happen in an über tricked-out state-of-the-art workshop! Meet the steadfast group of bloggers featured in our 2012 “In the Workshop” series, all of whom are committed to tackling projects with skill, humor, and authenticity. They may possess common tools and materials and the desire to get a job done and share the process with the world, but they each tinker, cut, and drill in vastly different surroundings. Sarah Fogle, shown right, of The Ugly Duckling House was doing it in a small corner of her bedroom for a while, and has since graduated to a cramped corner of her garage.  Timothy Dahl of Charles & Hudson and Built by Kids does it as often as he can under the trees in his backyard.  Meryl Phillips and Chris Miller, top, of Picardy Project do it in a pretty standard well-organized garage that was once on the verge of collapse, and they have this repurposed wine crate drawer system that is totally awesome. Each player in this DIY world brings his or her own personality, history, and agenda to the work table. Though perhaps first introduced to the fix-it/make-it world by a parent or experienced family member, they have gathered more knowledge via books, other bloggers, and their own mistakes. Most importantly, these passionate project-seekers are continuing a tradition of hands-on work in their own style. Atlanta-based blog star Sarah Fogle fits DIY home renovation between grad school, family and friends, and her dog Charlie. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:42:47 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21909-sarah-fogle-in-love-with-fixing-it-up/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21909-sarah-fogle-in-love-with-fixing-it-up/pages/1 Article people & places Sarah Fogle doesn’t want any confusion. Despite her zest for DIY, she is no Mrs. Bob Vila! Her work spaces are a little disorganized, and her drill is defunct. And yes, she wears her heart on her sleeve—along with paint and caulk-stained pajama pants.  A sassy and determined grad school student with a realtor’s license and flair for do-it-yourself home improvement, crafts, and blogging, Sarah is renovating her 1982 Atlanta, GA residence, which she affectionately calls “The Ugly Duckling House." Sarah is fixing it up in between studying, working, and maintaining a social life. Once upon a time, Sarah shared these remodeling adventures with her “then-boyfriend.” When the “we” turned to “I”, things changed. One less person meant one less pair of hands, as in, “I don't get to tackle things as quickly as I used to.” On the upside, solo re-mo meant Sarah could sing her favorite tunes (Grace Potter, Maroon 5, Theory of a Dead Man) as loud as she wanted. And it also meant there was more space in the workshop—a good thing, since Sarah describes her DIY center as “tiny” and “practically non-existent.” Currently, Sarah’s primary woodworking set up is relegated to a cramped corner of her one-car garage. Anchored by two folding tables and a pegboard wall, Sarah says, “The focal point is the mess.” Intent on upgrading (soon, hopefully) to some sturdy workbenches where she can properly clamp her beloved Kreg jig, she surmises, “I figure the organization comes after I’ve built my new worktables.” Sarah has another work space upstairs known as The Study-O. Once “a dumping ground for half-finished projects,” The Study-O is shaping up—with a homemade desk, new paint job, and repurposed lighting—to be a pretty swank multi-purpose room. Used for crafts, studying, and office work, it is still a room in progress. Sarah is contemplating whether to buy or make a storage unit and also where to hang a gold leaf world map that she made. Aside from ripping up floors and such, Sarah is a bedroom blogger. Committed to honest communication with her followers, Sarah says, “I keep almost everything within reach in the bedroom at night and blog with my laptop in bed while watching a little TV.” She dedicates six to eight hours to her spunky blog and a few more hours to answering reader emails and keeping up with social media sites. Five years from now, Sarah envisions that the "Ugg-Duck" house will have sold and that she will be tearing apart another fixer-upper. She has gotten the hang of solo DIY and will call on others as needed. Her dad is first on the list, as he is the one Sarah holds responsible for her early DIY education. “I’m sure I can figure things out on my own because of him,” she says.” Sarah also enlists friends when needed. “If I invite them out for dinner anywhere near my house, there is a strong possibility I'll ask them to hold something steady or lift something heavy before we head out.” And then there’s Charlie, a sweet rescue who Sarah swears, because of the pup's jumping prowess, is part kangaroo. In the middle of a project gone bad, Charlie can be quite the comfort. With his-and-hers DIY specialties, the talented couple behind Picardy Project are a match made in home improvement heaven. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:11:51 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21910-meryl-chris-renovation-and-romance/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21910-meryl-chris-renovation-and-romance/pages/1 Article people & places “It’s Chris’s shop that I also use,” says Meryl Phillips describing the 20’ x 20’ garage work space that she and her boyfriend Chris Miller share in Oakland, CA. Meryl and Chris have been going out for seven years and renovating their house for four. On the Picardy Project blog, Meryl documents every change she and Chris are making to the c. 1926 Storybook house, and almost every project requires some maneuvering through their well-equipped garage. It wasn’t always a nice place to work. In fact, when they moved into the house in 2009, the garage was in precarious condition. They attempted to repair it themselves but soon realized the problem was over their heads. “We love DIY,” says Meryl, “but it’s important to understand what is out of one’s range.” Professional engineers came to fortify the structure, and $7,000 later (this reflects a reduced rate since Meryl and Chris pitched in and helped), the romantic renovators had a sturdy, plumb, earthquake-proof and re-roofed space. Now structurally sound, the work space is stocked and organized. It isn’t heated, because it never gets that cold in Oakland, but it is wired, so the couple can work at night and listen to their favorite NPR podcasts, such as “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me.” Since Chris and Meryl both work day jobs, renovation projects happen after hours, weekends, and during vacations. Meryl, who minds the replay machine among other duties for the Oakland A’s, is most productive in the winter, when baseball season is over. Meryl and Chris DIY-ed their workshop, outfitting the 400-square-foot, sawdust-covered space with hanging lumber storage, a pegboard wall, and plenty of shelves and usable surfaces. The most unique part of their storage system is a wall unit made from repurposed wooden wine boxes. Chalkboard labels on the front of each box ensure that every hand tool and paintbrush goes back in its proper place. “We have learned the value of having the right tools,” says Chris, who has been collecting the necessary implements for renovation. For large projects (rebuilding a corner of the house) to smaller projects (hanging window treatments), the renovators are equipped with every saw and drill imaginable.  Chris’s table saw takes center stage. It is the only power tool that makes Meryl uncomfortable. She says, “All those safety warnings just freak me out that my hair is going to get caught or something.” Meryl prefers miter and radial saws. Her dad showed her how to use the latter early on. He is the one who introduced her to the wonderful world of home improvement. She tells of his messy and disorganized workshop and how she feels compelled to organize it for him, but has refrained, since he insists he knows where everything is. Chris helped his mom with things around the house and remembers watching endless episodes of “This Old House” when he was younger. He has always liked figuring things out and signed up for classes in carpentry and electric at the community college, worked in a paint store and tile center, and reads extensively on the subject. He subscribes to Fine Home Building and Family Handyman and recommends Michael Litchfield’s Renovation for any DIYer’s library. Meryl and Chris met innocently in a record store and have chosen to plunge into the dirty world of DIY together. Recently back from their Renovation Road Trip, Meryl explains their secret to not breaking up: They know what each other’s strengths and weaknesses are and work accordingly. While Meryl favors the design end, Chris likes building it and figuring it out. She says, “The biggest thing is relinquishing control when you know you're not the one who knows more. Chris might roll his eyes at a design idea I have, he'll raise concern…but in the end he knows I've got a clear vision... and then he'll realize that I was right.” A sense of humor, of course, is always a good thing too. In his backyard workshop, blog star Timothy Dahl earns home improvement wisdom that he shares with DIYers of all ages. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:45:47 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21908-timothy-dahl-making-it-outside-in-la/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21908-timothy-dahl-making-it-outside-in-la/pages/1 Article people & places Timothy Dahl is impressively disciplined. His work week is structured; his workshop is neat. Scheduling keeps Timothy moving forward, and an uncluttered working environment keeps the path free.  The passionate creator behind the websites Charles & Hudson and Built by Kids has the happy, healthy, and productive working life thing figured out pretty well, and he wants to share it with inspired makers of all ages. When he set up his workshop, Dahl took full advantage of the Southern Cali climate. The main studio area where Dahl cuts, paints, and builds is outdoors in the backyard. It occupies 200 square feet and is partially shaded by magnolia and bougainvillea. While Dahl had the original 5’H cement block wall heightened for security reasons, the 2’ increase also affords privacy and a bit of a sound barrier. Whether it’s the drone of a drill or the velvety voice of George Strait wafting through an outdoor speaker hooked up to his iPhone, Dahl is fortunate to have great easygoing neighbors. He says, “Sometimes we do tend to make some noise, but it’s never for prolonged periods.” His understated workspace had even humbler beginnings. Dahl says, “As soon as I built the table, which is simply a large wood door with legs added, I had my workshop.” Then he got some sawhorses and eventually invested in some studio staples, such as the Rockwell Lumber storage system, which enabled him to gain more space by organizing his wood scraps up and out of the way. Dahl also bought the Craftsmen tool chest he had coveted for a long time. “It was life changing to finally organize my tools and gear in a sharp looking chest,” he says. Timothy recalls his father’s workshop; it was always kept tidy. “He set a great example for how a workshop should look and what can be accomplished in a small space,” he says. To manage his own potential mess, Timothy tries to budget time for putting things back. And he does not believe in wasting storage on seldom-used tools. So he keeps the tools he uses most frequently—cordless drill, powered screwdriver, jigsaw—within easy reach. Though Timothy says he could spend all day and night in his shop, his demanding multi-blog platform and the desire to grow his brands requires an alternative, more official, work place—and a different set of tools, including a 27” iMac, Nikon D3000, and Sony Bloggie. “Blogging takes discipline,” he says, “but when it’s your job that you run like a business, then the motivation to put food on the table keeps you going.” Timothy is thankful that his dad taught him how to use tools. He recalls following him all around the house as he worked on repairs. Timothy would hold one end of a tape measure, climb ladders, and clean out gutters. He still has the Swiss Army knife that his parents gave to him, when Timothy was in Boy Scouts. “My dad taught me how to whittle with this knife, and I took it with me everywhere. I will definitely pass this on to my son.” It’s this invaluable multigenerational hands-on, honest work that inspired Timothy and his wife Laura to start Built by Kids, a site that empowers families to tackle DIY projects together. Timothy and Laura believe that making stuff breeds connection. They write, “It doesn’t take a lot of money or a contractor’s license to connect with our children and make lifelong memories together.” Live from bustling Los Angeles, Timothy Dahl is disseminating useful home improvement-themed information that he hopes can benefit people’s lives and bring them together. This time of year, and rightfully so, home projects center around family and holiday festivities. Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:37:37 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21896-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-december/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21896-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-december/pages/1 Article seasonal This month is all about the holidays. Whether you're decorating the house from top to bottom, inside and out, or just looking to add a little extra warmth, here are my top 5 "Must Do" Projects for December. 1. HOME AWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS  Planning to go on a holiday vacation? Be sure to leave your house safe and sound. Let neighbors know that you will be away so that they can keep a watchful eye, and have someone pick up your mail, plow your drive, and shovel the walk should it snow. Nothing is more indicative of an empty house than a stuffed mailbox and snow-filled driveway. Before you leave on holiday, pick up several timers and install them for lamps throughout various rooms in the house. Have them set to go on and off at different times to make it appear as if there has been movement throughout the evening. Consider motion-detector fixtures for around the exterior of the house as well; they will announce anyone who might be wandering about. When you depart, make sure your windows and doors are locked securely. For sliding patio doors, you can purchase a door guard or simply cut a length of wood to place in the runner. That way, even if the lock is picked, the door will be prevented from opening. If you have basement well windows, you can purchase grates to prevent anyone from breaking through. If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set and that you notify your alarm company of the dates you will be away. If you don’t already have a HVAC alert as part of your alarm service, consider adding one. There is nothing more potentially damaging than a house with no heat in the winter, holidays or not! 2. INSTALL HOLIDAY LIGHTS (JUDICIOUSLY) This is definitely the month when everyone tries to outdo the neighbors with exterior holiday lights. Who doesn’t remember the scene with Chevy Chase from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Be sure that the lights you hang are UL-approved for safety and, for energy savings, look into the newer LED-varieties. And remember, a house doesn’t have to be wrapped in lights to set a holiday mood. Sometimes a couple of well-placed spotlights on evergreens or wreath-bearing doors and windows can be an effective way of marking the season and showing off the architectural style of your home. If you are hanging lights, you'll find some helpful tips here. 3. KEEP THE TREE FRESH If you favor a “real tree” over an artificial one, you’ll want to make sure to pick a fresh one. Because trees are often cut several weeks before appearing on the lot, they have a lot of time to dehydrate. If they aren’t sprayed often with water or stored out of direct sunlight, you’re likely to end up with more needles than gifts under the tree by December 25. At the lot, give your tree a good shake and watch the type of needles that fall. Brown needles are fine; these come from the center near the trunk. Fallen green needles mean that the tree has gotten dry. Once you get it home, follow these simple steps to keep it fresh for the duration of the holidays. 4. MAKE YOUR OWN WREATH One of the easiest ways to add seasonal cheer to any home is to hang a natural evergreen wreath. Positioned on the outside of a door, it provides a holiday welcome to anyone who comes to visit. Inside, it brings a fresh scent of the outdoors in—no matter where you live. While there is a plentiful supply of holiday wreaths to purchase this time of year, making one of your own is a fun, easy do-it-yourself project. Even if you buy a plain pine wreath, you can still add your own personal touch, as in this step-by-step tutorial for One Wreath: Three Ways. 5. STAY WARM Even the best heating system can leave certain rooms slightly cooler than others. Rather than hike up the thermostat, consider an energy efficient portable space heater that can localize warmth where and when you need it. With advanced heating technologies, more accurate temperature controls, and auto shutoff features for safety, such units as the 10 Space Heaters We Love can really take the chill off.   Replete with pockets, pouches, and sleeves, Husky's tote organizes frequently used tools in one portable package. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:20:43 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18298-top-tools-2012-husky-pro-tool-bag/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18298-top-tools-2012-husky-pro-tool-bag/pages/1 Article tools Why You'll Love It: With pouches, pockets, bays and elastic bands, the Husky tool tote provides easy-to-carry storage for the small and medium-size tools you use the most.  The Full Scoop: Husky's 20" Pro Tool Bag features a series of internal pockets with elastic bands to secure tools like screwdrivers, chisels, and pliers. In addition, there are a number of exterior pouches designed for things like pencils, chalk line, and utility knife. Meanwhile, storage bays can hold bit sets, flashlights, and even small power tools. At 20", the Husky bag can accommodate a framing square, pry bars, and more. A convenient 16" side pocket is perfect for a handsaw or hammer. One end of the bag features a tape measure clip and tape loop, while twin velcro straps are great for storing a 2' level. Constructed of high-density, water-resistant fabric, the bag's steel handle with PVC grip pivots to either side, and Husky includes an optional padded shoulder strap. This tote can store a lot of tools, and it only costs $40 at your local The Home Depot.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Improving a tool's design is often a tough task, but Irwin has managed the feat with its GrooveLock Pliers. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:57:56 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18293-top-tools-2012-irwin-groovelock-pliers/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18293-top-tools-2012-irwin-groovelock-pliers/pages/1 Article tools, hand tools Why You'll Love It: Innovation hasn't exactly shaken up the world of groove joint pliers over the last few decades. But Irwin has finally made a significant breakthrough, resulting in GrooveLock Pliers that are much easier to use. The Full Scoop: Irwin's groove lock pliers have a simple push-button size-setting mechanism at the joint of the tool. While other models require opening the tool fully to set its jaw size, the Irwin enables the jaws to be sized whether the pliers are open or shut (and the selected jaw size is retained until it is purposefully reset). This simple innovation eliminates the trial-and-error frustration that normally accompanies setting the size of groove joint pliers. Irwin also claims its precision ratcheting system offers twice the number of settings than similar models. Irwin GrooveLock Pliers are available with straight, smooth, and V-shaped jaws, and all are backed by Irwin's VISE-GRIP lifetime guarantee.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Stay extra warm and charge your mobile device with Milkwaukee's USB-equipped heated jacket. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:45:50 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18302-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-m12-heated-jacket/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18302-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-m12-heated-jacket/pages/1 Article tools Why You'll Love It: The lightweight M12 Heated Jacket provides heavy-duty warmth and comfort for up to six hours. Even techies can get on board, because there's a powered USB port for charging portable electronics. The Full Scoop: If you haven't heard, Milwaukee has a clothing line that takes advantage of lithium-ion M12 batteries' small form factor.  Earlier this year Milwaukee expanded its lineup of heated jackets to include additional styles, the much-requested all-black among them. But if black isn't your favorite color, Milwaukee still offers a classic red and camouflage pattern. Each jacket features carbon fiber heating elements throughout the chest and upper back, plus a separately controlled heating element within the pockets.  The battery is conveniently stored in a hidden back pouch and can be expanded to hold an XC battery with twice the runtime.  Three different heat settings are controlled by a button located on the lapel. At the lowest setting, you can enjoy continuous heat for about six hours!  The jacket shell is water- and wind-resistant, and Milwaukee layered the inside with a fleece liner. The upgraded battery adapter features a battery fuel gauge and a powered USB port for charging electronics. You can snake the USB cord to the chest pocket or lower left pocket with the sewn-in velcro channels. The Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket costs $199 and includes one M12 RedLithium battery and 30-minute battery charger.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Turn any dad into MacGyver with an all-in-one Tool Chest In Your Pocket. In addition to unfolding into stainless steel pliers, the polished pear-wood handles hold a saw, file, 2" ruler, 1" and 2" knives, bottle opener, nail cleaner and two flathead screwdrivers with assorted bits. Fits neatly into a full-grain leather belt pouch. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:10:18 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21624-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-dad http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21624-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-dad Slideshow holidays Turn any dad into MacGyver with an all-in-one Tool Chest In Your Pocket. In addition to unfolding into stainless steel pliers, the polished pear-wood handles hold a saw, file, 2" ruler, 1" and 2" knives, bottle opener, nail cleaner and two flathead screwdrivers with assorted bits. Fits neatly into a full-grain leather belt pouch. Sundance; $28.00The 20" Husky Pro Tool Bag is sure to make the DIY Dad feel like a pro.  Made of durable, water-resistant fabric, the bag can accommodate a workshop of tools with its 32 internal and 11 external pockets, and spacious storage bays. The steel handle and PVC grip pivot to either side;  an optional padded shoulder strap is included. Home Depot; $39.97  The DIY Dad certainly deserves a distinctive tie and this one is certain to garner attention. These lightweight Wood Ties are made from reclaimed redwood—nail holes, knots and all—and held together with an elastic cord; the same cord that goes around the neck.  Available in two sizes (and bow ties, too!). Wood Thumb; $39.99Though your Dad may have spent his hey day knocking on walls and finding studs with gut instincts, the simplicity and ease of the CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder will convert him to getting a little help whether's he's installing floating shelves or making his own wood wall treatment. As long as you're prepared for his "I'm such a Stud" jokes, it's a perfect stocking stuffer for any DIYer. Amazon. $9.35. Set Dad on his way to the workshop or office with a classic lunch box. This Stanley model features a 1.1-quart insulated vacuum bottle that snaps and locks into place and a cooler sectioned to keep food organized and cold.  The locking lid reverses into a lap tray. Amazon; $59.99Forget the belt this year, and get Dad something else in leather—like this Artisan-Crafted iPhone Case. Using bark and leaf pigments to give it its rich Chestnut coloring, each vegetable-tanned leather case is top-stitched for a smart, old-world tailored look. Restoration Hardware;  $30If your Dad is an architecture or history buff (or ideally both) "Houses of the Presidents" is certain to be a welcome gift. Author Hugh Howard (co-author of numerous Bob Vila books) weaves together personal, presidential and architectural histories to shed light on the way our chief executives lived; with original photography by Roger Strauss III. Amazon; $25.00If your handyman Dad is in need of some illumination, consider this Stanley Freestanding LED Flashlight.  Featuring a 0.5-watt LED with 30 lumens of bright white light, the hands-free aluminum tripod base provides a strong focused light, with infinite adjustable head positions.  Lowes; $17.08 Made of the same ultra thin stainless steel fabric used in advanced aerospace applications, this lightweight Stainless Steel Wallet won't stain or stretch (just like the kitchen sink). Thin enough to carry in a front pocket, it features six credit card slots and five pockets. Sharper Image; $79.99Having the tools is one thing; finding them is another. Give the gift of organization with these commercial-grade Yellow BinKits from Triton. Sold as a set of eight—four small and four large—each bin comes with hanging hardware to clip and lock easily to pegboard backing. Amazon; $23.80There will be no more embarrassing moments of Dad reminiscing about the days of Polaroid with the company's new Z2300 Digital Camera with integrated ZINK® Technology printer.  The camera, which houses a 10 megapixel image sensor and large 3.0" LCD display screen, allows the user to capture, edit, and—in less than a minute—print full color, 2" x 3" prints. Brookstone; $159.99If you are looking for more gift guides, consider:For the DIY MomFor the DIY KidFor the Gardener From beginner's tool sets to building a bird house, we've gathered the best gifts to give your little architect this holiday season. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:56:12 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21194-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-kid http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21194-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-kid Slideshow kids If your kid is looking for a little more authenticity than a plastic workshop playset, try this Young Builder's Tool Set—a functioning tool kit designed for kids. Inside the tool box you'll find safety goggles, a tape measure, level, hammer, sanding block, hand drill, and even a mini saw. ForSmallHands; $55.00Don't buy a playhouse—have your kids build their own! With this MakeDo guided kit, all you'll need to provide is the cardboard; everything else is provided. MakeDo; $25.00Sometimes dinnertime can get tough. But with construction-inspired dinnerware, like a forklift fork, a frontloader spoon, and a bulldozer pusher, your littlest builder can make eating and playing one and the same! Daily Grommet; $32.95The best way to instill a do-it-yourself spirit in your youngster is by getting started early. With this wildly popular Build-It Book: 12 Things You Can Make from Junk, your child will be upcycling and repurposing in no time! Books of Wonder; $9.99The newest rage in building toys are the highly versatile KEVA Structures. Stack them to create staircases, houses, monuments, or whatever your little architect desires—no glue or connectors required! Mindware; $49.95 and up.Do you remember how exciting gardening was when you were little? How seeing a seedling you planted burst out of the ground seemed like magic? Give the gift of wonder to the budding gardening in your life with this Sunflower Kit. Pottery Barn Kids. $13.99Building a bird house is as American as apple pie—and one of the first woodworking projects that most kids tackle. With this Build A Birdhouse Kit, all you need to worry about is whether or not your child is old enough to hold a hammer. Amazon; $8.36By the time your children are grown up and living in the future, everything will be powered by corn and sunlight. Give your kid a head start with this 6-in-1 Solar Kit. They can snap together different parts to build a solar-powered puppy, car, windmill, or airboat—no tools required. Alternative energy made fun! Mindware; $21.95From gorillas to pandas, raccoons to dalmatians, Areaware is sure to have a pillow of your child or preteen's favorite animal. Turn their bedroom into a zoo or just give them a little flair. Areaware; $28.002D board games got you down? Go for this dimensional Konexi Gravity-Defying Word Game, stacking letters high into the air—an ideal gift for any budding bookworm. Take that, Scrabble. The Daily Grommet; $19.95For more holiday gift guides, consider: For the WoodworkerFor the DIY MomFor the Gardener With its pivoting blade, DeWalt's compact and cordless reciprocating saw is easy to use in tight spaces. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:57:03 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18287-top-tools-2012-dewalt-12v-pivot-reciprocating-saw/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18287-top-tools-2012-dewalt-12v-pivot-reciprocating-saw/pages/1 Article tools, power tools Why You'll Love It: The DeWalt 12v MAX Pivot Reciprocating Saw is the cordless little brother to the bigger, more-powerful reciprocating saw we're all used to. DeWalt's tool is powerful enough to cut a variety of materials, yet it's compact enough to be useful in small spaces. The Full Scoop: Although DeWalt wasn't the first manufacturer to introduce this type of tool, the company proved good things are worth the wait upon introducing the MAX Pivot in February.  Weighing only 3.1 lbs., the Pivot is one of the lightest saws of its kind. Its handle can be positioned at 90º, 45°, and in-line, making it the saw of choice for maneuvering in tight spaces. The integrated LED work light is another welcome feature. Don't be fooled by the saw's size; it can pack a punch. It's perfect for cutting PVC, copper pipe, metal conduit and more, and the pivoting shoe makes plunge cuts a breeze. A variable speed trigger ranges from 0 to 2,700 strokes per minute, and Dewalt lists the stroke length at 9/16". Blade changes are easy and can be accomplished just by lifting a lever. DeWalt's Pivot Reciprocating Saw is built on the 12v MAX line of cordless tools. If you already own the drill/driver from that collection, this saw is a natural companion. Expect to pay $149.99 for the full kit, which includes the saw, 12v MAX battery, battery charger, two reciprocating saw blades and storage bag.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Rockwell's no-nonsense oscillating multi-tool gets along famously with other toolmaker's accessories. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:28:39 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18285-top-tools-2012-rockwell-sonicrafter-x2-oscillating-multi-tool/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18285-top-tools-2012-rockwell-sonicrafter-x2-oscillating-multi-tool/pages/1 Article tools, power tools Why You'll Love It: The Hyperlock clamp delivers 1 ton of clamping force, while its Universal Accessory system let's you mix-and-match competitor's accessories. These features and a 3.0 amp motor make the Rockwell Sonicrafter X2 one of the best oscillating multi-tools available. The Full Scoop: Just about every manufacturer has jumped on the oscillating multi-tool (OMT) bandwagon. However, only a handful of these tools distinguish themselves from the pack, the Rockwell Sonicrafter X2 included.  Rockwell released three new OMTs a few months ago; the X2 is the premier model. What sets it apart is the tool's combination of a powerful 3.0 amp motor, unique Hyperlock clamping design, and Universal Fit accessory system. Few OMTs can boast a powerful 3.0 amp motor, a welcome upgrade from the previous generation's 2.3 amp rendition. The Hyperlock SDS clamp delivers a full 2,000 lbs. of clamping force to prevent accessories from coming loose, which can happen when cutting through dense materials. To change accessories, the user simply flips and rotates a lever to (un)lock the clamp—no fumbling around with easy-to-lose Allen keys. Perhaps the most notable and user-centered feature of the X2 is its Universal Fit accessory system. That means Rockwell's tool will accept other brands' accessories. With so many OMTs on the market, many of us have already stockpiled an assortment of accessories, and the X2 can accommodate them all. To top it off, Rockwell includes a rugged case that is compact and waterproof, and which features two easy-access accessories storage areas on top. The price tag on the Rockwell X2 is competitive at $149.99. The kit includes the tool, case, and nine accessories.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Thanks to its magnetic edges, which provide an extra pair of hands, Johnson's box level stands apart. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:57:01 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18294-top-tools-2012-johnson-9500-magnetic-aluminum-box-level/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18294-top-tools-2012-johnson-9500-magnetic-aluminum-box-level/pages/1 Article tools, hand tools Why You'll Love It: Levels don't carry many bells and whistles, but they are important tools for every project, from building a shed to hanging a picture frame. The Johnson 9500 Magnetic Aluminum Box Level features powerful rare-earth magnets that lock onto any magnetic surface, and the precision milled edges are great for scribing straight lines, unlike the beveled edge found on some competitors' models. The 9500 has replaceable end caps for protection, and it's proven job-site tough. The Full Scoop: Even the novice do-it-yourselfer needs a high-quality level to ensure objects are level and plumb, and a good level can double as a straight-edge and even a screed board.  Johnson has been producing measuring and layout tools since 1947, and many of their products are made in the US. The 9500 is accurate up to 0.5mm, and the accuracy is guaranteed for life! Available in 24", 48", and 78" models, the level features extremely powerful rare-earth magnets that hold to ferrous metal surfaces and can act as an extra pair of hands. The anti-slip and anti-shock removable end caps can be replaced, and they protect the frame from drops and rough use. Furthermore, the solid block acrylic vials won't leak, break, or fog over. The 9500 features rubberized hand grips securely screwed to the aluminum frame. The 24" level is a great addition to any tool tote, and you can expect it to cost approximately $40 depending on the retailer.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Bosch has revolutionized spade bits with the company's Daredevil line. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:29:28 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18297-top-tools-2012-bosch-13-piece-daredevil-spade-bit-set/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18297-top-tools-2012-bosch-13-piece-daredevil-spade-bit-set/pages/1 Article hardware Why You'll Love It: Bosch's DareDevil Spade Bits drill large holes through wood studs with revolutionary self-starting, self-drilling heads that literally pull the bit through the wood. The Full Scoop: Bosch's line of DareDevil spade bits innovates with self-starting and self-drilling heads, not to mention aggressive hooked edges on the wingtips of the bit to help power through wood and composite materials.  These bits drive through material up to twice as fast as standard spade bits while providing less overall resistance to the user. That means cleaner, faster holes with less stress on your hand muscles. The one caveat is that you'll need to make sure your driver is ready for the task. The innovations in Bosch's DareDevil spade bit set make it a must-have for tradesmen, who frequently drill through standard-dimension lumber in order to run wires and cables. You can find DareDevil spade bits in lots of bit sets, and the basic 6-piece pouch will cost approximately $30.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Backed by the product category's best warranty, Ridgid's drill/driver is a workhorse that will last. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:14:54 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18292-top-tools-2012-ridgid-18v-compact-drill-driver-and-impact-driver/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18292-top-tools-2012-ridgid-18v-compact-drill-driver-and-impact-driver/pages/1 Article tools, power tools Why You'll Love It: The Ridgid 18v Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver delivers outstanding performance, solid battery life, a comfortable grip, and a lifetime repair and replacement warranty that also covers batteries. The Full Scoop: This drill driver/impact driver twofer is the latest in a long line of Ridgid "prosumer" and contractor-grade tools of this kind. The latest models' compact design makes working in tight spaces much easier (their size closely approximates that of previous generations of 12v tools). Boasting a 1/2" chuck, 535 in. lbs. of torque, and a two-speed gear box delivering up to 1,650 RPMs, Ridgid's drill driver will handle a broad range of applications, making it worthy of consideration by serious do-it-yourselfers, general contractors, and tradesmen. The impact driver's impressive 1,750 in. lbs. of torque, with virtually no force-feedback to the user, means the toughest driving jobs can be completed with relative ease. A standard quick-release hex chuck allows easy and quick bit swaps that hasten job completion. Ridgid's lifetime warranty on power tools is unparalleled in the industry. After free product registration within 90 days of purchase, Ridgid will warrant this combo kit for the life of its original owner. The warranty also covers replacement of the tool's 18v batteries once they wear out. In this highly competitive space, the product warranty really puts Ridgid over the top. The Ridgid Compact 18v kit is usually priced from $169 to $189 at Home Depot, but combo kits like this one are a popular "deal" item, especially around the holidays. Watch The Home Depot's online coupons list for opportunities to purchase at reduced cost.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Comfortable to use and easy to control, Milwaukee's powerful 18-volt grinder is near perfect. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:58:51 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18963-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-cordless-18v-cut-off-grinder/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18963-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-cordless-18v-cut-off-grinder/pages/1 Article tools, power tools Why You'll Love It: This cordless grinder combines a 9,000 rpm motor, convenient paddle-switch, and tool-less accessories changes. It's powerful enough to cut through bolts, rebar, pipes, threaded rod and to grind through brick mortar. The guard can be adjusted or removed in seconds, and the side handle can be set in three different positions for optimal control. The Full Scoop: Last year Milwaukee released a new 4-1/2" Cordless Cut-Off/Grinder, one of many tools built on the company's 18v Red Lithium battery line. The convenient paddle-switch design is growing in popularity, and Milwaukee was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate it into a cut-off/grinder like this. Paddle-switches are preferable, because they are comfortable to operate, enable a user to better control the tool, and provide a safer alternative to lock-on switches. Swapping accessories only takes a few seconds, and there's no need for an Allen key or spanner wrench. The guard rotates through a handful of positions with the press of a lever; when you align the arrows, the guard slides off. Milwaukee equipped the 2680-22 Cut-Off/Grinder with a powerful 9,000 rpm, 4-pole motor, and the air intake baffles feature an L-shape to prevent debris from entering and damaging the internals. Milwaukee sells the grinder as a kit ($349), which includes a pair of XC high-capacity batteries, 1-hour charger, side handle, contractor bag and accessories.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Practical and eco-friendly, pellet stoves are the perfect solution to a variety of home heating challenges. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:52:07 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21193-trending-now-pellet-stoves http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21193-trending-now-pellet-stoves Slideshow hvac, fireplaces, heating Similar in appearance to traditional wood-burning stoves, pellet stoves burn compact, one-inch-long "pellets" made from recycled sawdust and wood shavings. Shown here, the Quadra Fire Castile Pellet Stove.Because pellets are higher in density and lower in moisture than wood, they burn more efficiently and with less smoke and ash. A large drawer in the base of Lopi's AGP Pellet Stove, shown here in rust patina, collects ash for easy removal.Pellet stoves come in two basic styles—as fireplace inserts set into a home’s existing fireplace (utilizing the same chimney and flue) or as freestanding units. Some designs, like Breckwell's P23 Sonoma Series shown here, are available as both inserts and freestanding stoves.Replacing a drafty fireplace with a pellet insert boosts your home's heat efficiency. Shown here, the Englander 25-EPI completing a traditional hearth setting.Once pellets have been loaded into the hopper, they are automatically fed into the burn chamber over the course of the day, eliminating the need for the repeated loading and stoking of wood that is necessary with a traditional wood stove.While the design of many pellet stoves is touched with nostalgia, models from Bosca like the Spirit 500 (shown here) boast clean lines and modern silhouettes.Fans in pellet stoves circulate warm air around the room. The fan on U.S. Stove Company's 5660 Bay Front is located just above the glass-enclosed burn chamber.The warm glow of Harman Stove's P43 Pellet Stove would be a welcome sight for anyone coming in from the cold. It also features one of the most compact and powerful auto-ignition systems.Pellet stoves sell for about $1,500 to $3,500, which is somewhat higher than traditional wood-burning stoves owing to the automated features built into each unit. Installation costs usually fall in the $500 range but are worth the expense. Shown, the Lennox Whitfield insert.For more on home heating, consider: Gas Fireplaces Showcase Radiant Floor Heating 101  Pellet Stoves: An Eco-Friendly Heating Option ChannelLock's tough and thoughtfully designed combination screwdriver outperforms similar tools. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:00:24 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18283-top-tools-2012-channellock-13-n-1-ratcheting-screwdriver/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18283-top-tools-2012-channellock-13-n-1-ratcheting-screwdriver/pages/1 Article tools, hand tools Why You'll Love It: The ChannelLock 13 'N 1 combines the efficiency of a ratcheting screwdriver with the versatility of a multi-bit driver, and you'll feel the difference from the very first turn. The smooth-action ratcheting mechanism excels, and the tool's innovative bit storage is a refreshing change from the jumble found on many competitors' products. The Full Scoop: ChannelLock brings a rich history of high-quality tools made in America, and in 2011 the company introduced a pair of screwdrivers, including the all-new 13 'N 1 Code Blue. A 28 fine-tooth ratchet positively zips through each position as you work. Delivering 225 in. lbs. of torque, the Code Blue surpasses the popular Kobalt Double-Drive, which produces only 178 in. lbs. Conveniently, the direction setting can be adjusted one-handed, and the driver can ratchet left, right, or be locked in place. ChannelLock implemented slide-out bit storage that secures each individual bit—a thoughtful touch compared to the unorganized, loose storage most DIYers find on combination screwdrivers. The shaft is a 1/4" nut driver, and within the handle you'll find double-ended 0, 1, 2, 3 Phillips bits; 4, 6 slotted bits; 10, 15, 20, 25 Torx bits; and 1, 2 square bits. The ChannelLock 13 'N 1 is priced from $30 to $35. Find it online and at your local home improvement center.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Maxxeon's pencil-thin pocket flashlight casts a whopping 140 lumens of LED light over an unexpectedly wide area. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:39:04 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18965-top-tools-2012-maxxeon-workstar-220-led/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18965-top-tools-2012-maxxeon-workstar-220-led/pages/1 Article tools Why You'll Love It: The Maxxeon Workstar 220 Pocket Floodlight is a super-slim flashlight that puts out an incredible 140 lumens! This light is powered by three AAAA batteries, measures 6" long, and only weighs 1 ounce. The Full Scoop: Maxxeon calls the Workstar 220 a "floodlight", because it projects a wide beam of light—at a distance of 1' from an object, the beam is about 1' wide. This water-resistant body and head are composed of a semi-rugged anodized aluminum. Impressively, the flashlight measures only 9/16" at its widest point.  Three AAAA batteries are behind the Workstar's whopping 140 lumens (the similarly sized Mini Maglite LED only puts out 77 lumens, according to Maglite.com). While some manufacturers opt for harder-to-find batteries—for instance, CR123A Lithium photo cells—Maxxeon designed its light around the more widely used AAAA. The Maglite offers "4 selectable [light] modes", but the WorkStar 220 is all business. The price for the Maxxeon WorkStar 220 is $31.95, and that's on par with other LED flashlights.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Quieter and more convenient than a gas-powered lawn mower, Black & Decker's electric model is an optimal choice for small and medium-size yards. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:47:42 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18286-top-tools-2012-black-decker-36v-cordless-lawn-mower/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18286-top-tools-2012-black-decker-36v-cordless-lawn-mower/pages/1 Article outdoor tools Why You'll Love It: Leave the gas can behind and forget about annual machine maintenance tasks with the Black & Decker 36v Lawn Mower. This cordless, rechargeable mower can tackle small to medium-sized lawns without sacrificing performance. The instant-start feature means no more yanking on a pull-cord, and at only 75 dB, your ears will thank you. The Full Scoop: Cordless lawn and garden equipment has come a long way, and Black & Decker is leading the charge with its latest generation of 36v tools. Owning this mower means never having to store gas, oil, or fuel stabilizer again. There's no need for spare spark plugs or air filters, and neither annual maintenance (except blade maintenance) nor winterization are required. The benefits of an electric mower don't stop there. With the safety key in place, the Black & Decker starts up at the touch of a button. Priming the engine? No need. Yanking on a pull-cord? A headache of the past. Perhaps best of all, this mower only emits 75 dB, while a typical lawn mower puts out over 100 dB of noise. Set aside your fears about an electric mower's performance. The SPCM1936 can handle up to a third of an acre on a single charge, though much like comparable gas-powered mowers, this electric self-propelled model can get bogged down in wet or very tall grass. With the pull of a lever, cutting height for the 19" blades can be adjusted on all four wheels simultaneously. The battery requires 12 hours to reach full charge; it can be charged with the mower or separately. For optimal performance, the battery should be connected to the charger while not in use. The Black & Decker SPCM1936 36v Lawn Mower costs around $450.00; spare batteries cost $129.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Why carry six tools when one will serve? Save space in your tool belt with Milkwaukee's innovative combination pliers. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:58:37 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18964-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-6-in-1-combination-pliers/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18964-top-tools-2012-milwaukee-6-in-1-combination-pliers/pages/1 Article tools, hand tools Why You'll Love It: Save room in your tool belt with 6-in-1 pliers from Milwaukee Tools, which can cut and strip wire, cut bolts, ream pipe and make loops. The patent-pending locking thumb switch is easy to operate, and the spring-loaded open means you're always ready to work. The Full Scoop: You might think there isn't any room for improvement on a pair of pliers, but you'd be mistaken! For proof, check out one of Milwaukee's latest hand tools, the 6-in-1 Combination Pliers. In one tool, wire strippers (0-18 AWG solid wire), wire cutters, a loop maker and needle nose pliers are all integrated. The reaming head can be used to smooth edges of metal pipe from one half to one inch in diameter, while the bolt cutters can trim #6 and #8 bolts to length. These pliers are a time-saver; whereas you would once need to grab three or more tools, now all you need are the combo 6-in-1 pliers. A patent-pending one-handed locking mechanism keeps these pliers secure. And they work just as well for righties as for lefties. Forged in alloy steel, the pliers feature a rust-protection coating. Find them at The Home Depot, Grainger, Ohio Power Tool and many other retailers. Expect to pay about $30 a pair.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read find additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Craftsman's comprehensive mechanic's tool set holds the answer for innumerable projects around the house, shop, or garage. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:28:16 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18296-top-tools-2012-craftsman-145-piece-mechanic-s-tool-set/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18296-top-tools-2012-craftsman-145-piece-mechanic-s-tool-set/pages/1 Article tools, hand tools Why You'll Love It: This Craftsman 154-Piece Mechanic's Tool Set comes with every socket, wrench, or bit you might need for projects around the house, shop, or garage. The Full Scoop: This Craftsman set with custom injection-molded case is a must-have for every serious do-it-yourselfer, providing a comprehensive solution for innumerable applications. 6-point and 12-point sockets are included, along with deep well sockets, a dozen wrenches (comprising 24 total end sizes), and small socket drivers for handling hex-head screws. All Craftsman hand tools are covered by Craftsman's limited lifetime warranty. If any components of this set happen to break (for example, if the ratchet mechanism stops working, or a socket strips out), Craftsman will replace the tool at no cost. Perhaps the best part about Craftsman's warranty is that it requires neither registration nor a receipt. Simply bring the tool to your local Sears store and get a replacement.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to read additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. A professional-grade tool at a budget-friendly price, Ryobi's multimeter is a handy digital device with a host of important uses. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:08:29 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18295-top-tools-2012-ryobi-tek4-digital-multimeter/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18295-top-tools-2012-ryobi-tek4-digital-multimeter/pages/1 Article tools, electrical Why You'll Love It: The Ryobi Tek4 Mulitmeter is a versatile diagnostic tool that can measure voltage, current, resistance, continuity and more. Its capabilities and feature set make this a professional-grade tool that is available at a fraction of the cost. And if you own other Ryobi Tek4 products, incorporating the digital multimeter is a no-brainer. The Full Scoop: A multimeter is a big step up from a voltmeter and is useful for many electrical applications, such as checking outlets for power, testing speaker wire connections, and investigating fuses. With the Ryobi Tek4 Multimeter, you get all the functionality of a $100+ multimeter for about $80. The Tek4 Multimeter is built on the Tek4 4v lithium-ion battery line, which provides 100 continuous hours per charge. Protected by a waterproof, dust-proof rugged housing, the Ryobi includes a 2-year limited warranty. The large screen is easy to read, and the blue LED backlight means you can use this multimeter in the dark. Probes are conveniently stored on the backside, where you will also find a hook and kickstand for "hands-free" operation. Like competitors' models, this multimeter features an auto-off timer to conserve battery life.   Author Bio: Ethan Hagan is the primary editor at One Project Closer; visit to browse additional tool reviews, expert project guides, and more. OPC is unique in that just about every how-to article features the work of an experienced professional contractor. Need a few ideas for the crafty lady in your life? Look no further—we've pulled together holiday gifts any DIY Mom would love. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:48:11 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21196-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-mom http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/21196-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-diy-mom Slideshow holidays Just because she's carrying around tools doesn't mean she can't look good while doing so! For any Ms. Fix-it, a canvas tool bag is a fashionable alternative to the masculine tool box, and Klein is the brand to know, offering an array of well-made canvas bags from 14 inches and up (or even smaller tool clutches!). Home Depot; $56.99 and upWho said women can't have pocket knives? Any crafty lady can see the value of keeping a knife, scissors, and file on her person at all times, especially if it has a colorful new casing (Swiss Army; $24.00). Or for the mom who always likes to be prepared, choose the Victorinox Swiss Tool, which includes everything from pliers to a bottle opener, and comes with a leather pouch to fit neatly in her purse. Swiss Army; $110.00Walls, furniture, floors... we couldn't stop talking about stencils this year! Appropriately priced and all the rage, stencils would make a great gift for any DIYer. Royal Design Studio; $30 and upI know what you're going to say: "She already has a staple gun!" But if she bought it during the same decade she had an afro, it may be time for an update. Modern staple guns, like the popular Bostitch T6, have updated the classic design, employing easy squeeze handles to reduce user fatigue and going above and beyond to prevent jams. Amazon; $48.00.She already has a claw hammer, we're sure of it—but what she might not have is a ball peen hammer. Intended for metal work, the ball peen hammer's heavier head is useful in tasks as various as flattening dents and leaf printing. Go for a hickory-handled model, which makes for a lighter tool to hold than the steel alternative. Available in a variety of weights, from 12 ounces up. Sears; $12.99The Mod Podge bible. Give the gift of inspiration to the the DIY devotee in your life and she'll be decoupaging her dresser and updating her coffee table in no time. Amazon; $9.08It's almost never too soon for a new hot glue gun. The Surebonder DT-280 has a no-drip tip and can switch between low and high temperature, accommodating crafts with lightweight fabrics as well as heavier-duty materials. Amazon; $10.97If she already loves to do it herself, there's a good chance she'll also love to print it herself. With a home Letterpress Kit, Mom can print and personalize anything from business cards to thank-you notes. Daily Grommet; $69.95 and upUpgrade her cutting tools with a few ergonomically designed instruments from Slice. From box cutters to letter openers, this collection includes all the sharp tools she'll ever need—and they look cool, too. Daily Grommet; $5 to $10 each (or get the whole kit and caboodle for $54.90)Fact: Any DIYer worth her salt has an affinity for mason jars. So she'll really be wowed when she unwraps her present of vintage blue mason jars from the 1920s. A crafty upcycler's dream come true. Etsy; $7.95 eachIf you're looking for more gift guides, consider:  For the Gadget-Loving DIYer For the Woodworker For the Gardener Tool or toy? For the do-it-yourself, that line is always gray. Browse ten fun and practical holiday gift ideas for the gadget-crazy handyman in your life. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:56:00 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/19514-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-gadget-loving-diyer http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/19514-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-gadget-loving-diyer Slideshow automation The Shop Vac Tool Mate (Rockler; $119.99) is perfect as a lightweight, around-the-house tool box, useful for tasks ranging from hanging artwork to repairing windows, doors, and hinges. Best of all, the tool box comes outfitted with its own battery-powered vacuum.The rotary tool is a DIYers' staple, and I'm equally a fan of its cousin, the oscillating tool. These can tackle cutting, sanding, grinding, scraping and other tasks all in a cord-free package. I find a use for my Dremel 6300-01 120-Volt Multi-Max Oscillating Kit (Amazon; $125.75) on nearly every project.A flexible-head LED flashlight (sometimes called a "snake light") is designed to illuminate hard-to-see areas and will wrap around nearly anything, including your body parts, lighting the path to DIY success. Shown: Pelican 2365 Flex-Head Led Flashlight from Amazon; $33.31I'd always considered dedicated Lithium-Ion drivers a luxury item—until the day I actually used one. These tools are much lighter than cordless drills and provide torque conversion for one task: driving screws and preventing screws from stripping. Shown: Bosch PS20-2A 12-Volt Max Pocket Driver (Amazon; $64.99)The Nest Learning Thermostat is the first of its kind, a design-savvy programmable thermostat. Though pricier (Bestbuy; $249.99) than other similar devices, the Nest is certain to pay for itself in reduced heating and cooling costs through the year.Having a dedicated digital camera for DIY projects that can stand up to paint, sawdust, and rugged conditions is a definite peacemaker in families that love to take pictures. The Pentax Optio WG-1 14 Megapixel (Adorama; $149) is waterproof, drop resistant to five feet, and sealed from dust.A digital measuring tape like the Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer (Amazon; $84.49) allows you to calculate the length, width, area and even the volume of an object or room at the press of a button—perfect for DIYers who often work by themselves and could use an extra hand.The light-weight (2.6 lbs) Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket provides heavy-duty warmth and comfort for up to 6 hours, keeping your DIYer warm during any outdoor tinkering. Even the techies can get on board because there's a powered USB port for charging portable electronics. Milwaukee; $199Those who regularly work with mechanics' tools will immediately appreciate a digital torque wrench adapter. These add-ons measure the relative "tightness" of a fastener or component, helping DIYers stay in the Goldilocks Zone of safety. Shown: Alltrade 940759 Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adapter (Amazon; $46.99)Most everyone has a laser level by now, but not one as fancy and mark-free as this! Replace an older model with the Black & Decker BDL100AV All-In-One SureGrip Laser Level (Amazon; $11.97), saving your drywall from scuffs and saving yourself from having to bust out the tripod.If you're looking for more gift guides, consider:  For the Woodworker For the DIY Mom For the Gardener We've rounded up time-tested standbys and the coolest new products destined to delight the gardener in your family. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:24:13 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18975-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-gardener http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18975-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-gardener Slideshow gardening Birds make for some of the best company a gardener can be fortunate enough to have out in the yard. The Heartwood Bluebird Manor Birdhouse, shown here in grey, manages to stand out even as it fits right in with the surrounding woods. BestNest; $64.99Give the gardener in your life the gift of soft hands. After a day in the dirt, thorns, and thistles, a little hand therapy is exactly what every green thumb needs. Amazon. $10.85Burpee’s Garden Tool Bag organizes garden necessities in one convenient, easy-to-carry tote. Drainage holes and durable canvas fabric help keep it dry and clean. Burpee; $14.95If you know someone with a green thumb and a green heart, then Growbottle could be the right match. Made from recycled wine bottles, these cylindrical planter kits are available in five varieties. Choose from organic basil, chive, mint, oregano or parsley. Uncommon Goods; $8 to $35Just because they’re timeless (and functional), that doesn’t mean Garden Tools can’t be modern (and fashionable). Sporting a cross-hatch design, this trowel, pruner, and fork set could inspire your favorite gardener to reach new levels of style in the garden. West Elm; $29.00Enrich a gardener’s life with the beautiful music of an Arts & Crafts Chime. Wind chimes are available in virtually any style, running the gamut from traditional to Celtic-inspired. Find the perfect style to suit the the taste of the gardener in your life. Woodstock Chimes; $40.95The indoor Bokashi Compost Bin uses microbial microorganisms to "pickle" compost, making it ready to bury in the garden within two or three weeks. The sealed-lid bin, coupled with the naturally sweet smell of this type of fermentation, makes for a less odiferous experience than traditional composting. The Green Buffalo; $52.95Make heavy, hard-to-manage hoses a thing of the past with Super Slim Lightweight Hoses in an array of pretty colors. These weigh less than half as much as regular hose, but that doesn't mean the stuff is flimsy. Special hardware lends strength without adding bulk. Gardener's Supply Company; $39.95 to $99.95Gardeners attempt to explain what motivates them in The Roots of My Obsession: Thirty Great Gardeners Reveal Why They Garden. The truly obsessed will revel in the joyful recognition that comes from reading the words of a kindred spirit. Amazon; $14.95Give the gift of gardening to those with limited outdoor space or poor soil conditions. The EarthBox self-watering planter kit makes growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs a snap—even for the novice gardener. Amazon; $54.03If you're looking for more gift guides, consider:  For the Gadget-Loving DIYer For the Woodworker For the DIY Mom Shopping for the woodworker in your family? Browse our top picks for gifts beginners and experts alike are bound to enjoy. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:08:35 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18967-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-woodworker http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18967-bob-vila-s-2012-holiday-gift-guide-for-the-woodworker Slideshow woodworking Many woodworkers have shops, basements, and garages full of hefty power tools but don't know the pleasure and utility of an effective hand saw. The best and most useful place to start is with a versatile Japanese-style saw, a ryoba or dozuki. Shown: Japanese Mini Dozuki Panel Saw from Rockler; $41.99Most woodworkers have a solid set (or three) of basic twist bits, but a lot of folks lack brad-point drill bits, which are actually designed for wood. This WoodRiver 29-Piece Fractional Inch Brad Point Drill Bit Index Set from Woodcraft ($37.99) is sure to provide consistently cleaner holes. These no-slip bench "cookies" are a relatively new product that have found a permanent place in my shop. They allow you to sand, carve, and rout any project without clamping it down. They also help to elevate pieces for finishing or painting. Shown: Bench Dog 10-035 Bench Cookie Work Gripper from Amazon; $10.22 (pack of four)There's a saying in the woodworking community, you can never have too many clamps. If you have no idea what to get the woodworker on your list, this is a guaranteed hit. Choose from manufacturers like Bessey, Quick-Grip, or Jorgensen for options from $5 to $40. Shown: Jorgensen Size 0 4-1/2-Inch Handscrews Wood Clamp from Amazon; $20.78A proper pilot hole will be drilled, countersunk, and counterbored. Standard bits and cutters can do the jub, but the process will take forever. A basic countersinking bit set cost less than $30 and will pay for itself in a single project. Shown: Snappy 5-Piece Countersinking Drill Set at Woodcraft; $24.99Standard calculators are available on nearly every mobile phone and in the back of junk drawers everywhere. But a dedicated helper like this Inchmate Construction Calculator from Rockler ($12.49) will stand up to the sawdust and be infinitely more useful for the fractional equations common in fine woodworking.Many a woodworking project has been executed flawlessly in planning, cutting, and assembly—only to meet less-than-stellar results in the finishing phase. Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing(Amazon; $26.37) provides a reference on everything from surface prep and staining to sealing. In short, a must-have for the woodworker's library. Woodworkers know that the key to a tool's sharpness is setting the right bevel. Since that's nearly impossible to do by sight, there's zero shame in relying on a honing guide. The Veritas MK II Honing Guide from Woodcraft ($64.99) has settings for proper registration and preset bevels that facilitate this difficult and daunting task.Measuring and marking tools comprise a vital component of the woodworker's arsenal and in some cases, modern technology wins out. For less than $40 a digital caliper—this 6" Large Display Caliper from Woodcraft ($37.79), for example—will provide measurements in both imperial and metric systems, allowing you to dial in exact measurements.A magazine subscription is the gift that keeps on giving and for woodworkers, the options are plentiful. Fine Woodworking (Amazon; $34.95 for 7 issues/12 months) is the standard, but you might also consider monthly subscriptions to Wood, ShopNotes, Woodsmith, Popular Woodworking, Family Handyman, Woodcraft or Woodworking.If you're looking for more gift guides, consider:  For the Gadget-Loving DIYer For the DIY Mom For the Gardener Today’s range hood seems to fall into one of two camps: the wallflower or the showpiece. Either it’s so hidden it disappears, or the designer chooses to embrace the opportunity for a star focal point. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:05:21 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/20247-10-smokin-hot-range-hoods http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/20247-10-smokin-hot-range-hoods Slideshow design, appliance Today’s range hood usually falls into one of two camps; it's either a wallflower or the showpiece. Either it’s so hidden that it disappears, or the designer has chosen to embrace the opportunity to make the range hood a star focal point. Here, we’ll show you some of our favorite showstoppers, with a few more subtle looks thrown in for good measure.A custom metal range hood can be tailored to fit your overall kitchen design. Rehkamp Larson Architects took their cue from the Roper vintage stove, adding the playful scalloped hood where an ordinary style wouldn’t do. Range hoods are typically rectangular, but this Portland couple wanted something unique, so they chose a round model from Franke. The Tube range hood comes in island or wall versions and looks more like a sculpture than an appliance. Black accents are everywhere these days, adding visual punch to interiors in all parts of the home. Seen on AtticMag, this kitchen features a large black range hood, which mirrors the dark floor while standing out against the white cabinets, walls, and appliances.Time to get cooking with this combination kitchen clock and range hood. The Ora hood by Barriviera Cucina tells time while quietly and efficiently venting cooking fumes.Anik Pearson’s ship-shape kitchen design utilizes heavy-duty stainless steel touches throughout, even on such details as cabinet pulls, frames, and hinges. It’s no wonder she chose a stainless steel hood from Vent-a-Hood that effortlessly blends right in, hiding in plain sight.Sometimes it’s best if the range hood plays double duty, in this case as an overhead light. Best by Broan has developed the Sorpresa Sphera, a hood and light fixture in one. The design lacks the usual industrial trappings, and its svelte profile makes it a shoe-in for ultra sleek kitchens.With a bit of clever planning, a range hood can become a seamless part of the wall in your kitchen. Here, the paneling and trim continue over the hood insert, allowing the appliance to recede into the woodwork.A slide-out range hood instantly transforms from a flush cabinet to an active ventilator with a press of a button. GE and Faber both offer great options available online through AJ Madison.Andy Warhol’s soup can art makes its debut on the range hood. Bastille Metal Works creates 100% customizable slip-cast range hood designs in a wide variety of materials and styles. If you're looking for more on kitchen design, consider: 12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options Kitchen Countertops 101 DIY Kitchen Makeover (Without the Renovation) Take the chill off this winter with one of ten design-savvy space heaters. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:50:56 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/20248-10-space-heaters-we-love http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/20248-10-space-heaters-we-love Slideshow hvac, heating Vornado’s TVH500 whole-room heater constructed of steel comes in a sleek white or black gloss finish with chrome accents. An LCD display shows the current and set temperatures, and the unit's push-button controls include a handy timer. Signature vortex circulation moves warm air quietly. Safety features include a tip-over switch and auto shutoff if airflow is obstructed. Vornado; $159.99Say hello to my little friend, Max. Swizz Style’s latest heater is compact but packs a punch. Sitting on three weighted metal legs, Max functions as a fan in the warmer months and as a heater in cooler temps, making him an all-season favorite. Available in red, white, and a sunny yellow from Horne; $99.99.The Anna heater by Stadler Form utilizes a PTC ceramic heating element to warm a room. It operates at two power levels and includes an auto shutoff mechanism. The tower form and subtle color make it a great addition to spaces decorated in a modern style. Also available in a mini version. Stadler Form; $99.99.The Mica space heater by Delonghi is either wall-mounted or sits on a stand with casters. When mounted, you just need to add a mantel and you practically have a fireplace! Two power settings and safety features like thermal cutoff and a tip-over switch make the Mica a smart choice. Bed Bath Beyond; $84.99.The Sharper Image’s Oscillating Tower Ceramic Heater really gets air moving. The sculpturally designed heater comes with a multi-function remote control that, when not in use, conveniently stores on the unit itself. Sharper Image; $79.99.This Oil-Filled Heater from Holmes looks like a standard radiator but provides portable heat without requiring any oil refills. Electricity heats the oil inside the unit, which in turn heats the space. Holmes; $49.99.The exterior of Lasko’s Infrared Quartz Heater stays cool to the touch while heat radiates. The unit comes with a multi-function remote, timer, digital thermometer and tip-over sensors for automatic shutoff. Sears; $195.69.Incognito in all white, the Cozy Legs heater quietly does the job. The panel’s thin profile means it’s easy to fit in small spaces, including the knee-well of a desk or cubicle. Overheat protection and an automatic thermostat provide safety. Target; $51.99.Petite enough to go under the desk or on a shelf, Lasko’s Personal Ceramic Heater charms with a retro look. Available in seven cheery colors, including purple, red, green and blue, this heater could almost pass as a vintage radio. Amazon; $24.42.Honeywell’s Surround Fan Forced Heater offers two heat settings as well as a standard fan option. Its unique 360-degree open top allows air to flow freely in all directions. Safety features include a tip-over switch and overheat protection. Currently on sale at Honeywell; $29.95.If you are looking for more on home heating, consider: Gas Fireplaces: A Showcase of Design and Innovation 10 Accessories for the Fashionable Fireplace 11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget For maximum productivity and enjoyment, beginners are wise to start small. Here are five easy woodworking projects perfect for novices. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:10:42 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/16471-5-easy-woodworking-projects-for-beginners/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/16471-5-easy-woodworking-projects-for-beginners/pages/1 Article woodworking For the uninitiated, woodworking may seem far too daunting to even consider tackling. Dovetail joints, mitered corners, chamfer bevels—these are terms that would put fear into anyone. But the fact remains that with every new project you gain skills and a renewed sense of confidence. The best advice we can offer the wannabe woodworker is to start out small, employing basic tools for simple projects involving minimal materials. Here are five "really easy" do-it-yourself woodworking projects for novices. 1. WINDOW BOX Window boxes add enormous curb appeal and for city dwellers, they provide a rare gardening opportunity. They are easy to make, too. Even a beginning woodworker can make a window box using scrap wood and a small set of basic tools. For a how-to on window box woodworking projects, see our DIY tutorial. 2. BIRDHOUSE The homemade birdhouse is a classic—and with good reason. For many youngsters being introduced to tools, it's a fun and accessible first project. Quick, simple, and inexpensive to build and maintain, birdhouses provide a lasting reward, as they become homes for feathered friends hanging out in your backyard. If you’re thinking birdhouses are only kid’s stuff, think again! Bust out the saw, pick up some lumber (or make use of any scraps you have on hand), and dedicate an afternoon to creating one. Or ten! For a how-to on birdhouse woodworking projects, see our DIY tutorial. 3. X-LEG TABLE While it may be tempting to try making a picnic table, if you're new to woodworker, you may want to start smaller. We love this table by home blogger Sarah M. Dorsey Designs—brilliantly conceived and oh-so-easy to make. Using leftover fence boards, Sarah was able to make this beautiful X-leg table in little over an hour. Get the full how-to here. 4. STORAGE CRATES We all need extra storage, and there are plenty of bins and crates available for purchase at stores. But why not build one of your own? This is another easy woodworking project that requires little in the way of materials, tools, and carpentry expertise. Early in the process, be sure to consider how the crate will be used and where it will be displayed. An open-slatted design will make it more decorative—so will knotted rope pulls, like this gem from Bob Vila Nation blogger Cher-Ann Texter. 5. UPCYCLE SOMETHING So many creative woodworking projects begin with scrap wood that is easy to source. For example, you can repurpose shipping pallets into functional furniture of all kinds—desks, hanging plate racks, unique kitchen islands. The same is true for wine and apple crates; they're easy to come by (and usually free) and can be transformed into just about anything. You may need to perform some deconstruction before you're able to start building something fresh, but you still get the benefits of creating something by hand and learning woodworking skills in the process.  Even though Halloween is past, pumpkins and gourds make great table decorations. That includes white pumpkins, too! Here, a grouping of different-sized white pumpkins mix with natural-hued ceramics to create a fitting Thanksgiving Day table. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:41:40 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18783-10-ways-to-set-a-natural-thanksgiving-day-table http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18783-10-ways-to-set-a-natural-thanksgiving-day-table Slideshow holidays Even though Halloween is past, pumpkins and gourds make great table decorations. That includes white pumpkins, too!  Here, a grouping of different-sized white pumpkins and natural-hued ceramics set a distinctive Thanksgiving Day table.Branches create a natural centerpiece for this outdoor setting, but they can be equally dramatic indoors.  If you still have trees and shrubs with autumn-colored leaves consider using them to decorate your Thanksgiving Day table.  Just remember to keep them a reasonable height for dining, or remove them when the meal is served.Nothing could be simpler—or more natural—than using a piece of fruit to hold a place card or decorate a place setting.  If pomegranates are not to your liking (or in your color scheme), consider tying a hole-punched card to a pear with raffia, or securing a place card in a pine cone.Nature offers an abundance of color this time of year, so use it to your advantage. Here, napkins (loosely tied with ribbon) are topped with golden-hued leaves. The centerpiece of pillar candles and fruit carry through on the theme.If you don't have a ready supply of real leaves, consider creating some of your own.  These were made with stencils and thin sheets of cork (both of which you can purchase at craft/art supply stores).  In addition to adding style, these leaves also serve as handy, decorative trivets.Flowers don't always have to go in a vase. This table is distinguished with a single bloom at every place setting.  Not only does it make each guest feel more special, it eliminates the need to look over and around a larger, centered bouquet of flowers.Let the kids help decorate the table.  With some short twigs, craft paper, colored markers and tall drinking glasses they can create a cheery "Happy Thanksgiving" greeting for all.Normally hung on a door this time of year, Indian corn can be a beautiful addition to the Thanksgiving Day table.  Here, the corn is inserted vertically into glass vases to create the look of centerpieces, then decorated with a ribbon and glued on button.Just as you are likely to find pinecones on your lawn this time of year, the same is true of acorns.  No reason not to bring them to the harvest table.  Fill a glass vase with them for decoration or, if you are the crafty type, consider making acorn napkin ties like those shown here.Golden-hued wheat is certainly a symbol of the season and the Thanksgiving table.  Create miniature sheaves bound with ribbon, or simply use the wheat to create a casual centerpiece of candles, gourds and fruit.8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Dining Room 7 Must Have Electronics for Game Day5 DIY Farm Tables that Will Last a Lifetime Browse top-rated home theater room accessories and make game day in your house a blowout. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:40:11 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18274-7-must-have-electronics-for-game-day http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18274-7-must-have-electronics-for-game-day Slideshow home theater, living spaces It's 2013—why watch the big game on a tiny, aging TV set? With the Superbowl around the corner, now is a great time to get the TV you've always dreamed of. And with a little help from the experts at CNET, we've pulled together the best accessories to enhance your game-watching experience.Plasma or LED? The choice depends on your viewing preferences. Plasma screens aren't as bright, but they have darker blacks, a better contrast ratio, and can be viewed at an angle. The best plasma screen you can buy is the Panasonic TC-PVT50 series; it boasts the highest picture quality, most accurate colors, and truest blacks on the market. LED screens have earned bragging rights for their energy efficiency, and while critics sometimes jab their performance, the Sharp Elite PRO-X5FD produces deeper blacks than any other LCD/LED option or comparable plasma. You have to pay for this level of picture quality and 3D capability, however, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $5,500. Premium channels bring a commercial-free football immersion experience to your living room. The NFL Network's Redzone channel, on Sundays only, continuously toggles between the most exciting parts of every game currently being played, making sure you don't miss that game-changing TD no matter what team you're rooting for.Don't shell out for a state-of-the-art TV, only to ignore your options in audio! If you really want to feel like you're on the field, invest in a surround sound system. Starting at $399, the Energy Take Classic 5.1 delivers some of the highest-quality sound on the market for a far more reasonable price than competitors.If you don't have the room for a full surround sound system, that's no excuse to settle for mediocre sound. Consider a space-saving sound bar, like the Haier SBEV40-Slim Sound Bar and Subwoofer, which produces surprisingly good sound while taking up minimal space.After the game, the best way to experience the full depth of your new TV's 1080p resolution is with a Blu-Ray player. With high-definition becoming more commonplace, it may be time to take the Blu-Ray plunge. Many models, including the attractively priced Panasonic DMP-BDT220, offer WiFi and media-streaming capabilities. It may be a moot point for many readers, but it seems important to stress the myriad features, apart from gaming, available on PS3 and XBox 360. Both are media streamers, delivering Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming channels to your TV. The PS3 can also double as a Blu-Ray player.Fine. You don't want a Blu-Ray player, XBox, or PS3, but you still want a media-streaming device. The super affordable Roku may be what you're looking for. At $59, it offers most channels you'd need, from Amazon to Netflix. Youtube is conspicuously missing from its menu, but Roku is still the best-value media streamer out there.The best way to handle your new gear is with a universal remote. The sleek, PC-programmable, user-friendly Logitech Harmony 900 makes confusing universal remotes a thing of the past.For more on electronics and home theaters, consider:Planning Guide: Home Theaters10 Smart Cord Management Solutions Under $50Creating Your Ideal Home Theater Give theme-appropriate furniture and accessories top billing in your home movie theater. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:16:48 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18276-10-home-movie-theater-accessories http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/18276-10-home-movie-theater-accessories Slideshow home theater, living spaces Made from steel 16mm film reels, this battery-run clock is always on time for a good flick. Diameters and hand styles include 9.25" (with straight hands), 10.5" (with sword hands), and 15" (with tapered hands). Choose from black, chrome, silver, lab gray or brown finishes. Available at HTMarket, $80Made in four colors (burgundy, black, brown and navy), this star-studded carpet is stain-resistant and easy to care for. Numerous sizes are available, from standard area rug dimensions to wall-to-wall options. Available at Stargate Cinema, starting at $200What’s a movie without the popcorn? You’ll never run out with this user-friendly popper that makes up to 85 quarts per hour and features perforations in the bottom stainless tray, so un-popped kernels fall into a separate drawer. The pedestal base includes two shelves for handy storage of popcorn supplies. Available at Standard Concession Supply, $460From Star Wars and Braveheart to Casablanca and Wizard of Oz, there’s a movie poster to fit any home theater theme. Use these inexpensive works of art as is, or purchase them mounted on canvas with a protective varnish to prevent fading and offer natural acoustic absorption. Gone with the Wind poster measures 26" x 37.75". Available at movieposter.com, $14With optional features like bass shakers, cup holders, LED lighting, in-arm storage and removable tray tables, the Gain 40400 home theater seating model will have you never wanting to leave your seat. Excellent lumbar support and a high 43" seat back will keep you comfy for hours on end. Available at Theater Seat Store, starting at $720 per seatDecorative and hardworking, these sound panels are designed to add an artistic touch to walls or ceilings while greatly improving acoustic quality. Handmade by the Acoustic Sciences Corporation, they come in numerous sizes and custom designs. Available at ACS, starting at $89Choose from a collection of seven modern wall sconces designed to be hard-wired into your home theater walls. Offerings range from Art Deco to star-shaped styles. Most come in a wide range of colors, as well. Available at Cinema Builder, starting at $323American-made wood wall columns add a sophisticated lift to home theater rooms. Choose from eight styles and six wood finishes on solid maple with veneer. Optional sconce integration is also offered. Available at Cinema Shop, starting at $799Redolent of real theater curtains, these energy-saving window treatments block unwanted outside light and reduce intrusive noise. The classic styling suits traditional and modern decor, and the 50" panels come in three lengths: 63", 82", and 95". Choose from black, cafe, chocolate and stone blue. Available at Brookstone, $45Imagine watching Star Wars under your own ceiling of twinkling stars. Rather than limit you to a pre-arranged pattern, this kit lets you map out constellations and star positions wherever you want them. One kit is generally sufficient for a 6' x 6' ceiling area. Available at HTmart, $450If you're looking for more in home theaters, consider:7 Must-Have Electronics for Game DayCreating Your Ideal Home TheaterPlanning Guide: Home Theater Design a blockbuster theater room for convenient, casual, cinema-style entertainment at home. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:35:53 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18275-planning-guide-home-theater/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/18275-planning-guide-home-theater/pages/1 Article design, home theater Millions of Americans are plugging into dedicated home theaters as their ticket to relaxation and casual entertaining. Though any space with a TV and a surround sound audio system qualifies as an entertainment area, only a home theater room simulates a sensory cinema experience. Here are four key considerations to help make an attractive, comfortable space with top-quality acoustics and viewing. Room Place, Shape and Size Unless you have exceptional wall insulation, locate the home theater room in an area of the house where ambient noise won’t disrupt viewing, and where cinema sounds won’t interfere with other household activities. Possibilities include a basement or a space adjacent to the family room with minimal natural light. Choose a rectangular-shaped room rather than a square space where sound build-up bounces off the walls. For excellent acoustics, most design experts suggest an area that measures about 20' x 13'. Others point to an acoustics room ratio, which indicates that room width should be 1.6 times, and room length should be 2.6 times, the ceiling height. Considering cinema sound is as powerful as its imagery, acoustics deserve to be a big deal. Related: 10 Home Movie Theater Accessories Projectors vs. Big-screen TV Deciding between a television or a projector should be based on how you plan to use the room. If you’re keen on TV programs or gaming, then image quality is usually better on a flat-screen TV. But if you’re more interested in watching movies (DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD) and entertaining friends, then a projector offers the better picture, the largest screen size, and a more authentic experience. Projectors trump televisions in tendering realistic 3D escapades, too. Screen Size and Viewing Experience Remember the days when owning a 27" TV model practically ensured you’d be hosting the next Super Bowl party? Today 4' and 5' screens are the norm (with 6' and 7' models gaining ground). Bigger isn’t always the best choice, however. When the screen is too large for the viewing distance, the individual pixels are evident, and the eyes are strained by the need to scan the whole thing. When the screen is too small, viewers miss the experience of being drawn into the show. As a general rule, select a screen size that is about one third of your viewing distance. For seating about 13' (156") from the television, for instance, opt for a 52" screen. One way to test optimal viewing distance is to measure between your seating area and the television, then stand that far away from the displays at the store. If you can see a model’s whole screen without moving your head or eyes, you’re in the right range. Finally, when it comes to size, projectors go up to 300" diagonally, compared with 70" to 90" for flat-screen TVs. Keep in mind that projectors have "throw" ranges, indicating the distance between the projector and the screen. (Find a throw range calculator on individual manufacturers' websites.) Furnishings and Lighting A home theater room can trump even the poshest cinema in terms of comfort and personal style. To set a specific mood, turn to theme decor ranging from swanky Hollywood glamour to cozy wine bar or lively '50s drive-in. Or take design cues from favorite genres like Westerns or from beloved series like Lord of the Rings. For the sake of both comfort and acoustics, begin with carpet that adds warmth and absorbs sound. Next, indulge in comfortable seating. Though sofas, chairs, and even bean bags will work, the ideal arrangement is a row or two of cushy chairs facing forward to mimic theater seating. Consider using risers or platforms to elevate the second row and add LED step lighting that can be dimmed. In fact, wall sconces and subtle lighting controlled by a remote can greatly enhance mood—everyone enjoys the suspense when the lights go down. And because you want things as dark as possible for improved viewing, choose deep colors for walls and dress any windows with blackout curtains. Finally, add in special touches like a star ceiling made from fiber optic tiles, acoustic panels on the walls, a mini concession stand with popcorn machine, movie posters and a velour curtain to trim out the screen. Good bathroom design starts with the basics. Here are twelve pro tips to consider in your remodel or renovation. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:44:09 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/15445-the-basics-of-bathroom-design/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/15445-the-basics-of-bathroom-design/pages/1 Article bathroom, design The fun part of bathroom remodeling is ogling vessel sinks, walk-in showers, towel heaters, translucent tiles and graceful faucets. Even the newer toilets on the market are pretty cool. But when it comes to putting together bathroom designs in plans that you (and your building inspector) will be happy with, there are some recommendations and rules you should follow. Here is a selection of a dozen, courtesy of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). 1. Minimum entry door size It’s smart to design for all eventualities. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a bathroom door opening should be at least 32" wide when measured from the open door to the opposite stop. That means the door itself should be at least 34" wide—unless you’ve opted for a pocket door. 2. Door interference It’s not a good idea to slam the bathroom door into a loved one. Make careful measurements so that doors won’t bump anyone standing inside the bathroom. Similarly, no door (entry, cabinet, or shower) should bump into any other door. In a very small bath, change the hinges so the door swings out. 3. Ceiling height Bathrooms must often be shoehorned into tight spaces where ceiling height is less than the general code calls for. For bathrooms, the minimum height is 80", except in places where occupants can’t walk. In these cases, the ceiling can be even lower. Talk to your building department about what they will or won’t permit. 4. Clear floor space A little extra space goes a long way in the bathroom, especially when two people must use it at the same time. NKBA designers recommend a 30" clearance between the front edge of a fixture, such as a vanity or toilet, and any other fixture or wall. The building code allows for a minimum of 21". 5. Lavatory placement The bathroom lavatory, or sink, should be placed far enough from a wall or shower wall that it’s comfortable to use and easy to clean. The NKBA recommends 20" measuring from the center of the lavatory to the wall. Code is a minimum of 15" (with 4"from the edge of a pedestal sink to the wall). In a double-sink vanity, the sinks should be 30" to 36" apart, measured from center to center. 6. Lavatory height A comfortable height for a lavatory depends upon the height of the user, but when two or more people of varying heights are using the same sink, you’ll have to compromise. A 36" height is standard. The NKBA says the height can range from 32" to 43". What you choose is up to you, but it’s probably not a good idea to install a low vanity for small kids. They grow up quickly and can use a stool in the meanwhile. 7. Lighting A single light in the ceiling of a bathroom will put shadows under your eyes, even when they don’t exist! Add lighting above and to either side of the vanity mirror. Called cross lighting, it will eliminate shadows and provide enough light for grooming. You may consider a recessed light with a waterproof lens over the tub or shower, as well. 8. Countertops Avoid sharp corners on countertops for safety. Top edges should be rounded over. Corners should be rounded too, or "clipped". 9. Shower size For user comfort, a 36" x 36" space is recommended. Codes will allow a minimum 30" x 30" stall. A shower with an angled door should be at least 32" x 32". 10. Tub and shower controls The height of shower controls should be 38" to 48" from the floor, depending upon the height of the user. Tub controls should be between the rim of the tub and no higher than 33" from the floor. This, of course, poses a problem if your tub and shower are controlled by the same lever or knob. In such cases, this author's opinion is to keep the controls below 33". In an emergency, it can be quickly reached by someone sitting in the tub. 11. Toilet placement A toilet should have some elbow room between it and another fixture or vanity. The NKBA’s recommendation is at least 18". Codes allow a minimum distance of 15". If you’re placing your toilet in a compartment, it should be 36" x 66", although codes will allow 30" x 60". 12. Toilet paper holder Even the toilet paper holder merits a recommendation. The NKBA says to put it 8" to 12" away from the front edge of the toilet bowl. It should be 26" above the floor. For more excellent information about bathroom design, visit the NKBA. Let these incredible backsplash ideas inspire you to make the kitchen as unique as you are. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:43:21 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/16746-11-backsplashes-for-a-unique-kitchen http://www.bobvila.com/slideshows/16746-11-backsplashes-for-a-unique-kitchen Slideshow kitchen, backsplash Metal backsplashes are typically of the stamped variety, but a flat sheet of galvanized metal makes a clean and modern statement in a country kitchen or mudroom potting area.The gray veins in this white marble provide visual interest in an all-white kitchen, while bringing some warmth and fun to the design. A hand-glazed tile made by Heath Ceramics from brown clay warms up a modern kitchen. The owners of the Ione, CA-based company practice what they preach, featuring the tile running vertically on their own kitchen’s backsplash.An intricate patterned tile backsplash is a commitment, but one that makes a bold statement in a kitchen. Sean MacPherson’s Portugese tiles provide a lively backdrop in his vintage-style abode.Salvaged wood creates rustic texture on the kitchen backsplash and offers eco-conscious renovators a way to reuse an existing material. Like black tie for the kitchen, white subway tile with black grout never goes out of style. And although it looks sophisticated, the material costs are low, making this stylish look quite affordable.A little bit of Parisian glamour in the kitchen comes via antique mirror installed as the backsplash. Its patina makes the material more forgiving and permit less meticulous maintenance.Some perfectionists shy away from concrete on account of maintenance, but if you reseal and wax concrete occasionally, it makes a great backsplash material for an industrial look. If you’re lucky enough to have an exposed brick wall in the kitchen, why not keep it visible as a gorgeous backsplash? One word of caution: Brick should be sealed, since it is a porous material. If you really want to make your kitchen one-of-a-kind, consider a mosaic. The small tiles will add texture and flair, while the pattern... is more or less up to you!This isn't your mother's glass tile. While normal glass backsplashes feature either a whole sheet of glass or glass subway tiles, Everstone is putting out uniquely shaped designs, from pointy shards to circular bubbles.If your change jar is threatening to take over your kitchen, why not let it? This backsplash, made of over 6,000 extraneous pennies, knows the true meaning of "remarkable".If you're looking for more on kitchen remodeling, consider:Kitchen Flooring: 8 Popular Choices7 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover Tips12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options Regardless of what you decide for walls, windows, furnishings and storage, be sure to get the kids' involved when designing their rooms. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:58:16 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/14369-designing-a-kids-room-make-it-their-own/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/14369-designing-a-kids-room-make-it-their-own/pages/1 Article design, nursery Everybody needs their space, right? Even a kid. Nothing’s better than having a little place all your own—one that feels like you and makes you feel good when you’re in it. When designing spaces for kids, get the children involved so they have a sense of investment in their space. Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire them to keep their clothes off the floor. Here are some tips on how you can easily create a kid-worthy space in your home: WALLS Almost nothing makes a bigger impact for less money than paint. Painting is an easy way for kids to help with their room design. Picking the color can give them a sense of excitement and ownership. If your kid wants to paint each wall a different color, why not? It’s just paint. All ages can participate, even if it’s just the undercoat. If you really want to give them some freedom, let them have one wall to do as a mural, all on their own. You might be surprised at how creative your kids are and how well it turns out. If painting with your kids is more than you can bear, step down the intensity and decorate the walls with decals or stencils. Decals are easiest. There are heaps of designs, from small accents, to large murals, to peel and stick borders. Kids can take part in the design and placement of decals. And if they don’t come out just right, pull them up and move them. Stencils require a little more effort.  Depending on the age, you might want to place the stencils on the wall yourself (with a child’s supervising eye, of course). Then let them apply the paint. Removing the stencils will be thrilling for both of you. WINDOWS There are so many options for windows, even for kids' rooms. Basic vinyl roller shades are inexpensive and functional, and available to be cut to size at your local hardware store, they are extremely customizable. Many projects are easy enough for kids. You can stencil, stamp, or paint them. You can border them with fabric glue and ric-rack, ribbon, or other embellishments. You can apply fabric accents with spray adhesive, or cover the entire shade with a coordinating fabric. If light control is not an issue, cut-outs can add extra zing. Any kid would love to pull down their own work of art every night. Creating a valance that reflects a special interest can serve to highlight windows as well. With a basic curtain rod, a hot glue gun (for adults only, of course), and some tulle, sports pennants, award ribbons or other materials, you can make something that’s fun and meaningful to wake up to. FURNITURE If you are purchasing new furniture while redesigning a young child’s room, try very hard to resist the cutest-ever princess headboard or the race car bed. Your kid will outgrow it before you want to buy a new one. You’ll get the same effect by dressing the room to suit their young sensibility with less expensive items like bedding sets, window treatments, throw pillows and rugs, which you can switch out easily when tastes change.  Concentrate on buying the best quality furniture your budget can afford and choosing pieces that will grow with along with your kids. A young child’s reading nook can become a study desk. A train table can become a Lego construction zone, or an art center. You get the idea. STORAGE Kids have so much stuff. It must be controlled, corralled. Storage is a major priority. The ubiquitous cubbies with baskets, buckets, and boxes work well, and you can find them almost anywhere these days. You’ll get the same functionality from an old bookshelf with a fresh coat of paint, perhaps with special decoration added by your kid. Artwork and special treasures constantly collect in piles at our house. Paint a pegboard and attach some bulldog clips and elastic bands. Art can be stored and displayed at the same time, and your child is the curator. And did you know about magnetic primer paint? Yes, really. Paint any surface—a closet door, side of a cabinet, or an entire wall. Paint over it with any color you choose. Grab some funky magnets and voila! A place for all that STUFF—and the magnetic letters crowding the fridge. For closets, consider putting rods and shelves at kid-height, so they’ll be independent when getting dressed. Then, there’s no excuse not to hang things back up! No matter how many cubbies, book shelves and bulletin boards you have, there are things that seem to have no “place” to go.  A “catch-all” type of storage piece, like a toy box or large hamper to throw everything into becomes pure gold when your mother-in-law calls and says she’s dropping over. Have Granddad’s old steamer trunk? Make it new with some paint. Or, throw some casters on a big crate, so the chaos can be wheeled into the closet. However you decide to design a room for your kids, do it with your kids. It will be a memorable experience, and will make the space much more meaningful for them. And don’t forget to have fun. It’s not a good day’s work unless there’s paint in your hair at the end of it! With styles that now imitate the look of wood, stone, and clay, metal roofing is finding renewed popularity in homes of all types. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:35:09 -0500 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11370-metal-roofs-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11370-metal-roofs-101/pages/1 Article roofing, materials The metal roofing industry has taken a page from vinyl flooring manufacturers. They’ve started with a 'plain Jane' material—in this case steel or aluminum—and made it look like wood, stone, and clay. The introduction of metal roofing in shingle, shake, slate and tile styles has reinvigorated the metal roofing industry.  For decades, metal roofs meant corrugated panels, which looked like they belonged on sheds or barns, or standing-seam applications, which often had a commercial appearance. Today, metal roofing products are available to fit every architectural style, whether a Spanish Colonial in Southern California or a Victorian in New England. Slideshow: Debunking 5 Metal Roofing Myths METAL ROOFING MATERIALS Residential metal roofing is generally made of steel, aluminum, or copper. Rolls of 24- or 26-gauge steel sheets are given a metallic coating to prevent rust, followed by a baked-on paint finish. Aluminum sheets don’t require the metallic coating but do get painted. Copper, often called a natural metal product, is neither coated nor painted, because it weathers without corroding. It is sometimes used for special features, such as the roof of a prominent bay window. Steel roofing products are coated with either zinc (galvanized) or a mixture of aluminum and zinc (galvalume or zincalume). Of the two, galvalume offers the longer service. The coatings are offered in several thicknesses—the thicker the coating the longer the service, and the higher the cost.  The Metal Roofing Association (MRA) recommends a galvanizing thickness level of at least G-90 for residential applications and an AZ-50 or AZ-55 designation for galvalume coatings. In areas by the sea, opt for an aluminum-based panel. Paint finishes vary in quality, as well. An inferior coating may fade or chalk. Some manufacturers participate in a certification process developed by the MRA. Standard certified products may be used in most areas. In areas with high exposure to UV light, opt for a premium certified paint coating. TEXTURES AND FINISHES Metal roofing products can be stamped into many shapes and are typically installed as interlocking panels with hidden fasteners. Viewed from a distance, they offer fairly convincing renditions of shingles and tiles. Some 'stone-coated' products receive an acrylic coating, in which stone granules are embedded. These offer a less metallic look. Standing-seam metal roofs look exactly like what they are–long sheets of painted steel with vertical seams. From a design perspective, they are a purer product but not suitable for every home. Standing-seam roofs are perhaps best matched to the simple lines of cabins and contemporary home designs. BENEFITS OF METAL ROOFING The primary benefit of metal roofing is longevity. Manufacturers routinely offer 50-year warranties and even lifetime, non-prorated warranties. They claim their products will last two to four times longer than roofs with asphalt shingles. By avoiding one or two re-roofing jobs during the life of the metal roof, you will more than offset the higher initial cost. Near term, a new metal roof recoups a bit more of its installation cost upon home resale (6% according to Remodeling Magazine) than does a new asphalt roof. There are other advantages, as well. Metal roofs are lightweight, sometimes allowing them to be installed directly over old roofs. And when metal roofing is painted with specially formulated "cool pigments", solar energy is reflected and emitted (rather than radiated as heat into the attic). Additionally, metal roofs are effective in preventing the spread of fire when hot embers fall on them (i.e., from brush and forest fires). In fact, some insurance companies will give you a discount if you have a metal roof. In addition, metal roofing is made with a large percentage of recycled metal—often 95 percent—and when its useful life is done, it can be recycled again. No worries about it filling up dwindling space in landfills. MYTHS ABOUT METAL ROOFING Myths and legends get started about all sorts of people, places, and building materials…. Metal roofing has more than its share, perhaps because it has undergone so many transformations over the years. Here are the most common myths about metal roofing: * It will increase the likelihood of a lightening strike. Metal conducts electricity, but electricity is not drawn to it. * Metal roofs are noisy in the rain. Not so. They may even be quieter than other roof types. * Metal roofs are susceptible to damage by hail. While extremely large hailstones can dent a metal roof, normal hailstorms will not. With textured roofs, minor denting is not readily visible. * You cannot walk on a metal roof. You can, but you have to know how to do it without causing damage. Check with the manufacturer of the product you choose. * A metal roof will make your house colder in winter. Actually, a metal roof has no effect on the temperature of the typical vented attic in winter. It’s the insulation under (or on top of) the floor of your attic that keeps you warm. Take this month to make sure your house and yard are ready for winter. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:08:34 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/14794-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-november/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/14794-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-november/pages/1 Article seasonal November is often a busy month, bringing with it a change of weather and a change of focus. Be sure your fall exterior maintenance is complete and that your home is weather-tight—you'll be grateful to have taken these steps now when lower energy costs kick in during the winter. And if you were among the millions affected by Hurricane Sandy, be sure to promptly deal with any flooded areas of your home. Dampness promotes moisture-related issues from mold and mildew to rot and decay, so do everything you can to dry out wet basements now. Here are my 5 "Must Do" Projects for November.  1. INSULATE THE ATTIC Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, the most important area in your home to insulate is your attic floor. This fully insulated “buffer zone” will not only help keep heat where you want it, but will also keep the lid on your energy costs. The basic principle of good insulation is that you want to keep heat energy from doing what it does best—escaping. The goal is to trap a layer of unmoving air next to the heat source, which in this case is your heated home. In new framing, sprayed-on polyurethane foam, fiberglass, or cellulose insulation products—even recycled denim—all do a good job of trapping air in the wall cavity. If you’re retrofitting, you can have insulation blown in or lay batts yourself between floor joists to achieve the recommended R-values for your area. The R-value of insulation is the measure of its resistance to heat flow. The higher the value the more effective it is. To see the recommended insulation R-values and cost estimates in your zip code, visit the Department of Energy. And be sure to eliminate drafts. Even a small draft can make your insulation less effective. Seal gaps around electrical outlets, ducts, windows and doors with foam sealants, caulking, or weatherstripping. 2. PUT LEAVES TO GOOD USE Autumn leaves are a gift to your garden that literally fall out of the trees, but leaving them untouched may smother the grass and lead to a variety of insect and disease problems. Instead, put them through a leaf shredder (or just run over them a few times with the mower), rake them up, and use them as fall mulch on flower or vegetable beds with a little fertilizer. Add compost and the leaves become soil by spring. 3. HANG A BIRD FEEDER Sure, the majority of birds head south for the winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop buying birdseed. According to the Audubon Society, more than a hundred bird species supplement their natural diets with food offered at feeders, and when food is scarce in winter, human assistance is especially important. Feeders also provide pit stops for birds on the way to warmer climates, or returning home when spring finally arrives. Providing for your feathered friends means offering fresh water, shelter, and the right mix of quality seed. See our how-to for more details. 4. ORGANIZE YOUR GARAGE With colder temperatures on the horizon, getting your car into the garage is not only desirable but necessary. So while the weather remains mild, take a weekend to restore some order. Begin by clearing the clutter and taking stock of everything you want to keep. Next, figure out a plan that puts frequently used items close-at-hand and seasonal items (e.g., holiday decorations) in places that may be harder to reach. Finally, put your plan into action with smart organizational products that require minimal effort to use, like these 10 "Neat" Garage Storage Solutions. And remember to think vertically: taking advantage of both wall- and ceiling-mounted options makes good storage sense. 5. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT If you’ve still got an old mercury or mechanical contact thermostat, it’s easy to forget to adjust it when you leave the house or go to bed. Electronic programmable thermostats allow you to set target temperatures for each day of the week and each period of the day, depending on your schedule. According to the Department of Energy, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours (a savings of as much as 1% for each degree, provided the setback period is eight hours long). And if you are a confident DIYer, you may be able to install the device yourself. See how designer Cheryl Hamilton-Gray turned a dated California kitchen into a budget-friendly dream come true for the owner. Mon, 29 Oct 2012 22:18:25 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/13421-award-winning-budget-friendly-kitchen-makeover/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/13421-award-winning-budget-friendly-kitchen-makeover/pages/1 Article remodeling, kitchen Besides wanting a budget-friendly, easily maintained kitchen with clean, contemporary lines, the owner of this 1950s-era bungalow had few instructions for designer Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, of Hamilton-Gray Design in Carlsbad, CA. The rather generic-looking one-story house had a neutral style that could easily be adapted to the midcentury modern aesthetic the young homeowner prefers. Revamping the floor plan was the first step. Opening the kitchen to the living room flooded the space with natural light and created “a great-room effect,” says Hamilton-Gray. Smart shopping and attention to detail were key to the project. Hamilton-Gray made her way to IKEA, where she knew she’d find items to fit the homeowner-approved black, white, and gray color scheme. “IKEA cabinets are very reasonable, and if you buy cleverly and get a good installer, it’s a great product,” she says.  There are plenty of convenience features behind the sleek surfaces, such as a floor-to-ceiling pull-out pantry, a roll-out trash-and-recycling unit, and deep drawers providing practical storage for everything from pots and pans to dishes and plastic containers. Milk-glass door fronts on the upper cabinets surrounding the sink yield “a lovely element of reflection” that lightens and brightens the room, and makes the window appear larger, Hamilton-Gray says. Besides the cabinets, Hamilton-Gray found the stainless steel sink at IKEA—“I was so impressed with the value and the design!”—as well as the appliances. The under-counter microwave is less expensive than similar drawer units, and its brushed metal controls and door handle blend with hardware on the cabinets and other appliances. The slide-in stove is “an affordable way to get the built-in look.” The refrigerator, too, mimics the appearance of a built-in model. “There was enough depth in the wall to inset it,” Hamilton-Gray says. “It’s not counter-depth, but the installation gives it the look without the price.” The aluminum toe-kick, which gleams like stainless steel, complements appliances, sink, and hardware. It provides the space with “a nice lift, contrasts with cabinet finish, and gives the base cabinets a wonderful floating effect.” The homeowner fell in love with the sculptural faucet and made it the number one item on the his short wish list. Rather than spring for a pricey unit from a designer showroom, Hamilton-Gray found this affordable model at Home Depot; even better, it was marked down as part of a closeout sale. The granite countertops were another closeout. “Most stone yards have what they call the ‘bone yard.’ It’s full of scraps, many of which are big enough for an island, a backsplash, or a contrasting accent piece.” Hamilton-Gray found this granite—which is similar to styles labeled Kashmir White or Azul Platino—in the bone yard. The vendor had discontinued it, because it wasn’t a big seller, but “it’s a great neutral [that] you can put it with anything.” It works especially well with this color combination. The cork floor tiles are as gentle on the feet as they were on the wallet. The durable, easy-maintenance squares, installed like vinyl or carpet tile, are a good choice for do-it-yourselfers. “There are such great possibilities with cork, it should be investigated for its great value,” she says. “And the color is a warm anchor for what could be a sterile black-and-white kitchen.” Textured porcelain tile installed on the wall to the left of the refrigerator provides a nice break from the kitchen’s slick surfaces and “fits the look so beautifully.” The tiles cover the brick backside of the living room fireplace, since as Hamilton-Gray points out, “brick didn’t work with the crisp, clean look we wanted.” Besides living up to its owner’s expectations, this attractive, easy-care, and high-functioning workspace won the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2012 National Design Competition’s Budget-Friendly Kitchen Award. Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, of Hamilton-Gray Design, offered the following budget kitchen makeover strategies: • Negotiate: Ask everyone you deal with if there’s any flexibility in their pricing. • Set priorities: Choose a couple of materials or design elements that are most important to you and make them your splurge items. Be flexible with all other choices. • Save on appliances: Consider black or white appliances to avoid paying the premium for stainless steel. Remember that black appliances are easier to match than white, which varies somewhat between manufacturers. • Salvage sources: Explore alternative shopping sources like Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat ReStores, salvage yards, thrift and antique stores, eBay—even yard sales and estate sales. • Retails discounts: Ask vendors about overstocks, closeouts, floor samples, showroom models and upcoming sales. • Shop for seconds: Handcrafted items such as ceramic tiles gain charm and character through slight variations in shape, color, or pattern. • Do it yourself: Savings add up if you paint, hang wallpaper, or install floor tiles; advanced skills make an even greater bottom-line impact. Visit Hamilton-Gray Design for more inspirational photos and info about the San Diego, CA-based firm. Beautiful, hygienic, and low-maintenance, engineered stone makes an ideal eco-friendly countertop surface. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:57:43 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/13332-engineered-stone-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/13332-engineered-stone-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 Article kitchen, countertops, materials Many Americans nowadays care about making eco-friendly choices. And when it comes to countertops, engineered stone is one of the most environmentally sensitive choices you can make. But this type of surface offers a host of other benefits, too. It’s durable, beautiful, hygienic and easy to care for. We asked Princeton, NJ-based architect Joshua Zinder for his take on this versatile surface. Read on for his insight. What kind of engineered stone can be used as a countertop? Most engineered stones are fantastic for high-wear uses such as kitchen countertops. There are a variety of products on the market, including Silestone, Caesarstone, IceStone and many more. The products should be acid-resistant and non-absorptive. The size and types of materials used to make the engineered stone will determine its best uses. For example, an engineered surface with large chunks of marble will be limited in performance to the pieces of marble it contains. Slideshow: 12 Top Names in Engineered Stone What makes engineered stone good as a countertop surface? Unlike solid surfacing or plastic laminate, which are temperature-sensitive and can catch fire, engineered stone resists heat well. And unlike some other surfaces—even natural stones—engineered ones resist stains from liquids like wine or coffee. What are its primary characteristics? Strong, durable, and attractive, engineered stone is very consistent in look and pattern. It is also heat-resistant and does not accumulate bacteria or mold. The surfaces are easy to maintain, too. They can be specified with bacteria-resistant surfaces, but since they are non-absorptive and resistant to heat anyway, they should not be collecting bacteria in the first place. What are its pros? Pros include brute strength and heat resistance, as well as varied colors and styles. Some engineered stone products are made to look like limestone or marble, enabling you to get the look you want but with better performance. If you like using recycled materials or protecting natural resources like real marble, engineered stone counters will do the trick. The products may have natural colors or added colors with various textures. Many contractors are familiar with the products and will install them properly. Its cons? It's hard to create curves with engineered stone, but as far as typical countertop designs go, there's nothing you can't do with these products that you can accomplish with conventional stone. In fact, we've pushed the limits with edge and corner details and other shapes in engineered stone materials. How much does it cost? Generally about $60-$100/square foot installed. Why is it so expensive? With engineered stone, you pay for good performance and a long lifetime. Some colors and patterns are more expensive than others. But some can be quite affordable (I even put one of these in my own house). So it's expensive but no more so than many natural stone slabs and solid surface materials. It's definitely more expensive than plastic laminates. But consider this: For years we were specifying white marble with no veins, which looks great but is very expensive. Now to get that white look, we can use engineered stones, which look exactly the same as marble side by side but don’t cost as much. There are lots of suppliers, and the product delivers a consistent look. What are its installation requirements? Work with people who know the material, and look for those who are recommended or certified by the material manufacturers. To see architect Joshua Zinder’s work, click here. We asked one home blogger how she made her dream kitchen a reality without spending a fortune or tearing the house down. Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:02:05 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11974-diy-kitchen-makeover-without-the-renovation/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11974-diy-kitchen-makeover-without-the-renovation/pages/1 Article kitchen, remodeling You don't always need to rip your kitchen apart to give it a makeover. When blogger and DIYer Brenda McDevitt decided to update her kitchen, she knew that a dramatic new look could be achieved using only paint and ingenuity. Inspiration struck Brenda as she was wandering the internet. "I was considering white cabinets," she remembers, "but when I came across beautiful 'cottage' blue cabinets featured on the Better Homes and Gardens website, I knew that that color was more suited to our little stone house."And with that, she was off to Sherwin Williams to look at paint colors. Slideshow: Dream It, Do It: Kitchen Makeover Brenda's kitchen transformation involved a few different dimensions. The cabinets were removed, washed, prepped, primed and painted. A new dishwasher cover, built of beadboard, was painted to match the cabinets and epoxied to the washer. Chalkboard refrigerator panels, made from plywood, were painted with chalkboard paint, trimmed with molding, and attached to the fridge with heavy duty magnets. A Roman shade, sewed by Brenda, was added along with newly primed and painted hardware. Put it all together and Brenda had a brand new kitchen—with little to no construction necessary. Eventually she plans to replace her countertops with darkly stained butcher block, but even without it, the remodel was clearly a success. We asked her a few questions about her kitchen makeover to learn more about her process. 1. How long did it take you, from start to finish? Projects in our house don’t usually get our full attention from start to finish. It’s not uncommon for days (even weeks) to go by with no progress. This project was no exception and took approximately 40 hours over two months to complete. 2. Was there anything/any part in the process you were worried about before starting? My biggest concerns prior to starting this project were finding the right paint color and how well the painted cabinets would hold up to wear and tear (caused by four children and two adults). It ended up taking me weeks to pick a paint color for the cabinets. I didn’t want to have any reservations about the color; I wanted to love it.  I normally advise myself (and others) that if you don’t love a paint color that you’ve chosen for your walls, just paint it again. There is so much more involved in painting kitchen cabinets, though. I absolutely didn’t want to have to re-paint just because I was unhappy with my color. I was also worried about the longevity of the paint job. Our kitchen is in use constantly. I wanted to be sure that the finish was durable. 3. Did you encounter any unforeseen problems over the course of your project? I encountered two unexpected challenges during the project: finding the best tool for a smooth paint finish and securing the chalkboard panels to the refrigerator. I didn’t use a paint sprayer, which would likely have given me a very smooth finish. I used a regular foam roller for both priming and painting. The roller that I used created a bumpy finish that is noticeable on several of the cabinet doors. When I noticed the uneven finish after priming, I thought that I would be able to sand it down before painting, or that the self-leveling paint I chose would correct most of the roughness. While both of these solutions worked a little, the problem wasn’t 100% corrected, and I’m not entirely happy with the finish on a couple of the doors. I eventually used a high-quality brush and was much happier with the finish, despite the brush marks. Securely attaching the chalkboard panels to our refrigerator was another challenge. My intention was to attach the panels to the refrigerator with magnets. I knew that I could also attach them with epoxy, but I wanted a less permanent option. I removed the original handles from the fridge and screwed gate handles into the chalkboard panels. Whatever method I chose had to be strong enough to hold the panels in place whenever the doors were pulled open.  The magnets that I initially bought were barely strong enough to hold the panels on the doors (not nearly strong enough to hold them in place while opening the doors). After a little research I found extremely strong magnets from K&J Magnetics that attach to the panels with screws and keep the doors in place, even when the door is pulled open. 4. What was the easiest or most enjoyable part of the makeover? My favorite part of the makeover was designing treatments for the dishwasher and the refrigerator. I love to find solutions to design dilemmas—in this case, how to update my white appliances so they would enhance the makeover rather than detract from it.  The hardest? The hardest part of the makeover was creating a smooth paint finish on the cabinets. After I was finished with painting, I found a recommendation for a foam roller specifically designed for door and cabinet painting. Live and learn! I mentioned that I eventually started to use a brush, and was much happier with the results. Our home is old-ish, and we have many vintage pieces that are worn and aged. So in a strange way I felt as though the brush strokes on the cabinets fit the overall style of our home. 5. Any advice to someone thinking of doing a similar project? What about to home remodelers in general? The advice I would give someone considering a similar kitchen makeover (or any DIY project) is to be patient. Take as long as you need to choose a color. Unless you’re using a sprayer, remove only a few cabinet doors at a time. It’s much easier to tackle the project in sections. Take time to research the best tools for the job. Be willing to accept that some things may have to wait. There are two projects that didn’t get done with this makeover—a new countertop and backsplash. We’ll tackle those in Phase 2! 6. What's next for you? Our next project (already in progress!) involves making better use of the space attached to our kitchen. It was built as an entryway, but we don’t use it as the main entry. It will serve many purposes when we’re finished—office, pantry, storage and entry among them.  Browse our gallery Dream It, Do It: Kitchen Makeover for additional info and photos from this project. Brenda McDevitt, based near Pittsburgh, PA, takes on budget-friendly home improvement projects of all types and publishes the DIY-theme blog Cottage 4C. Harnessing the sun's energy to power homes is a viable and increasingly cost-effective option for homeowners. Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:13:12 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11369-solar-power-systems-101/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/11369-solar-power-systems-101/pages/1 Article solar, energy Solar energy can be used to do all sorts of work around the house, from providing electricity for lights and appliances to warming a pool, spa, shower or room. But how well a solar system works for you will depend upon dozens of factors, including where you live, your exposure to the sun, your electric rate, what you pay for heating fuel, your budget and your commitment to drawing on the sun’s energy rather than your current providers. The heart of any active solar system, regardless of whether it is providing electricity or heat, is the collector (sometimes called a panel or module). Passive systems rely on natural forces to operate, such as the movement of heat from cold to hot and the fact that hot fluids rise. Conversely, an active system requires other equipment, such as blowers, pumps, and inverters, to use the energy you capture from the sun.  COMMON TYPES OF COLLECTORS There are essentially two types of solar collectors, electric (those converting the sun's rays into electricity) and thermal (those that convert it to heat). Both are typically found on roofs, though the arrays may be ground- or pole-mounted as well. Solar electric panels (sometimes referred to as PV or photovoltaic modules) are typically composed of solar cells—tile-sized silicone wafers, wired and assembled into a panel or module. They often have a blue or green cast but can be black as well. The most common types of residential solar electric collectors are: • Crystalline PV modules
 comprise the vast majority of solar electric collectors on the market. They are made by slicing manmade silicon crystal ingots, or loaves, into wafers, each carrying a positive and negative electron. Wafers are wired together to form modules and modules are wired together to form arrays. When the wafers are struck by sunlight, an electric current runs from the front contacts to the back contacts, distributing the charge from module to module. • Thin-film modules and laminates
 are made by depositing various semi-conductor materials in very thin layers on various substrates, including glass and flexible backings. They too produce electricity. If the semi-conductor material is protected by glass, the thin-film solar collectors are referred to as modules. When the semi-conductor material has a flexible protective cover, they are called laminates.  Thin-film modules and laminates account for a small fraction of total solar module sales, however, partly due to the fact that they require up to four times more roof space to produce the same kW-hr/yr output. The residential application that has drawn the greatest interest for thin-film PV is on standing-seam metal roofs (between the vertical seams) and as solar shingles. Solar thermal collectors are used for heating applications, are generally bulkier, and stand off the roof a little more. There are plenty of exceptions, though. Some thermal collectors look like big, flat boxes or have cylindrical tanks attached to them. Others consist of a series of large glass tubes. The most common types of solar thermal collectors include: • Thermal flat-plate collectors, designed for heating, are typically 4"- to 5"-thick rectangular enclosures with glass covers on top. Inside the enclosure is a blackened absorber sheet with integral passages through which a liquid flows to draw away the sun’s heat. The heated liquid may then be used for domestic water or for space heating. Tubing travels through the collector enclosure, so it can be connected to additional collectors as well as to the supply and return mains. The liquid that circulates through the collector is usually water or antifreeze (glycol), or a combination of the two. • Evacuated tube collectors, a newer type of thermal collector, is made from a row of evacuated tubes, each with its own absorber plate and tubing. Liquid removes heat from the absorber plate, just as it does with a conventional thermal collector. The use of evacuated-tube collectors has increased in recent years, but they still represent a small percent of today’s market. • Unglazed thermal collectors are typically extruded from a black polymer and include a series of tubes through which the liquid to be heated can be pumped. Unglazed thermal collectors are suited for low-temperature applications, such as those used to heat swimming pools and spas. • Hot air collectors tend to be larger than collectors that heat liquid, sometimes covering an entire exterior wall of a building. Consequently they are more often used in commercial applications. Some hot air collectors, also called 'air-cooled' collectors, are glazed. Such collectors are used for space heating. There’s not a lot that can go wrong with them, because freezing and overheating are not issues. HOW SOLAR SYSTEMS WORK Solar electric collectors convert solar radiation directly to electricity, which may be used immediately, stored in batteries, or sent to the electric grid. In the latter case, the homeowner receives credit for what is produced, thereby lowering his electric bill. In effect, the utility company serves as storage for electricity that’s produced during periods of the day when you don’t need it. The grid is also there as a backup for cloudy periods, when you aren’t producing much solar electricity. Thermal collectors convert solar energy to heat. Radiation strikes the absorber plate, and heat is drawn away by liquid or air. Provisions must be made to deal with the overheating of liquid-cooled systems, when there is no demand for heat. If water is used, provisions for freezing must be made. The heat may be used immediately or stored for later use. In solar hot water heating systems, a tank stores the hot water. In the case of swimming pools, the pool acts as the storage tank. In solar space heating, the heat may be stored in large tanks of water or in some type of masonry, including bins filled with stone. The heated air can be distributed to various rooms by ducts or pipes in much the same way as conventional heating systems. BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT Various federal and state incentives may be available to homeowners wishing to install a solar system. You can find out what’s available in your area by going to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).  In general, domestic hot water heating and swimming pool heating applications have the shortest paybacks (5 to 7 years) and require the smallest investments ($3,000 to $10,000 before incentives). Installations cost less in climates where freezing temperatures are not an issue. Solar electricity installations that would satisfy a significant portion of your electrical needs require much larger investments, although component costs have dropped in recent years. If done during construction, costs are significantly lower.  Leasing programs, if available in your area, also dramatically reduce the cost of installing a system. Solar space heating also requires a large investment, unless you simply want to warm up one or two rooms on the south side of your house. Regardless of what type of solar system you’re contemplating, begin conserving energy now. It costs a lot less to turn off lights, take shorter showers, and insulate the attic and walls than it does to install an array of solar collectors! Considering solar for your home?  Find a professional contractor in your area, here. Author Note: In addition to being a frequent contributor to BobVila.com, Joe Provey is co-author, with Everett M. Barber, of Convert Your Home To Solar Energy (The Taunton Press, 2010) If a messy garage is driving you crazy, here’s how to steer things back on course. Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:29:30 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/10918-3-steps-to-a-successful-garage-makeover/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/10918-3-steps-to-a-successful-garage-makeover/pages/1 Article garages, remodeling Let’s face it. For most of us, the garage serves as a dumping ground for old paint, broken toys, and boxes of clothes awaiting a ride to the local thrift store. No wonder our vehicles feel the squeeze—provided they can fit inside the garage at all. If the thought of organizing your garage fills you with dread, take courage. Here’s how to break the task into three steps, so you can curb the chaos once and for all: 1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER Begin with a serious cleaning, if possible hauling everything onto the driveway. Group items you’re eliminating into four piles: toss, recycle, donate or sell. “Be brutal when you are sorting,” advises Erin Gentry, Associate Public Relations and Consumer Engagement Manager at Rubbermaid. “Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year.” If parting with perfectly good items proves paralyzing, find motivation in a moneymaking garage sale or gain satisfaction from helping a favorite charity. Here are additional sources to get you started: • 1-800-GOT-JUNK: This national franchise will remove everything from appliances to tires to trash, donating and recycling whatever is possible. (Ask the hauler to obtain a tax receipt if you are donating to a charity.) • earth911.org: Check here to find local recycling centers where you can safely dispose of paint and chemicals.• donationtown.org: Use this site to match your items with a local charity and arrange pickup. Slideshow: 10 "Neat" Garage Storage Solutions 2. MAKE A PLAN Now that the garage is empty, avoid the common mistake of hastily rushing out to buy organizational products. First consider whether the space could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Then begin grouping items by task or interest. “Your pots, fertilizer, and garden hose should be grouped together for a gardening zone,” says Tim Keaton, Head of Brand and Product Marketing for Gladiator/GarageWorks. “And your golf clubs, soccer balls, and baseball bats should be kept together for a sporting zone.” Other logical zone groupings include holiday decorations, kids stuff, and a workshop area with space for a sturdy bench, plus pegboard or cabinets. Once you’ve determined what zones you’ll need, work logically to fit them in where they’ll be easiest to access. For instance, it makes sense to keep garden equipment and the lawn mower by the door leading to the yard. Plan to store frequently used items close at hand. Stash seasonal items like holiday lights in higher, harder-to-reach spaces. In fact, thinking vertical is key. “Look up and you’ll find a ton of wasted space,” says Keaton. “Using vertical space leads to creating more useable space. In addition to hanging rakes and tools, consider hanging up your bikes and wheelbarrow.” Hoists and overhead racks maximize space near the ceiling. 3. CHOOSE TAILORED SOLUTIONS Now that you have a plan, put it into action with smart organizational products that require minimal effort to use. The good news is there are plenty of options, from inexpensive DIY hooks and chrome racks to customized, professionally installed systems priced in the thousands. Here are key categories worth considering: Wall systems, such as those from GarageTek, Rubbermaid, Schulte and Gladiator/GarageWorks, wrap any or all sides of your garage with panels that can be outfitted with your choice of accessories, including ball holders, bins, cabinets and hooks. Though some systems can be priced in the thousands, they do offer excellent flexibility and get everything organized and off the floor. Models that use tracks or rails are easiest to install. Storage cabinets range from freestanding units to modular wall-hung models. Locked cabinets are ideal for storing toxic items, while tall cabinets make great use of vertical space. Look for the versatility of adjustable shelves to ensure you can store everything from camping gear to automotive parts. Workbenches provide an ideal spot for home improvement projects, repairs, and woodworking. Models may be wood or steel and might include cabinets, lighting, or pegboard backs. Racks help get all kinds of items off the floor. Specialty racks include space-saving corner models and overhead platforms that attach to the ceiling. The latter is ideal for holding memorabilia or off-season sports equipment. Shelves are among the most common and versatile storage solutions, providing “see, grab, and go” functionality that keeps frequently used items at the ready. Choose from metal, plastic, wire and wood models in freestanding or wall-mounted options. Invest in deep shelves for larger items like snow tires. Hooks are easy to use and inexpensive, and in different sizes they are tremendously versatile. Small hooks can hang keys, twine, and hand tools, while larger hooks can get bikes, cords, and equipment off the ground. Bins and tubs stash toys, holiday decorations, craft supplies and more. Choose stackable ones with lids to eliminate dust, and be sure to label each clearly to avoid having to dig around. Perforated hardboard offers an easy DIY solution for hanging tools. Pre-drilled holes accept pegs or hooks. Look for options in wood fiber, wood, or metal. Don't miss our roundup of organizing products, 10 "Neat" Garage Storage Solutions , for even more on achieving a clutter-free garage. Prepare your house and garden for the onset of winter, but don't let October pass without enjoying fall's pleasures. Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:36:47 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/9911-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-october/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/9911-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-october/pages/1 Article seasonal If the calendar hasn't convinced you of autumn's arrival, the cooler temps and falling leaves no doubt have. It won't be long before the thermostat will need to be inched up, and the lawn furniture will have to get cleaned, covered, and stored for the winter. This is the month to finish your Fall Home Maintenance checklist (and even tackle some weekend projects). But don't let the time pass without enjoying the simple pleasures of the season, from leaf peeping and apple picking to every kid's favorite—Halloween. Here are my 5 "Must Do" Projects for October.  1. KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING  Since the cost of heating accounts for nearly 50% of your home’s energy costs, it’s important to do everything you can to make certain that your home is weathertight and that your furnace is operating at peak performance. In short, reduce home heating costs. Sealing drafts around windows and doors and installing sufficient insulation, particularly in the attic, are two economical ways to keep your indoor temperatures and energy costs in line. Having your heating system checked by a licensed contractor is a smart fall habit. Heating system, no matter the fuel, will work more efficiently, last longer, and have fewer problems if properly serviced. At the very least, make certain the filter is cleaned or replaced. If you have a wood- or gas-burning fireplace, insert, or stove, make certain it is in good working condition. Examine door gaskets for a tight seal, inspect the glass for cracks, and if the unit is equipped with a blower, make sure the unit is clean and operating smoothly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to have the chimney cleaned by a professional. Lastly, put your ceiling fan to work year-round. By changing the direction of your fan in the winter, you can recirculate the warm air near the ceiling to where it is needed most. Don't have a ceiling fan? You're likely to find a great end-of-season bargain in stores now. 2. PLANT SOME SPRING BULBS For gardeners in areas where the weather has cooled, it’s time to plant bulbs for spring tulips and daffodils. Bulbs are nature’s perfect packages, having all they need to grow inside. All they require is a bright, sunny location and a little soil preparation. The best blooms start with loose soil and a few inches of well-aged compost mixed in. Tulips and daffodils should go in six inches deep and six inches apart. Remember to examine the bulbs before tucking them in—don’t bother using ones that feel squishy or dried out. You can plant through the last week of November, although some gardeners don’t stop until the ground is completely frozen! 3. TACKLE A WEEKEND PROJECT This is a great time to tackle a weekend project. Since adequate storage is every homeowner's biggest complaint, consider building a bookshelf. It is one of the most basic DIY projects imaginable, and one that offers the greatest flexibility in terms of design, materials, tools and level of skill. We discovered 5 "Make in a Weekend" Bookshelf Projects constructed of everything from pipe fittings and cinder blocks to shipping pallets. And if you happen to be in possession of a shipping palette or two, there are many other ways to upcycle them into innovative desks, daybeds, plate racks, kitchen islands and more.  4. READY THE YARD FOR WINTER This is the month to drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws. Cover and store outdoor furniture and barbecues in a protected area. Make sure all soil is emptied from pots, containers, and planters (dirt left in clay pots outside will freeze and cause the pots to crack). Disconnect and store garden hoses. If your home has a separate shut-off for external faucets, turn it off and drain the water from those faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, you may want to call in a professional company to blow out any leftover water in the underground lines. Finally, check to see that all of your snow equipment is close at hand and ready to be put into service. That includes snow blowers as well as shovels and roof rakes.   5. DO SOMETHING FUN WITH THE KIDS In addition to figuring out the scariest, coolest, or most innovative costume for Halloween, this is the time to get creative with some pumpkin carving DIY. Have fun experimenting with concepts and techniques, from drilling and etching to stenciling and old-fashioned carving. Not only is this a great family endeavor, it's a good way to familiarize the kids with basic tools and safety. And remember, even a pumpkin in its natural state can add some beautiful seasonal decoration to a front porch or mantel. Basements offer a bonus for homeowners looking to increase living space. But unlike the rest of the house, these below-grade rooms require thoughtful planning and prep work. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:37:24 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8472-planning-guide-basement-remodeling/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8472-planning-guide-basement-remodeling/pages/1 Article remodeling, basements Do you feel like your home is shrinking? Are the kids growing up and accumulating more stuff? Is your teenager demanding a room of his own? Has the college grad come back to the nest? Are you looking to provide room for an elderly parent or rent out space to help makes ends meet? Regardless of the reason, the space solution may actually be right under your feet. Basements are typically about one third of the entire home’s available space, 600 to 800 sq. ft. in the average home. And while some basements have been finished to create more living area, the majority of these spaces are used as makeshift laundry rooms, home offices, and storage repositories for everything from spare freezers to pantries, paints, and paperwork. In other words, most basements are underused. There are definitely benefits to considering a basement remodel:• Unlike a room addition, there is no need to excavate for new footings or worry about structural loads. • Utilities (including water, electricity, gas and sewer lines) are typically close at hand, further reducing costs.• Heating and cooling loads are relatively light for basements. • Basements almost always have stairs leading to them, unlike many attics (another popular house expansion candidate). Converting a basement, however, is not without its challenges. Below-grade spaces are subject to water and moisture, two common enemies of home construction. Mold and mildew are also common, and natural light is limited. Overhead pipes and ductwork can add further challenges, and if you didn't anticipate a bathroom when the house was built, the basement toilet may have to flush up.  DEALING WITH THE WET AND DAMP Before embarking on a basement conversion, get serious about waterproofing. If water periodically wells up between the slab and foundation wall, or there are cracks in the foundation, you will need to call in a contractor or basement waterproofing company for advice. They will be able to tell you whether the source of water is an easy one to stem—it can be as simple as gutters and downspouts not doing their jobs—or whether it’s more serious. Related: 10 "Neat" Garage Storage Solutions In many cases, a below-slab perimeter drain leading to a sump pit with at least two pumps (primary and backup) is the answer. The sump pit should be installed in the lowest part of the room perimeter and set-up to discharge water outside in the most efficient manner. Many finished basements build a closet around the sump pit. Regardless of how you conceal it, be sure to allow for easy access. Groundwater isn’t the only source of dampness and moisture in a basement. Plumbing leaks and condensation are two other common sources. A good waterproofing contractor can install water alerts in your laundry area and near water heater tanks to warn you of a leak before it can cause major damage. He can also recommend a self-draining, high-capacity dehumidifier to further remedy moisture issues. BUILDING WITH WATERPROOF MATERIALS When finishing a basement, it’s smart to use materials that can stand up to water and moisture. Conventional materials like drywall, wood framing, and MDF moldings are not necessarily the best choices in below-grade applications. That's why several companies offer complete basement finishing systems that include waterproof wall panels, moisture-proof drop ceilings, mold-proof PVC moldings and water-resistant underfloor systems; everything to reduce the risk from water damage. Owens Corning offers an insulated wall panel for basement conversion composed of compressed fiberglass lined by vinyl on the finished side. It attaches to block and poured concrete foundation walls with special channels. If you need access to electrical wires or plumbing behind the panels, you can remove them. The panels are non-flammable, impact resistant, won’t trap water vapor, and don’t support mold. They may, however, be damaged in a flood if left standing in water for any length of time. Total Basement Finishing (TBF), a Basement Systems, Inc. company, offers a highly impact-resistant cement panel backed by rigid foam insulation. It's strong enough to support anything you’d hang on a conventionally framed wall. Precut channels make wiring easy. And a linen-look vinyl skin in white and beige covers the finished side. TBF panels can be installed in floor and ceiling tracks independent of the foundation wall, or they can be attached directly to foundation walls. The system is versatile enough that you can leave a portion of your basement unfinished, or divide the space into rooms, or even erect closets. In addition to various versions of its wall panels, TBF offers a menu of other basement remodeling products, including finished stair kits, drop ceilings, and waterproof flooring. The parent company, Basement Systems, is a nationwide network of waterproofing contractors, so it’s likely that the TBF dealer in your area will be able to help with basement waterproofing, too. Related: Easy Laundry Room Storage Ideas Do-it-yourselfers looking to save some money will want to consider basement wall panels made of magnesium oxide, like those from Wahoo Walls. When adhered to polystyrene insulation, MgO boards insulate to R-11. They are well-suited to damp areas, are mold- and mildew-resistant, and are easy to cut and install. Plus, they can be painted. The boards install in L-shaped steel brackets screwed to the slab and joists, which have pre-cut wiring and cable channels. Panels for interior partitions are also available without the insulation. The company offers excellent installation instructions.  COMPENSATE FOR LIMITED LIGHTING Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a walkout basement, where one or more walls are above-grade and can accommodate large windows and glazed doors, natural lighting is going to be limited in your basement to a handful of small windows. Fortunately, dropped or suspended ceilings, common in basements, can easily and attractively accommodate recessed can, track, and fluorescent troffer fixtures.  Designers recommend lots of perimeter lighting as well, including sconces, recessed spotlights, and fluorescent tubes or LED wall washers hidden behind coves. By lighting the walls, you can simulate natural ambient light and make the space seem bigger. DEALING WITH DUCTS AND BEAMS Accommodating ductwork and beams is often a challenge. Painting them to match the ceiling is a common approach. Another is to paint them in bright playful colors. So is boxing the ducts in with soffits, or wood-framed enclosures covered with drywall or MDF. Keep in mind, however, that duct enclosures cannot extend more than 6 inches below the minimum 7-ft. allowable ceiling height. If there are ducts that are hanging too low, sometimes they can be split into smaller ducts. Wider and flatter replacement ducts can also be installed to gain a few inches of headroom. Whatever you do, check with your local building department before beginning work to be sure your plan conforms to building codes. WHEN DRAINS MUST GO UP Basement bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens, common features in many conversions, are straightforward with regard to hot and cold water supply lines, though not always for drainage. If necessary, there are several methods for draining sewage waste and wastewater—especially from toilets—upwards to existing drain lines. The least expensive is a macerating bathroom pump, like those by Saniflo. It turns on automatically to pump toilet waste and grey water from sink, shower, tub or laundry to your sewer line. These units are compact and quiet, typically fitting either directly behind the toilet or behind the wall. CODES AND BASEMENT ROOMS Basement rooms can be used for many purposes: laundry, home theater, game playing, hobbies and crafts, and the list goes on. There are many building codes intended to ensure the safety of occupants that apply to all of the above. They include the use of smoke and CO detectors, GFI receptacles, outside combustion air for the furnace or boiler, materials that resist the spread of fire, minimum room sizes, and emergency window well egress. When choosing contractors to work on your basement conversion, find one who has done the job many times before and who is knowledgeable about applicable codes. Do not work with a contractor who says you can convert a basement without pulling permits. Thanks to thoughtful material choices and a spacious contemporary design, a streamlined addition to an 18th-century farmhouse stylishly connects the old and new. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:55:31 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8475-an-18th-century-stone-farmhouse-reborn/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8475-an-18th-century-stone-farmhouse-reborn/pages/1 Article architecture, house tours Over the past 20 years, Jeffery Wyant and Maria Keares Wyant of Wyant Architecture in Philadelphia have become known for their clean, uncomplicated solutions to tricky design dilemmas.  Not long ago, the enterprising team put their skills to the test, when new clients asked them to enlarge the footprint of their 18th-century farmhouse in Elverson, Pennsylvania. “The couple wanted an addition sympathetic to the original architecture, but they didn’t just want to replicate what they already had,” says Jeffrey. Built in the late 1700s, the two-story stone farmhouse had a cramped, compartmentalized layout with six-over-six double-hung windows that didn’t let in much light. While the architects tried to honor the provenance of the existing structure, they also wanted to create a new space for the family that was bright, spacious, and contemporary.  “We ultimately decided to make only minor modifications to the original living space and instead open it onto the new addition,” says Maria. Because the low ceilings of the existing house didn’t lend themselves to large, gracious spaces, the couple lowered the ground floor of the new addition to gain a more generous ceiling height on the first floor, and also opted for vaulted ceilings on the second level. The addition, which features a sleek master suite and a light-filled great room, expanded the family’s living space by roughly 2,000 square feet. Besides creating more expansive common areas, one of the architects’ main goals was to redesign and re-orient the entryway. As it was, the front entrance faced out toward the road, but the driveway led straight to the back door, which, by default, had become the family’s primary entrance. To remedy this, Jeffrey and Maria sited the new addition at a perpendicular angle to the back of the farmhouse, thus creating a front entrance the family could access from the existing driveway. Slideshow: Tour the Farmhouse Addition The reconfigured entrance serves to tie the old and new structures together. “When we drafted the plans for the new entryway,” Maria says, “we wanted the connection between the addition and the original structure to be very thin and glassy, with the glass itself becoming a design element that served as a separator.”  This transparency was achieved by flanking the door with fixed casement windows from Pella's Architect Series. The aluminum-clad windows rise to the second floor, forming a clerestory beneath the roofline, then wrap around the side of the house to fill in the master bedroom gable. “When we first described our idea about the windows to the owners, we used the analogy of a baseball,” remembers Jeffrey, who likens the flow of the glass across the addition to how the leather of a baseball is bound together by one continuous stitch of thread. “All in all, Maria and I felt the windows made the whole composition feel lighter, like the roof was almost floating on top of the stone wall,” Jeffrey says. In terms of materials, the husband-and-wife team united the exterior of the structures by sheathing the new addition with nearly identical stones purchased from a neighboring farm. Riffing off the house’s original copper downspouts, the Wyants chose a standing-seam copper roof, which they extended down to create the wall at the rear elevation of the addition. “The copper will age and patina,” says Jeffrey. “It was shiny and bright when we first installed it, but it oxidized right away to this warm, bronze color.”  Instead of wood, a Burlington Stone from Stone Source was used on the ground level and the terrace beyond the great room’s glass wall. “The terrace flows out of the family room and is protected on three sides—by the addition, a wing off the 18th-century structure, and the stone guest house—so it feels very intimate, which is nice, since the farmland beyond it is so open and vast,” notes Maria.  The couple also installed a traditional Japanese-style rain chain on the terrace. “The chain hangs away from the building and becomes a water feature in stormy weather. The water’s both visible and audible, as it travels down the chain into the stone drainage bed below,” says Maria. Besides the spacious master bedroom and its 400-square-foot deck, the second level of the addition includes a home office and a wide stair hall that connects the original and new portions of the house. Sustainable palm wood paves the floors. And the striking staircase features reclaimed lumber for the treads and a custom-designed railing made from plate steel.  Outfitted with a freestanding soaking tub, the open-design master bath pairs standard-issue white tiles with Erin Adams' Zen Weave graphic tiles from Anne Sacks, not to mention 12-by-24-inch porcelain tiles with a copper patina, installed horizontally. “We’re fortunate our clients were so open-minded. They gave us the freedom to design something modern and contemporary and in contrast to the historic structure,” says Jeffrey. “I think everyone was proud of the outcome.” For a virtual house tour, click here. To learn more about the architects and other projects, visit Wyant Architecture. Unsure about wood countertops? Our expert weighs in. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:53:53 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8462-wood-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8462-wood-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1 Article kitchen, materials, countertops When it comes to naturally beautiful countertops, it’s hard to beat the warmth and character of wood. Before you opt for wood as a counter surface, though, it’s helpful to know its benefits and drawbacks. To gain a deeper understanding of the material's pros and cons, we reached out to New York architect Andrew Franz for his insight. Read on to find out if wood countertops are the right choice for you.  What woods can be used for countertops? While maple and bamboo may be the most popular species on account of their availability and sustainability, many hardwoods are equally well-suited for countertops. A lot has to do with the look and use or regional preferences. Local woods, such as mesquite in the Southwest, can perform just as well as black walnut or cherry. Many FSC-certified or reclaimed woods are also good choices and meet LEED certification guidelines for sustainability. Softwoods like pine are generally not appropriate or high-performing. Slideshow: 12 Wow-Worthy Woods for Kitchen Countertops What makes wood a good countertop material?  It is readily available and sustainable and comes in an endless variety of colors, species, shapes and finishes. It’s warmer to the touch than any other counter surface. It can be cut, fabricated, and installed easily by a carpenter, so it may be less expensive and faster to procure and install than stone and solid surface alternatives. The color and character improve with age. And it can be sanded, refinished, and touched up with relative ease. What are its pros? You can cut and eat and do almost anything on it. It's also quieter; you won’t hear banging or clinking sounds when pans or glasses are placed on it (and breakage is less likely should glasses or other items fall). Wood is not vulnerable to citrus, as some stones are, and many species are naturally heat-resistant.  When properly sealed, it also offers natural, anti-bacterial benefits.  Lastly, with so many looks—striped, end-grain cubes, solid tops with "live edge" detailing—wood countertops are as comfortable in modern kitchens as they are in traditional ones.  Its cons? The best finishes are the natural ones that require oiling 2-3 times a year—or more. Some people don't like so-called live finishes. Wood must also be kept dry around sink areas and after spills. What about cost? Well-fabricated solid butcher block or wood countertops are made to order and use high-grade woods that have been dried and sorted for long wear. All surfaces must be carefully finished with multiple coats of oil or sealer prior to installation to prevent damage from water or heat. Cost of materials is in the range of $50-$100 per square foot, but this price varies depending on location and species.  Talk to a reputable installer to get more detailed information. Click here to see a dozen examples of wood species appropriate for countertop applications. Want more? Check out our buyer's guide to Granite Countertops. From their travel trailer beginnings, "mobile" homes have evolved into finely tuned, and in some cases luxurious, permanent abodes. Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:54:52 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8405-mobile-homes-then-and-now/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8405-mobile-homes-then-and-now/pages/1 Article prefab, architectural history In Elkhart, IN, at the Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Housing (RV/MH) Hall of Fame, resident historian Al Hesselbart has created a library dedicated to the evolution of the mobile home. Having begun the job with no prior knowledge of the subject, Hesselbart read all of the books before putting them on the shelves. Now the self-taught authority makes frequent public appearances, has been inducted into the Tin Can Tourists Hall of Fame, and will be giving a keynote speech at China’s first national RV conference in Beijing. Hesselbart is good for a dynamic industry that still suffers from stigma ("trailer trash"), myth ("factory-built homes are not as strong as traditional homes"), and general confusion—is a manufactured home a vehicle or a house? Though the metal trailers of yore bear little resemblance to the energy-efficient open-floor-plan manufactured homes of today, outdated attitudes and judgments remain. Hesselbart and industry executives, passionate architects and designers, the Manufactured Housing Industry (MHI) and state-level trade organizations are all on a collaborative mission to inform about the past, present, and future value of manufactured housing. Slideshow: Manufactured Housing Through the Years SOME MOBILE HOME HISTORY In the beginning, trailer travel was primarily recreational, as vacationers realized that it was a fun, budget-friendly way to tour the country. When the Depression hit, however, families who had lost jobs and homes packed their lives into these crowded campers. Though originally never intended as full-time dwellings, manufacturers identified this as a new trend. The trailer home rose to the occasion during WWII as emergency housing on military bases and employee lodging near factories engaged in war production. With hundreds of manufacturers dispersed throughout the country, portable trailers were conveniently and quickly wheeled to locations, and over time, average square footage increased and livability improved. By the 50s and 60s, trailers were viable domiciles and mobile home 'parks' had sprouted up along the outskirts of thousands of towns. A typical park had a central shower and laundry facility with outhouses placed between every two units. The mobile home offered modest, affordable housing for young and old alike in all regions of the country. In June 1976, the term "mobile" was officially set aside and replaced with "manufactured", as The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set national standards to improve the quality and safety of these homes. Bruce Savage, industry veteran and consultant to the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) explains, "The HUD code has evolved, and the guidelines are fairly strict, but how they are achieved is up to the manufacturer." A certification tag attached to each transportable section verifies inspection to this standard. Since 1976, the HUD Code has been updated several times. MANUFACTURED HOMES TODAY Building homes in a factory makes sense. Joe Stegmayer, CEO of Cavco, says the factory construction process is "efficient and consistent." At Cavco, it takes on average 7-10 days to complete a solid, system-tested home with a relatively high degree of finishing (painted dry wall, appliances installed, window treatments hung). In a controlled environment, homes are built by the same skilled workers every day, no matter the weather; materials are purchased in large quantities and delivered hassle-free; and precise measurements translate into reduced waste and a tight build. Once delivered, a manufactured home can be hard to distinguish from a traditional site-built one. Savage says, "The enhanced aesthetics make these homes easy to place in traditional communities, both suburban and urban."  Tony Lucas, Cavco senior architect/designer, works with developers around the country designing regionally styled elevations. He welcomes the challenges—designing profiles for challenging sites, for example, or utilizing materials that are attractive but also high-performing. One example of mobile home design ingenuity: Hinged roofs enable homes to be elevated at installation while still managing to meet transport requirements. Siding options, once aluminum and vinyl only, now include stucco, brick, and rock. Photos credits: Vintage ad courtesy of Portable Levittown ; manufactured home, bottom, Cavco. Inside of a manufactured home, architect Tony Lucas says the greatest stride has been the transition to sheetrock. Suzanne Felber, a.k.a. The Lifestylist, stages model homes and loves the mainstream fixtures, fittings, and decorative options now available. Concrete countertops, tiled backsplashes, and large kitchen islands are increasingly common. As Felber says, "The industry is incorporating trends that we see everywhere." Despite all the style changes, the tell-tale sign of a manufactured home is the permanent chassis. At Paradise Cove and Point Dume Club, two mobile home parks in Malibu, CA, David Carter sells million-dollar trailers. "Buyers strip the old mobile homes down to the metal chassis, build out to the maximum allowed, and then put a regular stick building on top," Carter says. People own the homes and lease the land (for up to $3,000 per month, depending on the lot's size and location). Across the country, in Palm Beach County, FL, Mayor Roger Bennet presides over the town of Briny Breezes, a 488-home mobile park community. Tin Can Tourists from the North started to stake out Briny in the 30s, back when it was little more than farmland. The community later thrived as a tropical paradise for snowbirds, or "Whiny Geezers" as Mayor Bennet’s daughter teasingly dubbed them.  Briny residents own their homes and have shares in the co-op that owns the land. In 2007, developers sought to buy out the Briny-ites. Mayor Bennet laughs, "We used to be a trailer park, and then all of a sudden we’re a quaint seaside village." The deal fell through along with the economy. While the desire to live beach-front has led some to places like Briny Breezes and Paradise Cove, the typical park dweller has other priorities. Kevin Flaherty, VP marketing at Champion says, "In the family communities, people are looking for an affordable home with security. In the adult community, they are often driven by a desire to minimize their housing investment so they can protect their savings." Flaherty adds, "Buyers appreciate that they can purchase just the home and not have to liquidate as much money, since they are renting the lot." While the construction of manufactured homes has gotten more solid, Toni Gump, former editor of Upwardly Mobile magazine, believes the future of mobile home communities is getting shaky. Speaking about the situation in California, Gump says, "Many of the oldies are disappearing, since the county or city doesn't get enough tax money from them and doesn't care about protecting our most vulnerable." She has also witnessed bullying by management companies. On the flip side, Gump says, "The majority of today’s manufactured homes are 'in set.' When they’re placed on regular lots in cities and counties, they avoid a lot of bureaucracy, plus you get a nice home for less." For more on the evolution of factory-built homes, don't miss our Mobile Homes Timeline Photo credits: Briney Breezes, FL, Jane Dagmi; Escape Series Log Cabin, bottom, Champion This month, get a jump on fall home maintenance; add some seasonal color to your garden and get organized. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:29:22 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8429-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-september/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8429-bob-vila-s-5-must-do-projects-for-september/pages/1 Article seasonal September is a catch-up month! It's a time to finish projects begun in the summer that were never completed. And it's an excellent opportunity to see what can be improved, replaced, or repaired while the weather is still nice enough for outdoor projects. This is is also the perfect month to begin your fall home maintenance checklist, add seasonal color to your garden, and bring organization to your home—and your life. 1. GET A JUMP ON FALL HOME MAINTENANCE While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. A fall checklist will tip you off to little problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. The easiest way to do it is to check from top to bottom. Start with the roof—are your shingles worn? Check for leaks around skylights, vents, and chimneys (and have that chimney cleaned). Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too.  If you live where pipes can freeze, drain your outside hose spigots. Switch your screens for storms and seal any drafty windows or doors. Same goes for paint and siding: Make sure you caulk or repair any gaps, cracks, or holes and re-point any brick surfaces that need it. Paint over your repairs while the weather’s still warm enough to do it, so you’re not looking at them all winter. In the basement, check for dampness, change filters, and have your heating system serviced. Also, check for cracks in the foundation.  Do the top-to-bottom check this fall and you’ll avoid expensive surprises this winter! For more tips on fall home maintenance and a printable checklist, click here. 2. WINTERIZE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE As sad as it is to move indoors after enjoying your outdoor furniture all summer, taking a little extra time to care for your patio set now will keep everything pristine for spring’s return. While most patio and lawn products are manufactured to remain outside for the winter, some precautions may still be required for harsher weather conditions.  Plastic, vinyl, and synthetic wicker can all be easily maintained with some soapy water and a garden hose. But metal, wood, and natural wicker will have more specific maintenance requirements. You can find out how best to care for your outdoor furnishings here. 3. ADD SEASONAL COLOR TO YOUR GARDEN With summer blooms fading, this is the perfect time to boost your garden’s color sense. Mums are a popular choice, and for good reason—they are abundant, easy to care for, and colorful. But consider some other "stars" of the fall landscape, among them Black Eyed Susans, Leedplant, Ornamental Kale and 15 other colorful options. 4. ORGANIZE YOUR GARAGE If your garage has become a catch-all for miscellaneous storage, leaving little to no room for the family car, then now is the time to restore order. Purge items you no longer need and create a plan that will allow you to store more things you do need in a logical way that allows for easy access later on. Look for smart solutions that take advantage of the walls and ceilings and free up valuable floor space. Also, take the guesswork out of locating stored items and be sure to label everything.   5. HOST AN END-OF-SUMMER YARD SALE Looking to clear the clutter (perhaps from you garage)? Make the most of the mild weather to host an end-of-summer yard sale. While it may not put a lot of change in your pocket, it will certainly free up some storage capacity and put your unused goods back into useful circulation. Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:54:16 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8419-bob-vila-s-ge-appliances-home-improvement-give-away-official-rules/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/8419-bob-vila-s-ge-appliances-home-improvement-give-away-official-rules/pages/1 Article Bob Vila’s “GE Appliances Home Improvement Give-Away” (the “Sweepstakes”) is sponsored by BobVila.com, LLC, Post Office Box 835, West Barnstable, MA 02668 (“Sponsor”). The Sweepstakes consists of four (4) separate, successive, random drawings (each a “Drawing” and collectively, the “Drawings”). The Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) on September 1, 2012 and ends at midnight EST on September 28, 2012 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). One Drawing per week will be held during the Sweepstakes Period. The entry period for each weekly Drawing shall begin at 12:00 a.m. EST on each respective Saturday during the Sweepstakes Period and end at midnight EST on the following Friday (each an “Entry Period” and collectively, the “Entry Periods”). NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ONLINE ENTRY ONLY AND INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED. AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM MAY BE REQUIRED. Open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. Employees of Sponsor and its respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies and any other entity involved in the development or administration of this Sweepstakes, and their immediate family members or household members are not eligible to participate in or win the Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any person who fails to meet the eligibility requirements or any person it determines, in its sole discretion, to be sufficiently connected with the Sweepstakes such that such person’s participation could create the appearance of impropriety. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means are void, and Sponsor expressly reserves the right to disqualify any entries that it believes in good faith are generated by an automated program or via scripts. Entries that are determined, in the sole discretion of the Sponsor to constitute advertisements, commercial messages, or “spam” will be disqualified and deleted. Void where prohibited by law. All applicable federal, state and local laws apply. No purchase is necessary to participate in the Sweepstakes. You may enter any given Drawing one (1) time per household per day by visiting the BOB VILA website at http://www.bobvila.com and submit your name and email address using the online “GE Appliances Home Improvement Give-Away” submission form. Each entry submitted in response to a Drawing and in accordance with the Official Rules will constitute an official entry. Duplicate entries submitted through either method within one day will be deemed void. If you do not have internet access, alternative means of entry for each Drawing is available by faxing your name, address and phone number to the Sponsor at 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Up to two (2) alternative entries per household per day. Any additional entries submitted via fax within one day will be deemed void. Entries received after the end of the Sweepstakes Period will be deemed void. Normal time, toll, connection and usage rates, if any, charged by your Internet service provider will apply. All entries become the property of the Sponsor. By entering any Drawing during the Sweepstakes, you will be agreeing that any information collected in connection with the Sweepstakes may be used by Sponsor in accordance with BobVila.com, LLC’s Privacy Policy, a current copy of which can be found here. By participating, all entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules. At the end of each Entry Period, there will be one (1) drawing in which one (1) potential winner (“Winner”) shall be selected from all eligible entries received for each prize available during that Entry Period by employees or representatives of the Sponsor to receive the prize designated for the Drawing for that Entry Period. Each winning entry will be chosen at random. The number of eligible entries received during the Entry Period for a Drawing determines the odds of winning for that Drawing. The Sweepstakes will be conducted under the supervision of the Sponsor. If the Winner is determined to be ineligible, forfeits or does not claim the prize, the prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion based on a subsequent drawing from the pool of eligible entries. Other restrictions may apply. Decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding with respect to all matters related to the Sweepstakes. All prizes (or in the event of a lost, misdirected, or otherwise unavailable prize, a prize of equivalent value) will be awarded. In no event shall the Sponsor be obligated to award more prizes than the number of prizes stated in these Official Rules. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize. To receive a complete list of winners or a copy of the Official Rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Prize Fulfillment, BobVila.com, LLC, PO Box 835 Barnstable, MA 02668. Specify winner’s list or rules on your request. The Winners will be notified by email, or in the case of alternate entry, by phone; Sponsor reserves the right to determine the method of notification. Winners must claim their respective prize within twenty-four (24) hours after the date of notification of their prize. A Winner’s failure to respond to the prize notification within the specified twenty-four (24) hours will be considered such Winner’s forfeiture of the prize and an alternate Winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate Winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. Sponsor reserves the right to ship prizes directly to the mailing and/or email address (as applicable) provided by Winners during their entry to the Drawings. The prize for the first Drawing during the Sweepstakes Period shall be 1 (one) GE Dishwasher (Model GDT550HGD) with an approximate retail value of $699; the prize for the second Drawing during the Sweepstakes Period shall be 1 (one) GE Profile Slide-in Electric Double Oven (Model PS978STSS) with an approximate retail value of $2,799; the prize for the third Drawing during the Sweepstakes Period shall be one (1) GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater (Model GEH50DEEDSR) with an approximate retail value of $1,199; and the prize during the fourth Drawing during the Sweepstakes Period shall be one (1) GE Profile Front-Load Washer with Steam and SmartDispense Technology (Model PFWS4600LWW) with a retail value of $1,299 and companion GE Profile Front-Load Dryer (Model PFDS450ELWW) with a retail value of $1,099. Prizes are not transferable. Limit one prize per entrant. Actual retail value may vary. Winner will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value. GE has 30 days from official end of Sweepstakes (September 28th) to deliver prizes to respective winners. Prize is product only and does not include installation. An entrant or winner may be disqualified from the Sweepstakes, and his or her entry may be deleted, if he or she fails to comply with each provision of these Official Rules, as determined in the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Participation in the Sweepstakes is at entrant’s own risk. Sponsor shall not be liable for (1) failed, returned or misdirected notifications based on inaccurate information provided by the winner on the Drawings entry forms, (2) entries and responses to winner notifications which are lost, late, incomplete, illegible, unintelligible, postage-due, misdirected, damaged or otherwise not received by the intended recipient in whole or in part or for computer or technical error of any kind, (3) any electronic miscommunications or failures, technical hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in part or wholly in the Sweepstakes, (4) any technical malfunctions of the telephone network, computer on-line system, computer equipment, software, program malfunctions or other failures, delayed computer transactions or network connections that are human, mechanical or technical in nature, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from downloading any part of this Sweepstakes or (5) any warranty of fitness or merchantability of any prize or the function or operation thereof, which shall be the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of the prize. Sponsor does not make any, and hereby disclaims any and all, representations or warranties of any kind regarding any prize. Unless prohibited by applicable law, your entry constitutes your permission to use your name, photograph, likeness, voice, address (city and state) and testimonials in all media, in perpetuity, in any manner Sponsor deems appropriate for publicity purposes without any further compensation to such entrant. By entering or accepting a prize in the Sweepstakes, Winners agree to be bound by these Official Rules and to conform to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. When applicable, the Winner (or, if the Winner is a minor, the Winner’s parent or legal guardian) may be required to execute and return to Sponsor within three (3) business days an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability and Publicity Release and relevant tax forms to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner may be selected. Winner may be required to furnish proof of identity, address and birth date in order to receive a prize. By entering, an entrant agrees to indemnify, release and hold harmless Sponsor and each of its respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliated entities, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, agents, and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any damage, injury, death, loss, claim, action, demand, or other liability (collectively, “Claims”) that may arise from their acceptance, possession and/or use of any prize or their participation in the Sweepstakes, or from any misuse or malfunction of any prize awarded, regardless of whether such Claims, or knowledge of the facts constituting such Claims, exist at the time of entry or arise at any time thereafter. Released Parties are not responsible or liable to any entrant or to any Winner or any person claiming through such Winner for failure to supply the prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action, regulation, order or request by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action, regulations, order or request proves to be invalid), equipment failure, threatened terrorist acts, terrorist acts, air raid, blackout, act of public enemy, earthquake, war (declared or undeclared), fire, flood, epidemic, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal) labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond the Released Parties’ sole control. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing, electronic or human errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (2) viruses or technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; failed, incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate, garbled or delayed electronic communications or entry information, any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, failures or technical malfunction of any computer online systems, servers, providers, computer equipment, software, email, players or browsers, whether on account of technical problems, traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or on account of any combination of the foregoing; (3) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions or telephone or Internet service; (4) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; (5) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; (6) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use or misuse of any prize; or (7) late, lost, misdirected, illegible, incomplete or mutilated entries or for theft, destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries. These indemnification and release provisions shall survive expiration of the Sweepstakes. Persons found tampering with, abusing, or otherwise disrupting any aspect of this Sweepstakes, or otherwise attempting to defraud Sponsor, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and their entries will be deleted. If disqualified, Sponsor reserves the right to terminate the entrant’s eligibility to further participate in this Sweepstakes and future promotions and sweepstakes of Sponsor or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Any attempt by an entrant or any other individual to undermine the legitimate operation of this Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Sweepstakes is strictly for promotional and entertainment purposes and may not be used in connection with any form of gambling. In the event this Sweepstakes is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority, Sponsor reserves the right to terminate the Sweepstakes, or to disqualify entrants residing in the affected geographic areas. In such event, the Sponsor shall have no liability to any entrants who are disqualified due to such an action. Sponsor reserves the right to modify these Official Rules in any way or at any time. Sponsor reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this Sweepstakes should viruses, bugs or other causes beyond their control corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the Sweepstakes. In the event any portion of this Sweepstakes is compromised by any non-authorized human intervention, actions of entrants, or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which, in the sole opinion of Sponsor, corrupt or impair the integrity, administration, security, or operation of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend, modify, abbreviate or terminate the Sweepstakes without further obligation. If Sponsor elects to abbreviate the Sweepstakes, Winner(s) will be determined from all eligible entries received for Drawing(s) prior to the action or compromise giving rise to the suspension or termination of this Sweepstakes. In the event of cancellation, abbreviation or suspension, Sponsor shall promptly post a notice on the Sweepstakes entry page to such effect. This Sweepstakes shall be governed by New York law. By participating in this Sweepstakes entrants agree that New York courts shall have jurisdiction over any dispute or litigation arising from or relating to this Sweepstakes and that venue shall be only in New York City, New York. The failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any part of these Official Rules is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that part will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the remainder of these Official Rules will remain fully in force. While there are many bathroom floor tile options, knowing the pros and cons for each will help you make the right choice in your home. Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:55:20 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/7725-bathroom-floor-tile-which-is-best-for-your-bath/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/7725-bathroom-floor-tile-which-is-best-for-your-bath/pages/1 Article bathroom, tile, how to, choose Bathroom floor tile is available in a surprising number of materials. Ceramic, porcelain, and vinyl tiles are what come to mind first, and for good reason. They are the most popular choices and perhaps the most practical. But there are many options available today, from wood and cork to stone and glass. Here is a quick guide to help you determine the best floor tile for your bath.  VINYL TILES Vinyl is the most popular bathroom flooring material, because of its low cost and high degree of practicality. It is well-suited for every bathroom in the house, from the master bath to the powder room. Hands down, it beats other popular choices for safety, comfort, and durability. Almost as important, vinyl tiles have come a long way in aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. The material is self-adhering and can be cut with a utility knife. Prices start at $.95 per square foot. CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILES Nothing looks better than ceramic or porcelain, whether your tastes run to stone or wood lookalikes or brilliant colors and surprising patterns. Ceramics score high with regard to maintenance, too, but they are not nearly as comfortable to the bare foot as vinyl. Installing radiant floor heat helps to change that, but a hard surface is hard whether or not it’s warm. Ceramics are not as easy to install as vinyl, though it is a job the adventurous do-it-yourselfer can tackle. When protected with a high-grade glaze, ceramic will resist wear and scratches. Porcelain tiles are harder than clay-based tiles and may have through-body color, an advantage if chipping occurs. Prices start at around $1.09 per square foot. Slideshow: Bathroom Floor Tile: 9 Top Options PLASTIC LAMINATE TILES Plastic laminate tiles (more commonly available as planks) are also a good choice, especially if you're remodeling. Similar to the laminate material that covered kitchen countertops for a generation or two, the tiles don't significantly raise the height of the existing floor, which makes it easier to plan transitions from room to room. While durable and easy to keep clean, laminate falls short when it comes to moisture. Standing water can infiltrate the fiberboard core, causing the material to expand and buckle. With laminates, it’s critical to caulk gaps along the walls, around the tub, and surrounding other fixtures to prevent water infiltration. Another con: Laminates don't come in the same variety of styles you’ll find with ceramics and vinyl. From $.49 per square foot. STONE TILES Stone tiles were once confined to the foyer. In the past decade, however, they have become popular in other rooms as well, bathroom included. Made from limestone, marble, granite and slate, stone tiles are available in colors that range from creams to blues, reds, greens and golds. Available textures are nearly as numerous and include cleft, tumbled, sandblasted, etched and flamed variations. Stone requires more maintenance than ceramic tile; regular cleaning and sealing are recommended. Plus, stone is typically more expensive than similar-looking ceramic or porcelain tiles. Prices vary. WOOD FLOOR TILES Wood is only for the fearless. Once water penetrates the finish, it will stain—probably for good. During installation, the wood parquet tiles must be carefully sealed around the room perimeter and at all other joints. Two coats of polyurethane must then be applied as protection. Use it in a powder room but avoid wood floor tile in full baths that get a lot of use. Prices vary. LINOLEUM FLOOR TILES Linoleum is made of linseed oil, cork powder, wood flour, ground limestone and pigments. It is at home in contemporary or retro settings and well-suited to the bathroom. It's touted as naturally inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and being able to repel dust and dirt, all while retaining its color. In my experience, that’s hype. Click-in-place plank designs make it easy to install, and there is no doubt that the stuff looks great. The look comes at a cost, however, as linoleum is relatively expensive. Average cost per square foot: $4. Related: 15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big CORK TILES Cork is warm to the touch and very easy on the feet, and the tiles come tinted in a variety of colors. Installation is not difficult, but if you purchase unfinished tiles, expect to protect them with two coats of polyurethane. Generally, cork tiles are installed with a troweled-on adhesive, but click-in-place floating floor products are also available. Average cost: $2 per square foot. GLASS TILES Glass floor tile is about as different as you can get. Installed properly, this type of tile holds up well and if textured, it can resist slips. Small glass tiles with lots of grout joints are also slip-resistant. The aesthetic appeal is twofold: Covering the floor in a thin layer of glass creates the illusion of depth, and if the glass is tinted, you get a lovely stained-glass effect. Prices vary. Tips: When buying glass, ceramic, or porcelain tile, be sure it’s rated for use on floors. Choose ceramic tile with a grade of 1 or 2 for floors. Ceramic tile also comes with a coefficient of friction (COF). For safety, choose one rated .50 or greater. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating system counts the other way; opt for tiles that are at least PEI III. Whether you’re building or remodeling this highly-coveted spot, you’ll gain valuable living space and serious curb appeal. Mon, 20 Aug 2012 23:00:25 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/4232-porch-style/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/4232-porch-style/pages/1 Article design, deck patio & porch Americans love their porches, and for good reason. This neutral sliver of space between household tasks and yard work practically demands that you stop and relax, sip lemonade, catch up on conversation, breathe some fresh air and take in the view. For many, porches represent an idyll—promoting family time, neighborliness, outdoor living and street-side appeal. No wonder porches are a desirable architectural feature quickly gaining in popularity. Just be sure to make yours at least eight feet deep and choose a style that suits the architectural integrity of your home. For inspiration, here’s a look at four iconic American porch styles: FARMHOUSE PORCH STYLE It doesn’t get much more inviting than the old-fashioned farmhouse porch, with its expansive wrap-around layout and unpretentious style. Initially created to help cool the home’s interior and provide a comfortable respite at day’s end, these covered porches are practical, comfortable, and simple in their trim and design. Country-style porches generally open to the yard, and many are so low that you can safely step off the side to the ground. Raised designs typically feature wood railings and decorative lattice underneath. Screen porches are a nice farmhouse option, and these can sometimes be fashioned using salvaged screen doors. Or opt for a semi-screened look by adding trellises and railing planters between porch posts. Finish out the space with stained or painted wood floors and ceilings personalized with paint or pressed tin. Choose furnishings for comfort and personal style. Wicker is a traditional favorite, but wood, cast iron, and repurposed found objects also work well. Finally, don’t forget the nostalgic finishing touches—a porch swing and a slamming screen door. For more on the history and architectural details of the farmhouse porch, click here. COLONIAL STYLE PORCHES America’s Colonial period brought a melting pot of home design ideas, which in turn produced Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, and other styles. Generally speaking, homes of this era were two stories and symmetrical. As settlers moved onward, however, the style was modified to suit the environment. For instance, in the steamy South, generously sized porches with bold, classical columns were added across the entire front of the house to help people beat the heat. The result? A coveted retreat for Southerners and the birth of one of America’s most beloved porch styles. Colonial porches keep to the architecture’s overall principles of symmetry, formality, and elegant restraint. Columns accomplish much of the visual design work, from massive two-story pillars to simpler paired columns stretching across the home’s facade. If used, wood or aluminum railings typically showcase tasteful Chippendale-style fretwork or herringbone patterns. A central door with fanlight and sidelights add balance. As for palette, crisp white, gray blues, and tans depict classic Colonial colors, as do ceilings that are brushed in haint blue. Furnishings should be gracious and plentiful, including rocking chairs, settees, planters and even lighting. Chandeliers sparkle on grand porches; period-appropriate lanterns and sconces enhance more modest and Early American houses. To ensure a pleasant breeze, you might also consider adding one or more ceiling fans overhead. For more on the history and architectural details of the Colonial-style porch, click here. QUEEN ANNE PORCH STYLE Echoing Victorian-era tastes, Queen Anne architecture reflects a penchant for personal expressiveness and over-the-top decoration. Forget any notion that “less is more.” The ornate wraparound porches and recessed second-story retreats adorning the asymmetrical fronts of Queen Anne homes were designed to impress. Propitiously, advancements in woodworking machinery in the late 1800s made previously expensive ornate porch pieces suddenly affordable, meaning homeowners could now pile it on with eclectic abandon.  Among the fanciful options: delicately turned posts with beveled corners and attached fretwork, railings with flat-sawn balusters, elaborate spindle work, finials, spandrels, corner brackets and friezes. (Victorian millwork is still readily available, but if you want to avoid the painting upkeep of these intricate patterns, consider porch pieces made of high-density urethane instead.) Other embellishments include walls covered with fish-scale shingles or patterned masonry and doors and windows of etched or stained glass, enhanced with generous decorative trim. Bold paint palettes further the busy look. Fortunately, all the fuss on a Queen Anne porch is put to good use, as the space is considered an important outdoor room for entertaining. Look for wrought iron and wicker pieces to seat guests with old-fashioned charm. Containers and colorful plantings add a nice finishing touch, too. For more on the history and architectural details of the Queen Anne-style porch, click here. BUNGALOW PORCH STYLE A notable departure from the mass-produced elements and design excess of the Queen Anne style, Bungalow architecture grew out of California’s Arts and Crafts movement. These affordable cottages with low-pitched roofs feature expansive front porches that open to the yard and garden, expanding the home’s modest living space while also encouraging a strong connection with nature and the neighborhood. In general, Bungalow craftspersons utilize natural and handcrafted materials. The prominent oversize porch columns or pillars, for instance, are usually crafted from brick, wood, or stone (such as local river rock). Also common are battered, or tapered, posts atop a raised brick, stone, or wood pier. Concrete-capped brick knee walls or low, simple railings link the columns. Decorated as though an extension of the adjacent living room, Bungalow porches can be fairly rustic with earthtone palettes, twig or Mission-style furniture, and artisan lighting. Floors are typically wood, plain concrete, or concrete overlaid with ceramic tile, bluestone, fieldstone or brick. For more on the history and architectural details of the Bungalow porch, click here. Researching how to paint a house? Here are eight expert tips to help make the undertaking DIY-manageable. Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:25:10 -0400 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/5404-how-to-paint-a-house/pages/1 http://www.bobvila.com/articles/5404-how-to-paint-a-house/pages/1 Article paint, exteriors, siding, how to Painting your house yourself is a big commitment of time. Just think about it. It can take a professional crew of three a week or roughly 120 man hours to paint an average-size home. If pros take that long, you can be sure it will take you longer. Nevertheless, the rewards are great. With the price tag at $3,000 to $4,000 for painting a house, your savings could be enough to fund a nice little vacation. How much you’ll pocket will depend on how much equipment you’ll have to buy or rent. Whether you’ll have time for that vacation depends upon how efficiently you work. Here are some tips to help you complete the project at near-professional speed while keeping your costs low: 1. Forego a power washer. If you have a one-story home, save the rental fee or purchase price of a power washer. In most cases, you can do a fine job of prepping your house with a hose and a long-handled brush. Mix TSP in a large 5-gallon bucket and use the scrub brush to loosen dirt and stains. Then blast the surface with the hose. Use a pressure washer if you have to reach areas of a second or third story, but be careful, as they can gouge the surface of wood siding if used at 800 psi or higher. 2. Hire a helper. Two will make the job go more than twice as fast. If your helper is young and inexperienced, limit his or her duties to laying tarps, scrubbing, scraping and feathering blister or peeled areas of siding and trim, stirring paint, running errands and cleaning up. 3. Choose a solid-color stain instead of paint for siding. It’s easier to brush on, covers well, and comes in all of the colors that paint does. Best of all, it won’t peel or blister. When it is time to repaint, surface preparation will be reduced by half or more. You can use solid color stain on the trim, too, but it won’t have the glossy finish that most people prefer. 4. Don’t bother with buying or renting spray equipment. It adds to your expense and is difficult to master. Use a roll-and-brush technique instead. Purchase a small 6" roller frame and matching covers for painting trim. Use a 9" (or larger) roller for open, flat areas. Follow up with a brush to ensure coverage on inside corners, gaps, and at joints. Buy several brushes in 2" and 5" sizes. 5. Work from the top down. This approach will let you tackle the tougher aspects of the job while you’re fresh and your concentration is best. Working top-to-bottom also allows you to remove drips as you proceed. Also, be sure to work in the direction of your dominant hand. If you’re a righty, for example, work from left to right. This will keep your body in a safer, more natural position as your work. Always work to a natural break, such as a corner or door. In summer, avoid working in the sun whenever possible. 6. Wear gloves and long sleeves. They’ll save you a lot of time washing your hands and arms at the end of the day. I prefer latex disposables, but cotton painter’s gloves are fine, too. Wear a hat and painter’s pants as well. The hat offers protection from the sun, keeping you more alert. The pants offer leg protection and have large pockets and tool loops. Keep a rag, sandpaper, and a small scraper handy for touching up spots you may have missed during prep. 7. Consider a ladder 'standoff'. Improve the effectiveness of your extension ladder with a ladder standoff. This U-shaped bracket improves ladder stability, puts the work surface