From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:46 AM

Todd Davison from FEMA is with Bob to talk about Hurricane Ivan and the power of storm surge. Ivan, unlike Hurricane Charley, had a very wide path and was slow moving. As a result, the storm surge was tremendous and the damage widespread. In the Florida Panhandle, 15, 000 homes were destroyed an...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:45 AM

Bob stresses the importance of careful planning, vision, creativity, and homeowners' pride of place in creating a sustainable neighborhood. St. Petersburg Neighborhood Housing Services (SPNHS) is encouraging first-time home buyers in Bartlett Park to take charge of their neighborhood in a s...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:44 AM

Bob talks with Suzanne Mitchell and Frank Palmeri of Owens Corning about the basement finishing system. Mitchell explains that the walls are perfect for kids as they are durable and stain resistant. Dirt comes off with just soap and water. Mitchell explains basements can make for difficult remode...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:43 AM

Exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees can cause pipes to freeze and break. A few simple steps can help protect pipes from freezing or defrost them when they do.

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan can bring comfort and energy savings to the home.

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

The technique known as faux painting adds grace and sophistication to any room. These combing effects create rich textures and handmade detail to the wall finish, which cannot be matched by similar wallpaper patterns.

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Microwave ovens are one of those household technologies most of us use a lot but don t really understand: Is nuked food good for you and is exposure to microwaves bad for you? While they are a form of electromagnetic radiation, microwaves are only sligh...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. While it s easy to feel helpless against global warming, there are actually 8 simple things you can do at home to be part of the solution. Energy-saving fluorescent lighting has come a long way. There s a fluorescent bulb to fit almost any fixture insid...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Falling prices are good news if you re house-hunting, but now, more than ever, buyer beware. Most sellers just aren t motivated to do expensive repairs in this market, so problems sometimes get painted over or hidden, and it s up to you to find them. Yo...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Whether you call it a snowblower or a snow thrower, before you shell out for one this winter, make sure you re getting the one you need. If you consistently get more than six inches of snow or your driveway is a long one, you ll need a gasoline-powered ...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Snow clearing can be a very strenuous job, even with the help of a snowblower. If you aren t physically able to do it or just don t want to ever again, you should look into the latest in snow melting technology. The simplest way out is the manually appl...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. A home journal is a great way to keep on top of home maintenance, but it s also a thoughtful gift for new homeowners! Make a binder with sections for spring, summer, winter and fall checklists. Include everything you need to do each season for safety ch...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Because it s one of the things we use the most, there are lots of reasons to replace an older toilet. Even if you don t mind that outdated shade of avocado, you re probably paying for twice the water you need for each flush and Old Faithful will inevita...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Don t let a drain clog slow you down; it s usually an easy fix. A partial clog can be cleared by cleaning out the drainpipe. Older plumbing can be damaged by using harsh drain chemicals, so opt for a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner or use this home...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. While washing day has come a long way since the tub and washboard, it can still feel like drudgery if your laundry area needs help. Because it s so often relegated to the basement, garage or shared space in a bathroom or hallway, the laundry room needs ...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:42 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Deconstruction is the new demolition. Instead of gutting a project and sending the whole shebang to a landfill, more and more contractors and homeowners are getting savvy about recycling building materials. Deconstruction contractors can help homeowners...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:41 AM

Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. There s more to that new paint smell than you might think. There are already federal restrictions on them because they re damaging to the ozone layer, but more and more studies are showing that volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are dangerous to human...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:41 AM

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. There s nothing more frustrating than having to detangle a mess of extension cords before you can get started with your project. Check out these tips from the pros on proper storage. Tempting though it may be, wrapping an extension cord around your arm ...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:41 AM

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. U.S. Gypsum developed a way to sandwich plaster between two paper faces and make wallboard as early as World War I, but the manpower shortage of World War II is what really made it catch on. Before drywall, builders nailed lengths of wood, called lath, ...

From: BobVila on Fri, Oct 08 2010 8:41 AM

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. Countertops are such a big part of any major kitchen remodel and there are so many new options, deciding on the best choice can seem a little daunting. Starting with the budget can make the decision easier. Countertop materials range widely in price, an...