Bob's back at the Mashpee site where he meets with developer Joe Valle to discuss the foundation that is being poured. Valle explains that the excavation work for an average foundation costs about $5,000 and includes the digging, backfill, and finish grading. The poured foundation also costs about $5,000, divided equally between the cost of labor and the cost of materials. Valle estimates it will take about 30 yards of concrete to pour the average foundation, which is equal to three truckloads. Bob questions the decision to pour a full foundation and wonders if it might not be more economical to build a crawlspace. Valle explains that the advantages of a full basement far outweigh any cost savings from digging and pouring a shallower foundation. The added living space is well worth the cost, especially since the foundation must be dug and poured regardless of the depth. As for a concrete slab, Valle says that the market does not support it in the Massachusetts area. Even with a slab house, a frost wall must be dug and poured, before the concrete arrives for the slab. Once the foundation is poured for this River Hill home, posts are set every 16 inches so that the sill can be bolted to the foundation and the house can be tied down to its base.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. If the age-old question, what s that smell? has got you stumped, here s how to clear the air. First, know that household odors serve a purpose they are there to tell you that something is leaking, broken or needs to be cleaned or thrown out. Masking them with other scents or ignoring them won t make them go away and could actually be hazardous to your health. Try to localize the odor, troubleshoot possible causes and, if necessary, call a professional to rectify the problem before it gets worse. Once you ve taken care of the cause, there are some effective ways to clear up residual odors without using toxic chemicals. New citrus-based and bio-degrading air deodorizers will naturally digest odor-causing substances in trash cans and bathrooms and are easier on the lungs. To prevent household odors or deal with chronic ones, check for leaks under sinks and water-using appliances and have a plumber inspect your plumbing system to be sure it s properly vented and sealed. Change the filters in your air cleaner and furnace on a schedule and keep vent fans in the kitchen and bathrooms in working order. If you regularly have water in your basement or your crawlspace has an unlined dirt floor, you should consult a basement professional for moisture mitigation solutions to keep the mold and mildew at bay. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. It s important to make your home energy-efficient by sealing all gaps and insulating thoroughly. But don t overlook ventilation. Vent fans in the kitchen and bathrooms are required by code in most states, and they re a good idea everywhere. They help protect indoor air quality and get rid of excess moisture from cooking and bathing that can lead to mold problems and structural damage. In the kitchen, range hoods now come in all shapes and sizes to go with your cooking surface and d cor. They can be ducted through a ceiling or exterior wall. This often requires tearing out plaster or drywall and it s best done during a remodel. If you don t want a large hood, consider a cooktop with a downdraft vent ducted through the floor. Either way, ventilation fans should always be ducted to the outside, never into an attic or crawlspace. Bathroom ventilation fans have come a long way, too. Energy Star-certified models with built-in ceiling lights can do double-duty and save you money, especially since these are so often accidentally left on. And they re much quieter, too. Some installers recommend the roof-mount type of fan. The fan and motor are installed on the roof and ducted to the interior space. In some homes, this can make installation and service easier since the unit s out in the open instead of built into the ceiling. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008