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 applied de-icing solution. Applied before a snowfall, it keeps light snow from accumulating. It can last a week or two, but you have to stay on top of it. Heated driveways, the envy of some neighborhoods, can cost between $10 to $15 a square foot to install. One type is the hydronic system that runs heated water mixed with anti-freeze under the driveway surface and requires a boiler and controls. Proper installation is crucial as a leak can compromise the whole system. The other type is an electric radiant system, which uses low-voltage mats under the driveway surface and can be purchased as smaller roll-out mats for walkways that must be kept clear at all times. Either type of system can be controlled manually, which works if someone is home to turn it on before the snow falls. But because snow is such a good insulator, late starts can keep a system from working at all. Automated controls are more expensive but work best as they turn themselves on when they sense the right moisture and temperature. Heated driveways cost about 25 cents a square foot per month to operate, depending on your climate and electric rate. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Bob joins Jay Seminara of Seminara Construction who is in the process of laying down a new cobblestone apron at the edge of the driveway. The apron serves two purposes: as an aesthetic feature, and also to act as a barrier for the seashells in the rest of the driveway. Before the stones can be put in place, Seminara digs a trench and lays in stone dust. The dust acts as an adhesive, holding the stones in place. Next, Seminara dry-fits the cobblestones, making sure he gets a nice fit. To finish the installation, he taps the stones into place with a 20-pound hammer and fills in the gaps with more stone dust.

Next Bob takes us on a tour of the cottage he wants to remodel.