Brece Rupolt of Northern Marble & Granite meets with Bob to discuss the countertop template that needs to be made before cutting. Brece makes his template from a sheet of polystyrene plastic, which is flexible and can be rolled up for easy transport. He then stiffens empty spaces with steel yard sticks to continue the straight surface and measure the countertop. First he locates the sink opening and faucet holes. Walls are rarely square, so next he cuts to fit the walls. He takes the ruler and measures the difference from one end to the other and makes a cut to fit the wall. At the other end her marks on the bottom where the finished end will be and adds a radius at the corner to soften it up. Next Brece makes an opening for the under-counter double Kohler sink using a paper template. He cuts out the template on the cutting line with a utility knife and transfers the outline of the paper template to the plastic. Using his knife and a straight edge, he cuts out the opening for the sink. This is the traditional method of making a template. Next Bob meets with Paul Hansen of E-Template to discuss how a template can be made electronically. Paul places markers on each straight section of the tops of the cabinets to outline where the countertop will go. He also places other markers to identify special sink cutouts. Many times a sink or stovetop manufacturer will provide an electronic template to add to your custom e-template. Paul also uses a scale of a known length to help define the precision of the countertop. Then he takes two or more digital photographs from different angles. The photographs are downloaded into a computer aided design program to create a template and then cut by machine.

Bob meets up with Charlie Tomaszewski, the general contractor for the Medford renovation project, in the home's existing master bedroom. While awaiting the arrival of the demolition crew, Charlie and Bob carefully remove the old dressing room door with a full mirror so that it can be reused elsewhere in the finished house. The first step is to pull the pins on the hinges which Charlie will tape to the door so they don't get lost. To take the casings off, Charlie first cuts the paint line along the casing with a utility knife. This is particularly important if you plan to preserve the existing plaster wall. Next Charlie removes the decorative rosettes from the upper corners before he and Bob pull out the casing.

Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares or modular carpeting, are easily installed side-by-side to create a smooth, carpeted floor that looks just like wall-to-wall carpeting.

Replacing torn or damaged screens in an aluminum or wooden window or door is an easy project.

Cracked and broken bathroom tiles are easily removed and replaced. There may be water damage to the backing behind the tile, so be prepared for a longer job.

Start by putting a large sheet of drywall and marking a location to make a cut. Next, snap a chalk line, score the drywall and snap the piece. Repeat this process for the second angle. Finally, trim the back of the angle cut and cut with a utility knife to ensure a snug fit.

A decorative wood valance adds charm to your home and you can make one yourself. Here's how: Draw the design of your choice onto a piece of rigid cardboard and carefully cut it out with a sharp utility knife. Then, transfer the template onto a piece of clear finish lumber, leave a quarter inch extra along the edge. Now, cut out your design with a saber saw and smooth off the rough edges with a file and sander.

You can save time around the house by having a few basic tools stashed in a kitchen drawer. Here are some of the most popular items: a hammer; screwdrivers, both phillips and flathead; a small tape measure; a utility knife; a torpedo level; pliers and an adjustable wrench; and the ever useful duct tape. Most important don't forget to put everything back when you are finished.

A new tree can improve the look of a yard and add personality to a home.

Casement windows, windows that are attached to their frame by one or more hinges and usually have cranks, can need replacing over time due to wear and weathering. Here we replace a casement window and the shingles surrounding it.