House six of the Elmwood project. The brick walkway goes in and the railings are replicated by Forester Moulding.

Bob discusses the concrete walk with the contractor. He gives Bob some tips on how to make the concrete cure harder and have less cracks. They then discuss the aggregate, crushed granite that will be added to make the concrete look like granite. They use a special tool to push down the stones in the standard concrete to make room for the aggregate and the colorant. The concrete is allowed to set for four hours then hosed off to expose the granite chips.

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

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 snowblower. There are two types: single-stage and two-stage. Two-stage models are the most expensive, from $500 to $2,500. But if you re clearing unpaved areas and heavy snow you ll need them because they have an auger, which collects the snow, and a separate impeller, which throws it. Some models have great features like headlights, one-handed operation and electric, rather than recoil, start mechanisms, so you don t have to yank any cords. Some even have independent-clutch wheels that allow for easy pivoting without going into reverse. These can all come in handy when you ve got a lot of ground to cover. Electric models are less expensive, ranging from $100 to $400. They re lighter and easier to maneuver, and they don t make as much noise or create as much air pollution as gasoline-powered models. If all you ve got is a small, paved driveway and some walkways to clear and they re within a hundred feet of your house, an electric snowblower will serve your needs in snowfalls of up to six inches. It ll also save you gasoline and maintenance hassles without taking up much storage space. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

…decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to…

…decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have…

If you are looking to save some money on a home improvement project this year, consider starting with those old windows. A new federal tax credit can put 30% of what you spend on new energy…

…other than the bedrooms that anyone could go. Her home improvement project involved expanding the kitchen and family room and adding…
…inventory problems will delay your project. Any home improvement project, no matter the scale, is going to come with its own…

With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring. If there is a heating register near the wall to work around, you will need…

…the project, your budget, and time frame if you want them to say yes. Anyone who has embarked upon a home improvement project has heard advice on how to select the right contractor. The emphasis is on finding an honest, competent…