If you need to make a saw cut over a long distance, here's an easy way to make your cut perfectly straight. First, strike a chalk line the entire distance. Then, tack a length of strapping parallel to your cut line, set back the distance between the saw blade and the edge of the circular saw. Make your cut by pressing the saw firmly against your guide. You'll get a perfectly straight cut every time.

Loss of the roof causes the greatest amount of damage during hurricanes. Construction techniques have been developed for securing roofs during high winds. Use metal clips to tie the rafters to the top plate. Improve the attachment of the roof sheathing by spacing nails closer together. Seal the sheathing joints with an adhesive membrane (to prevent water penetration.)

Use a shingle ripper to remove cracked or damaged shingles without having to reside the whole wall. First, determine which shingles are to be removed. Slide the notched end of the shingle ripper up behind the shingle. Feel around until the notch catches on the nail and then pull. Apply a small piece of flashing before nailing up the new shingle.

For a first-rate shower installation, be sure what's behind the tile is waterproof. Start with a layer of 15lb felt paper to shield insulation and wall studs from escaping moisture. Instead of drywall, use cement board: it cuts and trims like drywall, but it provides a protective layer under wall or floor tile.

Getting a Dremel® Multi-Max Oscillating Power Tool is almost like getting 5 tools in one. With it you can cut, grind, remove grout, scrape and sand. Powerful and heavy-duty, the Multi-Max is just the tool to help you tackle a wide variety of do-it-yourself projects.

CLR's flagship cleaning products include CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner and CLR Septic Treatment and Drain Care. With its unique formula, the CLR brand gets the job done on sinks, tubs, showerheads, toilets, appliances, furniture, patios, cement and gutters.

Former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs enjoys her Cambria countertop, a greener alternative to her Italian tiles that once cost her thousands of dollars and harsh, environmentally hazardous chemicals to clean. Photo courtesy of Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces , www.CambriaUSA.com.

Sustainable materials, non-wasteful practices and energy efficiency are hallmarks of eco-friendly housing efforts. Now, one organization and a federal program are looking more directly at how these efforts can make homes healthier for their occupants.

you and your family stay comfortable the entire season while protecting your investment. The good news is that it doesn t have to be expensive. There are a surprising number of easy things you can do at minimal cost that can maximize energy savings this winter. BobVila.

Many homeowners will have to deal with big heating bills this winter. But there is good news. Those bills are not expected to contain the huge price hikes 23 percent for heating oil and 18 percent for natural gas predicted earlier this year. A slowed economy has driven down some prices.