The renovations to the Miami condo are complete. Bob is joined by architect Michael Pierce as he goes through the apartment to look at design details that have made the remodel a success. They discuss the 1960s layout that was removed, the space that was opened up, and the clean, sleek lines that are now in place. Light enters the apartment and penetrates to the interior since the popcorn ceilings, dark capeting, and dividing walls have been removed. The circle dining area serves as design focus for the apartment, with a flexible circle of track lighting above it from MSK Illuminations in New York. The pendant fixture serves to anchor the space, while the chrome-look edging of the counters carries the sense of light throughout the dining, kitchen, and bar areas.

Bob Vila and project architect Michael Pierce brainstorm ideas for this small condo with a great view of Biscayne Bay. The condo, a collection of closets and closed spaces, is a pearl in the oyster, just waiting to be opened up. The interior is dark because of the closed space and the navy carpeting that absorbs rather than reflects the light that enters. Pierce suggests bringing the outside in and creating an open loft appearance if the tenant board allows. He also advises flattening the popcorn ceiling to make it smooth like the roof of the balcony so it will reflect more light. Pierce's outlook for this small space is a theme of light and views.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Even if you re diligent about cleaning year-round, when winter s over there s always another reason to roll up your sleeves. But you can make spring cleaning less of an onerous chore if you use the right tools. Here are some suggestions. Get a year s worth of grime and mildew off your deck and your home s exterior in a few hours by using a pressure washer and an oxygen-based bleach solution or natural cleanser. For windows, a solution of white vinegar and water is as good a cleaner as any, and old newspapers make great lint-free window wipes. Finish the outside with some rain protectant made for car windshields and lengthen the time between cleanings. There s nothing better than a long-handled ostrich feather duster for getting rid of cobwebs and dusting those trim details up high that you never think about. A damp cloth with a little vegetable oil will work on wood surfaces. Microfiber dustcloths work on any surface, especially electronics. For cleaning lampshades and popcorn ceilings, use a lint roller. Rubber gloves will rub pet hair off the upholstery. And white cotton gloves, one wet and one dry, can help you clean the chandelier. Mop hard floors with a good self-wringing string head mop; save the sponge mop or disposable cleaning pad type for lighter everyday jobs or laminate floors. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, a steam cleaner s a great tool to have. While it might not seem like a cleaning tool, using a timer will keep you from burning out or getting sidetracked as you work. And a rolling cart to store and haul your tools will lighten your load during spring cleaning and beyond. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Gina Kirkpatrick, Miami real estate broker, shows Bob a building at the Miami Beach end of the Venetian Causeway, 5 Island Avenue. Morris Lapidus, designer of the Hotel Fontainebleau, designed this building as apartments back in 1967. The apartments were later converted to condos. The building houses some "reasonably priced" condominiums that are just far enough away from the beach to be affordable and just close enough to everything else to make for an excellent getaway second home in the Miami area. Kirkpatrick guides Bob through his initial tour of the one-bedroom 950-square-foot condo, its views, features, and possibilities.

…Redefining your expectations for plumbing, kitchen, and bath fixtures. Thousands of…
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Kitchen Lighting Bathroom Lighting Bedroom Lighting Diningroom Lighting Livingroom Lighting Hall Lighting Outdoor Lighting…

…the couple to score it first. The wallpaper will come off easier on plaster…
…Ala., already knows removing wallpaper is a game of patience. In my kitchen, there were three kinds of wallpaper, all at least 25 years old and…

…right tools and a little preparation, a ceiling can be painted without difficulty. …
…the room. To prepare a room for a ceiling paint job, first empty the room of furniture…
…with drop cloths. Step 2: Clean the ceiling. Soot, dirt, and mildew can interfere…

Bob starts demolition at the cracker cottage, the living room ceiling as well as the kitchen appliances and counters are all ripped out. Then Bob and the architect review their plans for the project and the roof brackets are replaced in order to get rid of the rotted exterior trim.

Demolition typically requires permits and approvals…
…existing construction. The word "demolition" brings to mind dynamite and wrecking…
…renovation project requires some sort of demolition. Adding a three-season porch to the…