Bob meets with the plumber to look at the air handler and then goes upstairs to check out a bathroom floor heated with radiant heat.

In the loft, we put together a metal shelving system from InterMetro that's sturdy enough for industrial use. The boat arrives on a hydraulic trailer and is prepped for winter storage.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. Sun, wind and rain can cause as much wear and tear as snow and ice. A fall checklist will tip you off to some problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. Check your house from top to bottom. Start by inspecting the roof with binoculars: Are your shingles worn or failing? Check the attic for signs of leaks around the skylights or vents, chimneys, and have your chimney cleaned once a year. Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too. Drain your outside hose spigots if you live where pipes can freeze. Switch your screens for storm windows, and seal any drafty windows and doors. The same goes for paint and siding: make sure you caulk or repair those gaps around windows, doors, trim and vents, and replace any siding that is failing. In the basement, check for dampness on the floor and walls, test your sump pump, flush your water heater and check for any signs of leakage. Clean your dryer vent regularly. Make sure that paints or any flammable materials are stored away from heat sources in a closed metal cabinet. And make that appointment to have your heating system serviced yearly. Do the top-to-bottom check this fall, and you ll avoid expensive surprises this winter! Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

A major cause of lawn mower's startup problems is allowing gas to remain in the tank over the winter. Completely drain the tank this fall then run the engine until the carburetor is dry or add gas stabilizer to keep the gas from gumming up the works. Then store the mower in a dry place for the winter. Be sure to use fresh gas before you start up the engine next spring.

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Proper maintenance of a snowblower will keep it running for years…
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Create More Storage Space MonsterRax Overhead Storage. Image courtesy of JNK Products…
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