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.

…just getting underway (look for him on old episodes of Laverne & Shirley, MASH, 3rd Rock from the Sun and more) but his bank account was sparse, he began putting his environmental beliefs into action. I had to do stuff on a very strict budget and it proved…

…never had to write a check for. Collecting deposits and rent: Take your renter s security deposit and open a separate bank account for it, Mincher says. Note on the account that it is a trust account, which signifies that it s someone else s money you…

…savings, even with the area s hefty jump in electric rates last summer, he says. There will be long-term effects to their bank account as well as to greenhouse gases. Even with PV panels and solar hot water, people still wanted to pay the same as a market…

…Protection Agency. But by updating to high-efficiency toilets and showerheads, you can put as much as $170 back in your bank account. That s a 34 percent savings. The Caroma Sydney Low Profile Toilet uses 1.6/0.8 gallons per flush (full/half…