Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Homeowner s insurance is probably the single most important tool you have for protecting your biggest investment and your family s security, but it isn t a buy-it-and-forget-it deal. Besides just keeping your premiums current, you should review your policy every year to be sure it covers any changes to your property, like that new boat in the garage or the home office you added. Take out the camera and create a photographic inventory of everything you own. Keep the records with your policy in a fireproof safe or in a bank safe deposit box. Things like testing your smoke alarms, installing deadbolts, shoveling the stairs when it snows and getting a building permit for that new deck are all pretty much common sense, but they re also commonly neglected, leading to claims due to accidental injuries, theft, fire and, most often, water damage. Frequent claims lead to higher premiums, so give yourself a break: Work out a home maintenance schedule that covers all the bases and put safety projects at the top of the list. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. A home journal is a great way to keep on top of home maintenance, but it s also a thoughtful gift for new homeowners! Make a binder with sections for spring, summer, winter and fall checklists. Include everything you need to do each season for safety checks, repairs, appliance service and cleaning. Add a project section with pockets for receipts and contracts. Keep a diary of improvements and repairs: before and after photos, costs and dates. And keep a prioritized list of the projects you need to do next. In another section, save contact info. For your plumber, the gas company and others you can never seem to find when you need them. List phone and account numbers for all your utilities and keep a copy of your homeowner s insurance policy here as well. You can even inventory the tools you have and keep a list of those you wish you had, just in case anyone s asking! And don t forget to dream! Save photos, sketches and product info. so when you re ready to tackle that kitchen remodel, you ll have it all in your home journal. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Homeowner Teresa Fogolini greets Bob as he enters the house for the final walkthrough. Bob remarks that this is move-in time for the homeowners, but little remains of their belongings since they lost virtually everything when Hurricane Charley destroyed their home. Cynthia Guncsaga from Bacon's Furniture Galleries joins them to explain how they determined furniture selections and design schemes for the new home. Guncsaga explains that it's important to learn from the homeowners, what they like, and start from there to assemble groupings and themes. Fogolini and Bob mention the Porcelanosa steel-look tile that became the driving force for the colors selected inside, picking up on the blues, browns, and natural hues in the tile. The bamboo welcome garden in the front yard becomes a material theme that is carried throughout, in the furniture frames, tables, and chairs. Art that reflects the style of the homeowners including a painting depicting a hurricane survival kit are on loan from Presseller's Gallery in Punta Gorda. In the bedroom, natural wood tones continue and complement the Brazilian Walnut hardwood floor from Bellawood. Neutral tiles and earth tones complete the look in the master bath.