Bob Vila meets with Carlos Leuchtmann from Blue Ridge Plumbing, who shows Bob the shower pan and layout of the new fixtures. Leuchtmann explains that the drain is off center due to structural supports in the floor that cannot be moved. Leuchtmann also points out the anti-scald restrictor and the dual-flow Moen shower fixture, which allows for either an overhead rain-type shower or a body spa with four wall sprayers. Leuchtmann shows Bob a tool for plumbers and electricians called the �stud popper�. The device makes a perfect hole in steel framing for running pipes or electrical wire. Once punched, the stud is fitted with a �pipe tight� that provides a feed for the pipes or wires and keeps them from touching the metal studs. Carlos also explains how sanding the pipe and adding flux creates a bonding surface for the solder to adhere to when sweating pipe.

AJ Paron-Wildes from Bellacor.com joins Bob to talk about selecting lighting fixtures for the remodeled Victorian. She starts with the exterior flood lights and cap lights for the deck in a brushed copper finish. Under-deck lighting will light pathways at night. A seaside outdoor lantern uses dark-sky technology to focus the light onto surfaces and reduce stray light that spills out and contaminates dark hours. The open-plan kitchen and dining area requires a lighting mix. The island needs focused light for tasks but must match the decor. According to Paron-Wildes, overhead fixtures should be 2 1/2 to 3 feet from the surface and eliminate glare. The bathroom has a wall-mounted adjustable-arm lamp while ceiling-mounted fixtures light the hallway and mud room. A rubbed-bronze antique-look chandelier will provide ambience in the dining area and hang three feet above the table. If used in a hallway, the chandelier would hang eight to nine feet above the floor.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Commonly used as the family dumping ground, the garage is undergoing a revival as a functional workspace. Installing a garage storage system that frees up some of this space can have the same effect as adding a room and it s a good way to increase your home s value. First, group the bins and bulky items you need to store by their use and measure them so you know how much space you need for each group. Tall cabinets with double doors are great, but be sure they come with enough adjustable shelves to optimize the space inside. Include at least one lockable cabinet to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Add some low cabinets on casters, creating a work surface on top. With some pegboard or a vinyl slat wall system for tools, you ve got the beginning of a home workshop. For easier cleaning and less clutter, keep things off the floor: store sports gear and yard tools on heavy-duty, wall-mounted hooks and racks. If you ve got a lot of ceiling height in your garage, use it. Try an overhead storage rack for seasonal items or as a bike lift. There are lots of garage storage options, but organization hinges on consistency: choose cabinets and racks of the same color and type. Look for systems made of metal, plastic or wood specifically treated for garage use. And remember that bigger is not always better. You need a system that will allow you to find your stuff and still leave room for the car. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008