Building a deck can give basic power tools a workout. Make sure yours are in good condition. Whether you’re replacing or buying new, buy the best you can afford. In general, the lower the amperage or voltage in cordless tools, the less power a tool will have.

As with hand tools, keep power tools and accessories clean, dry, and rust-free. Sharp saw blades and drill bits work better and are safer to use than dull ones.

Power tools you’ll need: The workhorse for deck building is a circular saw. A saw with a 7 1/4-inch  blade is easy to handle and has the capacity for the job. Use a power miter saw for miter cuts and when many straight crosscuts are needed.

Power miter saw

A compound sliding miter saw is the handiest kind to have. A jigsaw makes smooth cuts in tight areas. Use a reciprocating saw for making cuts in framing that can’t be cut with a circular saw.

It’s handy to have both a cordless drill/driver and a corded drill. A cordless drill/driver provides freedom of movement. Buy one in a kit with two

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This project was a full renovation and addition to a lovely older five bedroom home located in Rosedale, one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhoods (in Canada). The addition was needed to extend and open up the kitchen and family room at the back of the house and also to allow for a more gracious master suite above. McGill Design Group was put to task transforming the previously dark and splintered layout by putting together an architectural plan that would speak to the home’s stately demeanor.

Once a new configuration was in place, the addition of beautiful full height paneling and plaster crown molding helped layer in the traditional architectural details that had been lost in previous renovations to the home. Plum Furniture and Design Solutions decorated the main floor to give it a fresh and colorful feel to match the new open and light filled space. The owners of the home were empty nesters who, instead of downsizing decided to up-size to their dream home after their kids we

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I love the idea of making gifts for the holidays, but I usually end up taking on more than I can handle: "I'll just weave a quick rug for my sister, pickle cauliflower for my stepdad, and knit socks for my aunt." The result? Everyone gets a nice journal from the bookstore. This year is different, because I'm making easy wooden bead trivet sets for everyone on my list.

This easy and cost-efficient project will set you back about $7 per two-tiered trivet and takes minutes once you have the materials assembled. Want to give it a try? See my DIY video below for step-by-step instructions (you'll need to source the materials outlined below).

Above: Wooden beads and a coil of thin leather cord.

Above: After stringing the beads, cut each end at a desired length to knot together.

Above: The smaller trivet nests inside of the larger one to make an even sturdier resting spot for heavy cast iron pots.

Here's What You'll Need:

• For the larger trivet, source 25 1/2-Inch Wooden Beads (

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Washing machines are easy to install, especially if you're replacing the old unit with a new one. All you have to do is hook up the drain and supply lines, level the machine, plug it in and wash a load of laundry. If you're installing in a new location, you'll have to run plumbing pipes and set up an electrical outlet.

Washing machines aren't particularly heavy, but they are awkward, bulky and very likely to be installed in a basement or some other out-of-the-way corner. You'll want to have some helpers around or make sure the delivery people get the unit into its final position. You can rent a furniture truck or a wheeled dolly to make the work a little easier on your back.

Step one: Install a standpipe to a P-trap connected to the drainage and vent system.  The standpipe must have a greater diameter than the hose, and the top should be above the washer's water level to prevent overflow.

Step two: Connect the hot and cold water lines using water-pump pliers. Turn on the water valves an

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Nothing brings out the magic of the holidays like a dazzling display of Christmas lights. Whether you are trying to create a winter wonderland in your yard or you simply want to jazz up the interior of your home, the right lighting is essential for a festive home. With such a large selection of available types, styles and colors you have an endless array of possibilities to choose from. Before you begin, consider:

* Are you interested in indoor lighting, outdoor or both?
* How elaborate do you want your holiday light display to be?
* How many electrical outlets are available and where are they?
* What types and styles of lighting appeal to you?
* What safety considerations do you need to keep in mind?

Planning

Start by thinking about your overall decorating objectives. Next, measure the areas where you want to hang your lights to ensure you have enough strands for proper coverage. Also consider your style preferences, budget and the amount of time you have to dedicate to the project. All the

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Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most frequently used rooms in your home. Since they are used so often, they require regular care and maintenance to ensure surfaces are clean and clear of dirt, smudges, bacteria and more. Versatile all-purpose cleansers and glass cleaners will come in handy in both kitchens and bathrooms while other, more specialized solutions, such as toilet bowl cleaners, are utilized for specific tasks in one room or the other.

Bear in mind that some cleaners may have adverse effects on certain surfaces, so it's important to closely read the directions to make sure a given solution is safe for use on the area you are cleaning. Keep the following questions in mind to find the right cleaners for your kitchen and bathroom:

• What cleaners are designed for use in the kitchen?

• What cleaners are designed for use in the bathroom?

• What types of solutions can be used in both areas?

• What can you use to treat specific substances such as lime scale and rust?

• What care and c

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Residential security systems consist of multiple devices including window and door sensors, motion detectors, alarms and monitoring services. Once reserved for businesses or high-end luxury homes, new advances in technology have made features such as wireless systems, an affordable and easy-to-install option to help protect and provide security for many homes. This buying guide will explain the different security components and systems available, so you can feel confident you’re selecting the best system to protect your home and family.

Note: If you plan to use a professional security monitoring service, avoid any compatibility issues by consulting with them before installing any equipment.

Factors To Consider

System Components - Sensors, motion detectors, control panels, alarms, monitoring services

Wired or Wireless

System Components

Whether you opt for a full security system, including a professional monitoring service and surveillance cameras, or a more basic package, there are...Read More »

Maintaining your furnace and water heater not only saves you money but it saves energy. Heating and cooling your home is your largest energy expense and accounts for 49% of your utility bill. Water heaters account for an additional 13% and are the second largest energy expense. So how can you make sure your furnace and water heater are performing at their best?

To keep energy costs down, an annual preseason check up needs to be done. Regular maintenance of your equipment can prevent future problems and costly repairs.

This simple maintenance checklist will help ensure that your furnace and hot water systems are running smoothly and efficiently before the cold weather creeps in.

Tools and Materials

Filtrete Micro Allergen Air Filters (471115)

Thermwell Products Fiberglass Water Heater Insulation Blanket (417920)

Step 1. Change Your Furnace Filter. When filters get clogged with dust and other airborne particles, it forces your furnace to work harder. To keep yours running at peak effici...Read More »

A garbage disposer requires an electrical source for power. If you don't have one under the sink, you will need to install one. Check with local codes before installation. Some communities have codes that don't allow disposers because of limits on sewer capacity. They may also require an air gap for a disposer and a dishwasher.

If you have a septic system, install a disposer specifically designed for use with a septic tank. Too much food waste can interfere with the normal decomposition of septic waste.

How much horsepower? In-home disposers operating at less than 1/5 horsepower are not usually recommended for households of more than two people. A 1-horsepower disposer is an ideal choice for larger households and tougher jobs.

Tools and Materials

Screwdriver or disposer wrench	Hacksaw or tubing cutter	Water-pump pliers
Garbage disposals	Electrical cord	Plumber's putty or silicone caulk

Step 1. Wire the Disposer. The disposer may come with the appliance cord attached. If no

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Almost any garage door opener you buy will open any garage door in America. The chain drive opener is the best-selling opener on the market. A motor pulls a chain, the chain pulls a carriage, and the carriage pulls a cable that opens the door.

The direct drive opener works basically the same way except that the carriage travels along a large, threaded rod (like a huge bolt) instead of the door being pulled by a chain. Direct drive openers are slightly more expensive but quieter and have fewer moving parts. The project guide illustrates the typical steps for installing a direct drive garage door opener.

Step 1. Assemble the carriage tube. This tube runs from the power unit to the front wall of the garage. The carriage, which raises and lowers the door, travels along it. It's usually shipped in sections—assemble them as directed, making sure to seat the pieces securely. Measure to verify the assembled length matches that required by the manufacturer. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step

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