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WaterSense labeled homes will be 20 percent more efficient than typical new homes and must be independently inspected and certified by the EPA to meet the strict criteria for water efficiency and performance. And just when you thought that the growing number of certifications, accreditations, and approvals that adorn new houses make them look like a NASCAR vehicle, here’s another: Approved water- or energy-saving plumbing fixtures will get a WaterSense sticker in the same way that EnergyStar appliances get stickered....

Since this process requires working with vent pipes, electrical, and the gas supply, we recommend working with a professional instead of doing it yourself. In the video above, and step by step instructions below, we show you how to install a gas fireplace insert step-by-step. How Much Does It Cost to Install a Gas Insert Fireplace? Gas fireplace insert installation costs start at about $500 and up. This depends on the size of the fireplace....

Steps for Adding a Humidifier to a Forced-Air System Materials Utility knife Propane torch Tools 8 DIY Humidifier Ideas

This kit includes enough heat-resistant, cast-concrete blocks for a circular pit three courses high, and a powder-coated steel liner. To build it, you need 6 1⁄2 cubic feet of crushed stone, 2 cubic feet of paver base, 5 cubic feet of lava rocks, and a couple of tubes of low-VOC adhesive, such as Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive (Gorilla Glue). The blocks all have a roughly trapezoidal shape; there’s no need to cut them....

Shown: Devonshire Twisted Ring Gate Latch, about $49, and 16-inch Old Fashioned Heavy Reversible strap hinges, about $110 a pair; Walpole Woodworkers How to Build a Garden Gate Overview Day-to-day timeline PREP DAY: Install the posts (Steps 1 & 2). SATURDAY: Cut the parts and build the gate (Steps 3-11). SUNDAY: Attach the hardware and install the gate and post caps (Steps 12-16). Size your gate to the width of your path, allowing room for the postholes on either side....

Tools

Arm yourself with knowledge of how tools are supposed to perform, what to look for in used tools, and the best places to buy them. Then, you’ll be ready to shop for secondhand tools and save on your tool budget. Before You Buy Secondhand Tools Knowing the basics, like which tool performs which tasks and how, is important. Learn by reading books and magazine articles, and perusing websites. Major retailers’ sites often include specifics in their product descriptions that make comparisons easy....

How to Choose Molding: Tools:

Why You Need to Clean Your Hot Tub Thanks to its warm and moist environment, a hot tub is a hotbed for bacteria and mold growth. Microorganisms, algae, and fungi flourish in these conditions, and if it is not properly and regularly cleaned and disinfected, anyone who uses it runs the risk of getting sick. Potential ailments range from skin rashes to bacterial infections, including Legionnaires’ disease, which can be deadly....

A new method, known as “press-connect” is on the rise in the US since it was adopted by code standards a few years ago. PLEASE NOTE: Gas pipe connections should be done by a licensed professional. How to Connect Gas Pipe Using the Press-Connect Method: Cut the pipe to length Using a band saw or miter saw equipped with a blade for cutting heavy metal, the pipe is cut to length....

However, in some homes, the dining room is seldom used. Daily meals happen elsewhere, while the dining room is reserved for special occasions. And sometimes, this results in an unused space that becomes a landing place for clutter. If this sounds all too familiar, it’s time to breathe new life into your dining room with an inviting upgrade that makes you want to use it every day. How to Design a Dining Room All it takes to turn your dining room into a comfortable place to lounge with family and friends is choosing the right-sized table and rug, perfect lighting, and eye-popping color....

Pick a healthy pumpkin Be sure to inspect the pumpkin before you purchase it. Avoid any that have dents, bruises, discoloration, or soft spots, as these are indicators of an unhealthy pumpkin. Also, try to go to a local pumpkin patch instead of the store. The shipping process can often damage pumpkins. Don’t carve it too soon Once you get your pumpkin home, try to resist carving it if Halloween is more than a week away....

But if the screws can’t be tightened because the holes are stripped, try this: Fixing Loose Hinge Holes How to Tighten Stripped Hinge Screws