In This Episode: A major milestone has been reached on the job site, the roof trusses are installed. But the dream of living in mountains all hinges on the ability to find an internet signal. Meanwhile, a job site of Jesse’s has been broken into, and he needs to find a way to secure it. And family time for the Phifers means visiting job sites.

How to Set Up a Mouse Trap Metal Pedal Mouse Trap One of the oldest but most effective traps is the metal pedal mouse trap. To set a metal pedal mouse trap: Kill and Contain Mouse Trap The kill-and-contain mouse trap is very similar to the metal pedal, but the trap is surrounded by a container. To set it up: Plastic Mouse Trap There is a plastic version of the metal pedal mouse trap that is equally as effective....

No move may ever truly be stress-free, but you can reduce the difficulty of a residential or commercial move by hiring the right help. To that end, we’re here to recommend the best Dallas movers to pack, ship, and store your belongings. 6 Best Moving Companies in Dallas Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Dallas, TX, are: International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best Overall Self-Service uShip: Best Mobile App U-Pack: Most Affordable...

To get the lowdown on the best actions for you to take right now—and some to consider down the road—we canvassed health and environmental experts across the country. Here, our best advice for cleaning up your household. Entryways Right Now: Keep pollen out. During hay fever season, shake or brush off outerwear, and keep a brush and wet wipes handy to clean pets’ fur and feet. Don’t hang laundry on outdoor clothes lines, at least for now....

But grout deserves more respect. “Not only does grout fill the voids, it makes the floor, wall, or countertop stronger by bonding the tiles together and preventing the edges of a tile from chipping and cracking,” says David Goodman, the tile contractor for This Old House’s Nantucket project. Here’s everything you need to know about grout: from the different types, sealing and color options and ways to repair. Cement-based Grout Grout comes in two basic types, and the choice of which one to use depends not on the tiles but on the width of the joints between them....

Historic Interior Paint Colors Victorian: Layered Brights Amp up the color without veering into kitsch by sticking to one part of the spectrum. This kitchen, in an 1889 Stick Victorian, showcases three shades of green: a dark trim color taken from the original floor tile, plus two shades that echo hues used in other rooms. A strong yellow runs up the walls and onto the ceiling to help draw the eye up and brighten the small space; it’s a visual trick that also would work where ceilings are low....

Top Black Friday Deals on Tools If you’re looking for more options or this sander is temporarily out of stock, here are our top three alternatives: Best Random Orbital Sander: Makita Random Orbit Sander Best Belt Sander: Makita Belt Sander Best Pneumatic Sander: Ingersoll Rand Pneumatic Sander If you’re hunting for other laser levels, here are three more options we love: Most Compact: Bosch Combination Point and Line Laser Level Best Kit: Pacific Laser Systems Green Line Laser Level Kit Best Range: Bosch Combination Laser Level...

Because of all the home security options out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your home. That’s why the This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated the best home security systems based on factors like packages, installation, cost, and more to help you determine the best fit for your home. Read on to find out about our top Louisville, Kentucky, home security system recommendations....

Indluge your love of the great outdoors with these twenty-six neighborhoods—perfect for taking in the scenery and fresh air, whether you’re skiing, hiking, boating, or even clamming. Sitka, Alaska The capital of Russian America, Sitka was the site of the handoff to the United States after the 1867 Alaska Purchase; it remained the region’s capital until 1906. Patinated copper spires atop the St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral overlook this community in the state’s southeastern region, which has an old-world feel rare for a West Coast town....

Just as foolproof as the more familiar spring-blooming varieties, these bulbs don’t need the winter chilling period to flower. Most require full sun—and can take the heat thanks to their underground energy stores—though some are equally happy under a leafy tree. As with all bulbs, well-drained soil is a must, so avoid planting them in muddy, low-lying areas. It’s safe to get them in the ground at around the same time as tomatoes, when the soil reaches about 60 degrees F; in cold climates they can be started earlier indoors, then transplanted....

To help you select a pump that’s right for your home, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best sump pumps on market today. Below we compare various models, talk about what to look for when shopping, and provide answers to common buyer questions. Here are our top picks. Top 6 Sump Pumps Most Compact: Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Utility Pump Pros and Cons ✔ Is factory-tested by the manufacturer for reliability and longevity✔ Includes a 3/4-inch garden hose adapter✔ The suction screen handles up to 1/8-inch solids ✘ Has a weaker gph water output than some competitors✘ Some users reported that the unit leaked oil...

The Energy Performance Score (EPS) allows buyers of new homes in the state to quickly see how much energy one house uses compared to another one they may be considering purchasing. According to the Energy Trust of Oregon’s website, “a home’s EPS is based on many factors, such as the home’s size, level of insulation, air leakage, heating and cooling systems, major appliances, lighting and water heating.” Unlike many green building programs that award points based on the materials used in a home’s construction (which very often have nothing to do with how much energy the house will use when its completed) the EPS assigns a simple number—lower being better....

Tools

While most homeowners wouldn’t trade their dog for the world, having a furry family member means dealing with some inconveniences. A daily one: getting up to open the door every time your pup wants to go out. A dog door minimizes that hassle. But people often hesitate to add one because they don’t want warmed or cooled air escaping, or they’ve heard stories about intruders getting in. TOH general contractor Tom Silva knows a little something about this....

What to Prune in Early Spring Summer-flowering deciduous shrubs These are shrubs that bloom on new growth, such as butterfly bush, rose of Sharon, and crape myrtle. When and why: These are still dormant in late winter/early spring, making it easy to see your cuts—and they’ll heal up quickly with the flush of new growth in spring, which is when the shrubs set the summer’s buds. Random-branching conifer trees and shrubs Examples of conifer trees and shrubs include arborvitae, juniper, yew, and holly....