As the do-it-yourself design boom has proliferated on TV and in magazines, so have online virtual room planners. We reviewed the top virtual room planners from last year, many of which are very effective in providing you with inspiration for designing your own room. As internet technologies advance so have the engines and design behind these room planners which have progressed with more detail and sophistication.

But there is a new challenger to these virtual room planners that comes to us from across the pond. MyDeco.com bills itself as a "furniture fix for the decorati" which is an apt description considering the top flight designers and retailers who have partnered with them.

According to the Wall Street Journal "About 600 Amish contractors or subcontractors work in at least a dozen states, a rapid increase over the past decade". Homeowners are citing their craftsmanship and techniques used such as timber-frame building (which doesn't use nails) as well as their timeliness and lower cost.

It's inevitable. When home improvement projects are involved, there's bound to be touches of procrastination--even when you're a frequent DIYer. When the to-do list grows it can be stressful, but at some point you've just got to tackle it.

It's easy to overload an electrical socket but there are other ways you can put your home in danger of electrical fire. Here are some tips from Reader's Digest for preventing electrical fires.

1. Never overload an electrical receptacle with extension cords or three-way adapters. If you need to plug a lot of things into a single receptacle, use a power strip.

2. Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs, over nails, in traffic areas, or where there is chance of wear.

3. Don't misuse extension cords. Never use a standard household extension cord for a major appliance or a heat-producing appliance; instead use a heavy-duty appliance cord that can carry the load.

4. When purchasing any electrical device, choose only one that carries the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) rating.

5. Don't pull on an electrical cord to unplug it. Grasp the plug firmly and pull out straight so you don't bend the prongs.

The threat of flooding impacts many homeowners who live in low-laying areas especially near running rivers that can breach or in hurricane zones near the gulf and the Atlantic. You should always hope for the best but prepare for the worst when it comes to anticipating a flood and there are few things you can do before, during, and after a flood to minimize damage.

It looks like Readers Digest has had a redesign that prominently highlights their advice and know-how section which includes a lot of great articles for the home. We'll share some of our favorites starting with the Top 5 Home Repair Rip-Offs.

Leaky Roof Wrangling
Termite Trap

This homeowner just had a new granite countertop installed but unfortunately the contractors used white caulk instead of clear to seal the countertop to the back wall of the kitchen. The caulk has already cured so they've decided to take a razor blade to the white caulk to remove it but a commenter has gone the extra mile and provided a great how-to for removing the caulk.

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to ever think of your HVAC system and your home temperature was always set as you like it and that if there were any issues you'd be warned ahead of time instead of arriving home to this horrible scene!

Trane has informed us that we should check out their ComfortLink II Residential Communicating System that connects all the communicating components of a home's air conditioning and heating or HVAC system, while providing remote telephone access to the system, any time of day, from anywhere in the world.

Here's what they say:

We're always looking for new methods to soundproof rooms and this how-to from Instructables shows a "cleat" method that is accomplished by layering the drywall a certain way.

More soundproofing methods.

It's too bad we all don't have cockroach killing birds to keep these pests from entering our homes. No matter how clean you keep your place, cockroaches can still find a way in. But it's not just the gross-factor that makes us what to get rid of them, the microscopic stuff they leave behind can be harmful to your pets and you as well.

We just "rescued" a puppy from a family member who could no longer care for her and even though she's a handful and we can no longer sleep in, we love her and are ready to start considering outside shelter for her in the form of a dog house.

We'd like to build a custom dog house that will allow us to add our own flourishes, so we looked to the web and came across the following dog house plans. Some are better than others and there are many here we wouldn't consider because of their style or size, you may find the perfect home for your pet.

How to Build a Dog House
K-9 Dog Houses
Luxury Dog House
Dog House Construction

One of the more popular sources for tools of any type is Harbor Freight. Many of their products are unbelievably inexpensive and some are name brand while others are not. Toolcrib recently wrote up an extensive review of how to shop at Harbor Freight, including "what not to buy" as well as tips for finding the best quality products.

Change the atmosphere of your living or bedroom by adding a dimmer switch for the lights. Dimmers can help save electricity and prolong the life of your light bulbs. First decide what type of dimmer will work best. Your options include a dial, a touch pad, a slide and more.

Winter after winter can wreak havoc on your driveway. Whether it's potholes or just cracks, you can fill them in yourself with EZ Street. This site offers all the information you'll need to prepare and then fill in your holes with their product.

With all the talk of rising costs and a new found emphasis on green living, small spaces are the new penthouses. Don't be put off by what may seem like a cramped interior--instead, check out these floorplans for some decorative inspiration and clever placement that makes a modest interior seem downright spacious.