The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA

Use Precautions with Pressure-Treated Wood

Planning a new deck? Since most decks are built in close proximity to the earth, the framing material, or "skeleton," is vulnerable to damage by pests and fungus. It's a good idea to use material that has been pressure-treated with a pesticide to prevent such damage. Special precautions should be taken with it:

Zap! Pow! Home Decor Gets a Pop Art Punch Zap! Pow! Home Decor Gets a Pop-Art Punch

By Kim Cook The Associated Press

A Thoroughly Modern Look at Design

If you're curious about modern design, "20th Century Design: The Definitive Illustrated Sourcebook" is worth checking out. Antiques expert Judith Miller wrote the book for collectors, but any fan of contemporary art and furniture can get something out of it.

Frost Estates

I F THE COKER and Curling families had a checklist of what they were searching for in a new neighborhood, then every box for Frost Estates would have a big red checkmark. The Chesapeake community , at the southern end of Waters Road in Great Bridge , formerly belonged to the Frost family , whose original home still occupies property on the main road.

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Last Call to Ride the Refinance Wave?

D ON'T YOU HATE it when something was at the tips of your fingers and you let it slip away ? If you haven't refinanced, you're pretty close to losing a very low interest rate opportunity. Early on in the year rates dropped to 4.25 percent. Lenders phones were ringing off the hook.

Fighting Hunger - and Having Fun Fighting Hunger - and Having Fun

Rose & Womble Realty Co. turned to high heels to fight hunger with a family fun day fundraiser that included a "stiletto stampede," above. Agents and staff also had a chance to drop company President Van Rose into a dunk tank. The event raised more than $2,500 for the company's annual Turkey Brigade, which this year aims to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to more than 550 families in Hampton Roads.

Respect the Rake - and Your Back, Too Respect the Rake - and Your Back, Too - When Tackling Autumn's Leaves

YOU COULD BE called the lawn Luddites. You're the holdouts who shun leaf blowers and lawn vacuums, the hardy types who find satisfaction in the scrape of tines on grass. You're the leaf rakers, and we salute you.

A Sweet in-Law Suite

Five years after the death of her husband, Virginia Beach resident Elouise Schultz f inally succumbed to the pressure to move. Her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Jim Burnelle, and her three grandsons, had been planting seeds, hoping Schultz might consider moving into their Kempsville-area home.

Wonderful Workshop

VIRGINIA BEACH A project Andris Dambekaln started 15 year ago is finally complete.

Some 'Do-It-Yourself' Projects Should Be Left to the Pros

I 'M A BIG FAN OF HGTV and am continually amazed by how many different types of home-improvement shows it produces. It's clear I'm not the only fan of those types of shows, and others like me are interested in maintaining and increasing the value of their homes. While watching these shows - specifically the "do-it yourself" programs - I find it interesting how simple they portray the work of trained, experienced craftsmen and professional remodelers.

Fall Plantings Will Pay Colorful Dividends Come Spring Fall Plantings Will Pay Colorful Dividends Come Spring

By Staci Dennis Correspondent

Can You Dig It? Planting Inspiration for Some Updated Curb Appeal

As I write this The Big Drop is taking place. If all goes well, we'll come home today to a plethora of plants beside the house, delivered by our friendly landscaper and ready for us to transplant this weekend. We're digging it, so to speak.

Leaf Blower Finds Home, Plus Another Giveaway to Enter

Once again, Home readers blew us away with their eagerness to win free stuff. We're equally eager to supply it - especially if it makes for a happier home and hearth. Or, in this case, yard.

Realty Sales

chesapeake from OCt. 14 to 20