amyochoung I live in a suburb of Portland Oregon and do not need a permit to build our deck! I am also wondering about the cost!

Meg Padgett We also didn't need a permit - hence the weekend project. :) I'm sorry I can't be more helpful with the cost - the decking was a gift from my dad who got a killer deal on it during a hardware store liquidation sale. My best guest for a DIY 12x20 deck with good quality cedar similar to ours would be around $1500-$2500. As with most building projects - costs vary depending on each specific job. Fine Homebuilding has a handy deck calculator to help you estimate the cost - http://www.finehomebuilding.com/pages/calculators/deck/

Meg Padgett An electric toothbrush also works great and saves on the elbow grease!

Meg Padgett @Tile Center - thanks so much for the expert advice!!

mvaussie Melanie, I am pretty sure Napisan is the same as Oxiclean. Just check the labels on-line.

patscats2 I just learned the other day that Listerine works great at cleaning grout. I use it and a magic eraser and it cleans it just like the commercial cleaner, but is a lot healthier to use. I don't like using bleach or acid products because they eat the sealer off.

cpaldridge You started your article with the fact that you were replacing aluminum windows. I'm curious, where in the process did you fill the gaps around the window with either spray insulation or loose fiberglass insulation. By not installing either, you missed a good portion of the potential energy savings.

This was a good DIY article for those with little to moderate experience. The only suggestion that I make (like the others have) is to finish the edges on the ledge and apron. I find that a finished edge gives that little extra vs. the unfinished edge as shown.

Meg Padgett We're definitely going to finish off the ends - thanks for all the tips! Also, we did apply spray foam when we installed the windows so the gaps are filled and the space feels night & day warmer!