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To begin, rip the top and side jambs to the thickness of the wall framing plus the exterior wall sheathing. The cement board will lap over the jambs. The windowsill should also be flush with the interior framing, but hang over the outside sheathing about 1-1/2 in. and have a 5-degree slope toward the outside to help shed water. To keep water from running behind the siding as it drips off the edge, cut a shallow groove (or saw kerf) in the bottom lip. Also, remember to flash behind the trim to keep the window watertight. Trim the window exterior to match the house, using caulk to seal between the trim and siding. It''s important to set the panel so it protrudes 1/4 in. past the finished tile surface. That way, a bead of caulk can seal the joint between the tile and block to keep water out of the wall cavity. To size the glass block, remove the trim from the existing window and measure the rough opening. Subtract 2 in. from the width and the height to allow for the frame, then determine the panel size by counting the number of rows and courses that easily fits into the opening.

You must get permits before tackling a bathroom remodel. Contact your building inspector to go over the scope of the project to find out exactly how much you''re permitted to do. When your permit is granted, you''ll receive a schedule list that''ll tell you when to call for inspections. Remember to shut off the water before demolition The special-order fixtures, fittings, shower pan, tile and glass block panel can take weeks to get in hand, so do the necessary legwork and ordering well in advance. Before gutting the bathroom, check to make sure that there are shutoffs for all the fixtures or a master shutoff for the entire bathroom. If not, buy ball valve shutoffs sized to fit your pipes. Then turn off the main water supply line where it comes into the house from outside, cut the pipes feeding the bathroom and install the new shutoffs right away. Hire pros before you get bogged down Don''t think you need to do the whole job solo if you don''t feel qualified or able to perform all the tasks, especially the plumbing and electrical work. Pros will greatly speed up the project, which is particularly important if the bathroom under construction is the only one in the house.

Brightening many a wall these days are sconces and other lighting fixtures that provide versatile illumination and more than a little decorative flair. Wall-mounted fixtures often supply ambient light, bouncing their beams off walls and ceilings or emanating a subtle glow through translucent covers. They may also serve as equally purposeful task lights directed at work surfaces or stairs. They have the advantage of utilizing wall space, substituting for a lamp what would take up part of a tabletop or counter. How they work Descendants of candle-holding brackets, sconces are usually closed at the base and open at the top, so light washes up the wall and onto the ceiling, where it provides gentle overall illumination of a space. They are particularly effective at lighting entryways, ornamenting the walls of formal living or dining rooms, or creating a romantic ambience in a bedroom. Designer installed sconces in his bedroom, dining room, and living room. "Sconce lighting is a softer effect," he says. "It creates a certain mood." He makes sure all of his sconces are on dimmer switches, so he can adjust the light level as the mood dictates.