Bob Vila, host of the syndicated Bob Vila show, has just released a DVD on Storm-Ready Design. We caught him before he left for an Italian sojourn.

Biggest summer job ever?

Designing and building a concrete swimming pool and general contracting it myself. It's a wonderful way to ruin your summer.

Any stress-lessening tips?

Do your drudge work early, and get it over with so you can get to the fun of the summer! But if you're painting your house, wait until the end of the dog days. Don't paint in the humid high point.

What's your favorite tool?

Any multiple tool gadget like a swiss-army knife. And rather than getting loaded down in the heat with a heavy tool belt, I believe in keeping a small secondary box with tools, picking things you need for your particular project.

And your to-do list ...

I'd like to start a topiary [garden]. My new daughter-in-law and my wife are very interested. But I don't think I'll get to it this year.