I can not agree with the McAfee praise I had horrible problems with it. Kaspersky is an excellent pay for AV program. I would never allow anyone on my pc to have admin rights especially kids they should all have very limited accounts and no access to the admin account that would stop a lot of the problems. I do all my bill paying online through my bank, I do it on my linux computer. I have not had any problems. Choosing strong passwords is essential also for any important sites and changing them from time to time is a good practice. Many banks are now considering offering free linux live cd's to their customers to do their online banking, when you put the linux live cd into the computer and boot from it you have access to firefox browser and can go online and do your banking while on the cd so that when you are done and you eject the cd and reboot to your regular windows all traces of what you did are gone. Very much like sandboxing. Here are some recent articles about this. I really urge people to pick up a linux live cd to have on hand they can be used for a lot of stuff, most all linux magazines you find in bookstores will have a free cd of some flavor of linux in it and you can of course burn one free online or order them for free. Can Ubuntu save online banking? Avoid Windows Malware: Bank on a Live CD E-Banking on a Locked Down (Non-Microsoft) PC

As a previous poster commented "some times there's good advice on the old threads". Yup, and perhaps in the meantime while you're reading all those old posts you're missing out on some relevant, up-to-date good advice on the newer threads.......I say "read those old threads, but please don't make any new posts/comments on them.....PLEASE!"

I like the exteriors that PPF did for you on your last thread better :( Is there a reason why those don't work? Your new plan is growing on me because it provides a better route to the master bedroom and the garage is not as prominent on the front. You could do a "hidden pantry" door so that the cabinets look like they make the turn between the ovens and the fridge. One thing I'd do for sure is widen the doorway to the master hallway to at least 42". 36" is pretty tight and since you'll have plenty of cabinetry, you wouldn't miss the 6". 48" would be even better. Now, because you're gaining room in your pantry, you could get a full depth fridge and recess it into the wall/pantry area. That will save you money and get you more fridge space. Definitely put a spare fridge and/or freezer in the pantry. I'm not sure how big your family is but we are putting in second dishwasher. Maybe that's something to consider in your kitchen if you have lots of kids and entertain frequently.

I interpret the builder's list is stating underslab moisture barrier and drain tile footing - standard basement fare. The only plastic inside a basement would be exposed scrim-wrapped insulation blankets if chosen. For the exterior, instead of damproofing (asphaltic emulsion spray) a better product is waterproofing (membrane - similar to roof "ice&water shield," and there are some proprietary roll-on types with thickness). The spray (what you may have referred to as "tar") does not expand over cracks, it separates with them. But a membrane will stay intact, and paired with dimple board and footing drain tile burrito wrapped, your basement will be utilizing best current practices. There are some other fine details and better spec grades of materials, but those are the basic essentials.