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The days of sketching and erasing floor plans are over. There's no need for tiny replicas of appliances, cabinets or furniture either. At BobVila.com, designers, contractors and do-it-yourselfers can create, customize and accessorize entire rooms with the click of a mouse.

"At BobVila.com, we're focused on putting everything at the fingertips of the consumer," said Bob Vila, America's preeminent authority on home improvement and host of "Bob Vila's Home Again."

"Our latest technology enables people to lay out and adjust the dimensions of their floor plan, and insert windows, doors, electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures. Once they're satisfied with the basic shape of the room, they can position cabinetry, lighting, appliances and more. Best of all, they can use our new 3-D technology to visualize the room from most every angle imaginable."

The 3-D design-and-visualization tool offers assistance to professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike. Easy to use, it can prevent costly mistakes. For example, it won't allow windows to be placed too close to the point where walls meet, nor will it allow cabinets to be hung over an island in the kitchen. Likewise, it positions plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets in the most appropriate locations. Additionally, the appliance icons are dimensionally correct, so they give an accurate look at how a specific refrigerator or stove will fit in a kitchen.

"Just as Bob Vila strives to offer the best advice on building and remodeling projects, BobVila.com is dedicated to helping consumers successfully accomplish their goals," said Andy Wetmore, chief executive officer of BobVila.com. "Throughout our Web site, we've used the theme 'Inspire. Design. Achieve.' We want to be the resource people use for advice, information and tips from Bob, as well as the products and services they need to complete their projects."

The 3-D tool is one of many innovations that will be offered by BobVila.com, which is in the process of remodeling its Web site. A more comprehensive rollout of the site is planned for this fall. "We're inviting visitors to watch our Web site grow and evolve in much the same way as viewers see projects take shape during each season of 'Bob Vila's Home Again," Wetmore added.

When the fall rollout of the Web site takes place, consumers will be able to do more than plan and visualize their rooms. They also will be able to utilize BobVila.com to select and purchase the appliances, tools and other items they need to complete their projects. Additionally, BobVila.com will offer building-technology updates; project-management techniques; online chats; information about choosing a contractor, "greenbuilding," accessible design and historic preservation; video clips from "Bob Vila's Home Again;" and more.

Based in Boston, BobVila.com is a joint online venture between the Bob Vila organization and Sears. BobVila.com plans to become America's leading site for home-improvement solutions - offering consumers inspiration, online help, products and services. The company intends to build on the strengths and expertise of Bob Vila and Sears, and to join with other authoritative partners, to create the definitive online resource designed to assist people at every stage of the building-and-remodeling process.

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Company

Contact: Carol Simantz for Sears, Roebuck and Company, 847-692-6311