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Private Notes
A vintage Sears kit house is restored, but historic and sentimental elements are preserved.
A closet is transformed into a bathroom, while new and old building materials are blended in the living and dining rooms.
Bob Vila oversees the reconditioning of an original window in the Sears kit house. Also: a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House.
Interior trim details are custom-milled as per the architect's specifications, and original bathroom fixtures are re-porcelainized. Also: framing continues on the back porch.
Vintage cabinetry is discovered in a salvage yard and installed in the kitchen; yellow paint is stripped off; and the facade is given a facelift.
The pool crew finishes the rebar and sprays gunnite, while French doors are installed in the master bedroom and the porch roof is repaired.
Green Indian slate is installed on the surround and porch steps. Also: the backyard entry gate is finished.
At the Sears kit house, the exterior is stripped for priming and painting. Also: a tour of the CBS studio center.
The bathroom is tiled, new kitchen cabinets are custom-made to match the vintage ones, and decking is installed on the back porch.
The electrician installs back lighting in the living room, and six stained-glass panels are cut and assembled. Meanwhile, contractors insulate the roof.
A cabinetmaker frames boxes for living-room built-ins to match existing ones in the kitchen, and the pool crew finishes the plaster.
Damaged hardwood flooring is repaired and an alder kitchen countertop is installed. Also: a tour of the Japanese Garden at Huntington Library and tips on building a Zen garden.
Bob Vila leads a final tour of the landscaped front yard and the porch addition, which features a barbecue. Also toured are the Zen garden and swimming pool.
Plans for a post-and-beam garage and boat storage project are discussed with an architect. Also: touring a marina with America's Cup champ Bill Koch.
Foundation work is begun, while Bob Vila tours an antique car museum in a Shaker-style round barn in Sandwich, MA.
As the foundation is prepared, Bob Vila explains termite-proofing and oversees the installation of a hydronic heating system.
A look at framing, and the special techniques and tools that are used for it. Also: a tour of a lumber company examines pre-cut materials for the post-and-beam plan.
New decking is installed in the loft, while Bob Vila and the crew put up the ridge beam and rafters. Also: a joinery specialist demonstrates house framing.
Insulation panels are installed and Bob Vila visits a factory where all-in-one wall product is made.
Windows, exterior trim and siding are installed. Also: a tour of the American Plywood Association lab, where quality testing is observed.
Metal roofing is installed and drywall is put up around the skylights.
Bob Vila takes a look at such safety features as motion detectors, a fire-suppression unit and a lightning rod.
A horticulturalist shares general landscaping tips and offers special advice on the use of native plants and trees. Also: building a staircase to the loft.
A garage-door opener is installed, the heated-floor system is activated, and interior paneling is stained. Also: track lighting goes in.
The interior of the barn is stained and a workshop is assembled. Also: race-car driver Lyn St. James helps Bob Vila set up the automotive garage with new tools.
Workbenches are completed and metal shelves are installed in the loft, before Bob Vila leads a tour of the finished barn.
