September 1, 1997
A vintage Sears kit house is restored, but historic and sentimental elements are preserved.
September 8, 1997
A closet is transformed into a bathroom, while new and old building materials are blended in the living and dining rooms.
September 15, 1997
Bob Vila oversees the reconditioning of an original window in the Sears kit house. Also: a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House.
September 22, 1997
Interior trim details are custom-milled as per the architect's specifications, and original bathroom fixtures are re-porcelainized...Read more
September 29, 1997
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.
October 6, 1997
The pool crew finishes the rebar and sprays gunnite, while French doors are installed in the master bedroom and the porch roof is repaired.
October 13, 1997
Green Indian slate is installed on the surround and porch steps. Also: the backyard entry gate is finished.
October 20, 1997
At the Sears kit house, the exterior is stripped for priming and painting. Also: a tour of the CBS studio center.
October 27, 1997
The bathroom is tiled, new kitchen cabinets are custom-made to match the vintage ones, and decking is installed on the back porch.
November 3, 1997
The electrician installs back lighting in the living room, and six stained-glass panels are cut and assembled. Meanwhile, contract...Read more
November 10, 1997
A cabinetmaker frames boxes for living-room built-ins to match existing ones in the kitchen, and the pool crew finishes the plaster.
November 17, 1997
Damaged hardwood flooring is repaired and an alder kitchen countertop is installed. Also: a tour of the Japanese Garden at Hunting...Read more
November 24, 1997
Bob Vila leads a final tour of the landscaped front yard and the porch addition, which features a barbecue. Also toured are the Ze...Read more
December 1, 1997
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.
December 8, 1997
Foundation work is begun, while Bob Vila tours an antique car museum in a Shaker-style round barn in Sandwich, MA.
December 15, 1997
As the foundation is prepared, Bob Vila explains termite-proofing and oversees the installation of a hydronic heating system.
December 22, 1997
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 ma...Read more
December 29, 1997
New decking is installed in the loft, while Bob Vila and the crew put up the ridge beam and rafters. Also: a joinery specialist de...Read more
January 5, 1998
Insulation panels are installed and Bob Vila visits a factory where all-in-one wall product is made.
January 12, 1998
Windows, exterior trim and siding are installed. Also: a tour of the American Plywood Association lab, where quality testing is observed.
January 19, 1998
Metal roofing is installed and drywall is put up around the skylights.
January 26, 1998
Bob Vila takes a look at such safety features as motion detectors, a fire-suppression unit and a lightning rod.
February 2, 1998
A horticulturalist shares general landscaping tips and offers special advice on the use of native plants and trees. Also: building...Read more
February 9, 1998
A garage-door opener is installed, the heated-floor system is activated, and interior paneling is stained. Also: track lighting goes in.
February 16, 1998
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 aut...Read more
February 23, 1998
Workbenches are completed and metal shelves are installed in the loft, before Bob Vila leads a tour of the finished barn.