September 7, 1998
In a neighborhood outside of Boston, work begins on an affordable housing unit for a person with disabilities. Included: soil deco...Read more
September 14, 1998
Asphalt shingles and flashing are added to the roof, and walls are prepped with special blocking for mounting safety handrails. Al...Read more
September 21, 1998
A special weather- and fire-resistant siding is installed. Also: finishing the basement work and running electrical wiring.
September 28, 1998
Insulation work is begun and trenches are dug for the new water service. Also: Boston Mayor Thomas Menino stops by to help install the front door.
September 28, 1998
Bob Vila talks with experts to understand the difference between adaptability and accessibility when designing homes for disabled people.
October 12, 1998
The railing system is built and integrated with the front porch columns. Also: a tour of Boston's Roxbury community, making a come...Read more
October 19, 1998
Landscaping begins, the modular stair system is anchored, and the front porch ramp is built.
October 26, 1998
Recessed lighting and a cost-effective tankless water heater are installed. Also: a tour of a lighting manufacturing plant.
November 2, 1998
Drywall goes up and plumbing begins on a shower stall designed for wheelchair users. Included: a field trip to learn about new tre...Read more
November 9, 1998
The elevator is put in, and bathroom fixtures are installed along with hardware specially designed for people with disabilities.
November 16, 1998
The energy-efficient boiler is installed, and Bob Vila heads to Germany for a tour of the plant where the boiler was made.
November 23, 1998
A specially designed lock set is installed, along with an energy-efficient, side-by-side washer-dryer.
November 30, 1998
Bob Vila tours the completed unit, paying special attention to the wheelchair-accessible kitchen with energy-efficient appliances.
December 7, 1998
Conversion of an old fur storage building into a residential loft begins in Boston's Leather District. Included: a walking tour of...Read more
December 14, 1998
Installation of plumbing and heating begins. Included: a look at the progress of Boston's famous highway project, the 'Big Dig'.
December 21, 1998
Plastering is begun on the project, while Bob Vila takes a trip to Cambridge to meet a landscape architect who converted an indust...Read more
December 28, 1998
A platform is built to raise the kitchen and bedroom above floor level. Included: a visit to a nearby finished loft.
January 4, 1999
The entryway and foyer are painted, and the plate glass windows are replaced throughout. Work on the bathroom begins with shower t...Read more
January 11, 1999
Bob Vila addresses the challenge of framing and plastering a 48-foot wall with an almost imperceptible curve. Plus, built-in cabinets are constructed.
January 18, 1999
The bathroom progresses with the installation of an electrically powered full-body shower tower, a dual-speed pressurized toilet, ...Read more
January 25, 1999
Installation of the restaurant-style kitchen is begun, and Bob Vila tours the fabrication shop where the steel materials being used were custom-made.
February 1, 1999
Bob Vila offers tips on installing precision drywall and plastering in tricky places. Plus, a bookshelf nook is built and stainles...Read more
February 8, 1999
Finishes are installed in the bathroom and elsewhere in the loft, track lighting is put in. Included: a tour of Lightolier's Tech ...Read more
February 15, 1999
Architect Greg Rochlin is on-site to oversee the fabrication of the hallway closet system-- a multicolored design pieced together ...Read more
February 22, 1999
Work on the restaurant-style kitchen continues, as the wire shelving system is built and the stainless steel range hood is installed.
March 1, 1999
A tour of the completed conversion project begins with the building's restored facade and ends with the sixth-floor residential loft.