Season 9 (1998)

Accessible Home: Housing Project Introduced
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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

Accessible Home: Framing and Shingling
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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

Accessible Home: Installing Siding
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September 21, 1998

A special weather- and fire-resistant siding is installed. Also: finishing the basement work and running electrical wiring.

Accessible Home: Insulation and Door Installation
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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.

Accessible Home: Designing for the Disabled
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September 28, 1998

Bob Vila talks with experts to understand the difference between adaptability and accessibility when designing homes for disabled people.

Accessible Home: Building the Railing System
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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

Accessible Home: Building the Railing System Stairs
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October 19, 1998

Landscaping begins, the modular stair system is anchored, and the front porch ramp is built.

Accessible Home: Installing a Tankless Water Heater
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October 26, 1998

Recessed lighting and a cost-effective tankless water heater are installed. Also: a tour of a lighting manufacturing plant.

Accessible Home: Shower Stall and Drywall
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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

Accessible Home: Accessible Fixtures and Elevator
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November 9, 1998

The elevator is put in, and bathroom fixtures are installed along with hardware specially designed for people with disabilities.

Accessible Home: Energy Efficiency Discussion
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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.

Accessible Home: Lockset Installation
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November 23, 1998

A specially designed lock set is installed, along with an energy-efficient, side-by-side washer-dryer.

Accessible Home: Accessible Unit Tour
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November 30, 1998

Bob Vila tours the completed unit, paying special attention to the wheelchair-accessible kitchen with energy-efficient appliances.

Loft Conversion: Loft Conversion Initial Tour
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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

Loft Conversion: Plumbing, Heating and the 'Big Dig'
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December 14, 1998

Installation of plumbing and heating begins. Included: a look at the progress of Boston's famous highway project, the 'Big Dig'.

Loft Conversion: Plastering the Loft
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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

Loft Conversion: Elevating the Kitchen and Bedroom
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December 28, 1998

A platform is built to raise the kitchen and bedroom above floor level. Included: a visit to a nearby finished loft.

Loft Conversion: Paint and Plate Glass Windows
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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

Loft Conversion: Framing a Wall With Built-in Cabinets
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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.

Loft Conversion: Installing Plumbing Fixtures
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January 18, 1999

The bathroom progresses with the installation of an electrically powered full-body shower tower, a dual-speed pressurized toilet, ...Read more

Loft Conversion: Installing Stainless Steel Countertops
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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.

Loft Conversion: Drywall and Plastering Tips
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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

Loft Conversion: Installing Track Lighting
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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

Loft Conversion: Building a Closet System
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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

Loft Conversion: Kitchen Work and Shutters
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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.

Loft Conversion: Loft Conversion Final Tour
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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.