Roger installs 200 feet of pre-cast concrete to create a retaining wall Richard Nylander helps Kevin date and evaluate the historic wallpaper Tom frames a new window Harvard Law School construction project.
Removing the temporary support beam holding up the back corner of the house new framing materials used in the new kitchen removing the old kitchen walls and installing a new 16-foot beam to open up the space unsafe conditions and code violations.
Prepping the footings for the new porch columns civil engineer Mike Kosmo does the perc test a stunning neighborhood shingle-style house removing a rotted red maple from the side yard with a tree crew and crane.
Landscape architect Stephanie Hubbard's plan for major work in the back to re-grade and create a large new patio Norm Abram and homeowner Paul Friedberg begin demolition in the basement, Kevin learns how to loosen a stuck sewer cap.
Reviewing the "new" house: the good news-an exterior in pretty good shape and beautiful intact woodwork-and the bad news-some structural issues and a disconnected, sorely outdated kitchen extensive plaster damage bathrooms in need of updating.
The modest 1720s gambrel has been restored, complete with a new ell and barn element the crew gets a tour of the changes.
New wide plank floorboards mimic the look of the original flooring a soapstone sink is fabricated reviewing the hot water system a wood backsplash is added to the pantry and light fixtures illuminate the ell.
Installing a granite veneer water table installing the old roof boards on the ceiling of the new ell building a dry laid stone wall plumbing manifold a carpenter talks about leaving his corporate job.
Installing a rainwater harvesting system touring a handmade lighting factory assembling a new boathouse on site plants are heeled in for the winter.
Repairing rotted sills the challenge of ducting a first period home is solved old material disguises a new repair repairing an original gunstock post installing new clapboards.
Installing a warm roof new framing poses plumbing challenges rot is discovered on the original sill exploring options to light the new ell.
Erik lays red cedar shingles on the roof in Rupert, Vermont, homeowner Bill shows Kevin how the reproduction light fixtures the couple selected are handcrafted window installation begins salvaged doors for a pantry and dining room.
With framing in full force, general contractor Erik Kaminski walks Tommy through the first floor to show him how the house is coming together living/dining room plan raising the roof exterior trim.
An inspector arrives to approve the foundation installing the perimeter drain, which keeps groundwater away from the house precut framing lumber arrives the landscape plan starting the framing process the numbering system for the panels.
Tommy and Kevin visit the Vermont factory where the house will be built Ed Akerley drills and blasts through the rock ledge to make room for the foundation Scott McKenzy and his team build forms and pour concrete for the foundation.
On the North Shore of Massachusetts, Bill and April Harb begin building their dream home the farmhouse will look 200 years old, but use innovative building methods Bill shows Kevin and Roger the site plan and walks them around the property.
Tom works on the interior screens for the casement windows downstairs, the Dutch door is fitted an electrician shows Kevin how he's lighting the way Norm sees the design for the caregiver suite downstairs, Kevin tours the first-floor living area.
Richard recaps the installation of the geothermal system Kevin catches us up on the kitchen layout as Tom installs countertops an interior designer shows Kevin his custom tile window trim pieces Tom brings in an antique farm table.
An installer lays a black slate tile a mason parges the top of the brick chimney staining oak flooring Brian Cooper helps Daryl Hall restore an 18th century-era estate Mark uses a traditional mud job as a bed for the antique hearth tiles.
Norm meets a shipwright Tom puts up barn boards in the entry the finished patio and plantings an architect is adding accommodations to make a house livable with ALS hearth tiles are laid Tom builds and installs the mantel from reclaimed oak.