Season 3

1992-09-07

Bob Vila's first project of the season is introduced: an addition to a small cottage in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

1992-09-14

Bob meets with the contractor and architect and clears trees for the new addition, while demonstrating chain-saw safety. Also: a tour of a Newport, R.I., mansion.

1992-09-21

A cinder-block foundation is laid and the framing begins on a turret of the existing cottage. Also: a tour of Victorian homes in Cape May, N.J., one of America's oldest resort towns.

1992-09-28

Truss joints are installed in the bedroom wing, and, as the walls are raised, Bob describes the advantages of western balloon framing. Also: a tour of Lyndhurst mansion in the Hudson River valley of New York.

1992-10-05

A chimney is built and the connections between the old and new structures are installed. Also: a visit to a wood-stove factory in Vermont.

1992-10-12

A designer specializing in Victorian work adds elements to the exterior, and a verge board is installed on a gable end. Also: a walk through Lucy the Elephant, a tourist exhibit on the New Jersey shore, and a look at how to build PVC wastes and vents.

1992-10-19

Work begins on the front-entry porch. Also: tips on installing windows and applying cedar roof shingles.

1992-10-26

Installing blown-in and high-density insulation; adding railing detail to the porch. Also: tips on basic wiring and installing a septic tank.

1992-11-02

Included: installing the kitchen pantry, wallpapering the den, and examining the wallpaper manufacturing process. Also: how Victorian doors are made.

1992-11-09

Shingling is applied and a stamped-tin ceiling gets installed in the kitchen. Also: selecting color schemes for the house during a tour of Martha's Vineyard.

1992-11-16

Inside a Victorian mansion with an Arabian decorating scheme. Also: adding Victorian touches to the master bath.

1992-11-23

A plate rail is installed in the kitchen, and a designer offers ideas on Victorian interiors. Also: landscapers begin planting in the courtyard.

1992-11-30

A tour of the completed Victorian house includes a look at the new turret and courtyard, as well as the larger addition.

1992-12-07

Work begins on a house in Malibu, California. Also: a tour of Los Angeles by helicopter.

1992-12-14

Bob Vila tours the Malibu, California house, talks with the architects, and observes California-Spanish architecture.

1992-12-28

The foundation is inspected and a beam is installed in the garage.

1993-01-04

California's building codes regarding earthquake safety are discussed and a winding staircase is constructed. Also: a visit to the home of actor Max Gail.

1993-01-11

Included: the roof and walls are framed, and cellulose insulation is added.

1993-01-18

Installed: a custom-made window and a sprinkler system. Also, Bob Vila takes visits Wisconsin to see how custom windows are made.

1993-01-25

The project's environmentally sound features are discussed. Also: Bob Vila takes a trip to the home of actor Tim Allen ("Home Improvement").

1993-02-01

Mexican tile is used for the roof. Also: Bob Vila helps comedian Tim Allen pour concrete for a garage floor.

1993-02-08

The front door is hung. Also: adding a distressed finish to wood and building a storage wall.

1993-02-15

Hand-painted tiles are installed in the master bath and on the staircase. Also: a trip to the Mexican workshop where the tiles are made.

1993-02-22

A terracotta tile floor is laid. Also: security cameras, temperature controls and kitchen appliances are installed, and the courtyard is landscaped in California-Spanish villa style.