Season 8

1997-09-01

A vintage Sears kit house is restored, but historic and sentimental elements are preserved.

1997-09-08

A closet is transformed into a bathroom, while new and old building materials are blended in the living and dining rooms.

1997-09-15

Bob Vila oversees the reconditioning of an original window in the Sears kit house. Also: a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House.

1997-09-22

Interior trim details are custom-milled as per the architect's specifications, and original bathroom fixtures are re-porcelainized. Also: framing continues on the back porch.

1997-09-29

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.

1997-10-06

The pool crew finishes the rebar and sprays gunnite, while French doors are installed in the master bedroom and the porch roof is repaired.

1997-10-13

Green Indian slate is installed on the surround and porch steps. Also: the backyard entry gate is finished.

1997-10-20

At the Sears kit house, the exterior is stripped for priming and painting. Also: a tour of the CBS studio center.

1997-10-27

The bathroom is tiled, new kitchen cabinets are custom-made to match the vintage ones, and decking is installed on the back porch.

1997-11-03

The electrician installs back lighting in the living room, and six stained-glass panels are cut and assembled. Meanwhile, contractors insulate the roof.

1997-11-10

A cabinetmaker frames boxes for living-room built-ins to match existing ones in the kitchen, and the pool crew finishes the plaster.

1997-11-17

Damaged hardwood flooring is repaired and an alder kitchen countertop is installed. Also: a tour of the Japanese Garden at Huntington Library and tips on building a Zen garden.

1997-11-24

Bob Vila leads a final tour of the landscaped front yard and the porch addition, which features a barbecue. Also toured are the Zen garden and swimming pool.

1997-12-01

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.

1997-12-08

Foundation work is begun, while Bob Vila tours an antique car museum in a Shaker-style round barn in Sandwich, MA.

1997-12-15

As the foundation is prepared, Bob Vila explains termite-proofing and oversees the installation of a hydronic heating system.

1997-12-22

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 materials for the post-and-beam plan.

1997-12-29

New decking is installed in the loft, while Bob Vila and the crew put up the ridge beam and rafters. Also: a joinery specialist demonstrates house framing.

1998-01-05

Insulation panels are installed and Bob Vila visits a factory where all-in-one wall product is made.

1998-01-12

Windows, exterior trim and siding are installed. Also: a tour of the American Plywood Association lab, where quality testing is observed.

1998-01-19

Metal roofing is installed and drywall is put up around the skylights.

1998-01-26

Bob Vila takes a look at such safety features as motion detectors, a fire-suppression unit and a lightning rod.

1998-02-02

A horticulturalist shares general landscaping tips and offers special advice on the use of native plants and trees. Also: building a staircase to the loft.

1998-02-09

A garage-door opener is installed, the heated-floor system is activated, and interior paneling is stained. Also: track lighting goes in.

1998-02-16

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 automotive garage with new tools.

1998-02-23

Workbenches are completed and metal shelves are installed in the loft, before Bob Vila leads a tour of the finished barn.