Home Again with Bob Vila

Bob Vila prepares to restore his own home by inspecting it inside and out. Also: a tour of Harvard Square with architectural historian Brian Pfeiffer provides a look at the influences on area builders.

As work begins on the project, Bob Vila offers tips on demolishing a structure. Also: a look at the architect's renovation plans and a tour of historic houses in the neighborhood.

As reconstruction begins, the crew corrects a structural flaw with a new beam and starts overhauling the plumbing. Also: a tour of what remains of the house after the demolition.

As structural changes to the roof are planned, Bob Vila presents a guide to shingles. Also: a look at shingles being made in Vancouver factory.

Work begins on turning the basement into a combination exercise room and workshop, with Bob Vila sharing tips on concrete slab floors. Also: a trip to a Georgia sawmill to see lumber being prepared.

Bob Vila evaluates progress on the Cambridge, MA, project. Also: a tour of the historic Longfellow House, onetime residence of George Washington and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Roofers replace the shingles and install copper lining to rebuild the gutters. Meanwhile, an electrician explains the project's extensive rewiring. Also: examples of fine woodwork and stained glass.

Framing begins on the backyard deck, chimney repair gets underway, and the Palladian window is installed in the third-floor family room.

Bob Vila explores the various uses of insulation products, including noise reduction. Also: building a deck with proper drainage.

Bob Vila oversees the installation of a heating, air-conditioning and ventilation unit. In the bathroom, radiant heat is installed, and around the house, the electrical work is inspected.

Bob Vila offers tips on plastering and window installation. Also: a tour of a Stanford White-designed house in Stockbridge, MA.

Bob Vila discusses ceramic tile, from design choices to installation. Also: tile shopping in New York City; digging the trench for a water main.

Work begins on the grounds as a landscape architect helps formulate plans. Meanwhile, the new deck takes shape and a parking pad is laid out near the back door.

The crew installs a staircase, then begins repairing plaster and laying in tile. Also: glass is replaced in the doors of the dining-room hutch.

Workmen start paneling the dining room and entryway. Also: a visit to the Isaac Bell House in Newport, RI.

A hardwood floor is installed; work is done on the dressing rooms in the master bedroom; and a water-purification system is installed in the basement.

The exterior paint color is chosen and the necessary prep work needed for the job is assessed. Windows are restored, and in the kitchen, cabinets are installed. Also: a trip to the Pennsylvania factory where the cabinets were manufactured.

In conjunction with the installation of the toilet and vanity at the Cambridge, MA, project site, Bob Vila tours the Wisconsin factory where the bath fixtures are made. Also: the master suite gets new closets.

Bob Vila demonstrates the right way to install tile. Also: a look at the prep work needed for the yard landscaping.

The landscaping begins. Retaining-wall materials are used to create an elevated terrace and the backyard patio is paved. Also: a profile of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Landscapers begin planting on the terrace. In the kitchen, new countertops are installed before the sink and a faucet are put in. Also: a vist to the Burpee Seeds gardens.

Built-in bookshelves are added to the library. Also: a period light fixture is refurbished, a dimmer-switch system is installed, and a stairway balustrade is reconstructed.

Storm windows are installed, a faux paint finish is applied to walls in the master bedroom, and planting in the yard is completed. Also: landscape architects explain changes that were made to meet city requirements.

Bob Vila meets with the interior designers and discusses the choice of color schemes. Also: a look at the updated basement workshop.

An armoire is converted into an entertainment unit, while the kitchen and family room are completed.

A look at the fabrics, colors, and furnishings inside the completed house. Also: a lockset is installed in the powder-room door and shower doors are added in the master bathroom.