Home Again with Bob Vila — Season 8

Aired 1 September 1997

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

Aired 8 September 1997

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

Aired 15 September 1997

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

Aired 22 September 1997

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.

Aired 29 September 1997

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.

Aired 6 October 1997

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

Aired 13 October 1997

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

Aired 20 October 1997

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

Aired 27 October 1997

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

Aired 3 November 1997

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

Aired 10 November 1997

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

Aired 17 November 1997

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.

Aired 24 November 1997

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.

Aired 1 December 1997

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.

Aired 8 December 1997

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

Aired 15 December 1997

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

Aired 22 December 1997

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.

Aired 29 December 1997

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.

Aired 5 January 1998

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

Aired 12 January 1998

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

Aired 19 January 1998

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

Aired 26 January 1998

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

Aired 2 February 1998

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.

Aired 9 February 1998

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

Aired 16 February 1998

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.

Aired 23 February 1998

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