Home Again with Bob Vila Season 3, Episode 18: Beach House: Building the Staircase

1

Victorian: Selecting the Site

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

2

Victorian: Clearing the Lot

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.

3

Victorian: Foundation and Framing

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.

4

Victorian: Raising the Walls

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.

5

Victorian: Chimney, and Breezeway Framing Selecting the Site

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.

6

Victorian: Verge Board and Plumbing

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.

7

Victorian: Porch, Windows and Shingles

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

8

Victorian: Insulation and Wiring

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

9

Victorian: Wallpapering and Pantry

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

10

Victorian: Installing Shingles and Tin Ceiling

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.

11

Victorian: Courtyard Pavers and Master Bath

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

12

Victorian: Plate Rail and Stenciling

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

13

Victorian: House Tour

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

14

Beach House: Selecting the Site

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

15

Beach House: House Tour

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

17

Beach House: Demolition and Grade Beam Installation

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

18

Beach House: Building the Staircase

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.

19

Beach House: Framing and Insulation

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

20

Beach House: Installing Windows and Sprinkler System

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

21

Beach House: Monitoring Network and Waterproofing

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

22

Beach House: Tile Roof and Stucco

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

23

Beach House: Distressing and Hanging a Door

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

24

Beach House: Tile Layout

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.

25

Beach House: Stone Columns and Custom Cabinets

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.