Bob goes to Chicago's South Side to tour the Salvage One architectural warehouse with Anne Steinweddel. He explores several of the unique pieces that reside in the warehouse, and successfully finds an authentic iron fence for the front yard the project house.
Bob talks to Ed Waller from CertaPro Painters about painting of the guest bedroom in the Melrose, Massachusetts, project. Waller explains that the paint being used is a latex paint which does not contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds). As a result, the room is free from noxious odors even as the paint is being applied. The no VOC paint actually holds to the walls better and is only a little more expensive than conventional paints. Two coats will be applied in this project so no spots are missed. Bob notes how the paint is being applied over the molding. Waller explains this is so no spots are missed and when they go back to paint the trim, a craftsman will paint with precise, straight lines to cover any molding gaps where it meets the wall. Bob is surprised that the radiator has been painted, but Waller says old radiators are often painted with latex paint with no negative effect on their heating ability. Bob asks how to find a good painter. Waller looks at the previous work they have done and who they have worked for, then trains them properly with full supervision in the field. Waller encourages the use of an extension pole when painting as, for a minor cost, it helps the painting process greatly. Weller also encourages painting in a direction from floor to ceiling to apply the paint evenly across the wall. When it comes to painting the trim, the crew uses a semi-gloss no VOC paint from the Sherwin Williams Harmony line. The primer that was used was also a no VOC paint from the same line. Painting the trim requires a steady hand and is the measure of a good paint job. Expensive brushes with synthetic, flared bristles are used while painting latex on the trim. Waller reviews proper painting technique using a pail to hold the paint, and gently tapping the sides of the pail with the brush to get rid of excessive paint before applying. Weller also gives tips for painting older panel doors. The door is painted entirely by brush rather than roller and work is done with tough stuff first working inside to out, top to bottom, and left to right. Bob reminds viewers to tape the hinges and remove the doorknobs and keyhole covers before painting. The tape is removed before the paint dries completely.
Lever locksets are a great feature for your home, especially when accessibility is an issue. Lever locksets are easy to install, especially on pre-hung doors. The first piece to install is the latch set. Once in a place, the handles simply fit in with a couple of the screws. For someone with arthritis, a disability, or even just an armload of laundry, these are a great option because they are easier to use than typical doorknobs.
Bob enters the Rowley Victorian through the new Pella French doors into the Mashers' remodeled mudroom. It has a new closet with solid-core, cherry-veneer Woodport doors, tile floors, and a taupe finish on the walls. The remodeled bath has hand-made Trikeenan field and decorative tiles that complement the monochromatic color theme throughout. Roman shades from Smith & Noble provide privacy and accent colors for the new space.
Bob begins the final an interior tour of the modular home project in the Berkshire Hills. The interior doors are Woodport MDF panel doors with M-tech hardware. M-tech specializes in antique reproduction hardware. Bob points out that many of the home�s features, like the Merillat cabinets and the staircase were installed in the factory and are complete. However many of the finishing touches, such as the spindles on the stairway banister, the appliances and the paint that would have been added on site are sitting warehouse style, in the living spaces.
Bob shows us the completed living room of the Manhattan Brownstone floor-through apartment. The entire space is opened up and is now 22 feet square with 12 1/2 foot ceilings. Symmetry was created by moving the front door and adding a pocket door on the same wall to complement it. The rediscovered cornice molding has been completely restored and quarter-sawn Ash flooring from Bellawood runs the length of the apartment. Bob is joined by project manager Chris Vila and general contractor Jim Kweskin of Fort Hill Construction. The look at the custom, compound-miter fireplace surround that the crew built for the revitalized fireplace. Chris Vila remembers discovering the fireplace and reactivating it by running a flexible, stainless-steel chimney liner from the new firebox to the roof.