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New custom Pella windows give a view onto the yard from the dining room. The windows are trimmed out in custom millwork that was created from a profile of the original trim in the house. The crown molding in the room complements the period architecture. General Contractor Tim Berky explains how the profile from the original woodwork was revealed, copied, and reproduced for around $2,000. He then shows Bob how he installs the trim pieces, first by filling the gaps at the door edges with expanding foam, then gluing and nailing the trim boards around the sides. Reproduction rosettes trim out the corners of each window and door. Bob looks at the four-panel cherry pocket door that has been installed between the mudroom and kitchen space. Berky nails the trim around the pocket door, being careful not to drive any nails into the door enclosure. On the deck, Bob looks at the deck bench with radial back that is an architectural solution for a tricky corner railing situation.

Bob talks with Brian Heinz of Pella windows about the large, custom double-hung windows that are being installed in the Manhattan Brownstone. In keeping with the original 1890s-style window, they have selected a one-over-one double-hung window. This window is almost as large as can be ordered to allow the maximum of natural light and air into the apartment. These Pella historic replacement windows blend old-world style with energy-efficient low-emissivity technology. Low-e glass keeps heat in during the cold months and locks heat out during the warm months. The all-wood window frames are clad in aluminum on the exterior to keep them maintenance free. The interior features a historically correct ogee profile around the entire sash and a thicker bottom rail as was the style at the end of the nineteenth century. David Kneeshaw of Keywood Installers joins Bob for the installation of the windows. He shows how the masonry opening is framed in plywood that is glued to the original brick then screwed into place. Two-by-six members are then affixed to the plywood to build the frame out to the proper dimensions. Finally, aluminum receptors are cut to length and ripped before being glued and screwed into place as receptors for the new window. The caulking makes for a secure installation that fights off water penetration. These custom windows cost approximately $1,000 apiece and feature the new Vivid View high-tech screens from Pella.

Markus Early from Earlylight Consulting explains to Bob the lighting design in the apartment. Starting with the kitchen overhead light, which has new T-5 ultra low profile florescent tube lighting that aims up to create a reflected light for food preparation. In the living and dining areas Early washes the room in track lighting from LSI, Lighting Services Incorporated. Early has selected AR 70 Sylvania bulbs, which eliminate glare.

Bob meets with Mark Van Sickle from Merillat who is installing hardware on the new semi-custom kitchen cabinets. The Merillat cabinet doors and face frames are solid cherry in a cider finish. The cabinet end panels can be specified by the homeowner or architect to either match the cabinet fronts or to be made of plywood. Mark has set up a drilling jig for drilling holes for hardware to keep all holes on the same 5-inch center. He shows us the contemporary profile stainless steel pulls that will be attached to the doors. This set of cabinets has an unusual setup; it consists of 3 wall cabinets stacked on top of each other and built up on a platform for a toekick. This is an unusual installation creating a whole wall of cabinets like a butler's pantry while saving money buy using standard overhead cabinets. Solid end panels will be added to cover the seams of the stacked cabinets. Bob and Mark move over to the other wall where they notice the orgonomics - the extra organizational features that can be added to cabinetry - including a built-in wastebasket, a pull-out for cooking oils, a sink tray for scouring pads and sponges, an under sink tote for cleaning supplies, and a dishtowel holder. The pantry unit also incorporates orgonomics with slide-out wire baskets that are easy to install and adjustable to different heights - perfect for dry goods, cans, and cereal.

Bob visits with Ralph and the plasterer to watch them add details to the plaster cornice. The scratch coat is complete and the white coat is underway. Several types of plaster are combined and each batch is workable for only 5 minutes before it hardens. A template is pulled across the spread plaster to form the cornice profile.

The front room of the Manhattan Brownstone is getting its finishing touches as prefabricated oversize cove molding is installed at the ceiling. This molding is made of plaster and fiberglass strands to make it sturdy but light. The windows are then finished with a casing the depth of the masonry wall. Once it is nailed in place, the Victorian profile molding can be installed around the window and up to the cove molding at the ceiling. These high-profile moldings can now be made of one piece of wood, but the Victorians would have layered different profiles, one on top of the other, to achieve the same look. The molding is set with panel adhesive then nailed in place. This traditional window casing design features a header and casing running down to a plinth or decorative block at the base.