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Bob meets lead carpenter Connor McKenna from Thorough Construction, who is working with the original floor joists in preparation for the hardwood floors. Bob remarks again on the hig-quality craftmanship of the original builders, but notes that the floor joists have been chopped up and hacked through for wiring, plumbing, or gas jobs over the years. McKenna explains that sistering the joists, or applying additional lumber to strengthen the existing timbers, will create a sturdy base and allow them to recreate a level floor. A laser level is used to project a level line throughout the apartment that will be followed for leveling all the new floors. McKenna applies panel adhesive to the tops of the new, sistered joists before laying four-by-eight sheets of Georgia-Pacific Plytanium Sturdifloor on top. This is a tongue-and-groove subfloor that is strong enough to serve as the only layer under hardwood flooring. Once affixed and locked in place, the Plytanium is nailed to the joists with traditional deck screws, never drywall screws, to create a stronger, better, quieter installation for the hardwood floors that will follow.

Bob is joined by John Wellborn, from Wellborn Cabinets, and carpenter Paul Anderson for the kitchen cabinet installation. Wellborn clamps cabinet sections together to insure that the joints are nice and tight and that the units are square and flush. Next, a fluted pilaster is attached to the top. This will receive the crown molding that kitchen designer Darci Miller has chosen. Finally, the end panels are attached to each side. To secure the cabinets to the wall, Paul Anderson scores a line on the wall to ensure the units will be level. Then he attaches two-by-fours to the wall for the cabinets to rest on while they are being fastened. Once the cabinets are secure, the 2-by-4's are removed and the cabinet doors attached.

Bob Vila and carpenter Ron Jackson install Atlantic white cedar shingles and sidewall flashing. Ron points out the flashing runs under the asphalt shingle. Ron also shows Bob a shortcut to cutting shingles at the perfect angle to the opposing roofline.

Bob and contractor/carpenter Cortney Lofton install clapboard siding on the front porch of the bungalow. They reinforce the gable to correct an existing sag and then add a moisture barrier to ensure a tight seal against the weather.

Carpenter Paul Anderson joins Bob to hang the Wellborn corner cabinets in the kitchen. The cabinets have some interesting features such as the tambour which can be used to store countertop appliances when they are not in use. The cabinets have already been trimmed out and the holes pre-drilled. Paul places two-by-four jacks underneath each cabinet for support while he screws them in place. Once the cabinets are hung, crown molding can be installed.

Ryley and the finish carpenter install interior trim: baseboard, chair rail, picture rail and built-up crown molding and they give us some tips and tricks.

Bob meets with the carpenter at the accessible house in Roxbury, Mass. and builds a temporary set of exterior stairs.