BobVila.com

Bob looks at the order and placement of the windows on the fa�ade of the modern Colonial. Upon closer inspection, the classically inspired fenestration � size, type, and placement of the windows � differs slightly from floor to floor. On the first floor the windows are larger than the on the second floor, allowing more light into the living spaces of the home. The windows are from Andersen's 400 Series with energy-efficient low-E glass. They have solid wood frames with a low-maintenance Perma-Shield clad exterior for resistance to rust, pitting, and corrosion. This makes them especially well suited to coastal environments. The interior surfaces are available prefinished in white or unfinished pine. Bob Ryley and Kevin Parquette install what is technically a triple-hung window in the great room on the front fa�ade. Ryley applies a bead of vinyl caulk to all three sides but not the bottom of the window. The rough opening has house wrap and felt paper around it affording a double moisture barrier against driving rain.

Bob meets Todd Skulksy of Perfection Fence as he installs the classic New England-style vinyl picket fence. This product has a wood look and is made of mono-extruded vinyl so that it has only one layer and will not show nicks or discolorations over time. The fence is installed without mechanical fasteners and has been engineered with the crimps molded into the rails. The rail locks into the post piece and the crimp holds it in place. Perfection Fence vinyl fences come in different styles, this one with traditional New England features like the Colonial cap and ball finial for the top. Skulsky explains that these fences are moderately priced and cost less than finished wood fencing, but more than an unfinished wood fence. They are maintenance free, however, which will save money over time.

The second section to be secured of the four main house pieces is the first floor front section�including the front door. The workman use a �come-along� tool to join the two pieces into what is called in the modular home industry a marriage point or joint. Bob heads down to the basement to view the sections of the home from below. The lally columns from the basement will support the beams of the first floor at several points along the marriage joint. The unfinished basement will soon be a large family room, exercise area and TV den. On the first floor Bob reviews the marriage wall and how the two sections will be joined with steel brackets. The pieces have been engineered so that the bulk of the on-site work consists of securing the pieces together with bolts and removing the additional framing and supports that were added for shipping. It is almost like opening a new computer crate. You open up the box remove the packing material, plug everything in and you are almost ready to start, or in the case of a modular home, move-in.

If you have older walls in your home, they may not need any primer before you re-paint them. Try sprinkling a little water on the surface. If the water beads up, it means that the wall is still sealed and doesn't need a new coat of primer.