Episode Overview
Despite a week-long deluge from a spring Nor'easter, work on the house and lot continues unabated. Landscape contractor Roger Cook takes host Kevin O'Connor on a tour of the site, showcasing cleared trees, an established access road, completed foundation excavation, and ongoing form work. Meanwhile, general contractor Tom Silva uncovers significant rot and termite damage on the eastern side and suspects a failing footing in the basement. However, master carpenter Norm Abram discovers that the issue stems from inadequately supported framing due to prior renovations. Homeowner George Mabry discusses potential exterior materials with Norm—stucco, stone, and wood siding accents. In nearby Lincoln, Mass., Kevin visits Peter Gittleman, the educational director, to explore the Modern house designed by Walter Gropius for his family in 1938, a landmark of the Modern movement that now serves as a museum.