Home Again with Bob Vila

Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity Project Begins

Plans are under way to build a house in one week with a team of Habitat for Humanity volunteers in Yonkers, NY. Included: a tour of Yonkers and of a Habitat community in Phoenix.

Habitat for Humanity: Framing the Walls

The walls go up at the Roxbury project, and Bob Vila tours a manufacturing facility where special structural insulated panels (SIPs) are made. Also: a look at a money-saving system for recapturing heat from drain water.

Habitat for Humanity: Working On the Roof

Roof framing begins and the giant ridge beam is raised. Also: a tour of the Oregon plant where I-joists are made.

Habitat for Humanity: Exterior Trim and Porch Ceiling

Exterior trim work continues, while overlaid plywood is installed on the porch ceiling by a team of volunteers and celebrities. Included: tour of a plywood mill in Washington.

Habitat for Humanity: Sheathing and Shingling the Roof

Roofing work continues with the installation of photovoltaic shingles that convert solar energy into electricity. Also: a tour of the Global Solar Plant in Arizona.

Habitat for Humanity: Siding and Drywall

A special siding goes up, and drywall with pre-finished corners is installed in record time.

Habitat for Humanity: Building the Back Porch

The back porch is built with help from some high school tech students, and the trim gets finishing touches.

Habitat for Humanity: Painting and Door Installation

Bob Vila explains door installation, while indoor and outdoor painting gets underway at the project house.

Habitat for Humanity: Floor Installation

An entertainment center, flooring, and loft shelves are installed.

Habitat for Humanity: Working On the Kitchen

Cabinets and counter tops are installed in the kitchen, and money saving energy efficient appliances are discussed.

Habitat for Humanity: Carpet and Bathroom Fixtures

Carpet is laid in a bedroom and high efficiency fixtures are installed in the bathroom.

Habitat for Humanity: Interior Design

Guest B. Smith applies a colorful wainscot pattern along the wall of the children's bedroom.

Habitat for Humanity: House Tour

Executive Mansion: Governor's Mansion Tour

Bob Vila and crew take on restoring the Virginia governor's Federal style mansion, built in 1813.

Executive Mansion: Restoring the Floor

Floor restoration is underway with an acrylic injection technique.

Executive Mansion: Preparing to Pour a Concrete Floor

Preparations are made to pour a concrete floor in the basement, utilizing an elaborate concrete pump system.

Executive Mansion: Removing Windows for Restoration

Paint is removed from the masonry garden walls and windows are taken down for restoration.

Executive Mansion: Framing New Walls

Framing and trim work are underway in the basement, which is being transformed to include a state-of-the-art kitchen, wine cellar, and laundry.

Executive Mansion: Installing a Dumbwaiter

A dumbwaiter is installed to connect the basement kitchen with the first-floor dining room.

Executive Mansion: Installing Baseboards

Baseboard is installed on the second floor to accommodate updated HVAC and electrical systems.

Executive Mansion: Basement Kitchen

Preparations are made in the basement kitchen for state-of-the-art foodservice equipment and appliances.

Executive Mansion: Mantelpiece Restoration

The mantelpieces are preserved in order to restore historic features to the mansion.

Executive Mansion: Technology Systems Tested

Landscaping, masonry work, and painting are done on the mansion's exterior.

Executive Mansion: Finishing the Kitchen

A small kitchen in the governor's private quarters is finished and carpet is put down in the bedrooms.

Executive Mansion: Interior Decorating

The mansion gets elaborate interior decor.

Executive Mansion: Mansion Final Tour