David: This Old House - Episode#2921
Despite the bitter cold, landscape contractor Roger Cook works with a group of students from YouthBuild Boston to spread soil and put down sod in the backyard. Meanwhile, fence contractor Mike McLaughlin and his crew install a PVC privacy fence along the perimeter of the yard. Inside, master carpenter Norm Abram and lead carpenter Colin Paterson are adding some period charm to the bay window area by installing custom casings and paneling. The house's existing plaster ceiling medallions were beyond repair, so Norm brings back preservation plasterer Rory Brennan to replicate them on site. Fortunately, the originals were nearly identical to the medallions from the Charlestown project years ago, so Rory mixes up some plaster and pours a new medallion from the Charlestown mold. Afterward, they install a completed casting in the front parlor. At the end of the day, the fence is nearly complete and the sod is finished, thanks to our group of intrepid apprentices


Ask This Old House - Episode#821
Host Kevin O’Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey head to Virginia to
help a homeowner replace his old, electric water heater with a “heat pump” water heater that
uses much less electricity. Then, up in the loft, Richard and Kevin, along with general contractor
Tom Silva and landscape contractor Roger Cook ask, “What is it?” Afterward, Roger and Kevin
discuss propane-fueled mosquito traps and how to keep them working properly. Then Tom helps
a homeowner install exterior trim against a very uneven stone chimney.