Our host, a Boston designer and builder, tours the dilapidated turn-of the-century house in Dorchester, Massachusetts, that will completely renovated in the next 13 weeks. Our host talks with a realtor and a house appraiser to determine the condition and problems of the property.

Renovation has begun and the carpenter has find rot in the eaves. The kitchen, one of the hardest remodeling jobs, gets some attention, and we look into the history of the home.

Work on the house has uncovered some unforeseen problems from the roof to the plumbing, and at a moment, the dream kitchen is a nightmare. But our host has some solutions.

It's time to insulate the house, remove the old furnace, and replace it with a new-energy-efficient heating system.

This week the ceilings are leveled and renovated. The bulkhead is repaired and renewed. Our hosts talks about the kitchen lighting and answers some viewer questions.

How are we going to heat the house? This week our host talks with a heating specialist about baseboard heating, the heating plant in the basement and the water heater. We take a look at the bedroom closets and a new kitchen skylight.

Plasters, roofers, and carpenters are hard at work. The kitchen walls are plastered, the chimney get some attention, and works starts on the crumbling front porch.

The insulation and plasterwork are completed. The new kitchen windows are trimmed and finished. A historic preservation consultant traces the changes made in the past century in the house's exterior paint.

Work on the deck and its foundation is underway. Our host offers some hints on paint stripping and introduces an alternative to ceramic wall tile around a bathtub.

Our hosts walks through the grounds with a landscape designer and considers the gardening possibilities. The carpenters put on new red cedar clapboards, and the Mayor of Boston, Kevin White, pays a visit to the house.

Our host demostrates how to lay a parquet kitchen floor. He speaks to a marble expert about the dining room fireplace. The bathroom tile floor is installed, and we consider home security systems.

The house painter demonstrates how to apply primer. Our host talks about installing an oak floor and sanding floors. A stonemason repairs the stone wall around the house, and the yard gets two new trees.

A look at the nearly finished product, inside and out. And the finishing touches are put on the picket fence, the deck and yard.

Our host introduces the Bigelow House, a rambling 19th-century hilltop home in Newton, Massachusetts, designed by noted Victorian architect H.H. Richardson. The challenge - convert the abandoned structure into five modern condominium units, while preserving its architectural integrity. Vila and our master carpenter talk about the best way to tackle the project.

Our host discusses plans for renovating the barn unit - insulation, demolition and replacing broken windows.

Demolition is nearly complete and our host shows us some of the problems uncovering he's uncovered - including extensive damage from carpenter ants, vandals and rot.

Our host discusses some of the key decisions to be made about condominium sales. Also, plans are made to install woodburning stoves in the ice house and the woodshed.

We're ready to do some plumbing at the house. Our master carpenter shows us how to pour concrete wall and Tom Wirth, our landscape architect discusses the lay of the land.

The exterminator gives us a top-to-bottom bug check. Professor John Coolidge talks about the architect of the Bigelow House, H.H. Richardson - considered the foremost Victorian architect of the 19th century.

Our host discusses plans for a new, historically compatible five-car garage. The electrician begins wiring and a solar energy expert recommends the best location for a solar collector.

Our host and master carpenter gives us a progress report of the house. It's almost time to winterize this energy-guzzling summer home with insulation and fireplace fix-ups.

All radiators are not created equal. Our host shows us an efficient, aesthetic European version. Our master carpenter is busy installing new windows and a lighting expert make some illuminating recommendations.

The south roof gets an ice shield and cedar shingles. The living room wall gets a layer of energy-saving polystyrene board. And the grounds get a face-lifting.

This week, our host looks at the wiring needs in the barn; demonstrates lathing and plastering and talks about choosing tiles for the foyer in the main house.

Shingling is completed on the south side of the bungalow and the lights are in placed in the main house. Tile setter Charlie English shows us how to trim tiles.

What are the best tiles for the master bath? How is the electrical work coming? What type of cabinets should we use in the kitchen of the main house? Our host supplies the answers.

It's time to tackle some tough shingling jobs on the turret and roof-top belvedere. We'll also install a skylight, hook up a toilet and talk about water service for the house.

The crawlspace in the barn gets a concrete floor. The main house gets a parquet floor. And we lesson in tile grouting.

Our host sizes up the tree cutting clearing hob outside the Ice House unit. In the barn, he discusses the wood beam framing. Then, it's up to the main house for a look at the stairway.

Our host reviews plans for interior of the barn unit. In the main house, he decides that some of the floors will have to go; and out plumber is ready to install the Powder Room sink.

Tonight, our host tours the barn and gives more thought to the hardwood floors in the main house. It's also time to select locks and hardware for the antique floors.

This week, our master carpenter installs the unusual floor-to-ceiling triple hung windows; while Charlie, our finish carpenter, sets in window casings and kitchen cabinets.

The kitchen in the main house gets a ceramic tile floor. The south facade get a glass sunbath. The barn gets a heating and cooling fan. The fireplace gets a new stone face.

This week, the old metal garages come down and barn lighting goes in. In the main house, it's time to install the air conditioning and kitchen window casings.

Now that the old garage is gone, plans are made for the new one. Our master carpenter discusses the stairway in the barn. At the main house, a downdraft stove is installed and the sunbath gets a copper roof.

Our houst inspects the custom-made hardwood spiral stairchase in the barn and takes us on a tour of the factory where it was made. Later, we go up to the main house for a look at repairs on the fireplace tiles.

Our host inspects the custom-built kitchen cabinets in the barn and checks the plastering work upstairs. Then landscaping arcitect Tom Wirth gives us a lesson in brick paving and takes us on a fascinating tour of a granite quarry.

Things are really shaping up at the Bigelow House! Tonight, the white cedar shingling goes up in the barn greenhouse. Inside the barn, our host oversees installation on a heat pump, then he heads up to the main house to help apply the exterior stain.

Our host takes a stroll around the grounds and shows us that the landscaping is well underway. There's also been great progress in the ice house and woodshed. As for the barn, it's nearly complete.

This Old House is new again! The workmen are gone and the newly renovated Bigelow House is ready and waiting for its new occupants. Our host takes us on the long-awaited tour in this one hour special.

Our host introduces you to the newest project - a 1950s ranch-style tract house in Woburn, Massachusetts, that is badly in need of elbow room. Our host and our master carpenter discuss the possibilities for creating space where none presently exists. And they take a tour of the neighborhood to see how other homeowners have transformed their houses from the 1950s into roomier, energy-efficient homes for the 1980s.

It's time to pour the footings for the breezeway/greenhouse between the house and the garage. Then the house gets a high tech energy audit, complete with on-the-spot computer print-out and recommendations for cost-effective solutions to specific energy problems.

Our host assesses the efficiency of the house's heating planet. Our master carpenter builds the framing for the breezeway/greenhouse, and replaces windows. Back inside, our host is busy steaming off the old wallpaper.

Our host discusses plans for installing a wood burning stove in the family room. Our master carpenter roughs in the new bath off the master bedroom, then goes outside to check the condition of the roof.

Our host shows us how to waterproof a basement and install a wood stove and a free-standing chimney. Our master carpenter is busy putting in the new windows and doors.

Our host helps install the shower in the new master bathroom. Then he and our master carpenter shows us how to construct kitchen cabinets.

Our host and our master carpenter tear down the old wood panelling in the basement wreck room. Upstairs, it's time to install the new kitchen countertops and decorate the master bath.

Our host throws a little light on the subject of wiring the new breezeway. Then he warms up the garage-turned-family room with new insulation.

Our master carpenter shows us the right way to dry wall a new room - including important tips on taping and sanding. Then he and our host discuss tools: which ones are right for the job?

This old house is beginning to take on a new look. Our host shows us how to trim the windows and doors. He also gives us time-saving tips on preparing and painting interior walls.

Things are really cooking at the house. Our host is in the kitchen installing the new appliances. Our master carpenter is hard at work building a new rear deck. Back inside, our host shares some professional secrets for mistake-proof wallpapering. It's easy when you know how.

The house's transformation is nearly complete. Our host gives us some pointers on laying a no-wax floor. Then the guys discuss the finishing touches of the renovation. Outside, our host checks the progress of the landscaping.

The tract house from the 1950s is now a bright new, energy-efficient home for the 1980's. The guys lead a grand tour of the newly renovated house.

Our host takes you on a tour of the newest project - a three-story Greek Revival farmhouse in Arlington, Massachusetts. Over the next 26 weeks, he and his crew of building craftsmen will transform this old house from the 1850s into an idea house for the 1980s that gives viewers and homeowners a new sense of what a home can be.

Our host considers the many remodeling possibilities for the old house with architect Jock Gifford and landscape atchitect Tom Wirth. Where to begin!

Our host brings in the crane and demolition of a portion of the old farmhouse begins. Later, our hosts talks with a slate contractor about the old slate roof and discusses the merits of sandblasting.

Our host and his crew jack up the garage, relocate it, and consider turning it into a workshop/garden shed. The crew also conducts a window and door energy audit.

Our host and master carpenter undertake the task of framing in the new 1982 wing of the 1850s Greek Revival farmhouse.

Our host and crew tackle the insulation of the old farmhouse's new wing.

Our host and crew assess the old farmhouse's electrical need and update wiring for today's lifestyle.

Our host and crew shingle the new wing and plaster ceilings in the old portion of the 1850's farmhouse.

Our host and crew waterproof an exterior deck. Later, he discusses electrical wiring in new and existing walls and talks with restoratian specialist Dr. Judy Selwyn about the original paint used in the old farmhouse.

Our host conducts a room-by-room analysis of lighting needs for the old house and visits a lighting showroom to look at options. Back at the old farmhouse, our master carpenter installs one of the new replacement window sashes.

Our host pays a visit to a prototype exercise room room to get ideas for the old house's new spa and weight room. In the process, our host discovers the virtues of a steam shower, sauna and hot tub. Later, he discusses the final landscape plane, including the outdoor lighting.

Our host and his crew install the whirlpool tub in the bathroom of the master bedroom suite. Next, he tackles the problem of insulating the attic.

Our host visits a prototype wine cellar for discussion of storage techniques, lighting and climate control. Later, he travels to Walpole Woodworkers to see how a fence is made.

Our host visits Weston Nurseries to select planting materials for the Arlington site. He chooses shrubbery, trees and plants to enhance the landscape and complement the farmhouse.

Our host travels to to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, for a visit with master cabinetmaker Jack Cronin. Cronin takes us through the process of building kitchen cabinets for the farmhouse kitchen.

Our host travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a look at El Dorado, a community built around the sun. He explains how the subdivision utilizes passive and active solar heating and cooling techniques, as well as photovoltaics to generate electricity directly from the sun.

Our host discusses the site preparation for and assembly of a redwood hot tub. Later, the crew carries out the tub installation.

Our host discusses the problem of roof damage on the newly expanded dining area. Next, he visits a super-insulated home in Aurora, Illinois, and talks with its builder Perry Bigelow about construction details.

Our host talks with landscape architect Tom Wirth about plans for the farmhouse grounds. Later, the crew begins installation of kitchen cabinets in the auxiliary apartment.

Our host welcomes Better Homes and Gardens interior designer Bob Ditmer. Ditmer walks through the Arlington House and makes recommendations for the decor. Later, our master carpenter starts construction of the sauna.

Our host and the crew work outdoors installing the farmhouse's redwood gazebo and stockade fence. In the apartment kitchen, Richard Trethewey explains the installation of a sink and hot water heater.

Our host and the crew install Palladian windows on the garage and then outfit the apartment kitchen, Richard Trethewey explains the installation of a sink and hot water heater.

Our host and the crew install a Palladian window on the garage and then outfit the apartment kitchen with appliances. Later, our master carpenter builds and installs a passive lock system.

Our host reviews the installation of a projection television system in the media room and tile in the main kitchen. In the wine cellar, expert Phillipe Pascal makes suggestions for stocking French wines.

Our host walks through the Arlington farmhouse for another look at lighting needs, then discusses mirrors and equipment for the exercise room. German wine expert William Steifensandtaks about his recommendations for the wine cellar.

Our host takes a final tour of the fully decorated ""dream house of the 1980s."" Starting on the second floor, he guides viewers through the exercise room, master bedroom and bath, and apartment. Then he descends the hallway stairs for a look at the totally equipped media room, library and dining room. There's a final view of the grounds before the crew says goodbye to Arlington.

Our host kicks off the new season with a retrospective look at the first four seasons of This Old House. Combining original clips with updated footage, he recalls the restoration of a rundown Victorian house, the conversion of a mansion into condominiums, the expansion of a 1950s tract house and the rehabilitation of a Greek Revival-style farmhouse.

The star of this season's the All New This Old House is revealed: an energy-efficient solar home to be built from scratch in Brookline, Massachusetts. Our host introduces the new house site and talks to designer Steven Strong of Solar Design Associates about construction plans.

Designer Steven Strong and our host review the design of the new house step-by-step, from conception to final plans. A survey engineer describes the surveying process and how the house will ultimately be situated on the lot.

The work of digging a foundation for the new house begins. When the crew hits a rock ledge, they are forced to drill and blast in order to put in the bottom of the foundation.

Our host discusses construction of the foundation for the solar house in Brookline with the crew chief. Later, our host visits a couple in Sherborn, Massachusetts who have dismatled, moved and reassembled an historic house.

Landscape architect Tom Wirth discusses plans for a pool on the new site. Our host inspects the completed footings for the new house foundation.

Our master carpenter supervises concrete pouring and waterproofing for the foundation of the new house. Later, our host visits a solar home in Lexington, Massachusetts.

At the Brookline site, our host discusses the process of sealing the foundation sill with our master carpenter. Then our host looks at the Peabody House in Hollis, New Hampshire, an old home with a solar addition.

Our host visits a solar home in Wilton, Connecticut, which utilizes a unique system of window shutters to close off a glass atrium at night.

The All New This Old House surveys renovation and construction that is revitalizing the heart of Seattle, Washington. The crew visits the houseboat community of Roanoke Reef, view the restoration of Seattle's historic Alexis Hotel and explore the renovated Pike Place farmers' market.

Our host visits an apartment on Boston's historic Symphony Row and a solar home in Concord, New Hampshire. Back in the Brookline site, work continues on the new house.

Our host is in Stamford, Connecticut for a trip to United House Wrecking, the largest salvage yard of its kind on the East Coast. Our host surveys the yard's collection in search of come recycled architectural detail to incorporate into the design of the new house.

Our host and crew travel to New York City to investigate the reuse of some of its commercial buildings. With the help of architect who specializes in conversions, our host learns what loft living is all about.

Our host gives a progress report at the new house site and tours the most exclusive address in the world, The Trump Tower, Fifth Avenue, New York.

Work continues on the new solar home. Our host travels to Green Mountain Cabins in Chester, Vermont for a lookat how log cabins are manufactured.

After discussing the windows being installed at the new house, our host takes a quick trip to Medford, Wisconsin for a tour of the Hurd Millworks window maufacturing plant.

Installation of photovoltaic roof panels begins at the All New This Old House site in Brookline. Our host explains how the array of solar cells converts light from the sun directly into electrical current.

We visit Ryland Homes, manufacturers of pre-fabricated houses in Columbia, Maryland. Our host tours their factory where much of the construction takes place.

Our host visits the home of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park, Illinois. Research Director Don Kalec explains how the structure was restored to its original 19th century state, and restoration expert Ed Johnson discusses the refinishing of some of the home's remarkable wooden doors.

We visit to Dallas to investigate another residental building alternative: a home that's computer-designed to offer optimum summer cooling efficiency.

Our host and our master carpenter report on the latest construction developments at the new house site in Brookline.

We travel to Riverside, California for a look at an unusual housing alternative: a computer-designed, moble home park.

Our host and company are in Hawaii to explore a unique island dwelling.

The winner of the Metropolitan Home interior design contest is featured.

The crew puts finishing touches on the solar home in Brookline.

Our host takes viewers for a grand tour of the completed solar home in the final episode of the season.

Our host looks into the concept of ""sweat equity"" will fuel the series. The season's first project consists of converting an attic into a new master bedroom and bathroom. Our host meets homeowners Rob and Jennifer to begin planning for what the job will entail, in consultation with our master carpenter and Richard Trethewey.

While the designs for the new bedroom and bathroom are being finalized, our host and the homeowner look into such details as wiring, piping and telephone hookups. After a visit to the Lynn Ladder & Scaffold Company in Lynn, Massachusetts, Rob and Jennifer begin demolition, with help from our master carpenter.

Exterior work for the new bedroom and bathroom gets underway, including framing and sheathing. Our host and our master carpenter discuss the new deck, exterior trim, sliding glass door, and new double hung window.

Work continues on the new bedroom and bathroom, with Rob and Jennifer tackling the job of shingling, including the installation of flashing. Meanwhile, the rough plumbing work begins.

The new bathroom begins to take shape, as homeowners Jennifer and Rob install a new fiberglass shower with our host's help. Our host and Rob also tackle electrical work.

Accompained by Richard Trethewey, Rob and Jennifer visit a plumbing fixtures store. Later, the bathroom floor is tiled and work begins on the new outside deck.

It's time for the finishing touches to be applied to the new master bedroom and bathroom. Our host says goodbye to the weary but satisfied homeowners and their space, and previews the season's next project - the conversion of an unfinished basement into a family room.

Our host introduces the next set of do-it-yourselfers: Debbie and Dick, homeowners want to create a family entertainment center and den in their dank basement. After we visit other completed basements to get ideas, work begins with the demolition of old closet space.

Homeowners Dick and Debbie begin construction on their basement family room by framing, insulating and sheathing the side walls. They also discuss ideas for wall paneling.

The basement family room takes shape as the electrical wiring, wall paneling and suspended ceiling are installed.

Our master carpenter offers assistance with the construction of shelves and storage cabinets for the basement entertainment room. Later, resilient vinyl flooring is laid.

The homeowners call in a mason, install lighting fixtures and welcome interior decorator Joseph Ruggiero from Ethan Allen, manufacturers of traditional furniture.

Our host introduces the next set of novice do-it-yourselfers, Meade and Bob of Reading, Massachusetts, who will be adding a single-story greenhouse to their Cape-style home. The couple will assemble the greenhouse from a kit and call upon professionals to assist them with the work of laying the foundation, installing a heating system and wiring the space for lighting fixtures.

The greenhouse frame ie erected and the window glazing process is demonstrated. Later, quilted shades are installed over the windows to provide insulation at night.

The homeowners learn how to install plumbing for the greenhouse heating system and how to wire the new addition for electricity.

The homeowners get a lesson in carpentry as redwood benches and and shelves for the greenhouse are constructed.

Our host introduces the next project of the season: a kitchen remodeling. Our host and the homeowners discuss how to update the kitchen facilities and layout while maintaining the traditional late-Victorian look of the home.

Demolition begins on the kitchen remodeling project when a dumpster is secured. Richard Trethewey gives the homeowners some unsettling news about the jumble of pipes in the basement.

Our host tours the Brosco window manufacturing plant in North Andover, Massachusetts, before installing a bay window in the kitchen. The kitchen walls are insulated and new plumbing is inspected in the basement.

The homeowners pick up new kitchen appliances with the help of a professional kitchen designer. Custom-made oak cabinets are installed.

The new kitchen receives a sink and garage disposal system, and tiling techniques are reviewed.

Finishing touches are applied in the remodeled kitchen. The beech flooring is completed, a wood stove is installed, and the kitchen is outfitted with cooking accessories.

Our host introduces the final project of the season: a disaster of an apartment beginning for redecoration. Working with designer Ben Lloyd of Mertopolitan Home magazine, tenants Margie and Eric begin to think about use of color, furnishing and accessories.

Experts at the New England Design Center advise our host and the apartment dwellers on choosing fabrics, furnishings and carpeting. Back in the apartment, Ben Lloyd presents final plans for the redecoration and design.

Lighting expert Richard Mecher discusses portable lighting fixtures for the apartment. Our host reviews progress in the kithcen and oversees restoration of the cork floor in the guest room and office.

Final details are completed in the apartment, including the installation of state-of-the-art telephone and a personal computer. Designer Ben Lloyd, tenants Margie and Eric and our host take a final tour of the newly decorated apartment.

Our host meets with homeowners Linda and Bill to plan the first project: a two-story addition to an 1860s Victorian in Newton, Massachusetts. The new free-standing structure - connected to the original building via skywalk - is slated to consist of a one-car garage and storage area with an interior staircase leading to a second-floor family room and home office. A member of the Boston-based Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) will be on hand to point out the historically significant features of the original house.

Final plans for the addition are reviewed with the architects. Then we make an encore visit to the United Wrecking Company to see what gems can be culled from the Connecticut salvage yard.

A hole is dug for the foundation of the new addition, and the slab is poured. Our master carpenter demonstrates the carpentry skills necessary for framing.

As our host gets into the nuts and bolts of roof installation, the Victorian's homeowners learn the art of shingling. Meanwhile, our master carpenter tackles the finish work by trimming the addition's windows.

Construction continues with the installation of the staircase. Homeowners insulate the structure and our master carpenter discusses and demonstrates the framing and installation of windows. Our host takes a side trip to Diamond Head, Hawaii, to tour the construction.

The garage door is installed, while work on the water and heating systems for the new bathroom proceeds with rough plumbing and gas fitting. Homeowners the get a lesson in rough electrical wiring.

Tile is installed in the new addition. On an excursion to Seattle, Washington, our host looks at a renovated hotel and visits elegant houseboats.

Inside, final electrical work is performed in the new addition and carpet is installed, while outside homeowners nail shingles and apply stain. Completion of the project is marked by a recap of the budget, and cost-saving measures are discussed. Our host learns the art of making white cedar shingles at a mill in Quebec.

The second project of the season begins: doubling the living space of a ranch house by raising the roof to create a second floor. Our host discusses the homeowners' needs and reviews remodeling plans with them, a banker explains various ways to finance home improvement, and another ranch home where similar remodeling has been completed is visited.

The project gets underway with demolition of the existing roof and opening of the house. Carpenters race to frame and close in the new second floor to protect the structure from weather.

Construction of the ranch house's new roof is completed, and shingling begins. Our host and the crew visit Hancock Lumber in Casco, Maine, to watch as timber is milled into dimension lumber.

Windows are installed in the new second-floor ranch house addition, and our master carpenter discusses the pros and cons of various types of siding with an expert contractor. The Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, is the subject of a special field trip to examine the architectural origins of the American ranch-style home.

The ranch house's new second floor receives rough electrical wiring and plumbing and a whirlpool tub is installed in the master bath. Our host leads us on an encore trip to Acorn Homes, manufacturers of renowned for appealing design and energy efficiency.

The exterior of the second-story ranch house addition gets vinyl siding, with commentary by an expert in the field. Meanwhile, the interior of the addition is insulated and rough electrical wiring installed. Our master carpenter discusses the addtion's exterior trimwork with Frank, the homeowner.

We go on an encore field trip to Ryland Homes, Maryland-based manufacturers of prefabricated houses renowned for low cost and energy efficiency. Back at the construction site, our host and our master carpenter work with Frank to build the deck on his new second-story addition.

Tile work is done in the master bath of the new addition, and new fixtures are installed. With work nearing completion, our master carpenter builds a staircase to the new second floor.

Frank mills the pineapple detail typical to garrison colonials. Mary Jane and Frank give our host a tour of the newly-finished addition - complete with paint, wallpaper, and carpet - and then they review the budget.

The third project of the season gets underway, as homeowners Tug and Beth begin planning the remodeling of their attic with our host. Tug and our host visit a nearby attic apartment, and our master carpenter explains what's involved in changing of the structure of a roof.

Our master carpenter prepares Tug's attic for construction. Our host takes viewers on a field trip to Cornerstones, where homeowners (and would-be homeowners) learn to be homebuilders.

Work proceeds inside and out on Tug's attic, as the roof is shingled and skylights and windows are installed. Our host is given a special tour of New York's Trump Tower, where luxury and elegance abound.

The nearly-completed attic renovation is ready to be insulated. Our host sets off for the Lexington Hotel in Chicago, once headquarters for Al Capone and now being renovated by Sunbow, a foundation that trains women in carpentry and other construction skills.

Carpet is laid and finish work completed in Tug and Beth's attic addition. Our host pays a visit to admire the new living space - complete with furniture - and reviews the budget with the homeowners.

This Old House breaks new ground as renovation of a Tampa, Florida, home begins. Our host takes viewers on a tour of the ""sights and sounds"" of Tampa and introduces homeowners Paul and Amelia, as well as Tampa contractor Bob Diaz, who will supervise the project. Our master carpenter pays a surprise visit.

New ""heat-shielding"" windows are installed in Paul and Amelia's one-story home, and the house is inspected for termites. Rigid ductwork is installed for the new central air-conditioning system. The crew travels to Seaside, Florida, a modern residential and resort community near Panama City.

Our host, a Miami native, visits his hometown to admire the award-winning, trend-setting work of Laurinda Spear and Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. In Tampa, our host and Bob Diaz review construction of Paul and Amelia's home, with special attention to the masonry work and new solar hot water system. Work is started on the redwood deck, and an expert stucco contractor pays a visit.

Construction is completed on Paul and Amelia's house, now graced with lanscaping and a spacious redwood deck. The new ""Florida room"" is carpeted and a screened enclosure off the dining room is completed. Our host reviews the budget with the tired but happy homeowners, as This Old House completes its seventh season.

Our host reviews last season's projects - including the popular ranch-home makeover - and introduces the new project: the renovation of a 40-year-old Cape-style home. Homeowners Claire and John tour the house and our master carpenter surveys the project.

Architect Scott Finn goes over plans for renovating John and Claire's Cape-style home, and demolition and excavation begin. Richard Trethewey gives advice on plumbing and heating needs; and our host takes viewers on a tour of a 200-year-old Cape home.

The mason arrives to work on the footings and foundation of John and Claire's Cape home. Our host then takes viewers to a high-tech concrete block factory. Our master carpenter starts framing the family room addition, and our host looks at the new windows the homeowners have selected. John and Claire start planning the interior design of the new addition, while the crew begins demolition of inside walls.

The guys review progress on the Cape renovation, and then our master carpenter shows how to cut rafters and frame the roof, which is sheathhed with plywood.

Our host reviews the progress to date on the renovation of John and Claire's Cape-style home. New windows are installed, and we turn our attention to the roof, where roofing paper, snow-and-ice shield, and shingles are applied.

Work on the Cape's mechanical systems begins, as rough plumbing, a central vacuuming system, and wiring for a new security system are installed. Our master carpenter starts the foundation for a new deck to be built at the back of the house, and the gas line is laid for the new heating system.

Homeowner John shows our host his expertise in the fine points of blueboard. Our master carpenter works on the foundation of the new desk, and the plumber pays a visit.

We travel to the New Yankee Workshop to see work begin on custom cabinets for the Cape home, with assistance from a expert woodworker. Our host takes a side trip to admire old-fashioned kitchen cabinets in an antique home, and homeowner John demonstrates his plastering technique.

Custom-made kitchen cabinets are installed in John and Claire's home, and Claire turns her attention to the new bathroom, where she installs tiles. Our master carpenter works on interior trim.

Our host takes a trip to see how the synthetic marble material for the new kitchen countertops is made. Plumbing fixtures are installed in the new bathroom; a lighting consultant pays a visit; and an energy-efficient hot water heater is installed. John and Claire visit a lighting supply store.

The Cape receives new flooring and our host visits Sweeden to tour the factory where this do-it-yourself product is manufactured. The exterior of the house is stained.

Work on John and Claire's Cape home is completed. Interior designer Bette Rosenberg leads a tour the house, with its new kitchen featuring high-tech appliances, family room, upstairs bedrooms and bath.

The ninth season of This Old House gets underway as our host tours the Weatherbee Farm, a 1785 farmhouse, with homeowners Bill and Cynthia and architectural historian Sara Chase from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.

In search of inspiration for a vacation home, our host visits Hyannis on Cape Cod to tour a beach-front home, a luxury condominium and lakeside property. The season's second project gets underway as our host tours Bob Houde's mountainside land in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and they begin to plan the building of a vacation home.

A dowster explains the art of finding water to our host and landover Bob Houde; a well is dug; and a surveyor goes over the fine points of a perc test. The importance of a water-quality test is explained, and our host looks at the special water pump.

Our master carpenter assesses the condition of Weatherbee Farm and architect Mary Otis Stevens discusses plans for restoration of this 1785 landmark structure. Our heating and plumbing expert pays a visit to the new project, and discusses heating and cooling systems with the homeowners.

We visit a vacation home similar to the one being built in Brimfield, and the homeowner meets with architect Jock Gifford. Later, the new vacation home begins to materialize as lumber arrives and the structure is raised.

Our master carpenter continues to assess the condition of Weatherbee Farm. Architect Mary Otis Stevens shows homeowner Cynthia the model she has created of the farm. Our host and homeowner Bill help out as the dismantling of the ell begins.

Our host and master carpenter discuss the progress of the Weatherbee Farm restoration. Lead removal expert John Vega inspects the house, Richard Trethewey discusses the heating plans for the new kitchen wing and shows the homeowners the radiant heat system in his own house. The foundation for the new win is poured, the homeowners steam off wall paper from the plaster walls, and electrician Buddy Bisnaw stops by to discuss rewiring the house with our host.

Our master carpenter shows us how to install double-hung windows, explains skylight installation and puts a sliding glass door in the vacation home.

Ricard Trethewey pays a visit to Brimfield to discuss the vacation home's heating needs with our host and the homeowner. An exhibition in Malmo, Sweeden, shows the latest designs in manufactured housing.

The vacation home receives interior finishes such as decorative, low-maintenance plywood paneling. Viewers visit our master carpenter's workshop to watch as he builds screens for the veranda.

Our master carpenter supervises the raising of the wall that finishes enclosing the partially framed new kithcen addition. Our host checks in with the homeowners and gives an update on the restorations progress.

An energy-efficient wood-burning stove is installed in the vacation home. Our host larns about the new water purifier. We then learn how to hang interior doors. Kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures installed.

Our host takes viewers on a tour of the finished vacation home. A flooring expert shows how vinyl floors are installed and the vacation home receives various electrical finishing touches, such as smoke detectors, fans and a thermostat.

Our host and master carpenter install true divided light French doors in Weatherbee Farm's new kitchen addition. Homeowners Bill and Cynthia start roofing the addition with Western red cedar shingles. An asbestos removal expert shows us how this hazardous material is removed from the basement pipes.

Our host gives an update on the progress of the Weatherbee Farm restoration. Windows are installed in the new wing, and our host takes viewers to Bayport, Minnesota, to visit a state-of-the-art window factory that covers 50 acres.

This Old House visits Pioneer, Arizona, a typical ""Wild West"" town, and our host meets Phoenix homeowners Tom and Ellen to tour their adobe-style house. The homeowners meet with their architect and and contractor.

Our master carpenter pays a surprise visit to This Old House's Phoenix renovation project, and Tom and Ellen begin work on their Southwestern renovation project.

Our host and master painter Sam Perry of the Edward K. Perry Paint Company discuss the preparation of Weatherbee Farm for exterior painting. Insulation specialist Larry Gordon determines the insulation needs of the house and master carpenter installs fir decking on the front porch. In the cellar, the old furnace and pipes - now free of their asbestos insulation - are removed.

Tom and Ellen's Phoenix home receives exterior insulation and flashing, as well as a typical Southwestern viga and latilla ceiling in the master bedroom for added protection from the heat. The balcony piers and staircase are finished with adobe plastering, and viewers learn how to install flagstone paving. Our host pays a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's famed Talesin West.

The flat roof of Tom and Ellen's Phoenix home is protected with cold membrane roofing, and tiles are laid on the balcony. Our host takes viewers on a tour of an unusual modern ""castle"" on Camelback.

Our master carpenter crafts decorative arches for the exterior of the new kitchen addition and installs them over the French doors. Our host supervises as decorative balusters are lathed, and insulation is blown into the existing structure. In Weatherbee Farm's front parlor, the ceiling is replaced.

Work starts on the deck railings, and our master carpenter shows our host how to turn decorative bausters on a lathe. Painting foreman Chester Glowacz gives step-by-step instruction on painting window sash, while inside, the new addition insulated.

Fixtures are installed in the remodeled bathroom of Tom and Ellen's Phoenix home, and the house receives energy-efficient windows. Our host checks on the progress of the new reading nook, and takes viewers on a visit to the renowned Arizona Biltmore Hotel.

Awnings and special sun-shade screening are used to protect Tom and Ellen's Phoenix home from the southwestern heat, and balcony doors are hung. The landscape designer puts the finishing touches on the backyard pool area of this Sunbelt renovation. Our host escorts viewers on a tour of the territorial-style home, and bids a fond farewell to the charms of Arizona as the eighth season of This Old House draws to a close.

Exterior work on Weatherbee Farm continues as paint and restoration specialist Sam Perry supervises preparation of the house for painting, starting with priming. A special European techinque is used to line the aged chimney to make it safe for modern heating systems. Our host sees how new wooden gutters are installed on the front porch. Then he and landscape architect Tom Wirth discuss plans for the grounds.

Our host and master painter Sam Perry discuss the progress of Weratherbee Farm's exterior paint work. The new addition is blueboarded, and plaster Calvin Mills demonstrates his art. Security systems specialist Edmund F. Baker shows us the hard-wired security system recommended for the house. Our master carpenter instructs homeowner Bill in replacing window sash cords.

Our master carpenter installs barnboard from the old well at one end of the new kitchen addition. Tom McGrath stops by to discuss restoring the new wellhead for a decorative feature. A new driveway is excavated and paved with backrun.

Our host visits a New Hampshire mill, where reproduction shutters are crafted using 19th century equipment. At Weatherbee Farm, the front porch has a new rubber membrane roof, and master carpenter hangs shutters.

The outside of Weatherbee Farm is the focus, as a stone wall is built in the garden area, work starts on a brick wall. Inside, the guys uncover some of the hardwood floor in search of a fireplace hearth.

At Weatherbee Farm, landscaping proceeds as shrubs and flowers are planted, and the renovated wellhead is installed. In the dining room, master carpenter uncovers some of the hardwood floor in search of a fireplace hearth.

Southern yellow, pine flooring is laid over the new radiant heat system in the Weatherbee Farm's kitchen addition. At our master carpenter's workshop, the guys shows how the vanity for the new master bathroom was built. Our host looks at the title to be installed in the shower stall of the new master bath and tires out a new system for removing paint.

Cast acrylic countertops and sink and hancrafted, custom-made cabinets are installed in Weatherbee Farm's new kitchen addition, and our host visits the workshop where the countertops were fabricated. Our master carpenter demonstrates a new saw. Outside, new picket-style fencing is installed in the garden and surface gravel is spread on the driveway.

A specialist from the E.K. Perry Paint Company demonstrates the art of sponge painting in Weatherbee Farm's living room. Artisan Jeannie Serpa shows us the art of painting in the faux marble techinque. Wallpaper is hung in the nursery and Jeff Hoskings refinishes a floor.

Our host leads us on a tour of the finished and decorated Weatherbee Farm with interior designer Jean LeMon. Upstairs, designer Joe Ruggiero shows us simple decorated techniques used in the master bedroom and bath.

Our host takes viewers to Santa Barbara, California, to meet homeowners Susan and David and tour their 1923 Craftsman bungalow. Architect Brian Cearnal and the contractor are introduced to our host and our master carpenter.

Our host reviews the plans for remodeling Susan and David's bungalow. Demolition of the partially finished attic begins. Our host visits the Gamble House in Pasadena, a 1908 Craftsman landmark designed by Charles and Henry Greene.

Richard Trethewey introduces Santa Barbara heating and plumbing contractor George Brazil. Framing of the bungalow's new hip-roof dormer begins under the crew's supervision. Our master carpenter begins milling the pergola and a new stairway is being built.

Work on the California bungalow continues with the homeowners pitching in. The crew starts shingling the new roof, and our master carpenter starts to assemble the pergola. Electrician Rudy Escalera stops by and landscape architect Grant Castleberg shows his rough design plans. Later, our host takes a tour of the Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Our host gives a progress report on the Craftsman bungalow project and finishing touches are put on the house as tiling is completed and a new door is hung.

Work on Susan and David's Craftsman bungalow is completed, and our host gives viewers through the newly enlarged house, as the ninth season of This Old House draws to close.

Our host tours Lexington real estate with agent June Goodwin, looking at older homes as well as newer construction. We tour a new condo development, and then meet our new project's homeowners, Mary-Van and Jim Sinek.

Mary-Van and Jim Sinek discuss expanding their side-by-side, two-family Lexington home with a new addition, which will double the existing square-footage of one unit and include a new master bedroom and bathroom, enlarged and efficient kitchen with adjacent breakfast room / dining room for family reunions and the bed-and-breakfast operation a spacious family room, two outdoor decks: one for family use, the other for b-and-b guests; and an attached two-car garage. Our host visits a local bed and breakfast for a behind-the-scenes look at how it's done. Then Jim and our host discuss the architect's model for the project.

Our host shows us how to use a laser level, which excavators use to achieve uniform depth for foundation footings. He, our master carpneter and excavator Herb Brockett discuss excavation plans and begins the loam removal. Then our host pays a visit to the Metropolitan Home's Showcase, a five-story classic Manhattan townhouse decorated by world-class artists and designers including Mario Buatta, David Hockney, Norma Kamali and Wolfgang Puck to beneift AIDS patients.

Our host and master carpenter meet with Gene Romanelli to discuss foundation footings and begin pouring the concrete garage slab. Our host then discusses a revised floorplan with the architect. Interior demolition begins in the old part of the house. Our host tours another local bed and breakfast with owners Joan and Fletch Ashley.

Jim Sinek and the guys remove the interior wall in the living room. Our host meets with concrete specialist Rich Toohey, and then watches the installation of the bulkhead. Richard Trethewey pays a visit to discuss the existing heating system and the possibilities for a new one.

Our host watches demolition in the kitchen, including the removal of the sink and cabinets. Then he and Mary-Van discuss options for the new kitchen. We meet up with Tom Silva to learn the finer points of house framing. Our host joins Mary-Van in the demolition of the kitchen ceiling.

After getting a progress report from our host, our master carpenter confers with Tom Silva. Our host then meets with Tom Wirth to discuss a wheelchair accessible-entry for the new house. Then he meets again with Mary-Van to discuss the budget and further changes in the floorplan.

The garage is nearly complete and fitted with trim that has been primed before construction. Our host and Mary-Van discuss insulation in the garage ceiling and the wall that meets the kitchen. Our master carpenter and general contractor install a low-maintenance, vinyl-clad window that has been adapted to make it more appropriate to a 1800s house. Then our host meets with security specialist Don Martini to learn more about interior and exterior motion detection systems, as well as reprogrammable alarm access code for bed and breakfast guests. He then meets up with our master carpenter on the roof where he's installed a skylight. Richard Trethewey debates the merits of different heating and cooling systems, including gas-fried furnaces, radiant-style baseboard heating, heat exchangers, and low-noise air conditioning units.

Cedar siding arrives and the crew begins to install it. Lighting consultant Dick Metchears meets with our host to discuss fixtures. Audio consultant Dr. Amar Bose discusses the home audio system. Finally Richard Trethewey presents the new system chosen to heat the house.

Our host meets with landscape artist Roger Hopkins to check his progress on the granite wall and terrace. Then we visit the Blue Mountain Quarry in South Ryegate, Vermont, where the stone originated. Back in Lexington, Mary-Van is busy looking at paint samples and choosing colors for the new rooms.

Our host and Tom Wirth look at the new plantings that have arrived at the jobsite. We then check Roger Hopkins' progress on the granite steps, terrace and garden pool. Inside, our host finds Tom Silva installing rigid insulation. Then he and Dick Metchears discuss lighting options for the garage. Lastly, Jed Harrison of the EPA educates us on the dangers of radon: how homeowners can detect it and what actions can be taken to make a home radon safe.

The crew is busy installing the new decking at the back of the house. Our host meets with zero-clearance fireplace specialist Lou DeMaria to discuss the living room's new fireplace. He then talks over plumbing fixtures with Richard Trethewey and then head down to the basement to see the pipes and how they can be check for leaks. Then Mary visits a plumbing supply house to select new fixtures.

Our host meets with Tom Wirth to discuss progress on lanscaping. Then we watch as Ken Dickenson puts in the exposed aggregate concrete wheelchair walkway. Later, he'll wash the concrete off to expose the pebble aggregate. Joe Manzi installs a central vacuum system and explains to Mary-Von hot it works. The crew installs the garage door.

The new plantings are in and a vegetable garden fence is put in place. The crew installs wallboard while our host and our master carpenter see a butane heater that will be use to keep the house warm and allow plasters to work without damaging the walls until the actual heating system is in working order. Then we visit a couple who has modified their home for future wheelchair access. Finally, our host meets electrical contractor Buddy Bisnaw who is installing a Square D breaker box.

Our host and master carpenter discusses how the rain gutters can best divert water away from the fir deck, wooden doors, and kitchen windows. Then the crew installs plywood panelling in the basement, and we make a visit to the plant where it was made. Mary-Van shows us the wheelchair accessible bathroom, where extra supports are in place to hold a freestanding sink and to provide sturdy grab-bars. The crew stalls cedar paneling in a storage over the garage. The outside of the house gets a first coat of primeras the show comes to a close.

Our host and Jim Sinek discuss the budget. Meanwhile, plastering contractors have begun their work. Our host tries out plastering stilts. Then we visit a bed and breakfast in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where the homeowners used the B&B income to restore their 1770 farmhouse to museum quality. Back in Lexington, our host checks out the fireplace chimney pipe in the attic. Outside, the crew has built a faux chimney to hide the metal pipe and give it a brick facade.

The guys erect a lamppost in the frontyard. Carpet underlayment is installed in the home office, while the crew also hangs burlap coverings on the walls. Bob Reed hangs suspended, acoustical tiles on the room's ceiling. Tom Wirth and Roger Cook watch the sod arrive and discuss grass blend and ground preparation before the sod is laid out.

The crew installs a metal railing on the granite patio using hydrolic cement. We then visit a single-family home development in Aurora, Illinois, featuring houses so energy-efficient the builder guarantees that annual heating bills will not exceed $200.

At the front of the house, our host watches Charlie McGongagle put up a permanent drain pipe, while John Silva installs a new storm door. In the master bedroom, our master carpenter is busy trimming the windows, while Mary-Van is painting window sashes. In the basement, our host watches as Tom Silva levels the basement floor where the washer and dryer will be located using a plaster based compound. Tile is set in the upstairs bath.

Our host and electrical contractor Buddy Bisnaw discuss outlets in the kitchen. Richard Trethewey accepts delivery of a new one-piece toilet and a pedestal sink. Then we visit the American Standard factory where these fixtures were manufactured. Back in Lexington, the crew sets in place wooden rain gutter that will divert water off the deck area.

When we arrive at the jobsite, we find homeowners Jim and Mary-Van outside painting clapboards. Inside, our host meets the Sinek children who are painting the ceilings. The tiling contractors are hard at work in the wheelchair accessible and master bedrooms, while in the living room Richard Trethewey shows off the new baseboard heating system.

The crew installs a new newel post on the main staircase. Then we tour the Morgan Door company, manufacturers of a true divided-light french doors. Back at the jobsite, our host and John Silva put finishing touches on the stairway.