This Old House: Scandinavian Modern

Lexington Project 2015/Making Connections

Roger meets landscape designer Tim Lee to see how the small stream in the backyard affects all other areas of the yard, including a stand of trees in front that can be removed after careful consideration by the Conservation Commission. Before the trees come down, Roger shows Kevin the valuable shade plants to be relocated to a new bed in the side yard to provide screening from the neighboring house. Tom and Kevin cut away a five-foot section of wall to connect the new kitchen to the old great room. Richard shows Kevin two common rough plumbing conditions in the kitchen: a main sink that has a traditional drain and vent configuration, and an island prep sink, which requires a bow vent in order to work properly. Kevin meets building inspector Fred Lonardo to learn how a GC can call for a "partial framing inspection" to keep the job moving. Arborist John Marquis shows Roger the proper preparation, safety precautions and procedures for doing a "take down" of the 12 trees in the front yard.