This Old House

Shingles, Ductwork, Lights, And A Pocket Door

Halfway through the renovation in Auburndale, master carpenter Norm Abram lends general contractor Tom Silva a hand patching in some sidewall shingles on the front of the house. Down in the basement, host Kevin O'Connor finds plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installing the ductwork for the new hydronic heating and cooling system, chosen for its flexibility in duct sizes, which are installed in the ceiling over the family room to feed the sunroom above. Back upstairs, Norm meets architect Chris Chu to hear her impressions of how the project is progressing and also to review a few different aesthetic options for opening up the top of the wall that currently conceals basement stairs. The idea is to give visitors a peek at the stairway, so they will understand that there is a welcoming lower level to enjoy. Next door, in the kitchen, Kevin finds master electrician Allen Gallant finishing up the rough electrical, and also using something new - 4-inch, dimmable LED recessed light units with a light source that will last 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb. Back out in the hall mudroom, Norm and Tom accommodate another change order (and finish up the rough framing) by installing a pocket door kit you can get at a local lumberyard.