Cambridge | The Cost of Poor Workmanship
Episode 5 · 2005-11-03

- Documentary
- Reality
Episode overview
Master carpenter Norm Abram shows Host Kevin O'Connor the newly discovered problems at the project house, most of them caused by the poor workmanship of a previous contractor. In the living room, one structural fix is already underway as general contractor Tom Silva prepares to install a flush frame beam made from LVLs that will carry the load of the second floor. Pest management expert Dan Fleicher shows Kevin the extent of the termite and carpenter ant damage, and suggests possible treatment options. Landscape contractor Roger Cook reveals the anatomy of new landscape walls; they'll be natural stone veneer over reinforced concrete. Kevin visits Six Moon Hill, a utopian neighborhood of modern houses created by The Architects Collaborative in 1948. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows Kevin one of the challenges he's facing in this minimalist modern house — no place to hide necessary ductwork.
Season 27 episodes
1. Cambridge | A Modern Old House2005-10-06
2. Cambridge | Modernize, Again2005-10-13
3. Cambridge | Worst-Case Scenario2005-10-20
4. Cambridge | Longfellow's House2005-10-27
5. Cambridge | The Cost of Poor Workmanship2005-11-03
6. Cambridge | High-Tech Heating and Cooling2005-11-10
7. Cambridge | Water Damage Brings Opportunity2005-11-17
8. Cambridge | Real Stone, Flat Roof2005-11-24
9. Cambridge | A Water-Feature Welcome2005-12-01
10. Cambridge | Creating a Dramatic Entryway2005-12-08
11. Cambridge | Rain Slows Some Progress2005-12-15
12. Cambridge | Dramatic Staircase2005-12-22
13. Cambridge | Interior Finishes Begin2005-12-29
14. Cambridge | Fine Craftsmanship2006-01-05
15. Cambridge | Contemporary Design Elements2006-01-12
16. Cambridge | Modern Conveniences in a Modern Home2006-01-19
17. Cambridge | Things Are Coming Together2006-01-26
18. Cambridge | A Red Box Becomes a Show House2006-02-02
19. Washington, DC | Reviving an Abandoned 1879 Rowhouse2006-02-09
20. Washington, DC | Setbacks Open Up New Ideas2006-02-16
21. Washington, DC | Honoring the Past, Looking Toward the Future2006-02-23
22. Washington, DC | A Rebuilt Structure2006-03-02
23. Washington, DC | Beautiful Historic Restorations2006-03-09
24. Washington, DC | The Outside is Shaping Up, Too2006-03-16
25. Washington, DC | Surface Finishes2006-03-23
26. Washington, DC | A Home Saved2006-03-30