Barrington Project, Part 8 of 10

Awning specialist Mike Cornell installs a new retractable awning over the deck that should stand up to the weather due to a wind sensor and fade-resistant fabric. Inside, the Saratoga soapstone has arrived, and countertop contractor Alyssa St. Gelais shows host Kevin O’Connor how she’s sealing the surface with wax, not oil, to give it a more durable finish that will last longer than an oil application. Master carpenter Norm Abram and builder Andy Tiplady dress up the half-walls at the stair with oak caps and a scotia moulding. Then, Kevin visits Castleton, Vermont, with lighting designer Evelyn Audet to see how light fixtures for the project are being made one-by-one by New England blacksmiths. Back in Barrington, Andy shows Norm the electric floor warming system he’s using in the master bathroom. It gets mudded directly into the tile bed, which holds 12"x12" porcelain tile that will also make up the front apron of the tub. In the side alley, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows Kevin where he’s tucked away the A/C condensers, and then, inside, shows him the ERV in the attic and explains why it is possibly the most important piece of mechanical equipment in the house.