Carpenter Nathan Gilbert brings us along as he visits a pair of homeowners in New Orleans to help replace their shutters. With their sidehall cottage in a historical district, the homeowners needed a historically accurate solution, so Nathan called on a local expert. Together, the four replace the existing shutters with a new set with updated hardware that matches the original style and fresh paint.

Next, host Kevin O’Connor meets landscape contractors Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam back at the shop to talk about fertilizer. Jenn and Lee teach Kevin about NPK ratios, synthetic and organic fertilizers, and when to use each.

Finally, master electrician Heath Eastman makes a house call to help a homeowner replace her battery-operated smoke detectors with hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide combo alarms. Wanting to ensure everything was up to code, Heath called the local fire department for advice on placement and which alarms to buy.

How to Install Functional Wood Shutters

When a pair of homeowners in New Orleans wanted to replace their shutters, they needed a historically accurate solution that the city would approve of. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert partnered with a local expert to develop the perfect solution.

Where to find it?

Measuring and Marking Tools

• Tape measure

Cutting Tools

• Circular saw
• Chisel
• Power planer (if needed for smoothing edges)

Drilling and Fastening Tools

• Impact drill driver
• Phillips head screwdriver

Installation Hardware

• Hinges
• Slide bolt
• Catch latch

Adhesives

• Wood glue

Safety Equipment

• Safety goggles
• Ladder for rent

How to Choose a Fertilizer

Fertilizer is full of nutrients that break down and soak into the soil where plants and grass can use them to become stronger and healthier. When host Kevin O’Connor wanted to learn more about fertilizer, he turned to landscape contractors Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam for a lesson at the shop.

Where to find it?

• Organic fertilizer
• Synthetic fertilizer

How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in any home. While older battery-powered detectors can still provide protection, many homes today are upgrading to hardwired, interconnected smoke alarm systems that provide faster, more reliable warnings.

Where to find it?

Codes vary by location. Check with your local fire department to learn the local requirements, including questions about which detectors to purchase and where to install them.

Smoke Detectors Installed

• Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms = BRK SMC0110V-AC–Heath installed at least one on every floor, and one installed within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
• Smoke Detectors = BRK SM110V-AC–Heath installed smoke detectors inside the bedrooms, at the base of each stairway, and made sure one was installed within 1,200 square feet of living space for each floor level.

Cut Holes for Detectors

• Tape measure
• Nonconductive fiberglass 4 ft. ladder
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Insulation supports–Heath used as a feeler bit to make sure the area above the ceiling was free of obstructions before drilling.
• Drill
• 3-¾” hole saw
• Arbor bit with pilot drill bit
• Dust bowl for hole saw
• Plastic 1-gang 3-¾” round old work bracket box
• Screwdrivers

Wire Detectors

• Fiberglass fish stick
• Electrical tape
• 14/2 NM-B wire–to run from power source to the first detector
• 14/3 NM-B copper building wire—to run wire between all detectors
• Universal wire stripping tool
• Linesman pliers
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• Tan/red wire connectors

Original Air Date: Apr 2, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 18, 23:42

Products and services

All products and materials are available at Home Depot and Amazon.