Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner bring backyard entertainment to the next level by installing a weatherproof outdoor TV enclosure. They work together to install the TV in the enclosure, upgrade the electrical cords, and then hang the entire unit on an adjustable bracket.

Then, host Kevin O’Connor sits down with general contractors Tom Silva and Zack Dettmore to discuss the essential first steps for any successful home renovation. They cover the four key areas of preparation: getting in the right mindset, setting a realistic budget, understanding permits and schedules, and selecting your finishes early. Learn what you can do during the pre-construction phase to avoid delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary stress.

Finally, mason Mark McCullough tackles a failing fire pit that’s seen better days. After removing the old, crumbling stone structure, Mark excavates and prepares a proper base with compacted crushed stone before installing sleek granite slabs to create a modern, long-lasting square fire pit.

How to Mount an Outdoor TV Enclosure

Watching TV from your deck shouldn’t mean hauling your indoor TV outside every time. Tired of this routine, a homeowner called Ask This Old House. Outdoor TVs are available, but pairing a standard TV with a weatherproof enclosure is often a more cost-effective solution. Master electrician Heath Eastman installed an outdoor TV enclosure with properly upgraded electrical connections.

Where to find it?

Outdoor TV Enclosure

• The TV Shield – 60–65” weatherproof TV enclosure with two fans
• If you don’t purchase the mount combination with the enclosure, it’s important to purchase a TV mount that can hold the weight of both the television and the enclosure. Only use mounts approved for outdoor use.

Television

• Roku 65-inch pro series 4K QLED Smart Roku TV
• Heath picked a TV with a QLED panel and an anti-reflective filter to reduce glare.

TV Mount

• Outdoor-rated, full motion mount for 150 lbs. or higher
• If you don’t purchase the mount combination with the enclosure, it’s important to purchase a TV mount that can hold the weight of both the television and the enclosure. Only use mounts approved for outdoor use.

Outdoor Cord Protector

• Twist and seal cord protect outdoor extension cord cover and plug protection
• To connect and protect the tv power cord and extension cord.

Electrical Box

• Arlington in box weatherproof recessed low profile box DBHR141W
• A licensed electrician should be used to install a new receptacle.
• Heath wanted to install a new receptacle to hide the cord and to eliminate the potential tripping hazards of plugging into the existing outlet by the ground.
• He used a weatherproof, recessed box with a siding block to be flush with the house’s clapboards.

How to Prepare for a Home Renovation Project

Major renovations can be a very trying time for a homeowner. There are big changes, large expenses, and construction phases that they might not understand. To help, general contractors Tom Silva and Zack Dettmore explained the need-to-know information on preparing for a home renovation.

How to Install a Granite Slab Fire Pit

When the fire pit at the edge of his beautiful patio started to crumble, our homeowner wasn’t sure what to do. After trying some DIY repairs that worked but probably wouldn’t last, he called the Ask This Old House crew for help. Mason Mark McCullough took over, removing the existing firepit and replacing it with one that would last for generations.

Where to find it?

• 4 long granite slabs (Can be found at a local stone yard)
• Sledgehammer: To break apart the original fire pit.
• Shovels: To dig below the original fire pit and remove loose dirt.
• Hand tampers: To flatten and level the dirt below the new fire pit.
• Pickaxe: To loosen tough ground around the old fire pit.
• Trowel: To make small adjustments and clear out corners in tight spaces.
• Wheelbarrow: To move dirt, granite, and lava rocks to and from the work area.
• Dolly: To carry heavy slabs of stone for the new fire pit.
• Chisel: To clean the granite slabs and ensure their edges are even.
• Level: To level out the granite and lava rocks to ensure they are placed evenly and flat.
• Crowbar: To pry up old materials and adjust large pieces of stone.
• Ratchet straps: Mark used these to safely lift and carry heavy granite slabs into place.
• Lava rock: Added to the center of the new fire pit for heat resistance and improved drainage.

Original Air Date: May 28, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 26 23:12

Products and services

Surge suppressor manufacturer: Bear Security Shop

All other products, tools, and materials can be found at Home Depot and Amazon.