Master electrician Heath Eastman takes us on a house call to help a homeowner hook up his generator safely. Rather than running extension cords throughout the house during a power outage, Heath installs a set of transfer switches to simplify the process of switching from utility to generator power and to avoid overloading the generator.

Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop to discuss asbestos with environmental contractor Ron Peik. Ron explains where asbestos comes from, what it can do, when it’s dangerous, and what to do when renovating a space containing asbestos. He shows Kevin examples of materials that might contain asbestos and even explains how mitigation contractors keep homeowners safe.

Finally, we ride along with Mason Mark McCullough as he helps a homeowner solve a sagging lintel problem on their historic brick federal home. Mark shows the homeowner how to remove the existing brick, repair water damage, and replace the brick with modern techniques and materials, as well as historically accurate mortar.

Simple Guide to Installing a Generator Hook-Up

Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a generator hook up to the home’s circuit board.

Where to find it?

The homeowner chooses to have Heath install a transfer switch for the generator hookup.

Heath mounts a piece of plywood to the wall studs to provide a secure and safe area for
installing the transfer switch.

Heath uses a hole saw to cut through the shelves to run the conduit from the transfer
switch to the exterior receptacle.

All materials used can be found at most home centers.

Understanding Asbestos Safety

Host Kevin O’Connor meets Alpine Enviromental’s Ron Peik at the shop to learn everything he needs to know about asbestos.

Where to find it?

Environmental contractor Ron Peik demystifies asbestos and shares options for
mitigation. He explains that asbestos exposure only happens when the material is
disturbed. He warns that complications can arise due to overexposure over prolonged
periods of time. To identify all potential hazards in a building, Ron recommends conducting

On average, asbestos mitigation will run from $2-5k. Costs vary depending on the size of
the project.

For this segment, our expert was Ron Peik, environmental contractor and president of Alpine Environmental.

How to Make a Brick Lintel Repair

Mark McCullough fixes an unsightly brick lintel repair on an 1833 Federal-style home.

Where to find it?

To protect the window, remove the shutters and cover the window with plywood.

To break the mortar, use a chisel and hammer. Remove the loose brick and continue to chip away the old mortar. You can use a mill file to remove stubborn mortar.

To prevent water penetration, apply flashing before adding back the brick.

To add structural support, Mark incorporates a steel angle iron. Mark uses a grinder to hollow out the brick. The hollowed bricks are called lip stretchers. The overhang of the brick covers and disguises the steel angle iron.

To match the mortar, Mark uses a fixture of restoration sand, Portland cement, and lime. Mark suggests using a piece of the old mortar to compare as you’re mixing. Use a trowel to mix the material with water slowly.

Apply mortar only to the head joints when adding back the brick.

Use a damp sponge to blend the new mortar with the existing mortar.

Original Air Date: Oct 26, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 5 23:42

Products and services from this episode

• Asbestos expert: Ron Peik, environmental contractor and president of Alpine Environmental.