This Old House (1979)

Sep 28, 2023 - 27m

The crew starts a new project in Lexington, MA, to make a 1960 mid-century modern home accessible for a family with a son who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The crew meets the homeowners to learn about the disease and the challenges the current setup of the house poses. The project is a race against time, but the crew is determined to get the family back into their home as soon as possible.

Oct 5, 2023 - 27m

The interior is demoed, and rebuilding has begun. The new design and energy code are explained.

Oct 12, 2023 - 27m

Accessible features integrated into the design begin at construction. A new mechanical room connects to the old via a block wall tunnel, HVAC ducting is buried underground, and after learning about residential elevators, framing begins for one.

Oct 19, 2023 - 27m

A lally column stands in the way of the new open floor plan. As a solution, it is removed, and the ridge beam is replaced with a trio of engineered beams. The new landscape is previewed in 3D, and tips are shared for creating an accessible bathroom.

Oct 26, 2023 - 27m

A zero-threshold entry to the patio is framed. Geothermal energy is explained, and wells are dug.

Nov 2, 2023 - 27m

The fully framed front of the house is revealed; work continues on the geothermal system; the connection to the interior is made; blocking is installed in the framing; replacing and rewiring old receptacles.

Nov 9, 2023 - 27m

Repairing the original brick; building a DIY ramp; touring a modern accessible home; adding trim to the exterior.

Nov 16, 2023 - 27m

A walking tour of the roof reveals its various pitches; installing a built-in gutter system; rough-in begins on the interior; energy-efficient windows are installed.

Jan 4, 2024 - 27m

Work on the house is divided into phases for efficient workflow; the back foundation gets a stucco finish; kitchen cabinet selection; installing siding; the back patio gets proper drainage.

Jan 11, 2024 - 27m

The slab-on-grade foundation is built up; accessible AV solutions are explored; prep begins for a curbless shower; installing an automatic zero threshold door.

Jan 18, 2024 - 27m

Copper bonding is installed before the therapy pool is craned in; tile selections are revealed; the integrated entrance ramp gets snow melt and a final layer of concrete; elevator disconnects are installed.

Jan 25, 2024 - 27m

Building the elevator cab; using leftover flooring to make a modern feature for the kitchen island; exploring AV solutions for accessibility; installing new solar panels.

Feb 1, 2024 - 27m

Work on the internal geothermal systems begins; installing in-wall lighting to illuminate the entrance ramp; installing an offset p-trap; a visit to a glass-blowing studio; grab bar installation begins.

Feb 8, 2024 - 27m

Landscape planting begins with screen trees and rose bushes; the children pitch in on a painting project; the homeowners discuss Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a modern staircase is installed in the foyer.

Feb 15, 2024 - 27m

Geothermal is in; kitchen appliances are installed; the new HERS score is revealed.

Feb 22, 2024 - 27m

The completed renovation of the 1960 mid-century modern home accommodates a family of five, including a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the crew returns to go through the changes with the family.

Mar 28, 2024 - 27m

The crew heads to New Jersey for the second project of the season - an 1897 Victorian in the Borough of Glen Ridge that's being renovated for multi-generational living. The homeowners give the crew a tour and explain how the new spaces will be used.

Apr 4, 2024 - 27m

Demo has begun uncovering 150-year-old wine bottles in the walls. A chimney is demolished, and the roof is reframed. The architect shares his inspiration for the project, and the mayor gives a tour of the Borough's gas lamps. Asbestos is abated.

Apr 11, 2024 - 27m

Termite damage has caused major construction changes. New footings are needed in the basement. A historic community garden is toured. A 15-year-old student talks about working on the project. The old sewer line is replaced without trenching.

Apr 18, 2024 - 27m

Installing helical piers for the new porch; prepping new windows for installation; protecting plumbing pipes from cold weather.

Apr 25, 2024 - 27m

The new flangeless windows are installed water and air tight. Preparation begins for in-ceiling speakers. The Empire State Building is visited. Porch decking is installed to minimize waste, and a hybrid plumbing system is chosen for the house.

May 2, 2024 - 27m

Air tightness is taken to the next level with vapor barrier electrical boxes. The homeowner designs a custom lead glass sidelight. Various types of weather-resistant barriers are explored. Drip edge flashing and exterior window trim are installed.

May 9, 2024 - 27m

The new staircase is manufactured in a shop and assembled on-site. The shop is toured. The homeowner installs a new brick walkway. Wood fiber insulation and the new HRV system are explored. The architect talks about the interior trim details

May 16, 2024 - 27m

A blower door test reveals the home's airtightness; a baseboard trim gets a radius detail; discussing the borough's effort to maintain its tree-lined streets; installing a prefab tile niche; prepping interior trim for paint finish.

May 23, 2024 - 27m

Building a custom mudroom bench from reclaimed wood; the primary bathroom gets a custom paint finish; spring landscaping; installing kitchen crown molding above the cabinets and recessed lighting.

May 30, 2024 - 27m

Renovation of the 1887 Victorian is completed; the builder installs the custom lead glass sidelight; the crew gets a tour from the homeowners.