This Old House Hour Season 12 Episode 12 The Arlington Italianate | Quest for a Dry Basement

In the twelfth episode of This Old House Hour season 12, viewers are taken on a journey through the restoration of the Arlington Italianate home. The show's team of experts works tirelessly on the property, striving to bring it back to its former glory.

The Arlington Italianate home, built in the mid-1800s, is truly a sight to behold. Despite its breathtaking appearance, however, the house is in need of some serious work. The team begins by focusing on the basement, which is damp and musty. In order to make the basement usable, the team must first address its water issues.

Over the course of the episode, the team explores different ways to waterproof the basement. They consider several different options, ultimately settling on a two-part system that involves applying a waterproof coating to the basement walls followed by the installation of a specialized drainage system. The team works tirelessly to execute this plan, carefully applying the waterproof coating and installing the drainage system bit by bit.

While the team is hard at work on the basement, they are also making progress in other areas of the house. For example, the team has begun the process of restoring the home's beautiful wrap-around porch. The porch is in a state of disrepair, with many of the boards badly damaged or missing altogether. The team works on replacing these old, rotten boards with new ones, carefully matching the color and style so that the porch retains its original charm.

As the episode progresses, viewers get to see the team's progress firsthand. They watch as the basement begins to take shape, transforming from a damp, musty space to a dry, usable one. They also witness the restoration of the porch, marveling at how each new board contributes to the overall restoration of the home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to expert advice and tips from the This Old House team. The team members share their knowledge about everything from waterproofing basements to restoring historic homes. They also offer practical tips for DIYers who are looking to tackle similar projects, providing guidance on everything from tools to techniques.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers get a sense of just how much progress the team has made. The basement, once a soggy mess, is now dry and habitable. The porch, once in disrepair, is now a thing of beauty. The Arlington Italianate home is well on its way to being fully restored, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the This Old House team.

All in all, episode 12 of This Old House Hour season 12 is a must-watch for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike. With its focus on historic home restoration and practical advice, it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to tackle a home renovation project. Whether you're an experienced DIYer or a first-time homeowner, there's something for everyone in this episode.