This Old House Hour Season 12 Episode 13 The Arlington Italianate | Getting to Level

In this episode of This Old House Hour, the team takes on a challenging renovation of an Italianate style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. Host Kevin O'Connor leads the way as the crew sets out to level the house, a task which proves to be both complex and time-consuming.

The Arlington Italianate is a stunning home, with grand exterior features such as a two-story veranda and ornate decorative details. However, as the team uncovers during the initial inspection, the house has significant leveling issues both inside and out. The cause of the problem is traced back to faulty foundation work from a previous renovation.

To address the issue, Kevin brings in an expert in historic home leveling, who provides some insight into the challenges the team will face. The first step is to carefully remove the existing porch columns without causing any damage to the structure. Then, the team digs down to find the foundation footings and assess their condition.

This involves some serious excavation work, as the team must remove a significant amount of soil to get to the foundation. They also have to deal with some unexpected surprises, such as a large boulder that was buried beneath the porch. But with patience and persistence, they eventually reach the footings and begin the process of shoring up the house.

This involves installing new piers and beams underneath the existing structure, as well as adding additional support where needed. The crew works carefully and methodically to make sure that everything is level, using laser-guided measurements to ensure accuracy. It's a challenging task, but one that is critical to the success of the project.

Meanwhile, over in Newton, Massachusetts, landscape designer Jenn Nawada is working on a plan to transform the property's outdoor space. Her goal is to create a welcoming and functional backyard that complements the elegant style of the house. To do this, she focuses on a mix of formal and informal elements, such as a defined seating area and an open lawn for games and activities.

One of the most exciting features of Jenn's plan is a custom-built pergola, which will provide shade and structure to the backyard. She works with the team to construct the pergola on site, using traditional carpentry techniques to ensure that it's durable and beautiful.

Throughout the episode, the This Old House crew showcases the many challenges and triumphs of the Arlington Italianate renovation. From the early excavation work to the final touches in the backyard, it's a fascinating look at the process of restoring a historic home to its former glory.

Overall, The Arlington Italianate | Getting to Level is a must-watch for anyone interested in historic home renovation or unique architectural styles. With its stunning visuals and expert insights, it's an episode that will leave viewers inspired and informed.