This Old House Hour Season 13 Episode 2 The Charlestown 2014 House | Brick Rowhouse Blues

The This Old House Hour season 13 episode 2 is titled “The Charlestown 2014 House | Brick Rowhouse Blues”. This episode features two different projects. The first is a complete renovation of a historic home in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The second project takes place in Philadelphia, where the team is working to restore a brick rowhouse.

The Charlestown house is a classic New England-style home that dates back to the 1800s. The team faces a number of challenges as they work to update and modernize the space while still preserving its historic charm. They aim to create an open-concept living space on the first floor, complete with a new kitchen and dining area. This requires a number of structural changes, including the removal of some walls and the installation of new support beams. The team also works to replace the outdated electrical and plumbing systems and bring them up to code.

One of the biggest challenges of this project is preserving the historic details of the home while still making it modern and functional. The team takes great care to restore original features, such as the intricate moldings and trim work, while also adding modern conveniences like central air conditioning and a new heating system.

Outside the home, the team works to create an inviting outdoor living space. They add a new deck and outdoor kitchen area, perfect for entertaining guests during the warmer months.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the team is working on a brick rowhouse that has fallen into disrepair. The home is in a historic district, so the team must follow strict guidelines to ensure that their restoration work is authentic and in keeping with the surrounding neighborhood.

The team’s first task is removing the paint that has been applied to the exterior brickwork. This is an arduous process that requires the use of specialized chemical strippers and a lot of elbow grease. Once the paint is removed, the team can assess the condition of the brickwork and make any necessary repairs.

Inside the home, the team faces similar challenges. The home has been gutted, so the team must remove all traces of the previous renovation work and start from scratch. They work to restore original features, such as the ornate ceiling medallions and fireplace mantels. They also install new electrical and plumbing systems, as well as a new HVAC system to ensure the home is comfortable year-round.

Throughout both projects, the team encounters a number of unexpected hurdles, but they work tirelessly to overcome them and bring each home back to its former glory. This episode showcases the team’s dedication to preserving historic homes and ensuring that they remain functional and relevant for years to come.