This Old House Hour Season 16 Episode 2 A Few Good Landscapers

In season 16 episode 2 of This Old House Hour, titled "A Few Good Landscapers," the team shifts their focus to revamping the exterior of the home. The episode begins with a visit to the project house, a classic New England style cottage in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Host Kevin O'Connor meets with landscape contractor Roger Cook to discuss the landscaping plans for the property. The goal is to create a cohesive outdoor living space that complements the architecture of the home.

Roger shows Kevin the existing landscaping and shares his vision for the future. He plans to create a patio area with a fire pit, extend the driveway, and add plants and trees that will provide shade and privacy. Roger also wants to install a custom fence that will add both style and function to the property. The team then gets to work, digging up the old landscaping to make room for the new.

Next, the show shifts to the Westerly project, where builder Andy Tiplady is installing a new foundation for a beach house. Kevin meets with Andy to discuss the challenges of working in a coastal environment. The harsh saltwater and wind can cause damage to the foundation and structure of a home over time. Andy explains how he is using a special fiber-reinforced concrete to ensure the new foundation will last for years to come.

Back at the Jamestown project, Roger and his team are busy installing the custom fence. The fence is made from pressure-treated wood and features a unique lattice design. Roger talks about the importance of using high-quality materials and ensuring that the fence is properly secured to prevent sagging or warping over time. He also shares tips on how to maintain a wooden fence to ensure its longevity.

After completing the fence, Roger turns his attention to the patio area. He and his team lay down a base layer of crushed stone and sand to create a level surface for the pavers. They then begin to install the pavers, which are made from recycled granite. Kevin notes how the use of recycled materials adds an eco-friendly aspect to the project.

Meanwhile, at the Westerly project, Andy is facing some challenges with the weather. A severe thunderstorm hits while his team is pouring the concrete for the new foundation. The team must work quickly to cover the foundation with tarps to prevent the concrete from getting washed away. Despite the setback, Andy remains optimistic and confident that the project will stay on track.

As the episode comes to a close, Roger and his team finish the patio installation and add decorative touches to the outdoor space, including planters and a string of outdoor lights. The new outdoor living area is now complete and ready for the homeowners to enjoy. Kevin reflects on how the landscaping adds both beauty and functionality to the property.

In this episode of This Old House Hour, viewers get an inside look at the process of creating a custom outdoor living space. From installing a new foundation to adding a beautiful fence and patio, the team demonstrates the importance of using quality materials and ensuring proper installation. The result is a unique and functional outdoor space that complements the character of the home.