This Old House Hour Season 17 Episode 4 A Charleston Family House is Reborn; Garage heater

A Charleston Family House is Reborn; Garage heater

On this episode of This Old House Hour, we take a trip down south to Charleston, South Carolina, where we follow the restoration of a historic family house that has seen better days. The home belongs to a family that has lived in the area for generations, and they are determined to restore the house to its former glory.

To start the project off on the right foot, host Kevin O'Connor meets with the general contractor to get a better understanding of what they'll be dealing with. While the house has a lot of charm and character, it's also in desperate need of some serious TLC. From the foundation to the roof, there's work to be done.

One of the first things the team tackles is the foundation. They discover that it's in surprisingly good shape, but they do need to address some issues with moisture, so they install a drainage system and new gutters to keep water away from the foundation. The team also puts in new plumbing and electrical systems, updating the house for modern living.

Next, the focus turns to the interior of the house. The team removes some walls to open up the space and creates a new kitchen that's both functional and beautiful. They also work on restoring some of the home's original features, such as the heart pine flooring and the intricate crown moldings.

Throughout the renovation process, the team encounters a number of challenges, including dealing with asbestos and trying to fit modern HVAC systems into an old house. But with persistence and a lot of hard work, they're able to overcome these obstacles and create a beautiful, livable home that the family can enjoy for generations to come.

In the second half of the episode, the team turns their attention to a very different project: installing a garage heater. This may seem like a simple job, but there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account. They need to calculate the size of the heater based on the size of the garage, as well as the climate of the region. They also need to figure out the best location for the heater and how to install it safely and efficiently.

To help with the installation process, the team brings in an HVAC specialist, who walks them through the steps and provides some useful tips and tricks. They ultimately decide on a gas-fired radiant heater, which provides quick, efficient heat without taking up too much space.

Overall, this episode of This Old House Hour is a fascinating look at the restoration of an old house and the challenges that come with it. From dealing with old foundations to installing modern HVAC systems, the team shows that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. So if you're a fan of classic home renovations or just love a good before-and-after story, be sure to check out this episode.