This Old House Hour Season 7 Episode 6 Episode 6

Hosts Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva team up for a new episode of This Old House Hour, season 7 episode 6, with a focus on a historic home renovation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this episode, the TOH team works on restoring an old Victorian-era porch as per the homeowners' request. The porch was in a shabby state with various missing parts, and the team faced a lot of challenges in restoring it to its former glory.

The first part of the show takes viewers through the porch restoration process. The TOH team gets started by removing the remaining sections of the porch and assessing the damage. They soon realize that much of the woodwork needs to be replaced, which means sourcing and fitting custom-made porch posts and balusters.

As they work on renovations, Tom Silva and general contractor Charlie Silva share useful tips on DIY porch restorations. Their tips include using seamer and filler material for a neater finish, removing old paintwork with heat guns, and fitting new boards within existing railings to save money.

Meanwhile, plumbing and HVAC contractor Richard Trethewey is working on a bathroom renovation project in another part of the house. The homeowners had requested to put in a new high-efficiency boiler, modern shower fixtures, an overhead showerhead, a new sink and toilet. Richard demonstrates how he and his team are installing the boiler, running new supply lines and wiring, and fitting the fixtures.

As the episode progresses, Kevin O'Connor checks in with a homeowner in the nearby town of Watertown, who had installed solar panels on his roof. With Kevin's guidance, we learn how to use solar energy to power your home and how a homeowner can sell excess power generated to the grid.

Back in Cambridge, Tom Silva is faced with another challenge when one of the porch posts snaps as they are installing it. He quickly and expertly assesses the cause of the break and shows viewers how to repair and install new porch posts. The team then finishes off the porch with some much-needed painting and staining.

In the bathroom, Richard Trethewey and his team are now ready to install a new cast-iron bathtub, which is incredibly heavy and requires an unconventional lifting method. The team uses straps and a long pole to move the heavy bathtub safely into place, and by the end of the show, it's evident that their efforts have paid off.

Overall, This Old House Hour season 7 episode 6 is filled with valuable insights and practical tips for DIY enthusiasts looking to restore their old homes. From porch restorations to plumbing and solar energy projects, the episode provides a glimpse into the world of home renovations. So, if you're a homeowner or an enthusiast of home renovations, make sure to catch this informative episode.