This Old House Hour Season 8 Episode 17 Roxbury Project, Part 5 of 10
- February 25, 2010
In the Roxbury Project, Part 5 of 10, This Old House Hour delves deeper into transforming a 1920s Colonial Revival home situated in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury. The show follows the project from the planning phase to the final touches of construction. After replacing the battered windows of the house, the focus moves to roofing. A new copper roof with standing seams is installed to give the house a sleek and updated look. Next up, the team focuses on the exterior of the house. They use specially-made dentil molding for the fascia, making it easier for future maintenance. Meanwhile, the foundation work progresses. The show takes a look at the excavation of the foundation, the pouring of a new concrete footing, and the installation of a newly built bulkhead. The foundation work is crucial as it ensures the stability of the house and prevents structural issues in the future. The show also explores one of the most important parts of any home -- the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The team installs a high-efficiency furnace, ductwork, and an air conditioning coil. The system is designed to provide better airflow throughout the house and lower energy consumption. The show also shares some of the tips on how to maintain a HVAC system to prolong its lifespan. In addition to the HVAC system, This Old House Hour brings in a plumber to install new plumbing fixtures for the basement. The team installs a new washing machine, a utility sink, and a condensate pump. To ensure that the plumbing work is perfect, the team checks the pipes with a camera to ensure they are installed correctly and without any problems. The basement is also a focus on this episode. With the help of the This Old House carpenter, the homeowners create a storage space and a workshop area. The carpenter also shares some tips on how to build custom shelves and cabinetry using reclaimed wood. These are especially useful as they match the unique charm of a Colonial Revival home. This Old House Hour also takes a moment to show off some of the services it offers. The team shares some tips on how to landscape a front yard, including how to prepare the soil, what kind of plants to choose, and how to maintain the landscape once it's in place. The episode ends with the team installing a new addition to the house: a cupola. The show explains what a cupola is and how it can add an element of design to a home. The team creates a custom cupola that matches the design of the house, including the same black standing seams on the roof, and installs it perfectly. Overall, Roxbury Project, Part 5 of 10 gives viewers an in-depth look at how to renovate an older home while retaining its historic charm. It showcases the importance of proper planning and its impact on the final result. The show also shares tips and recommendations on how to maintain various systems in a home to prolong their lifespan and save energy.