This Old House Hour Season 9 Episode 11 Auburndale Project, Part 11 of 16

In this episode of This Old House Hour, the focus is on one of their ongoing projects, the Auburndale Project. This restoration project is a renovation of a historic home in Auburndale, Massachusetts. The episode features the continuing work on the house's exterior, including the installation of a new front door and repairs to the porch and trim.

Tom Silva and Kevin O'Connor start the show by reviewing the current progress of the project, and Tom explains the plan for the exterior painting. He emphasizes the importance of proper preparation before painting, including cleaning and sanding, to ensure the new paint adheres correctly.

Next, the team works on installing the new front door. They explain the features of the door, including its energy efficiency and security features. Tom demonstrates how to properly install the door and frame, including using shims and checking for proper alignment.

After the door installation is complete, Tom turns his attention to repairing the porch and trim. He discusses the different types of damage that can occur to wooden porches, such as water damage and rot, and explains how to address these issues. Tom also demonstrates how to use a router to create new trim pieces to match the historical design of the house.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Richard Trethewey is working on the plumbing system. In particular, he is focused on the installation of a new water heater. He explains the pros and cons of different types of water heaters, including tankless, electric, and gas models. Richard demonstrates the installation process and gives tips on how to properly maintain the new water heater for optimal performance.

Back outside, Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Charlie Silva discuss the progress of the landscaping project. They review the plans for the final design, which includes adding hardscaping elements such as a patio and walkway, as well as planting new trees and shrubs. Kevin and Charlie also discuss the importance of proper drainage to prevent water damage to the house and yard.

Finally, the team takes a break from the work to visit a local woodworking shop. They meet with the owner, who specializes in creating custom moldings and other architectural details for historic homes. Tom and the owner discuss the unique challenges of restoring historical homes and the importance of preserving their unique features.

Overall, this episode of This Old House Hour is an informative look at the ongoing work on the Auburndale Project. The team demonstrates the importance of proper preparation and attention to detail in all aspects of the restoration project, from the water heater installation to the porch repairs and landscaping.