This Old House Hour Season 9 Episode 13 Auburndale Project, Part 13 of 16

In this episode of This Old House Hour, viewers get the chance to see the continuation of the Auburndale Project, which is now in its thirteenth part of a sixteen-part series. The project itself revolves around the renovation of an aging Victorian home that has been in one family for generations. The homeowners are looking to strip the house down to its studs and rebuild it according to modern codes and standards while preserving as much of the original charm and character of the house as possible.

One of the main focuses of this episode is on the flooring. The crew is installing a new hardwood floor in the house, which is a significant change from the existing floors that were mostly carpeted. They take care to match the original wood species as closely as possible, and they pay attention to the details in terms of the width of the boards and the direction of the grain. This process is incredibly time-consuming, but the end result is a beautiful new floor that fits the aesthetic of the house perfectly.

Another area of focus in this episode is on the insulation. The house is old and drafty, so the team is working hard to seal any air leaks and add insulation where needed. They use a combination of closed-cell foam and spray foam to create a tight seal around windows, doors, and other areas where air might leak in or out. This process not only helps to keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, but it also helps to make the house more energy-efficient overall.

One of the unique challenges of this project is dealing with the old plaster walls. The team is trying to preserve as much of the original plaster as possible, but that means working around large cracks and holes. In this episode, viewers get to see how the crew uses traditional plaster techniques to patch the walls and create a seamless finish. This process is much more time-consuming than simply hanging drywall, but it helps to preserve the historic character of the house.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get to see some of the other smaller projects that are happening around the house. For example, the team is installing new trim around the windows and doors, and they are also working on some decorative woodwork in the entryway. These smaller projects might not seem like much on their own, but they all add up to create a beautiful and cohesive finished project.

Overall, the Auburndale Project is an exciting and challenging renovation that is well worth watching. This episode (the thirteenth in the series) offers viewers a chance to see some of the main challenges of the project, including the flooring installation, insulation, and plaster repair. It also offers a glimpse into the smaller, more detailed work that goes into a renovation like this. For fans of This Old House and those who love old homes, this episode is a must-watch.