This Old House Hour Season 9 Episode 8 Auburndale Project, Part 8 of 16

In This Old House Hour season 9 episode 8, we continue our journey through the Auburndale Project, a comprehensive renovation of an early 20th-century home in Massachusetts. This episode is the eighth installment in a sixteen-part series, and the team is making significant progress.

We start by joining host Kevin O'Connor as he visits a nearby classroom that has been transformed into a carpentry shop. Here, a group of students is learning the ins and outs of carpentry by working on the Auburndale Project. Kevin talks to the students about the importance of skilled trades and the satisfaction of learning practical skills. He also observes as they tackle a complicated stairwell installation for the house.

Next, our attention turns back to the Auburndale Project, where contractor Tom Silva and the team are working on the basement. In previous episodes, we've seen them excavate the existing basement floor and pour new concrete, and now they're framing out the walls. Tom walks us through the process of attaching the framing to the new floor and explains how they're incorporating basement windows for natural light. He also discusses the benefits of using spray foam insulation in a basement.

Meanwhile, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is working on the second floor of the house, installing a new hot water tank and boiler. He's also adding piping for a second-floor laundry room, which will be a convenient addition for the homeowners. Richard shares his knowledge of hot water technology and helps viewers understand how to choose the right hot water tank for their home.

Next, we join landscape contractor Roger Cook as he tackles the exterior of the Auburndale Project. Roger is creating a hardscape patio area in the backyard using bluestone pavers. He explains the benefits of using bluestone for patios and walks viewers through the process of setting the stones in place. Roger also shares his tips for planting a new lawn and maintaining healthy grass.

Finally, we check in with builder Andy Tiplady as he begins work on a two-car garage for the Auburndale Project. Andy explains how he's carefully matching the design of the garage to the existing house to maintain the historical integrity of the property. He also talks about the importance of choosing the right materials for a durable and long-lasting garage.

As always, the This Old House Hour team provides plenty of helpful tips and insights for viewers looking to tackle their own home improvement projects. From carpentry and plumbing to landscaping and construction, this episode covers a wide range of topics and gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the Auburndale Project.