This Old House Season 1 Episode 2 The Dorchester House - 2

The second episode of This Old House season 1, titled "The Dorchester House - 2," continues the renovation of a 130-year-old Victorian-style home in the historic neighborhood of Dorchester, Massachusetts. The show follows the team of experts as they work to restore and update the house while preserving its unique character and charm.

The episode begins with a focus on the exterior of the house, where the team is working on repairs to the roof, chimneys, and windows. This includes removing old shingles and replacing them with new ones, repairing damaged sections of the roof, and installing new windows that match the original style of the house.

Inside, viewers get a look at the progress made in the previous episode, including the removal of the old plaster and lath walls to reveal the original wood framing. The team now begins the process of updating the plumbing and electrical systems, which involves cutting and drilling into the walls and floors to run new pipes and wires.

One of the challenges of the project is working with the existing layout of the house, which includes a small and cramped kitchen. To solve this problem, the team decides to knock down a wall between the kitchen and adjacent dining room to create a more open and spacious area. They also plan to install new cabinets, countertops, and appliances to modernize the kitchen while still fitting with the overall aesthetic of the house.

Another area of focus is the master bedroom and bathroom, which are in need of new fixtures and finishes. The team removes the old fixtures and begins work on the plumbing and electrical systems before installing new materials such as a new vanity, bathtub, and tile.

Throughout the episode, the show emphasizes the importance of preserving the historical integrity of the house while also making necessary updates for modern living. This includes using materials that match the original design and working with local experts to ensure that the work is done in a way that meets historical preservation standards.

As the episode ends, the team has made significant progress but there is still much work to be done. The next steps include installing new flooring, finishing the electrical and plumbing work, and adding the final touches to each room. The viewer is left with a sense of excitement and anticipation as the house continues to transform into a beautiful and functional home.