This Old House Season 1 Episode 9 The Dorchester House - 9

The Dorchester House - 9 episode of This Old House season 1 takes viewers on a journey to a historic townhouse in Dorchester, Massachusetts, that is in need of extensive renovation. The episode begins with a quick recap of the previous work completed on the house, including the gutting and demolition of the interior and the installation of new systems, such as heating, electrical, and plumbing.

Host Bob Vila is joined by general contractor Tom Silva as they go over the remaining work to be done in the house. They begin with an inspection of the exterior to determine the structural integrity of the building and any potential problems that may arise during the renovation. The brick facade of the building is in decent condition, but there are cracks in the foundation that need to be repaired.

The interior work begins with Tom and Bob discussing the layout and design of the house, as well as the materials that they will be using. They decide to keep the historic charm of the house intact by restoring the original moldings and reusing the existing hardwood floors wherever possible. They also plan to add some modern touches, such as a new kitchen and bathrooms, to make the house more livable.

The crew starts by rebuilding the staircase, which is in terrible condition. They carefully remove the old stairs and replace them with new ones that match the original design of the house. Next, they focus on framing out the interior walls and installing the plumbing and electrical systems.

One of the most significant challenges in this project is the installation of the heating system. The house was built before central heating was commonplace, so Tom and his team have to get creative. They install a state-of-the-art radiant heating system that uses hot water pipes embedded in the floors to heat the house. This system is not only more efficient than traditional forced-air heating, but it also helps to maintain the historic integrity of the house.

Another major challenge that the crew faces is installing the new kitchen. The house has a small, narrow kitchen that is not well suited for modern living. Tom and Bob work together to come up with a new layout that will maximize the available space while still fitting in with the historic charm of the house. They decide to install custom cabinets and countertops, along with high-end appliances to give the homeowners the modern kitchen they want.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the progress of the renovation. They watch as the crew installs the new windows and doors, finishes the floors, and adds the finishing touches to the walls. They also get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technical work that goes into a renovation project, such as installing the HVAC system and running new electrical wires.

Overall, The Dorchester House - 9 is a fascinating episode of This Old House that showcases the challenges and rewards of renovating a historic home. Bob Vila and Tom Silva are a dynamic duo, and viewers will appreciate their insights and expertise as they work to transform this old house into a beautiful and livable home.