This Old House Season 13 Episode 1 The Wayland House - 1

The classic home renovation series, This Old House, returns for its thirteenth season with the Wayland House project. In this season premiere episode, titled "The Wayland House - 1", host Bob Vila and his team of skilled contractors and designers take on their latest challenge - a historic 19th-century farmhouse in Wayland, Massachusetts.

The Wayland House, which has been in the same family for generations, is in desperate need of some serious TLC. The 150-year-old home has suffered from decades of neglect and is in dire need of modern updates while still preserving its historic charm. Bob and the team will tackle everything from structural issues to cosmetic upgrades in order to transform the Wayland House into a true masterpiece.

To begin, Bob meets with the homeowners, Susan and John Baratta, to discuss their vision for the project. They express their desire for an open floor plan, improved functionality, and the integration of modern amenities without compromising the home's antique features. Bob assures them that his team will work closely with them to ensure their vision is executed to their satisfaction.

Next, Bob introduces his team of experts. Master carpenter Norm Abram is on hand to oversee the structural improvements, while general contractor Tom Silva will focus on upgrading the home's mechanical systems. Landscape designer Roger Cook will tackle the exterior of the home, while interior designer Jennifer Ceballos will help bring the homeowners' vision to life.

The first order of business is to assess the home's current state and create a plan of attack. The team discovers that the foundation of the home is severely compromised and requires immediate attention. The old basement walls are deteriorating, and the floors are uneven. Norm and Tom devise a plan to jack up the home and reinforce the foundation using steel beams and concrete.

While the structural repairs are underway, the design team focuses on the interior of the home. Jennifer works with Susan and John to come up with a layout that maximizes space and flow. They decide to remove several walls to create an open floor plan, which allows for better natural light and improved traffic flow.

With the design plan in place, the team starts tearing down walls and removing old cabinetry and fixtures. The team discovers that some of the walls have historic wallpaper that dates back to the home's original construction. Jennifer works with a specialist to carefully remove the wallpaper and preserve it. She plans to use it to recreate the original design in the finished home.

Meanwhile, Roger is working outside to create a new landscape design that complements the home's historic architecture. He adds new plantings, paths, and hardscaping to create a beautiful outdoor space that the family can enjoy.

As the episode ends, the team is making steady progress on the renovation, but there is still a lot of work to do. Bob and his crew are committed to transforming the Wayland House into a stunning showcase home, and viewers can't wait to see how the project unfolds throughout the rest of the season.

Overall, "The Wayland House - 1" is an exciting and informative season premiere that showcases the talent and creativity of the This Old House team. The episode sets the stage for a fascinating renovation journey that promises to delight viewers and homeowners alike.