This Old House Season 17 Episode 1 The Salem House - 1

In the first episode of season 17 of This Old House, entitled "The Salem House - 1", the team takes on a new project in historic Salem, Massachusetts. The Salem House is a 1906 Victorian-style home that has fallen into disrepair over the years. The homeowners, a young couple with a baby on the way, are looking to restore some of the original charm to the house while also making it functional for their modern lifestyle.

The episode begins with a tour of the home's exterior, which is in need of significant repairs. The front porch is sagging, the roof is leaking, and the paint is chipping. The team notes that while the house may be in rough shape, there are still some beautiful original details to be preserved.

Next, the team heads inside to assess the interior of the home. They note that much of the original woodwork and decorative details have been removed or covered up in previous renovations. However, the homeowners are eager to bring some of these elements back to the house.

The first project on the team's list is to stabilize the front porch and replace the rotted wood. This involves a lot of careful measuring and cutting to ensure that everything fits properly. While the construction crew works on the porch, the homeowners tackle some of the interior demolition work. They remove old carpeting and linoleum to reveal original hardwood floors that are in need of refinishing.

Throughout the episode, the team discusses some of the challenges of working on an older home. They note that many of the materials used in the original construction are no longer available, which means that they need to get creative with sourcing replacements. They also talk about how to balance preserving the home's historical character with making it functional for modern living.

Another major project in this episode is the installation of a new roof. The team decides to use a standing seam metal roof, which will be more durable and long-lasting than the old asphalt shingles. They carefully measure and cut the metal pieces before installing them on the roof.

The episode ends with the team making some progress on the interior of the house. The hardwood floors have been sanded and stained, and the walls have been painted. However, there is still a lot of work to be done, including restoring some of the original decorative features and updating the electrical and plumbing systems.

Overall, this episode of This Old House provides a fascinating glimpse into the process of restoring an older home. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preserving historical details is impressive, and the homeowners' enthusiasm for the project is infectious. It's clear that there will be many more challenges and triumphs to come as the restoration continues.