This Old House Season 17 Episode 11 The Salem House - 11
- December 9, 1995
The Salem House - 11 is the eleventh episode of the seventeenth season of the beloved home renovation show This Old House. In this episode, the team travel to Salem, Massachusetts to renovate a historic home.
The episode starts with the This Old House team arriving at the Salem House, a grand old home that was built in the mid-19th century. The home has been in the same family for generations, and the current owner inherited it from her grandparents. However, the house has fallen into disrepair over the years, and the owner has decided it's time for a complete renovation.
The team starts by assessing the condition of the house. They discover that the foundation is in good shape, but the roof is in desperate need of repair. They also find that the windows are original to the home, and while they add to the charm, they are not very energy-efficient.
The crew starts by repairing the roof, which is a big job due to the size and pitch of the structure. They remove the old shingles and replace them with new ones, carefully matching the color and style of the original roof.
Next, they turn their attention to the windows. They carefully remove the original windows and replace them with new, energy-efficient models that still match the style of the home. They also add storm windows to help insulate the house.
As they work on the windows, the crew discovers that there is a significant amount of rot in the window frames. They carefully remove the rotten wood and replace it with new, treated wood that will resist rot and decay.
Inside the house, the team works on updating the plumbing and electrical systems. They also repair the plaster walls and ceilings, which have been damaged over the years by water leaks.
One of the most challenging parts of the renovation is the kitchen. The owner wants to keep the original cabinetry and countertops, but they are in rough shape and need to be restored. The team carefully removes the cabinets and countertops, cleans them, and refinishes them to bring them back to their former glory.
The team also updates the appliances in the kitchen, adding new, energy-efficient models that are more modern and functional than the old ones.
Throughout the episode, the team works closely with the owner to ensure that the renovation meets her needs and reflects her personal style. They take great care to preserve the history and charm of the home while also making it more livable and energy-efficient.
In the end, the Salem House is transformed into a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home that the owner can be proud of. The renovation is a testament to the This Old House team's expertise and dedication to preserving historic homes and the stories they tell.