This Old House Season 17 Episode 13 The Salem House - 13

The Salem House - 13 is an episode from the seventeenth season of the popular home renovation and design show, This Old House. In this episode, the team visits a historic home in Salem, Massachusetts that is in desperate need of some renovations and updates.

The episode begins with a tour of the house, which was built in the early 1800s and has seen many different owners and uses over the years. The current homeowners, a young family, purchased the house a few years ago and have been slowly working on restoring it to its former glory. However, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Tom Silva, the show's general contractor, talks with the homeowners about their goals for the renovation. They want to keep as much of the original character and charm of the house as possible, while also making it more functional for modern living. This presents a unique challenge, as many of the older features of the house are not up to current building codes or safety standards.

The first project tackled in this episode is the front porch. It is in need of significant repairs and restoration work, including new columns, decking, and railing. Silva and his team carefully dismantle the old porch, salvaging as much of the original wood as possible. They then set to work rebuilding the porch, using modern materials and techniques while staying true to the design of the original porch.

The next project is the master bathroom. The homeowners want to create a luxurious, spa-like space that is both functional and beautiful. The current bathroom is small and cramped, with outdated fixtures and finishes. The team must come up with a new layout that makes better use of the space, while also incorporating high-end features like a soaking tub and custom shower.

Another major project in this episode is the kitchen. The existing kitchen is dark and dreary, with outdated appliances and cabinets. The homeowners want to create a more open and inviting space that is better suited to their needs as a family. Silva and his team remove the old cabinets and appliances, and install all new custom cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. They also make some structural changes to open up the space and allow more natural light in.

Throughout the episode, the team encounters a number of challenges and setbacks, as is common in any renovation project. However, they work through these issues with professionalism and skill, always keeping the homeowners' goals in mind. The final result is a beautiful, functional home that honors its history while also being well-suited to modern living.

Overall, The Salem House - 13 is a fascinating look at the renovation of an old, historic home. It showcases the hard work and skill of the This Old House team, as well as the challenges and rewards of renovating an older home. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in home renovation and design, as well as history and architecture.