This Old House Season 20 Episode 4 The Watertown House - 4

In the fourth episode of the twentieth season of This Old House titled "The Watertown House - 4," the team continues their renovation journey in Watertown, Massachusetts. The historic home they are working on holds many secrets and requires extensive expertise and restoration skills.

To begin, the episode revisits the house's basement, where a massive amount of equipment, including the heating and cooling systems, is stored. The team discusses the necessity of updating these systems to ensure proper functionality, efficiency, and longevity. With the help of an HVAC specialist, they strategize the best approach and begin the installation process.

Moving on from the basement, the focus shifts to the exterior of the house. The team tackles an essential aspect of the renovation—the windows. The existing windows, worn out and inefficient, need to be replaced to improve insulation and energy efficiency. They carefully remove the old windows and share insights into the challenges they face, such as dealing with non-standard window sizes.

Once the old windows are removed, the crew skillfully measures and prepares the openings for the new ones. They ensure a perfect fit and proper alignment, all while explaining the importance of creating a weather-tight seal. The installation process requires attention to detail and steady hands, and the team meticulously executes the task at hand.

As the episode progresses, attention shifts to the interior of the house, specifically the master bedroom. The team plans to install a charming and functional feature—the built-in window seat. This cozy addition not only provides extra seating but also serves as storage space. They share their expertise on constructing and assembling the window seat, highlighting the precision required to achieve a seamless finish.

Next, the attention turns to the upstairs bathroom – a space in desperate need of an upgrade. The team discusses the challenges of working with limited space and the process of removing the old fixtures and starting fresh. They carefully remove the existing bathtub and other outdated elements while offering insights into the plumbing and structural considerations involved.

With the old fixtures removed, the renovation team skillfully installs new plumbing lines and fixtures. They pay close attention to every detail, ensuring the plumbing is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. As they progress, they reveal the selection process behind fixtures that marry style with practicality.

Additionally, this episode delves into the restoration of the home's intricate woodwork. The team explains the painstaking process of stripping the wood, repairing any damage, and preparing it for painting. They share techniques to bring out the wood's natural beauty while preserving its historic charm.

Throughout the episode, the team members collaborate, sharing their expertise and contributing to the project's progress. They communicate effectively, troubleshoot as challenges arise, and showcase their dedication to reviving this historic home.

In "The Watertown House - 4," viewers witness the This Old House team's unwavering commitment to preservation, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. With each task they undertake, whether it's renovating the basement, installing new windows, creating a window seat, upgrading the bathroom, or restoring woodwork, they demonstrate an unwavering passion for breathing new life into a piece of history.