This Old House Season 21 Episode 9 The Billerica House - 9

The Billerica House - 9 is an episode from season 21 of the popular home renovation and improvement series, This Old House. The episode focuses on the renovation of a historic Victorian-era house located in Billerica, Massachusetts.

The episode begins with the team of experts from This Old House assessing the condition of the house, which had been abandoned for nearly two decades. The team includes the show's host, general contractor Tom Silva, master carpenter Norm Abram, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

The team faces several challenges in the restoration of the Billerica House due to its age, its historic status, and the level of damage caused by years of neglect. They have to balance the need to preserve the original features of the house with modern updates to make it livable for a contemporary family.

One of the major challenges in the restoration of the Billerica House is repairing the foundation. The house had been built on a fieldstone foundation, which had deteriorated over the years, leading to a sinking floor. The team has to jack up the house, install a new foundation, and level the floors to make it safe and stable for future occupants.

Another challenge is updating the heating and cooling system in the house. The team decides to install a modern HVAC system that can provide efficient heating and cooling throughout the house. Richard Trethewey oversees the installation of a new ductwork system and a high-efficiency boiler to provide hot water and heat for the house.

The team also addresses the exterior of the Billerica House, which had been neglected for years. Roger Cook works on creating a new landscape design that complements the historic nature of the house and provides a welcoming entrance for visitors. He also installs new walkways, a patio, and a beautiful garden area that transforms the outdoor space.

Inside the house, the team works on preserving the original features of the home, such as the elaborate woodwork and trim. Norm Abram oversees the restoration of the original staircase and molding, which had been covered with layers of paint and needed careful attention to bring them back to their original beauty.

The team also works on updating the kitchen and bathrooms in the house. They install modern appliances, create new cabinetry, and update the plumbing and fixtures to make the spaces more functional and livable for a contemporary family.

Throughout the episode, the team shares their expertise and insights into historic home restoration and renovation. Viewers can learn valuable tips and techniques for restoring and updating their own homes while preserving the character and history of the property.

The Billerica House - 9 is a fascinating and informative episode of This Old House that showcases the challenges and rewards of historic home restoration. The team's dedication and expertise make this restoration project a success, and viewers can see the transformation of the Billerica House from a neglected relic to a beautiful and functional family home.