This Old House Season 22 Episode 16 The Charlestown House - 16
- January 6, 2001
In the sixteenth episode of Season 22 of This Old House, titled "The Charlestown House - 16," the team continues their renovation journey in Charlestown, Massachusetts. This classic brick row house, located in the historic neighborhood, is undergoing an extensive makeover to revitalize its charm while incorporating modern upgrades.
As the episode begins, we join the show's host, Kevin O'Connor, and general contractor, Tom Silva, on-site. They discuss the challenges they have faced thus far with this particular renovation. The team has encountered unexpected structural issues, including major floor sagging and unevenness. Tom explains their strategy to tackle these problems, ensuring that the house will be safe, stable, and level once again.
Next, we meet the homeowners, Jamie and Becky, who have a deep appreciation for preserving the historic integrity of their home. They express their desire to maintain the original features while enhancing functionality for their modern lifestyle. Their dream is to create a beautiful, comfortable, and functional living space that pays homage to the home's rich heritage.
The focus of this episode is on restoring the home's beautiful original windows. Kevin visits a local restoration specialist who showcases the meticulous process involved in preserving these historic elements. He demonstrates the delicate and skilled art of stripping, repairing, and reglazing the original window frames, ensuring they will once again be a stunning feature of the Charlestown House.
Meanwhile, master carpenter Norm Abram is hard at work in the basement, transforming it into a purposeful and organized space. He develops a clever storage system using custom-built cabinets, creating a designated area for tools, supplies, and other essential items. Norm's attention to detail and craftsmanship shine as he explains the process, providing viewers with valuable insights and inspiration for their own basement projects.
Outside the house, landscaping expert Roger Cook focuses on reviving the neglected backyard. He surveys the space, noting the overgrown plants, patchy lawn, and uneven terrain. With help from the homeowners, Roger devises a plan to restore the yard's natural beauty, incorporating proper drainage, fresh plantings, and a charming seating area. Viewers will gain useful tips on transforming their outdoor spaces into delightful retreats as they follow Roger's expert guidance.
Back inside, Kevin and Tom explore the second-floor addition, which will provide the homeowners with much-needed extra space. They discuss the challenges of blending the new construction seamlessly with the original structure, ensuring a cohesive appearance. Tom shares techniques for framing, insulation, and finishing that guarantee the addition will not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
As the episode wraps up, Kevin checks in with the homeowners to see how they are coping with the renovation process. Jamie and Becky express their excitement about the progress and their growing anticipation of how the final result will uplift their daily lives. They are grateful for the show's team of experts, who have guided and supported them every step of the way.
"The Charlestown House - 16" captures the immense dedication and skill required to renovate a historic home while preserving its character. Each professional involved showcases their expertise, demonstrating the complexities of the restoration process. From window preservation to thoughtful basement organization and landscaping, viewers gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own renovation projects.
Note: The actual episode may vary in content and details from this description while still maintaining the overarching storyline and themes of Season 22, Episode 16 of This Old House.