This Old House Season 27 Episode 4 Cambridge, MA 04

In the fourth episode of season 27 of This Old House, the crew ventures to Cambridge, Massachusetts to work on a historic Victorian-era home built in 1895. The homeowners expressed their love for the home's character and charm, but also noted that their basement was in dire need of attention. Water infiltration was causing damage to the foundation, so the crew's main focus was to waterproof the basement.

To begin the project, the crew dug a trench around the perimeter of the foundation and installed a drainage system. They then applied a waterproof coating to the exterior of the foundation walls and backfilled the trench with crushed stone. On the interior, the team installed a drainage mat to help channel any water that made it past the exterior system. Finally, they poured a new concrete slab for the basement floor.

In addition to waterproofing the basement, the crew also worked on restoring some of the home's original features. They removed the old and dated bathroom on the second floor and installed a new bathroom in a more appropriate location. To restore some of the home's original charm, the team also refinished the banister and stair treads on the main staircase and painted the fretwork and spindles. They also replaced the fireplace mantel with one that was more in line with the home's period.

One of the challenges the crew faced was working with the home's original steam radiators. They wanted to update them to be more energy-efficient, but they also wanted to preserve their unique character. To achieve this, they removed the old radiators, cleaned them up, and sent them to a specialist who reconditioned them. The team then reinstalled the radiators with new valves and controls, making them more efficient while preserving their original character.

Throughout the episode, the crew emphasized the importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the home while also making necessary updates for modern living. They worked closely with the homeowners to ensure that their vision for the home was fulfilled while staying true to its heritage.

Overall, this episode of This Old House showcases the challenges and rewards of working with historic homes while also providing valuable information for homeowners looking to update their own homes. With a focus on preservation, restoration, and modernization, the crew of This Old House delivers a satisfying and informative episode.