This Old House Season 27 Episode 6 Cambridge, MA 06

In episode 6 of season 27 of This Old House, the focus is on a historic Cambridge, Massachusetts home that is in dire need of a restoration. This 1849 Greek Revival-style house suffered significant damage from a fire in the 1980s, which has resulted in a number of structural issues.

To begin the restoration process, the This Old House team brings in an engineer to assess the home's foundation. He discovers that the foundation walls are crumbling and in need of replacement. This poses a major challenge, as the foundation is made of large granite blocks that are difficult to remove. The team must use heavy machinery to break up the old foundation and excavate the area to install a new one.

The team also tackles other issues with the home's structure, including a sagging roof and damaged floor joists. They remove the old roof and install a new one, which not only looks beautiful but also provides better insulation and ventilation. To repair the damaged floor joists, the team uses an innovative technique called "sistering," which involves attaching new joists to the existing ones to strengthen them.

In addition to these major structural repairs, the team also renovates the home's interior. They install new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as a new HVAC system that will keep the home comfortable year-round. They also work on restoring the home's beautiful historic features, including the intricate woodwork and moldings.

Throughout the episode, the This Old House team emphasizes the importance of preserving the home's historic character while also making it functional for modern living. They work closely with the homeowner, who is passionate about the home's history and wants to ensure that it is restored to its former glory.

As the episode comes to a close, the team reflects on the challenges they faced during the restoration process and the satisfaction they feel at having helped bring this historic home back to life. They also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the entire crew, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the restoration was a success. In the end, the homeowner is thrilled with the results and grateful to the This Old House team for their expertise and hard work.

Overall, this episode of This Old House is a fascinating look at the complex process of restoring a historic home and preserving its unique character. The team's attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident throughout, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and beauty of these old homes.