This Old House Season 28 Episode 1 East Boston, MA 01

This Old House returns for its 28th season with an episode titled "East Boston, MA 01." This episode follows the renovation of an early 19th-century home in East Boston that has been in the homeowner's family for generations. The goal of the renovation is to preserve the historic architecture while modernizing the home for the owner's growing family.

The episode opens with a tour of the exterior of the house, which retains many of its original features, including its slate roof and clapboard siding. The first task of the renovation is to repair the roof, which has several leaks. The crew removes the old slate tiles and replaces them with new ones, carefully matching the color and texture of the originals.

Inside the house, the crew faces challenges with the outdated electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. To modernize the electrical system, they need to replace the old knob and tube wiring, which is not up to current safety standards. This involves fishing new wires through the walls and running them to new outlets and switches. The plumbing also needs to be updated, and the crew installs new fixtures and pipes throughout the house.

One of the major updates to the home is the addition of a new heating system. The old radiators and boiler are replaced with a modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling system that will keep the house comfortable year-round. The crew also installs new insulation throughout the house to help reduce energy costs and improve the building's energy efficiency.

Throughout the episode, the crew works to preserve many of the historic features of the house. They carefully remove old wallpaper and paint, revealing the original plaster walls underneath. They also restore the original woodwork, including the staircase, doors, and trim. The result is a beautiful blend of historic character and modern convenience.

The episode also features a segment on the history of East Boston, a neighborhood that has seen many changes over the years. The homeowner shares stories of growing up in the house and the changes she has seen in the neighborhood. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving our historic homes and neighborhoods for future generations.

Overall, "East Boston, MA 01" is a great start to the 28th season of This Old House. With its focus on preserving historic architecture while modernizing for modern living, it's a great example of the value of historic preservation and the skill of the This Old House crew.