This Old House Season 28 Episode 15 East Boston, MA 15

In this episode of This Old House, the team travels to East Boston, MA to work on a historic three-story row house. The homeowners have already done some renovation work, but now they are looking for help to transform the unfinished basement into a functional living space.

The episode kicks off with the team reviewing the basement, which is currently being used as a storage area. The space is dark, damp, and has low ceilings, so the team must come up with creative solutions to make it livable. They decide to install a new sump pump and drainage system to address the moisture issues and raise the ceiling height by digging out the existing concrete slab floor.

Next, the team tackles the plumbing and electrical work needed to create a bathroom and laundry room in the basement. They also run new ductwork for the HVAC system. Throughout the episode, viewers get an up-close look at each step of the process, from framing the walls to installing the fixtures.

Meanwhile, the homeowners are working on other parts of the house. They replace the outdated kitchen cabinets and countertops, and the team updates the electrical wiring to accommodate new appliances and lighting. The team also replaces some of the damaged plaster walls and adds new insulation to improve energy efficiency.

One of the highlights of the episode is when the team uncovers a hidden fireplace in the living room. They work to restore the fireplace and chimney, which involves removing a brick wall and rebuilding part of the chimney stack. The finished product is a beautiful focal point of the room that adds charm and character to the home.

As the episode comes to a close, the team finishes up the basement renovation. The space is now transformed into a comfortable living area with a full bathroom and laundry room. The team adds finishing touches like lighting fixtures and trim work, and the homeowners are thrilled with the final result.

Overall, this episode of This Old House offers a fascinating look into the renovation process of a historic home. Viewers will learn about different techniques and materials used in the renovation, as well as gain inspiration for their own home improvement projects. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the home's character and charm make for a satisfying viewing experience.