This Old House Season 28 Episode 5 East Boston, MA 05

This Old House season 28 episode 5 takes viewers to East Boston, Massachusetts, where a couple has purchased a turn-of-the-century home that's in need of some serious TLC. Hosts Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva join them as they embark on a major renovation project, with the goal of restoring the home's historic charm while also making it more functional for modern living.

The episode begins with a tour of the home's exterior, which includes a wrap-around porch, a slate roof, and intricate woodwork that's in need of repair. Tom Silva explains that they'll be using a combination of new and reclaimed materials to match the existing details as closely as possible.

Inside, the home is equally in need of attention. The first floor includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a small half-bath. The couple wants to open up the space as much as possible, while also maintaining the home's character and charm. Tom and Kevin work with the homeowners to come up with a plan that includes removing some walls, relocating the staircase, and adding new beams to support the second floor.

Tom and his crew begin by removing the walls between the living room and dining room, which involves tearing down some old plaster and lath. They also carefully remove an old fireplace mantle, which they plan to restore and reuse. Meanwhile, Kevin meets with the homeowners to discuss their options for heating and cooling the space. Because the home is over a century old, there are some challenges to installing modern HVAC systems, but they come up with a plan that involves a combination of ductwork, pipes, and new equipment.

As work continues on the first floor, Tom and his team also begin working on the staircase. They carefully remove the old treads and risers so that they can be reused, and rebuild the staircase to accommodate the new layout of the house. They also add a new support beam to the ceiling, which will help to carry the weight of the second floor.

Upstairs, the homeowners have big plans for the bedrooms and bathrooms. They want to turn one of the smaller bedrooms into a master suite, complete with a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom. Tom and Kevin work with them to come up with a layout that will work within the existing space, while also providing enough headroom and privacy. They decide to borrow space from an adjacent bedroom, which allows them to create a spacious master suite with plenty of natural light.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on preserving the home's historic charm while also making it more livable for a modern family. The team uses a combination of new construction techniques and traditional craftsmanship to achieve this goal, while also staying within the homeowners' budget. Along the way, viewers get a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of renovating an old home.

In the end, the homeowners are thrilled with their newly renovated space, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the This Old House team. The episode serves as an inspiration for anyone who loves historic homes and wants to bring them back to life for future generations to enjoy.