This Old House Season 28 Episode 7 East Boston, MA 07
- November 16, 2006
In season 28 episode 7 of This Old House, titled "East Boston, MA 07," the show takes a deep dive into a historic neighborhood of Boston. Host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva team up to renovate a two-family house built in the 1890s and bring its many outdated features up to modern standards.
The episode starts with a tour of the house, highlighting the issues that need to be addressed. The biggest challenge is the house's plumbing, which is over a century old and in dire need of an upgrade. Tom Silva lays out the plan for the new plumbing system, which includes access panels for future maintenance and sleek, modern fixtures.
Next up on the list is the house's heating system. The team assesses the old radiators and decides that they are in good condition but need to be cleaned and repainted. They also install new radiator valves to allow for individual control of heat in different rooms.
The kitchen and bathroom are also in desperate need of a makeover. The team tears out the outdated appliances and cabinetry in the kitchen and replaces them with modern, energy-efficient models. In the bathroom, they swap out the old bathtub for a new, freestanding model and replace the old tiles with new, large-format tiles for a clean, modern look.
Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse into the neighborhood of East Boston, which is known for its rich history and tight-knit community. Kevin O'Connor takes a walk around the neighborhood and talks to some of the locals about their experiences living in the area.
In addition to the house renovation, the team also takes on a landscaping project in the backyard. They rip out the old, overgrown plants and replace them with new, low-maintenance shrubs and perennials. They also install a new fence for privacy and a gravel patio area for outdoor entertaining.
As with any This Old House episode, there are plenty of tips and tricks for viewers looking to take on their own home renovation projects. Tom Silva shares his expertise on everything from installing new plumbing to painting radiators, and there are also segments on choosing the right appliances and fixtures for a home renovation.
Overall, "East Boston, MA 07" is a great episode for fans of This Old House and anyone interested in home renovation. The historic neighborhood and the challenges of renovating an older home make for an interesting watch, and the team's expertise and attention to detail are always impressive.