This Old House Season 29 Episode 11 Newton, MA 11

This Old House season 29 episode 11 takes us to Newton, Massachusetts, where we follow the renovation of a 1915 Dutch Colonial Revival home. The house, which had been in the same family for generations, was in need of extensive updates to bring it into the 21st century.

In this episode, the focused is mainly on the kitchen, which has been gutted and is in the process of being rebuilt. The team begins by framing out the new kitchen layout, which includes a large island for seating and prep space, as well as new windows to let in more natural light. They also install a support beam to open up the space and create a better flow through the kitchen and adjoining rooms.

Next, the crew turns their attention to the electrical and plumbing systems. The electrical panel is upgraded to handle the increased load, and new wiring is installed throughout the kitchen. In the plumbing, new pipes are run to accommodate the relocated sink and dishwasher, and a new gas line is installed for the stove.

One interesting aspect of the renovation is the use of salvaged materials. The team repurposes some of the original wood from the house to create custom cabinetry and trim, giving the kitchen a unique and authentic look. They also salvage an old set of French doors to use as the entrance to the pantry.

In addition to the kitchen work, the team also tackles some exterior projects. They remove an old chimney, which was no longer needed for modern heating systems, and repair some damaged siding. They also install new gutters and downspouts to better manage rainwater.

Throughout the episode, the crew encounters a few unexpected challenges, as is common in any renovation project. For example, they discover that the original floors have settled over time, causing some unevenness in the subfloor. They address this by adding shims where needed and installing a new, level subfloor on top.

At the end of the episode, the kitchen is nearly complete, with cabinets and countertops installed and the appliances on their way. The crew reflects on the progress they've made so far and looks forward to the rest of the renovation, including updating the bathrooms and adding new flooring throughout the house.

Overall, This Old House season 29 episode 11 offers an inside look at the complex work that goes into renovating an older home. From framing to electrical to salvaging and repurposing materials, the crew demonstrates skill and creativity in bringing this historic house into the modern era.