This Old House Season 29 Episode 17 New Orleans Project 01

In This Old House season 29 episode 17, titled "New Orleans Project 01," the team heads to New Orleans to begin a special project. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many homes were destroyed or severely damaged. This Old House takes on the task of renovating an historic home in hopes of preserving the city's architecture and history.

The team includes host Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and master carpenter Norm Abram. They are joined by local contractor, Allan McDonnel, who serves as the project manager and brings knowledge of the unique challenges of renovating homes in New Orleans.

The episode begins with the team surveying the property and discussing their plans. The home they are working on is over 100 years old and has been vacant for several years. It has suffered significant water damage, with mold and rot affecting many areas. The team faces the challenges of working with old materials and preserving the original character of the home while also bringing it up to modern standards.

The first task is to begin removing the damaged and decayed materials. The team inspects the structure and finds that much of the framing has been compromised by water damage. They begin removing the old framing and replacing it with new construction. Tom Silva oversees this process, ensuring that all work is done to code and with the goal of maintaining the original structural integrity of the home.

Richard Trethewey tackles the plumbing and heating systems, which are severely outdated. He replaces the old water heater with a more efficient unit and installs a new central air conditioning system. He also installs new plumbing fixtures throughout the house, including in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Norm Abram takes on the carpentry work, beginning with repairing the front porch. He removes the old rotted porch and replaces it with new materials that are designed to be more resistant to water damage. He also begins work on the interior of the home, repairing the damaged walls and installing new windows.

Allan McDonnel plays an important role in coordinating the work and ensuring that the project stays on schedule. He also provides insight into the challenges of renovating homes in New Orleans, including working with historic preservation regulations and dealing with the unique soil conditions in the area.

Throughout the episode, the team discusses the importance of preserving historic homes in New Orleans. They note that many homes are being demolished or remodeled in ways that do not preserve their original character. This Old House hopes to serve as an example of how historic homes can be renovated in ways that maintain their original charm while also making them functional for modern use.

Overall, This Old House season 29 episode 17 provides an interesting look into the challenges of renovating historic homes in New Orleans. The team works hard to preserve the home's original character while also making it more functional and efficient. This episode sets the stage for an exciting renovation project that viewers will no doubt be eager to follow in future episodes.