This Old House Season 29 Episode 20 New Orleans Project 04

This Old House Season 29 Episode 20, titled "New Orleans Project 04," follows the team as they continue their renovation of a 120-year-old home in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. In this episode, the focus is on the exterior work and landscaping of the property.

Host Kevin O'Connor kicks off the episode by meeting with landscape designer Rene Fransen to discuss the plans for the backyard. Fransen has created a design that incorporates a large covered porch, a fire pit area, a play area for the kids, and an herb garden. The team gets to work building the porch, which features a decorative railing and columns made from Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP), a material known for its strength and durability. They then move on to digging out the area for the fire pit and laying down a base of crushed stone.

While the landscaping work is underway, general contractor Tom Silva is tackling a tricky problem with the home's roof. The original roof was made from slate tiles, which are heavy and prone to cracking in New Orleans' hot and humid weather. Silva has opted to replace them with synthetic slate tiles made from recycled rubber, which are lighter and more flexible. However, this poses a challenge because the tiles need to be cut to fit the irregular shape of the roof. Silva's solution is to use a specially-designed tool that allows him to cut the tiles with precision.

Meanwhile, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is working on installing a new HVAC system. The old system was outdated and inefficient, so Trethewey has designed a new system that will provide better ventilation and air flow throughout the house. He starts by installing rectangular ducts that will run through the attic space and connect to vents in the bedrooms, living room, and kitchen. Trethewey also installs a new air handler in the attic, which will provide cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.

Back outside, Kevin meets up with Fransen again to see the progress on the backyard. The team has laid down the pavers for the patio and fire pit area, and they are now ready to start planting the herb garden. Fransen has chosen a variety of plants that will thrive in New Orleans' hot and humid climate, including basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Kevin also gets a chance to try out the playground equipment and test out the fire pit, which is now ready for its first fire.

The episode concludes with a visit to the New Orleans Shop, a local woodworking studio that specializes in creating custom furniture and cabinetry. Kevin meets with owner and craftsman Tim Acosta, who is building a new vanity for one of the bathrooms in the Treme house. Acosta talks about his love for woodworking and the challenges of running a small business in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Overall, This Old House Season 29 Episode 20 is a satisfying exploration of the exterior work and landscaping involved in a home renovation project. The team's dedication to using quality materials and thoughtful design choices is evident throughout the episode, and viewers will be impressed with the transformation of the Treme house.