This Old House Season 3 Episode 3 The Woburn House - 3
- January 28, 1982
The Woburn House in Massachusetts is the focus of episode 3 of This Old House's 3rd season. The house was built in the late 1800s and the new owners have big plans to renovate the home to fit their modern family's needs.
The episode begins with the team starting the demolition process in the kitchen. In order to open up the space, they need to remove a wall that separates the kitchen from the dining room. However, they discover that the wall they intended to remove is load-bearing, meaning that it supports the weight of the house. The team must come up with a new plan to accomplish the open-concept kitchen without compromising the stability of the house.
The homeowners also have plans to add an addition to the back of the house. However, before they can begin the construction process, they must address some water issues that are causing damage to the foundation of the house. The team digs a trench around the perimeter of the house in order to install a drainage system that will redirect the water away from the foundation and prevent further damage.
In addition to the structural repairs, the team also focuses on updating the exterior of the house. They remove the old aluminum siding and replace it with natural cedar shingles. The new siding not only looks better, but it also helps to insulate the house better.
The interior of the house also gets a makeover. The team adds some much-needed insulation to the walls and attic space. This will help to regulate the temperature inside the house and reduce heating and cooling costs. The team also replaces the old and outdated electrical system with a new one that can handle the demands of a modern family.
One of the most exciting parts of this episode is the discovery of a hidden room on the third floor of the house. The team finds a staircase that leads to a small room that had been completely sealed off for decades. They speculate that the room may have been used as a hiding place during the Prohibition era when the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal. The homeowners are thrilled with their new find and plan to repurpose the space as a home office.
As the episode comes to a close, the team has made significant progress on the Woburn House. The kitchen is beginning to take shape, the exterior is looking better than ever, and the home is more energy-efficient and stable. The episode ends with a sneak peek at what's to come in the next installment of This Old House's Woburn House renovation.
In conclusion, This Old House Season 3 Episode 3, The Woburn House - 3, showcases the renovation of a historic home in Massachusetts. The team faces structural challenges, improves insulation, and updates the electrical system while also revamping the exterior and discovering a hidden room. Overall, the episode is a testament to the team's skill and the transformative power of renovating an old house.