This Old House Season 31 Episode 3 Newton Centre Project 03

This Old House season 31 episode 3 titled "Newton Centre Project 03" follows the renovation of a 1915 Dutch Colonial Revival-style home located in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. The project is led by the show's host and general contractor, Tom Silva, who is working alongside various tradespeople to modernize the home while still preserving its historic charm.

The episode begins with Tom meeting with the homeowners, Alex and Gloria Anderson, to discuss their plans for the kitchen. The Andersons want an open-concept layout with plenty of natural light and modern appliances, but they also want to maintain the home's original character. Tom suggests incorporating custom cabinets that mimic the existing style, as well as adding large bay windows to bring in more light.

Next, the focus shifts to the dining room, where the team is in the process of removing the old plaster walls. Tom explains that since the house is over 100 years old, it was built with lath and plaster walls, which can be difficult to remove without causing damage. However, he assures the Andersons that with the help of an experienced plasterer, they will be able to restore the walls to their original condition.

As the episode progresses, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the various tradespeople who are working on the project. They meet the plumber who is installing a new gas line for the stove, the electrician who is updating the wiring, and the tile installer who is laying beautiful ceramic tiles in the kitchen. Throughout it all, Tom emphasizes the importance of hiring skilled tradespeople who understand the unique challenges of working on an old home.

The episode also explores the challenges of maintaining energy efficiency in a historic home. Tom and the team work to insulate the walls and roof while still maintaining the original character of the house. They install a new high-efficiency furnace and water heater, as well as update the windows to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are treated to a sneak peek of the completed kitchen and dining room. The once-dated spaces have been transformed into bright, modern areas that still retain their historic charm. Tom notes that the team was able to achieve their goals by using a combination of modern materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Overall, This Old House season 31 episode 3 is a fascinating look at the challenges and rewards of renovating a historic home. The dedication and expertise of the team are evident throughout the episode, and viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past and the possibilities of the future.