This Old House Season 32 Episode 1 Bedford Project, Part 1 of 16

This Old House season 32, episode 1 is titled "Bedford Project, Part 1 of 16". The episode introduces new homeowners and the oldest house the show has ever tackled. The homeowners, Dave and Erica, just bought the 300-year-old farmhouse in Bedford, Massachusetts. They are excited to move in but they need a lot of help to make the house livable.

The hosts, Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, and Richard Trethewey, meet the homeowners and tour the house. They explain that the house has a rich history and that they want to modernize it while preserving its charm. They plan to add a new kitchen, update the electrical and plumbing systems, and install a heating and cooling system. They also want to renovate the barn on the property and turn it into a functional living space.

Tom Silva starts the work by removing some old plaster from the walls and ceiling of the kitchen. He discovers a lot of damage caused by water leaks and insects. He explains that these issues are common in old houses because they were not built with modern materials. Kevin O'Connor visits a local historical society to learn more about the house and its previous owners. He finds out that the house was built in 1710 and that it was originally a tavern. He also discovers that the house has a secret room that was used to hide escaped slaves during the Civil War.

Richard Trethewey starts the plumbing work by installing a new water line and a hot water heater. He explains that the old plumbing system was outdated and inefficient, and that the new system will save the homeowners a lot of money on their utility bills. He also shows the homeowners how to install a water filtration system to improve the quality of the water.

The hosts work closely with the homeowners to create a design plan for the house. They explain that it is important to prioritize the most important updates to stay within the budget. They decide to start with the kitchen and the master bedroom, and to do the rest of the work in phases. They also talk about the importance of preserving the historical integrity of the house, and how to mix modern and vintage elements in the design.

The episode ends with the hosts outlining the scope of the work to be done and what viewers can expect to see in the upcoming episodes. The homeowners express their excitement about their new home and the progress that has been made so far. They also express their gratitude to the hosts and crew for taking on such a challenging project.

Overall, this episode of This Old House is a fascinating look at an old house in need of some modern updates. The hosts are knowledgeable and personable, and the homeowners are enthusiastic about the project. The mix of historical and modern elements in the design is sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers. This episode sets the stage for an exciting season full of interesting updates and challenges.