This Old House Season 32 Episode 13 Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Concrete Jungle

This Old House season 32, episode 13, titled "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Concrete Jungle," follows the renovation of an old Italianate-style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The homeowners want to add some modern touches to the classic architecture, and the team at This Old House is up to the task.

In this episode, the crew focuses on the exterior of the house. They start by tackling the sidewalk, which has become uneven and unsafe over the years. Namely, they need to rip up the old concrete and replace it with a new one. They also need to add a new cast-concrete front porch, which will serve as the main entrance to the house. The team carefully measures and marks where the new porch will go, and then they pour the concrete foundation. Once that's done, they construct the wooden frame for the porch, and they carefully install the balusters and the handrail.

While the porch is taking shape, the team also works on some other exterior projects. They replace some of the damaged clapboards, install a new bay window on the second floor, and rebuild the chimney. It's a lot of work, but the crew has an efficient system in place, and they finish the tasks in no time.

Inside the house, the focus is on the kitchen. The homeowners want an open-concept layout that will allow them to entertain guests while cooking. They also want a large island with seating and plenty of storage space. The team starts by removing some of the non-load-bearing walls that separate the kitchen from the dining room and the living room. They also remove the existing cabinetry and countertops, and they reroute the plumbing and electrical to accommodate the new layout.

Once the demolition is done, the team starts the rebuilding process. They install new framing and drywall, and they begin building the new island. They also install new flooring and a new backsplash. Meanwhile, the homeowners have to make some tough decisions regarding the color scheme and the finishes. With some guidance from the team, they choose a calming palette of blue and white with a touch of brass details. The result is a bright and inviting space that seamlessly blends vintage and modern styles.

Throughout the episode, the team encounters some unexpected challenges and setbacks, as is typical with any renovation project. For example, they discover that the old concrete slab under the porch is much thicker than they anticipated, which slows down the demolition process. They also run into some issues with the plumbing that require creative solutions. However, the team stays positive and dedicated, and they find ways to overcome these obstacles.

As always, This Old House season 32 episode 13 showcases the skills and expertise of the crew, who are passionate about preserving and enhancing old houses. With their attention to detail and their commitment to quality, they transform an outdated and neglected property into a vibrant and functional home that will last for years to come.