This Old House Season 32 Episode 15 Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Getting to Level

In the 15th episode of season 32 of This Old House, entitled "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Getting to Level," the crew returns to the Italianate-style house they've been renovating in Arlington, Massachusetts. This week, the focus is on leveling the house, a necessary step before moving forward with any more structural work.

The episode begins with an overview of the foundation and framing work that has been completed thus far, including the installation of a new steel beam to replace a load-bearing wall on the first floor. However, all of this work has left the house slightly askew, and it's time to bring it back to a level position. The team begins by installing jacks beneath the support posts in the basement, which will allow them to raise the house gradually and safely.

Next, the crew attaches temporary supports to the existing structure to ensure it stays in place during the leveling process. These supports will be removed once the house is fully leveled and the new permanent supports are in place. The team then uses a series of hydraulic jacks to slowly raise the house to the desired level, carefully monitoring the progress throughout the day. The work is physically demanding, as the crew members must crawl beneath the house to adjust the jacks and make sure everything is progressing evenly.

Once the house is fully leveled, the crew begins work on installing new permanent support posts and beams. This involves cutting and shaping large pieces of lumber to fit precisely beneath the house, a process that requires both skill and patience. The team works together to carefully maneuver the heavy beams into place, checking and double-checking their measurements to make sure everything is correct before securing the supports in place.

With the new supports in place, the team can proceed with the next phase of the project, which involves adding a new addition to the house. The addition will serve as a kitchen and mudroom, and will be built on a concrete foundation rather than a crawlspace like the rest of the house. This will require some additional work to tie the new foundation into the existing one, but the crew is up to the challenge.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a great sense of the skill, expertise, and teamwork required to tackle a project of this magnitude. The crew members work seamlessly together, each bringing their own unique talents and experience to the job. From the precision cuts made by the carpenters to the careful monitoring by the engineers, every member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the project.

Overall, "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Getting to Level" is a fascinating look at the complex process of leveling a house, and the dedication and hard work required to do it right. Fans of This Old House will be impressed by the expertise and professionalism on display, and will be eagerly looking forward to the next episode to see what comes next in this exciting renovation project.