This Old House Season 33 Episode 13 The Veteran's Special House Project: A Home for Matt & Cat

The 13th episode of season 33 of the popular home renovation show This Old House is a special one. Titled The Veteran's Special House Project: A Home for Matt & Cat, it focuses on building a new home for a veteran couple who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Matt and Cat are both veterans - Matt served in the US Army and Cat in the US Navy. They met while serving and have been together for over a decade. However, their current home is not suitable for their needs. Matt suffered a traumatic brain injury during his service, which makes it difficult for him to navigate their home. The house is also not wheelchair accessible, which makes it challenging for Cat, who uses a wheelchair to get around.

To address these issues, This Old House teams up with Homes for Our Troops, a charity that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. Together, they work to create a new home that is safe, accessible, and tailored to Matt and Cat's needs.

The episode starts with the team breaking ground at the building site. The host, Kevin O'Connor, introduces the project and explains how the design of the house will work. He speaks with Matt and Cat about what they want in their new home and how it will benefit them.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the progress of the construction, from laying the foundation to framing and insulation. The team visits local businesses to select materials, such as roofing tiles and siding, which is an exciting insight into how much thought and planning goes into building a home.

As the build progresses, the team faces some setbacks, such as bad weather and supply chain disruptions. But they persevere and get the job done. It's clear that everyone involved in this project is invested in making the home as perfect as possible for Matt and Cat.

One aspect of the project that stands out is the attention to detail paid to accessibility features. The team works with experts to create a home that is not only wheelchair accessible but also includes features such as wide hallways, lower countertops, and grab bars. All of these elements are thoughtfully incorporated into the design to ensure that the home is safe and practical for Matt and Cat.

The episode ends with the finished product: a beautiful, modern home that is tailored to Matt and Cat's needs. The team hands over the keys to the couple, who are overjoyed with their new home. It's a heartwarming moment that underscores the impact that a properly designed and built home can have on someone's quality of life.

Overall, This Old House season 33 episode 13 is an inspiring and emotional watch. It showcases the hard work and dedication of the team and emphasizes the importance of building homes that are accessible to everyone. It's a reminder that a house is more than just a structure - it's a place where people can feel safe, comfortable, and happy.