This Old House Season 33 Episode 16 Grinding Out the Details

In season 33, episode 16 of the popular home renovation show This Old House, titled "Grinding Out the Details," the team tackles some of the more intricate aspects of remodeling a historic home in Charleston, South Carolina.

Hosts Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey, and Roger Cook work alongside contractors and craftsmen to bring a 19th-century home back to life. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, such as structural issues, outdated materials, and making the home more energy-efficient without compromising its historic charm.

In this particular episode, the focus is on grinding and polishing the concrete floors in the home's basement. The team brings in a specialized grinder that can remove any imperfections, smooth out the surface, and prepare it for polishing. Tom Silva and his crew work carefully to ensure that the floors are level and free of any cracks or pits.

Meanwhile, Richard Trethewey and his team focus on installing a new HVAC system. The system needs to be carefully designed to meet the demands of the historic home while also being energy-efficient and affordable for the homeowner. Richard explains the ins and outs of various HVAC systems, including ductless mini-splits and geothermal systems, as he and his team work to install the best option for this home.

Roger Cook and his crew are tasked with building a retaining wall along the edge of the property. This wall will help to prevent soil erosion and provide a stable base for the landscaping. Roger takes viewers through the steps of building a retaining wall, including digging the trench, laying the base layer of gravel, placing each block carefully, and backfilling the wall.

Throughout the episode, the team emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in a historic renovation. They work hard to preserve historic features, such as the home's original brick exterior, while also updating the home for modern living. They carefully choose materials, such as eco-friendly insulation and high-efficiency windows, to ensure that the home is both comfortable and sustainable.

As always, the hosts and crew of This Old House provide plenty of expert tips and tricks for DIYers at home. They cover everything from choosing the right HVAC system for your home to how to properly grind and polish concrete floors. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in historic preservation, home renovation, or simply looking for inspiration to tackle their own home improvement projects.