Ep 1. Arts and Crafts Class Begins

This Old House season 34 episode 1, titled "Arts and Crafts Class Begins," starts with the team embarking on a new project that involves renovating an Arts and Crafts style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The house, originally built in 1909, is in need of some serious repairs and updates, and the team is excited to get started on breathing new life into this historic property.

The episode begins with an introduction to the homeowners, Mark and Janet, who have owned the home for over 25 years. They love the charm and character of the Arts and Crafts style and have done their best to maintain the original features of the home, but they're ready for an upgrade.

The first step in the renovation process is to assess the current condition of the home. The team starts by inspecting the foundation, roof, and other structural elements to make sure everything is stable and safe to work on. They then take a closer look at the exterior of the home, including the siding, windows, and doors, and begin to plan out what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Next, the team heads inside to evaluate the interior of the home. They take a tour of each room, pointing out areas of concern such as outdated plumbing and electrical systems, poor insulation, and worn-out flooring. They also pay close attention to the original features of the home that they want to preserve, such as the stunning woodwork and built-in cabinetry.

With the assessment complete, it's time to start the renovation work. In this episode, the team focuses on the first-floor living spaces, including the foyer, dining room, and living room. They begin by carefully removing the old wallpaper in the foyer, revealing the original plaster walls underneath. They then move on to the dining room, where they plan to refinish the hardwood floors and restore the intricate built-in cabinetry.

In the living room, the team faces a bigger challenge: an outdated and inefficient fireplace. They decide to completely demo the old fireplace and replace it with a more efficient gas insert that will provide heat and improve the overall look and feel of the room. This involves removing the old hearth and mantel, reframing the opening for the new insert, and installing new tile around the fireplace.

Throughout the episode, the team shares tips and tricks for tackling common renovation problems. They discuss the best ways to remove old wallpaper, how to properly demo a fireplace, and how to maintain the original character of an Arts and Crafts style home while making necessary updates.

As the episode comes to a close, the team is making good progress on the first-floor renovations, and Mark and Janet are thrilled with the updates they're seeing. They're excited to continue working with the This Old House team to create the home of their dreams, and can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Overall, This Old House season 34 episode 1 is an informative and engaging look at the renovation process for an Arts and Crafts style home. From the initial assessment to the first round of renovations, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how the pros tackle a major home improvement project.