Ep 20. Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Water Water Everywhere

In This Old House season 35 episode 20 titled "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Water Water Everywhere," the team visits a historic home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The Arlington Italianate Project is a project to restore this beautiful home, which has been in the same family for more than a century. Among other things, the home has suffered from water damage over the years, and the team must come up with a plan to address the issue.

The episode opens with the team planning their approach to the home's water issues. They've already begun work on the roof, but they need to figure out what they can do to prevent water from seeping into the foundation. Next, the team visits a local plumber to discuss possible solutions. They explore different options, including a French drain, but ultimately decide that a sump pump is the best option for the home.

With the plumbing plan in place, the team moves on to other areas of the home in need of attention. They begin by removing a chimney that is no longer in use, which requires taking down some of the masonry outside. They also replace some old windows in the home and examine the home's electrical system.

The team also spends some time restoring the home's beautiful original woodwork. They work on the staircase and the front door, which had been badly damaged over the years. The door was covered in layers of old paint, so the team carefully strips away the paint to reveal the original wood beneath. They also replace some of the missing pieces of the woodwork to ensure the home retains its original character and charm.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the team's deep respect for the home's history and the family who has owned it for so long. They strive to preserve as much of the original character of the home as possible while still making necessary repairs and updates.

Finally, the team installs the sump pump to address the home's water damage issues. They complete the installation in just a few days, and the homeowners are relieved to finally have a solution in place. With the water issues resolved, the team can move on to other aspects of the home's restoration.

Overall, "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Water Water Everywhere" is a fascinating look at the challenges and rewards of restoring a historic home. Viewers will be impressed by the team's attention to detail and dedication to preserving the home's character and history. The episode is a must-watch for fans of home restoration and renovation.