Ep 7. Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Stories From Sea Level

In season 35, episode 7 of This Old House, titled "Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Stories From Sea Level," viewers are taken on a journey to the New Jersey shore to witness how homeowners successfully rebuild their homes after Hurricane Sandy hit the coast in 2012. The episode focuses on three homeowners from Toms River, NJ, and their unique stories and experiences coping with the aftermath of the storm.

The first homeowner we are introduced to is Drew Boyle, who works as a firefighter and has spent his life savings on his dream home near the beach. But after Hurricane Sandy, his home suffered severe damage and had to be raised above flood level. Drew ended up doing most of the reconstruction work himself, with the help of his friends and family. We see Drew's admirable determination and hard work as he worked tirelessly to rebuild his house from the ground up.

The next homeowner we meet is Joanne Janssen, a retired teacher who lived in her family's beachfront house for over 60 years. The home was severely damaged by Sandy's powerful winds and waves, but instead of rebuilding, Joanne decided to sell the property to a couple who also chose to rebuild from scratch. We see a glimpse of the emotional difficulty of letting go of a home that held so many memories for Joanne and her family.

Finally, we meet Dominic and Maria Maruca, a couple who rebuilt their 4,000 square foot home on the same lot where their previous home stood. Their new home features innovative technologies, such as solar panels, green insulation, and an electric car charger. Dominic, a building contractor, was determined to create a home that was energy-efficient and environmentally friendly while keeping the unique charm and character of the original beach house.

Throughout the episode, we see the resilience and fierce determination of these homeowners who refused to let Hurricane Sandy ruin their lives. The episode also highlights the importance of designing and building homes that can withstand the increasingly violent and unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change. The homeowners' experiences serve as an inspiration to viewers who may be facing similar challenges or looking to rebuild their homes in high-risk areas.

Overall, This Old House season 35, episode 7, "Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Stories From Sea Level," is a heartwarming and informative episode that gives a glimpse into the remarkable stories of homeowners who overcame adversity and rebuilt their homes from scratch. It's a must-see for anyone interested in home renovation, construction, and disaster resilience.