Ep 19. Detroit | Peering Down the Rehab Rabbit Hole

This Old House season 38 episode 19, titled "Detroit | Peering Down the Rehab Rabbit Hole," takes viewers on a journey through the challenges of rehabilitating a historic home in Detroit, Michigan. This episode is part of a series focused on restoring homes in Detroit, and it showcases the unique challenges that come with both preserving the past and creating a modern, functional living space.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to homeowner Frank Polk, a Detroit native who purchased a dilapidated 1920s-era house in the city's West Village neighborhood. Frank is passionate about restoring the home to its former glory, but he has encountered a number of obstacles along the way. The house has been vacant for years and is in dire need of repairs, from the leaky roof to the crumbling foundation.

As the This Old House team gets to work on the renovation, they quickly discover that the house has a number of hidden issues. For instance, the plumbing is in terrible shape and will need to be completely replaced. The electrical system is also outdated and needs to be modernized to meet current safety standards. In addition, the walls and ceiling are riddled with mold and asbestos, which poses serious health risks to the crew.

Despite these challenges, the This Old House team forges ahead with the renovation, and over the course of the episode, viewers get to see the progress they make. They tear out the old plumbing and replace it with new pipes, install new electrical wiring, and demolish the damaged portions of the foundation. Along the way, they explain the methods and materials they are using to ensure that the house will be stable and safe for decades to come.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the focus on preserving the historic character of the home while still modernizing it to meet contemporary needs. Frank is passionate about restoring the house to its original beauty, which means carefully preserving the ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, and other features that give the home its unique charm. At the same time, the team is working to create a more open and functional floor plan that will make the home livable for modern families.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a tour of the home's various rooms and features. They see the elegant staircase that leads to the second floor, the sunny dining room with its original built-in cabinetry, and the spacious living room with its fireplace and stunning stained glass windows. They also get to see how the team seamlessly blends modern amenities like a new kitchen and updated bathrooms with the home's historic features.

Overall, "Detroit | Peering Down the Rehab Rabbit Hole" is a fascinating look at the challenges of restoring a historic home. Through the ups and downs of the renovation process, viewers get a sense of how much hard work and dedication goes into creating a home that is both beautiful and functional. Whether you're a fan of historical preservation or just curious about the process of home renovation, this episode is sure to offer something of interest.