Ep 4. Raise A Second Story | The Westerly Ranch House

This Old House season 41 episode 4, titled "Raise A Second Story", follows the renovation of the Westerly Ranch House, a single-story dwelling in Westerly, Rhode Island. The homeowners, Kevan and Najah, want to transform their modest home into a spacious one that can accommodate their family of six. They have decided to raise the roof to add a second story to the house.

The episode begins with the team preparing to lift the existing roof off the house. This is done by installing six jacks that will help lift the roof, allowing the builders to install a new foundation and first-floor wall. To ensure that the house does not collapse during this process, the team uses steel beams to support the roof.

Once the roof is removed, the team sets to work building a new, more robust foundation that can handle the weight of the second story. They also install new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as new insulation. The builders take care to ensure that the insulation is installed properly, creating an airtight seal that will keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Next, the team focuses on framing the walls for the second story. To do this, they use a combination of wood and steel frames, which will provide the necessary support for the new floor and walls. Throughout the episode, the builders take care to ensure that everything is level and square, as any mistakes made during the framing process will be difficult to correct later on.

With the framing complete, the team moves on to installing windows and doors. They choose energy-efficient double-pane windows that will help keep the house comfortable year-round. They also install a new front door, which adds a touch of elegance to the house.

Finally, the team installs the roof for the second story. They choose a metal roof because it is durable and energy-efficient, reflecting sunlight and keeping the house cooler in the summer. They also install new gutters and downspouts, which will help prevent water damage to the house.

Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges, such as dealing with inclement weather and unexpected complications with the plumbing and electrical systems. However, they are able to overcome these obstacles through teamwork and ingenuity.

In the end, the Westerly Ranch House is transformed into a stunning two-story home that provides ample space for the family of six. The episode ends with Kevan and Najah expressing their gratitude to the This Old House team for their hard work and dedication.