Ep 27. Saratoga Springs: Old House New Supports

The This Old House team travels to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York to tackle a daunting renovation project on a historic home. The homeowners have been living in the house for over 30 years and have noticed that the floors are starting to sag in certain areas. Upon further inspection, it is determined that the support beams in the basement have rotted and need to be replaced.

The team begins by digging out the basement floor to make room for new footings and support beams. They use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to carefully remove the rotted beams without causing further damage to the structure of the home. With the old beams out of the way, the team installs new support columns and beams made from steel and engineered lumber, which will provide more stability and last much longer than the previous wooden beams.

Next, the team turns their attention to the first floor of the home, where the sagging floors have caused some of the doors to stick. They use a laser level to determine the extent of the damage and create a plan to raise the floor back to its original position. Using a hydraulic jack and specialized shims, the team is able to carefully lift and level the entire first floor of the home.

With the structural issues addressed, the team moves on to the aesthetic upgrades. They work with the homeowners to select new flooring, light fixtures, and paint colors that will give the home a fresh look while still maintaining its historic charm. The team also restores the original plaster walls and ceiling medallions, highlighting the intricate detailing that has been hidden for years.

Throughout the episode, the team also explores the history of the home and the surrounding Saratoga Springs area. They visit local museums and historical sites to learn more about the architecture and design influences of the time period in which the home was built. They also meet with local craftsmen and artisans to see how they are preserving and carrying on traditional building techniques.

In the end, the homeowners are thrilled with the results of the renovation and are grateful for the expertise and hard work of the This Old House team. The home now has a solid foundation and a beautiful new look, ensuring that it will continue to be a cherished piece of history in the Saratoga Springs community for years to come.