This Old House Season 45 Episode 22 Ipswich: First Things First

In This Old House season 45 episode 22, titled "Ipswich: First Things First," the team tackles the exterior of the 1920s Dutch Colonial Revival-style home in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Host Kevin O'Connor meets with homeowners Marti and Steve, who purchased the home with the hopes of restoring it to its original glory. However, the home has significant exterior issues that need addressing before they can move on to interior renovations.

The team begins by removing the old, damaged stucco from the home's exterior and discovers a layer of tar paper underneath, indicating the need for further investigation. They bring in a specialist to conduct a historic paint analysis, which reveals that the home's original color scheme employed a bold combination of colors, including dark green, red, and yellow. Armed with this information, the team begins the process of selecting new paint colors that will reflect the home's original design while also modernizing it for the 21st century.

Next, the team turns their attention to the home's deteriorating chimney, which has been causing leaks in the roof. They decide to rebuild the chimney entirely, taking care to replicate its original design as closely as possible. They also install a custom-made copper cap on top of the chimney that will protect it from the elements and complement the home's new paint colors.

As the work on the exterior progresses, the team also takes time to meet with various tradespeople who will be working on the interior restoration. They visit a local woodworker who will be creating custom cabinetry for the home's kitchen, and speak with a tile expert who will be installing new tiles in the bathroom. These meetings give viewers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and skill required to restore a historic home to its original beauty.

Throughout the episode, Kevin and the team also take time to highlight various sustainable building practices that they are incorporating into the restoration. They install new insulation in the walls and attic, which will help to reduce the home's energy consumption and lower its carbon footprint. They also replace the home's old, inefficient windows with new, energy-efficient ones that will improve the home's insulation while maintaining its historic character.

As the episode draws to a close, the team works tirelessly to complete the exterior restoration, including installing new gutters, repairing the home's foundation, and landscaping the yard. Marti and Steve are thrilled with the results, and the team's attention to detail and commitment to historic preservation has ensured that this Dutch Colonial Revival-style home in Ipswich, Massachusetts will be enjoyed for generations to come.