This Old House Season 7 Episode 20 The Melrose House - 3

In the season 7 episode 20 of This Old House titled "The Melrose House - 3," the team continues their renovation project on the historic Melrose House. With only a few weeks left before the homeowners' move-in date, the pressure is on to complete the remaining tasks and bring the house's charm back to life.

As the episode begins, the crew focuses on the exterior details of the house. Host Kevin O'Connor meets up with landscape contractor Roger Cook, who is busy working on the front yard. Together, they discuss the importance of curb appeal and how the new landscaping will enhance the overall look of the property. They carefully choose and place various plants, shrubs, and flowers, considering their aesthetic qualities as well as their ability to thrive in the specific climate.

Meanwhile, general contractor Tom Silva and his team tackle the final stages of the interior renovation. They work on refinishing and installing hardwood floors throughout the house, taking extra care to preserve the original character of the home. Tom explains the meticulous process of sanding, staining, and sealing the floors, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the overall design.

Next, the focus shifts to the kitchen, a central part of any home. The crew installs custom cabinets, carefully measuring and aligning each piece to create a functional and visually appealing space. Host Kevin O'Connor meets with kitchen designer Kathy Marshall to discuss the layout and style choices, highlighting the importance of proper storage solutions and modern amenities while maintaining the historical integrity of the house.

As the episode progresses, the team addresses the electrical and plumbing systems. Licensed electrician Scott Caron carefully wires the house, ensuring adequate lighting and power supply in each room while adhering to modern safety codes. Further, plumber Richard Trethewey works on the plumbing, making necessary repairs and updates to ensure reliable water flow throughout the house.

The episode also showcases the importance of insulation to maintain energy efficiency and temperature control. The crew insulates the walls and attic, minimizing heat loss in the winter and reducing cooling costs in the summer. This step is crucial in restoring the Melrose House to its former glory while making it comfortable and sustainable for modern living.

Additionally, the crew faces the challenge of restoring the original windows of the house. Craftsmen carefully remove the old sashes and glass, repairing or replacing damaged parts to preserve the historical character. This labor-intensive process demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the Melrose House.

Lastly, the episode touches upon the topic of historic preservation and the significance of maintaining and restoring old homes. Host Kevin O'Connor visits a local preservationist who shares her insights and expertise on preserving historic houses. They discuss the challenges faced and the rewards of restoring forgotten architectural gems, emphasizing the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

With each segment, This Old House provides detailed explanations and tips, allowing viewers to learn and understand the various stages of the renovation process. The episode showcases the team's dedication to preserving historical elements while incorporating modern conveniences in the Melrose House. As the season nears its end, viewers eagerly anticipate the final reveal and the transformation of this magnificent old house.