This Old House Season 7 Episode 4 The Newton Cottage - 4

In season 7 episode 4 of This Old House, viewers are taken on a journey to the quaint suburb of Newton, Massachusetts where an old house is getting a makeover. The Newton Cottage - 4 follows the renovation of a 1920s cottage that has been in the same family for generations. The team of experts, including host Bob Vila, general contractor Tom Silva, and carpenter Norm Abram, take on the challenges of transforming a tiny, cramped house into a modern, elegant space.

The episode begins with a tour of the existing cottage, which is in serious need of some TLC. The interior is dark and cramped, with low ceilings and small rooms that are disconnected from each other. The exterior is also in need of repairs, with peeling paint, cracked stucco, and deteriorating shingles. The team decides to focus on expanding the living space and modernizing the cottage while maintaining its historic charm.

First, the team tackles the cramped and outdated kitchen. They plan to knock down a wall and open up the space by creating a pass-through between the kitchen and the dining room. Tom Silva and his crew tear down the wall and install a new beam to support the weight of the house. They also install new cabinets, countertops, and appliances to give the kitchen a modern feel while incorporating vintage details like a farmhouse sink and a retro-style range.

Next up, the team turns their attention to the upstairs bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is so tiny that it can barely fit a twin bed. The team plans to merge two small bedrooms into one larger space that will serve as the master bedroom. They also plan to install dormer windows to bring in more natural light and improve the overall aesthetic of the house. The carpenter, Norm Abram, builds the dormers from scratch, carefully matching the existing roofline and style of the house. Inside, the team installs new closets and creates a custom headboard for the bed, giving the room a polished, finished look.

The team also takes on the exterior of the house, repairing the damaged shingles and stucco and repainting the house in a fresh, modern color scheme. They replace the old, drafty windows with energy-efficient models and install new doors that match the historic style of the house. Tom Silva and his crew also build a new deck on the back of the house, providing a comfortable outdoor living space that is perfect for entertaining.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of renovating an old house. The team works through unexpected obstacles like rotting framing, outdated wiring, and crooked walls, all while staying true to the historic character of the house. They also discuss the importance of maintaining a budget and making smart design choices to get the most value out of the renovation.

Overall, The Newton Cottage - 4 is a fascinating look at the transformation of an old, cramped house into a modern, elegant home. With expert guidance from Bob Vila, Tom Silva, and Norm Abram, viewers can learn valuable lessons about home renovation and gain inspiration for their own DIY projects. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or a novice homeowner, this episode is sure to entertain and educate.