This Old House Season 8 Episode 1 The Reading House - 1

The Reading House - 1 is the season eight premiere episode of the popular television show This Old House. The episode takes place in Reading, Massachusetts, where homeowners Andrew and Sally are looking to completely renovate their classic New England home. The goal of the renovation is to modernize the home while still retaining its historic charm and character.

The episode begins with the homeowners meeting with the show's experts to discuss their vision for the renovation. They hope to expand the living space by adding a new addition to the home while also updating the kitchen and bathrooms. The team of experts, which includes general contractor Tommy Silva and host Kevin O'Connor, take a tour of the home to assess the condition of the building and plan out the renovation.

The renovation presents a unique challenge because the home was originally built in the early 1800s and has undergone several renovations over the years. The team must carefully plan out every aspect of the renovation to ensure that the final result is cohesive and blends seamlessly with the home's original design.

One of the major highlights of the episode is the demolition of the existing addition to make room for the new addition. This process involves carefully deconstructing the existing structure and salvaging any materials and fixtures that can be reused in the new addition.

As work on the new addition begins, the team faces several unforeseen challenges. The uneven ground on which the addition is being built requires special attention to ensure that the addition is level and secure. Additionally, the weather presents a challenge, with heavy rain delaying work on the addition.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres and eventually completes the new addition. The homeowners are thrilled with the result, which features a spacious living area and an updated kitchen that blends seamlessly with the home's historic character.

Throughout the episode, the team provides valuable insights into the renovation process, including tips on how to incorporate modern amenities while maintaining a home's historic charm. They also provide advice on how to work within a budget and how to plan for unexpected challenges that may arise during a renovation.

Overall, The Reading House - 1 is a must-watch episode for homeowners looking to renovate an older home while still retaining its historic charm and character. The This Old House team provides valuable insights into the renovation process and showcases the challenges and rewards of modernizing an older home.