This Old House Season 9 Episode 12 The Westwood House - 12

In season 9 episode 12 of This Old House, titled The Westwood House - 12, the team takes on a very unique renovation challenge. The Westwood House is an 1849 Gothic Revival style home that has been abandoned for years and is in dire need of some TLC. The homeowners, a young family, are passionate about preserving the historic integrity of the home while also making it functional for modern living.

The episode kicks off with general contractor Tom Silva and master carpenter Norm Abram assessing the state of the home and discussing their plans for the renovation. As they walk through the home, it's clear that there are major structural issues that need to be addressed, including a slanted floor and a crumbling exterior.

The team starts by tackling the foundation of the home, which involves jacking up the house and repairing the crumbling stone foundation. This is a challenging and time-consuming process, but the crew is up for the task. Once the foundation is stable, they move on to repairing and restoring the exterior of the home. This includes replacing damaged clapboards, repairing the famous Gothic arches over the windows, and replacing the entire porch.

As the exterior work starts to take shape, attention turns to the interior of the home. The homeowners have a clear vision for the design of the home, and the crew works hard to make their dream a reality. This means removing walls to create an open concept living area, installing new plumbing and electrical systems, and restoring the original plaster walls.

One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation is installing a new heating and cooling system. Because of the age and style of the home, traditional ductwork won't work. Instead, the crew installs a radiant floor heating system that will provide comfortable and consistent temperature control throughout the home.

The episode also gives viewers a glimpse into the history of the home and the neighborhood it's located in. The team discovers an old well on the property that dates back to the 1800s, and they learn about the role that the Westwood House played in the Underground Railroad.

Overall, season 9 episode 12 of This Old House is a fascinating look at a challenging and rewarding renovation project. The crew's commitment to preserving the historic integrity of the home while also creating a functional and comfortable living space for the homeowners is inspiring, and viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into restoring a historic home.