This Old House

The crew is back in Massachusetts to start a new project-a modest 1902 Victorian in the town of Newburyport. Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva meet Jenn Nawada outside to discuss her plans for the landscape. Inside, they meet homeowners Palen and Melissa and are given a tour. Richard talks about relocating the mechanicals. Charlie Silva meets with the crew to discuss possible challenges.

The 1902 house is ready for demo. The main power is disconnected, and temporary power is run for safe working. Asbestos abatement is performed at the house after a linoleum sample collected and tested confirms the presence of asbestos. The back bump out is removed. A 75-year-old carpenter talks about working with Parkinson's disease. The front porch is demoed, leaving the roof intact.

Work is underway for the new three-story bump out, and the interior is fully demolished in preparation for the new modern floor plan. An old narrow and steep staircase is replaced with a new winder staircase. The homeowner visits the town museum to learn about the history of her home. A bulge and lean-proof retaining wall is built. The City of Newburyport wastewater treatment facility is toured.

Work continues at the house. Tom Silva shows how to shingle a roof valley. Finish carpenter Kevin Rafferty is challenged with making the fireplace mantel stand out. Charlie Silva begins trimming the windows with a prefabricated trim system. Design showroom owner Kerry Vaughn helps homeowners Palen and Melissa select furniture. The newel post and balusters on the original staircase are extended.

The yard gets planted; a custom home office is built from off-the-shelf materials; old floors are reused on the second floor; installing an EV charger; the front door gets a high-sheen finish.

The homeowners and crew take part in the town's annual bed race before calling it a wrap on the project; touring the finished house.

The crew starts one of its oldest projects yet -- a first period home in Ipswich, Mass.; salvaging the old floorboards before demo begins.

The architect explains his vision for the property; exploratory demo; a lesson on first period homes; the team hopes to uncover the original timber frame during demo.

Preparation begins for the new foundation; a centuries-old cistern is uncovered; assessing the original timber frame structure; the original floorboards and roof sheathing are salvaged for later use; inspecting the sill for water damage.

Dismantling the timber frame structure in the ell; a new fireplace is considered for the original house; exploring landscape and hardscape ideas; touring a family-run lumber mill; the homeowner chooses a roof shingle.

Demolishing the old fireplace firebox; restoring the timber frame; running plumbing for a below grade bathroom; preparing a steel beam for installation; clamming.

The restored timber frame structure is reassembled on site; a Rumford fireplace is installed; the steel ridge beam is craned in place; selecting a kitchen countertop.