This Old House S36E03 · Charlestown 2014: Part 3: A Bridge to Charlestown

Overview

How the old chimney will be modified for gas fireplace units. The framing progress is also spotlighted, including in the breakfast area and the third-floor master suite; and rebuilding the backyard retaining walls commences. Also: a chat with a structural engineer about one of Charlestown's most iconic structures, the Zakim Bridge; and a visit to a salvage yard that has architectural elements from the Greek Revival period.

Torrents

Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. Charlestown 2014: Part 1: 35 Years of This Old House2014-10-04Season 36 opens in Boston, where an 1850s-era Greek Revival house is to be upgraded. The homeowner would like to improve the kitchen and the third floor, where the master suite is
2. 2 2. Charlestown 2014: Part 2: Brick Rowhouse Blues2014-10-11A fix for a major problem: exterior walls that are bowing outward. Two weeks of work in the basement, meanwhile, has lowered the floor by several inches; the radiant heat-insulatio
3. 3 3. Charlestown 2014: Part 3: A Bridge to Charlestown2014-10-18How the old chimney will be modified for gas fireplace units. The framing progress is also spotlighted, including in the breakfast area and the third-floor master suite; and rebuil
4. 4 4. Charlestown 2014: Part 4: Wood and Water2014-10-25The progress on the now-approved dormer is spotlighted. Elsewhere, Insulation and wallboard are put into place; and a reclaimed brick veneer is installed on the kitchen bump out. A
5. 5 5. Charlestown 2014: Part 5: Gardens & Greek Revival Style2014-11-01The ductwork for the new direct vent gas fireplace units is worked on; subtle Greek Revival details are added to the interior window trim; and the exterior window trim is painted.
6. 6 6. Charlestown 2014: Part 6: Kitchens and Baths2014-11-08 · 26mA major upgrade begins: adding a Greek Revival-style front door. On the second floor, new wood wainscoting is installed; a feature wall insert for the master shower is created with
7. 7 7. Charlestown 2014: Part 7: Rowhouse, Lighthouse2014-11-15 · 26mA basement door is concealed; the new Cararra marble island top is spotlighted; a PVC fence is installed on top of the retaining wall; the front steps are given new life with a gri
8. 8 8. Charlestown 2014: Part 8: A Rowhouse Reimagined2014-11-22The Charlestown project wraps up. Included: restoring the exterior with a new dormer, windows, shutters and front entry; testing the security system; visiting the mechanical room i
9. 9 9. Lexington Project 2015: Part 1: Colonial Roots2015-01-03This Old House kicks off the second project of the season: an addition to a 1966 Colonial in historic Lexington, Mass.
10. 10 10. Lexington Project 2015: Part 2: Footings & Framing2015-01-10How the home will be renovated in stages so that the owners won't have to move out. The work begins with the back porch. Also: the framing of the first floor platform is outlined;
11. 11 11. Lexington Project 2015: Part 3: Colonial Curb Appeal2015-01-17The second floor's front gable wall is in place; the roof framing is underway; and the framing of the new farmer's porch is spotlighted. Also: a tour of Lexington's historic distri
12. 12 12. Lexington Project 2015: Part 4: Smart Solutions2015-01-24How the roofers applied new architectural shingles to the house to coordinate it and the new addition; and a look at the progress on the back deck. Also: preventing the P-trap from
13. 13 13. Lexington Project 2015: Part 5: Making Connections2015-01-31How a small stream in the backyard affects the entire yard. Also: trees are removed; shade plants are relocated to a new bed in the side yard; a five-foot section of wall is cut aw
14. 14 14. Lexington Project 2015: Part 6: Exterior Details2015-02-07A look at the mudroom door; the work required to patch in new clapboard; the back deck's hybrid railing system; and the layout and design choices for the kitchen. Also: what goes i
15. 15 15. Lexington Project 2015: Part 7: Inspections2015-02-14Rough mechanical and rough framing inspections are discussed; reinforced fiberglass columns to support the farmer's porch are installed; how an arched doorway is being turned into
16. 16 16. Lexington Project 2015: Part 8: Conservation Concerns2015-02-21A covered gutter is installed; the infiltration system to disperse water from gutters into the ground is detailed; native plants that will return part of the lawn back to nature ar
17. 17 17. Lexington Project 2015: Part 9: Old to New2015-03-28Progress on the mud room and kitchen
18. 18 18. Lexington Project 2015: Part 10: Designer Details2015-04-04With the second floor sanded, stained and sealed, the crew commences work on the first floor; the custom refrigerator panels are spotlighted; and a chest of drawers is re-purposed
19. 19 19. Lexington Project 2015: Part 11: New Walk, Old Stone2015-04-11The bluestone front walk is started despite significant grade challenges; porcelain tile made to look like slate is installed in the screen porch; and the vanity project is recappe
20. 20 20. Lexington Project 2015: Part 12: Mudroom, Ventilation, Kids' Rooms2015-04-18A look at the LED ribbon strip lights being used under the cabinets in the kitchen and butler's pantry. Also: the mudroom storage system is built; the ventilation system is reviewe
21. 21 21. Lexington Project 2015: Part 13: Finishing Details2015-04-25New plants are added to the landscaping plan; and a wrought-iron chandelier with 52 bulbs is installed. Also: the radiators being used in the garage and upstairs sitting room; the
22. 22 22. Lexington Project 2015: Part 14: Down to the Wire2015-05-02Installing tall fescue, which needs less water and fertilizer than other varieties; and designing the great room's entertainment center. Also: the finished mechanical room; and the
23. 23 23. Lexington Project 2015: Part 15: Garrison No More2015-05-09The transformation of the 1966 Garrison Colonial is reviewed. Included: the technology built into the new kitchen; the customization of the spaces over the garage; and the updates
24. 24 24. Veteran's House 2015: Part 1: Veteran's Special House Project2015-05-16This Old House partners with Homes For Our Troops to build a house for Army veteran SSG Matt DeWitt. Kevin sees the plans for the DeWitt project. Norm, Tom and Kevin help with fram
25. 25 25. Veteran's House 2015: Part 2: Adaptions & Accessibility2015-05-23Kevin learns that Matt DeWitt’s disability doesn’t limit his cycling passion. Richard sees some of the 150 ADA approved requirements in the home. Kevin meets HFOT recipients Alex a
26. 26 26. Veteran's House 2015: Part 3: A Home for Matt & Cat2015-05-30Kevin, Roger, Tom and Norm build a high tunnel greenhouse for Matt and his family. Kevin meets HFOT Community Outreach coordinator Chris Mitchell for Volunteer Day at the house. Ke