This Old House

The crew is renovating a home to be accessible for a young boy with muscular dystrophy.

Construction began on the Lexington project. A new energy code affects the construction.

A concrete block wall is built to connect the new mechanical space out front to the old.

A lally column is replaced by a larger ridge beam for an open kitchen and dining area.

Framing begins for a new zero-threshold sliding glass door. Geothermal is explained.

Geothermal pipes are run, wood blocking is installed, and receptacle boxes are replaced.

The original brick is repaired. A ramp is built, and a modern accessible house is toured.

A custom gutter is built. The neighbor's house, designed by the same architect, is toured.

A lesson on stucco is given, the siding is installed, and patio drainage is addressed.

Electrical work for the elevator begins and the therapy pool is installed.

The elevator cab is built, and audio-visual technologies are explored for accessibility.

The new mechanical room is revealed. In-wall lights are installed at the front ramp.

The homeowners sit down for an interview about their son and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A final review of the geothermal system is done, and a blower door test is performed.

The accessible renovation of the mid-century modern home in Lexington, MA is complete.

A new project begins - an 1887 Victorian being renovated for multigenerational living.

Work begins on the 1887 Victorian to make it suitable for multigenerational living.

Termite damage is discovered. A high school student works as a framer on the project.

The new two-story addition is framed, and plumbing pipes are isolated from cold weather.

A trip is taken to the Empire State Building and the new plumbing system is discussed.

A custom jamb and threshold are built. Various water-resistive barriers are compared.

A new brick walkway and wood fiber insulation are installed. ERVs and HRVs are discussed.

A baseboard detail becomes a focal point, and a prefabricated shower niche is installed.

A built-in bench is constructed. The primary bathroom vanity gets a new durable finish.

Restoration of the 1887 Victorian in Glen Ridge, NJ, is complete. The crew gets a tour.