Ep 18. Porch Base Column Repair, Smart Thermostats

Tom Silva and Kevin O'Connor tackle a project on a home in Billerica, Massachusetts where the front porch's base columns are in need of repair. The first step is to jack the porch up in order to clear the area for work, but they quickly discover that the columns are not only rotting but are also attached to a hidden beam. Tom devises a plan to use a metal bracket to attach a new pressure-treated column to the hidden beam, which will prevent future rotting.

Meanwhile, Richard Trethewey heads to an older home in Needham, Massachusetts to install a smart thermostat system. The homeowner has a two-zone hot water radiator heating system, which Richard explains can be upgraded with smart thermostats to save energy and improve comfort. Richard walks through the process of installing the new thermostats, connecting them to Wi-Fi, and setting up the schedules and features to optimize their heating system.

Back in Billerica, Tom and Kevin continue to work on repairing the porch base columns. Tom uses a hydraulic jack to lift the porch and remove the old base columns, and then installs the new columns onto the metal brackets, which he secures to the hidden beam. He also adds a new base trim to finish the look.

Richard returns to the Needham home to help the homeowner optimize their new smart thermostats. He explains how to adjust settings to maximize energy savings, including setting local weather conditions and use patterns, and setting schedules that match the family's routines. He also shows how to track energy usage and monitor system alerts remotely through the thermostat app.

Finally, Tom and Kevin head back outside to add some finishing touches to the porch repair project. They add new lattice work and paint the porch to match the existing color. The porch now looks brand new and is ready to withstand years of exposure to the elements.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House provides expert tips and solutions for repairing and upgrading important features of any home. From porch repairs to smart thermostat installation, it showcases the importance of quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the latest technology to keep homes running efficiently and looking great.