Ep 2. Restoring a Craftsman Bungalow

Restored is a home renovation series that follows expert Brett Waterman as he works his magic on old, neglected houses, restoring their original charm. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Restoring a Craftsman Bungalow," Brett takes on a massive project, restoring a classic Craftsman bungalow in the historic neighborhood of Redlands, California.

The episode begins with Brett inspecting the property and sharing his vision for the restoration. His goal is to bring back the original character and charm of the Craftsman style, while also modernizing the home for contemporary living. The bungalow is in rough shape, with extensive water damage, structural issues, and outdated fixtures and finishes.

Brett's first step is to strip the house down to its bones, revealing the true extent of the damage. He discovers that the home has been added onto multiple times over the years, leading to some major flaws in the structure. He also finds evidence of previous DIY attempts at renovations, including some dangerous electrical wiring.

Once the house is gutted, Brett begins the process of restoring each room to its former glory. He works with local craftsmen to recreate the intricate woodwork and ornate details that make the Craftsman style so unique. In the living room, he installs custom built-ins and restores the original fireplace. In the kitchen, he removes the old cabinets and appliances and replaces them with high-end, modern counterparts that still fit with the overall aesthetic of the home.

Throughout the restoration process, Brett faces a variety of challenges, such as how to fix a sagging roofline and how to preserve some of the original features that are in desperate need of repair. But through it all, he remains committed to his vision and to the integrity of the home.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Brett tackled the bungalow's exterior. He restored the classic Craftsman front porch, complete with tapered columns and exposed rafters. He also repainted the house in a warm, inviting color palette that complements the period details. The end result is a beautiful and timeless home that looks like it's been standing for a century.

Along the way, Brett had to make some difficult decisions about how to balance the home's historic character with modern amenities. For example, he struggled with whether or not to keep the original clawfoot bathtub in the master bathroom, which was in poor shape. Ultimately, he decided to restore the tub and give it a new life.

As the restoration nears completion, Brett invites the homeowners to come see their newly renovated home for the first time. They are blown away by the transformation and can't believe how much Brett was able to salvage and restore. The episode ends with the homeowners expressing their gratitude and excitement for their newfound dream home.

Overall, "Restoring a Craftsman Bungalow" is a fascinating and satisfying hour of television. It's a testament to the power of restoration and the beauty of preserving our architectural heritage. Fans of home renovation shows, historic homes, and good craftsmanship will all find something to love in this episode.