Ep 3. Preserving History

The Craftsman season 1 episode 3, "Preserving History," follows master craftsman Tom as he takes on the challenge of restoring a historic home in his community. The house, built in the early 1900s, has been abandoned for years and is in dire need of some TLC. Tom is passionate about preserving the history and character of old homes, and this project is no exception.

The episode begins with Tom meeting with the homeowners, a couple who recently purchased the property with hopes of restoring it to its former glory. They walk through the house together, pointing out various areas that need attention. The floors are creaky and uneven, the plaster walls are cracked and crumbling, and the windows are drafty and in need of repair.

Tom gets to work immediately, starting with the floors. He carefully removes each board, one by one, and inspects them for rot or damage. He takes great care to preserve as much of the original flooring as possible, only replacing the boards that are beyond repair. Once the new boards are in place, Tom sands and refinishes the entire floor, leaving it smooth and shiny.

Next, Tom moves on to the plaster walls. He carefully removes any loose or damaged plaster, using his years of experience to determine how much needs to be removed in order to create a smooth surface for the new plaster to adhere to. He then applies the new plaster in layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. The result is a smooth, seamless finish that looks as good as new.

With the floors and walls taken care of, Tom turns his attention to the windows. He carefully removes each window sash, inspecting it for damage or rot. He replaces any damaged parts, then sands and refinishes them to match the original color. He also replaces the putty and weatherstripping to ensure a tight seal, keeping out drafts and moisture. The end result is a set of beautiful, functional windows that look as good as they did when the house was first built.

Throughout the episode, Tom shares his knowledge and passion for preserving historic homes with the viewers. He explains the importance of using traditional materials and techniques, as well as the challenges that come with restoring a home that is over 100 years old. He also shares some of the history of the home and the neighborhood, painting a picture of what life was like in the early 1900s.

As the episode wraps up, Tom gives the homeowners a tour of their newly restored home. They are thrilled with the results, amazed at how much better the house looks and feels. Tom takes pride in knowing that he has helped preserve a piece of history, ensuring that this beautiful old home will continue to stand for many years to come.

Overall, "Preserving History" is a fascinating look at the art of restoring historic homes. Tom's expertise and passion shine through as he takes on this challenging project, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into preserving these beautiful old homes.