Ep 2. Charlestown 2014 - Brick Rowhouse Blues

In season 36 episode 2 of This Old House, titled "Charlestown 2014 - Brick Rowhouse Blues," the team takes on the renovation of a historic brick rowhouse in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

The episode begins with a tour of the house, which has been in the same family for generations but has fallen into disrepair. The layout of the house is typical of a traditional rowhouse, with a long and narrow floorplan. The team notes that despite its current state, the house has good bones and a lot of potential.

The first order of business is to tackle the exterior of the house. The team starts by removing all the old windows and replacing them with new ones that are more energy-efficient. They also install new shutters and a fresh coat of paint, which instantly transforms the look of the house.

Next, the crew turns their attention to the interior of the house. The first floor of the house is gutted to create an open-concept living space, which includes a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The team installs new hardwood floors and custom-made cabinets, and adds new light fixtures to brighten up the space.

The second floor of the house undergoes a similar transformation, with the team creating a master suite and two additional bedrooms. The master suite includes a spacious bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a luxurious en suite bathroom. The team installs custom-built cabinetry and a new bathtub, and adds high-end finishes like marble countertops and brass fixtures.

Throughout the renovation process, the team encounters a few challenges. For example, they discover that the house's foundation is not level, which could cause problems with the new hardwood floors. To fix the problem, they jack up the house and add supports to ensure that the floors are level.

Another challenge comes in the form of the house's HVAC system. The team discovers that the existing system is outdated and inefficient, and decides to replace it with a new, energy-efficient system. This involves running new ductwork and installing a new heating system, which takes some time and careful planning.

Despite these challenges, the team manages to complete the renovation on time and within budget. The finished house is a stunning example of a modern rowhouse that still maintains its historic charm. The team notes that the renovation will not only provide a beautiful home for the current owners, but will also help to preserve the history and character of this historic neighborhood for years to come.

Overall, season 36 episode 2 of This Old House is a fascinating look at the challenges and rewards of modernizing a classic rowhouse. The team's attention to detail and commitment to quality are on full display, and the end result is a gorgeous, functional, and energy-efficient home.