Ep 1. The Belmont Victorian - Episode 01

In the first episode of season 37 of This Old House, the show takes viewers to Belmont, Massachusetts to restore a stunning Victorian-era home. The team of experts, including host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva, are tasked with transforming the dated and run-down property into a modern living space that still maintains its historic charm.

The episode begins with a tour of the property, where viewers are introduced to the owners, the Rileys, who have purchased the home with plans to make it their own. The team quickly gets to work, starting with the demolition of the old garage to make way for a new structure. The garage will be a key component of the renovation, as it will house a modern workshop and studio for the homeowners.

Next, the team focuses on the exterior of the home, repairing the damaged roof and removing outdated features like the metal shutters. They also begin work on restoring the home's original porch, which had been enclosed in the 1970s and will now be opened up to provide a welcoming entrance to the home.

Inside the home, the team faces a variety of challenges, including outdated wiring and plumbing that needs to be completely replaced. They also uncover several surprises, including a hidden staircase that had been covered up for decades and will now be restored to its original condition.

As the renovation continues, the team must balance the need to modernize the home with the desire to maintain its historic character. They work with a team of preservation experts to make sure that any changes they make are in line with the home's original design.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the renovation process, from the initial planning stages to the final touches that will make the home move-in ready. Along the way, they learn about the history of the home and the techniques used to preserve and restore historic structures.

By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sense of excitement for what's to come in the rest of the season. They have witnessed the transformation of a run-down Victorian-era home into a stunning modern living space that still maintains its historic charm. And they have seen the dedication and expertise of the This Old House team, who work tirelessly to make sure that every detail is perfect.