Ep 13. Belmont Victorian - What's Old Is New Again

Belmont Victorian - What's Old Is New Again is the thirteenth episode of the thirty-seventh season of This Old House. In this episode, the team continues their work on a late-19th-century Victorian home in the Boston suburbs. The homeowners, Dr. Brian and Mika Klepper, purchased the house with the goal of restoring it to its former glory while also modernizing it to fit their family's needs.

The episode begins with Tom Silva, the show's general contractor, showing off the stunning new front porch that has been added to the home. This porch was designed to replicate the home's original porch, which had been removed at some point in the past. Tom explains how they were able to use historical photographs to recreate the porch, and he notes that they were also able to use some of the home's original columns.

Next, the team heads inside to work on the first floor of the home. They start by installing a new subfloor, which will provide a solid base for the rest of the work. They then begin installing new hardwood flooring in the foyer and living room. The homeowners had chosen a herringbone pattern for these rooms, which gives the space a classic and elegant look.

Upstairs, the team tackles the master bathroom. The Kleppers had requested a large marble shower, so the team had to pour a new concrete base for the shower and then install the marble tiles. The team also installed a free-standing bathtub, which gives the space a luxurious and spa-like feel. They finish the bathroom by installing a gorgeous vanity with a marble countertop.

Moving on to the kitchen, the team begins installing the kitchen cabinets. The Kleppers had chosen a classic white cabinet style with inset doors, which gives the kitchen an elegant and timeless look. They had also chosen a beautiful quartz countertop, which the team begins to install.

Throughout the episode, the team encounters various challenges, as is common in any renovation project. For example, they discover that the previous owners had installed a structural beam that was not up to code. This required them to install a new beam, which took extra time and money. They also discovered some wiring that was not up to code, so they had to bring in an electrician to fix it.

Along the way, the team provides helpful tips and insights for viewers who may be considering a similar restoration project. For example, they discuss the importance of choosing materials that are appropriate for a historical home and how to stay within a budget.

The episode ends with the team making significant progress on the home, but there is still much work to be done. The Kleppers are delighted with the progress, and they are excited to continue the restoration of their beautiful Victorian home.

Overall, Belmont Victorian - What's Old Is New Again is an inspiring and informative episode of This Old House. It showcases the team's dedication to preserving historical homes while also making them functional and beautiful for modern families. Viewers will appreciate the attention to detail and the care that goes into each step of the renovation process.