Ep 3. Belmont Victorian - Bracing the Basement

Belmont Victorian - Bracing the Basement is the third episode of the 37th season of the popular home improvement show This Old House. In this installment, the team is tasked with bracing the basement of a historic Victorian home in Belmont, Massachusetts.

The episode opens with a tour of the sprawling, three-story home owned by the Young family. Built in 1887, the house features many of the intricate details and ornate decorations that are characteristic of the Victorian style, including gables, turrets, and intricate woodworking. However, over the years, the foundation of the home has suffered damage due to water infiltration, and the basement is in dire need of support.

To tackle this project, the This Old House team calls in contractor Tom Silva, who has been part of the show since its early days. Silva begins by assessing the state of the existing foundation and identifying the areas that need to be reinforced. He explains that the goal is to create a sturdy base for the house that will be able to withstand future water damage and shifting soil.

Over the course of the episode, Silva and his crew work tirelessly to install steel beams, braces, and footings in the basement. They must maneuver around existing plumbing and ductwork, as well as navigate the tight corners and low ceilings of the old home. Along the way, Silva offers tips and tricks for working with various building materials and demonstrates the importance of measuring and leveling at every stage of the project.

As the work progresses, the This Old House team checks in with the Young family to get their take on the renovation. They speak with the homeowners about their plans for the house and how they envision using the newly stabilized basement space. The couple expresses gratitude for the attention to detail and expertise that Silva and his crew bring to the project.

The episode culminates in a satisfying reveal of the finished basement. The This Old House team shows off the new steel supports and braces, as well as the repaired walls and floors. They also highlight some of the custom features, such as a rustic wood ceiling and built-in storage areas. Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look at the process of foundation repair and the challenges and rewards of working with historic homes.