Ep 4. Belmont Victorian - It's All About the Beams

In season 37, episode 4 of the long-running home improvement show This Old House, viewers are taken on a journey to the historic Belmont neighborhood in Arlington, Massachusetts. The focus of this episode is the restoration of a Victorian-era home, built in 1887 and in need of some major repairs.

Host Kevin O'Connor begins by exploring the exterior of the house, pointing out its unique architectural details, such as the scalloped shingles and gingerbread trim. He then introduces the homeowners, a young couple who fell in love with the house's character and charm but knew they were taking on a big project.

The first task at hand is reinforcing the house's foundation, which is made of stone and mortar. Contractor Tom Silva explains that the team will be adding new concrete footings and steel columns to support the weight of the house. This involves digging holes around the perimeter of the house, which is no easy feat given the rocky soil.

Next, attention turns to the beams supporting the second floor. These are original to the house and have been compromised by decades of water damage. The crew carefully removes the damaged section of the beams, which are nearly 20 feet long and weigh several hundred pounds each, and replaces them with new ones made of laminated wood.

As the restoration work continues, the homeowners are faced with some tough decisions about how to preserve the historic character of the house while making it livable for modern life. This includes updating the outdated electrical and plumbing systems, adding insulation, and reconfiguring the layout to better suit their needs.

Throughout the episode, the crew faces a number of challenges, from unexpected rot in the framing to maintaining the integrity of the original architectural details. But despite these setbacks, they remain committed to the project and determined to bring this old house back to its former glory.

In the end, viewers are treated to a stunning transformation, as the once dilapidated Victorian is transformed into a vibrant, modern home that still retains its historic charm. From the careful restoration of the exterior to the updated interior, it's clear that a lot of love and attention has gone into making this house a true masterpiece.