Ep 5. Tiling Is a Family Affair | Cape Ann

In season 42 episode 5 of This Old House, titled "Tiling Is a Family Affair | Cape Ann," the team heads to Gloucester, Massachusetts to tackle a major renovation project on a historic home. The homeowners are looking to transform their outdated kitchen and bathrooms into modern, functional spaces, and tiling is a big part of the plan.

To help with the tiling project, host Kevin O'Connor brings in expert tile installer Tom Meehan, who is joined by his son Michael and daughter Christie. Together, they teach Kevin and the homeowners the ins and outs of tiling, from choosing the right materials to laying the tiles and grouting.

The team starts in the kitchen, where they remove the old, dated backsplash and replace it with sleek, modern subway tiles. Tom and his family demonstrate their technique for laying the tiles and cutting them to fit around obstacles like outlets and switches. With their help, the homeowners are able to create a beautiful, functional backsplash that adds a touch of style to their kitchen.

Next, the team moves on to the bathrooms, where they tackle more complex tiling projects. In the master bathroom, they install a new shower surround with elegant marble tiles. Tom and his family demonstrate how to create patterns with the tiles and cut them to fit around corners and curves. Meanwhile, in the guest bathroom, they replace the old, outdated floor tiles with vibrant, colorful mosaic tiles. Again, they show Kevin and the homeowners how to lay the tiles and grout them properly.

Throughout the episode, the team faces various challenges, from wonky existing walls to tricky tile cuts. Tom and his family demonstrate their problem-solving skills and show Kevin and the homeowners how to overcome these obstacles to create beautiful, functional tiling projects.

In addition to the tiling work, the episode also highlights some of the other renovation projects going on in the house. The team installs new windows and doors, as well as a new HVAC system. They also work on upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems to meet modern standards.

Overall, "Tiling Is a Family Affair | Cape Ann" is a great episode for anyone interested in home renovation or DIY tiling projects. The expert guidance of Tom and his family, combined with the charming New England setting, make for a fun and informative episode.