Ep 18. 3 Decker Heaven

This Old House season 43 episode 18, is titled "3 Decker Heaven". In this episode, the crew is working on renovating a classic three-decker house in the city of Boston. The three-decker style is unique to the region and is a popular option for multi-family housing. This particular house has great potential, but it is in desperate need of some modern updates.

To start the renovation, the team has to do a lot of demolition. They remove all the old plaster and lath walls and ceilings to create a blank slate for the updates. With the walls out of the way, the team has to work on reinforcing the existing structure. The building was constructed in the late 1800s, and all the wear and tear over the years has left it a bit shaky. The team has to insert steel beams to provide additional support and make sure the building is up to code.

With the structure reinforced, the team moves on to the fun part of the renovation: designing and creating the living spaces for the three apartments. Each apartment has a unique layout, and the designers work with the homeowners to create spaces that maximize the square footage in each unit. The end goal is to create comfortable living spaces that are both functional and modern.

The team also upgrades the mechanical systems in the building. They install a central heating and cooling system that is energy-efficient. They also install new electrical and plumbing systems to bring the house up to modern standards. With all of the mechanical systems upgraded, the house runs like a dream.

Throughout the renovation, the team encounters some challenges. Some of the walls are not square and level, which makes installing new drywall a bit tricky. They have to spend extra time and care to make sure everything is level and plumb. The team also encounters some unexpected issues with the floorboards in one of the apartments. The boards were not secured properly, and they had to be completely replaced.

To make the building more energy-efficient, the team works on improving the insulation. They install new insulation in the walls and roof, and they also seal up any air leaks to reduce drafts and keep the house cozy in the winter.

In addition to the interior updates, the team also takes care of the exterior of the building. They repaint the exterior and repair any damage to the trim and siding. They also replace the windows with new, energy-efficient options that will keep the house comfortable year-round.

Overall, the renovation of this three-decker is a labor of love. The team encounters many challenges, but they work through them all to create a beautiful and functional living space for the tenants. This episode of This Old House is a testament to the power of renovation and shows how much can be done to update an older building with a little creativity and hard work.