Ep 19. House Fire Reclamation

In season 43, episode 19 of the long-running home improvement show This Old House, titled "House Fire Reclamation," the team takes on perhaps their most daunting project yet. In the aftermath of a devastating house fire in Arlington, Massachusetts, the homeowners are left with a shell of a house that needs everything from new framing to new electrical systems.

To begin, the team takes the house back to the studs, removing all of the drywall and insulation and exposing the framing. This allows them to see the extent of the damage and begin planning the rebuild. They discover that much of the framing and floor joists have been weakened by the fire and will need to be replaced.

Next, the team focuses on the electrical systems, installing new wiring and a new panel to bring the house up to code. This is a crucial step in making sure the house is safe and functional once it's rebuilt. They also install new plumbing throughout the house, including new pipes and fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms.

One of the biggest challenges the team faces in this episode is salvaging as much of the original house as possible while still making necessary updates and repairs. They carefully dismantle the old staircase, labeling each piece so that it can be reassembled later, and salvage as much of the original trim and molding as possible. They even manage to save some of the original hardwood flooring, which they plan to repurpose elsewhere in the house.

As the project progresses, the team runs into a few unexpected setbacks. One of the replacement joists is not cut to the correct size, which causes a delay as they need to order a new one. They also run into some difficulty with the installation of the new heating and cooling system, which requires some modifications to the existing ductwork.

Throughout it all, the team remains positive and focused on the end goal of restoring this house to its former glory. They work through the setbacks with confidence, knowing that their years of experience and expertise will see them through.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of awe at the scope of the project and the dedication of the This Old House team. It's clear that this house is in good hands and that, with a little bit of patience and hard work, it will soon be transformed into a beautiful and functional home once again.