Ep 10. Smaller is Better

The beloved home renovation show, This Old House, returns for its 44th season with an episode entitled "Smaller is Better." In this episode, the team takes on a unique challenge: renovating a small, historic home in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

The home, built in the early 1900s, is just 800 square feet and has not seen any significant updates in decades. The team faces the predicament of modernizing the space while preserving the historic integrity of the home.

Host Kevin O'Connor introduces viewers to the small home and its current owners, who have owned the property for over 20 years. The homeowners express their desire to maintain the character of the home while making it more functional for their needs. They hope to create more storage space, update the electrical and HVAC systems, and renovate the kitchen and bathroom.

As always, the show's expert contractors and designers take viewers through each step of the renovation process. The team begins by completely gutting the home, removing old walls, insulation, and wiring. They work to maintain and restore the original details of the home, such as the charming woodwork and original flooring.

One of the unique challenges of renovating a small home is figuring out how to maximize the limited amount of space. The team gets creative with storage solutions, building custom shelving and cabinets that blend seamlessly into the existing architecture of the home. They also add a new HVAC system that takes up minimal space while providing efficient heating and cooling throughout the home.

The kitchen and bathroom undergo a complete transformation, with new cabinetry, appliances, and fixtures being installed. The team selects materials and designs that are both functional and cohesive with the home's historic character. They also add modern touches, such as a new subway tile backsplash and a sleek, high-end shower.

Throughout the episode, the team faces unexpected challenges that are common in any renovation project. They encounter issues with the plumbing and electrical systems, requiring them to troubleshoot and make on-the-fly adjustments. One major challenge comes when they discover that a load-bearing wall has been removed in a previous renovation, leading to structural issues that must be addressed.

Despite these setbacks, the This Old House team perseveres, finding elegant solutions to each challenge. By the end of the episode, the small home has been transformed into a beautiful, modern space that still maintains its historic charm. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, proud to have preserved a piece of history while also creating a home that meets their needs.

This episode of This Old House is a testament to the power of renovating small spaces. With the right team and the right approach, even the tiniest of homes can be transformed into a true gem.