Ep 11. Toasty Cars

This Old House is a beloved home renovation and restoration series that has been on the air for over 40 years. In season 44, episode 11, titled "Toasty Cars," the crew takes on a unique challenge: converting an old garage into a cozy, heated living space.

The project takes place in Arlington, Massachusetts, where homeowners Jim and Barbara have been struggling to find a use for their detached garage. Too small to fit a car comfortably, but too large to ignore, the garage had become a sort of storage unit for assorted odds and ends. With winter fast approaching, Jim and Barbara decided it was time to make a change.

The This Old House team arrives on the scene to assess the space and come up with a plan of action. The first challenge is to make the garage habitable in the colder months, which means adding insulation and heating. As they work to install radiant floor heating, they must also address some structural issues with the building, including a sagging roof and termite damage.

As the renovation progresses, the team faces a number of hurdles. They must navigate a tight space and figure out how to work around existing features like a brick chimney and electrical wiring. They also encounter unexpected surprises, such as old nails and screws that are difficult to remove.

Despite these challenges, the crew perseveres, and viewers get to see all the gritty details of the renovation process. From installing drywall to painting, every step is documented on camera, giving viewers a real sense of what it takes to transform a rundown garage into a cozy living space.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way in which the This Old House team integrates modern amenities into an old building. They install a mini-split heating and cooling system that allows Jim and Barbara to control the temperature with a remote control, and they also add a modern bathroom with a sleek glass shower enclosure.

At the same time, the team is careful to preserve the character of the building, adding vintage-style light fixtures and other decorative touches that give the garage a cozy, lived-in feel. The end result is a beautiful, functional space that Jim and Barbara can use as a guest suite, an office, or even a place to host small gatherings.

Throughout the episode, the This Old House team offers practical tips and advice for viewers who might be considering a similar renovation project. They explain how to choose insulation materials, how to work with radiant floor heating, and how to paint a room for maximum coverage and durability.

Overall, "Toasty Cars" is a fascinating look at the renovation process, and a testament to the power of creative thinking and hard work. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or simply a fan of home improvement shows, this episode is sure to inspire and educate.