Ep 6. Atlanta: Respecting the Old While Adding the New

In This Old House season 45 episode 6, titled "Atlanta: Respecting the Old While Adding the New," the show heads to Atlanta, Georgia to renovate a historic 1906 home. The objective of the renovation is to maintain the character of the house while also updating it with modern amenities.

The episode begins with the This Old House team meeting with the homeowners to discuss their vision for the renovation. The homeowners are a young couple who love the history and character of the house but want to upgrade the kitchen and create a more open floor plan. The team agrees to create an open-concept living and dining area while maintaining the original charm of the house.

Next, the team begins to demo the existing kitchen and opens up the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a more open concept space. The team also discovers some structural issues during demo that require additional support beams to be installed.

Throughout the renovation, the team works diligently to maintain the original character of the home. This includes restoring the original hardwood floors, crown moldings, and baseboards. The team also works with a local artisan to create custom cabinetry that matches the original style of the home.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the team was updating the plumbing and electrical systems in a way that was minimally invasive to the original structure of the house. They worked with specialized contractors to install new HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems without compromising the integrity of the original structure. They also installed new windows that matched the original style of the home.

The team also worked on updating the exterior of the home. They repaired the front porch and repainted the exterior. They also added new landscaping to enhance the overall curb appeal.

Throughout the episode, the team guides viewers through the renovation process, showcasing the techniques they use to maintain the original character of the home while updating it to modern standards. They also discuss the challenges of working with an older home, such as dealing with lead paint and asbestos.

Overall, "Atlanta: Respecting the Old While Adding the New" is a fascinating journey through the renovation of a historic home. The episode showcases the importance of maintaining the character and integrity of older homes while also working to incorporate modern amenities. It is a testament to the expertise and skills of the team at This Old House.