Ep 7. Atlanta: Repointed and Planted

This Old House season 45 episode 7, named "Atlanta: Repointed and Planted", is all about preserving the history of a classic American home while updating it to fit modern standards. The project at hand is a classic home in a historic neighborhood in Atlanta. The homeowners have made a commitment to restore the home's original charm by updating their outdoor living space while preserving the historic features of the 1920s house.

The episode begins with a look at the home's crumbling brick exterior. The homeowners have called upon a team of experts to help them properly repair and repoint the brick exterior. The team takes great care in matching the new mortar to the existing brick and how it is applied. The project also includes repairing damaged areas in the brick and filling in gaps to improve energy efficiency. Viewers get an in-depth look at the masonry techniques used to ensure the home's exterior is not only beautiful but also structurally sound.

In addition to repairing the brick exterior, the homeowners have set their sights on creating an outdoor living space that complements the charm of the house. The show's landscaper advises the homeowners on the best way to achieve this. She recommends incorporating native plants and shrubs that will not only beautify the yard but are also sustainable in Atlanta's climate. As the team works on adding new beds, viewers get a tutorial on how to prepare soil properly for optimum plant growth.

Back inside the house, the team is focused on updating the kitchen. While the homeowners want a more functional space, they are also committed to keeping the historic charm intact. As a result, the team has come up with a plan to upgrade the kitchen while still preserving its original details. The homeowners chose to keep the original hardwood floors, cabinetry, and backsplash tile. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how the team worked around the existing features while still bringing in modern elements such as new appliances and countertops.

The renovation does not stop at the kitchen. The team is also working on a new family room addition that complements the original charm of the house. The homeowners want the addition to feel like it was always part of the house, so the team is careful to match the existing finishes, such as trim, baseboards, and paint color, to the new space. The team discusses new technologies that can help improve energy efficiency in this new addition.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the importance of historical preservation and how modern technology can be incorporated into classic homes without sacrificing their original charm. The team emphasizes attention to detail, from the way a brick is laid to how a plant is placed in a bed, is key to achieving the project's end goal.

In the end, the homeowners are thrilled with how their updates have improved their home's livability while still preserving its original charm. They are excited to have an outdoor living space that is both beautiful and sustainable and a new addition that seamlessly integrates with the original structure.

Overall, This Old House season 45 episode 7, "Atlanta: Repointed and Planted," is an inspiring episode that showcases how historical preservation can be merged with modern upgrades to create an inviting and functional living space. Viewers will walk away with inspiration for their own projects and a deeper appreciation for the importance of maintaining the integrity of classic homes.