This Old House

Tom and Kevin show the 1920’s Jamestown, RI bungalow which will become a larger net zero house. They meet the family and builder. Richard and Kevin visit another net zero home. Demo begins.

Asbestos shingles are removed. Kevin visits a manufacturer that makes precast concrete walls, then gets a historic tour of Jamestown. The foundation wall panels arrive and are placed.

Jeff shows how he’s framing the net zero house. Richard demonstrates heat loss and gain to design a balanced HVAC system. Kevin can see the old wiring and plumbing.

New apprentices join the team in Rhode Island. The homeowners visit a cabinet showroom. The house gets sheathed. Kevin and Tom take the grand tour at Judith’s house in Charleston

Insulation is crucial to a net zero house. The apprentices start work. Dana shops for efficient yet decorative lighting. Tom and Jeff work with the apprentices to build and install false rafter tails.

Roof insulation is next step. Richard tours the basement of The Breakers in Newport. Kevin meets Congressman and electrician Norcross at the house. Apprentices install and flash windows.

Tom teaches apprentices correct application of cedar roof shingles. Kevin and Jeff add basement insulation. We block behind walls with future cabinets and fixtures. A post and beam barn gets raised.

The home is sealed against air leaks. Kevin sees the landscape plan. Jeff fabricates porch columns and rails. Tommy puts on shingles as the final layer of the exterior wall system

Kevin shows interior design choices. Richard demonstrates how a heat pump works. Stone veneer is applied at the Idea House. A wall-hung toilet tank is installed behind the wall.

Hanging blue board vs hanging drywall. Richard sizes a solar array. Jeff and Tommy install a wood ceiling. A generator is installed at the Idea House. Richard visits a boat building school.

Roger visits a nearby sod farm. Richard inspects HVAC installation. A gas fireplace goes in the living room. Tom and Jeff attach screens on the side porch. A new well provides water for landscaping.

Kevin learns about induction cooking. Richard watches solar panels go on the barn. Jeff installs a unique lattice. Richard demonstrates how an ERV works. Jenn's land- and hardscaping is underway.

Net Zero house is complete. Kevin tours of the yard and barn. Dana shows Tom the upstairs and main floor with Don. Richard reviews mechanicals. All gather in the transformed kitchen at the end.

Tommy and Kevin cruise Brookline, MA in a ’57 Chevy before rolling up to a lackluster 1957 mid-century modern house in need of a total overhaul. They learn about scope and Charlie starts in on demo.

Old fixtures are salvaged and asbestos removed. Norm, Richard and Kevin head to Dorchester, MA where This Old House began 40 years ago. Roger starts to remove a tree that’s threatening the property.

Norm teaches apprentices how to lay a sill on the new foundation, Richard scopes the sewer to see what might be inside. Kevin and the designer start on a plan to create a sleek, modern space

Mark McCullough pours a foundation buttress. Kevin visits the 2001 Manchester by the Sea project. Back at the house, Richard solves a ductwork puzzle while Kevin and Tommy install a PVC trim overhang.

Kevin meets electrician Heath Eastman to learn about in-counter outlets. Tommy visits former apprentice Nathan Gilbert to see what he’s been up to. Norm teaches Carly how to frame a skylight.

Jenn selects pavers for hardscape. Tommy and Norm install a skylight in the bathroom, while the sewer line and water main are completely replaced out front. The original foundation is also repaired.

Tommy calculates riser height for stairs. The foundation is insulated with a DIY foam system. Radiant heat is installed. Norm and Richard head to NM to visit the project they did 30 years ago.

Tommy shows how to install rafters for a cantilevered roof. Richard solves a venting problem for the kitchen sink before tackling AC ductwork. Tommy and Kevin install the roof's snow cleats.

McCullough rebuilds an old Puddingstone wall. We visit the 2005 Cambridge modern project. Trimless LED recessed lights are installed. Tanks are placed under the driveway for rain water runoff.

Kevin sees the manufacturing of plate glass and windows. Mauro teaches Kevin some cold weather painting tricks. Radiant heat is installed under the driveway, while the patio is installed in the front.

As the project wraps up: closet systems, modern baseboards and a linear wall drain in the master shower are all installed. Homeowner Sunil selects door hardware and Nathan installs bathroom vanities.

After months of hard work, the mid-century box is a modern marvel once again. Kevin, Tommy and Richard tour the home and review all the special features that went into this beautiful space.