This Old House (1979)
TV's original home-improvement show, following one whole-house renovation over several episodes.
Seasons & Episode
The crew starts a new project in Lexington, MA, to make a 1960 mid-century modern home accessible for a family with a son who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The crew meets the homeowners to learn about the disease and the challenges the current setup of the house poses. The project is a race against time, but the crew is determined to get the family back into their home as soon as possible.
The interior is demoed, and rebuilding has begun. The new design and energy code are explained.
Accessible features integrated into the design begin at construction. A new mechanical room connects to the old via a block wall tunnel, HVAC ducting is buried underground, and after learning about residential elevators, framing begins for one.
A lally column stands in the way of the new open floor plan. As a solution, it is removed, and the ridge beam is replaced with a trio of engineered beams. The new landscape is previewed in 3D, and tips are shared for creating an accessible bathroom.
A zero-threshold entry to the patio is framed. Geothermal energy is explained, and wells are dug.
The fully framed front of the house is revealed; work continues on the geothermal system; the connection to the interior is made; blocking is installed in the framing; replacing and rewiring old receptacles.
Repairing the original brick; building a DIY ramp; touring a modern accessible home; adding trim to the exterior.
A walking tour of the roof reveals its various pitches; installing a built-in gutter system; rough-in begins on the interior; energy-efficient windows are installed.
Work on the house is divided into phases for efficient workflow; the back foundation gets a stucco finish; kitchen cabinet selection; installing siding; the back patio gets proper drainage.
The slab-on-grade foundation is built up; accessible AV solutions are explored; prep begins for a curbless shower; installing an automatic zero threshold door.
Copper bonding is installed before the therapy pool is craned in; tile selections are revealed; the integrated entrance ramp gets snow melt and a final layer of concrete; elevator disconnects are installed.
Building the elevator cab; using leftover flooring to make a modern feature for the kitchen island; exploring AV solutions for accessibility; installing new solar panels.
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