Demo is underway in the gambrel portion of the house back through to the ell, and excavation has begun on the new foundation for the two-story addition, which will be constructed off the opposite side of the ell.
Because the existing stone foundation is in poor condition, Charlie Silva determines the best solution is to remove it and open the existing basement to the new one. But first, he sets up a post and beam system to support the house through the process.
With parts of the gambrel opened up and the ell stripped back exposing the timber frame, Tom Silva and historic timber frame expert Arron Sturgis meet to review its construction and determine the best way to raise the height of the timber frame in the new ell.
The foundation demo out back has exposed an old cistern under the ell. Richard Trethewey calls in historical archaeologist Suzanne Cherau to provide some insight into the artifact.
At the homeowners’ request, the old roof boards are salvaged to be repurposed as ceiling boards in the new space before the ell is dismantled.
Drainage issues due to the street being higher than the property has caused rot damage to the side of the house. Mark McCullough and Charlie Silva discuss plans for repair and a water management solution that combines new technology and granite.
Homeowner Bill is presented with a book from 1826 recounting the American Revolution that was found during demo.
Original Air Date: Apr 6, 2023, Season 44; Ep. 17 23:42
Products and Resources from this Episode
- Architect: Benjamin Nutter Architects, LLC
- Timber frame expert: Preservation Timber Framing
- Historic archeology: The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc.