Like many first-period homes in Ipswich, MA, the house had a large central fireplace, but at some point, it was taken down to make room for a staircase to get to the second floor.
A large Ben Franklin-style fireplace was since built at the gable end closest to the street, but the fire box will be replaced with a smaller Rumford-style fire box using the existing chimney. To do this, Mark McCullough and Charlie Silva devise a post and beam system with jacks to support the chimney while they demo the old fireplace.
Kevin O’Connor visits the shop of historic timber frame expert Arron Sturgis in New Hampshire. There, he discusses the condition of the original timber frame members, the necessary repairs that need to be made, and the process for extending the posts for the taller ceiling height in the new ell.
At the house, Richard Trethewey assists plumber Brian Bilo with installing a sewer ejector in the basement to accommodate a new bathroom. This addition will be lower than the elevation of the main sewer line.
The new structural ridge for the ell is a long steel beam to carry the entire load of the roof, but there is some necessary prep work. To make the marriage of the rafters to the beam easier, Tom Silva and Charlie Silva pad the sides of the steel beam with dimensional lumber.
Kevin goes on a clamming excursion with local clammers Paul Damon and Vinny Burridge on the mud flats of the Ipswich River.
Original Air Date: Apr 20, 2023, Season 44; Ep. 19 23:42
Products and Resources from this Episode
- Timber frame expert: Preservation Timber Framing
- Plumbing contractor: Bilo Plumbing & Heating
- Framing contractor: TJ Berky Builders
- Side Trips:
Ipswich Bay Mooring
JT Farnham’s