This Old House

Residents of Paradise, California woke on the morning of Nov. 18, 2018, to find their quiet town overtaken by an uncontrollable wildfire. The fire would burn thousands of homes, businesses, schools and make it difficult to escape—resulting in 85 deaths. This Old House follows three families on their emotional journey as they rebuild their homes.

Kevin, Richard, and Tom follow a family on their journey to restore an abandoned house in Detroit. The city has a program to bring these empty houses back to life, revitalizing the neighborhoods.

The number of people entering the building trades is declining. This Old House launched the Generation Next initiative to encourage young people to consider the trades as a viable profession.

Follow the renovation of an 1887 dark, divided two-family home to a bright, open Scandinavian-style one-family, in this one-episode summer special.

Illegal fireworks caused a fire in the Dorchester triple decker. Charlie Silva along with local contractors put this house back together. After a long wait, Carol and family can now move back home.

It’s been over a year and a half since the fire, and the triple decker is just about ready for the homeowners to return. Kevin O’Connor checks out what’s left to do in all three units, both inside and out.

The apprentices attend a roofing class and then put their skills to practice. Back at the triple-decker, a vinyl floor goes in, Mauro touches up the cabinets, and Tom and Charlie install French doors.

Tom and Kevin reinstall cabinets that survived the fire, and Tom teaches apprentices to trim a window. HVAC contractor James shows Richard the plan for hot water, while Homeowner Carol and her sister shop for appliances.

Mauro works with the apprentices to fix plaster damage, and Richard meets fellow plumber Ronnette about the new sprinkler system. Then, Homeowner Carol and her sister shop for tile, and the glass doors get repaired by an expert.

Tom Silva works with new apprentices, and Kevin meets them and learns about YouthBuild. Homeowner Carol looks at kitchen cabinets and counters. Then, Richard works with James on separate HVAC systems.

Builder Jeff Sweenor explains how Marvin’s historically accurate custom windows helped restore the character and charm of the TOH Seaside Victorian Cottage.

In this episode, Jenn Nawada creates a patio building team, and Heath Eastman rewires a section with intact plaster. Then, Charlie Silva and Tom Silva hang a fire-rated door. Richard Trethewey also explains how a tub fits in.

The back porches of the house are brought to code. Ice blasting is used to get rid of the fire odor. New vinyl siding is installed, and homeowner Carol considers new accent colors to match. Then, framing begins inside the house.

Asbestos is removed from exposed ductwork. Richard meets the new plumber. Jenn visits a community garden. A local historian speaks about triple deckers. Tom and Charlie pull off the melted siding.

The show returns to Dorchester, MA, the home of the first This Old House project, to follow the renovation of a triple decker that burned from illegal fireworks.

Season 42 of This Old House continues with the restoration of a fire-damaged 1905 three-family home in Dorchester, MA. Episodes air starting April 1 on PBS. Check your local listings.

The abandoned Seaside Victorian Cottage is restored to its original beauty. A new addition matches the existing architectural details, and the new hardscape and landscape anchor it to the corner lot.

Work happens in the kitchen. Kevin and Tom tackle the molding, and the pantry gets a secret door. Countertops, backsplash, and tile are installed, and a new wood mantle goes around the gas fireplace.

At the This Old House Seaside Victorian Cottage, editor Chris Ermides meets up with electrician Ben Giles of South Shore Electrical to discuss everything you need to know about how to find the right home standby generator for your needs, and why placement matters.

Trees and sod arrive at the house. The deck hatch is installed, and inside, a Wifi lock and new rangehood are placed.

In this episode, Tom assists with interior window trim and custom storm windows. Richard checks out an electric meter and panels. Mark follows work on the hardscape, and Kevin watches the assembly of a decorative shed.

Inside the house, the work is busy with floor installation, and the design plans for the master bath are finalized. Outside, a custom pizza oven and fireplace arrive, as well the plants and the new pool cover.

Ceiling mounted speakers disappear in plaster. The new HVAC system gets turned on. New garage doors are side-mounted. The pool is lowered into place. The homeowner makes kitchen design choices.

Mark McCullough explains cobblestone aprons. The crew reinforces floor joists. Tom Silva and Jeff Sweenor install a drop finial and a swinging window. Kevin O’Connor meets with paint experts.

Original house details such as the Yankee gutters and corbels are installed. Host Kevin O’Connor catches up with the electrician’s apprentice. Richard Trethewey looks at the new tankless hot water system.

After months of meticulous restoration, the stained glass windows are ready to be reinstalled. Electrician Ben Giles has an apprentice. Tom Silva re-creates original shingles. Landscape meeting with homeowners.