Seasons & episodes

Preparation for the new foundation begins. A centuries old cistern is uncovered. The original timber frame structure is assessed, and the original floorboards and roof sheathing are salvaged for later use. The sill is inspected for water damage.

The timber frame structure in the ell is carefully dismantled. A new fireplace for the original gambrel is considered. Landscape and hardscape ideas are explored. A family run lumber mill is toured. The homeowner decides on a roof shingle style.

The old fireplace firebox is demolished leaving the chimney for the new fireplace. The dismantled timber frame pieces are restored offsite. Plumbing is run for a below grade bathroom. A steel beam is prepared for installation. Kevin goes clamming.

The newly restored timber frame structure is reassembled on site. A Rumford fireplace is installed where the old was demolished. The steel ridge beam is craned in place. The homeowner visits a local stone yard to select a kitchen countertop.

A warm roof is installed to keep the cold out. New framing poses plumbing challenges. Rot is discovered on the original sill. Options are explored to light the new ell considering the old, exposed lumber. A roof valley is made moisture proof.

Rotted sills are repaired before the new clapboards are installed. The challenge of ducting a first period home is solved. Old material and technique disguise a new repair. An original gunstock post is repaired. The new clapboards are installed.

Kevin gives a full progress tour. Rainwater management is discussed, and a harvesting system is installed. A handmade lighting factory is toured. The new boathouse, built in a factory, is assembled on site. Plants are heeled in for the winter.

A granite veneer water table is installed. The old roof boards are installed on the ceiling of the new ell. A dry laid stone wall is built. The plumbing manifold is discussed. A carpenter talks about leaving corporate and returning to the trades.

Finishing touches are revealed. New wide plank floorboards mimic the look of the original flooring. A soapstone sink is fabricated offsite. The hot water system is reviewed. A wood backsplash goes in the pantry and light fixtures illuminate the ell.

The modest 1720's gambrel has been restored. From the front, not much has changed; except for the color; but towards the rear, a new ell and barn element make for a dramatic transformation. The crew gets a tour of the changes from homeowners.

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.

Work on the internal geothermal systems begins; installing in-wall lighting to illuminate the entrance ramp; installing an offset p-trap; a visit to a glass-blowing studio; grab bar installation begins.

Landscape planting begins with screen trees and rose bushes; the children pitch in on a painting project; the homeowners discuss Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a modern staircase is installed in the foyer.