How modern materials and expert design transform a historic home renovation project

Join the This Old House team as they navigate the complexities of renovating a historic property. From applying specialized stucco to integrating modern insulation and refining kitchen layouts, this episode offers a practical look at balancing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary home improvement technology.

In this episode, general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the use of an acrylic stucco system to ensure a seamless aesthetic transition between a new basement addition and the existing foundation. The team also addresses structural waterproofing by securing the valley where a flat roof meets a pitched roof.

The episode features a collaboration with Chris Kimball of America's Test Kitchen to evaluate the functionality of the new kitchen design. Additionally, the project highlights the application of four distinct insulation types—including cellulose, eco-friendly batt, and both open and closed cell spray foam—to optimize the home's performance.

Source: This Old House | Stucco, Kitchen Design (S32 E9) | FULL EPISODE