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.
EP2 Lexington: Shore We CanOct 05, 2023
The interior is demoed, and rebuilding has begun. The new design and energy code are explained.
EP3 Lexington: The Big DigOct 12, 2023
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.
EP4 Lexington: Engineered For AccessibilityOct 19, 2023
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.
EP5 Lexington: Gone GeoOct 26, 2023
A zero-threshold entry to the patio is framed. Geothermal energy is explained, and wells are dug.
EP6 Lexington: Reworked and RewiredNov 02, 2023
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.
EP7 Lexington: Ramping UpNov 09, 2023
Repairing the original brick; building a DIY ramp; touring a modern accessible home; adding trim to the exterior.
EP8 Lexington: Drop in the GutterNov 16, 2023
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.
EP9 Lexington: Phased OutJan 04, 2024
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.
EP10 Lexington: Seven Layer FloorsJan 11, 2024
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.
EP11 Lexington: Electrical BondJan 18, 2024
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.
EP12 Lexington: UpcycledJan 25, 2024
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.
EP13 Lexington: Install With CareFeb 01, 2024
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.
EP14 Lexington: All in the FamilyFeb 08, 2024
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.
EP15 Lexington: Judgement DayFeb 15, 2024
Geothermal is in; kitchen appliances are installed; the new HERS score is revealed.
EP16 Lexington: Accessible Made ModernFeb 22, 2024
The completed renovation of the 1960 mid-century modern home accommodates a family of five, including a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the crew returns to go through the changes with the family.
EP17 Glen Ridge: Multi-GenerationalMar 28, 2024
The crew heads to New Jersey for the second project of the season - an 1897 Victorian in the Borough of Glen Ridge that's being renovated for multi-generational living. The homeowners give the crew a tour and explain how the new spaces will be used.
EP18 Glen Ridge: VintageApr 04, 2024
Demo has begun uncovering 150-year-old wine bottles in the walls. A chimney is demolished, and the roof is reframed. The architect shares his inspiration for the project, and the mayor gives a tour of the Borough's gas lamps. Asbestos is abated.
EP19 Glen Ridge: Small But MightyApr 11, 2024
Termite damage has caused major construction changes. New footings are needed in the basement. A historic community garden is toured. A 15-year-old student talks about working on the project. The old sewer line is replaced without trenching.
EP20 Glen Ridge: QR ConstructionApr 18, 2024
Installing helical piers for the new porch; prepping new windows for installation; protecting plumbing pipes from cold weather.
EP21 Glen Ridge: Roughed InApr 25, 2024
The new flangeless windows are installed water and air tight. Preparation begins for in-ceiling speakers. The Empire State Building is visited. Porch decking is installed to minimize waste, and a hybrid plumbing system is chosen for the house.
EP22 Glen Ridge: Next Level TightMay 02, 2024
Air tightness is taken to the next level with vapor barrier electrical boxes. The homeowner designs a custom lead glass sidelight. Various types of weather-resistant barriers are explored. Drip edge flashing and exterior window trim are installed.
EP23 Glen Ridge: A Breath of Fresh AirMay 09, 2024
The new staircase is manufactured in a shop and assembled on-site. The shop is toured. The homeowner installs a new brick walkway. Wood fiber insulation and the new HRV system are explored. The architect talks about the interior trim details
EP24 Glen Ridge: Tested and ApprovedMay 16, 2024
A blower door test reveals the home's airtightness; a baseboard trim gets a radius detail; discussing the borough's effort to maintain its tree-lined streets; installing a prefab tile niche; prepping interior trim for paint finish.
EP25 Glen Ridge: Spring ForwardMay 23, 2024
Building a custom mudroom bench from reclaimed wood; the primary bathroom gets a custom paint finish; spring landscaping; installing kitchen crown molding above the cabinets and recessed lighting.