The WORST episodes of This Old House

#1 - Lexington: Electrical Bond

Season 45 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/18/2024

The therapy pool is scheduled to be delivered onsite. To reduce the risk of shock, Heath Eastman installs bonding around the pool's perimeter. Inside, Interior designer Rachel Dunham talks tile selections with Kevin O'Connor. Tom and Charlie Silva recap the construction processes of the integrated ramp at the front entrance. Electrical work for the elevator begins. The therapy pool is craned in.

#2 - The Newton Cottage - 5

Season 7 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/7/1985

Construction continues with the installation of the staircase. Homeowners insulate the structure and our master carpenter discusses and demonstrates the framing and installation of windows. Our host takes a side trip to Diamond Head, Hawaii, to tour the construction.

#3 - The Melrose House - 4

Season 7 - Episode 21 - Aired 2/27/1986

The nearly-completed attic renovation is ready to be insulated. Our host sets off for the Lexington Hotel in Chicago, once headquarters for Al Capone and now being renovated by Sunbow, a foundation that trains women in carpentry and other construction skills.

#4 - The Westwood House - 12

Season 9 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/17/1987

Our host and master painter Sam Perry discuss the progress of Weratherbee Farm's exterior paint work. The new addition is blueboarded, and plaster Calvin Mills demonstrates his art. Security systems specialist Edmund F. Baker shows us the hard-wired security system recommended for the house. Our master carpenter instructs homeowner Bill in replacing window sash cords.

#5 - The New Orleans House - 4

Season 12 - Episode 22 - Aired 2/22/1991

#6 - The New Orleans House - 5

Season 12 - Episode 23 - Aired 3/1/1991

#7 - Concord: Sunshine Power

Season 43 - Episode 14 - Aired 1/13/2022

A composite deck is installed with the ease of a clip system. The basement is sprayed with environmentally friendly foam insulation. HVAC zoning for this home's complicated layout is discussed. A battery backup is installed for the new solar system.

#8 - West Roxbury: Small Town in a Big City

Season 43 - Episode 17 - Aired 2/3/2022

A small town in a big city, West Roxbury, MA is the home of our new project-an 1890s Victorian once a single family turned multi-family and back to a single family. Our crew meets the homeowners and builder and discuss future plans for this gem.

#9 - West Roxbury: Drain Pipe Puzzle

Season 43 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/17/2022

Elms are subject to Dutch Elm Disease; but not the one purchased from a local nursery for our home. Back at the house, new window trim and fiberboard siding is installed. Moving plumbing drain could be a puzzle. Possible solutions are discussed.

#10 - West Roxbury: Outdoor Oasis

Season 43 - Episode 20 - Aired 2/24/2022

At the house, out front we get to know the contractor while Ipe is being installed on the porch ceiling. Out back, a brick patio is laid. Inside, a dual fuel HVAC system is installed and ducts ran. At the Dracut Centre School, corbels are restored.

#11 - Saratoga Springs: Watertight Doghouse Dormers

Season 43 - Episode 36 - Aired 7/14/2022

New water and sewer lines are run. The house is brought up to code with fire sprinklers. A new slate hearth is installed. Original 1890s chalkboards are restored and reinstalled at the Dracut Centre School. Doghouse dormers are made watertight.

#12 - Atlanta: Families Meet

Season 44 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/17/2022

The renovation of the 1890s Victorian whose former owner was a pillar in the community for civil rights is complete. The family of the former owner meets the current homeowners. The crew gets a tour of the new spaces. The lending library is mounted.

#13 - Ipswich: Prep-Work

Season 44 - Episode 17 - Aired 4/6/2023

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.

#14 - Ipswich: Careful Considerations

Season 44 - Episode 18 - Aired 4/13/2023

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.

#15 - Ipswich: Below Grade Plumbing

Season 44 - Episode 19 - Aired 4/20/2023

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.

#16 - Lexington: Drop in the Gutter

Season 45 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/16/2023

The roof of the Lexington project is a mix of multiple roof types and pitches. A custom gutter with a downspout is recessed into the overhang to manage the volume of rainfall it will yield. The house next door, one of three designed and built by the same original architect and still maintains much of the original mid-century modern features, is toured. New energy-efficient windows are installed.

#17 - Lexington: Seven Layer Floors

Season 45 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/11/2024

Mid-century modern details are taking shape on the exterior. On the interior, rigid foam is installed on the subfloor to meet strict energy codes. The homeowner goes shopping for door hardware with accessible considerations. A single tile prep and waterproofing system is used to create a watertight bathroom for zero threshold entry to the shower. A motorized multi-slide door is installed.

#18 - The Newton Cottage - 7

Season 7 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/21/1985

Tile is installed in the new addition. On an excursion to Seattle, Washington, our host looks at a renovated hotel and visits elegant houseboats.

#19 - The Reading Ranch - 7

Season 7 - Episode 15 - Aired 1/16/1986

We go on an encore field trip to Ryland Homes, Maryland-based manufacturers of prefabricated houses renowned for low cost and energy efficiency. Back at the construction site, our host and our master carpenter work with Frank to build the deck on his new second-story addition.

#20 - Summer Special: Return to Paradise

Season 42 - Episode 30 - Aired 9/16/2021

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.

#21 - Summer Special: Rebirth of Detroit

Season 42 - Episode 29 - Aired 9/9/2021

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.

#22 - Behind the Build: Memorable Makers

Season 42 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/18/2020

This Old House features talented makers. From young blacksmiths metalworking to a woodworker who finds centuries-old lumber under water, we visit people and places all over the country who make beautiful household items.

#23 - Brookline Mid-Century Modern House: Finally Finishes

Season 40 - Episode 25 - Aired 6/22/2019

Installing closet systems, modern baseboards and a linear wall drain in the master shower; selecting door hardware; installing floating bathroom vanities.

#24 - In and Around Boston - An Artful Apartment 4

Season 6 - Episode 26 - Aired 3/29/1985

Final details are completed in the apartment, including the installation of state-of-the-art telephone and a personal computer. Designer Ben Lloyd, tenants Margie and Eric and our host take a final tour of the newly decorated apartment.

#25 - Lexington: Engineered For Accessibility

Season 45 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/19/2023

Great progress is being made on the project house. The primary addition is being framed and the rooms are starting to take shape. A sound deadening wall is built. A lally column is removed and a larger ridge beam is installed to create an open kitchen and dining area. The homeowners choose hardscape finishes based on 3D renderings. An accessible designed bathroom is toured.