The WORST episodes of This Old House

#1 - Ridgewood: Colonial Revival with Modern Flair

Season 46 - Episode 16 - Aired 2/20/2025

It's moving day in Ridgewood, as the renovation wraps up. Peter gives Kevin O'Connor a tour of the first floor while Kay gives Tom Silva a tour of the upstairs. In the basement Kay finds Richard Trethewey and Peter where Richard explains the new upgrades. Later, the homeowners and Jenn Nawada enjoy the new patio and water feature. Everyone joins them outside to thank Zack Dettmore and his crew.

#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 - Lexington Project 2015: Part 3: Colonial Curb Appeal

Season 36 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/17/2015

The second floor's front gable wall is in place; the roof framing is underway; and the framing of the new farmer's porch is spotlighted. Also: a tour of Lexington's historic district with architect Frank Shirley highlights the front porches on colonial-style homes; and a look at how the homeowners are getting by without a kitchen.

#8 - Belmont Victorian: Opening the Entry

Season 37 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/7/2015

Kevin meets mason Mark McCullough as he starts laying blocks for the mudroom foundation. Tommy builds a custom bay window for the new kitchen. Norm visits the shop where the original windows are undergoing restoration. Tommy shows Kevin how he uses a Dutchman's patch to cover the holes left from abandoned electrical outlets in baseboards. Kevin meets homeowners Katherine and Murat at the Boston Design Center, where we meet their interior designer Amanda Reid and learn about her plans for the formal living room. Kevin finds Tommy putting in another beam to open up the front entryway.

#9 - Newton GenNEXT | Final Touches

Season 39 - Episode 15 - Aired 2/15/2018

Tommy and Charlie install a fireback on a kitchen wall. Roger returns the roses and lilacs he saved and brings in some new plants. The island countertop goes on. Kevin watches a crew install a garage door. The wood stove finally arrives.

#10 - Jamestown: Ramp Up the R Value

Season 40 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/3/2018

Insulation is crucial to a net zero house. Kevin finds Jeff and the apprentices starting the work. Dana shops for efficient yet decorative lighting. Tom and Jeff work with the apprentices to build false rafter tails and then they install them.

#11 - Brookline Mid-Century Modern House: Apprentices in Sill School

Season 40 - Episode 16 - Aired 3/30/2019

Laying a sill on a new foundation; scoping the sewer; starting a design plan to create a sleek, modern space.

#12 - Ipswich: First Things First

Season 44 - Episode 22 - Aired 5/11/2023

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.

#13 - Ipswich: Factory Built

Season 44 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/18/2023

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.

#14 - Ipswich: New Life

Season 44 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/25/2023

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.

#15 - Ipswich: Look-Alike

Season 44 - Episode 25 - Aired 6/15/2023

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.

#16 - Nashville: Sustainable Siding

Season 46 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/24/2024

Charlie Silva and Mark McCullough make a guest appearance. Charlie meets with factory manager Chandler Delinks to learn about the process of making siding from rice hulls. Meanwhile Kevin O'Connor discusses an indoor panel upgrade with electrician Ricardo Hernandez. Later, Charlie and Kevin help homeowners Rachel and Adam put up siding. Mark begins brick repair for the home office.

#17 - Nashville: Vince Gill's Nashville

Season 46 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/31/2024

Richard Trethewey meets with the plumber to help lay underground pipes for the new sewer line. Homeowner Adam and Tom Silva work to repurpose the old cedar posts from the basement. Later, Kevin O'Connor and the homeowners meet with designer Debra Geiger to decide on the exterior paint colors. Meanwhile, Country Music legend Vince Gill gives Tommy a tour of his favorite spots in Nashville.

#18 - Ridgewood: Sugar Maple Revival

Season 46 - Episode 15 - Aired 2/13/2025

Jenn Nawada meets tree care expert Matt Chase, who points out issues harming the Sugar Maple. In the basement, Richard Trethewey meets Kordian Rak, who discusses the new combo boiler heating both radiant and domestic water. Kays mother and Tom Silva cut tile for the pantry backsplash. Kevin O'Connor meets electrician Matthew Sczensy, who suggests a wireless light switch instead of rewiring.

#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 - 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.

#21 - 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.

#22 - 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.

#23 - 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.

#24 - 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.

#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.