This Old House (1979)

Episode Overview

Norm introduces new host Kevin O'Connor to one of This Old House’s most ambitious endeavors yet—the Manchester-by-the-Sea project. However, Kevin finds himself in historic Concord, Massachusetts, where homeowners Jeff and Janet Bernard wish to convert a charming 20- by 26-foot garden shed into an in-law cottage for Janet's retired parents. Due to local zoning restrictions, the shed must remain intact, prompting Tom to reframe the 1894 structure from within. Meanwhile, Richard tackles the complexities of installing water, sewer, and gas lines for the first time. Although the cottage is the smallest project in the show's history, the team acknowledges the significant work ahead. Janet also takes Kevin to view a nearby garage apartment that serves as inspiration, currently listed at $7.2 million.