1 00:00:00,566 --> 00:00:02,866 Tom: Today on "This Old House," when building any bathroom, 2 00:00:02,933 --> 00:00:05,066 we always put blocking in for grab bars. 3 00:00:05,133 --> 00:00:07,666 Here in Lexington, we're adding extra blocking 4 00:00:07,733 --> 00:00:10,266 to meet the residents' needs. 5 00:00:10,333 --> 00:00:12,033 Heath: And the homeowners want to reuse the existing 6 00:00:12,100 --> 00:00:14,866 receptacle locations in the existing brick walls. 7 00:00:14,933 --> 00:00:16,866 Mark: And because these walls are exposed, 8 00:00:16,933 --> 00:00:18,733 we can't damage the brick. 9 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:21,466 ♪♪ 10 00:00:21,533 --> 00:00:25,900 ♪♪ 11 00:00:25,966 --> 00:00:28,033 Man: Ahh. That's it. 12 00:00:28,100 --> 00:00:36,133 ♪♪ 13 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:44,266 ♪♪ 14 00:00:46,566 --> 00:00:53,433 ♪♪ 15 00:00:53,500 --> 00:01:00,366 ♪♪ 16 00:01:00,433 --> 00:01:01,733 Kevin: Hey, there. I'm Kevin O'Connor. 17 00:01:01,800 --> 00:01:05,533 And welcome back to "This Old House" here in Lexington. 18 00:01:05,600 --> 00:01:07,400 Let's get up on the lift so we can have a better look 19 00:01:07,466 --> 00:01:10,500 at the progress that we have made. 20 00:01:10,566 --> 00:01:14,833 So, our homeowners have taken on this 1960s renovation 21 00:01:14,900 --> 00:01:17,000 with an eye towards accessibility, 22 00:01:17,066 --> 00:01:19,633 and they are doing a ton inside the house to that end, 23 00:01:19,700 --> 00:01:23,500 including adding an elevator. But in the process, 24 00:01:23,566 --> 00:01:25,900 they also wanted to stay true to their modern roots. 25 00:01:25,966 --> 00:01:28,900 And, boy, you can really tell that from the entryway. 26 00:01:28,966 --> 00:01:31,666 Look at this 15-foot tall steel post 27 00:01:31,733 --> 00:01:36,300 that's holding up a 30-plus-foot-long steel I-beam 28 00:01:36,366 --> 00:01:37,766 that frames out the entryway, 29 00:01:37,833 --> 00:01:41,566 makes a beautiful overhang and actually gives us 30 00:01:41,633 --> 00:01:47,033 a slightly pitched roof, which is now a sea of sheathing. 31 00:01:47,100 --> 00:01:48,333 Same sheathing we used on the roof, 32 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:50,333 that we used down on the subfloor, 33 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:53,000 3/4-inch tongue and groove. 34 00:01:53,066 --> 00:01:56,600 At one point, this house was just original here in the front, 35 00:01:56,666 --> 00:01:58,800 and then there was an addition here over by the garage, 36 00:01:58,866 --> 00:02:00,533 and the two of them didn't exactly really 37 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:02,233 feel like they were connected. 38 00:02:02,300 --> 00:02:05,333 So during the demolition, they were separated. 39 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:07,666 And now that the framing is starting to come back together, 40 00:02:07,733 --> 00:02:10,666 we have pulled those two structures into one. 41 00:02:10,733 --> 00:02:15,700 And now the whole house feels like it's one nice, modern home. 42 00:02:15,766 --> 00:02:17,466 So, in addition to all of that, 43 00:02:17,533 --> 00:02:20,066 the homeowners have also chosen geothermal 44 00:02:20,133 --> 00:02:22,333 for their heating and cooling system. 45 00:02:22,400 --> 00:02:27,633 Last week, four vertical wells were dug, 500 feet each. 46 00:02:33,033 --> 00:02:36,466 And this week, Charlie and Ross are over there working on it. 47 00:02:36,533 --> 00:02:39,266 Charlie: You can see all four wells are completed. 48 00:02:39,333 --> 00:02:43,833 As they drilled, they inserted a 6-inch casing into the ground 49 00:02:43,900 --> 00:02:45,933 to protect the wells from collapsing. 50 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:49,133 But once they hit bedrock about 14 feet down, 51 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:53,500 the casing was no longer needed for the remaining 486 feet, 52 00:02:53,566 --> 00:02:55,566 because the bedrock is hard enough 53 00:02:55,633 --> 00:02:57,900 to create a natural bore hole. 54 00:02:57,966 --> 00:02:59,366 Once the bore holes were complete, 55 00:02:59,433 --> 00:03:01,666 it was time to put the pipes in. And believe it or not, 56 00:03:01,733 --> 00:03:05,500 they go in two at a time with a "U" on the bottom of them. 57 00:03:05,566 --> 00:03:09,200 Ross: After the pipes went into the wells, next came the grout. 58 00:03:09,266 --> 00:03:11,733 The bentonite grout is really the secret sauce, 59 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:13,533 because that increases conduction 60 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:15,533 between the piping and the earth. 61 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:22,966 ♪♪ 62 00:03:23,033 --> 00:03:25,566 Charlie: And then it was time to put our trenches in 63 00:03:25,633 --> 00:03:27,733 to connect all four wells 64 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:30,166 and give them a path into our house. 65 00:03:30,233 --> 00:03:33,800 Our trench is about 5 feet wide, 5 feet deep, 66 00:03:33,866 --> 00:03:36,766 with a 6-inch layer of sand at the bottom. 67 00:03:36,833 --> 00:03:39,033 Ross: Next we run the horizontal pipes 68 00:03:39,100 --> 00:03:41,833 that traverse from the wells into the building. 69 00:03:41,900 --> 00:03:44,233 And the sand is important, because it will help prevent 70 00:03:44,300 --> 00:03:47,133 any sharp rocks from puncturing the pipes. 71 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:48,700 So, each one has a supply and return, 72 00:03:48,766 --> 00:03:51,333 so there's actually eight total pipes, four supplies, 73 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:52,566 four returns, that are going to make their way 74 00:03:52,633 --> 00:03:55,566 into the building. Let's continue helping the guys. 75 00:03:55,633 --> 00:03:58,800 The horizontal piping that runs from the geothermal wells 76 00:03:58,866 --> 00:04:00,100 to the foundation wall 77 00:04:00,166 --> 00:04:04,833 are connected by a process called thermal fusion. 78 00:04:04,900 --> 00:04:06,600 Now they're cutting the 1-1/4-inch 79 00:04:06,666 --> 00:04:09,766 high density polyethylene pipe to length. 80 00:04:09,833 --> 00:04:13,066 ♪♪ 81 00:04:13,133 --> 00:04:16,700 And now they're using the socket gun to create thermal fusion 82 00:04:16,766 --> 00:04:21,600 by heating up the plastic pipe and holding it together. 83 00:04:21,666 --> 00:04:23,400 Once the pipe is heated up, 84 00:04:23,466 --> 00:04:25,500 they are going to remove the heat gun 85 00:04:25,566 --> 00:04:27,633 and then connect the pipes together 86 00:04:27,700 --> 00:04:30,366 so you get a nice watertight connection 87 00:04:30,433 --> 00:04:32,666 and a properly set pipe. 88 00:04:32,733 --> 00:04:34,666 ♪♪ 89 00:04:34,733 --> 00:04:36,533 Then they remove the vice grip. 90 00:04:36,600 --> 00:04:40,266 ♪♪ 91 00:04:40,333 --> 00:04:44,000 Alright, here we go. Coming through. 92 00:04:44,066 --> 00:04:46,033 Charlie: And made this little Styrofoam separation 93 00:04:46,100 --> 00:04:49,433 for the pipes. And the reason we have this PVC pipe here, 94 00:04:49,500 --> 00:04:51,466 because believe it or not, I have to put a retaining wall 95 00:04:51,533 --> 00:04:53,766 off of this, and I want this to make sure 96 00:04:53,833 --> 00:04:55,666 there's no pressure on these pipes at all. 97 00:04:55,733 --> 00:04:58,200 Almost there? Alright. Going in. Ross: Alright. Going through? 98 00:04:58,266 --> 00:05:00,266 Charlie: Alright. Let's get another one. 99 00:05:00,333 --> 00:05:01,833 Ross: Here you go, Gabe. 100 00:05:01,900 --> 00:05:03,400 Gabe: Alright. 101 00:05:05,366 --> 00:05:08,533 Charlie: Alright. That's the last one. 102 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:09,900 Ross: So, we're down here in the mechanical room, 103 00:05:09,966 --> 00:05:11,966 and all that geothermal piping we saw outside 104 00:05:12,033 --> 00:05:14,466 is coming through the foundation wall. We have four supplies. 105 00:05:14,533 --> 00:05:16,933 We have four returns. And Derek here is making sure 106 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:19,366 we have a watertight connection. Charlie: Right, and to do that, 107 00:05:19,433 --> 00:05:21,166 we're using something called a link seal. 108 00:05:21,233 --> 00:05:23,033 Actually slides over the pipe 109 00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:24,800 and then goes right into the bore. 110 00:05:24,866 --> 00:05:26,366 And you use a socket, a ratchet, 111 00:05:26,433 --> 00:05:28,966 and it just expands that right into it, 112 00:05:29,033 --> 00:05:31,700 and you know what? There's no groundwater coming in at all. 113 00:05:31,766 --> 00:05:33,300 Ross: And after that, they're going to fill the system 114 00:05:33,366 --> 00:05:35,233 with water. They're going to hook up a pressure gauge 115 00:05:35,300 --> 00:05:37,533 like this and bring it up to 70 psi pressure. 116 00:05:37,600 --> 00:05:39,800 And they want to make sure that we don't have a leak, 117 00:05:39,866 --> 00:05:41,666 that it's not going to drop. And on top of that, 118 00:05:41,733 --> 00:05:44,166 they're going to watch it over time before it gets backfilled, 119 00:05:44,233 --> 00:05:45,500 'cause now is the time to fix the leak. 120 00:05:45,566 --> 00:05:47,700 Charlie: Smart, and they also use water opposed to air, 121 00:05:47,766 --> 00:05:49,800 because it's much easier to see water leak out 122 00:05:49,866 --> 00:05:52,300 in that trench than hearing a little air whistle. 123 00:05:52,366 --> 00:05:54,566 Ross: That's right. So next up, we just need the equipment. 124 00:05:54,633 --> 00:05:55,700 Charlie: You know what? It's going to be here 125 00:05:55,766 --> 00:05:57,900 before you know it. Ross: Alrighty. Awesome. 126 00:05:57,966 --> 00:06:06,766 ♪♪ 127 00:06:06,833 --> 00:06:15,766 ♪♪ 128 00:06:15,833 --> 00:06:24,700 ♪♪ 129 00:06:24,766 --> 00:06:28,400 Kevin: Our framing is about 85% complete, 130 00:06:28,466 --> 00:06:29,933 so you're starting to get a sense of the layout. 131 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:31,733 Up front, we've got a little bit of a pantry 132 00:06:31,800 --> 00:06:33,033 leading to the front of the house. 133 00:06:33,100 --> 00:06:35,433 Then we've got Marlowe's bedroom right in here 134 00:06:35,500 --> 00:06:38,666 across from a wall of windows, a laundry room, 135 00:06:38,733 --> 00:06:41,300 and then as you work your way towards the back of the house, 136 00:06:41,366 --> 00:06:43,666 we've got primary suite down on this side 137 00:06:43,733 --> 00:06:46,033 and then Caffrey's bedroom in here. 138 00:06:46,100 --> 00:06:47,633 And, Tommy, unlike all the other bedrooms, 139 00:06:47,700 --> 00:06:49,466 his needs a little special treatment. 140 00:06:49,533 --> 00:06:51,733 Tom: Yeah, it does. We want to basically be able 141 00:06:51,800 --> 00:06:55,766 to get Caffrey out of the bed easier over time, basically. 142 00:06:55,833 --> 00:06:57,866 So we're going to install a track system 143 00:06:57,933 --> 00:07:00,033 that runs right across the ceiling, 144 00:07:00,100 --> 00:07:02,433 but we have to have fastening for that. 145 00:07:02,500 --> 00:07:04,100 Kevin: Right. So, I've seen this lift system. 146 00:07:04,166 --> 00:07:06,166 We went to the showroom, and it's pretty ingenious. 147 00:07:06,233 --> 00:07:07,766 Those were on posts, but you want to hang it 148 00:07:07,833 --> 00:07:09,600 from the ceiling. You have sort of a harness, 149 00:07:09,666 --> 00:07:11,700 and it can actually slide all the way down. 150 00:07:11,766 --> 00:07:13,700 There's some markings here of the path. 151 00:07:13,766 --> 00:07:15,833 It could bring him right into the bathroom, 152 00:07:15,900 --> 00:07:17,766 near the toilet or back into the bedroom. 153 00:07:17,833 --> 00:07:19,800 Tom: Right, and they've come, and they've marked the locations 154 00:07:19,866 --> 00:07:23,733 on the floor that we transfer to the ceiling up here. 155 00:07:23,800 --> 00:07:25,333 Kevin: Yeah. Tom: So obviously we have to 156 00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:27,666 make sure that we have plenty to screw into. 157 00:07:27,733 --> 00:07:29,066 Kevin: Okay. Tom: And so we're going to put 158 00:07:29,133 --> 00:07:31,633 blocking in between the joists here. 159 00:07:31,700 --> 00:07:33,700 And then after we install the blocking 160 00:07:33,766 --> 00:07:36,366 in the needed locations that's transferred up here, 161 00:07:36,433 --> 00:07:39,900 we'll infill this gap right here to make it level 162 00:07:39,966 --> 00:07:42,333 with 3/4-inch plywood. Kevin: So that's going 163 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:44,166 to go in between the strapping right there. 164 00:07:44,233 --> 00:07:47,066 Tom: Right. And that will be a continuous run all the way down. 165 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:49,833 Kevin: I will give you a hand. Tom: Alright. 166 00:07:49,900 --> 00:07:59,533 ♪♪ 167 00:07:59,600 --> 00:08:09,200 ♪♪ 168 00:08:09,266 --> 00:08:10,833 Kevin: Going to give you this, and I'm going to bring 169 00:08:10,900 --> 00:08:13,000 a ladder in, and I'll help the other side. 170 00:08:13,066 --> 00:08:14,633 Tom: Okay. 171 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:23,633 ♪♪ 172 00:08:23,700 --> 00:08:26,200 Kevin: So, this is infilling to get us flush 173 00:08:26,266 --> 00:08:27,500 with the strapping? 174 00:08:27,566 --> 00:08:29,366 Tom: Right. Because the brackets 175 00:08:29,433 --> 00:08:32,133 that are going to go on the wallboard here 176 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:34,400 and they screwed right through and the plywood wasn't here, 177 00:08:34,466 --> 00:08:36,300 it would actually dent the wallboard. 178 00:08:36,366 --> 00:08:39,900 So you want to make sure you have a nice, solid, flat surface 179 00:08:39,966 --> 00:08:41,333 that will go right across. 180 00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:43,366 Kevin: So there are a couple bays that didn't get blocking, 181 00:08:43,433 --> 00:08:45,100 and now the plywood's going over those. 182 00:08:45,166 --> 00:08:46,133 Tom: Right. Kevin: They're still going to 183 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:47,833 screw into the blocking, though, right? 184 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:49,766 Tom: Into the blocking through the plywood. 185 00:08:49,833 --> 00:08:51,733 We actually put a little bit extra blocking in 186 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:53,733 for some reason if they needed it. 187 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:55,500 But it's always good to have more. 188 00:08:55,566 --> 00:08:58,000 You know, more is better than not enough. 189 00:08:58,066 --> 00:08:59,466 Kevin: As you always say, more is plenty. 190 00:08:59,533 --> 00:09:01,466 Tom: More is plenty. Yeah. 191 00:09:01,533 --> 00:09:04,033 But you notice we're using screws to put the plywood in. 192 00:09:04,100 --> 00:09:07,533 I use nails, as I said earlier, 193 00:09:07,600 --> 00:09:09,900 because of the shear strength of the nail 194 00:09:09,966 --> 00:09:11,900 and the grip strength of the screw. 195 00:09:11,966 --> 00:09:15,066 The nails go in sideways. The screws go in up. 196 00:09:15,133 --> 00:09:22,533 ♪♪ 197 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:30,033 ♪♪ 198 00:09:30,100 --> 00:09:32,366 It's important that we get all this blocking in now, 199 00:09:32,433 --> 00:09:35,100 because obviously you can't get it after the wallboard comes in, 200 00:09:35,166 --> 00:09:36,466 and we can't get up in the attic 201 00:09:36,533 --> 00:09:38,633 to put the blocking in afterwards, either. 202 00:09:38,700 --> 00:09:40,266 Kevin: Really isn't an attic up there, is there? 203 00:09:40,333 --> 00:09:41,566 Tom: No. 204 00:09:41,633 --> 00:09:45,033 ♪♪ 205 00:09:45,100 --> 00:09:48,500 Kevin: 66 1/2. 206 00:09:48,566 --> 00:09:49,833 Light. 207 00:09:49,900 --> 00:09:57,600 ♪♪ 208 00:09:57,666 --> 00:10:05,400 ♪♪ 209 00:10:05,466 --> 00:10:13,000 ♪♪ 210 00:10:13,066 --> 00:10:14,166 Alright. That's in there. 211 00:10:14,233 --> 00:10:16,000 Tommy, we got two bays blocked here. 212 00:10:16,066 --> 00:10:18,533 Tom: Right. That's because the track comes down here, 213 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:20,900 and you got to swing over to get onto the toilet, 214 00:10:20,966 --> 00:10:22,466 so we'll have to fill that one in. 215 00:10:22,533 --> 00:10:24,266 Kevin: Okeydoke. 216 00:10:24,333 --> 00:10:30,266 ♪♪ 217 00:10:30,333 --> 00:10:34,100 Okay, Tommy, That's in there. Okay. 218 00:10:34,166 --> 00:10:36,066 Tom: Now that's it for the track on the ceiling. 219 00:10:36,133 --> 00:10:39,200 Kevin: Yep. And we've got an accessibility consultant 220 00:10:39,266 --> 00:10:40,433 working for the family, Jackie, 221 00:10:40,500 --> 00:10:42,066 so maybe we should check with her on the bathroom. 222 00:10:42,133 --> 00:10:44,800 Tom: Absolutely. Kevin: Alright. 223 00:10:44,866 --> 00:10:46,333 Hey, Jackie. Nice to meet you. 224 00:10:46,400 --> 00:10:47,666 Jackie: Hey, Kevin. Tom: Hey, Jackie. 225 00:10:47,733 --> 00:10:49,100 Jackie: Tommy, glad to meet you, too. 226 00:10:49,166 --> 00:10:50,466 Tom: Same here. Kevin: So thank you for 227 00:10:50,533 --> 00:10:52,500 the plan. It's nice that when we've got the rough frame, 228 00:10:52,566 --> 00:10:54,133 we can get all this stuff in. But we're also glad that 229 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:55,966 we've got your smarts to tell us where everything goes. 230 00:10:56,033 --> 00:10:57,633 So what are you thinking? 231 00:10:57,700 --> 00:10:59,133 Jackie: Let me start with the ceiling track, 232 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:01,233 because that has to do with the bathroom here. 233 00:11:01,300 --> 00:11:03,333 And where the ceiling track has to be 234 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:05,700 also dictated where the door was going to be 235 00:11:05,766 --> 00:11:08,300 and where the toilet. Since the toilet is here, 236 00:11:08,366 --> 00:11:09,933 that's why there's a curve. 237 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:12,033 Kevin: Okay. So where do we go from here? 238 00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:14,066 Jackie: This wall is going to be blocked. 239 00:11:14,133 --> 00:11:15,466 Kevin: Nice. Tom: You notice we put foam 240 00:11:15,533 --> 00:11:18,433 in here first, and we've also put cleats on the wall, 241 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:20,433 because we're going to insert plywood here. 242 00:11:20,500 --> 00:11:23,366 We could use blocking like this 243 00:11:23,433 --> 00:11:25,866 and then position it wherever the railing is. 244 00:11:25,933 --> 00:11:28,100 But the railing is a stepped railing, right? 245 00:11:28,166 --> 00:11:30,833 Jackie: It is. So a grab bar similar to this unique one. 246 00:11:30,900 --> 00:11:32,066 Kevin: Whoa. This is a grab bar, huh? 247 00:11:32,133 --> 00:11:33,800 Yeah, well, it will be. How does that work? 248 00:11:33,866 --> 00:11:35,466 Jackie: So, sitting on the toilet. 249 00:11:35,533 --> 00:11:38,400 You've got the first push up or even your whole arm, 250 00:11:38,466 --> 00:11:40,100 and then you can sort of pull yourself forward, 251 00:11:40,166 --> 00:11:41,600 and then you have something to hold onto 252 00:11:41,666 --> 00:11:43,333 while you're managing your clothes. 253 00:11:43,400 --> 00:11:45,400 Kevin: So you go from seated to standing position right there. 254 00:11:45,466 --> 00:11:46,633 I've never seen one of those before. 255 00:11:46,700 --> 00:11:48,366 Tom: Yeah. So the idea of it is, like I say, 256 00:11:48,433 --> 00:11:51,000 we'd have to put a piece here at the lower part 257 00:11:51,066 --> 00:11:53,666 and then another piece here at the top part. 258 00:11:53,733 --> 00:11:57,033 And by basically putting the plywood over the entire wall, 259 00:11:57,100 --> 00:11:59,433 we're covered, no matter where that railing wants to go. 260 00:11:59,500 --> 00:12:01,833 Jackie: And this is going to be customized actually 261 00:12:01,900 --> 00:12:03,166 to extend all the way to the door, 262 00:12:03,233 --> 00:12:04,366 so as soon as he comes in the door, 263 00:12:04,433 --> 00:12:05,600 he has something to hold onto. 264 00:12:05,666 --> 00:12:07,200 Kevin: Okay, we got this wall figured out. 265 00:12:07,266 --> 00:12:08,666 Jackie: Yes, yeah. Kevin: This wall? 266 00:12:08,733 --> 00:12:10,100 Jackie: There's going to be a fold-down bar 267 00:12:10,166 --> 00:12:12,566 that's going to come down off the wall. 268 00:12:12,633 --> 00:12:14,133 Kevin: Oh, so that one folds up and down. 269 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:15,933 Jackie: Exactly. So you can move it out of the way 270 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:17,533 when you need to. Kevin: Gotcha. 271 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:20,166 Okay. So we got a block there. Jackie: Some blocking for 272 00:12:20,233 --> 00:12:22,066 the sink. It's a wall-hung sink, of course. 273 00:12:22,133 --> 00:12:24,266 Tom: Yeah, to make sure that sink is mounted to the wall 274 00:12:24,333 --> 00:12:26,966 really securely, we'll put blocking in behind it 275 00:12:27,033 --> 00:12:29,566 so they can screw the center of the sink 276 00:12:29,633 --> 00:12:31,800 right into it and really hold it well. 277 00:12:31,866 --> 00:12:33,066 Kevin: You guys have made some marks for us, 278 00:12:33,133 --> 00:12:36,133 which is awesome. Let's talk about the shower, 279 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:37,500 which, there's a little recess here now, 280 00:12:37,566 --> 00:12:38,700 but that's just for our plumbing. 281 00:12:38,766 --> 00:12:40,800 This is going to be flush so we can wheel right in. 282 00:12:40,866 --> 00:12:42,766 Jackie: Absolutely. So there'll be a higher niche here 283 00:12:42,833 --> 00:12:44,800 for somebody that might be helping Caffrey. 284 00:12:44,866 --> 00:12:46,600 And then there'll be a very low one for Caffrey 285 00:12:46,666 --> 00:12:49,200 that he can easily reach shampoo and his soap. 286 00:12:49,266 --> 00:12:51,233 Kevin: Okay. Jackie: And actually, if I could 287 00:12:51,300 --> 00:12:52,733 have that one again? Kevin: Going to use that guy 288 00:12:52,800 --> 00:12:53,933 over there? Jackie: Yep. 289 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:55,633 And again, Caffrey can push, 290 00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:58,600 pull, and then use that for balance as he's standing. 291 00:12:58,666 --> 00:12:59,633 Kevin: This one's gonna go here? 292 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:00,766 Jackie: That one's gonna go there. 293 00:13:00,833 --> 00:13:01,966 So he has something to walk 294 00:13:02,033 --> 00:13:04,966 all the way to the end of the shower with. 295 00:13:05,033 --> 00:13:06,966 And there's going to be a bar here, 296 00:13:07,033 --> 00:13:08,866 that has a separate towel holder, 297 00:13:08,933 --> 00:13:11,500 so the towel isn't resting on the on the bar all the time, 298 00:13:11,566 --> 00:13:13,466 and it's very safe. Kevin: Very good. 299 00:13:13,533 --> 00:13:15,933 Tom: So that's the beauty of basically using plywood 300 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:19,900 and using plenty of it at all different elevations, because... 301 00:13:19,966 --> 00:13:21,500 Kevin: You're just covered. Tom: There's no guesswork. 302 00:13:21,566 --> 00:13:23,433 Kevin: Right. So we've got everything marked out. 303 00:13:23,500 --> 00:13:25,266 Easy for us to do all this blocking 304 00:13:25,333 --> 00:13:26,633 because it's rough framing. 305 00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:29,900 If we were retrofitting a bathroom that was already tiled, 306 00:13:29,966 --> 00:13:32,500 are we -- I mean, like, what do we do in that situation? 307 00:13:32,566 --> 00:13:34,166 Tom: Well, you don't want to destroy the tile. 308 00:13:34,233 --> 00:13:36,800 So if you have a hallway or if you have a closet 309 00:13:36,866 --> 00:13:38,566 on the other side of the bathroom, 310 00:13:38,633 --> 00:13:41,566 it might be easier to open up the bedroom wall, 311 00:13:41,633 --> 00:13:44,200 'cause now if you pre-drill through the tile, 312 00:13:44,266 --> 00:13:46,633 you have pilot holes, you'll know exactly where you can 313 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:50,533 position that 2x10 or 2x12 into the wall system. 314 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:52,366 Kevin: But that's a lucky thing to happen, 315 00:13:52,433 --> 00:13:55,266 to have a closet behind. But if you don't have that? 316 00:13:55,333 --> 00:13:58,300 Tom: Well, people -- There are manufacturers that make brackets 317 00:13:58,366 --> 00:14:00,933 that you can screw a hole into the wall, 318 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:02,566 and they will really hold a lot of weight. 319 00:14:02,633 --> 00:14:03,600 Jackie: They do. They do. 320 00:14:03,666 --> 00:14:05,066 Kevin: Jackie, you down with those? 321 00:14:05,133 --> 00:14:07,766 Jackie: Definitely the brackets. Don't use the suction-cup bars. 322 00:14:07,833 --> 00:14:09,633 They almost always fall off the wall. 323 00:14:09,700 --> 00:14:11,466 Tom: Yeah, or they pull the tile off. 324 00:14:11,533 --> 00:14:13,800 Kevin: No suction cups. Alright, I'm going to give you the bars. 325 00:14:13,866 --> 00:14:15,200 Jackie. We're going to get to work. 326 00:14:15,266 --> 00:14:17,166 Thank you for the design smarts. Jackie: Thank you. 327 00:14:17,233 --> 00:14:18,500 Kevin: Appreciate it. Tom: Thanks, Jackie. 328 00:14:18,566 --> 00:14:20,433 Kevin: Alright. Alright, Tommy. 329 00:14:20,500 --> 00:14:22,166 I think this first one is narrower. 330 00:14:22,233 --> 00:14:24,200 The rest are the same. 331 00:14:24,266 --> 00:14:31,833 ♪♪ 332 00:14:31,900 --> 00:14:39,400 ♪♪ 333 00:14:39,466 --> 00:14:47,000 ♪♪ 334 00:14:47,066 --> 00:14:48,866 Okay. The 2-bys you ripped. 335 00:14:48,933 --> 00:14:50,966 Tom: Actually going to use a 2x4 in here 336 00:14:51,033 --> 00:14:54,500 because it fit right into that wall cavity. 337 00:14:54,566 --> 00:15:00,100 ♪♪ 338 00:15:00,166 --> 00:15:05,633 ♪♪ 339 00:15:05,700 --> 00:15:06,933 Alright. That wall's done. 340 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,133 Kevin: Alright. So you've got these cut for this wall. 341 00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:11,633 We got this one, and then we got that blocking right there. 342 00:15:11,700 --> 00:15:13,466 Tom: Right. Alright. Let's start with the wide. 343 00:15:13,533 --> 00:15:15,166 Kevin: That's one. 344 00:15:15,233 --> 00:15:23,700 ♪♪ 345 00:15:23,766 --> 00:15:32,200 ♪♪ 346 00:15:32,266 --> 00:15:35,066 This is the original part of our 1960s home. 347 00:15:35,133 --> 00:15:36,533 You can see the original brick walls 348 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:39,366 that Charlie's guys spent so much time trying to save. 349 00:15:39,433 --> 00:15:43,133 What they couldn't save was the old concrete slab. That came up 350 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:46,300 because we're trying to meet a very tough energy code here. 351 00:15:46,366 --> 00:15:49,766 So when the concrete came up, he also took the time to run 352 00:15:49,833 --> 00:15:52,566 new ductwork for the HVAC. Now, there's no basement, 353 00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:54,466 and we didn't want to see the ducts up top. 354 00:15:54,533 --> 00:15:57,600 So this was the perfect time and place to do it. 355 00:15:57,666 --> 00:16:04,666 ♪♪ 356 00:16:04,733 --> 00:16:11,866 ♪♪ 357 00:16:11,933 --> 00:16:14,733 Then on top of that, Charlie sprayed 2 inches 358 00:16:14,800 --> 00:16:17,500 of closed cell foam down on grade, 359 00:16:17,566 --> 00:16:22,000 and that gave us about an R-14 plus a vapor barrier. 360 00:16:22,066 --> 00:16:24,833 Then on top of that, 5 inches of new concrete. 361 00:16:24,900 --> 00:16:30,466 ♪♪ 362 00:16:30,533 --> 00:16:36,133 ♪♪ 363 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:38,300 Concrete needs about 28 days to set up. 364 00:16:38,366 --> 00:16:40,633 Hey, Mark. Hey, Heath. Heath: Hey, Kevin. 365 00:16:40,700 --> 00:16:42,700 Kevin: I know that the floor hasn't gone down yet, 366 00:16:42,766 --> 00:16:44,566 even though this is just about ready to cure 367 00:16:44,633 --> 00:16:46,966 and be ready to go. This is our system? 368 00:16:47,033 --> 00:16:48,566 Heath: This is the floor system that's going down on here. 369 00:16:48,633 --> 00:16:50,033 So we're starting with a couple of sleepers 370 00:16:50,100 --> 00:16:51,933 that are sealed on the bottom where they touch the concrete. 371 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:53,300 Kevin: Oh, yeah. Heath: Little bit of 2-inch 372 00:16:53,366 --> 00:16:54,866 rigid foam in the middle. Kevin: Mm-hmm. 373 00:16:54,933 --> 00:16:57,833 Heath: Then our subfloor, radiant heating panel, 374 00:16:57,900 --> 00:16:58,966 and then finally the hardwood floor 375 00:16:59,033 --> 00:17:00,166 that'll sit over the top of this. 376 00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:01,966 Kevin: Looks like that's white oak right there. 377 00:17:02,033 --> 00:17:03,733 Okay, so we're about to put that down. 378 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:05,633 Heath: And you're kind of curious why I'm involved 379 00:17:05,700 --> 00:17:08,000 in the floor? Kevin: Yeah. [ Laughs ] 380 00:17:08,066 --> 00:17:09,366 Heath: So we're involved in the floor 381 00:17:09,433 --> 00:17:11,766 because the homeowner wanted to save these brick walls. 382 00:17:11,833 --> 00:17:13,200 They also wanted to save the receptacles 383 00:17:13,266 --> 00:17:14,833 that are in the walls. Kevin: Sure, why not, right? 384 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:16,633 Heath: Hard part is, how do I get a wire to it 385 00:17:16,700 --> 00:17:18,933 where we have a concrete floor and no basement below us? 386 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:20,500 Kevin: Well, there's already a wire to it, isn't there? 387 00:17:20,566 --> 00:17:23,666 Heath: There is. So we started to explore to see what we have. 388 00:17:23,733 --> 00:17:25,200 And from some of the demo, 389 00:17:25,266 --> 00:17:27,866 we could see we actually have a cavity behind here. 390 00:17:27,933 --> 00:17:29,300 But I need to get to this somehow. 391 00:17:29,366 --> 00:17:31,366 The wiring is inadequate. It's antique, 392 00:17:31,433 --> 00:17:33,166 and we found that the boxes are too small. 393 00:17:33,233 --> 00:17:35,833 The box that's actually in there is about this big. 394 00:17:35,900 --> 00:17:37,133 Kevin: Okay. What's wrong with that? 395 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:38,666 Heath: It doesn't hold enough space 396 00:17:38,733 --> 00:17:40,200 to hold the wires and the device we need, 397 00:17:40,266 --> 00:17:42,100 so we need to install something like that. 398 00:17:42,166 --> 00:17:43,633 Kevin: Wait, so you got to dig into these walls 399 00:17:43,700 --> 00:17:45,033 just to get a new box in? Heath: That's it. 400 00:17:45,100 --> 00:17:46,500 Kevin: You guys know the lengths that we went 401 00:17:46,566 --> 00:17:47,866 to save these walls, right? 402 00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:50,133 Mark, I hope you got some sort of a surgical approach. 403 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:52,166 Mark: I do. I'm going to start out very delicate 404 00:17:52,233 --> 00:17:54,500 around the brick, but once I get that mortar out, 405 00:17:54,566 --> 00:17:56,633 I'm going to hit the box, and I'm going to hit it pretty hard. 406 00:17:56,700 --> 00:17:58,533 Kevin: Well, I like delicate, and so I'll come back 407 00:17:58,600 --> 00:17:59,866 and see how hard went. Thank you, guys. 408 00:17:59,933 --> 00:18:01,100 Mark: Alright. You got it. 409 00:18:01,166 --> 00:18:02,333 Heath: Alright. Mark: So grab your plate 410 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:04,566 so we can see how much coverage we actually have. 411 00:18:04,633 --> 00:18:06,200 Heath: Okay. So that's where that's going to sit. 412 00:18:06,266 --> 00:18:09,766 Mark: Something like that. Heath: Yeah. 413 00:18:09,833 --> 00:18:12,200 Mark: Great. Okay, I'm going to pry down. That way, 414 00:18:12,266 --> 00:18:14,400 I'm not going to damage the brick. 415 00:18:16,700 --> 00:18:17,766 Heath: Oh, look at that. 416 00:18:17,833 --> 00:18:20,533 Mark: Yeah, that's collapsed pretty well. 417 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:22,800 Now I'm going to try the side. 418 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:31,666 Okay, this cleaned up nice. 419 00:18:31,733 --> 00:18:34,633 Heath: Not too bad, huh? Mark: That was easy. 420 00:18:34,700 --> 00:18:36,500 Try the other side. 421 00:18:45,366 --> 00:18:46,733 Heath: Not too bad. Mark: No. 422 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:48,400 Heath: So what we have on these, one thing to remember, 423 00:18:48,466 --> 00:18:50,633 is the sides aren't perfectly flat. 424 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:52,666 We actually have a little screw on the top corner here 425 00:18:52,733 --> 00:18:54,666 and then down here that hold the sides. 426 00:18:54,733 --> 00:18:56,300 Mark: I can feel it. Heath: Yeah, I want to make sure 427 00:18:56,366 --> 00:18:57,566 we don't blow anything out when we pull it out. 428 00:18:57,633 --> 00:18:58,833 That was part of my concern, too. 429 00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:00,300 Mark: So, great point. So what I'm gonna do 430 00:19:00,366 --> 00:19:01,766 is I'm gonna go back down on the top 431 00:19:01,833 --> 00:19:03,500 and then I'm going to try to collapse those two sides, 432 00:19:03,566 --> 00:19:04,966 and hopefully we can -- Heath: Bring that in 433 00:19:05,033 --> 00:19:06,733 a little bit? Mark: Bring it in. Yeah. 434 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:13,500 Alright. 435 00:19:13,566 --> 00:19:15,566 Alright. Heath: See it wiggling a little. 436 00:19:15,633 --> 00:19:19,333 Let's see if we can get that out without dragging. 437 00:19:19,400 --> 00:19:20,966 There we go. I think we cleared them. 438 00:19:21,033 --> 00:19:22,433 Mark: Great. Yep, We're clear. 439 00:19:22,500 --> 00:19:23,733 Heath: There we go. Look at that stuff. 440 00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:25,400 Mark: Wow. Heath: That's the old wire. 441 00:19:25,466 --> 00:19:27,033 Mark: Yep, the old insulation. 442 00:19:27,100 --> 00:19:29,100 Heath: We'll get this out of the way. 443 00:19:29,166 --> 00:19:31,700 Mark: Great. Nice cut. Let's get that -- 444 00:19:31,766 --> 00:19:33,366 Heath: Let's see if that new one does us any good. 445 00:19:33,433 --> 00:19:34,533 Mark: See if the new one goes in. 446 00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:35,933 Heath: We'll tuck this out. 447 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:37,300 What do we got in there? 448 00:19:39,266 --> 00:19:40,500 Looks like we got some depth. 449 00:19:40,566 --> 00:19:43,533 Mark: Wow. Okay. Just what we were looking for. 450 00:19:45,266 --> 00:19:47,266 A lot of that insulation. 451 00:19:49,833 --> 00:19:51,600 Heath: Wow. There you go. We a good fit? 452 00:19:51,666 --> 00:19:53,133 Mark: Good fit. Heath: Alright, Mark. 453 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:54,300 Well, that's half the battle. 454 00:19:54,366 --> 00:19:55,533 Mark: That was half the battle. 455 00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:57,633 But what I want to do as the box goes back in 456 00:19:57,700 --> 00:20:00,633 is I want to make sure the joint is full on both sides. 457 00:20:00,700 --> 00:20:02,866 That's why that box came out so easily, is because 458 00:20:02,933 --> 00:20:05,133 those were just kind of fake joints is what we call them. 459 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:06,466 Heath: Gotcha. And it looks like we have room 460 00:20:06,533 --> 00:20:08,300 and some area in the back that we can actually use 461 00:20:08,366 --> 00:20:10,100 some concrete anchors to help secure this, as well. 462 00:20:10,166 --> 00:20:11,866 Mark: Exactly. So there's plenty of play for that, 463 00:20:11,933 --> 00:20:13,233 so this will go in nicely. 464 00:20:13,300 --> 00:20:14,700 Heath: So the next step is try and drill 465 00:20:14,766 --> 00:20:17,066 a hole below the new floor level and see if we can get up there. 466 00:20:17,133 --> 00:20:19,400 Mark: Right. Alright. 467 00:20:19,466 --> 00:20:20,733 Alright, Heath. Heath: Alright. 468 00:20:20,800 --> 00:20:22,433 So before we start drilling, we should probably mark 469 00:20:22,500 --> 00:20:23,800 where this floor is really going to land, right? 470 00:20:23,866 --> 00:20:24,900 Mark: Right. I think it was 4 inches, right? 471 00:20:24,966 --> 00:20:27,266 Heath: About 4 inches? Mark: Yep. 472 00:20:27,333 --> 00:20:30,400 Heath: So that puts us right at the top of that course. 473 00:20:30,466 --> 00:20:32,533 Cool. So I think anything below that 474 00:20:32,600 --> 00:20:34,433 or as low as we can get is good. Mark: Alright. 475 00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:35,933 I think I'm going to start right here. 476 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:38,466 I have a little indentation, so that'll help me get started. 477 00:20:38,533 --> 00:20:40,133 Heath: Alright. I've got a vacuum for you. 478 00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:41,466 Mark: We got the vacuum set up, 479 00:20:41,533 --> 00:20:43,166 which is great. Heath: So we'll go this side. 480 00:20:43,233 --> 00:20:45,066 Mark: Alright, Heath, if you want to release that shield. 481 00:20:45,133 --> 00:20:47,900 Heath: Alright. So that's there. You got your starting point. 482 00:20:47,966 --> 00:20:49,766 Let's get it nice and snug. Mark: Ready for the vacuum? 483 00:20:49,833 --> 00:20:51,400 Heath: And give me the vacuum. 484 00:20:51,466 --> 00:20:53,600 [ Vacuum whirring ] 485 00:21:07,433 --> 00:21:08,866 Mark: Alright. Heath: Alright. 486 00:21:08,933 --> 00:21:10,400 Alright, Mark. Now for the fun part. 487 00:21:10,466 --> 00:21:11,633 Mark: Yeah. 488 00:21:11,700 --> 00:21:13,866 Heath: So I want to take this fish, 489 00:21:13,933 --> 00:21:15,600 hopefully go through the hole you just drilled, 490 00:21:15,666 --> 00:21:16,833 try and curl through some of that insulation, 491 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:18,000 and see if we can get up here. 492 00:21:18,066 --> 00:21:19,800 Mark: Okay. If I see it, I'll pull it out. 493 00:21:19,866 --> 00:21:21,600 Heath: So gonna put a little curve on it, 494 00:21:21,666 --> 00:21:24,333 try and get in behind that cavity. 495 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:25,866 We'll see if we can get it started. 496 00:21:37,366 --> 00:21:39,133 Mark: Oh. There it is. Heath: There it is. 497 00:21:39,200 --> 00:21:41,000 Kevin: "There it is"? Mark: Nicely done, nicely done. 498 00:21:41,066 --> 00:21:42,533 Kevin: I like the sounds of "There it is." 499 00:21:42,600 --> 00:21:44,700 Mark: Oh, does that mean success right there? 500 00:21:44,766 --> 00:21:46,566 Heath: That means success. I think we can make this happen. 501 00:21:46,633 --> 00:21:49,966 Kevin: Okay, so that gets us the wire up to the opening. 502 00:21:50,033 --> 00:21:51,900 What about the receptacle box? 503 00:21:51,966 --> 00:21:53,333 Heath: So the box, we're going to use 504 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:54,733 that metal old work box we showed you. 505 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:57,033 So we're going to start by attaching the wire down low. 506 00:21:57,100 --> 00:21:59,000 We'll pull it all the way through, 507 00:21:59,066 --> 00:22:00,400 make it up into the box, 508 00:22:00,466 --> 00:22:02,133 and then we'll push that box back in, 509 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:04,766 and then attach the box with some masonry anchors 510 00:22:04,833 --> 00:22:06,100 and touch it up with a little mortar. 511 00:22:06,166 --> 00:22:08,100 Kevin: So that guy right there, you okay putting in 512 00:22:08,166 --> 00:22:10,366 our special brick, and the mortar will do the trick? 513 00:22:10,433 --> 00:22:11,966 Mark: Absolutely. Kevin: Love to hear it. 514 00:22:12,033 --> 00:22:14,033 So did we go with smashy-smash or delicate? 515 00:22:14,100 --> 00:22:15,333 Mark: Well, a combo of both, 516 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:16,600 but it worked out. Heath: Little bit of everything. 517 00:22:16,666 --> 00:22:18,000 Mark: Yeah, a little bit of everything. 518 00:22:18,066 --> 00:22:20,233 Kevin: Alright. So next time, we've got a lot coming up, 519 00:22:20,300 --> 00:22:22,866 including our first exterior trim. 520 00:22:22,933 --> 00:22:25,133 Mark: Our rough plumbing is going to be under way, as well. 521 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:27,466 Kevin: Lots more to do. So until then, I'm Kevin O'Connor. 522 00:22:27,533 --> 00:22:29,300 Heath: I'm Heath Eastman. Mark: I'm Mark McCullough. 523 00:22:29,366 --> 00:22:31,633 Kevin: For "This Old House" here in Lexington. 524 00:22:31,700 --> 00:22:32,966 Alright. Heath: Alright. 525 00:22:33,033 --> 00:22:34,633 Kevin: I love the fact that we can save the brick -- 526 00:22:34,700 --> 00:22:36,566 I mean, not as much as the homeowners do. 527 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:42,766 Kevin: Next time on "This Old House"... 528 00:22:42,833 --> 00:22:45,600 I'll tour this modern home to show how beautiful features 529 00:22:45,666 --> 00:22:49,166 and accessible design go hand in hand. 530 00:22:49,233 --> 00:22:51,533 [ Laughs ] That's terrific. 531 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:53,133 Look at that. 532 00:22:53,200 --> 00:22:55,666 Mark: We're mixing mortar to patch the original brick 533 00:22:55,733 --> 00:22:59,966 on this 1960 mid century modern. 534 00:23:00,033 --> 00:23:01,366 Charlie: And I'll help the homeowner, Billy, 535 00:23:01,433 --> 00:23:05,900 build a DIY ramp for his son at camp. 536 00:23:05,966 --> 00:23:08,266 Kevin: That's next time.