This Old House takes viewers to Glen Ridge, New Jersey, for a fact filled episode, “Glen Ridge, NJ: Small but Mighty,” airing on PBS on April 11. In this installment, the show’s host, Kevin O’Connor, and the team tackle a range of projects, including addressing termite damage, replacing a sewer line, and touring a historic community garden.
The episode features a family’s much-loved 1887 Victorian home, which is undergoing a renovation to restore its original glory and accommodate multiple generations. The homeowners, Sunita and Shankar Chaudhuri, are preparing their house for a multigenerational future, including their grown daughter, Asha, and her husband, Jason Berry, who plan to raise their family in the home.
The project includes updating old HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as reconfiguring the interior to create a first-floor suite for the elderly couple if needed. The rear façade will see significant changes, with a new two-story addition housing a kitchen on the first floor and a primary suite on the second floor.
The front porch will also undergo a transformation, with the removal of an unsightly knee wall and the replacement of plain posts with decorative versions reminiscent of the house’s original design. The asbestos siding will be taken down, and square-cut and diamond-cut cedar shingles will be installed to restore the Victorian façade.
The interior will see extensive work, with walls removed to create a more open layout, particularly between the kitchen and living room. The dining room will remain in its current location but will be reconfigured for better flow. The second floor will feature a larger bedroom and a new staircase landing, while the third floor will be converted into a suite for Sunita and Shankar, complete with a bedroom, an open living area, and a vaulted ceiling.
The episode also includes a segment on the history of the home’s heating system, presented by Richard Trethewey, who gives a lesson on how the house has been heated over the last 130 years. He discusses the evolution of fuel choices and the challenges of heating large homes, setting the stage for a discussion on the next steps for the house’s heating system.
Don’t miss this informative and engaging episode of This Old House, airing on PBS at 8:00 p.m. on April 11.
