Essex 2012/13 Part 1: A Cottage in the Woods
The second project of the season finds Norm and Kevin back on Cape Ann, this time in the scenic riverside town of Essex, Massachusetts. Not far from the antique shops and clam shacks downtown is a 1935 English-style cottage in the woods that homeowners John and Julie Corcoran hope to turn into an accessible in-law residence for Julie's aging parents. Norm finds lots of deferred maintenance, rot, a failing roof and windows, and some strange architectural choices, like the giant shed dormer that is out of sync with the rest of the cottage. Inside, Julie shows Kevin what she loves about the house and how she plans to make it comfortable and accessible for her parents, with all the necessary amenities on the first floor. Outside, Richard shows Norm the oil tank that's in the way of the new kitchen and why he might like to abandon oil altogether to pursue geothermal heating and cooling instead.
More from Season 34
Episode 1
Cambridge 2012: Scandinavian Modern?
Homeowners hope to turn a two-family Victorian-era house into a one-family home.
Episode 2
Cambridge 2012: Deconstruction and Design
Removing a central chimney brick by brick; eco-resale store; removing a sick Norway maple.
Episode 3
Cambridge 2012: Modernizing a Balloon Frame
Relocating a load-bearing partition wall; color choices for the home's exterior; interior styles.
Episode 4
Cambridge 2012: Swedish Style
Ceiling work on the first floor; Swedish style; Skylight for the master suite.
Episode 5
Cambridge 2012: Landscape Plans, Roof Deck
Getting Around Cambridge. Removing steps to roof deck; keeping ducts out of roof rafter bays; hiding the air handler.
Episode 6
Cambridge 2012: Exterior Improvements
Exterior Improvements. Repointing the old brick foundation; repairing the front porch; rebuilding the rotted historic porch railing; spray foam insulation.
