Kevin O’Connor joins Tom Silva in the kitchen as Tom carefully begins removing the cabinets that the homeowners plan to reuse in their new pantry. Kevin lends a hand while Tom shares tips and techniques for salvaging the pieces without damage.
Outside, Charlie Silva and Mark McCullough take to the roof to start dismantling the old chimney, working methodically from the top down. Once they reach the third floor, they continue the demolition inside, all the way down to the first-floor fireplace.
With the chimney gone, Kevin meets with architect Marcus Springer to learn how the removal opens up an additional 40 square feet throughout the home. Marcus walks Kevin through the new first-floor layout, explaining which walls will stay, shift, or come down completely.
One of the walls being removed is load-bearing, so a structural beam will be installed to support the house from front to back.
Out back, Kevin finds Charlie in the newly excavated addition space, now prepped for the foundation pour. Charlie explains that the original rubble stone foundation uncovered during excavation isn’t structurally sound and requires a new retaining wall to stabilize it. Once the wall is in place, a stonecutter carves a doorway to connect the original basement to the new addition. Mark steps in to finish the opening, filling in gaps to create a seamless transition between the old and the new.
Original Air Date: Jan 29, 2026, Season 47; Ep. 13 23:42
Products and Resources
- Architect: Springer Architects
- Contractor: Glavin Construction Company, Billerica, MA
