Best Way to Update Neglected 1979 Ranch House

#10 Lexington Ranch

Courtesy of WGBH

Flavor 14 • 1992

Rounding out your elevation ten is this 1958 ranch reinvention, which earned kudos for both the "wow" factor and its friendly owners.

"I loved the Lexington Ranch. I grew upwards in a ranch-style home, then I could relate to it. I also think it'southward one of the show's almost amazing transformations, from such a humble, typical American dwelling house into something truly spectacular."

—NATHAN STRUM, VALENCIA, CA

"My favorite house is however the Lexington Ranch, Season fourteen. That's considering of the incredible pattern in transforming the ranch; it'due south a house that I could imagine living in. Also, I liked the homeowners very much on that project."

—MICHAEL, VIA INSIDER

#nine Manchester

Photo by Pascal Blancon

Flavour 23 • 2001

The extensive restoration of this 1883 house wasn't function of the original Top ten list. But and then many of you voted for Manchester-by-the-Ocean as a write-in candidate that in the end, it nabbed the No. 9 slot!

"It was a shame that all the very fine details of that home were taken off in earlier remodels, only Norm, Tommy, and the residual of the crew brought that house back to its late-nineteenth-century glory days."

—PAUL, VIA INSIDER

"Manchester is my favorite. Gorgeous home by the sea. Just loved it!"

—KAREN FLANNERY, NANTUCKET, MA

#8 Cambridge 2012

Photograph past Anthony Tieuli

Flavour 34 • 2012

Though this 1887 Queen Anne's exterior is spectacular, prior renovations had stripped the interior of any semblance of its original era. TOH's Scandinavian-inspired interior makeover helped it earn spot No. 8.

"We were and so inspired by this flavour that we remodeled an entire firm in a Scandinavian-modern theme. It turned out amazing; we owe you!"

—MICHAEL DELANEY, FORT THOMAS, KY

"I liked how they maintained the exterior's historic grapheme while transforming the interior into a very modern space. Plus, incorporating Swedish pattern that honored the family unit'due south heritage actually made this home their own."

—TODD, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

#7 Dorchester

Photograph past Pecker Schwob/WGBH

Flavor i • 1979

The house that started it all, a run-down home from 1860 with a mansard roof and plenty of potential, took seventh. More than annihilation, it's beloved for beingness the foundation of This Old Business firm.

"The Dorchester Firm has to be number one, considering it was your first project, and it got me hooked on This Old House right away. Inspiration to practice my ain projects abounded. Thanks to everyone on the prove, by and present, for giving me the motivation to Do It Myself."

—AL MIRABELLA, DOVER, PA

"I chose Dorchester considering it's where information technology all started. Without Flavor ane you wouldn't have Season twoscore. It was the first of its kind."

—DARRYL LOZINSKI, KITCHENER, ON

#half-dozen Newton

Courtesy of WGBH

Flavour 2 • 1981

The condo conversion of this rambling 1886 Shingle-style house (a.k.a. the Bigelow Firm, for its original owner) nabbed 6th place.

"Both Dorchester and Bigelow were smashing, because nosotros got to watch This Old Firm existence invented. But I chose Bigelow because the scope was so ambitious, with this beautiful historical dwelling house going from ruins to restoration."

—MARGARET, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

"I loved the idea of repurposing the sometime Bigelow place. It's a fashion of keeping history live."

—TAMMY MINN, RIVERSIDE, CA

"I chose the Newton/Bigelow projection for a few reasons. It was the showtime flavor of This Old Business firm that I viewed, and I'm a fan of H. H. Richardson's architecture. And I enjoyed the restoration and repurposing of such a historic home, specially i that was as large and challenging equally information technology was to begin with."

—DAVID, VIA INSIDER

#5 Billerica

Courtesy of WGBH

Season 21 • 1999

No. five was a sentimental favorite—you were touched as the This Old House family came together to build a new home for Dick and Sandy Silva after a catastrophic fire.

"If I had to pick 1 it would be Dick Silva'due south habitation rebuild after the fire in 1999. It actually became personal as everybody pitched in. It was a TOH family disaster, and we viewers actually felt for the family."

—BOB HAYNES, MOODY, AL

"I loved the Billerica House. Not only is it a fine business firm, but it was special since they were building it for Tommy's brother, who'd just been through a fire. You could tell they were all trying extra-hard to give their coworker and relative a great new habitation."

—CHRIS, VIA INSIDER

"I loved watching you do something wonderful for Dickie. It was lamentable, just with a happy ending."

—GARY ADAM SR., WINSTON-SALEM, NC

#4 Detroit

Photo by Nathan Kirkman

SEASON 38 • 2017

The 1939 brick home was a charmer, but for many fans, this flavour wasn't just about the house. Yous valued the homeowners' hard work, the community that came together to aid, and the rejuvenation of a great American city.

"My favorite project was Detroit, because people just started showing up and helping."

—ZACHARY KEAGLE, MONTICELLO, IL

"I really appreciated the time y'all spent in a urban center with such great housing stock, featuring programs that help become people into the homes, and the graciousness of all the cast and crew!"

—CARL, VIA INSIDER

"I loved how with this project, y'all helped to bring to light the changes taking place in an almost-forgotten city."

—DANIEL, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

#iii Cambridge 2005

Photo by Alyssa Thompson

SEASON 27 • 2005

This 1950 mid-century modern—or "George'due south house"—was the nighttime horse, surprising us with its vote tally. Simply the challenges the house posed, and the techniques and technologies used to remedy them, landed it a top-three slot.

"The unique design and techniques that the team used, and the amazing homeowner, fabricated that flavour really fun. Plus, I enjoyed seeing a challenge for Roger."

—TYLER TOMASEK, LINCOLN, NE

"Expanding the radiant heat to the garage, driveway, and walkway was amazing!"

—CHRIS DOUGHMAN, MERRIMACK, NH

"Wonderful interpretation of modern, with great details, astonishing layout, and inventive ways to implement the updates."

—MICHAEL, VIA INSIDER

#2 Carlisle

Photo past Keller + Keller

Flavor 26 • 2004

For the prove's 25th ceremony, This Old House spent an entire flavor renovating an 1849 farmstead. If your votes are whatever indication, you loved every minute of it.

"It was a huge projection with so many talented people involved, plus it had all unlike types of renovation, from the newly congenital primary suite to remodeling the barn for a dramatic, livable space that turned out to exist fantastic."

—JON MONTGOMERY, WEST Marriage, WV

"Honestly, I've found myself rewatching Carlisle from start to stop twice a year since it aired."

—JAMES HAUN, KNOXVILLE, TN

"Seeing the barn interior fabricated into living quarters, rebuilding the breezeway, the stone quartz flooring—watching the Carlisle project gave me and so many ideas."

—PATRICIA, VIA INSIDER

#1 Hold Befouled

Photo by Richard Howard/WGBH

SEASON 11 • 1989

Rebuilt from its rubble-stone foundation up—and featuring an awe-inspiring befouled raising—the rebirth of an 1835 befouled every bit a 20th-century timber-frame house took the top spot past a landslide.

"The Concord Barn brought together some fascinating new and onetime building technologies and mixed them with solid adroitness, forth with a very likable family in the Wickwires. I became a devoted This Old House fan in the procedure."

—JOHN, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

"The befouled raising! Watching Tedd Benson and the crew put that befouled together was astonishing. That projection stood out in a higher place them all."

—TIMOTHY, VIA INSIDER

"Loved the mix of the ancient art of timber framing with the modernistic edifice methods. It was Steve's first project, and y'all could run into the beginnings of his chemistry with Norm, Richard, Tommy, and Roger. Tedd Benson and his squad added the passion of their arts and crafts, forth with the wonderful Wickwire family."

—JOHN SAGELY, FORT SMITH, AR

"Quite simply, Tedd Benson's timber-frame design and construction, combined with TOH'due south chief craftsmanship, translates to this house being around for centuries!"

—CHRIS, VIA INSIDER

Family unit Ties

Courtesy of Vanderlinde Family unit

For many fans, This Old Business firm feels similar home. Nosotros're honored that our family is part of yours.

"I grew up watching This Former House and have passed the beloved on to my husband and our sons. They were very excited to apparel equally some of the guys final Halloween. August (above left) was Roger Melt, Heinrich (right) was Tom Silva, and their trivial brother Sebastian was an amateur."

—ALI VANDERLINDE, VIA Electronic mail

"Growing up, our children couldn't wait for their one special Television testify with 'Bob Biwa.' "

—LINDA-MARC HILDEBRANT, VIA FACEBOOK

"I have been a fan since I was 5 years one-time, watching TOH on the weekends with my dad. I'm 35 at present, and I still watch. I have loved Norm and the guys for every bit long as I can remember. Long live the plaid!"

—ERIN NICHOLS RAHRIG, VIA FACEBOOK

Family Ties

Courtesy of Paul Gonzales

"When I was 8, I asked my dad how he'd learned to fix so many things, and he sabbatum me downward to lookout This One-time Business firm with him. Now I'1000 27, and I've learned so much from watching that I tin can take on repairs around the house."

—PAUL GONZALES, SAN ANTONIO

"While nigh kids watched cartoons on the weekend, I woke up looking forrad to This Sometime House . At present at 38, I still picket every weekend. And since becoming a homeowner, it's inspired me to tackle projects."

—ADAM SCHAFFER, ALLEN PARK, MI

"During my military career, my wife did her best to record the shows and send them to my deployment locations. Information technology gave me and other servicemembers a connectedness to our lives back home, and a chance to visit with the TOH personalities we all know on a get-go-name basis."

—CHRIS, VIA INSIDER

Family Ties

Courtesy of Roger Martinson

"Your mag has captured the imagination and interest of this immature lady, my granddaughter Elida (above). She likes to sentinel habitation-comeback shows and give her stance on what she likes and doesn't. On our last visit, we dropped off copies of your magazine, and she began looking at them. She enjoys giving advice and ideas to her parents."

—ROGER MARTINSON, VIA Email

"This Erstwhile Firm is like meeting upwards with family each week. Sometimes new members visit, and I love that you're encouraging immature people. As a grandmother, I always enjoy meeting the 'kids.' "

—PAM STOCKHAM, ROELAND PARK, KS

"I still remember watching a This Old Business firm episode that must have been from the Dorchester project with my dad on Channel 9 PBS in St. Louis. That was a long time ago. I'one thousand nevertheless here, my dad is still here, and and then is This Old House . It'southward a cracking prove that I have enjoyed watching for well-nigh my whole life. Please keep it upwardly!"

—ANNE, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

Family unit Ties

Courtesy of Marie Reddy

"Being from Massachusetts, my hubby Pecker and I were following This Old House from the outset. Considering we'd moved to S Florida, nosotros watched to see the cute New England houses come back to life. My husband had Huntington's disease, and fifty-fifty as his disease progressed he however watched the bear witness. He was overjoyed in 2001 when it was announced that TOH was coming to West Palm Beach, where we lived. We'd take drives down the street to look at the action, and one mean solar day nosotros met Norm and Steve Thomas while they were outside the cute firm. They were gracious enough to pose for a few photos, and it was a highlight for Bill. My husband has passed away, but the picture of Norm, Steve, and Beak (higher up) nonetheless hangs on our wall."

—MARIE REDDY, VIA Electronic mail

"My dad moved out to the West Coast years earlier I was born, only no matter how long he's lived here, he's never lost a fleck of his Rhode Island accent. Growing upwardly, renovating houses was my typical later on-school activity, working with my dad after he got home from his day task. Nosotros've always enjoyed watching This Old House and Ask This Old Firm together, whether we're guessing how to solve problems before you tell us how y'all did it or trying to trounce each other at "What Is Information technology?" At some point I realized that betwixt TOH and my dad, the biggest thing that naturally gets me prepared to acquire a new technique is a New England accent!"

—SEAN REYNOLDS, OAKLAND, CA

LOL Moments: Bob Vila

Back in 1979 at that place wasn't an acronym for information technology: You but laughed out loud. Renovating homes is serious business, but the guys accept never taken themselves too seriously.

WACKY WARDROBE

"Funniest moment? Bob Vila's lid in the first season."

—CHRISTOPHER, VIA INSIDER

LOL Moments: Norm Abram

SECRET LOCATION

"When TOH was in Charlestown in 2000, Norm took the homeowner out to the New Yankee Workshop—merely first, Norm blindfolded him and then he wouldn't know where the shop was. The funniest part, though, was at the very end, when they showed the homeowner walking away from the shop by himself—blindfolded once more and trying to find his manner habitation! I laughed pretty hard at that."

—TIMOTHY, VIA THISOLDHOUSE.COM

LOL Moments: Kevin O'Connor

Photo by Kindra Clineff

THE NEW GUY

"Funniest moment for me was Kevin's first day on the job. Roger greeted Kevin—and scolded him for beingness late."

—TONY, VIA INSIDER

"My favorite was Kevin's first solar day. He was and then nervous!"

—SANDI HAZEN PEEL, DAVENPORT, IA

"I thought Kevin was besides young at first, but look at him now!"

—MARYANN MOLAEI, KALAM, WA

Everybody's Favorites

Photo by Anthony Tieuli

More than a few of you lot compared choosing a favorite from the TOH gang to being asked to pick among your children, but you weren't shy almost sharing your appreciation for the entire This Old House team.

"Norm Abram is the best instance of what teaching should be. He's a consummate professional, with incredible patience and the willingness to share his vast noesis. It's so evident he truly loves what he does, and it's a dear that is infectious."

—WILLIAM, VIA INSIDER

"All my friends worship Tom Silva. We talk about our electric current projects and bounciness ideas off of each other, simply our favorite saying is WWTD: 'What Would Tom Do?' Plus, we honey it when he gives Kevin a hard time."

—ANDREW BRETTRAGER, MANHATTAN, IL

"Richard Trethewey is my hero. He's inspired me to tackle many plumbing jobs. When I replaced the old pipes in my basement, many looked at me similar I was crazy when I suggested PEX instead of copper. I only said, 'They utilize it on This Old House !' "

—JASON KRAMER, CINCINNATI

"Roger Cook is the closer for TOH. He's often doing about of his work once every other trade has trampled the chore site, and everyone's probably feeling the crunch to get the job finished. Simply Roger ever pulls information technology together and puts the icing on the cake."

—ABIGAIL HUGHES, VIA Email

"Norm, Tom, Rich, and Roger are bully, simply the other tradespeople featured on the show are just as educational: Jenn Nawada, Mark McCullough, Mauro Henrique, Allen Gallant, Scott Caron, the Ferrante brothers, and all the others who accept drilled wells, lifted barns, blasted ledge rock, installed gutters and roofing, skim-coated walls and ceilings, pumped concrete, tested for mold, asbestos, or pb, etc. Plus, a special shout-out to Tedd Benson and the wonders of timber framing!"

—TRACY LOTT, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Watch and Learn

Photo by John Tomlin

You might not be working on a whole-house reno, but that doesn't mean yous haven't learned a thing or two (or 20!) from This Old House.

"About ten years agone, when my wife and I remodeled our home, everything I'd learned by watching came in so handy. We removed walls, raised a floor to level with the balance of the firm, built walls, hung drywall, installed a hardwood flooring, laid tile flooring, congenital 2 decks, insulated an attic, and knew enough to hire electricians and plumbers. I have no formal training, nor did I accept a role model in these areas when I was growing upwards; it'southward all due to the shows. Every project I've watched on This Old House has given me at least ane important lesson, and usually more than iii."

—JERRY, VIA INSIDER

" This Onetime Business firm has given me conviction to tackle projects but it's as well educated me to take meaningful conversations with men and women in the trades, and given me an appreciation for their livelihood. Applied science can't replace the knowledge and guidance of a trustworthy and experienced tradesperson."

—VIYAN UDAWATTA, COLUMBUS, OH

Watch and Learn

Photo by Sarah Chasse

" This Old House gave me the vision to see that I could do home improvements myself, and started me on my DIY journey. I've been able to do a number of major remodels myself thanks to TOH . Bob, Norm, Rich, and the rest of the bandage showed me everything from reglazing old sashes to building a screen porch to how to have downwardly a wall."

—DUANE McDONALD, VIA E-Postal service

"As a handyman business organisation owner, I have watched TOH for a long time, and I've learned a lot from Tommy and the guys over the years. I learned how to tape off tubs and countertops when I caulked them for a neater job, and the right way to use unlike tools. Thanks for forty years of construction."

—GLENN, VIA INSIDER

Lookout and Learn

Photo by Joe Yutkins

"When I needed a new roof I used synthetic slate like they used on the Billerica House (and I put information technology on myself with the assist of a friend). I would probably never have known of that product had it not been for TOH . I love that I've learned so much over the years, and became a home-comeback junkie, thanks to This Quondam Business firm ."

—SHERRY HOLTMEYER, COTTAGE GROVE, MN

"My wife and I had our home custom-built, and a highlight of the edifice experience was choosing precast-concrete basement walls, an idea nosotros'd gotten from watching This Quondam Firm . It was quite the sight for our neighbors—and us—as the oversize flatbed truck arrived with an overhead crane and began the installation. Without the TOH seal of approval giving us confidence, we would have just gone with concrete walls poured on-site—and with the weather weather condition where we alive, who knows how pouring the walls on-site would have gone. Thank yous, This Erstwhile House !"

—TONY, VIA INSIDER

Spotter and Larn

Photo by Anthony Tieuli

"When you showed drawers in the kitchen rather than base cabinets (in the Essex House, pictured), that thought made so much sense to me—and when I had my nowadays house built, I had drawers put in rather than the standard base cabinets. I am happy every time I can grab a pot or pan without having to get down on my knees to attain into a cabinet."

—EDITH MONTGOMERY, ASHLAND, OR

"Watching these shows helped my wife, Cindy, and me be bold enough to build our own home. We did everything except the excavation, foundation, concrete, and brick, using many of the skills nosotros learned from the bear witness—framing to crown molding, and cabinetry to hardwood floors. This Old Business firm empowered Cindy and me to take on these challenges because 'regular guys' showed united states of america information technology can be done."

—KURT VOGEL, MARTINSVILLE, IN

"I had a small firm from the 1930s with a roof leak. I remembered seeing an episode on installing a cricket. Had my roofer do that, and the leak was fixed!"

—ANITA, VIA INSIDER

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Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21019429/fans-favorites-from-four-decades-of-this-old-house

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