Everybody loves the idea of beachfront property, but proximity to the ocean can bring its share of construction challenges. The THIS OLD HOUSE crew opens the Barrington, Rhode Island, project aboard the motor sailor Liberty bound for the Ocean State via scenic Narragansett Bay.
About Barrington Beach House
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On Barrington Beach, homeowner Geoff Allen shows master carpenter Norm Abram and host Kevin O’Connor why they bought their 1925 modified cape — not for its 1950s and 1970s-era additions, but for the outstanding location.
Inside, his wife, Michelle Forcier, shows Kevin that the kitchen has not been remodeled in decades, and how they hope to remove everything that is outdated and open up the new space to the beautiful water views.
In the basement, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows Norm a fairly standard scene — outdated mechanicals with low efficiency and a 100-amp electrical service that should be updated.
While there appear to be no problems with the structure, the biggest challenge will be building to withstand the marine environment, as well as the hurricanes, wind, and sideways rain that can occur by the water.
In Providence, Kevin meets architect Mary Brewster to look at the plans for the renovation with the help of a useful 3D software program. Norm visits local builder Andy Tiplady in Bristol to see a classic new home he recently built that represents the apex of seaside living in Rhode Island. Back at the house, Andy’s crew has loaded in, and Kevin lends a hand as they begin demo of the 1950s porch addition and start gutting the first floor.
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