Building Tomorrow: How Apprenticeship Programs Like Generation NEXT Are Closing the Skilled Trade Gap

The construction industry faces a critical challenge: a persistent shortage of skilled tradespeople that threatens project timelines, quality, and overall industry growth. Programs like This Old House’s Generation NEXT apprenticeship initiative have stepped in to address this gap by creating direct pathways into the skilled trades. For contractors, builders, and construction professionals, understanding how these […]

Transforming a 1940s Colonial Revival: Inside the Auburndale House Renovation

Season 32 of This Old House takes on one of its most compelling transformations yet: a 1940s Colonial Revival home in Auburndale, Massachusetts, owned by Raveen and Allison Sharma. Nestled along the Charles River in a leafy, tree-lined neighborhood, the house has solid bones and undeniable potential, but it also suffers from a series of

From Dark Attic to Bright Master Suite on a $2,620 Budget

When Samantha and Bryan Langdeau bought their 1,200-square-foot Cape-style home in Waterbury, Connecticut, they faced a familiar small-house dilemma: how to accommodate both overnight guests and their own need for a master bedroom. Their solution was to reserve the two first-floor bedrooms for visitors and claim the unfinished second floor as their private retreat. The

Remodeling a Cape Cod Home: Adding Porches, Gables and a Fresh Color Palette

Few home styles carry the enduring appeal of the Cape Cod. Originating in New England in the 17th century, the Cape Cod house was designed for function: steep roofs shed snow, compact layouts conserved heat, and cedar shingles weathered coastal storms. Today, these homes remain popular for their clean lines and timeless proportions. But many

Rescuing an 1852 Farmhouse: A Hudson Valley Restoration Story

Some homeowners walk through a dilapidated property and see only costly problems. Annette and Richard Andradez saw an opportunity. The couple, both retired and passionate about preserving historic structures, rescued an 1852 farmhouse in Gardiner, New York, from certain demolition. Over two years, they transformed a decaying structure with crumbling foundations, raccoon-infested floors, and overgrown

Transforming a Plain House Facade With Porch and Siding Upgrades

A nondescript facade does not have to stay that way. With thoughtful architectural interventions, even the most forgettable exterior can become a defining feature of a home. The transformation of a 1923 residence in Cabin John, Maryland, demonstrates exactly how dramatic this change can be. By rebuilding the front porch, selecting premium siding, extending the

Modern Farmhouse Construction on a Hillside: Inside the TOH 2020 Fairfield Project

Building a modern farmhouse on a hillside presents unique challenges that test the skill of even experienced construction teams. The TOH 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County, sited on a slope overlooking Long Island Sound, is a showcase of how advanced building materials and smart design strategies come together to create a home that is both

Restoring the Atlanta Postmaster’s House: A Historic Victorian Revival

When Kysha and Jonathan first toured the 1920s Victorian home in South Atlanta, they saw past the peeling paint, uneven floors, and boarded windows. They recognized a piece of history worth saving. This was the home of Luther Price, South Atlanta’s first postmaster, who ran a post office and general store just down the street