For generations, the building trades have relied on a time-tested system: experienced professionals passing their knowledge to the next generation through hands-on apprenticeship. This tradition is alive and well today, as demonstrated by the eight young men and women selected to work alongside the This Old House TV crew on the Newton, Massachusetts project house. […]
Historic cottages near the waterfront present unique opportunities and challenges for homeowners looking to expand without losing the character that made them fall in love with the property in the first place. One compelling example comes from Sausalito, California, where a young family transformed a cramped 1903 cottage into a spacious, light-filled home while preserving
The construction industry faces a persistent challenge: finding enough skilled workers to meet growing demand. With the labor shortage showing no signs of easing, construction apprenticeships have emerged as one of the most effective solutions for building a qualified workforce. Programs that pair seasoned professionals with the next generation of builders are not just training
When This Old House announced the premiere of The House That Norm Built in October 2022, the event marked more than a television special. It represented a retrospective on one of the most influential careers in American home building. Master carpenter Norm Abram spent 43 years demonstrating the value of precision, patience, and proper technique
Television production is a complex orchestration of talent, crew, scheduling, and logistics that most viewers never see. Behind every episode of a home renovation show lies months of planning, building, filming, and post-production work. The professional painting techniques and construction skills showcased on screen are just one layer of a much deeper production process. One
For over four decades, Norm Abram stood as the quiet authority of American home building on public television. His 43 years on This Old House, combined with 280 episodes of The New Yankee Workshop, represent one of the most extended and influential careers in construction education. When the tribute special The House That Norm Built
When Norm Abram announced his retirement in May 2022, it marked the end of a remarkable chapter in American woodworking education. For nearly four decades, his New Yankee Workshop series taught millions of viewers how to build furniture with precision, patience, and proper technique. The subsequent expiration of the New Yankee Workshop license agreement with
Behind the Scenes at Television Wrap Parties: How Home Renovation Shows Build Fan Communities Through Exclusive Events Television production involves countless hours of planning, filming, and coordination before a single episode reaches viewers. At the conclusion of a successful season, cast and crew traditionally gather for a wrap party to celebrate their work. For home
When Alison Hardy bought a 1782 farmhouse in the late 1990s, she discovered what countless homeowners before her had learned: century-old windows are drafty, painted shut, and often rotting in spots. Rather than ripping them out, she taught herself to restore them using borrowed tools and reference books. Today, she is known as the Window
Brick steps add durability and curb appeal to any home, but over time the mortar joints between bricks can crack, crumble, or pull away. When water seeps into these gaps and freezes, the damage accelerates, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a structural hazard. Repointing, which removes old failed mortar and replaces it with fresh
