Modern homes are more energy efficient and technologically advanced than ever, but are they truly healthier? This question sits at the heart of a compelling episode of This Old House’s podcast Clearstory, where host Kevin O’Connor sits down with professors Jonsara Ruth and Alison Mears, co-founders of the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of […]
Before steel framing and pressure-treated lumber became the norm, one tree dominated American homebuilding. The American Chestnut stood over 100 feet tall, grew straight as an arrow, and produced rot-resistant wood that framed houses, milled into trim, split into shingles, and furnished interiors across the eastern United States. Its disappearance in the early 20th century
The idea of humans living on Mars has moved from science fiction into serious engineering conversations. Tech visionaries and space agencies are actively planning missions that would not only land on the Red Planet but establish permanent settlements. For those involved in the construction industry, the question is no longer whether we can get there,
Every homeowner knows the frustration of spotting an ant trail across the kitchen counter or finding a spider web in the corner of the living room. We clean, scrub, vacuum, and spray, determined to keep our living spaces free of unwanted visitors. But what if the very idea of a completely sterile home is an
The COVID-19 pandemic did more than disrupt daily routines and global economies. It fundamentally challenged how we think about the spaces where we live, work, and rest. In This Old House’s Clearstory podcast season 2 premiere, host Kevin O’Connor sat down with author and architecture professor Sara Carr, journalist and bioethicist Elizabeth Yuko, and assistant
Restoring a historic home is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential construction. Every element must be carefully considered to preserve the original character while meeting modern standards for comfort and efficiency. This is especially true when it comes to windows, which define a home architectural personality and play a vital role in energy
The concept of blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor living has become a defining principle of modern residential architecture. Homeowners increasingly seek designs that invite natural light deep into interior spaces, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and create a seamless visual connection with the surrounding landscape. Large glazing assemblies, full-height window walls, and strategically
Chalkboard paint transforms ordinary walls, cabinet doors, and furniture into functional writing surfaces that combine style with practicality. Whether you are creating a family command center in the kitchen, a menu board for the dining area, or simply want a dark matte finish that adds depth to a room, understanding the proper application technique makes
Old houses often hold hidden treasures beneath layers of neglect. One of the most rewarding discoveries is finding original wood stair treads buried under old carpeting, only to realize they have been damaged by roofing nails and years of foot traffic. In Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 15, builder Charlie Silva shares practical guidance
Historic homes possess character, craftsmanship, and a sense of permanence that modern construction rarely matches. But they often lack one essential modern comfort: central air conditioning. This challenge was front and center for the owners of a 1913 row house in Washington, D.C., who turned to This Old House Home Technology Expert Ross Trethewey for
