If your attic turns into a furnace during summer and an icebox during winter, you are not alone. In the Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 4, home technology expert Ross Trethewey and host Chris Ermides explored exactly why attics struggle with temperature swings and what homeowners can do about it. The discussion covered everything […]
Peeling paint is one of the most frustrating problems homeowners face, especially in older homes where layers of paint have been applied over decades. In Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 3, painting expert Mauro Henrique sat down with host Chris Ermides to explore the root causes and best repair methods for peeling paint on
Easier long-term retention through repeated exposure to related concepts within a themed period, reinforcing connections between different aspects of the same subject. Direct application to ongoing projects as each weekly theme aligns with real work happening on the jobsite, creating immediate relevance that motivates further study. Measurable progress that you can track over months and
Weeds are a persistent frustration for homeowners who take pride in their lawn and garden. Whether dandelions invade the flower beds, crabgrass overtakes the turf, or broadleaf weeds sprout through gravel pathways, the challenge is universal. In episode 2 of the Ask This Old House podcast, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada joined host Chris to share
In the debut episode of the Ask This Old House podcast, host Chris Ermides sits down with This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman to tackle two common but often intimidating electrical projects: installing a ceiling fan in a loft space and fitting a chandelier in a bathroom. Both projects require a solid understanding of
The 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County Idea House, a collaboration between This Old House, Jamieson Architects, and The Greyrock Companies, stands as a showcase of premium building materials assembled with thoughtful design. Among the many partners contributing to this 3,700-square-foot modern farmhouse overlooking Long Island Sound, Marvin Windows played a defining role in shaping both
Americans now spend roughly 90 percent of their time indoors, and recent studies show that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This reality has pushed indoor air quality from a nice-to-have consideration into a core requirement for modern home building and renovation. The challenge is that most homeowners
For homeowners planning a renovation or new build, few resources offer more practical inspiration than a well-executed showcase home. The Passive House Concept has influenced many modern showcase projects, but the broader tradition of the Idea House takes that inspiration one step further: it builds a fully furnished, move-in-ready home where every material, fixture, and
The coastal environment of Cape Cod presents unique challenges for home construction, from salt-laden air and high winds to freezing winter temperatures. The This Old House 2020 Cottage on the Cape Idea House, located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, was designed and built with these conditions in mind. Builder Matt Cole selected a range of innovative exterior
Transforming a basement into a functional and inviting workspace is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. Too often, basements are relegated to storage duty or left as dark, unfinished afterthoughts. Yet with the right design approach, these lower-level spaces can become the most vibrant rooms in the house. Before diving
