Renovating a historic home is a balancing act between preserving the past and making a property livable for modern family life. Few projects illustrate this challenge better than the 18th-century saltbox remodel undertaken by DIYer Jaime Costiglio and her family in Port Chester, New York. When the Costiglios purchased the Samuel Brown saltbox in 2013, […]
Taking on a full home renovation as a family is a rewarding but demanding undertaking. When a couple discovered a dilapidated 1927 house in Charlotte, North Carolina, they saw past the nicotine-stained walls and piled garbage to envision a restored period home for their family of four. Their journey offers practical knowledge for anyone considering
When Chad Faries spotted a tall yellow turn-of-the-century Folk Victorian house draped in Spanish moss along the Wilmington River in Savannah, Georgia, he knew he had found something special. The property, which he would later name Diamond Oaks after its striking porch-railing design and the towering live oak that first caught his eye, became a
When Annette and Richard Andradez discovered a 179-year-old former schoolhouse for sale in New Paltz, New York, they saw more than a dilapidated structure with a bowed front wall and failing systems. They saw a chance to combine Richard’s three decades of construction expertise with Annette’s natural design instincts, creating a home for their daughter
A wooden deck adds warmth and value to any home, but exposure to sun, rain, snow, and foot traffic takes a visible toll over time. Faded boards, mildew patches, and peeling stain are signs that your deck needs attention. Cleaning and restaining a deck is one of the most rewarding outdoor maintenance projects you can
When the This Old House team set out to build the 2018 Idea House in Narragansett, Rhode Island, they selected products that represented the best in modern construction technology. Among the most innovative features was the Leviton smart load center, a reimagined electrical panel installation that makes wiring faster, safer, and more intuitive for both
The This Old House Makers Channel brings together some of the most talented craftspersons, woodworkers, welders, and inventors working today. Built on the trusted foundation of the This Old House brand, this free streaming channel offers a front-row seat to the maker movement. Whether you are a seasoned woodworker or someone just picking up a
Few workshop hazards are as surprising as a stack of oily rags bursting into flames on their own. Spontaneous combustion from oil-soaked rags is a real danger that has caught many experienced contractors off guard. Tom Silva, the general contractor on This Old House, once experienced this firsthand and now emphasizes the importance of proper
Tile installation has evolved far beyond simple thinset and grout. Modern projects demand integrated systems that handle waterproofing, floor warming, edge finishing, and drainage as part of a cohesive assembly. The selection of tile flooring materials now goes hand in hand with choosing the right substrate, uncoupling membrane, and finishing profiles to ensure long-term performance.
White cedar shingle siding is a hallmark of Cape Cod architecture, prized for its natural beauty and durability. Installing it, however, has traditionally required careful measuring, leveling, and precise alignment to achieve a professional finish. Modern techniques and prefinished materials have transformed this process, making it far more accessible for homeowners and contractors alike. In
