Modern House Framing Materials and Techniques for Residential Construction Residential construction has evolved dramatically in recent decades. While the outward appearance of homes continues to change with architectural tastes, the most significant transformations have taken place inside the walls, floors, and roofs. Traditional sawn lumber now shares the structural stage with engineered wood products, advanced […]
The 2020 Cottage on the Cape Idea House, presented by This Old House, offers building professionals and design enthusiasts an exceptional case study in coastal residential architecture. Designed by interior designer Denise Enright, this Cape Cod cottage demonstrates how thoughtful interior design can honor regional vernacular while meeting modern performance standards. From the open-concept great
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
The way we design bedrooms and bathrooms has changed significantly in recent years. These spaces are no longer purely functional rooms for sleep and hygiene. They have become personal sanctuaries where comfort, technology, and thoughtful design improve daily life. A close look at a well-executed project reveals how much planning goes into each decision, from
A window that is not installed correctly will leak air and water, leading to rot, mould, and higher energy bills. The principles behind a proper installation have been refined by professionals like Tom Silva of This Old House, who emphasises that preparing the rough opening and sequencing the flashing matters more than speed. The window
For homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who want more than what airs on television, the This Old House Insider program offers a deeper connection to the beloved home improvement brand. Members gain exclusive access to live expert Q&As, behind-the-scenes content from active renovation projects, and a community of fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for quality
After a major natural disaster, homeowners face a decision that carries immense emotional weight: rebuild on the same land or start over somewhere new. The Clearstory podcast series from This Old House explores this question through the lens of survivors from Superstorm Sandy and the Paradise, California fires. In episode ten, host John Tomlin speaks
The way we frame houses today bears little resemblance to the methods used just two centuries ago. Modern builders reach for dimensional lumber, nail guns, and engineered sheathing, assembling walls on the subfloor and tilting them into place in a matter of hours. But this speed is the result of a long evolution driven by
Every construction project, whether a small home renovation or a large commercial build, produces a significant amount of waste. Walk past any active job site and you will see a dumpster filled with scraps, packaging, lumber offcuts, drywall pieces, and roofing materials. The question few people stop to ask is where that material actually goes.
When Kevin O’Connor sat down with Bridget Lancaster, host of Proof from America’s Test Kitchen, for a special bonus episode of the Clearstory podcast, they explored a question that resonates far beyond the test kitchen walls: what does it truly mean to be prepared in the kitchen? Too often, homeowners focus exclusively on cabinets and
