The construction industry faces a well-documented skills gap as experienced workers retire and new hires enter job sites with limited hands-on preparation. Across the country, contractors report that filling positions with qualified personnel has become more challenging than ever before. Investing in structured training programs is no longer optional for companies that want to maintain […]
When television viewers think of home improvement craftsmanship, one name stands above the rest. Norm Abram served as the Master Carpenter on This Old House for 43 years, appearing in over 1,000 episodes, 50 renovation projects, and 280 episodes of The New Yankee Workshop. His easy-going manner, common-sense approach to renovation, and uncompromising old-world craftsmanship
Maker interviews offer a rare glimpse into the creative process behind exceptional woodworking and home renovation projects. When House One host Jenn Largesse sat down with Corey Decker of Sawdust 2 Stitches, the conversation revealed a wealth of practical knowledge for anyone interested in building furniture, renovating spaces, or simply gaining the confidence to start
If you are looking for a skilled trade with consistent demand, a career as an electrician is worth serious consideration. Almost every home, office, and factory depends on electrical power, so qualified electricians will always be needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate for this profession between 2022 and 2032, faster
The 2021 Cottage Community Idea House, located at 125 Richards Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut, represents a thoughtful approach to modern residential design. Developed by This Old House in collaboration with Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, this project addresses the growing demand for flexible housing solutions that combine low-maintenance living with contemporary cottage style. The development features
Stepping inside the 2020 Cottage on the Cape reveals a masterclass in coastal interior design. Located in Eastham, Massachusetts, this classic shingle-style home was brought to life through a collaboration between Union Studio Architecture & Community Design, builder Cape Associates, and interior designer Denise Enright. Every room balances casual comfort with refined detailing, creating a
Imagine walking through a fully remodeled home without leaving your desk. The How Interactive Builder Websites Transform Homebuyer Engagement approach has changed how homeowners explore renovation possibilities, and few projects demonstrate this better than the Westerly Ranch House featured on This Old House season 41. This 1940s-era ranch home in Westerly, Rhode Island, underwent a
Modern technology has opened new ways for builders and homeowners to study historic architecture without traveling to the site. The 360-degree interactive tour of the Charleston Single House offers an unprecedented look inside one of America’s most distinctive residential building types. For construction professionals working on historic properties, this tour provides valuable lessons in how
The 2017 This Old House Idea House at East Matunuck, Rhode Island, represents a thoughtful marriage of coastal charm and practical construction. At 3,200 square feet, this beach house demonstrates how flexible floor plans, durable materials, and smart building systems come together to create a home that serves multi-generational families through every season. The property
The construction industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled workers across the building trades, a challenge that threatens project timelines, quality standards, and the industry’s ability to meet growing demand. While many organizations discuss this problem, fewer have implemented the kind of intensive, hands-on training programs that genuinely close the skills gap. Programs like Marvin’s
