Smart lighting has changed how homeowners illuminate their living spaces, offering convenience, energy savings, and customizable ambiance through switches, bulbs, and wireless controls. Modern smart lighting systems make it possible to dim lights from a phone, set schedules that match daily routines, or control everything with voice commands without rewiring your entire house. This article […]
When plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and his son Evan set out to renovate a historic 1904 mill building in Fall River, Massachusetts, they had a vision that went far beyond a typical showroom. The result is RST Thermal, a state-of-the-art educational facility where HVAC systems are not just displayed but actively operational. This
For decades, finding your passion for building has been a recurring theme in the trades. Few figures embody this better than Richard Trethewey, the beloved plumbing and heating expert on This Old House. Richard has spent his career explaining complex mechanical concepts to homeowners, driven by that singular moment when someone finally understands how their
For more than four decades, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey has been splitting plumbing components in two to reveal their hidden inner workings. Armed with band saws, rotary tools, and hacksaws, he has dissected at least 60 different items, from garbage disposers and water heaters to dozens of valves and pipes.
Securing your home has never been more important. With rising property crime rates and the growing prevalence of package theft, homeowners are turning to smart home security systems for reliable, round-the-clock protection. Unlike traditional wired alarm systems that required professional installation and long-term contracts, modern smart security solutions are affordable, DIY-friendly, and packed with features
Setting up a school garden teaches students where food comes from and how natural systems work. A classroom compost bin turns lunch scraps and yard waste into rich soil while demonstrating the cycle of growth and decomposition firsthand. This project, inspired by the team at This Old House, adapts professional landscaping know-how into a sturdy,
Houseplants bring life, color, and a sense of calm into any indoor space. Whether you are a first-time plant owner or someone looking to improve your existing collection, understanding the fundamentals of houseplant care makes all the difference. This Old House landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada and Massachusetts certified horticulturist Jennifer Rollo share practical advice that
A well-crafted storage chest does more than tame household clutter, it adds a timeless furniture piece that enhances any room. Whether you need a place for blankets, keepsakes, or seasonal items, building your own chest lets you control the size, style, and finish. This project from the Hammer It Out series replaces plastic bins with
A properly functioning gutter system is one of the most important defenses your home has against water damage. Without effective gutters, rainwater runs unchecked off the roof, saturating the ground around the foundation, eroding landscaping, and soaking basement or crawl space walls. Over time, this constant moisture exposure can lead to cracked foundations, mold growth,
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across the United States, with the National Interagency Fire Center reporting over 65,000 wildfires annually that burn millions of acres. For homeowners in wildfire-prone regions, the threat comes not just from the main flame front but from flying embers that can travel miles ahead of the fire. These
