The construction industry faces a persistent challenge: finding enough skilled workers to meet growing demand. With the labor shortage showing no signs of easing, construction apprenticeships have emerged as one of the most effective solutions for building a qualified workforce. Programs that pair seasoned professionals with the next generation of builders are not just training […]
When This Old House announced the premiere of The House That Norm Built in October 2022, the event marked more than a television special. It represented a retrospective on one of the most influential careers in American home building. Master carpenter Norm Abram spent 43 years demonstrating the value of precision, patience, and proper technique
Television production is a complex orchestration of talent, crew, scheduling, and logistics that most viewers never see. Behind every episode of a home renovation show lies months of planning, building, filming, and post-production work. The professional painting techniques and construction skills showcased on screen are just one layer of a much deeper production process. One
For over four decades, Norm Abram stood as the quiet authority of American home building on public television. His 43 years on This Old House, combined with 280 episodes of The New Yankee Workshop, represent one of the most extended and influential careers in construction education. When the tribute special The House That Norm Built
When Norm Abram announced his retirement in May 2022, it marked the end of a remarkable chapter in American woodworking education. For nearly four decades, his New Yankee Workshop series taught millions of viewers how to build furniture with precision, patience, and proper technique. The subsequent expiration of the New Yankee Workshop license agreement with
Behind the Scenes at Television Wrap Parties: How Home Renovation Shows Build Fan Communities Through Exclusive Events Television production involves countless hours of planning, filming, and coordination before a single episode reaches viewers. At the conclusion of a successful season, cast and crew traditionally gather for a wrap party to celebrate their work. For home
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 Alison Hardy bought a 1782 farmhouse in the late 1990s, she discovered what countless homeowners before her had learned: century-old windows are drafty, painted shut, and often rotting in spots. Rather than ripping them out, she taught herself to restore them using borrowed tools and reference books. Today, she is known as the Window
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
Brick steps add durability and curb appeal to any home, but over time the mortar joints between bricks can crack, crumble, or pull away. When water seeps into these gaps and freezes, the damage accelerates, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a structural hazard. Repointing, which removes old failed mortar and replaces it with fresh
