What begins as a simple exterior paint job can quickly spiral into a full-scale home renovation when hidden problems emerge behind the walls. That is exactly what happened to one Massachusetts family who set out to refresh the peeling siding on their 1894 Victorian home and ended up with a comprehensive whole-house transformation. Any homeowner […]
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
When Ask This Old House first aired, few could have predicted the lasting impact it would have on home improvement television. For two decades, the show has brought expert contractors directly into viewers’ homes, answering their toughest questions and demonstrating professional techniques. The 20th anniversary episode is a celebration of this legacy, featuring memorable moments,
Historic home preservation offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of architectural heritage while contributing to neighborhood revitalization. The Felix Gans House, an oversize Craftsman bungalow located in Little Rock, Arkansas, exemplifies both the challenges and rewards of taking on a historic preservation project. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a
When homeowners Robyn and Derek bought their home on a quiet Boston street nine years ago, they walked into a house where time had stood still for decades. Originally built on farmland in 1894, the West Roxbury Victorian was the first single-family home erected in its new subdivision at a time when carriages still ruled
For homeowners and contractors seeking a wall surface that combines the best of traditional plaster with modern efficiency, blue board veneer plaster systems offer an ideal solution. Unlike standard drywall, which relies on joint compound and tape to conceal seams, blue board is designed specifically to accept a thin coat of setting-type plaster. This technique
Every skilled tradesperson has an origin story, and few are as unexpected as the journey of Mark McCullough, the beloved mason from This Old House and Ask This Old House. Before he became one of the most recognizable masons on television, McCullough was a teenager unloading watermelons in Chelsea, Massachusetts. His path from that humble
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
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
Transforming a spare room into a functional craft space does not require a massive budget or professional remodeling skills. With smart planning, repurposed materials, and a weekend of hands-on work, you can create a workspace that rivals expensive studio designs. The key is approaching the project like any home improvement task: define your needs, source
