Episodes

6d ago

A professional chimney sweep explains how to safely prep, inspect, and clean your fireplace before lighting the first fire of the season. Award-winning poet and host of The Slowdown, Maggie Smith, shows us inside the 100-year-old house that carried her family through every chapter. Cheap Old Houses creators Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein unpack the reality behind two dreamy listings, including a “reimagined” Southern starter in Macon, Georgia, and a wildly charming but work-heavy 1850s gingerbread house in upstate New York. And our expert shares why a cordless miter saw has become his go to tool for clean, efficient work on job sites. In this episode you’ll learn: * How to decide what to tackle first when your old house has sloping floors, drafty windows, and aging siding. (7:52) * How to get ceiling-fan level comfort in a low, sloped-ceiling addition that doesn’t really have room for a standard fan. (15:12) * How to repair loose, plank tiles and cracked grout lines without replacing your whole tile floor. (20:41) * How to deal with a peeling refinish on an old cast-iron tub (26:50)

Dec 9

Are you wasting money this winter because your home isn’t holding in your warm air? Learn how to do your home energy audit, so you can save money and keep comfortable. Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jeffrey Eugenides takes us inside the prairie-style Michigan home that shaped his childhood and inspired his novel Middlesex, reflecting on architecture, memory, and the way houses shape the stories we tell. And DIY creator Shelby Turner joins us to break down peel-and-stick flooring — how to prep, install, and choose the right materials, plus the tricks that make it renter-friendly and long-lasting. In this episode you’ll learn: How to deal with layers of vinyl and asbestos siding when you want to restore the original wood exterior on an old house. (7:59) How to repair a crumbling exterior concrete window sill (14:38) How to fix creaky, carpeted stairs without fully rebuilding or replacing the staircase. (20:37) How to power your home during a blackout using an electric vehicle or backup battery system tied into a dedicated circuit (26:46). All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Dec 2

TikTok’s cleaning expert Brandon Pleshek shows you how to bounce back from the Thanksgiving mess with simple routines and tools that make any home feel fresh fast. Actor William H. Macy shares the story of his Vermont cabin—and the hard-earned lessons he learned about woodstoves, flies, and finding comfort in the chaos. And food legend Alton Brown breaks down how to build a better backyard grill setup for all your holiday cooking, using just a few basics and some smart know-how. Plus, our experts take your calls on tiles, ceilings, wiring, stucco, and whether your HVAC really needs a surge protector. Five Things You’ll Learn This Episode: * How to know if you need dedicated surge protectors for your HVAC system (9:06) * How to deal with ugly inset floor tile you want to change (14:25) * How to stop bathroom ceiling paint from peeling (18:23) * How to safely replace knob-and-tube wiring—and convince an electrician to help (23:54) * How to repair cracked stucco around a window after leaks and storms (27:44) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Nov 25

Give your house a holiday makeover with the latest and greatest from the north pole. We tell you the latest decoration trends and technology with Jason Woodward from ChristmasDesigners.com. Actor Steve Schirripa reflects on his journey from a crowded Brooklyn apartment to building his dream home in Las Vegas, and how it shaped his understanding of what “home” really means. Also, what happens if your contractor exceeds a quote? We talk about why that happens, and how you can protect yourself. In this episode you will learn: * How to track down and fix a stubborn roof leak where a stucco dormer wall meets the roof. (7:24) * How to repair torn, peeling paint so wall patches disappear even when the light hits them just right. (14:08) * How to diagnose and permanently fix a leaking tiled deck over living space below. (21:18) * How to tell if your new metal chimney liner needs to be grounded or protected from lightning. (27:54) * How to keep a contractor honest and on budget when agreeing on price for a job (39:53) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Nov 18

How to make your home run itself from your phone—simple automations you can set up in minutes, even if you’re not techy. Comedian Tig Notaro opens the door to her family’s Gulf Coast home and the love, loss, and resilience held in its walls. And Cheap Old Houses returns with real listings under $50K—and honest advice on what it really takes to fix them up. On This Episode You Will Learn *How to tell if you should repair your roof or replace it. (7:27) *Why painting a driveway is tricky and what to do if the paint is peeling. (15:04) *How to keep new floors dry on a concrete slab. (20:45) *How to tell if a wall crack is just cosmetic or a sign of a bigger problem. (26:08) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Nov 11

This week on This Old House Radio Hour, we’re breaking down home and renter’s insurance—what you really need, what’s worth skipping, and how to keep premiums affordable without leaving gaps. New York Times Bestselling author and National Book Award nominee Rachel Kushner shares the lessons she learned growing up in a small Oregon bungalow, where creativity mattered more than square footage. And we’ll help you choose the right bathroom exhaust fan so your walls stay dry, your air stays fresh, and your mornings stay quiet. On This Episode You Will Learn: * How to keep pigeons off your roof safely and effectively. (9:41) * How to know when it’s time to call in a pro versus trying it yourself. (11:09) * How to make cold floors feel warmer without major renovations. (14:56) * How to seal up drafty old windows and save on energy bills. (21:05) * How to repaint peeling trim the right way without stripping lead paint. (26:52) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Oct 31

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin shares simple, free ways to make your home feel happier and more organized. Henry Rollins reflects on DC row houses, Ian MacKaye’s attic, and how the punk scene shaped his sense of home. Plus, Cheap Old Houses highlights two historic homes under $30,000, and our experts take listener questions on real home repairs. What you’ll learn: *The right tools to remove old staples and nails from hardwood floors. (7:34) *How to track your home’s energy use and spot problems early. (14:16) *How to protect your belongings and hire a contractor for basement repairs. (20:24) *The best way to clean white residue off brick and masonry. (27:24) *What to check before buying a fixer-upper on a tight budget. (40:14) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Oct 28

It’s an hour of Halloween Horror This Old House style! What happens when your dream home comes with… ghosts? Realtor Cindy Hagley reveals the chilling truths behind buying a stigmatized or haunted house—and what buyers should ask before the ink dries. Then, filmmaker Ronan Day-Lewis revisits his family’s eerie Connecticut farmhouse, where the basement still gives him nightmares. Plus, our electrician shows you how to keep your Halloween decorations from turning your front yard into a real horror show—and our experts tackle your spookiest home repair questions. What You’ll Learn: *How to silence a door that creaks like something out of a haunted mansion. (8:18) *How to strip and refinish a porch ceiling so it doesn’t peel like old wallpaper in a ghost story. (14:15) *How to safely raise a vaulted ceiling without bringing the house down. (20:34) *How to re-mortar crumbling fireplace bricks before they crumble completely to dust. (26:13) *How to power up Halloween lights and inflatables without any shocking surprises. (40:04) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Oct 21

Before wildfire season hits, learn how to keep your house from burning before the flames arrive — and why your gutters might save your foundation. Then, Adam Carolla heads back to his childhood home and discovers that “turnkey” doesn’t mean what he thought. Plus, our landscape and lawn experts share the best ways to winterize your yard and garden. In this episode you’ll also learn: *Why gutters beat drains for stopping basement leaks (11:58) *How to paint and seal concrete countertops the right way (14:21) *The weird but genius baby powder trick for squeaky floors (22:55) *The safest way to hard-wire your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (26:14) *How to grow moss on brick with nothing but yogurt and milk (50:12) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Oct 14

Is that dark patch on your basement wall harmless—or a hidden health hazard? This week, we’re breaking down what every homeowner should know about mold, moisture, and how to keep your home healthy. Plus, Nick Offerman shares memories from the Minooka, Illinois farmhouse where he grew up. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460. In This Episode You Will Learn: *How to tell if a small patch of floor damage can be spot-fixed or if your whole floor needs sanding to look right. (8:43) *How to find out why your outdoor lights keep tripping and how to safely test whether it’s the outlet, the transformer, or the wiring. (14:38) *How to stop cold air from sneaking in under your kitchen appliances by sealing gaps and adding insulation. (18:50) *How to pick the right kind of insulation and understand what “R-value” really means for keeping your home comfortable year-round. (22:14) *How to keep paint from peeling off your home’s trim in strong sun and what materials hold up best in hot climates. (25:57) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Oct 7

Hurricane season is here—this episode of This Old House Radio Hour goes beyond the basics with a step-by-step hurricane preparedness checklist to harden your home before the next storm hits. Plus, actor–director Griffin Dunne’s Beverly Hills childhood home, and Ethan & Elizabeth from Cheap Old Houses share two waterfront sleepers. In this episode you will learn: *How to identify and tame truss uplift so ceiling tape stops cracking. (7:22) *The safe way to deal with mixed-era wiring. (15:04) *Beating a below-grade humidity bunker. (21:00) *Retrofitting insulation in a 100-year-old duplex. (26:21) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Sep 30

Remediation Expert Ron Pike explains the simple rule for asbestos and lead: don’t touch it until you test it, and call in a pro if needed. Comedian Rhett McLaughlin (Good Mythical Morning) takes us inside his North Carolina log cabin, where family memories and even a few critters remind us why home matters. This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor checks in from Asheville, one year after Hurricane Helene, to show how families are rebuilding smarter and stronger. In This Episode You Will Learn: *Asbestos & lead: If you find a scary-looking old material, don’t panic—stop, test it, and let a professional handle the rest. (1:49) *Floors: If your new floor makes clicking noises, a contractor can inject glue under the boards so you don’t need to start over. (8:56) *Painting: Primer alone won’t last outside—paint over it quickly, or it will peel no matter how careful you were. (15:10) *Siding: Only replace shingles that are cracked or curling; the rest can be left alone to naturally age to gray. (20:10) *Musty rooms: **Fresh air is the cure—**sometimes adding a small fan or vent is all it takes to clear the smell. (26:58) This Old House Radio Hour has been nominated for a Signal Award in the advice and how to category. Help us win by voting today! https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/advice-how-to

Sep 23

This week we break down how to build a net-zero home with YouTuber Matt Ferrell—from electrification and heat pumps to solar, batteries, and smart load-shifting. Then On Point’s Meghna Chakrabarti takes us back to her Corvallis, Oregon childhood home where her parents grew their version of the American dream. And Cheap Old Houses spotlights a 1930s stucco in San Antonio and a Mississippi farmstead with room to grow. In This Episode You Will Learn: *Plaster ceilings: How to assess hairline vs. structural cracks and repair them with mesh tape, skim coat, and repainting—without a costly tear-out. (9:04) *Duct cleaning cadence: How to decide if your ducts actually need cleaning (filter MERV ratings, photo/snake-cam check) and set a realistic 3–5 year schedule. (14:32) *Hot upstairs/half-story: How to cool and heat a tricky finished attic with a mini-split now, and plan insulation/air-sealing or an over-roof upgrade later. (21:33) *Leaky gable vents: How to permanently seal/flash problem vents using liquid flashing, a drip edge, and PVC trim for a watertight closure. (25:29) *Smelly washer: How to de-funk a front-loader with a vinegar/water scrub of the drum and gasket—and keep odors away by drying with the door ajar. (49:50) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Sep 16

Inspector Fletch walks us through the essentials of a professional home inspection—from spotting foundation cracks and moisture intrusion to attic ventilation and hidden safety risks—so homeowners can protect their biggest investment with confidence. Plus, New Yorker editor David Remnick recalls life in a Moscow flat as a young correspondent during the collapse of the Soviet Union, showing how home and history intertwine in unexpected ways. Finally, our experts break down the red flags, green lights, and smart questions to ask before hiring a contractor so you don’t get burned. In this episode, you will learn: Spot foundation cracks and moisture problems before they turn into costly repairs. (3:32) Phase and prioritize projects as a new homeowner so you save money and stress. (8:56) Handle wiring issues safely and know when it’s time to call a licensed electrician. (14:49) Fix a rotted bathroom floor caused by leaks with a clear, step-by-step repair. (20:21) Hire the right contractor by recognizing red flags and asking the smart questions. (49:14) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460. Keywords #homeInspection #foundationcrack #moistureproblems #electricalwiring #whentocallanelectrician #bathroomfloorrot #toiletleak #howtohireacontractor #contractorredflags #David Remnick #TheNewYorker #Russia #ThisOldHouse #DIY #HomeImprovement

Sep 9

Learn how the right paint colors can boost your mood, why muted patterns calm anxiety, how to test pipes for lead with a magnet, the fix for mysterious cracking tile noises, and whether solar panels work on moonlight. Plus: Mike and Molly’s Billy Gardell shares the story of buying his first home, experts tackle driveway erosion, and you’ll get pro tips like removing marble stains with baking soda and protecting tools with charcoal.

Sep 2

We meet the founders of Move Over Bob, a fast-growing initiative to inspire more young women to enter the trades, Bangles founder Susanna Hoffs takes us inside the living room she transformed into a recording studio, and Alton Brown shows us how to hack everyday hardware into outdoor cooking gear. Plus, our experts tackle listener calls ranging from squeaky theater floors to century-old wiring, offering hands-on solutions for projects big and small. In this episode you will learn: Stage squeaks: How to locate joists, use trim/finish screws, and fill for a seamless, quiet repair. (8:41) Paint hole filling: Using Bondo and other high-quality fillers for thousands of small nail holes, and the importance of keying filler deep into wood for durability. (16:14) Historic siding (1888 cottage): Oil vs. water-based primer and topcoat strategy for long-term exterior durability. (17:08) Marble vanity + cracked sink: Which professional to call first (plumber vs. countertop fabricator), replacement options, and pitfalls of vessel sinks. (19:52) Old wiring (cloth/asbestos wrapped): Why electrical tape is not enough, safety concerns, and when a full rewire is the only option. (27:26) Keywords #MoveoverBob #womenintrades #SuzannaHoffs #DIY acoustics #Alton Brown #outdoorcooking #squeakystage #oilvswaterprimer #marble #asbestoswiring

Aug 26

The future of home security — from smart locks and cameras to Wi-Fi safety and DIY alarm systems. Plus, Grammy-winning banjo player Alison Brown takes us inside Nashville’s legendary Hillbilly Central, we tour a historic 1811 log home and a lakeside A-frame in Indiana with Cheap Old Houses, and our pros answer your DIY questions on fascia repair, smart mirror installation, ventless dryers, and roof moss removal. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460. In This Episode You Will Learn: How to build a layered modern home security system with high-security locks, cameras, alarms, and Wi-Fi safeguards. (1:04) The right way to repair fascia boards, prevent wood rot, and protect your roofline with proper priming and painting. (11:18) How to safely install a smart mirror on a tiled bathroom wall, including wiring tips and circuit planning. (14:09) The surprising benefits of a ventless dryer—from saving energy to reducing fire risk and adding placement flexibility. (21:24) The best way to remove moss and lichen from your roof without damaging shingles, plus tricks to stop regrowth. (27:14) A mason’s simple fix for mortar that’s drying too fast, saving time and material on any masonry project. (50:06) KEYWORDS #homesecurity #smartlocks #smartcameras #alarmsystems #passwordsecurity #smarthome #deadbolt #homesafety #ThisOldHouseRadio Hour #alisonbrown #nashville #ventlessdryer #smartmirrorinstallation

Aug 19

Discover how tool lending libraries are transforming DIY, get expert advice on fixing crank-out windows, troubleshoot EV charging electrical mysteries, and explore actress and filmmaker Embeth Davidtz's soulful Hawaiian home restoration—plus insider tips for buying your next air conditioner. From hands-on repairs to design inspiration, this episode of This Old House Radio Hour delivers practical know-how you can use right now. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Step-by-step solutions for repairing or replacing a crank-out window sash without breaking the bank (8:06) Expert troubleshooting for electrical issues caused by EV chargers, solar panels, and GFCI outlets (13:56) Fixing weather stripping on a wood front door (21:06) Replacing or removing a glass tile backsplash (25:42) How to choose the right air conditioner for your space—covering BTUs, efficiency, noise levels, and must-have modern features (40:07) Keywords: #toollendinglibrary #DIY #homeimprovementtips #crank-outwindowrepair #EVcharger #airconditionerbuyingguide #EmbethDavidtz #Kauai #portableACvswindowAC #BTUcalculator #ThisOldHouseRadioHour

Aug 12

Tech Radar’s Lance Ulanoff reveals the one smart home upgrade that truly changes how your house functions—and it’s not what you think. Plus, Daryl Hall gives a tour of his 1787 farmhouse, and our experts answer your calls on noisy windows, wobbly railings, and cracked concrete floors. In This Episode, You Will Learn: The one smart home upgrade worth investing in—and how it actually works (1:00) What to do if your stair railing is wobbly and unsafe (09:05) How to block out highway noise with an interior storm window (20:16) The best way to fix and seal a powdery, cracked concrete floor (26:11) How Daryl Hall restored his 1787 farmhouse—and what it taught him about (32:49) Keywords: #SmartHomeUpgrade #SmartThermostat #SmartHomePrivacy #DarylHallHouse #ThisOldHousePodcast #HistoricHomeTour #DIYHomeRepair #NoisyWindowsFix #CrackedConcreteFloor #StairRailingRepair

Aug 5

Designer Stacey Lapuk shares how to reinvent your home post-divorce—creating spaces that reflect who you are now, not who you used to be. Plus, we dig into generator basics, haunted house tales from cartoon voice legend Billy West, and DIY fixes for rusted beams, drawer upgrades, and countertop repairs. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to redesign your home after divorce or heartbreak (0:55) What to know before buying a generator (portable vs. standby) (40:21) Whether rust on steel beams is a structural issue—or just cosmetic (8:05) If soft-close drawers can be added to existing cabinetry (17:43) The best way to fix chips in cultured marble countertops (23:07) #breakupdesign #postdivorcehome #generatorbuyingguide #rustrepair #softclosedrawers #culturedmarblefix #BillyWest #ThisOldHouseRadioHour #hauntedhouse #billywest #futurama #renandstimpy All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Jul 29

This week on This Old House Radio Hour, we’re talking about something you can’t see but definitely feel: the air inside your home. Kenneth Mendez, president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, shares the smartest, science-backed ways to improve indoor air quality—from high-heat laundry to HEPA vacuums—and explains why your bedroom might be the most important place to start. Then, The Splendid Table’s Francis Lam takes us back to the New Jersey home of his childhood. With vivid stories of birthday parties, incense-filled kitchens, and Hardy Boys books read in a mirror-covered living room, Francis reflects on how homes carry our deepest identities and contradictions. We also help callers tackle squeaky floors, stubborn drafts, mismatched temperatures, and that infamous 1970s gold bathtub. Plus, a fresh edition of House Rules and a real estate segment from Cheap Old Houses featuring a tiny Gothic summer cottage and a quirky Kansas gem for under $55,000. All this, plus a “Simple Fix” from Tom Silva that will stop your window drafts cold. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to reduce indoor allergens room-by-room (0:55) Where to place air purifiers for maximum impact (3:56) Tips for dealing with uneven heating in split-level homes (17:13) How to fix squeaky wood floors with a DIY plug-and-glue method (22:49) When that faint stain on your drywall means trouble—and when it doesn’t (27:53)

Jul 22

From designing homes that support neurodivergent family members to building your cat the ultimate backyard enclosure, this episode is packed with practical advice for every kind of household. Plus, we tour author Sloane Crosley’s West Village apartment and share DIY fixes for leaky outlets, drafty attics, wood siding, and crumbly foundations. • Inclusive Home Design (:55) • Attic Insulation 101 (8:42) • Restoring Old Wood Siding (16:38) • Painting Stone Foundations (26:28) • Building the Perfect Catio (39:37) Keywords: #InclusiveHomeDesign #NeurodivergentSupport #DrSusanFaja #SensoryFriendlySpaces #AtticInsulationTips #WoodSidingRestoration #CatioBuild #SloaneCrosley #PictureHangingHack#HomeDIYProjects #HistoricHomeRestoration #CatLoversDIY #SealDraftyOutlets #CalmingHomeDesign #HomeImprovementTips #Catio #ThisOldHouse

Jul 15

Want to block out noisy neighbors, fix roof leaks, or renovate a retro gem? This episode features YouTube’s Soundproof Guide Martin Poirier, comedian Paula Poundstone’s emotional home story, and expert answers to your biggest home questions—from radon and chimneys to indoor pool flooring and Lustron houses. • Soundproofing for Renters (0:55) • Radon Mitigation Simplified (8:34) • Tracking Down Roof Leaks (17:43) • Best Flooring for Indoor Pools (22:17) • Why Lustron Homes Still Shine (40:21) Keywords: #SoundproofingTips #MartinPoirier #PaulaPoundstone #LustronHomes RadonMitigation #RoofLeakFix #IndoorPoolFlooring #SteelHouseDesign #RetroHomes #QuietHomeSolutions #HomeImprovement #DIYFixes #ChimneyRepair #ThisOldHouse #SoundproofGuide

Jul 8

From renter-friendly kitchen hacks with Hedley and Bennett founder Ellen Marie Bennett to backyard beekeeping tips from TikTok’s Bowser Bee, this episode is packed with smart solutions and inspiring stories—including a 5,700 sq ft hand-carved cave home in Utah. Plus, we answer your top home repair questions about cracked ceilings, woodpecker damage, antique doors, and post-blast brickwork. • Smarter Kitchen Flow: (0:54) • Cracked Ceiling Fixes (8:53) • Woodpecker Deterrents (17:28) • How to Hang an Old Door (22:13) • How to Start Beekeeping (40:49) Keywords : #KitchenOrganization #TinyKitchenTips #BackyardBeekeeping #OffGridLiving #HomeRepairTips #ThisOldHouse #BowserBee #EllenMarieBennett #WoodpeckerDamage #DIYBrickRepair #HomeImprovement #BeehiveSetup #AntiqueDoors #CaveHome #GrantJohnsonUtah #HedleyandBennett

Jul 1

Expert babyproofing tips from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to keep your home safe from newborn to toddlerhood—plus clever fixes for shifting floors, cracked stucco, and prepping your home for hurricanes. • How to babyproof for every stage (1:03) • How to shift floating floorboards (8:13) • Repair cracks in stucco around windows (17:32) • Portable generator safely for hurricane-prone homes (26:25) • How to keep your A/C running efficiently (39:13) Keywords: #babyproofing #homeimprovementtips #CheapOldHouses #portablegenerator #stuccorepair #floatingfloors #toddlersafety #newbornsleep #JCourtneySullivan #ThisOldHouseRadioHour #ACmaintenance

Jun 24

We explore the return of the American porch with architect Charlie Hailey, tour Nathaniel Rateliff’s mountain recording retreat, and answer your toughest DIY questions—from brick repair and deck fixes to bathroom ventilation and arc fault detectors. Plus, we dig into urban gardening tips with Detroit’s Kamaria Gray—whether you’ve got a backyard or just a windowsill, we’ve got the tools and tips to help you grow. • Porch design tips (0:55) • Masonry fix: Water-damaged brick (8:35) • Deck repair: How to fill an old hot tub hole (17:03) • Arc fault detectors: Are they worth it? 21:22) • Bathroom ventilation (26:24) • Urban gardening tips (40:29) • Simple Fix: Tip smoother paint jobs (49:55) Keywords: #porchdesign #urbanfarming #NathanielRateliff #DIYhomeimprovement #brickrepair #deckrepair #ventilationtips #arcfaultdetectors #gardeningtips #homeprojects #ThisOldHouseRadioHour #charliehailey #hoodsteadfarm #kamariagray

Jun 17

Get these amazing cleaning tips from TikTok’s “Clean That Up” guy Brendan Pleshak. Plus, how to preserve vintage tile, test for lead paint, upgrade rake boards with PVC, fix lawn grubs, stop sewer backups, and hear “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” host Peter Sagal’s hilarious story of buying the wrong house. • DIY Vinegar Cleaner (0:55) • Vintage Tile Advice (9:48) • Flooding Solutions (17:27) • Lead Paint Safety (21:38) • Rake Board Repair with PVC (26:49) • Peter Sagal’s House of Horror (32:37) Keywords: #cleanthatup #brendanpleshak #ultimate cleaning tips #DIY vinegar cleaner #natural cleaning hacks #lead paint safety #how to replace rake board #PVC trim repair #vintage tile restoration #combined sewer flooding #grub control lawn #bucket seeding hack #Peter Sagal #waitwaitdonttellme #This Old House Radio Hour

Jun 10

Make your home safer for seniors with these aging-in-place upgrades, fix fireplace switches and tile holes, and refinish butcher block the right way. Plus, we compare gas vs. induction, share a DIY weed killer that works, and hear from Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins about restoring his Victorian home. • How to make your home safer for seniors (0:55) • Wiring a wall switch for a gas fireplace (8:38) • How to hide tile holes after glass shower reinstallation (16:35) • The best food-safe finish for butcher block counters (23:04) • Fixing HVAC issues in multi-level homes (27:36) • Stephan Jenkins’ renovation journey in a San Francisco Victorian (32:56) • Gas vs. induction: Which is right for your kitchen? (41:09) • Simple Fix: DIY weed killer you can mix in minutes (49:46) Keywords: #aging in place #fireplace switch repair #butcher block finish #shower tile repair #gas vs induction #DIY weed killer #Stephan Jenkins #San Francisco Victorian #home safety upgrades #This Old House Radio Hour

Jun 3

The Neat Method shows us how to declutter any space—no label maker needed—plus expert fixes for damaged brick, cedar beams, and peeling garage doors. We also share a simple trick to drill safely into walls and hear from Marketplace host David Brancaccio on rebuilding after a wildfire. • The best way to organize any space (1:08) • Fixing a floating floor (9:27) • Repairing bricks with damaged faces (17:50) • Water-stained cedar beam solutions (23:14) • How to repaint a steel garage door without peeling (26:42) • David Brancaccio’s journey of loss and rebuilding after fire (32:51) • Cheap Old Houses: A circular midcentury gem and a 7,200 sq ft schoolhouse (40:20) • Simple Fix: How to drill safely without hitting pipes or wires (49:48) Keywords: #JunkDrawer #HomeOrganization #DIYHomeRepairs #NeatMethod #GarageDoorPainting #BrickRepair #ThisOldHouse #WildfireRecovery #SimpleFix #CheapOldHouses #HomeImprovement #HowToDrillIntoWallsSafely #DavidBrancaccio

May 27

Learn how to bring more balance and flow into your home with feng shui tips from architect Cliff Tan, plus expert guidance on porch restoration, wall insulation, brick painting, and propane retrofits. Plus, make your lawn look like Fenway Park with pro tips from former Boston Red Sox groundskeeper David Mellor. Keywords: #feng shui home tips #Cliff Tan feng shui #feng shui furniture placement #how to paint brick #how to insulate block walls #how to restore a porch #propane heating retrofit #David Mellor lawn tips #Fenway #lawncare # Boston Red Sox #This Old House Radio Hour

May 20

Expert tips to keep bugs and critters out of your home from the Bug Boys. Plus, William H. Macy gives us a tour of his hand-built Vermont cabin, and Cheap Old Houses spotlights affordable historic homes in Ohio and Michigan. Keywords: #spring pest prevention #how to get rid of bugs #pest control tips #William H. Macy #cabin #woodworking #DIY cabin build #cheap old houses #historic homes for sale #Ohio homes #Michigan real estate #Rust Belt property #This Old House Radio Hour

May 13

This week on This Old House Radio Hour, we meet Bo Petterson—a 66-year-old dad, DIYer, and unexpected TikTok sensation. Known to millions as @DadAdviceFromBo, Bo began posting home repair videos with his daughter Emily as a way to help her recover from a traumatic brain injury. What started as a private act of love has grown into a viral force for good, offering step-by-step repair tips, emotional support, and the quiet reassurance that it’s okay not to know everything. Then in *My Old House*, acclaimed author Walter Mosley returns to the South Central Los Angeles bungalow where he grew up—a 1,500-square-foot home filled with fruit trees, family, and the kind of detail that shaped his voice as a writer. With warmth and reflection, Mosley explores the power of place, the meaning of identity, and the memories that never leave the walls we call home. Plus: your DIY questions, a round of *What’s That Sound?*, the surprising history of toilet paper etiquette, and Mauro Henrique’s clever painter’s tape workaround you’ll want to try this weekend.

May 6

This week on This Old House Radio Hour—what does it mean to rebuild not just homes, but entire communities? Sunset Magazine editor-in-chief Hugh Garvey joins us to discuss the magazine’s special issue devoted to the rebuilding of Altadena and Pacific Palisades in the wake of January’s devastating wildfires. Sunset, a voice in California architecture for over 125 years, has assembled an extraordinary coalition of architects, planners, artists, and historians. Together, they offer not just a plan, but a call to action—for fire-resilient homes, culturally grounded design, and a West that can weather what’s coming. Then we travel from the hills of Los Angeles to the streets of Tulsa, where Danny Boy O’Connor—from House of Pain—takes us inside his remarkable second act. After bottoming out, he bought a run-down house for $15,000... and it just happened to be the house from The Outsiders. What followed was a full restoration, a pilgrimage, and a new life. We take a tour of the Outsiders Museum and meet the community that made it possible. Later, Cheap Old Houses is back—Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein spotlight a dreamy 1870s Victorian in Fredonia, Kentucky and an off-the-grid cabin on federal forest land in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, both for under $100,000. Plus, another round of House Rules, our listener-powered game that tests your home renovation know-how. And in The Simple Fix, we show you how to find a stud in your baseboard—without breaking the wall. And as always, we’re taking your calls. Got a house problem, project hurdle, or just need a little advice? Call us at (877) 864-7460. All that and more, coming up on This Old House Radio Hour.

Apr 29

This week, we meet writer Patrick Hutchinson who bought a $7,500 off-the grid, moss-covered Craigslist cabin—and taught himself to fix it with YouTube and trial and error. How he went from clueless to carpenter and changed his life. Actor Alessandro Nivola shares how his Brooklyn row house became a living tribute to Brutalism, family, and art history. Plus: – Mold or mystery? Our experts explain why cutting drywall might just save your house. – What to say to an electrician who won’t touch your knob-and-tube wiring. – Why workwear is having a high-fashion moment—and what that says about the way we live. – And a simple fix using a golf tee that just might realign your door and your DIY confidence. Got a home issue? Call us at (877) 864-7460. We’ve got the experts—and a few surprises.

Apr 22

On this week’s This Old House Radio Hour, architects Jack Becker and Andrew Linn of BLDUS in Washington, D.C. explain how they’re turning the sustainable food movement into a sustainable building movement with their “Farm-to-Shelter” philosophy—drawing inspiration from Chef’s Table and using regional, regenerative materials to create homes that are beautiful, healthy, and good for the planet. Then, bestselling author Ariel Lawhon (Frozen River) returns to her childhood bunker in Taos, New Mexico, built by her father with no electricity or running water, in this week’s “My Old House.” Plus, Cheap Old Houses returns with listings in Oil City, PA and Garfield, WA, we play a new listener game called House Rules, and our expert team fields your DIY questions—from mysterious outlets and noisy neighbors to fence repairs and stubborn carpet glue. Need help with your home? Call us at 1-877-864-7460 or email us at, questions@thisoldhouse.com

Apr 15

Adam Savage—former MythBuster and maker movement icon—joins us to talk about the philosophy of tools, the joy of failure, and building a 200-hour replica of Hellboy’s revolver. Then we visit Charleston to uncover the truth behind those sideways-facing row houses (spoiler: it’s not about taxes). Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash invites us into her lovingly restored 1855 Manhattan brownstone, where music, memory, and steampunk-Jane-Austen style live in harmony. Plus, our experts take your calls—from crooked kitchen cabinets to leaking pond pumps—and face off in a hilarious round of What’s That Sound?

Apr 8

On this episode of This Old House Radio Hour, we sit down with viral sensation Caleb Simpson, the TikTok star who’s made a name asking one simple question: “How much do you pay in rent?” Caleb shares what 500+ home tours have taught him about housing, design, and what our spaces say about who we are. Then, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin reflects on turning grief into meaning by recreating her 19th-century farmhouse inside a Boston condo. Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein from Cheap Old Houses showcase two historic stunners for less than $125K, including one with its own National Register–listed playhouse. We also dive into your DIY questions—from whether you should paint over ugly floor tile, to what to do with a puddle-prone bathtub, and how to protect your HVAC system from power surges. And we play another round of What’s That Sound?, where your favorite This Old House pros try to guess the noise—and maybe save your outlets in the process. All that, plus a Simple Fix from Jenn Nawada that tells you if your backyard trees are dying.

Apr 1

On this week’s episode, we rethink the meaning of home—from the scale of a single room to the soul of a sprawling city. First, visionary architect and best-selling author Sarah Susanka joins us to reflect on the enduring appeal of her groundbreaking book The Not So Big House. She unpacks power of designing for quality over quantity, how smarter, smaller spaces can transform our lives, and why her “Not So Big” philosophy is more relevant than ever in a world grappling with sustainability, affordability, and a hunger for meaning in our living spaces. Then we travel to Walpole, New Hampshire, where acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns has created his own sanctuary on 111 acres of rolling New England landscape. He walks us through the barn he dreamed up as a child and built as an adult—proof that sometimes, the stories we tell start with the places we make. And finally, a bold conversation about the future of Los Angeles. In a time of housing crises, infrastructure strain, and environmental urgency, we explore b—one that centers community, climate, and the power of design to create a city that works for everyone. All that, plus your DIY and Home Improvement questions answered. Call us today at 877-864-7460

Mar 25

Welcome to the Premiere of This Old House Radio Hour! Join us for an hour of expert-driven DIY and home improvement, where craftsmanship, history, and hands-on know-how come together. Master carpenter Callum Robinson reads from his bestselling memoir, Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman, and shares with host Jenn Largesse the deep joy of woodworking—and the stories locked inside every piece of wood. Then, we head to Le Claire, Iowa, where American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe restores a 19th-century general store on the banks of the Mississippi River. Plus, we uncover historic homes under $1,000 with Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein from Cheap Old Houses! All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Mar 11

This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement for over four decades. Now, we’re bringing that same expertise to the airwaves with This Old House Radio Hour. Each week we answer your DIY and renovation questions. Plus, we dive into the latest trends from building science to design with an ear for great storytelling about the places we call home.