This Old House Radio Hour
Gardening
This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, expert renovation advice, and DIY inspiration for over 40 years. Now, that trusted guidance comes to your ears with This Old House Radio Hour—a weekly home improvement podcast...
Location:
United States
Genres:
Gardening
Description:
This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, expert renovation advice, and DIY inspiration for over 40 years. Now, that trusted guidance comes to your ears with This Old House Radio Hour—a weekly home improvement podcast designed to help homeowners, renters, and renovators take better care of the places they live. Hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse, and featuring fan-favorite experts like Zack Dettmore (general contractor), Richard Trethewey (plumbing and HVAC specialist), and Jenn Nawada (landscape designer), each episode offers practical, step-by-step solutions to real home improvement problems. Listeners can expect weekly episodes packed with actionable advice on everything from plumbing and electrical upgrades to bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing, HVAC maintenance, flooring installation, window repair, insulation tips, and more. We answer listener questions, break down renovation techniques, and spotlight smart fixes for everyday challenges. Whether you're a first-time DIYer, a seasoned weekend warrior, or just trying to make sense of home maintenance, This Old House Radio Hour is your go-to podcast for trusted home improvement tips, expert advice, and project ideas that actually work. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and start building a better home, one episode at a time.
Language:
English
Website:
https://www.apmdistribution.org/
Episodes
Plug-and-Play Solar + A Refugee Family’s Blue House + A $39K Historic Steal
3/10/2026
Energy bills are climbing, but a new wave of “plug and play” solar is making it easier for homeowners and renters to start generating their own power without a full rooftop install. Then, author Kao Kalia Yang takes us inside the drafty blue St. Paul duplex that helped her refugee family redefine what “home” could be. Plus, Cheap Old Houses spotlights an 1895 shingle-style Victorian in Arkansas for under $40,000, and the team breaks down what’s charming, what’s risky, and how historic tax credits can help bring a place like this back to life.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How chain-drive garage door openers compare to belt-drive models, and what’s involved in switching (8:37)
* What might cause eerie “whistling” in plumbing after you shut off a faucet, and a simple test to diagnose it (14:19)
* Whether salvaging vintage windows for a period home is worth the effort, and how to shop for historically appropriate modern replacements (21:07)
* How to prioritize foundation and HVAC concerns when you’re also planning a future addition or major renovation (26:00)
Duration:00:51:31
Tornado Shelter Truths + Renovation Red Flags + Tracy Sierra’s 300-Year-Old Colonial
3/3/2026
As tornado season ramps up, we separate myth from fact about storm protection and explain what actually makes a shelter tornado-rated. Then bestselling author Tracy Sierra takes us inside her 300-year-old New England colonial, where squeaky floorboards, carved windowpanes, and a real bump in the night helped spark her latest novel. Finally, structural engineer Dr. Nehemiah Mabry lays out the clear line between cosmetic updates and risky renovations, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call in a licensed pro.
On this episode you’ll learn:
* Whether insulating between an 1806 home’s basement and original first-floor wood floors is worth it, and how to do it without trapping moisture.
* Why certain rooms and interior walls can feel unusually hot in winter and cold in summer with a ducted heat-pump system, and how to diagnose air leakage or airflow patterns.
* What to do when a single slate shower tile starts turning to powder, including whether it’s a bad tile, a moisture issue, and how sealing and maintenance can help.
* Options for updating a large vaulted popcorn ceiling in a 1992 home.
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:31
The Truth About House Burping + Nick Offerman’s Farmhouse
2/21/2026
We discuss the truth about “house burping,” when opening your windows helps, when it doesn’t, and what actually keeps your indoor air healthy. Nick Offerman returns to the Illinois farmhouse that shaped his love of building. Plus, we break down how to make sure your contractor pulls the right permits, before a small oversight turns into a big problem.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How to fix a leaky glass shower door: where the water is really escaping and what stops it. (8:17)
* How to switch a wood fireplace to gas or electric and which one is right for you. (14:28)
* Which anchors to trust in drywall, how to pick the right strength, and how to secure things without wrecking your walls. (19:44)
* The best lighting options for an unfinished basement, when to call an electrician, and why more outlets can save you headaches later. (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.
Duration:00:51:31
Building Tomorrow: A Special Look at the Future of Housing
2/17/2026
Building Tomorrow is a special collaboration between Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour that asks a simple but urgent question: how do we build homes that can last the next hundred years? From wildfire rebuilds to factory-built housing, this hour explores how new materials, new methods, and new ideas about community are reshaping the future of housing in America. Hosted by Jenn Largesse and Marketplace’s David Brancaccio, the episode blends reporting, lived experience, and hard science to show what’s possible right now.
In this episode you’ll learn about:
* A massive prefab factory where homes are built like cars on an assembly line.
* A disaster research campus where engineers crash-test houses against hurricanes, hail, and wildfire.
* A cutting-edge microfactory using software and small factories to build homes faster, locally, and at scale.
* Touring a pioneering cross-laminated timber home built as a living case study in low-carbon construction.
* How a 100-year-old house is transformed into a net-zero, future-ready home.
* A tiny-house community redefining retirement, aging, and what “home” really means.
Note: In the segment featuring Aloe Blacc's pre fabricated home, the exterior is made of cement fiber but the interior is not. The home's fire resilience comes from a combination of steel framing, fiber cement siding, and triple paned windows.
Duration:00:51:31
How to Remove Smoke Smells + Gas Fireplace Safety + Lewis Black’s Basement
2/10/2026
Learn how to get rid of stubborn smoke odor in a home. Restoration expert Darren Hudema breaks down how to ID the type of smoke you’re dealing with, what you can safely tackle yourself, and when it’s time to call a certified pro We visit comedian Lewis Black’s childhood bungalow, where basement ping-pong rivalries, radio as a lifeline, and his family’s creative streak shaped the person he became. Then Cheap Old Houses returns with two sub-$30K listings, breaking down what’s charming, what’s alarming, and what’s realistically fixable. Finally, Zach shares a deceptively simple favorite tool: a toothbrush, for cleaning glue squeeze-out from detailed trim before it hardens.
In this episode you will learn:
* How to safely start using gas fireplaces you have not turned on in years. (9:02)
* How often key home systems should be inspected and where to find a seasonal home maintenance checklist. (12:08)
* What to do when window and shutter work leaves new drywall cracks, damaged corner bead, and rust bleed-through. (14:16)
* How to replace a stuck drain on a pedestal sink and when removing the sink (or replacing it) is the most practical path forward. (19:38)
* Which air-conditioning options work best for older, historically detailed homes without existing ductwork, plus the pros and cons of different options. (25:35)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:30
Freeze-Proof Your Pipes + Fix a Flawed Shower + Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary
2/3/2026
With even colder days ahead, Jody Gardner from Climate Control Kansas City shares how you can protect your pipes from bursting, and the technology you can use to make sure a burst pipe does not flood your home. Chef Roy Choi walks us through the first house his immigrant family owned in Orange County and how a bustling, fermentation-heavy kitchen shaped his senses, his privacy, and ultimately his path as a chef. Finally, sleep expert Dr. Michael Bruce shares simple bedroom upgrades that improve rest by working with your body’s five senses.
In this episode you’ll learn:
*Whether running your central HVAC fan can really replace a bathroom exhaust fan, and why moisture control still matters for mold prevention. (8:31)
*Why a poorly sloped shower floor can’t be fixed from the surface, plus smarter options for dealing with staining and discolored grout. (14:13)
*What it means when an outlet still shows power after the breaker is off, and how to safely verify electrical work with the right testing tools. (20:28)
*How to insulate a drafty sunroom to make it more comfortable year-round. (26:20)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:20
Easy Weekend Home Upgrades + Contractor Secrets + John Grisham’s Farmhouse
1/27/2026
If your home feels a little tired after the holidays, we’ve packed this episode with fast, budget-friendly upgrades you can tackle in a single weekend—from smart lighting tricks and warm color temperatures to simple layering that instantly makes rooms feel brighter, calmer, and more put-together. In Contractor Confidential, we break down how to handle unfinished renovation details, manage a punch list, and follow up with a contractor without awkward conversations or surprise costs. Plus, bestselling author John Grisham takes us inside his 200-year-old Virginia farmhouse, sharing the daily writing rituals, quiet workspaces, and deep family history that make “the big yellow house” a true home.
In this episode you will learn:
* Tell the difference between harmless ceiling cracks from normal house movement and cracks that mean it’s time to call a contractor. (7:36)
* Understand what low levels of asbestos under old tile actually mean, and when it’s a real health concern versus unnecessary worry. (14:11)
* Why contractors often recommend full window replacement for a rotten sill—and what smaller, less expensive repair options may still exist. (18:20)
* The right order to prime and patch plaster walls before painting over wallpaper, so you don’t end up with bubbling or peeling paint. (26:11)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:19
Smarter Moving Tips + Susan Orlean’s Schindler House + DIY Wallpaper Made Easy
1/20/2026
A professional mover shares the biggest mistakes people make, the packing supplies that actually matter, and the small planning choices that can save your stuff (and your sanity) on move day. We visit a 1946 Rudolph Schindler home in Los Angeles with author Susan Orlean, who brought the home back to its original vision. Plus, a mother-daughter wallpaper team explains why wallpaper is back, what types to choose for different rooms and lifestyles, and why today’s materials and techniques make hanging (and removing) it far less intimidating than its reputation.
In this episode you will learn:
* Condensation and dripping on exposed beams in a vaulted ceiling after a roof rebuild, especially on sunny days in humid weather (9:01)
* Why water-based paint peels off oil-based paint, and how to fix it using stripping and the right bonding primer (14:40)
* Whether lifting a 120-year-old house is a realistic flood-mitigation strategy and how to weigh cost, disruption, and insurance impacts (20:32)
* Adding a neutral wire to a 14-50 receptacle used for an EV charger so it can also power an RV, and whether hardwiring is the better setup (28:02)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:20
Weekly Check List That Prevents Costly Repairs + Fixing Wood Floor Gaps
1/13/2026
A few minutes a week can save your home — and your sanity. This episode shows how a simple, year-round home checklist prevents big repairs, answers listener questions on floors, ovens, mirrors, and stone walls, and explores what “home” really means through Pulitzer Prize–winner Viet Thanh Nguyen and Cheap Old Houses.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
*How to create a simple weekly home checklist that prevents costly repairs and insurance headaches before they happen. (1:22)
*How to tell if wood floor gaps and filler failure are normal — and what to fix, what to ignore, and what can become a safety issue. (7:57)
*How to check whether your electrical system can handle a new oven or induction range by reading breakers, wiring, and outlet types. (14:12)
*How to safely build and hang a heavy DIY mirror using basic tools, mirror adhesive, and simple hardware that won’t fail. (19:51)
*How to prep the right base for a small stone garden wall so it stays stable without overbuilding or unnecessary expense. (26:40)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:19
Aging in Place + Buying the Right Generator + Roseanne Cash’s Brownstone
1/6/2026
Don’t wait for a fall to force change — aging in place is about smart decisions made early. This episode covers the home upgrades that protect your independence, a soulful tour of Roseanne Cash’s Chelsea brownstone, how to choose the right generator before a blackout, and real homeowner calls with practical fixes.
In this episode you'll learn:
*How to make simple aging-in-place upgrades, like safer entryways, bathrooms, and clear paths through your home, to prevent falls before they happen. (1:00)
*How to repair hairline cracks in original plaster ceilings and know when simple patching is enough instead of replacing the ceiling. (9:00)
*How to remove moss and lichen from your roof without damage, using soft washing instead of high-pressure spraying. (14:02)
*How to handle an old dryer vent after switching to a ventless dryer, and why it’s smart to keep future options open. (19:25)
*How to install a smart, lighted mirror on a tiled wall, including wiring it correctly and drilling tile without cracking it. (26:20)
Duration:00:51:28
Make Your Home Feel Bigger + Daryl Hall’s Old House + Cesar Millan’s Dog Run
12/30/2025
You don’t need more square footage — just smarter design. Architect Sarah Susanka reveals how simple, non-construction tweaks can make your home feel bigger, while Daryl Hall tours his restored 1787 home, Cesar Millan rethinks the dog run, and our experts answer real homeowner questions live.
In this episode you'll learn:
*How to safely connect a portable generator to your home and whether a transfer switch or interlock is right for you. (7:48)
*Why ceiling drywall seams and nail pops appear years later and the surprisingly simple fix. (14:15)
*What causes woodpeckers to attack wood siding (hint: it’s not always insects), and how to stop it. (18:36)
*The smartest way to modify cabinets when a new refrigerator is just a little too tall. (23:07)
*How to treat and protect rusting steel I-beams before they become a bigger problem. (27:08)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:32
Rodent-Proofing Your Home + Smart Thermostat Secrets + Ken Burns’ Home Studio
12/23/2025
Cold weather doesn’t just freeze pipes, it sends mice and rats searching for a warm place to nest. Pest control expert Noel Buckingham explains how to find openings and seal them up so rodents never make it inside. Filmmaker Ken Burns opens the door to the New Hampshire home that has defined his life, his work, and his sense of belonging. This Old House engineer Ross Trethewey demystifies smart thermostats, explaining how to choose the right one, wire it correctly, and use its features to save energy and protect your home. And general contractor Zach Dettmore shares his favorite under $20 bit extension and how it can rescue you in tight drilling spots.
In this episode you will learn:
* How to deal with mold on an unfinished basement foundation wall in an older home (7:31)
* How to track down what a “mystery” three way light switch actually controls (14:22)
* How to handle a failed solid stain on an older pressure treated deck and decide what to refinish versus leave gray (19:34)
* How to address efflorescence and bubbling on a block wall in a below grade bonus room (26:18)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Duration:00:51:31
Chimney Safety 101 + Fixing Slanted Floors + Maggie Smith’s Quirky Foursquare
12/16/2025
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)
Duration:00:51:19
Fixing Heat Loss + DIY Floor Fixes + Jeffrey Eugenides’s Architectural Muse
12/9/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:14
Holiday Cleanup Made Easy + Bathroom Paint Fixes + William H. Macy’s Cabin
12/2/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:19
High-Tech Holidays + Contractor Overages + Steve Schirripa’s Vegas Dream House
11/25/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:19
Home Automation Made Simple + How to Tell if You Need A New Roof + Tig Notaro’s Gulf Coast Sanctuary
11/18/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:18
Home insurance Guide + Sealing Drafty Windows + Safe Pigeon Removal
11/11/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:20
How to Hire a Contractor + Floor Sanding Tips
10/31/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:19
Haunted Houses, DIY Nightmares, and Frightening Fixes
10/28/2025
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.
Duration:00:51:11