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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.