This Old House Radio Hour

Easy Weekend Home Upgrades + Contractor Secrets + John Grisham’s Farmhouse

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.

Smarter Moving Tips + Susan Orlean’s Schindler House + DIY Wallpaper Made Easy

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.

Weekly Check List That Prevents Costly Repairs + Fixing Wood Floor Gaps

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.

Aging in Place + Buying the Right Generator + Roseanne Cash’s Brownstone

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)

Make Your Home Feel Bigger + Daryl Hall’s Old House + Cesar Millan’s Dog Run

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.