This Old House Radio Hour

Why does turning on the “big light” instantly kill the vibe? Home design curator Andrew Maddock explains why harsh overhead lighting can make a room feel uninviting and how layering warmer lights can transform your space. HGTV’s Erin Napier returns to the Mississippi ranch house her grandfather built from salvaged materials, where childhood memories include an encounter with a surprisingly friendly ghost. Plus, we reveal the secret history of the alarm clock and driveway expert Patrick Mattingly breaks down the pros and cons of asphalt, concrete, gravel, and pavers.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* Why discovering live knob-and-tube wiring during a renovation is a job for a licensed electrician, even if you were told the old wiring had been disconnected.
* Why a repeatedly crumbling shower wall may signal water damage behind the surface and require more than another round of grout and mortar.
* How to track down a leak in an old concrete fountain and seal hairline cracks without changing its appearance.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

What’s the right temperature for your AC? HVAC expert Ty Branaman explains why the number on your thermostat matters less than humidity, airflow, and radiant heat when it comes to actually feeling comfortable at home. Welding instructor LLashanna Ingraham Lintamo shares advice for young women interested in careers in the trades. Queer Eye’s Tan France takes us inside the Salt Lake City Tudor he painstakingly designed as a celebration of his British and South Asian roots. Finally, Contractor Zack Dettmore reveals the red flags to look for before buying a flipped house.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* How to create a barrier-free shower that’s easier to clean and more accessible and why waterproofing the entire bathroom floor is essential.
* Why a freshly painted ceiling can look patchy and blotchy, and how proper priming can help you get an even finish.
* What to consider before removing your home’s siding to add exterior insulation, including thermal bridging, moisture, and how much insulation you actually need.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Can AI actually run your home better than you can? AI expert Tiffany Chazey explains how it can manage everything from lights to maintenance reminders and where humans should stay in control. Silver Linings Playbook author Matthew Quick reflects on the stunning Outer Banks home that became a symbol of both his success and some of the hardest years of his life. In Secret History of Your Home, we uncover the surprisingly scandalous history of the dinner fork, and YouTuber and engineer Jake Ward shows how a 3D printer can make custom replacement parts and clever fixes for everyday problems around the house.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Want fewer mosquitoes in your backyard without resorting to chemical sprays? Botanist Joseph Reynolds explains how to use non-toxic methods to dramatically reduce their numbers. CNN anchor Kasie Hunt takes us inside the landmark 1949 mid-century modern house that gave her the sense of home and permanence she'd always wanted. In The Secret History of Your Home, we reveal how the Murphy bed went from a clever solution to a romantic problem to a Prohibition-era accomplice and modern luxury. And find out when a leaking deck is too complicated for a DIY repair, and why waterproofing may be one project worth leaving to a pro.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* Why painting tile flooring usually isn’t a great long-term solution and which flooring options can create a durable, uniform look throughout a home.
* How to stop mice from nesting inside an outdoor mini-split unit and repair the insulation they’ve chewed through.
* When a growing crack across your ceiling could indicate structural movement—and when it’s time to have a professional investigate.
* Why walls can appear to “cry” or sweat and how excess indoor moisture and poor ventilation may be causing it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Gas or charcoal…which really makes for a better barbecue? James Beard Award-winning chef J. Kenji López-Alt settles the debate and shares the grilling techniques that can make a difference no matter which fuel you choose. Abbott Elementary showrunner Justin Halpern returns to the San Diego house where he grew up and recalls how moving back home after a breakup helped change the course of his life. Plus, we reveal the cutthroat (and sometimes deadly) battle that gave us electric light, and drywall expert Lydia Crowder shares the pro techniques that can make patches virtually disappear.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* What to prioritize as a 50-year-old home starts needing major maintenance, and how to tell when an aging roof really needs replacement.
* How to build a long-lasting brick patio, from preparing the gravel base to getting the drainage and slope right.
* How to save money on a full bathroom remodel by tackling some of the work yourself and what plumbing is better left to a pro.
* Whether upgrading the electrical service in a century-old home means you also need to replace old knob-and-tube wiring at the same time.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.