Advertise on podcast: This Old House Radio Hour

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★★★★★

4.7

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127 reviews

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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.

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Check latest episodes from This Old House Radio Hour podcast

Should You Talk to Your Plants? + Barbara Kingsolver’s Farmhouse + DIY Reality Checks

2026/10/06

Should you be talking to your houseplants? Plant stylist Hilton Carter explains why forming a relationship with your plants might actually help you become a better plant parent. Then, Barbara Kingsolver takes us inside her 120-year-old Appalachian farmhouse, where generations of stories are embedded in everything from the kitchen cabinets to the handmade stone porch. Plus, we uncover the surprising history of the burglar alarm, from ancient Roman guard geese to the Queen's nurse. And general contractor Zack Dettmore explains how to know when a DIY project is worth tackling yourself and when it’s time to call in a pro.In This Episode You’ll Learn:* How to troubleshoot a shower with stubbornly low water pressure, even after replacing the showerhead and cartridge.* What to do when the built-in box gutters on an 1880s home begin to fail.* Why marble floor tiles might suddenly crack and lift near an exterior patio.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Stop Wasting Electricity + Ryan Hamilton’s Humble Childhood Home + Home Elevators Go Mainstream

2026/09/29

Why does your electric bill keep going up and what can you actually do about it? Consumer reporter Jeff Rossen shares simple ways to cut your energy costs. Comedian Ryan Hamilton returns to the tiny Idaho house where he grew up and reflects on how its simplicity and spectacular views shaped his idea of what makes a home feel comfortable. Plus, we dive into the strange rise and fall of the waterbed, then accessibility specialist Blake Watson explains how a new generation of residential elevators and stair lifts is making it easier to age in place.On this episode you’ll learn:* Why underwater lights that repeatedly trip a GFCI breaker could point to water intrusion, damaged wiring, or a failing fixture. * How to securely mount a freestanding projector screen in a finished basement without tearing into your floors or ceiling. * How to clean and re-stain weathered cedar shingles when you don’t know what finish was previously used.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Designer Dorm Rooms + John Wilson’s Century-Old House + A DIY Toilet Dispute

2026/09/22

Dorm rooms have come a long way from cinderblock walls and milk-crate storage. Designer Shelly Gates explains why some families are spending thousands to transform college dorms into picture-perfect spaces and shares the tricks that make tiny rooms work harder. “History of Concrete” filmmaker John Wilson takes us inside the century-old Queens house that became both his first real home and an unlikely inspiration for his work. We uncover the secret history of microwave and House Therapy returns to settle a marital dispute over a sinking toilet and whether this repair is really DIY-able.In This Episode You’ll Learn:* If a 110-year-old home with an unreinforced brick foundation needs an expensive foundation replacement. * How to repair a chipped cast-iron tub when rust keeps returning. * What could be causing a furnace humidifier to repeatedly clog and leak. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Why We Hate the Big Light + Erin Napier’s Haunted Childhood Home + Choosing the Right Driveway

2026/09/15

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.

Your Thermostat Is Lying + Tan France’s ‘Bougie Grandma’ Tudor + The Trouble With Flipped Houses

2026/09/08

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 Run Your Home? + Matthew Quick’s Outer Banks Dream + The DIY Power of 3D Printing

2026/09/01

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.

Mosquito-Proof Your Yard + Kasie Hunt’s Forever Home + The Wild History of the Murphy Bed

2026/08/25

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 vs. Charcoal, Settled + Justin Halpern Moves Home + The Dark History of the Light Bulb

2026/08/18

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.

The Tankless Water Heater Debate + Jonathan Knight’s Crazy Old House + Grow a Living Fence

2026/08/11

Should you replace your traditional water heater with a tankless model? Plumbing expert Ryan Carpenter breaks down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of both systems, including what homeowners should know before making the switch. Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block and Farmhouse Fixer shares memories of growing up in a bustling Victorian home that sparked his lifelong passion for restoring old houses. Then, In The Secret History of Your Home, we take a look at the long, messy history of the toilet. Finally, Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains why "living fences" are becoming one of the hottest trends in backyard design. On this episode you'll learn: * How to know whether a damaged standing seam metal roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement. * Whether a solar chimney can actually cool your home and why it works better in some climates than others. * What might be causing squeaky parquet floors and a simple trick that could quiet them down. * Why bathroom ceiling paint keeps bubbling and peeling, even after you've repainted it.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Should You Kill Your Lawn? + Nathaniel Rich’s Artist’s Retreat + When Contractors Wreck Your Home

2026/08/04

Is the traditional American lawn doing more harm than good? Botanist Joey Santore makes the case for replacing thirsty turf with native plants that support wildlife and require far less maintenance. Author Nathaniel Rich reflects on the secluded Maine artist's studio that transformed the way he thinks about creativity. In The Secret History of Your Home, we look at an item in your bathroom that’s been around for 3,500 years. Finally, contractor Zack Dettmore explains what homeowners should do when a renovation goes wrong and how to protect themselves before small problems become expensive ones. On this episode you'll learn: * What might be causing mysterious circular stains to appear on your ceiling, even when your roof isn't leaking. * How to stop water from seeping into your basement around a sump pump and radon system. * What it takes to convert a basement half bath into a full bathroom with a shower. * The best way to reinstall a rare vintage ceramic fireplace tile without damaging it.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit

2026/07/25

Is there really a right way to load a dishwasher? Technology expert Alec Watson explains the science behind cleaner dishes, why you should stop pre-rinsing, and how a few simple changes can improve your dishwasher's performance. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead reflects on the modest Sag Harbor cottage that has been at the heart of his family's summers for generations. In The Secret History of Your Home, we unveil the deadly story behind the modern-day refrigerator. Lastly, horticulturist Josh Davis reveals how grafting lets you grow multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree.On this episode you'll learn: * How to prioritize home renovation projects when your budget won't cover everything at once. * What you can do to repair peeling thermofoil cabinets before resorting to a full kitchen replacement. * Whether it's possible to uncover and restore hardwood floors hidden beneath old flooring.* How to plan lighting and electrical circuits during a whole-home rewiring project with modern LED fixtures.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths

2026/07/17

The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner. Then, bestselling author Mary H. K. Choi reflects on moving from a tiny Hong Kong apartment to an enormous Texas house that never quite felt like home. Plus, This Old House’s Zack Dettmore pulls back the curtain on why so many renovation projects go sideways and how homeowners can set better expectations before construction begins.In This Episode You'll Learn:* How to choose between a designer and a design-build firm for your next renovation. * The best way to clean, protect, and maintain soapstone countertops without damaging them. * Whether painting a concrete floor is a smart alternative to replacing old carpet.* Why one room in your home may never feel comfortable and what can be done to fix it.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101

2026/07/14

Getting locked out of your house is stressful enough, but choosing the wrong locksmith could turn it into a $1,000-dollar mistake. Locksmith Phil Mortillaro reveals the biggest red flags of a locksmith scam and how to make sure you're hiring someone you can trust. Then, filmmaker Adam Rehmeier looks back on the ramshackle Hollywood Hills cabin where he chased his dream of becoming a director. Plus, flooring expert Aaron Johnson explains how to choose the right carpet by focusing on what really matters beyond color and price.In This Episode You'll Learn:* Whether old jack posts under a historic home should be adjusted or replaced * How to repair cracked concrete pool coping and when it's time for a full replacement * Whether you can replace just the rotted parts of a deck railing or need an entirely new system * How to repair and seal hairline cracks in a concrete basement floor before paintingAll of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Color Therapy at Home + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Paradise + Fenway Park Lawn Secrets

2026/07/07

Can the color of your walls actually affect your mood? Therapist-turned-designer Anita Yokota explains the science behind color and how to use it to create calmer, more productive spaces. Comedian Tom Papa takes us inside the beloved Jersey Shore beach house that became the heart of his family's summers. Former Red Sox groundskeeper David Miller shares the secrets behind Fenway Park's iconic grass patterns and how to recreate them at home. On this episode you’ll learn: * How to build a strong foundation for a decorative stone garden wall.* What might be causing certain rooms and walls to feel much hotter or colder than the rest of your house. * The best way to create and maintain a level bocce court.* How to replace a drain in a pedestal sink when access is tight and frustrating.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags

2026/06/30

A stubborn clog doesn't always require harsh chemicals. Chicago plumber Benjamin Vance explains how a wet/dry vacuum, a towel, and a few simple tools can clear drains throughout your home. Author David Sedaris shares the story of finally buying the North Carolina beach house his family had dreamed about for decades, and why it remains deeply connected to memories of his mother. Plus, Contractor Confidential reveals what homeowners should know before agreeing to a professional installation.On this episode you’ll learn: * Why your dryer might be showing an airflow error after a move and the simple steps that could solve it.* What's causing stucco to peel from a retaining wall and why the real problem may be hidden behind it.* How to safely remove old fiberglass insulation and decide whether replacing it is a DIY job or a task for the pros.* The best way to run a dedicated electrical circuit for a new appliance while keeping wiring protected and up to code.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Podcast reviews

Read This Old House Radio Hour podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

127 reviews

★★★★★

MZiemkowski 2026/07/28

A great listen every week!

A great audio representation of the TV show I’ve loved all my life. I just wish it was longer.

★★★★★

Sam Lacan 2026/06/28

Easy to listen and great content

Jenn Larges host voice and knowledge is excellent to listen to and her general contractors and tradesmen are so witty and make home improvement so muc...

★★★☆☆

DtGrl 2026/02/12

Great info, unlabeled recycled segments.

Good information, engaging hosts and guests. But in the last couple of months I’ve noticed several shows that have some or all segments recycled from ...

★★★★★

Frances Arleen 2025/11/30

Fabulous Show!

Love this show & I am not even a proficient home repair enthusiast, but I gain a bit of knowledge listening to it. Especially love the “My Old House”,...

★★★★★

61Bunny 2025/09/07

Love This Old House

Love this reminds me of the house version of Car Talk Absolutely love the section of folks talking of their house Thank you This Old House

★★★★★

Denise and Pip 2025/07/05

Not just interesting, useful!

I recently discovered the This Old House Radio Hour podcast and thought it might be worth a listen. The current episode included a DIY tip for fixing...

★★★★★

Wayne Beals GREEN 2025/06/19

A This Old House for the Next Generation

Kudos to This Old House for making this shift into a new media. It’s also refreshing to hear the new voices on the show take the lead. I love the mi...

★★★★★

roam_st 2025/06/10

Perfect for new home owners

This podcast is just what I needed. I want something where I can learn practical tips for my renovating my “old home” but I also want to be entertaine...

★★★★★

It y is 2025/06/08

Powder Room Dilemma

Any chance you might have suggestions for a powder room in a 540 Sq ft 1st floor 100 year old townhome? 😁

★★☆☆☆

jorygonian 2025/06/03

pod slop

Sounds like they used a grab bag of lame gimmicks to produce this. Really brainless show.

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