This Old House Radio Hour

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

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

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 painting All 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

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

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.

Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide

Every dad seems to have a theory about the thermostat, but does turning off your AC, closing vents, or buying a bigger unit actually save money? Building science expert Allison Bailes shares the smartest ways to stay cool without driving up your energy bill. Then, comedian Ben Gleib takes us inside his San Fernando Valley home, a modest mid-century house transformed into a late-night television studio. Finally, This Old House contractor Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to convert a garage into a livable space. In This Episode You'll Learn: * Why common thermostat and AC "money-saving" tricks often don't work the way people think. * How to diagnose and solve humidity problems in a crawl space before they lead to mold. * What might be causing grout to crumble and whether it's worth repairing or replacing. * The biggest mistakes homeowners make when converting a garage into living space. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.