Inside PBS Blog

I love this show and love seeing all the things that can be done for a home. As a homeowner its helpful so that we can see projects from start to finish, get ideas, and maybe do-it-yourself along the way. Great advice and how to for me and my husband as we are constantly working on renovating our home. Currently in the basement finishing that level. Thanks for tips and how tos.

Lynda from Prior Lake

This show is really good, it helps give you so many ideas of things you can do around your home.

I realize that you probably get this type of question from many different areas of the country on a regular basis.

Any consideration of doing a TOH project on the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan (near Traverse City)? This is an incredibly beautiful area of the U.S. We are surrounded by water; have a very diverse topography; a booming wine industry along with other fruit; & a long list of events including the Traverse City Film Festival (developed by Michael Moore) along with the Cherry Festival.

It just so happens that my wife & I are planning on beginning a house in the spring of 2010. Hmmm.............

Thanks,
Tom DeVault

We have an entryway that we are going to lay down slate tiles in the entryway down the hallway and eventually in the entire kitchen. My concern is that I want to keep the living room's origional hardwood floor after we remove the "Laminated Flooring" it currenlty has on it. I'm not really sure what condition it is in but I am assuming that it is probably the same condition as the rest of the hardwood that was through out the house.

What is the best way to transition the slate to the hardwood. I have thought about bullnosed slate but I don't think that I am going to be able to find the correct coloring or the slate we purchased. The slate was purchased from Homedepot their stock slate with varies widely in color. From what I have seen the bullnosed slate is mainly just gray in color.

Thanks!

We've enjoyed your show for years. The projects are very informative, full of tips and great renovations to watch from beginning to end. We are fcurrently fascinated by the Newton project, and would love to know what the cost of this massive renovation is. Do tell.

I started watching TOH shortly after it started. I've seen the transition from the home movie style shows using hand held cameras to Hollywood quality productions. Was there a significant event that lead to the widespread popularity of the show? Thank you for some great shows. Any thoughts of doing a Look Back so we can see clips from some of those first shows? They were classics!

How do you become a This Old House Host? No offense Kevin : ) but I want your job. Keep up the great work guys.

-Andy

I watch the show occasionally (I don't watch much TV) and always enjoy seeing the detail involved in the transformation of these homes. (And I usually learn something too) Keep up the great work! (and I have a ranch style house Chicago that needs a giant ceiling crack repaired if you want a AskTOH segment idea)

Ok, back to the questions...

What projects/homes have you thought were the most in need of help and needed the most extensive repair? How did you end up saving them?

Which of Norm's many many woodworking tools in the new yankee workshop is his favorite and why?

What do you thing is the most important thing (or maybe top 5) that every homeowner needs to know how to fix themselves?

What are the biggest ways to save $ on kitchen renovation projects by doing it yourself but aren't too hard so that most people would be able to do them reasonably well?

Any of those questions would be very cool. Thx!

I live in a house that is 100 plus years old. We are repainting all the rooms slowly but surely and the problem that I am running into is that because of all the settling, the trim is not straight so it is very difficult to get good clean edges when you do the trim or try to paint different colors above and below the chair rails. Any tricks or tools that you can suggest so that the lines between the walls and the woodwork will be cleaner and straighter?? Painters tape isn't working too well for me.

Thanks,
Teddi

This summer I installed a prehung door to replace the old service door on my garage. I used low expanding foam around it, and everything seemed to be fine, until it started getting cold. Now the door strikes the jamb at the very bottom, just above the threshold. There is one course of block above the floor of garage, and if the interference doesn't go away in the spring, the only thing I can think of to do is cut out the foam with a reciprocating saw and use some sort of masonry fastener to pull jamb towards the block (and away from the door).

Am I on the right track or have done something terribly wrong already?

Thanks!

We have two egress windows. The drainage is at the top of a cement layer and not low enough under the window to provide for water to come up before running in through the window (which is did last summer during a heavy thunder storm when the drain could not handle the water fast enough). What can we do to fix this besides having the whole window wells redone. We have thought of building a structure over them to look similar to a green house in order to keep all water out of the window well area but not sure how to go about that in a way so it will look good - one of these window wells in by the front door.

I have been a long time fan of This Old House. In high school whenever we had a substitute teacher in wood shop that wasn't a shop teacher we would watch either the New Yankee Workshop with Norm Abrams or we would watch This Old House. Ever since I watched the first video in class of This Old House I have been a huge fan of it. They teach you all about doing it yourself with as little material requirements as possible. They make so you don't have to be the multimillionaire to have an awesome looking house, lawn, and anything else. They also make it so that anyone is able to understand how they do it so you don't have to be a master carpenter to do what they show you. I also really love Ask This Old House becuase they answer all the questions that people have that if you would ask a professional and you would be hearing words that you have never heard about ever. They put it into words that you can understand. I don't have a favorite episode of Ask This Old House but my favorite project for this old house I can't remember where it was but it was the one where they were redoing a Barn and house and I just so loved how they did the remodeling.

Hello, we just moved into an 80 year home where the heating/cooling vents are on the floor -they are large grates. The problem is that you can see through the grates to the unslightly metal below. It is not attractive at all and since the grates are in every room (and take up so much space), we are looking to figure out something safe that we could do to make these look nicer.

Also, the wood floors that we have are seriously squeaking. In some places the floor boards are caving in. Can these floors be saved or is it time for new ones?

Thank you so much

Norm is it practical to use a router to plane wood to glue together to make a countertop for an entertainment center that I am building? I don't have the funds to buy a joiner/planer.

I am looking at tackling this in the spring. I am thinking of foam board insulation (1-2 inches) glued to the precast concrete wall and then framing and bat insulation between studs and then sheetrock - sound OK? I live on Cape Cod.

I am forever faced with figuring out repairs of my kids' plastic toys and other items. But, picking the right glue to use requires knowing what plastic you have to repair. Inevitably I guess wrong. Is there any solution for this quandary?

Norm, you are like my second father. I grew up watching TOH from the beginning and getting the chance to ask you a question is exciting. Kevin, you have been a fresh and fun new addition to the family. Thanks guys!

I am considering making tongue and groove flooring myself to lay down over concrete. It would probably be out of a thinner (1/2") hardwood like oak or maybe long leaf pine. I also live in Houston where the humidity is constantly high. Would it be a wiser to invest in engineered or laminate flooring when putting it on concrete in a humid environment, or will a moisture barrier be sufficient for thinner hardwood flooring?

My husband made a table from heart pine. My question is he used a gloss poly, combined with tung oil, and the finish is very glossy. I would like it to be less shiney, still need to add a couple more coats of finish, can he change to a matt finish poly at this point or will it ruin the table? Would appreciate your input Norm.

Our house is 90 years plus. It has 6 inch beams that rotted years ago. The former owner had metal adjustable support beams placed next to the older wooden beams.

Now I want to finish the space and drywall over the beams. Is it acceptable to leave the beams as is, or do I need to replace the older wooden beams?

We have damage to the drywall on the outside of our bathtub as if the tub may have been installed improperly and the water drains out at the seam of where the tub meets the wall. Is this something we can correct ourselves or what would you recommend?

I just had to drop in and say I love your show also. My husband and I are do-it-yourself-ers and we have leaned a tremendous amount of skills just by watching your show. You lay out things in an easy to follow manner. I really love all the furniture you guys make. Its so gorgeous.
We hope one day to afford the tools we need to make our own furniture. Keep up the good work. You make PBS a wonderful place and are an asset!!

We have been watching TOH since the first season with Bob Villa. Norm and Kevin, you are a great team! We NEVER miss an episode !! It does seem though, that lately the projects keep getting more extravagant each season. It would be nice to see a project that reflects a more affordable home.
How about a modest retirement home built on an island in the Pacific Northwest ?? We have property !! :-)

I love watching your show whenever I can. My question for you both is when did you discover your passion for renovation?

Thanks for all the DIY tips and I hope this show is around for a long time :)

I'd like to build a small studio this spring with a sleeping loft. To maximize the square footage I thought a shallow, barrel roof would be really cool. What is the best way to make rafters/frame for a barrel roof on a 12 foot by 12 foot shed?
Cheers,
Ashley

I'm beginning to think we have a bad mold problem. First dark mold appeared behind the clear sealant/caulking in the shower; next the water in the sink began tasting like mold, and now the carpet cleaner told me there is mold along the baseboards.Does this sound like a serious problem?

Hey guys,
First, I want say what a pleasure it was to meet you this summer on the set of the TOH project in MA. What an fun experience it was to be on set and see what happens behind the scenes.
Second, I just want to say how much I enjoy watching the show. I am only 38 but I remember watching the show when it first came out back in the late 70's and to this day it is fun to watch. Being a construction business owner, I see many projects and different ways of doing things. The examples of work and construction methods presented by Tom and his crew are top notch. Please have Tom contact me if he needs someone to take over for him when he retires. I'd be glad to step in.
Keep up the great work.
David West
Meadowview Construction
www.mvconstruction.com

Yours is my favorite show on TV. I have an issue withmy house that I'm hoping you can help with. The house is just about 3 years old. Since we moved in, we've had mold/mildew on our windows (white vinyl). It appears mainly on horizontal surfaces where moisture collects. I clean it every few months with a water/bleach mix. My theory has always been that the house, like many new houses, is very tight and doesn't "breathe", leading to the mold issue. My main concern is whether this is a valid idea for the cause of the problem, and whether the mold present is in any way hazardous. We have a two and a half year old son and are expecting another in July, and we are especially concerned for the kids' health. In addition to the issue on the windows, on the ceiling outside our master bath, there appear to be spots of moisture/mold. It appears that they coincide with the location of the roof rafters/rafter ties. I seem to recall hearing the issue could be related to the cold from the ties above the drywall meeting the warm air from inside, particularly in this location, exposed to especially warm/moist air from the bathroom. Any help or ideas you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Norm and Kevin...I have a bed frame (that I use) that once belonged to my great-grandfather. He passed away in 1985 at the ripe age of 86. The frame itself is hanging in pretty good, its had a couple minor repairs but the finish on it is no longer smooth along the headboard. During the warm months, I have frequently woken up in the morning to find that my hair is stuck to the headboard. If its not my hair its my pillow. Why is this happening and what can I do to fix it? I'm not giving up the frame anytime soon and would like to keep it looking good. What can you tell me?

We have a hard vinyl trim over our garage doors; like a fypon material but not. We have been in the house for 6-years and the edges and joints are looking bad. Can we re-caulk the joints and paint it. The contractor is now out of business and do not have any specifications on the product. Can you help? Love the show. Thanks for your help!

i have a 1962 home and would like to add a master suite addition. it could go over the current garage or as a wing on the back of the house. would i essentially have to rebuild the garage to make that option work?

I have been a fan of TOH since I was 11 and watching it with my mother, I am 35 now and still enjoy watching your show as well as your magazine.

I live rent a first floor triple decker and we have beautiful hard wood floors but I think they were installed when the wood was still green because we have large gaps. What can we do about these gaps?

I loved your episode when you had a woman talking about growing up in a triple decker with her cousins and grandmother. I moved to the area in 2005 and I love the layout of the triple decker we live in with a hallway and rooms branching out all with doors. This is a great layout for preventing noise pollution that occurs with the open layout floor plans of today. Do you have any previous episodes about triple deckers? I would love more information about the different types of triple deckers that were built along with floor plans. The one we live in has a main entry door with an internal staircase.

would you do a segment on preparing and using hand scrapers for finishing hardwood? I would like to know how to use them for finishing furniture projects. I hear the finish is better than a sanded preparation and particularily good for burl and difficult woods.

There was an old - old - old episode with a young Norm and Bob Villa of "This Old House" on PBS - it was a white-ish victorian in the Boston area aired around 1982 or so. It was the last episode of the project - and you were signing off while the homeowner was freaking out over the change orders you surprised her with - - Which was - i'm sure embarrasing as Norm stood there listening to her objections while Bob was sayin "Well that's it for this edition of This..." and "Stay tuned for next week when....." - And in the background she is clearly heard as saying that no one told her it would cost this much, and that her budget was only 20k ...etc....

It would bee GREAT if you could get into the difficulties of clients, projects, change orders, and the importance of well drawn plans. AND - even replay this episode if you even remember it -

It is this episode that made me determined to be an attentive and detailed Architect that specializes in Residential design and construction.

Sincerely,
Zachary Schweter, R.A.
ZS Design Architect, PLLC

Now my favorite shows are of course NYW & TOH/ATOH. My favorite Project that I have done is a bookcase I built for my mother with inspiration from both NYW and TOH. My favorite pastime is actually a combination of sorts and that is underwater photography. What I want to know is what are your favorites?

Both, Favorite show?

Norm, Favorite tool, Project, pastime other than wood work?

Kevin, Favorite trade, TOH project, pastime other than helping and hosting?...and don't say your kids cause that has to be a given. So in that case second favorite.

I have become disenchanted with This Old House of late (and I've been a view since the very first program with Bob Vila and Norm Abrams) due to the fact that it has become so cost prohibitive for the general viewer to even attempt most of the projects that they have on the program in the past few years. This all seemed to start when Steve Thomas came onto the program and didn't know anything about home improvement himself.

What happened to the improving your home on a budget and the sweat equity that used to be so important in the project phase? Now it's who can give them the biggest cost for an improvement rather then it trying to save the homeowner a buck by doing it themselves. Does anyone really have the capacity to run a house with the high end products that they put into some of these project homes? You need an engineering degree to even attempt to use the utilities room on the latest 'new barn' project that you put together.

Norm & Kevin;

I teach middle school science but have a passion for woodworking and carpentry. When I was a younger, most kids would watch Saturday morning cartoons religiously. I watched The Victory Garden, This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop instead. Norm is my hero!

Question:
I'd like to become a shop teacher, but fear that I have not mastered many, or all, the skills required to teach woodworking and carpentry at a high school level. Do you know of any resources, training or excellent vocational programs/curriculum that teachers can use to build their skill set and knowledge of the disciplines?

Many Thanks,
Jon Sharp
Togiak, Alaska

P.S. You are all welcome in Alaska for the best salmon fishing anywhere, just give me a call!

No project will require more intensive planning & laborious work, or gives greater satisfaction, than refurbishing a "Truly Old House," in need of lots of TLC! I never pick up TOH Magazine, but what I learn some more practical 'Tips & Tricks' to use on "Real World Projects," or encounter a problem solving situation or idea, which screams, "Been There, Done That!" Keep up the good work, boys and girls, ...your work does not go unappreciated!

Love the New Yankee Workshop, never disappointed in whatever project. If it were possible, I would build my furniture too. For years I have wanted a pencil post bed, and have recently acquired a used one, with a problem. After placing the box springs and mattress on the frame, the headboard and footboard posts lean in toward each other. The rails are new and did not come with the bed. Is there any way to correct this problem so that the posts stand erect. My husband has complained constantly about how it looks (OCD) and wants me to get rid of the bed. I want to keep it, but I also want the posts to be vertical. I know you can build or fix anything so please share your wisdom with me.

We have a 1915 Arts & Crafts bungalow that has many of its original features, and a vintage 1930s kitchen with built-on-site redwood and fir cabinetry (some of which may be from the original kitchen). We'd like to enjoy "modern conveniences" like a dishwasher, and like many bungalow owners, have discovered that our counters are not deep enough to accommodate this. We also have awkward structural elements like vent chimneys that are not needed with modern heating systems, but are relics of a past era. Contractors advise us that the "easy" way to fix all this is to gut the kitchen and start fresh---but that's not what we're going for here. We chose our home explicitly because it has such a beautiful historic patina (and as a young couple in our first home, we don't have the financial means to do the space justice in a gut remodel---we'd just end up with an Ikea kitchen). Are there good ways to respect both our home's history and the planet by remodeling this space in a creative, cost-effective, DIY way that preserves and reuses the original elements and materials, but still enables the space to meet the needs of a young 21st century family?

We have had hardwood floors for years,but we covered them up with carpet for about 25 years,what are your suggestions for refinishing the floors?

thanks
Raymond

I would like some info. on used home yards. Seems to me that This Old House did a show on a place called united home wreckers back in the Bob Villa days. I just bought my first home and can't seem to find any info. Id greatly would like any thing on this topic. thanks alot in advance. David Bond

I have a problem with a window in our guest room that whistles terribly during moderate to severe winds. What can we do to stop the whistling?

Thank you.

A recent show on "Ask This Old Hpuse" had a segment on replacing a sewer back flow check valve. In this show the contractor had a worker in an excavation with a depth of about five to six feet. The excavation was not shored. Why was this allowed?

pp. 38-39, This Old House Magazine, March, 2009
writer states that John Thomas, "...shuns polyurethanes, which get so hard that they pull off the underlying shellac." p.39, para. 6.

Could you please explain this? Is this a chemical reaction? What is the physical manifestation of "pulling off the underlying shellac"? How to replicate this reaction?

Thank you, JMBK

on feb.28,2009 [ask this old house] they showed a way to handle comfort zones for heating and cooling on the 1st and 2nd floors by installing an inflatable baffle which would control the temp for each room. i think the name was air+ or aire plus. could you comfirm the name and the company which manufactures or installs this.
sincerely mary fran
p.s. my mom who died aug.2007 at the age of 96 always watched your show. when she was younger she did the planning and remodeling in our home. she used to joke that she watched the show she was the acting supervisor.

I was watching Ask This Old House and they were showing how to do errosion control around a work sight using a sock. How do I get information on that machine.

Matt