This Old House Radio Hour

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hantavirus may be rare, but it can pose a serious risk to homeowners dealing with rodent infestations. Dr. Zachary Rubin explains where the virus hides, how to safely clean up droppings, and the warning signs every homeowner should know. Then, writer Annabelle Gurwitch shares how a roll of vintage wallpaper helped transform a room filled with painful memories into a place of healing and hope. Plus, landscape contractor Jen Nawada breaks down everything you need to know about adding a water feature to your yard, from simple birdbaths to backyard streams.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* Whether adding insulation to a 100-year-old home is worth the investment and the best ways to do it.
* What it really takes to add a wood-burning fireplace to a home that never had one.
* How to investigate and solve a recurring mold problem before it affects your family's health.
* What homeowners should know when they discover old knob-and-tube wiring behind their walls.