A few minutes a week can save your home — and your sanity. This episode shows how a simple, year-round home checklist prevents big repairs, answers listener questions on floors, ovens, mirrors, and stone walls, and explores what “home” really means through Pulitzer Prize–winner Viet Thanh Nguyen and Cheap Old Houses.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
*How to create a simple weekly home checklist that prevents costly repairs and insurance headaches before they happen. (1:22)
*How to tell if wood floor gaps and filler failure are normal — and what to fix, what to ignore, and what can become a safety issue. (7:57)
*How to check whether your electrical system can handle a new oven or induction range by reading breakers, wiring, and outlet types. (14:12)
*How to safely build and hang a heavy DIY mirror using basic tools, mirror adhesive, and simple hardware that won’t fail. (19:51)
*How to prep the right base for a small stone garden wall so it stays stable without overbuilding or unnecessary expense. (26:40)

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Don’t wait for a fall to force change — aging in place is about smart decisions made early. This episode covers the home upgrades that protect your independence, a soulful tour of Roseanne Cash’s Chelsea brownstone, how to choose the right generator before a blackout, and real homeowner calls with practical fixes.

In this episode you'll learn:
*How to make simple aging-in-place upgrades, like safer entryways, bathrooms, and clear paths through your home, to prevent falls before they happen. (1:00)
*How to repair hairline cracks in original plaster ceilings and know when simple patching is enough instead of replacing the ceiling. (9:00)
*How to remove moss and lichen from your roof without damage, using soft washing instead of high-pressure spraying. (14:02)
*How to handle an old dryer vent after switching to a ventless dryer, and why it’s smart to keep future options open. (19:25)
*How to install a smart, lighted mirror on a tiled wall, including wiring it correctly and drilling tile without cracking it. (26:20)

You don’t need more square footage — just smarter design. Architect Sarah Susanka reveals how simple, non-construction tweaks can make your home feel bigger, while Daryl Hall tours his restored 1787 home, Cesar Millan rethinks the dog run, and our experts answer real homeowner questions live.

In this episode you'll learn:
*How to safely connect a portable generator to your home and whether a transfer switch or interlock is right for you. (7:48)
*Why ceiling drywall seams and nail pops appear years later and the surprisingly simple fix. (14:15)
*What causes woodpeckers to attack wood siding (hint: it’s not always insects), and how to stop it. (18:36)
*The smartest way to modify cabinets when a new refrigerator is just a little too tall. (23:07)
*How to treat and protect rusting steel I-beams before they become a bigger problem. (27:08)

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.