

The hard path to rebuilding, with "This Old House Radio Hour"
Jun 3, 2025
David Brancaccio, Senior editor and host, shares his resilience journey after losing his home to wildfire, delving into the emotional and comedic trials of rebuilding. Contestant Lisa Petrakis contributes insights from her DIY experiences. They discuss smart organization strategies and the importance of thoughtful purchasing. A lively trivia segment on home improvement highlights practical tips, while discussions on cost-effective renovations reveal strategies for maximizing ROI. It's an inspiring mix of personal growth and expert advice on restoring homes.
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Begin Organizing Small Areas
- Start organizing with the drawer or space that causes you the most stress to gain momentum.
- Avoid buying organizing products before understanding your needs through initial sorting and arrangement.
Fixing Floating Floor Noises
- Floating laminate floors can produce crackling sounds if boards shift or lack proper glueing.
- Check if installers left adequate expansion gaps and used recommended underlayment to reduce movement noise.
Repairing Damaged Brick Walls
- Use a grinder carefully to remove mortar joints without nicking bricks when repairing brick veneer walls.
- Replace bricks with delaminated faces rather than attempting to glue the broken facades back on.