Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Is luxury paint actually worth the splurge, or are you just paying for branding? This week, we dig into what really separates high-end paint from the rest, from durability and scrub-ability to the chemistry inside the can. Then, CNN anchor Jake Tapper takes us to his quiet A-frame lake house in rural Virginia, a family refuge far from the chaos of Washington. And This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains how to create a biodiverse yard with native plants, layered landscaping, and habitat that supports birds, bees, and other wildlife.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How to hang photos and curtain rods on old plaster walls in a renter-friendly way. (7:57)
* What might be causing a hump in the floor of a 1909 Craftsman home. (14:19)
* Ways to disguise a large crack in a wall-sized mirror. (20:31)
* How to make a smart thermostat work in an older home with outdated wiring. (25:28)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Show notes:
Find MPI’s Approved Products List or Decision Tree to help find the perfect match at MPI.net. (mpi.net/thisoldhouse/)
Is luxury paint actually worth the splurge, or are you just paying for branding? This week, we dig into what really separates high-end paint from the rest, from durability and scrub-ability to the chemistry inside the can. Then, CNN anchor Jake Tapper takes us to his quiet A-frame lake house in rural Virginia, a family refuge far from the chaos of Washington. And This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains how to create a biodiverse yard with native plants, layered landscaping, and habitat that supports birds, bees, and other wildlife.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How to hang photos and curtain rods on old plaster walls in a renter-friendly way. (7:57)
* What might be causing a hump in the floor of a 1909 Craftsman home. (14:19)
* Ways to disguise a large crack in a wall-sized mirror. (20:31)
* How to make a smart thermostat work in an older home with outdated wiring. (25:28)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
Show notes:
Find MPI’s Approved Products List or Decision Tree to help find the perfect match at MPI.net. (mpi.net/thisoldhouse/)
