Foundations
How to Install a Sleeper Slab
At the Glen Ridge, NJ house, general contractors Tom Silva and Zack Dettmore install sleepers to the existing addition slab to make it level with the new floor system. A rigid insulation board is added for a thermal break.
Buying an Old House? Check for These Costly Repairs
Real estate agent and renovation coach Bruce Irving offers tips for sensing what might be amiss—and costly to fix when buying an old home.
What Does Foundation Repair Cost?
Wall cracks, basement leaks, slanted floors, and bowing walls can all be signs of problems with your home’s foundation. Here’s a look at the cost of getting your foundation repaired.
How To Add a Second Floor To Your Existing House
Adding onto your home can be a great investment. Our guide walks you through how to add a second floor to an existing house the right way.
Foundation Cracks: What Is Normal and When to Worry
Learn about how foundation cracks can affect your home and how to evaluate any significant issues in your foundation.
Choosing the Right Construction Equipment for a Challenging Worksite
Every job site has its challenges. When it comes to choosing the right equipment for yours, it’s essential to go with what offers a range of power and versatility. Kubota’s construction-site equipment is adaptable, reliable, and offers award-winning power. Watch to learn why Kubota’s equipment might be right for your next job.
House Foundation Types and Common Problems
Learn common house foundation types and how to choose the best for your property, along with troubleshooting for foundation issues.
How Prefabricated Foundation Walls Are Poured and Installed
Kevin visits a manufacturer in Pennsylvania that makes custom insulated wall panels, the foundation wall panels arrive and are placed
Top 20 Best New Home Products | Building Materials
Presenting the finest in new materials and mechanical systems for construction and remodeling projects
S17 E20: Fix Foundation, Textured Ceiling
Mark repoints a crumbling fieldstone foundation; Tom discusses the proper disposal techniques for oily rags; and instead of scraping, Mauro smooths over a textured ceiling
How to Install a Mudsill
Norm Abram teaches our apprentices Carly and Erick the basics of mudsill installation at our Brookline project
How To Repoint and Prevent Further Damage to a Fieldstone Foundation
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough repoints a homeowner's crumbling fieldstone foundation and explains how you can do the same.
How To Retrofit a Home for Earthquakes and When To Hire Pros
Read our step-by-step guide on how to retrofit a home for earthquakes so that you can be prepared for this natural disaster. We cover costs, potential savings and more.
Why Are These Foundations Crumbling?
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough investigates a strange issue happening to foundations in the Northeast
How to Repoint Brick Using Only Hand Tools
Have a crumbling exterior wall that needs to be repointed? Follow our guide to repoint your brick yourself with basic hand tools.
How to Grade Around a Foundation and Improve Drainage
Learn how to identify grading issues and methods for fixing grading around a foundation with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
How to Repoint a Brick Foundation
Replacing crumbling, missing mortar with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How To Repair a Crack in a Concrete Foundation
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to fix a crack in a home's foundation to avoid further issues.
How To Repoint a Stone Foundation
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to repoint a stone foundation by saving a crumbling mortared-rock wall.
Rising Above in Coastal Flood Zones
To survive the next big storm, more and more houses will need a lift. It's a smart move seen around the country—and in the Spring 2013 season of This Old House.
Fix Now, Save Later
Our experts help you address 9 little trouble spots around your home before they cause big—as in big bucks—damage down the road
Understanding KDHT Wood, It's Benefits, and How to Find it
Not sure if your project needs KDHT wood? Our guide explains what KDHT wood is and its benefits and breaks down what lumber-grade stamps mean.
Foundation on a Flatbed
The new foundation at the Carlisle Project won't be arriving in a cement mixer. It will show up on a truck, be installed in less than a day, and stay weather-tight for decades.
From the Ground Up House Framing: A Comprehensive Guide
A strong house frame will extend your home's lifespan. Learn how to build a durable house frame from the ground up in this guide.
All About Strong House Foundations
We share what it takes to have a strong building foundation for your house, from materials to use to the costs you can expect.
A Solid Frame
Tom Silva explains how good building practices not only make your house's structure sound but help everything last longer and work better.