True Tales From Old Houses

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent visit to Lilydale, a spiritualist community in Western New York, and they go over some new project plans. First, Stacy offers a follow-up on the ivy discussion from episode #140. A landscape architect from Los Angeles reached out to provide another convincing argument in favor of removing ivy from homes and buildings.  Then, Daniel discusse...

This week's episode begins with a quick cottage update from Daniel, including his plans to sell the leftover staging furniture and decor. Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about the best materials for repiping a house. They discuss the pros and cons of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes and provide tips for choosing the right material.  Later, they chat with Christina Salway, an interior d...

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel revisit some previous conversations and swap stories about unexpected basement floods and a wild weather emergency.  First, Daniel offers an update about a special Kingston City Land Bank house and shares a podcast episode about the Halifax explosion. Next, Stacy talks about a basement flood caused by a clogged sewer line, while Daniel describes his experience wit...

This week's episode begins with a book giveaway reminder and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel. Then, during Listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel address the impact of ivy on old houses. They discuss the different types of ivy and their potential impact on the house, including trapping moisture, damaging mortar, and providing a pathway for pests. Later, they chat with Pat Evans, the registrar...

In this episode, Stacy explains how she is lightening her DIY load, and Daniel describes a frustrating week. The conversation highlights the low-key crazy of hyper-local Facebook groups, navigating real estate contracts, dealing with contractor bids, and the emotional impact of online relationships. First, Stacy shares how she hired someone to help with the lingering home projects around her house...

This week's episode begins with several book giveaway announcements and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel.  Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss traditional and modern linoleum flooring options. They touch on the history, manufacturing process, and benefits of linoleum and share their experiences using Marmoleum by Forbo .   Finally, Stacy and Daniel chat with Bo Shepherd...

In this week's episode, Stacy tangles with TSA, and Daniel inches closer to selling the cottage.  First, Stacy and Daniel discuss Stacy's recent trip to Florida and her airport mishaps. Then, they move on to Daniel's cottage update, including the process of accepting an offer and the potential for the buyer to back out before signing the contract. They also compare their experiences with buying ho...

This week's episode begins with some quick updates about Daniel's cottage and an announcement from Stacy. Stacy and Scott Sidler are co-authoring a book about energy efficiency and old windows. With the first draft nearly finished, the book is moving right along. Stacy and Scott hope it will become a handy and trusted resource for anyone with a stake in preserving and restoring old buildings. Next...

This week's minisode is an emotional roller coaster. First, Stacy and Daniel celebrate that the cottage is now for sale. Despite this exciting news, Daniel feels stressed about what comes next. He laments that while the cottage is now spotless, his own home is a mess in the aftermath. Daniel believes that the volume of his stuff is reaching an uncomfortable level, and something must be done. Stacy...

This week, a listener who owns a duplex wonders how to improve unsightly exterior paint issues while saving money to hire the pros. Stacy and Daniel offer DIY exterior painting tips and their thoughts on getting the job done safely and efficiently. Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with KariAnne Wood from the long-running Thistlewood Farms blog. KariAnne's special connection to her old house and the to...

In this week's minisode, Stacy offers a few stories from her trip to Japan, and Daniel reaches a huge milestone with the cottage. First, Stacy opens up about her connection to Japan and how seeing Mount Fuji nearly brought her to tears.  After a funny interlude about Japanese snacks, Stacy brings it back to old houses by describing a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. The Edo-To...

This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about the history of canvas ceilings and the feasibility of repairing them.  Later, Brooke Young Russell from Evergreene Architectural Arts joins Stacy for a fascinating conversation about the technical aspects and limitations of architectural conservation and how her research relates to historic preservation.  Mentioned in this Episode: Sig...

This week's minisode is off to a wild start, with Stacy and Daniel discussing their unconventional "words of the year." Then, Stacy talks about her upcoming trip to Japan and shares a story about Google Translate and bidets.  That segues unnaturally into a discussion about a common old house problem: animals that die in the walls. Daniel's house has largely escaped this issue. So, he has chosen an...

True Tales From Old Houses is back! Season Eleven is off to a good start with a fresh, new logo and an episode packed with old-house fun.  This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about public art and painted brick. Are public murals a good idea? How are neighborhoods affected? Is painting a giant orange wizard on a building ever a good idea? Daniel has big feelings about all of it...

It's a bonus mini! In this minisode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after a three-month hiatus.  First, Stacy offers an update about moving to Salt Lake City. Is that ever going to happen?  Then, Daniel chats about his timeline for listing the cottage for sale. He follows up with updates about his vacation to Barbados (sun poisoning!), lake cottage ceiling repairs (light drama!), and antiquing. Finally...

In today's episode, the finale of Season 10, Stacy and Daniel discuss best practices for a clean, healthy, and mostly dry basement. Then, Stacy and Daniel welcome Tara Mangini and Percy Bright, the legendary design team behind Jersey Ice Cream Co. Tara and Percy have traded their nomadic lifestyle for an 1880s farmhouse in upstate NY and most recently starred in their own TV show, The Story of Hom...

This week, during the last minisode of season ten, Stacy and Daniel offer plenty of edutainment as they chat about their current projects.  Stacy recently wrapped up a hall painting project, so she asks Daniel how he chooses paint colors.  Then, Stacy and Daniel talk about their color choices as children, and they agree that one of the perks of becoming an adult is not having to live with painting...

This week, Stacy is waylaid in Salt Lake City as back-to-back storms turned a long weekend into an 8-day trip.  Soon after Stacy's travel update, Daniel apologizes for not correctly crediting architect Christopher Brandt for the information on Rochester Carpet we discussed during  episode #108 .  Then, tangents abound during a conversation about enjoying Christmas decor well into January and bread...

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel answer a question about smoothing lumpy plaster in preparation for wallpaper.  Later, they welcome Kylie McKay. Kylie is turning a 1940s garage into a cottage that blends well with the rest of the houses in her historic neighborhood. She is using architectural salvage for all of the windows, doors, and finishes. Kylie talks about her favori...

This week, Stacy and Daniel usher in the new year by discussing how they wrapped up 2023. First, Stacy talks about her holiday trip to Palm Springs, California and Joshua Tree National Park. In true Daniel fashion, he explains how he once ended up in Palm Springs reassembling stage props from  Mad Men , including Don Draper's credenza.  Then, Daniel celebrates the end of the duplex remodel. It is...

In this episode, Daniel offers a fascinating follow-up on the thin wood flooring Brenden mentioned during  episode #108 .  Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the one tool they can't live without.  Later, they welcome Chris Iannelli to the podcast. Chris heads up an inspiring program that trains 18-24-year-olds in preservation masonry while addressing their physical, emotional, and...

This week, Daniel begins with a sad story about saying goodbye to his beloved dog, Mekko.  Then, Stacy offers a positive update about her bathroom remodel, and Daniel explains the expensive boiler project going on at the cottage.  Finally, Daniel talks about his last meeting as chairman of the board for the Kingston City Land Bank and the literal and figurative gifts he received after five years o...

In today's episode, Daniel shares some good news about his work with the Kingston City Land Bank. Then, Stacy and Daniel wrap up their deep dive into floor restoration  and the Young Tradesperson Series by welcoming floor restoration pro, Brendan Brody of Queen City Restoration.  Brendon shares the story of his path to the trades and offers excellent advice for young people facing education and ca...

This week, Stacy's husband Andy fills in as co-host during Daniel's absence.  First, Stacy discusses Millie's trip to the vet, and she explains the crafty way Millie managed to gain nine pounds even though she is on a carefully balanced eating and exercise schedule. Then, Andy and Stacy talk about the upstairs bathroom remodeling project. Stacy expresses her gratitude for the plumber and contracto...

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the passive refinishing method for wood floors.  Later, as part of the ongoing young tradesperson series, Stacy and Daniel chat with Matt Riebs from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Matt does a little bit of everything related to old houses. He began dabbling in the trades as a child, and a chance to meet Nicole Curtis, his HGTV idol, further s...