How to Get Your Home Featured on This Old House

So You Think You Wanna Be on TV? The Inside Scoop on This Old House

For homeowners across America, the dream of having their renovation featured on This Old House represents more than just free televised home improvement—it’s a chance to work with industry experts, access product discounts and donations, and transform their living space with professional guidance. But what does it actually take to make that dream a reality? The path from submission to on-camera project is more achievable than you might think, though it requires a unique combination of factors that producers look for carefully during their twice-yearly selection process.

The journey can be surprisingly quick. Consider the story of Paul Friedberg and his wife Madeline Krauss, who submitted their Newton, Massachusetts home just 72 hours before the entire This Old House production team showed up at their door. What began as an email pitch to producer Deborah Hood escalated rapidly when Tom Silva, the show’s legendary general contractor, arrived with a video camera to document their home and renovation vision. That moment felt like an audition, and in many ways, it was—but it was also a sign that Paul and Madeline had the right combination of elements that producers seek.

How This Old House Finds Its Next Project

The process of finding suitable homes for This Old House is anything but random. Twice annually, the production team reviews thousands of proposals submitted by eager homeowners while simultaneously reaching out to architects, real estate agents, historical preservation boards, and other professionals who might know of compelling renovation projects. The producers maintain an active call-out on the show’s website, recognizing that great projects can come from anywhere.

The search process is geographically strategic. The show typically features two to three major projects per season, with at least one project taking place in the New England area where the series is based in Boston. After the Boston-based project concludes, the crew hits the road for a winter project that usually spans 8 to 10 episodes. To accomplish outdoor work during off-season months, producers prefer locations with milder climates where construction can proceed year-round—historically including Santa Barbara, Miami, Honolulu, and Austin, Texas. However, the show has proven it can overcome cold-weather challenges in urban centers like Chicago, Washington D.C., and even London, England, if the renovation story is compelling enough to justify the location choice.

What Producers Are Really Looking For

While the selection criteria shift with each project cycle, certain constants help distinguish winning proposals from the thousands that arrive on producers’ desks. Understanding these core requirements significantly increases your chances of selection.

A Detailed Plan and Clear Vision

Vague notions don’t impress producers. A general statement like “we need a new kitchen and want a media room” lacks the specificity that captures producer attention. Instead, successful applicants demonstrate exactly what they envision for their renovation. The most compelling proposals include architectural plans, detailed descriptions of the dream renovation, and a clear narrative about why the project matters to the homeowners. Producer Deborah Hood has noted that the best appeals tell a story—they explain not just what needs to be done, but why it matters to the family and the home’s history.

A Realistic Budget and Timeline

This Old House operates on a specific production schedule, and your renovation must fit within the show’s timeframe of three months to a year. This represents a significant constraint compared to typical homeowner timelines. Paul and Madeline Friedberg had originally envisioned completing their renovation over seven years—a reasonable expectation for most homeowners managing their own project timeline and budget. However, once selected for the show, they compressed this into just seven months. Your proposal must demonstrate that you can realistically complete the work within This Old House‘s compressed timeline while maintaining quality standards.

Additionally, This Old House coordinates product discounts and donations where possible, but homeowners fund the renovations themselves. This means you need a solid budget that accounts for all work, materials, and labor costs. Producers want to see that you’ve done your homework financially and won’t run out of resources mid-project.

Comfort in Front of the Camera

There’s no way around this fundamental requirement: if you want to be on This Old House, you will be on camera frequently. The show is a documentary that records renovations through the perspective of both the crew and the homeowners. It’s not scripted television—nobody is looking for actors. Instead, producers seek authentic reality TV where everyone talks to each other as they naturally would. The goal is genuine interaction and real problem-solving captured on film.

This means you need to be comfortable with cameras following you around your home, recording conversations with contractors, capturing your reactions to unexpected discoveries behind walls, and documenting the full emotional journey of renovation. Producers look for homeowners who will engage naturally with the crew and who won’t be performative or overly self-conscious on camera. Paul Friedberg noted that what impressed the producers when they first met his family was how friendly and comfortable everyone was together. That genuine rapport is what makes a project work for both the homeowners and the production team.

Geographic and Climate Considerations

While This Old House has demonstrated flexibility in location selection over the years, geographic factors still play a role in which projects get selected. The show prefers projects in climates where outdoor work can be undertaken during winter months, which explains the recurring pattern of moving to warmer regions for the winter project. However, if your home’s story is compelling enough—if the renovation addresses important historical preservation, community impact, or personal significance—the show will overcome climatic challenges to feature your project.

Winning Appeals: Real Examples of Success

Understanding what works means looking at the successful applications that have caught producer attention. Producer Deborah Hood has highlighted several approaches that stood out:

The Emotional Connection: Successful applications often tell a personal story about why the renovation matters. Homeowners who explain the emotional or historical significance of their home, their family’s connection to the property, and their vision for the future create proposals that resonate with producers.

The Values-Driven Project: When Michele Grieshaber emailed Hood about her Craftsman home renovation plans with her partner Michael Klug, the proposal highlighted that it was a small house in a historic neighborhood with a family committed to green renovation practices. Hood described her reaction as “elated”—the proposal checked multiple boxes that producers value: historic preservation, sustainable practices, authentic family commitment, and a clear vision. This combination sealed the deal for selection.

The Historic Significance: Homes with architectural merit, historic designation, or cultural significance to their communities often attract producer attention. Projects that contribute to historic preservation or address important architectural styles generate compelling television that resonates with the show’s audience.

The Community Impact: Renovations that revitalize neighborhood areas or demonstrate commitment to community improvement often stand out. Projects in historic neighborhoods undergoing revitalization particularly appeal to producers seeking stories with broader significance.

The Application Process and What to Include

When submitting your proposal to This Old House, maximize your chances by providing comprehensive information. Use the official submission form and complete all required fields carefully. The producers explicitly encourage homeowners not to be shy about providing detailed information.

Include high-quality photographs of your home from multiple angles and in various lighting conditions. The visual presentation matters significantly. If you have architectural plans or sketches, include those as well. The photo upload tool allows you to showcase project photos, family photos, and any visual documentation of the home’s current state and your vision for it.

Consider including a video link where you personally explain your home and renovation concerns. Hearing directly from homeowners, seeing their enthusiasm and connection to the project, and understanding their vision in their own words adds dimension to a written proposal. Producers use video submissions to better evaluate your comfort level on camera and your ability to articulate your project’s importance.

Timeline Expectations and Communication

As of early 2026, This Old House is considering proposals for renovations that will be completed by winter 2027, with selected projects featured on multiple episodes airing on PBS and The Roku Channel during the next season premiere. It’s important to understand that due to the volume of proposals received, This Old House cannot respond personally to every submission. However, the show attempts to respond to projects of interest within three weeks of submission.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately—this doesn’t necessarily mean your project wasn’t considered. It often means your proposal wasn’t among the selected few, but the timeframe suggests waiting at least three weeks before following up or resubmitting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting on This Old House

Q: How quickly can the selection process happen?

A: The timeline varies, but it can be remarkably fast. Some homeowners have been selected within 72 hours of their initial submission. However, this is unusual and represents the best-case scenario when everything aligns perfectly—the right project, the right time, the right fit with current production needs.

Q: Do I need architectural plans to be considered?

A: While architectural plans significantly strengthen your proposal and make it more competitive, they aren’t absolutely required. However, detailed descriptions of your renovation vision are essential. If you can afford architectural consultation or have sketches prepared, these increase your chances substantially.

Q: What if my home is outside New England?

A: Geographic location shouldn’t stop you from applying. While at least one project per season is in New England, the show travels nationally and internationally when projects merit it. The show has featured homes in Chicago, Washington D.C., London, Miami, Santa Barbara, Honolulu, Austin, and many other locations. If your project’s story is compelling enough, location becomes secondary.

Q: Will This Old House fund my renovation?

A: No, homeowners must fully fund their renovations. However, This Old House works to coordinate product discounts and manufacturer donations to offset some costs. The financial responsibility remains with the homeowners.

Q: How much time will producers spend on my property?

A: Selected homeowners can expect significant producer and crew presence during the renovation period. The show documents the entire process, meaning cameras and crew will be present regularly throughout your project timeline, which typically ranges from three months to a year.

Q: What if I’m camera-shy?

A: Being camera-shy presents a fundamental challenge for This Old House projects since the show’s documentary format requires homeowner participation and on-camera presence. If you’re uncomfortable being filmed regularly or being interviewed about your home and renovation process, this may not be the right opportunity for your family.

Maximizing Your Chances of Selection

To increase your likelihood of being selected for This Old House, approach your application strategically. First, tell your story compellingly—explain why your home and renovation matter beyond just needing repairs. Connect your project to larger themes like historic preservation, sustainable building practices, family heritage, or community impact.

Second, demonstrate serious preparation. Include detailed plans, realistic budgets, and a clear timeline. Show that you’ve thought through not just what you want to accomplish but how you’ll accomplish it and why you need professional-level expertise to make it happen.

Third, provide rich visual and multimedia content. High-quality photographs, videos, architectural renderings, and detailed descriptions help producers envision your project and understand your vision. The more information you provide, the better positioned producers are to evaluate whether your project fits current needs.

Finally, ensure you’re genuinely ready for the experience. Reflect honestly on whether your family can handle the compressed timeline, the camera presence, and the intensity of a televised renovation project. The best projects happen when homeowners are enthusiastic, organized, comfortable with the crew, and ready to embrace the unique opportunity that This Old House provides.

Conclusion: Your Path to Television Renovation

Getting your home featured on This Old House requires a specific combination of elements: a compelling story, thoughtful planning, financial readiness, geographic flexibility, and genuine comfort with being on camera. While thousands of homeowners submit proposals each cycle, only a handful are selected. But the selection process isn’t random—it rewards homeowners who understand what producers seek and who present their projects professionally and compellingly.

The opportunity to work with This Old House represents more than just a television appearance. It means accessing world-class expertise, benefiting from industry connections and product partnerships, and joining a legacy of homes transformed by one of America’s most respected home improvement institutions. If you have a renovation project that aligns with the show’s criteria and you’re ready for the remarkable journey of being featured on television, submitting your proposal might be the first step toward turning your renovation dreams into reality.