How to Submit Your House to This Old House TV

Submit Your House to Appear on This Old House TV

Are you dreaming of giving your old house a televised transformation? This Old House, one of America’s longest-running home renovation television programs, is currently accepting proposals from homeowners across the country who want to feature their renovation projects on the show. Whether you own a historic Victorian mansion, a modern downtown loft, a suburban bungalow, or any other housing type, the production team welcomes submissions from homeowners ready to tackle significant renovations and share their journeys with millions of viewers.

What This Old House Is Looking For

The producers of This Old House evaluate thousands of proposals each year to select just two to three projects per season. Understanding what the production team values in a submission can significantly increase your chances of being selected. The show features diverse housing styles and architectural types, but the producers prioritize certain characteristics that make for compelling television and successful renovations.

Architectural Diversity and Style

One of the primary factors producers consider is architectural diversity. If the show recently featured a Federal-style home, the team will likely seek something distinctly different for the next season, perhaps a Queen Anne or a Craftsman-style property. This commitment to variety ensures that viewers see a range of renovation challenges and design solutions across different housing types and architectural periods. The producers actively work to change up their project selections year after year, providing fresh perspectives on home renovation.

Geographic Preferences

While This Old House accepts submissions from across the United States, the show has specific geographic preferences that influence selection decisions. The production team prefers projects located in climates where outdoor work can be undertaken during winter months. Additionally, at least one project per season is typically located in the New England area, reflecting the show’s historical roots and connection to that region. Geographic location is often chosen first, and then the production team reviews proposals from homeowners in that selected area.

A Solid Plan and Vision

Successful applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish with their renovation. Rather than submitting vague ideas like “we need a new kitchen and want a media room,” winning proposals include detailed descriptions of the dream renovation or, better yet, actual architectural plans. Producers are impressed by homeowners who have thought through their renovation goals, understand the scope of work needed, and can articulate their vision compellingly. This level of planning demonstrates commitment and helps the production team envision the project’s potential.

Financial Readiness

A crucial aspect of any This Old House submission is financial preparedness. It’s essential to understand that This Old House does not pay for renovations. Homeowners must be financially ready to fund their own project. While many companies are eager to partner with the show and offer product discounts or in-kind donations, these benefits typically supplement rather than fund the entire renovation. Producers want to see homeowners who are genuinely prepared to invest in their properties and understand the financial commitment involved in a significant renovation.

Timeline Compatibility

Another critical consideration is whether the renovation can be completed within the show’s production schedule. This Old House projects typically need to be finished within a timeframe ranging from three months to one year, depending on the scope and complexity. This is significantly compressed compared to typical homeowner renovations, which might span several years. Applicants must be prepared to accelerate their timeline and complete their project according to the show’s production schedule.

The Homeowner Factor

While the house itself matters, producers emphasize that homeowners are equally important in the selection process. The show features not just impressive properties but compelling people with interesting stories. Producers look for homeowners with engaging personalities, strong motivations for their renovations, and authentic connections to their homes. Whether it’s a family keeping their home in the family, a couple committed to green renovation principles, or individuals with a clear architectural philosophy, the human element significantly influences selection decisions.

Current Search Timeline for 2026-2027

If you’re considering submitting your house, it’s important to understand the current production timeline. This Old House is currently considering proposals for renovations that will begin in early 2026 and be completed by winter 2027. Selected projects will be featured across multiple This Old House television episodes that will air on PBS and The Roku Channel during the next season. This means that if your proposal is selected now, you could be featured on the show within the next year to eighteen months.

Response Timeline

Due to the significant volume of proposals received, This Old House cannot personally respond to every submission. However, the production team tries to respond to those whose projects generate interest within three weeks of submission. If you don’t hear from the team within this timeframe, it’s likely your proposal is still under consideration, but you may want to follow up after a few weeks if you haven’t received a response.

How to Submit Your Proposal

Submitting your house for consideration involves completing the official submission form available on the This Old House website. The form requires you to provide detailed information about your property, your renovation goals, your timeline, and your reasons for wanting to be featured on the show. The more comprehensive and thoughtful your submission, the better your chances of catching the producers’ attention.

Tips for a Winning Submission

• Include high-quality photographs of your house from multiple angles and perspectives
• Provide architectural plans or sketches if you have them
• Write a compelling narrative about your home and why this renovation matters to you
• Clearly articulate your renovation vision and specific goals
• Include a realistic budget and timeline
• Share your personal story and what makes your project unique
• Explain your commitment to the project and readiness to begin
• Consider including a video walkthrough of your house and your explanations of planned improvements

Funding and Project Support

While homeowners bear the financial responsibility for their renovations, This Old House works to connect selected projects with product discounts and donations from various companies and manufacturers. The production team actively coordinates with industry partners who are eager to support the show and provide materials at reduced costs. This partnership approach allows homeowners to potentially undertake a larger scope of work than they initially budgeted for, though it’s crucial to enter the process with your own funding secured.

What to Expect if Selected

If your proposal is selected, expect a rapid transition from submission to production. In some cases, homeowners have gone from sending their initial proposal to hosting the production team at their home within just 72 hours. The experience involves collaborating with the show’s renowned contractors, designers, and producers to execute your renovation vision on an accelerated timeline. Your project will be documented for multiple television episodes, giving viewers an in-depth look at your renovation journey, the challenges encountered, and the solutions implemented.

Understanding the Selection Process

The process of selecting projects for This Old House is a unique combination of producer research, homeowner initiative, and fortunate timing. Twice each year, producers review thousands of submissions from eager homeowners while simultaneously reaching out to architects, real estate agents, historical boards, and other professionals for project recommendations. This dual approach ensures that the production team has access to a diverse pool of potential projects and increases the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for each season.

Factors That Make Projects Stand Out

Projects that stand out typically combine multiple appealing elements: architectural significance or uniqueness, compelling homeowner stories, clear renovation vision, financial readiness, timeline compatibility, and geographic alignment with production plans. The best submissions demonstrate that homeowners have thoroughly considered their renovation goals and are genuinely prepared to see them through with professional guidance and television documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does This Old House pay for the renovations?

A: No, This Old House does not pay for renovations. Homeowners are responsible for funding their projects. However, the show coordinates product discounts and donations from industry partners to help maximize your renovation budget and scope of work.

Q: How long does a typical This Old House project take?

A: Projects typically take between three months to one year to complete, depending on scope and complexity. This is significantly faster than typical homeowner renovations, requiring accelerated timelines and dedicated project focus.

Q: What types of houses does This Old House feature?

A: This Old House features all housing types and styles, from historic Victorians and Federal-style homes to Craftsman bungalows, modern houses, downtown lofts, and suburban properties. The show prioritizes architectural diversity across seasons.

Q: How quickly will I hear back about my submission?

A: This Old House attempts to respond to projects of interest within three weeks of submission. Due to the volume of proposals, not all submissions receive personal responses, but the team prioritizes those that align with current production needs.

Q: Does my house need to be in New England to be selected?

A: While at least one project per season is typically located in New England, This Old House accepts submissions from across the country. Geographic location is one factor in the selection process, but projects in other regions are regularly featured.

Q: What should I include in my submission?

A: Include photographs of your house, detailed descriptions of your renovation goals, architectural plans if available, your personal story, budget information, timeline, and any other details that make your project compelling. Videos and comprehensive documentation strengthen your submission.

Getting Started Today

If you’re ready to transform your house with This Old House, the first step is visiting the official submission page on their website and completing the detailed proposal form. Take time to thoroughly document your property, articulate your renovation vision, and tell your homeowner story in a way that will resonate with producers. Remember that while thousands of proposals are submitted, the right combination of architectural merit, homeowner commitment, clear planning, and perfect timing can result in your house being selected for the next season. Whether your renovation dreams have been on hold or you’re actively planning improvements, submitting your proposal to This Old House could be the catalyst that transforms your vision into reality on national television.