“They don’t build them like they used to.” At This Old

House, the reply to that curmudgeonly complaint is “That’s

right. We build them better!” And that’s due in no small part

to the inquisitive, adaptable contractors at the heart of this

venerable TV show. When they find a product or material

that performs better, lasts longer, and still looks good, or

when they find a tool that enables them to work faster with

less effort and without compromising quality, they’re quick

to make it their new standard going forward.

On the following pages, we revisit some of the most notable

advances in building technology since TOH launched 40 years

ago. At that time, many of these changes would have been im-

possible to imagine, just as we can’t imagine what new devel-

opments might arise in the coming decades. But the trend

lines are clear: Fewer tools will have cords, more things will be

controlled by our phones, and we’ll be using energy and water

more wisely. And the good contractors of the future, the ones

who strive to improve their craft and their clients’ lives, will

be honestly giving the same answer to future curmudgeons:

“You’re right. We’re building better than they used to!”

Cordless tools, wireless-control systems,

engineered beams, fiber-cement siding—we look at

some of the innovative tools, building materials, and

technologies that have revolutionized remodeling

over the last four decades BY THOMAS BAKER

RIGHT: Tom Silva’s

favorite drill/

driver, a Festool

CXS, is powered by

a 10.8-volt

lithium-ion battery,

has a variable-

speed motor, and

weighs just a bit

less than 2 pounds.

Gam e

Changers

66 THISOLDHOUSE.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 40 YEARS