Renovation Nation

The green home building movement is unfolding in real time on each hour-long, information-packed episode of Renovation Nation, which answers the burning questions that every homeowner in America has about going green.

Main

Inside the Show

Steve's Journal

Project Photos

Ask Steve

Video

Episode Guide

Forum

Renovation Nation Episode: St. Paul, MN: A Victorian Restoration

Today, host Steve Thomas will help a designer in St. Paul, MN spruce up a Victorian house with some eco-smart improvements like installing fiber cement siding and restoring the original stair handrails. Then he'll help a Boulder, CO homeowner and + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boulder, CO: Solar Hot Tub

Today, Steve will help a Boulder, CO family fulfill their dream of an "Ahimsa Platz," or non-harm home, by installing a Faraday cage to block out electromagnetic waves. He'll also help the family install a recycled hot tub that runs + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Baltimore, MD: Straw Bale Garage

Host Steve Thomas helps a car restoration enthusiast and his wife build a garage using all-natural insulator-straw! Then, Steve helps revitalize a Detroit, MI, community by constructing the first eco-smart modular home in the neighborhood. Since it's built in + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: St. Paul, MN: Double Trouble

Host Steve Thomas tries to help a St. Paul couple make eco-smart improvements to their home, but fate seems to be against them. They'll try to build a porch out of Forest Stewardship Council-certified cedar, but they have the wrong + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Arlington, MA: Super Insulator

Host Steve Thomas helps two Arlington, MA, families work on a large insulation project for their duplex. The upstairs neighbor is ultra eco-savvy, while the downstairs neighbor is skeptical. Will Steve be convinced that the super insulation project is cost-effective + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: St. Paul, MN: Family Affair

Steve builds a bike garage from structural insulated panels in St. Paul. Later, Steve travels to Virginia to help a couple renovate their first home by installing radiant floor heating and a sun tube for natural light. Renovation Nation: about + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Falls Church, VA: Building Dirt Cheap'

Host Steve Thomas helps a Falls Church, VA, couple build their home out of mud bricks. Steve is skeptical since the materials are dirt cheap, but how strong can the bricks really be? He puts his money where his mud + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boulder, CO--Smart Home

Host Steve Thomas helps build a sustainable and practical home for people with disabilities in Boulder, CO. He jumps in on inventive projects like an adjustable oven range and then discovers just how tricky it is when the slate floor + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Portland, OR--Ultimate Bachelor Pad

Here comes the bride...and she's about to move in to this Portland, Oregon fixer-upper! Host Steve Thomas helps the bachelor get his pad in shape for her. But the honeymoon's over when Steve tells the husband-to-be that the rain screen + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Portland, OR: Locally Grown

Host Steve Thomas will help a Portland, OR couple build with local materials—and we mean really local! The couple is using wood from their own backyard to make a countertop and earth for their mud floors. Later, Steve will help + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Hawaii: Solar Army Base

Today, host Steve will help create what will hopefully be the largest solar community in the world on an Army base in Wainae, HI. He'll work on installing metal frameworks and solar panels that stick right on to the roof. + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Hawaii--Historic Ranch Restoration

Host Steve Thomas travels the country looking for people who push the envelope of green building and design. Steve travels to North Kahala, Hawaii to help a couple add some green systems to their historic ranch starting with a rainwater + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boulder, Co—It's Called Boulder for a Reason

Host Steve Thomas travels to Boulder, Colorado where he constructs a backyard greenhouse. All goes well, until Steve and co encounter an actual boulder while putting in the foundation. Once that renovation riddle is solved, an energy-efficient metal roof is + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Detroit, MI—The Gift of Green

Steve Thomas travels to Detroit, an area hit hard by tough economic times to help Saturn's Hands on Homes volunteers and Habitat for Humanity build homes for deserving families. One such deserving recipient is Sherrell English, a single mother of + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chesapeake Bay, MD—Big Bucks for Retirement

Host, Steve Thomas heads to Maryland to help a couple plan for retirement by installing solar panels to cut their energy costs. But, uh-oh, looks like rain is a factor. Will Steve get the panels up or will he get + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Washington, DC—Corking the Kitchen

Renovation Nation host Steve Thomas visits Washington, DC where he helps a couple install a recycled countertop, permeable pavers and cork floor. The permeable pavers will reduce the amount polluted runoff that reaches local watersheds. Later, Steve helps a Boulder, + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Alexandria, VA: Presidential Salvage

Host, Steve Thomas travels to Alexandria, Virginia to help a sculptor and stay-at-home dad build an eco-friendly yoga studio. For this project they used salvaged materials, including some wood from President Obama's inauguration! Later, Steve helps a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Portland, Oregon—Salvage Brothers

Steve Thomas goes to Portland, Oregon to help the Moon Brothers with their goal of building the greenest house in America. They used salvaged materials and reclaimed wood to make their project a green one. Then, Steve helps a Boulder, + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Baton Rouge, LA—Carport on a Dime

Steve Thomas shows a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, architect how to build a carport on a dime. To keep the project green, and relatively cheap, they use salvaged building materials. Later, they greenovate the inside of the house by installing window + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Portland, OR—Rock, Paper, Scissors, Concrete

Today, host Steve Thomas will lend a hand with a Portland, OR couple's ground-up renovation. He'll help install siding on a rain screen wall, put in a concrete counter in their bathroom and weld an eco-smart balcony guardrail. Later, Steve + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Fairhope, AL: Eco Extermination

Host Steve Thomas helps a couple in Fairhope, Alabama by channeling their excess rainwater into eco-friendly rain gardens. Before he can get to that, he has to find a way to get rid of wood-eating insects from their salvaged wood + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Experiences the Coldest Production Ever

Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Hawaii—Bamboo Tree House

Host Steve Thomas explores a rainforest in Hana, Hawaii, looking for materials to build an eco-smart tree house. He gathers palm fronds for the roof as well as guava and bamboo timber for the structure. Nothing about building this house + READ MORE

Renovation Nation FAQ

There's so much to do when it comes to green building/renovation. Where do I start? Can you use spray foam to insulate an energy-rated metal roof? How sturdy are solar panels? Can they survive hurricanes? Is my geothermal well deep + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Philadelphia, PA—Habitat Goes Green

Steve lends a hand with the Habitat for Humanity volunteers in Philadelphia who are building affordable, green homes. Then, Steve helps a Tucson couple set up an eco-smart room for their new baby. Get Behind the Scenes Info and Project + READ MORE

A Child is Born During a Renovation Nation Shoot!

Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Tucson, AZ—Greenest House in America

Steve lends a hand on what might be the greenest house in the country. These Tucson homeowners are going for the most LEED points ever. Then, Steve will meet a Houston couple so committed to eco-smart living, they're downsizing their + READ MORE

Score LEED Points Like the Imuses

Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Tucson, AZ: Harvesting Desert Rain

Steve Thomas, host of Renovation Nation travels the country in search of the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas for green building and design. First stop Arizona, where Steve meets a family who wants to install a rainwater tank next to + READ MORE

How to Install a Solar-Powered Fan in a Dog House

Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional + READ MORE

Steve's Journal

SPECIAL: Ask Steve Thomas Anything (About Your Home) Featured Posts Check out these posts from Steve Thomas and Renovation Nation. Steve Thomas's Five Bubbles of Green Building All Journal Entries By Episode Renovation Nation Episode: Detroit, MI: the Gift of + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: New Orleans, LA—Greening a Historic B&B

Host Steve Thomas is in New Orleans helping to restore a famous painter's studio damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Steve needs to maintain the historical features of the studio but when he runs into some unexpected surprises in the wall he + READ MORE

Steve Thomas's Five Bubbles of Green Building

The main reason I came up with this bubble diagram was to answer the question, "what is green building?" Some of what we now call green building has been around for a long time and some of the other aspects + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: New Hampshire: Timber Framing

Today, Steve makes hardware the blacksmithing way. Then, Steve will show you how to heat your house with rocks. Later, Steve installs a heater that generates its own electricity. Further Reading on alternative heating: Repair Replace (Recycle): Your Hot + READ MORE

Renovation Nation's Steve Thomas at Greenbuild

On Renovation Nation, Steve Thomas shows everyday homeowners how to implement green building solutions into their renovation and remodeling projects. Though Steve makes it look easy, bringing these eco-friendly solutions to the mainstream consumer is not a simple task. + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chelsea, MA: Wind Powered Condos

Today, Steve helps install a wind turbine big enough to power a condo building by putting in cement to cover the electrical work. Then, he works on a roof that uses a hydroponic system. Further reading on Hydroponic Systems: + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boston, MA, Toxic Free Living

Today, Steve checks out a 200-year-old barn renovated into a modern eco-smart house. Then, Steve meets his match with a homeowner who's really done her green homework. Steve will teach her how to install a bamboo floor that's harder + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boston, MA: Energy Savings

Today, Steve helps a barber shave off his energy bills by building a net zero house. Then, a chef who cooks up organic meals right from her garden, including the eggs. Later, Steve will show you the inner workings + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Fishtown, PA, Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling

Today, Steve discovers an ice cream factory turned green dream house. Then, Steve heads to the garden where he builds a compost fence and plants a lawn that actually conserves water. Plus, Steve takes on invasive plants with some + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Louden, NH: Eco Friendly Farming

Steve goes back in time to an 1830's farm where he sees that the old way is the green way. Complete with a water-powered mill and oxen for logging, Steve only has one complaint: no power tools. Later, llamas + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Albuquerque, Retiring Green

Today, Steve unlocks his inner six-year-old when installing natural clay plaster. Plus, Steve learns how to install dimmable fluorescent lighting-the hard way. And later, we see a factory that makes tiles out of streetlamps. Check out the Planet Green + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Easthampton, MA, Eco Smart Condos

Today, Steve visits a green roof on top of City Hall. Then, Steve discovers 101 uses for cement foam insulation. And most have nothing to do with walls. Later, Steve gets a lesson in stick welding and sees some + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chelsea, MA, Energy Efficient Lofts

Today, Steve converts a fire station into a house. Later, Steve helps a real estate developer get over his fear of heights-by climbing a wind turbine. Then, Steve takes on a gardening project in a canoe. Further reading about + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chicago, Kitchen Facelift

Today, Steve returns to the roots of green building by making a house from earth and clay. Then, Steve works on a house that is close to public transportation. In fact, it's right outside the window! Check out the Planet + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Wellesley, MA, Attic Fan Installation

Today, Steve sees the one of the greenest homes in Chicago: a museum exhibit that features the latest in eco-technology. Then, Steve does some rock bustin' at a quarry which has a unique stone that is only found in + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Oakland, Portable Office

Today, Steve puts up a cutting-edge, solar powered man cave loaded with eco-bling. Then, a container house that doesn't look like a container. Now that's "shipping container chic." Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of Renovation + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Medford, MA, Expanded Basement

Today, instead of off-grid power, how about off-grid olive oil? Steve will show us a couple who's doing just that. And later, Steve cleans up his act by hosing down and restoring recycled brick. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Dixon, NM: Rammed Earth Home

Today, Steve gets dirty with a house made out of well, dirt. Later on, Steve gets an unexpected shower when a radiant heating tube breaks and eats at a restaurant that composts 92% of its waste. Further Reading from + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Albuquerque, Straw Insulation

Today, Steve builds a house made of straw that won't blow down -- no matter how much he huffs and puffs. He's skeptical at first, but is rolling in the hay by the time construction's over. Next, Steve works + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Taos, NM, Southwestern Porch

Today, Steve shows us a home so efficient, the city thought it was abandoned. And speaking of abandoned, Steve's next stop is a crack house turned green house. Steve builds a southwest portal, drives a forklift and discovers a + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Albuquerque, Green Fixer Upper

Today, Steve visits a house that blends ancient Asian style with cutting edge green technology. Otherwise known as "Santa Fe-sian" design. Plus, what do you do when your window's too small? Steve has the answer. Check out the Planet + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Sandy Springs, GA, Rubber Roof

Today, Steve stops at a house made out of a truck. Yes. A truck. Later, Steve gets to play with the "super shredder." How can that NOT be fun? Then, Steve visits a solar neighborhood and installs a roof + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Decatur, GA: Butterfly Roof

Today, Steve gets down and dirty with geothermal drilling. He loves to play with "the big toys!" Then, Steve helps a couple put up walls on their first house. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chicago, Preventing Rainwater Flooding

Today, Steve checks out a geothermal system with wells that are as deep as the Empire State building is tall. Then, Steve works with wood that's so local, it comes from right outside the door! Checkout the Planet Green + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode, Decatur, GA: Rainwater Recovery System

Today, Steve works on the house of a Paralympic athlete that's not only eco-smart but accessible, too. Later, Steve visits a former 70's pad turned green. And not avocado green, either. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Pasadena, Laying Down the Bamboo

Today, Steve spotlights two Broadway stars who are going green on a grand scale. Steve then beams onboard a solar-powered Earthship and checks out a super-strong steel roof that will outlast your grandchildren's grandchildren. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Seattle: Lower Level Addition

Steve meets a family who is installing a rainscreen for its house - out of recycled paper! He then goes underground into a rainwater collection tank, shows us how organic plaster can reduce indoor air pollution, and tours a + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Cambridge, MA--Non Toxic Plaster

Today, Steve plants a Christmas tree in July and discovers a miraculous lawn you only mow once a month. Later, Steve helps a family eliminate air conditioning and still beat the heat. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Maine, Steve Thomas's Barn Roof

Today, Steve has to battle the elements and a Maine winter to raise his eco-friendly barn. He'll install SIPS panels-but first he has to get them on to the island. Then, he'll install a roof so tough, it can + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Maine, Steve Thomas's Barn Roof

Today Steve will show you how he's building green. Steve proves that wood is good by building an eco-friendly timber frame barn in his own backyard. He'll get the lumber farm a local sustainable lumber yard, but getting it + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Chicago, Green Roof

Steve checks out a eco-friendly apartment in the middle of LA's Chinatown. The homeowners put him to work solving their problem of a sagging ceiling. Then, Steve will show you how to make walls out of polystyrene. Later, Steve + READ MORE

NOW CASTING new episodes of Renovation Nation

Steve Thomas, host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, wants to lend a hand on YOUR green build project! If you're currently planning (or already working on) a unique and exciting green home renovation or construction project, your story could + READ MORE

Renovation Nation: Dirt On A Green Roof

Today, host Steve Thomas discovers how dirt gets up to a green roof. Then, two geologists from North Hampton, MA turn to the earth and sun for all of their energy needs. Later, a new kind of siding called paulownia, + READ MORE

Renovation Nation: The Old Way is the Green Way

Tonight, host Steve Thomas goes back in time to an 1830's farm in New Hampshire where he sees that the old way is the green way. Complete with a water-powered mill and oxen for logging, Steve only has one complaint: + READ MORE

Renovation Nation: Insulation Tunnel

Host Steve Thomas visits a renovation project building a cistern to hold harvested rainwater. We learn that, once collected, the rainwater can be used to satisfy the gray water needs of the neighboring house. When Steve climbs into the tank + READ MORE

Renovation Nation: Introducing the Show

The nation faces a huge challenge: to go green for the benefit of the planet and future generations. But we also love our homes and want to improve them. Join host Steve Thomas as he explores green building and renovation + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Tile Out of Streetlamps

Tonight, host Steve Thomas unlocks his inner six-year-old while in Boston installing natural clay plaster. Plus, Steve learns how to install dimmable fluorescent lighting the hard way in Albuquerque, NM. And later, we see a factory that makes tiles out + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Gardening with a Canoe

Steve Thomas, former host of This Old House, travels the country talking to pioneers of green building and design. Today, Steve converts a fire station into a house. Later, Steve helps a real estate developer get over his fear of + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Video: Introducing the Show

How do we renovate our homes in a way that is in sync with the planet? Join This Old House's Steve Thomas to find out. Check out the Renovation Nation video. + READ MORE

Meet Jeremy Levine

Jeremy obtained an M. Arch from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, during which time he was awarded the Haskell Prize for Architectural Journalism. Jeremy went to the cinematic hinterlands of Bulgaria and Romania, art directing movies such as Wes + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Decatur, GA: Dual Pane Windows

Steve Thomas, former host of "This Old House", travels the country searching for landmarks in green building and design. Today, Georgia Tech University unveils their prototype for the House of Tomorrow. This eco-haven is 100% solar powered, has exterior shading + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Venice Beach: Recycled Red Wood

Host Steve Thomas asks the question: is it a slate roof or solar paneling? Surprise! It's both. A roof that'll turn your home into a power-house! Steve also visits some condo builders who are planting a roof garden to prevent + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Solar-Powered Earth Ship

Host Steve Thomas spotlights two Broadway stars that are going green on a grand scale. He then beams onboard a solar-powered Earthship and checks out a super-strong steel roof that will outlast your grandchildren's grandchildren. + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Atlanta: Ventilator Installation

Host Steve Thomas meets an Atlanta couple dealing with their city's drought by installing a rainwater recovery system. He also takes a look at decking made of recycled rice husks and sludge. The last stop is a cool beach house + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Eagle Rock, CA: Shower Water Irrigation

Host Steve Thomas checks out a solar hot water heater for your pool, eco-smart cork flooring, pre-fabricated insulated walls and a cool geothermal pump that uses the earth's temperature to heat or cool your house. Check out the Planet Green + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Atlanta: Recycled Deck

Georgia Tech University unveils their prototype for the House of Tomorrow. This eco-haven is 100% solar powered. Host Steve Thomas also checks out a pre-fabricated, modular house packed with cutting-edge ecoinnovation. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Atlanta: Leaky House

Host Steve Thomas checks out the latest in modular home building and even jumps on an assembly line to put some pre-fabricated houses together. Steve then shows us a factory that makes some of the most durable and fireresistant insulation + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Santa Monica: Concrete Backsplash

Host Steve Thomas shines a light on an eco-smart solarium, a drought resistant garden and a prototype for the house of the future. This place has insulation made of Styrofoam and will last for 500 years! + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Philadelphia: Solar Chimney

Host Steve Thomas nibbles on a kitchen counter made of cashews, checks out a chimney used for cooling, and visits an old rag factory that's being transformed into a stunning, solar powered, eleven unit complex. Check out the Planet Green + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Rainwater Collection

Host Steve Thomas meets a family who is installing a rainscreen for its house - out of recycled paper! He then goes underground into a rainwater collection tank, shows us how organic plaster can reduce indoor air pollution, and tours + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Philadelphia: Salvaging the Past

Host Steve Thomas helps renovate a 150 year old home, using salvaged antique oak doors and vintage marble panels. He then tours a Manhattan loft designed with elegant, eco-smart decor and shows us an insulated wall that can take up + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Boston: Insulated Envelope

Host Steve Thomas heads to Boston to help install a new energy efficient heating system including a super insulated envelope. Later, Steve is off to Seattle where he tours a finished home drenched in smart-water technology. + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Episode: Seattle: Rainwater Collection

Host Steve Thomas visits a family whose house is powered by the sun and actually generates more electricity than it needs. Steve then shows us a foam insulation made from sugar and corn, a countertop made of recycled glass and + READ MORE

Make Your Home Greener, Bit-By-Bit

Steve Thomas, host Of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, told how on CBS's The Early Show. Steve says the best kind of insulation is spray foam. He does a demonstration on Dave Price by, er, insulating him. + READ MORE

Renovation Nation Host Steve Thomas Visits Greensburg

This morning on CBS' The Early Show, which is being shot from Greensburg, KS this week, Maggie Rodriguez caught up with Steve Thomas, host of "Renovation Nation." The two toured the home of Farell Alison; his is called the greenest + READ MORE

Meet Your Host: Steve Thomas

Most widely recognized for his 14-year stint on television's most popular home improvement series, This Old House, "ultimate home enthusiast" Steve Thomas has expanded his expertise in the home renovation area to incorporate green practices. A former spokesperson for the + READ MORE

About the Show

The green home building movement is unfolding in real time on each hour-long, information-packed episode of Renovation Nation, which answers the burning questions that every homeowner in America has about going green. What kind of people "green" their houses, and + READ MORE