Ep 23. Ask TOH | Mantel, Too Many Light Switches

In season 18 episode 23 of Ask This Old House, titled "Ask TOH | Mantel, Too Many Light Switches," the team tackles two different home improvement projects.

First up, the crew helps a Vermont homeowner update her living room by installing a new mantel above her fireplace. She wants a more modern look, so the team creates a custom mantel using reclaimed wood and metal brackets. They take measurements and use a miter saw to cut the pieces to size. Then, they use a router to create a groove for the metal bracket to slide into, and attach it to the mantel with screws. Once the mantel is complete, they lift it into place above the fireplace and secure it to the wall with lag bolts. The result is a beautiful, functional mantel that adds a touch of modern style to the room.

Next, the team travels to Mississippi to help a homeowner who has too many light switches in her kitchen. With six different switches controlling various lights and fans, it's confusing and inconvenient to remember which switch controls which fixture. The team suggests replacing the switches with a smart home automation system that can be controlled with a phone or voice commands. They start by shutting off the power to the switches and removing the old switch plates. Then, they use a voltage meter to identify which wires in the box correspond to which switches. They disconnect each switch and wire in a new smart switch that connects to the home's wifi network. They test each switch to make sure it's wired correctly and working properly, then install new switch plates. The homeowner is thrilled with the solution, which makes it easy to turn lights and fans on and off with just a few taps on her phone or her voice.

Throughout the episode, the team provides helpful tips and advice on home improvement projects, such as using wood putty to fill in gaps and holes in old wood, how to identify and label electrical wires, and the benefits of smart home automation systems. They also showcase their expertise and attention to detail, as they measure and cut wood with precision and make sure each switch is wired correctly before moving on to the next one. Overall, "Ask TOH | Mantel, Too Many Light Switches" is a great example of the informative, practical content viewers can expect from Ask This Old House.