The End of McMansions + Jesse Thorn’s Victorian + Home Theater Secrets

We take a look at what comes after the McMansion, as architecture critic Kate Wagner explains how these oversized suburban status symbols came to define an era and why today’s replacement may be even blander. Then, Bullseye host Jesse Thorn takes us inside his lovingly preserved 1888 Queen Anne in Los Angeles, where original craftsmanship, city noise, and a lived-in sense of history make the house feel truly alive. And Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz shares simple ways to make your living room feel more like a real movie theater, from better sound to fewer distractions.

In this episode you’ll learn:
* Whether acoustic insulation above a bathroom ceiling can cause moisture problems, and why proper ventilation is the real key. (8:02)
* How to deal with a sink cutout that’s too large for a replacement sink without replacing the whole countertop. (14:16)
* The best way to remove raised plaster stencil designs from a wall before repainting. (20:59)
* What it could mean when an older home’s floors suddenly develop a hump or slope, and when structural movement may be a concern. (26:09)

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.