How Tom Silva Became a General Contractor | Ask This Old House
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- In this video, This Old House’s favorite general contractor tells us all about how his career in the trades began.
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General contractor Tom Silva takes us back through time and tells us how he became a general contractor. Growing up in a house full of people who worked with their hands, his role as chief on a construction site seems pre-determined. From being a little kid breaking things with his dad’s hammer to how he got his start on This Old House, Tom tells the whole story.
As with many folks in the trades, Tom Silva’s future as a general contractor almost seemed inevitable. Growing up in a home of family members who loved working with their hands, the bug caught Tom at a very early age. His father was a builder and his mother and grandmother were both seamstresses, so he’s always had a hands-on influence.
Tom says he grew up in the trades. He remembers being three or four years old, following his dad around with a hammer, and breaking things. He loved working alongside his dad, spending his junior high school summers renovating homes with him. Being one of five boys, there were always chores and projects to complete. When Tom finished school, he went to work for his dad’s business.
Tom’s always had an appreciation for the old ways things were done. While never being afraid to try a new tool or material, he prefers the old techniques that last for years and years. It’s this appreciation for things that last that makes Tom’s job as a general contractor so gratifying. He enjoys driving down the road with his kids and pointing out houses he built 40 years ago.
As far as his start with This Old House, Tom grew up next to Russ Morris, the show’s creator. When the show kicked off, Russ approached Tom about it, to which Tom said he was too busy. Russ didn’t take no for an answer, bringing the show to one of Tom’s jobs and interviewing him about the project. That’s when Tom caught the TV star bug.
Tom loves being part of the This Old House and Ask This Old House teams. He enjoys helping people and sharing a technique, skill, or piece of advice for them whenever he can. Whenever a viewer comes up and thanks him for what he does, he feels they appreciate his work as well.
Tom usually spends his free time in his shop building furniture, or on the water in his boat. When it comes to things viewers might not know about Tom, he ranks this fact as number one: He used to sew. He even made his daughter’s clothing when she was in grammar school.
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About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How Tom Silva Became a General Contractor | Ask This Old House
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This Old House is one of the most important TV shows in America ! Helping home owners and people on all trades . I admire Tom so much and i hope this goes on . It has to become something like Seasame st . Forever we will need this show as new construction materials and methods are introduced . The show must go on ! Thank you Tom and all the crew !
In the beginning days This Old House was shunned by contractors because they were giving away trade secrets and they feared being put out of work. It turns out this only FUELED the home improvement craze and today one can't even count the home improvement TV shows and CZcams channels!
This is one show that deserves an Oscar !
This old House concept is garbage just like this old automobile.
A house is only good for 70 years. after that, the cost to give it a future is the same as replacement.
if you buy A 1950s ranch for $240k, a kitchen bathroom basement remodel will cost another $240k totaling half a million but the resale is still only your original purchase price.
You can build a brand new larger house for the same price that isn't outdated, 70 years old and full of headaches.
I disagree. a house is only good for 70 years. after that, it becomes s suckers money pit that costs twice as much as a new one. Same thing goes for automobiles. don't buy fixer upper junk that costs 2-3 times new and will only be worth the original cost. Also, don't buy old campers. your wasting your money.
@@samsngdevice5103 some people like houses with a bit more character. Older houses can be maintained and be quite nice homes. Working on the house is a hobby/ point of pride for the owners. Also if you update the home, it will obviously in fact sell more for the purchase price of a home that hasn't been updated.
The show also shows skills that can be applied to buildings of any age.
But i think here in North America we are too quick to tear down older houses. In Europe a 50 year old building is quite new.
Tommy is an American classic. I've learned so much from him over the years. Thank you sir!
Yes. He is.
I agree Mark!!!!!!!!!!!
Wouldn't you love to have a beer with Tommy is like so down to earth.
@@sambiscits6711 Oh yea!!!!!! 🍻
Tommy is a national treasure.
Love the hair Tom !
Tom Silva is on my short list of people who, I do not know or met personally, but admire extremely and hold in very high regard. Tremendous respect for that man. Thank you, Tom, for your wisdom, knowledge, and kind heart to share your knowledge with other people.
Tom Silva is the BEST as IS everyone on This Old House! One of the BEST shows on TV!
I agree!
The BBC may have been the first TV broadcaster with a home show, but TOH is in our bones. I'd cry if I saw Tom in person. Dude has some genes to look so young. Also, his dad and mom live through his hands.
Tom is such a humble and generous man. I watched his videos to do a few upgrades on our original house before we sold, so I can say he definitely inspired me to work with my hands too! Thanks Tom and the whole TOH crew!
Been watching TOH since 1979. Best memories are watching with my daughter who was so inspired that she worked on Habitat houses in high school. She can build a house on her own if need be.
I was painfully waiting for this one. I wish Tom was my neighbor. A very humble and knowledgeable man.
This old house premiered the year I was born so growing up in an early 1900’s home and now being the owner of an early 1950’s home my family and I have been watching for 44 years. I can’t thank you enough for everything I’ve learned through the years
TOH definitely getting a thumbs up for this one, Mr Silva is a master craftsman who ages like fine wine. Watched him for decades and I have nothing but respect for the man
Tom and the whole crew are national treasures. I sure hope that Norm and Roger are doing well.
Tom Silva is a national treasure!!
Been learning from Tommy for 40 years. Every once in a while he still shows me a new trick.
The elastic band trick put a mark on it marks every couple inches down the line stretch that bugger out and all the dimensions change I don't know where he got it from or if he just thought it up in his head we actually used it at work one day My boss who him and I are both retired now said we got to try this we did we messed around with it for quite a while kind of nice getting paid do your own kind of government work. Okay don't anybody tell me you're not supposed to mess around at work and get paid for it cuz I think everybody has like look at your phone 200 times in one day.
Tommy is absolutely the best old-school master craftsman who cares about what he works on.
Love you Tommy to the moon and back.
This should be watched in every Middle, Junior, and High school in America and the world.
Thanks tom after 43 years in carpentry trade l still can learn something new from you and the rest of the crew.
I love the backstory on how Tom came onto the show. A lot of people tend to "freeze up" on camera but Tom just has this ability to pretend the camera is the homeowner/fellow contractor and does his job and that is incredible. I grew up watching This Old House and remember learning a lot of things that have come in handy later.
Keep up the good work, and glad to see you inspiring the next generation. We need more people in the trades.
5//⁵5⁵⁵
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Tommy was always my favorite. He's full of knowledge, humble and kind.
Thanks Tommy I grew up without a dad he died when I was 9 with no one to show me how to make things or build things I watched this old house and Home Time. Watching Tommy, Norm and Dean. I watched a lot and it's true if you watch you can learn I grew up to be a machinist and now retired at 59 Thank you so much.
Hometime was a great show, too. Also grew up watching it!
Tommy is the Man, I've learned so much watching him.
He reminds me of my grandfather. Full of skills and the love for wood. Thank you Tom.
Tommy I’ve been a carpenter for 5 years you helped me on about half the things I did, thank you for being there when I was desperate for a solution 🙏🏻
To learn you need to be around the best carpenters and in all different aspects, homes, schools, bridges, hotels, museums, tilt ups, big concrete form jobs.. I did it all.. takes 20 years.
Can you imagine taking a trip with tommy and hearing all his memories over the last 50 years? It would be legendary.
I've been watching since I was a young man. If I remember correctly, it only came on PBS back in the day. I'm 62 now and still love this show. Great people sharing their amazing skills and knowledge with the rest of us.
Been learning from Tom and the crew since mid-80’s, the man is like a second father to me.
Tommy is an absolute legend.
Tom Silva is a mentor to a lot of people. The two things I use every day is the tape measure trick to find the middle of a space and the trace the larger cutout over a smaller broken piece of wall to fit it just right. Long live Tom Silva!
I have learned and been inspired by watching Tommy and the entire TOH crew over the past 15 years. Thank you for all you do!!
My last name is Silva and I'm from the north east. I can remember my dad always used to tell me we were related ( I don't think we are; directly anyway) but I always remember him that way, and this old house was always a way for my father and I to bond over. So for that, I thank you, Tom!
Tom and Norm are the 2 I'd most like to share dinner with. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all I've learned from them. Love to see Tommy working with kids.
Thanks Tom! I would’ve never torn into my first house without the “can do” inspiration of you and the rest of the This Old House crew. All the memories now that I have retired are great, even the screw ups; especially the screw ups!
I said it once and I’ll say it again, Tom is a national treasure!
Thanks for all the great craftsmanship and being such enjoyable character all these years. A true tv superstar!
A man like Tom only comes around once in a lifetime,I have never seen a man with skills like His ever and would be an absolute privlige to work and learn from Him.
Truly a master of His trade.
Tom Silva is my hero. I've learned alot by watching him. Dont know what I'll do when he retires. Hes the best.
Thank you Tommy for my addiction to your pure television. No nonsense, no hype, no equal.
I'm almost as old as Norm, and I grew up with This Old House. My Dad was a wuz on cars, but did very little on houses. I learned enough on This Old House to try and tackle my own projects. I've renovated 15 homes, so I thank TOH for demystifying homebuilding. And I'm still watching!
I almost watch the show for 40 years....38 to be more exact and love it! Learned a lot and challenged my husband many times and was right a few times.... It feels good to know! Thank you guys! God bless! 🤗🤗🤗❤
Tommy and Norm single handedly shaped who I am today. Without growing up with them in the 80s I would most likely never had developed a love for restoration and woodworking.
Tommy and This Old House are fantastic. Watching them for years. Best television there is - 40 years staying power proves that.
I've been watching the show since the Bob Villa days. I never thought he could hold a hammer properly. Mad respect for you and Norm.
I loved this! Must have been the times. My grandma was a seamstress to the rich in Germany and they left in 1933. She worked at Munsingwear in Minneapolis. All us boys were taught to sew, cook and bake. I really thought during the pandemic was a good time for parents to teach these kids these trades. Love the Show and Love the Crew!
No one can replace Norm but then again no one can replace Tom either, love watching both of them especially when they are working together side by side, truly the best
Good ol Tom the show won't be the same without u ...you make it what it is
Your whole crew is a pleasure to watch and learn from. I have enjoyed your show for a long time.
loved him on the show all these years. such a humble guy.
This old house helped me fix up everything on my old house. Tommy was "there" on nearly every job!
I met Tom Silva back around 1999 when Rocky's Ace had their grand opening in Walpole Mass.
I grew up watching this old house every Saturday with my dad. Tom is the reason I want to have my own wood shop.
I grew up watching Bob on this show. I do remember Tom. It's always been one of my favorite shows. Thanks for all the hard work, memories and skills I had learned.
Tom is the ONLY contractor I would trust. He's a great teacher. I'd love to work with him.
My grandpa died before I was born, so it was nice having Tom around on PBS to learn stuff that he would have teached me.
Thank you mr Sylva.
I have admired Tom and his skills for so many years and now I feel like he is an idle of mine. I think highly of all the team. Can’t believe I have watched This Old House for 40 some years.
Tom Silva, you are a true legend, a real craftman, excellent teacher and a great inspiration to many, including myself. I've watched the show growing up my whole life with you and Norm. I started roofing and siding in highschool and knew I wanted to be a carpenter and work with my hands. Now I have 25+ years building and renovating high quality homes in Canada, and still continue to learn more and more each day. I just wanna say Thank you!
“Don’t be afraid to use something new, but don’t forget about the old ways.”
Perfect advice.
I grew up watching this old house on channel 13 Pbs. From a child I always loved watching Norm and Tom and let’s not forget Reilly and all the others who I did not mention that made this show a total success.
This show fascinated me through out my childhood and the more I watched the show the more knowledgeable I became well into adulthood. Thanks to you all for sharing your knowledge and making the average person a more knowledgeable and skilled homeowner.
We all want a This Old House movie in theaters soon. You guys are amazing. 🔥
I grew up with this show from the age of 10 to 40 something now. What an awesome run so far!
When my wife and I were first dating, she used to make fun of my "old man show" She thought it was funny that I was 19 watching these "old guys" restore a house.
Fifteen years later, a finished basement and many small projects later, she actually will watch the show with me from time to time.
😂😂😂😂 i was five in 1995, instead of watching cartoons I would watch this old house, and new Yankee workshop
I love this! I grew up watching this old house as my father renovated their house and let me help, now I watch it for insight on what to do with my own. Tom is a great man and I'm glad to hear a bit of his story!
Great man and you can see the transformation form the young Silva to the actual Silva.
I once saw Tom precisely cut a strip of hardwood a half inch wide and 3 feet long - using a hand saw. Great respect!
We started watching when this old house started as we bought our property in 1976. It will be in my children hands and I hope in grandchildren hands as well.
Thanks This old House 🤗🤗🏘️
I have learned a lot watching Tommy growing up. To this day i am still learning something new. I have been watching this show since the Bob Villa days, that's going back a loonngg ways. Thanks this old house, thanks Tommy.
Thanks to Tom I was able to replace a lally column in my home. Sharing his info, skill and ability is a pretty awesome gift. Thanks Tom.
I wish i could meet Tom . I consider him a family member ! I love this guy !
You guys are amazing, wish every province every state, every country had such amazing show and staffs.
I’ve been watching Tom in the show since I was a child (mid 90s). The man cannot imagine how much I’ve learned from him.
God this show has been on PBS since I was a kid and a teenager know I'm almost 43 and I still watch it and learn from this show is good
I think Tommy is a wonderful contractor. I love the shows that have he and Norm working together on a project and I think, 'Man, all that knowledge and talent!!'. They are like two peas in a pod, Tommy is a 'Mini Norm' as it were.
Tommy, by watching This Old House for years and this short documentary I must say that your one hell of a Carpenter, Husband, Father, Brother and Uncle and a Great friend to all that have met you. I wish that I have that pleasure some day. Keep it up my friend.
You guys are the “Do Tube” originators! I firmly believe that every CZcamsr is actually living our their dream to be Bob, Tom, Norm, Richard, et al. And I can’t tell you the millions of women who wished their husbands were ! Either way, your show and the people, crew and helpers have made a positive impact for a half a century( nearly). If someone wished to present your names for an order of magnitude, I wouldn’t be surprised! Please, PLEASE 🙏🏼 keep the good times going❣️
Tom you & your crew are AMAZING!! I'm a 68 yo wife & mom with a background in building codes that is "the guy" of the house! You have guided me through SO many projects. I can't say thank you enough. What a joy it would be to sit down & talk projects with you 😊
Tom, Norm and the boys at This Old House is the best renovation show on Tv. Been watching PBS from Canada
since I was a teenager. Learned so much. Thank you.
Tommy's a national treasure.
I still remember seeing those shows when they originally aired five decades ago when I was an adulescent. It was the first and only show of that kind. Many others came decades later riding on their coattails.
Tom Silva is truly an exceptional human being, I can't get enough of the way he works and the way he explains the art of carpentry and doing things, grateful for the TOH show and the rest of the cast always something useful to watch and never a dull moment.
What a teacher Tommy is to our country. He is a Treasure to the trade !! Thank you Tommy ❤️ Blessings 🙏
Merry Christmas
Thank you TOH, and ATOH for making Tommy part of the show. I too am the 5th of five boys, now 64, and have watched every episode of both shows. I also really liked the series on your apprentices. Both sad and real. Nice touch Kevin, on the wrap. I'm not afraid to dig into repairs, builds, and renovations purely because you have granted me both the desire, and ability to see an result and go for that. I helped build my first home back in '83 with a builder, my wife and a few friends. I lived there for 20 years, and made many improvements (added a 2nd garage stall, and a 2nd floor, and two more garage stalls off to the side). I only did it because you all made me see that I could do it.
I know there will come a time when new builders and contractors will come in, and carry the torch. Be inspired by the fact that most, if not all have seen you all work, share, and enjoy the products you make a home. I say "Tommy for President 2024!"!!!!
One of the nicest short videos you have ever put up. Really nice to see what a down to earth guy Tom is
I can remember back around 92 I believe I'd be flipping back and forth watching this old house and American gladiators 🙌 i was just around 16 but I enjoyed watching the construction going on. Now I'm a tile contractor of 23yrs! luv it🤟👍
Tommy is the best! Honestly I personally think he's one of the most knowledgeable on the show. Great on TV too!
I always think about Tom Silva whenever I need something done around the house. I also wear my Silva Brothers tee shirt all summer long!! Thanks Tom.
I’m 26 and a home owner, owned a house since I was 22 and I gotta say this guy has saved me lots of time and has saved me a ton of money. Sometimes I watched this show growing up as I always had a interest in home projects but never exactly “looked up” to anyone but now that I’ve sold my first house and I’m about to move into my second house that is going to need updating/renovating, I’ve realized how much I look up to this man because without him I wouldn’t have been able to have the confidence/inspiration or knowledge to renovate my first house or go into my second house that I know will need some work. I work for the railway and have even subconsciously adopted his dress style, wearing the trusty old work shirts 😂 this man is my hero.
I am a toolmaker Tom, And I like your work when it comes to floors and other wood working assignments.I am in the steel.We have to use Close tolerance.
And I learned a lot from you.Thank you!😊
As a retired builder, Tom is one of few people on TV that actually knows what he is doing.
Need to bring the episodes back to CZcams.. give the audience the chance to appreciate this show just like back in the days of PBS.. public access. Thanks, what a fantastic show.. grew up with this Tom Silva and Bob Villa!
Mr Silva, your work is truly a work of art.. you define craftsmanship.. I wish I could pay to have 45 mins of your expertise! Always look forward to new content!
Hes a legend. Work ethics are over the top. Ty for your years of service
I also want to say hello to your show especially Tom Silva, which is largely responsible for the quality of this show.
I also want to tell him that we Europeans know him very well!. We are still following this old house, one unique show on the planet not just for America.
Tom and the TOH team were a huge inspiration along with the New Yankee Workshop while growing up. Me and my brothers are all craftsman of different teachings. Would have never gotten the inspiration if it wasn't for guys like Tom. Sadly people aren't pursuing such careers anymore. The demand for workers is insane and as long as I have my tools I'll always be able to put food on the table. Salud Tom and thanks for the memories
Wow Tom was a young whippersnapper..you were made for this trait and this show Tom..it fits you like a glove. Thanks for all the years of teaching us and I hope for many many more.
I’ve been watching ask this old house for so many years all this people doing a great job i wish i can participate or work with them as a apprentice 🇺🇸🇵🇭👍🏻
Tommy, Norm were my childhood heroes!
And the livelihood I enjoy today is because of This Old House and these amazing craftsman!
#thankyou
Tom is the best. I wish I had 1/100000 of the talent that man has.
You guys are legends. I grew up watching TOH with my dad, all the way back to the Bob Vila days. Learned so much, and got so much out of working side by side with my father on our home. Thank you.
This here guy is the Jacques Pepin of home improvement. A master of technique who's just as comfortable making something out of nothing as manipulating exotic materials.
I have always enjoyed watching Tom Silva, he is a great teacher I learned a lot by watching him.
Tom and Norm, two of the best. Thank you for sharing all of your wisdom with us!
Tom you are the BEST!!!! Thank goodness for your neighbor