The House That Norm Built

Tom: He's a true craftsman that loves what he does.

Kevin: Always focused.

Endlessly talented.

Woman: The uncle that you always wanted.

Man: The finish work is just -- it's -- it's breathtaking.

Monica: The authenticity that he brings into people's homes.

Jenn: He's the guy you want next door.

He's chill.

Richard: He's beyond an icon.

He's just this soul that cares about the work.

Russell: If you are planning on a visit to a desert island, the only person you will need to take to actually create a structure out of nothing is Norm Abram.

Kevin: Like many Americans, Norm Abram has been a trusted guest in my living room since I was a kid.

I'm Kevin O'Connor.

Welcome to this special tribute to a man who personifies the do-it-yourself spirit.

He was the first to show us on television the intricate skills of a master carpenter.

Well, after four decades of measuring twice and cutting once, Norm is hanging up his "This Old House" tool belt.

Tonight we take a look back at the house that Norm built.

For 43 years, "This Old House" has been the broadcast beacon for building things right.

Man: Come on, baby, come on.

Come on, baby.

Kevin: You know what?

It's always satisfying lifting these walls.

Tom: But let's not celebrate yet.

We have a lot more work to do.

Norm: We do.

Kevin: Norm wasn't in the first episode back in 1979.

Bob: Hello, I'm Bob Vila.

Welcome to "This Old House."

Kevin: But from episode two, and forever, he represents the essence of "This Old House."

Norm: Hi, I'm Norm Abram.

Welcome back to "This Old House."

Last time we were here, the framers were framing up our new two-story edition.

Work continues with a lot of new trim being installed, and all the interior walls have been removed and the roof has been taken off.

Kevin: And today, he's the most surprised.

Norm: How did I get here?

I'm just a person and I do work and I love to work.

And this is what I do.

That's all.

My father was a carpenter, and my father was always great when I was home and he would do things in the basement.

And he had a table saw and had a little jointer on the side of it.

And I would go down in the basement with him and he would show me how he was doing it.

He would never let me touch the tools until I was ready.

And I had my own little bench, then I had my Handy Andy toolbox.

There's a picture of me at Christmas when I was really small with a Handy Andy toolbox.

And I always loved working with things.

So, as time went on, and as most people in that generation wanted, "We want you to go to college."

"Mm, okay, I'll go to college."

So I did two years of engineering.

But sitting in a class with 200 other people and listening to a lecture, that didn't work for me.

Kevin: Then, after three years of business classes, Norm started hustling construction projects.

One job took him to Nantucket, where he met producer Russ Morash.

It was a meeting that would forever change Norm's life.

Norm: Russ came by and he said, "I'm thinking about doing a show on renovating houses.

What do you think?"

And I was -- I didn't know what to say.

I mean, first of all, I didn't know what he did, really.

Russell: I thought maybe we could find an old house, rebuild it, and sell it.

-The purpose of our series is to show you the many steps involved in taking an old house that's fallen on really hard times and saving it.

Norm: So I agreed to be part of the project, not ever knowing I was gonna be on television.

I had this dream that I would walk through a scene with a ladder over my shoulder and then I could tell all my friends I had been on TV.

Little did I know that in a few weeks I would be in charge of all the carpentry on this job, and they would pin a mic on me to do scenes for the show.

Bob: Hi, Norm.

Norm: Hi, Bob.

Bob: Wonder if you can talk with us for just a minute.

Want to get a closer look at the eaves up here.

Russell: We were working on a building which had some fairly intricate detailing, particularly up in the eaves of the building.

There was a complication with the roof overhang and the guttering and the way the ornamentation went.

Very tricky stuff.

And this was in February.

Norm: So, anytime the gutter filled up with water, it just ran inside the house.

Bob: What about all these brackets, Norm?

Norm: Well, these brackets are damaged also by the water getting into the soffit.

Russell: He was in the task, and that's what endeared him to us and I think to the audience, because they could see his determination.

Bob: Can we repair them?

Norm: Well, we thought possibly we could cut this off here, which would remove most of the rotten wood, and then laminate another piece back on.

That would save the top.

Some people might just think, "Well, we don't have enough money," or, "Let's just put a few 2x4s in and put some plywood over it and re-clapboard it and do it like that."

I don't think that way.

It's like, I want something to last.

So let's make sure we get a beam that's gonna hold it.

Let's be sure that when we do the work up on the roof that we do the right things.

Bob: I notice they've all been scraped and put back together and they're solid.

And, boy, I bet it's been tedious.

Norm: It sure has.

We've had to do a lot of work to these modillions.

Richard: That first season, everything was so new, so amazing.

The stimulus was crazy.

[ Clattering ] Man: Whoa!

Super.

Super.

It's so good to see that go.

Richard: Norm was there and then he did that roof scene and then all of a sudden he became "the guy."

Bob: Hello again, Norm.

Norm: Hey, Bob.

Bob: How you doing out here?

Norm: Pretty good.

Bob: You're getting ready to show us how to cut a stringer.

Norm: That's right.

Tom: I watched the very first "This Old House" Project because I wanted to check things out.

Norm: So, we first built this frame to set the skylight on, and then we just took some plywood and made some cant strips.

Tom: Everything that I do, he did.

And it was like, "Gee, I like the way this guy does his work."

Bob: We think you've really done a wonderful job around here helping us out and getting this place shipshape.

Kevin: If you compare Norm's life to the homes he built, his upbringing and the Dorchester project were the foundation.

There were many building blocks to come.

Along the way, he touched many lives.

As Norm thinks about a new chapter in his life, they want to give back to him.

Russell: Norm, I have been a very fortunate producer for many, many years -- fortunate because of people like you and Julia and Jim Crockett.

And you are the best at what you do, and it has been a distinct pleasure to be a part of your history.

Norm: I mean, Russ created a whole new way of television, and not having everything written out is unbelievable.

And I don't think there's anybody who does it better than "This Old House."

Bob: Hey, Norm, it looks like you're gonna get that gutter up there just before the rain hits.

Norm: I hope so, Bob.

We need it.

Russell: We went from a very impacted urban setting in Dorchester to one that was enormous -- a 10,000-square-foot building out in Newton.

Bob: The so-called Bigelow House.

Russell: It took us over a year to finish that project.

Norm: We have to gut it, we have to put new petitions in, and then we have no mechanical systems at all.

Russell: Every day was spent on something that Norm was a part of.

Norm: Okay, Greg, move down this way about 6 feet.

Kevin: He seemed extremely calm and thoughtful on TV, and he also seemed like a superhero.

[ Laughing ] You know?

Because he could kind of climb the ladder with one hand and carry a bunch of shingles.

Russell: Oh, he was a national treasure because, first of all, he didn't complain and he accepted all the challenges that were there.

Bob: What happened to the sunbath?

Norm: Ah, we decided to take it down.

It isn't worth saving.

We did it.

We were there for like a year and a half or something like that.

Bob: Hey, Norman!

Norm, are you sure this is one of the walls that's coming down?

Norm: It sure is, Bob.

And in the end, it came out really nice.

Russell: Maybe the best house we've ever done.

Bob: Well, Norm, it's a job pretty well done.

It looks beautiful.

It did take a few days longer.

Do you remember, I guess about 12 months ago, that we stood out there with some architectural plans in the courtyard and I asked you, "Gee, Norm, or you think we can do all this work in 26 weeks?

Whatever happened to that estimate?

Norm: Well, Bob, I think I'll have to refuse to answer that question, since I would clearly incriminate myself.

Bob: A lot of incrimination there.

Martha: People have often referred to you as the Martha Stewart of handymen.

Well, I would rather be called the Norm Abram of the home.

Norm, you are a consummate carpenter, and I admire your knowledge tremendously.

I hope you've built yourself a most fantastic home in which to take it easy.

Good luck.

Kevin: From the very beginning, he was one of the cornerstones of the show, no doubt.

It's always been an ensemble, so he wasn't the show, but he was one of the cornerstones and maybe, you know, first among equals.

He was the one who embodied what the show was about -- real craftsmen teaching people how to fix their homes.

Tom: Oh, yeah.

Yeah, he was a bigwig.

Yeah, he's still a bigwig.

[ Chuckles ] Yeah, there's Norm, and there's me.

[ Laughs ] And that's not height-wise.

I'm not talking about me being little.

But you know what?

He doesn't...

He doesn't have a big head about it at all.

Jenn: What did I learn from Norm?

Just to put your head down and go back to work, you just don't stop.

Norm: The next step is to put a bead of caulking down around here and set the frame on top.

Bob: Okay.

Norm: Okay.

Bob: Looks like it's right on the money.

Jenn: He was the founder.

He was the leader.

And he taught all of us that it's all about the process.

Norm: And every piece comes out exactly the same.

Saves a lot of time.

Jenn: Norm, just want to thank you for being your true self and teaching us all the right way and how to go through the process and appreciate the process because you're always gonna have a great outcome.

And we all love you.

Norm: [ Chuckles ] Yeah, Jenn's great.

Now, this house was built in the 1890s, and after taking a good look at it, it needs a lot of love.

Kevin: Sure does.

Jenn: It really does.

Charlie: Norm is who you think he is when you see him on camera.

He is just a genuine good guy.

Jenn: He's just like, could be your best friend in school or the guy who grew up down the street.

Bob: Norm, I thought we were gonna see you starting to put the windows in.

You're almost finished.

Norm: Yeah, they're getting there.

Bob: This is looking absolutely beautiful.

Nick: So, when I met Norm, I was astonished to find that he wasn't 8 feet tall.

He came to life in my world, but in my imagination, as part lumberjack.

So it was very exciting to meet him in person.

He was very kind.

Tom: Yeah, you want to give me a hand putting these in?

Norm: Sure.

Tom: Okay.

Tom: Just doing what he loves to do.

Working with his hands, solving problems.

Man: Now, how are you gonna handle that corner, Norm?

Norm: Well, I'm gonna close that corner up the way carpenters have been doing it for 200 years.

I'm gonna use a square block called a plinth block.

And that stays proud of the casing about 1/8 inch.

Man: Well, that looks great.

Tom: You know that whatever he does, it's gonna be done right or he's not gonna do it.

And if it's wrong, he's gonna fix it.

Norm: Well, we had to do some special corners here.

Bob: Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

Norm: Because of the angles.

Roger: You know, I'd love to do what he can do with his hands and the way he figures things out and angles and everything else.

But, like, you know, I don't have that ability.

I don't have that patience.

He does.

Norm: Now, on the bench are two brack-- two brackets, one that I took from the job as a sample and one that I've already made.

Steve: That looks great.

It's the spitting image.

Monica: I have never met Norm, but I feel like I know him because of his warmness, and it comes through the screen.

And there are millions of people across the country who feel the same exact way, that he's been a friend for them on their path from -- if they are 43, then their whole lives.

Man: You name it, he knows the year, how to fix it, where it came from, what you need to replace it with.

So, thank you.

[ Laughs ] He's taught us a lot.

Man #2: An old-school craftsman who really took his time and put the time and energy into doing a great job.

Man #3: The guy could do anything with it -- with a chisel and a hammer.

Woman: I think Norm's, like, distinguishing trait to me is, like, his voice.

Man #4: Just the smooth voice, just the accurate detail.

Man #5: He was able to make complicated things seem easy and to inspire people to do things that were perhaps outside their comfort zone.

Woman #2: I think Norm's legacy is gonna be that he inspired an entire generation of craftspeople.

And he inspired me and my family, multiple generations, to continue in this work.

Norm: And all these people are so nice.

I sort of tap it back, I guess, because that's just my personality.

I'm not looking to be treated in any different way than just a regular person.

This is similar to the scaffolding they used on the Statue of Liberty, right?

Charlie: Yeah, but I wasn't there for that job.

Norm: [ Chuckles ] You think you can handle that side alone?

Charlie: Oh, yeah, no problem.

Norm: Okay.

Charlie: Well, Norm, it's been over 30 years since we've met, and every time we work together has been a pleasure.

And just can't thank you enough for always listening and understanding.

Best of luck in retirement.

You deserve it.

Norm: Yeah.

Yeah.

Charlie's a lot like Tom.

We respect each other greatly.

And...And, you know, I think that a lot of that blood in the Silva brothers' line has caused these people to be so great.

And Charlie's one of them.

Kevin: After a decade on the air, "This Old House" was the yardstick by which DIY programming was measured, and Norm was becoming a reluctant celebrity.

His star shone brightest on PBS.

Judy: Norm Abram, what an icon you've become since you first appeared on TV as that cool master woodworker still in your 20s.

None of us can believe you'll be hanging up your tool belt, but we can believe you do so after winning 19 Emmys and countless other recognitions for your extraordinary body of work.

Thank you for all you've meant to the public television family.

You're stepping away with our heartfelt appreciation.

And I just need to do some work on this desk.

Rick: Hey, Norm.

I'm Rick Steves.

In so many ways and for so many years, you are the embodiment of what public television is all about.

As the original do-it-yourself guru, you've inspired us all to pick up that metaphorical hammer and get it done, measuring twice to get it right, and having fun along the way.

Thanks, Norm, for decades of educational, entertaining, and inspirational television.

And happy travels.

Christopher: Hey, Chris Kimball here from Milk Street.

You know, I met Norm on the set of "This Old House" a few seasons ago when I was actually on the show.

And he's been one of my great heroes for decades.

I love what he does on the show.

I love the show, and I just want to wish him all the best.

Kevin: As the popularity of "This Old House" grew, so did Norm's expertise.

In 1989, Norm was tapped to host "The New Yankee Workshop," a series that guided viewers through the process of furniture making and other woodworking projects.

Its 21 seasons solidified Norm's legacy as not only a master carpenter, but also a precision craftsman.

But it took some self-taught, on-the-job training.

Norm: In the beginning, I think I was, like, a little bit terrified because I'm going into a whole new ballgame.

The case is put together with these finger joints.

I knew how to use the tools, but the question was, am I good enough to make a piece that's gonna fit together right?

Okay, a little bit of yellow glue spread out with my brush here, and I'll be able to fit these corners together using a little gentle persuasion from my rubber mallet.

Russell: I knew he had the skills.

He believed he had the skills to do it.

Although a lot of the things he did, he was doing for the first time.

Norm: I think what made me get into it was the way I look at things.

And we'd go to Old Sturbridge Village or to a museum.

Woman: Do you recognize this desk and bookcase in the center her, Norm?

Norm: Uh... Goddard Townsend, Perhaps?

Woman: You're right.

Norm: And we'd look at furniture and you'd say, "Well, this would be a good project.

Maybe we should do this."

If you don't mind me taking a couple pictures and maybe helping me get a couple measurements, that would be great.

Man: Our pleasure.

Norm: And I'd look at it very carefully to see how it's actually made and figure out how it's put together.

Hey, Kevin.

Kevin: Well, I can see what's been keeping you busy.

Norm: Yeah, I've been busy on a few "New Yankee Workshop" projects.

Kevin: What have you worked on here?

Norm: Well, this piece was inspired by an antique that we found at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

It was actually antique, was built in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1727.

It's a chest with a drawer.

Even though it looks like there are three, only one of them operates.

Russell: Unlike mere mortals, let us say, like you or me, Norm can think through a problem and imagine it almost in amazing detail.

And many people can't do that.

For example, I would have to build it badly before I could build it with the improvements that Norm could see.

Kevin: As I watched it growing up, I could see the evolution of a guy who started with some simple projects.

Then they evolved.

Norm: It tilts and it spins.

These are actually different prints from animals.

This is an eagle.

This is a bear.

And how do ya like these?

Elk antler hardware.

Kevin: And then, you know, the double highboy kind of project.

You're just like, "What?"

Norm: A bonnet-topped highboy.

I'm really proud of this one.

Kevin: This is exquisite.

Norm: Well, this was the most challenging woodworking project that I've ever taken on.

Kevin: Well, now.

That's saying something.

But it speaks to who he is.

He can teach himself, he can practice, he can perfect, he can evolve.

And that's the lesson for anybody who gets into the profession of working with your hands.

You're gonna start here.

You're gonna end up here.

Russell: And he's a great teacher.

Norm: There is no more important safety rule than to wear these safety glasses.

Russell: He's a very patient teacher and he can explain it in terms that you can understand.

Norm: I'm gonna transfer the transition marks onto my turning at each location.

Like this.

There.

Now, to make the mark go all the way around, I'm gonna turn it down to my tool rest, put my pencil on the mark, and just turn the lathe on for a second.

Woman: Using the lathe, it was always a tool that I was so fascinated with, and just the way that he moved around it, as well as just how slow the process was and how much detail he put into it is what really stays with me.

Man: I think he's inspired a multitude of woodworkers and folks that just want to get into the creative arts.

Man #2: Norm, congrats.

Great job, great career.

I learned a lot from you.

Man #2: Good luck in your retirement.

I'm sure you'll stay active, and we all love you very much.

Norm: Now, we're gonna take two programs to build the Clancy.

The first program, I want to get to this point, have the hull just about to this stage.

And in the second program, we'll finish it off, rig it, and take it for a sail.

Man: Bon voyage.

Norm: Okay.

Kevin: One "New Yankee Workshop" project introduced another passion of Norm's -- being on the water.

Norm: For me, boating is...

It can be challenging and it can be the most restful thing you can do, to be away from everything and just relax.

Kevin: And there was one project that really hit it out of the park.

Norm: Whew!

It's outta here!

How about a baseball bat?

A baseball bat is nothing more than a nice, straight-grained piece of ash.

The perfect combination of weight and strength.

Kevin: This was no ordinary bat that Norm crafted.

It was drafted into batting practice for none other than Red Sox slugger Kevin Millar.

Norm: So, we got on the field and he takes a look at it and he took it and hit a couple balls with it.

Whoa!

That one is off the wall!

Didn't break on that one.

And that one is over the wall!

Home run!

Alright!

Kevin Millar: Nice to meet you.

Norm: Appreciate it.

Thanks.

Nice meeting you.

Alright.

I could make a living out of doing this.

[ Laughter ] Making bats for the pros.

And it's signed, of course.

Yeah, I mean...

It's -- It's just fun.

Nick: When they end up making the movie of "The New Yankee Workshop," I hope to get an audition.

I am capable in the beard department and I am willing to wear glasses.

Jenn L.: As somebody who grew up watching "New Yankee Workshop" with my dad, I was amazed at the craftsmanship that you shared with all of us.

Ross: I want to thank you for letting me use the New Yankee Workshop to build my pinewood derby car.

Might have been a little bit unfair for my peers, but thank you for all that you've done for all of us.

Hope to see you on the beach or the water sometime soon.

Take care.

Nick: Norm.

Norm: [ Laughs ] Nick: I would like to offer you my profound thanks, especially because I still have 10 fingers, thanks to your tutelage on workshop safety and proper comportment.

So, on behalf of all of the fingers still on woodworkers' hands, thank you, Norm.

Norm: [ Chuckles ] Oh, another character.

So, I have to thank him for putting this out.

Roger: Norm.

[ Chuckles ] All I have to say is, he reads the directions before he does anything.

He drives me crazy.

Norm: I am methodical.

Next step is to cut the rafters.

Because I approach a project not looking exactly what I'm doing at that moment, but I'm thinking forward.

What we want this to do is sit nice and flat on this wall and come right even with our ridge.

Because I learned early on, if you don't think forward and you make a mistake, you're gonna pay for it, big time.

Well, it's pretty good, Bob.

Bob: Superb.

Now, tell me the truth, Norm.

Is that the first one you tried?

Norm: Not really.

[ Both chuckle ] Richard: My biggest fear was doing a scene on this product that we're talking about and seeing Norm over there reading the instructions on this product.

Because I'm waiting for him to say, "No, no, Richard, no."

"No, you..." [ Laughing ] Norm: Well, it's a little bit tricky.

Bob: You just don't want to give up any of your secrets.

Norm: I can't give all my secrets away.

Tom: A lot of people in the beginning were all upset about, "You can't be giving those tips and tricks away."

And he goes, "Why not?"

We got to help the people out.

We got to set them up for a new generation of people.

Norm: A DIYer is gonna be a DIYer no matter what you say.

So, isn't it more important to give them the information to understand the process and how you can renovate a house and what you might be able to do and not be able to do?

Kevin: I do know from working with him for many years that he was aware of what his responsibility was.

You know, at some point he woke up to the fact that he was representing the trades, that he was representing contractors, that he was in a position of teaching people.

And I think he took it very seriously.

Norm: Now, doing this makes the depth of the cut consistent and easier to remove the material for the mortise.

Kevin: Anybody who sets out to be a teacher and ends up empowering you, transforming you, your respect for them is never going to diminish.

Norm: So, it's really just patience and taking your time.

Kevin: And that's what he did to millions of people, millions of people who wanted to fix their house or work in their garage workshops and build something.

And to have him be the teacher to tell you, "You can do it, this is how you're gonna do it," and show you the best practices along the way.

It's an extremely powerful position to be in.

And that's what he did.

Norm: Nice job.

Man: Thanks.

Norm: Now you know how to hang a door.

Man: This is great.

Kevin: Norm's influence stretches far and wide.

He's written numerous books.

And Norm had fun playing the comic foil for David Letterman on his late-night shows.

[ Laughter ] David: Hi!

[ Cheers and applause ] [ Drum roll ] Just hang that up over there, if you don't mind, Norm.

Norm: Yeah, it's better that you not have that on.

David: Have you ever had a guy working around machinery with a tie like this?

Norm: I think make sure that's tucked in 'cause, you know... David: Can something ugly happen?

Norm: Oh, yeah.

You could get sucked in.

David: How come you don't have the special glasses on, Norm?

Norm: These are.

these are safety glasses.

David: Well, they're custom-made, I guess, when you're a master carpenter.

Norm: That's right.

We only have the best, right?

David: Shoot the works!

Oh, yeah, the sky's the limit.

Richard: We loved it when he got asked to go on David Letterman.

We always were like, he's an unlikely hero, you know?

And he just, and he delivered and he just-- and they love him.

You know, what's not to love about him, though?

Norm: Again, that's one of those things that's a lifetime -- How many people get to do that?

And I did it twice with him.

Kevin: Many say Norm was the inspiration for the flannel-wearing, bearded sidekick on "Home Improvement."

Would Tim Allen agree?

Tim: Tim Allen here.

I know you probably better than you know me because I used to watch your show.

I knew how you had to struggle with your "partner," and it gave me an idea of what it'd be like if the partner always screwed up.

And that would be me, Tim Taylor on "Tool Time."

And the whole show still on the set right here.

Became friends with a guy named Richard Karn -- we're still close friends -- who covered all the errors that I did.

In my fantasy world, that's what you did.

Anyway, loved the show, loved your skill set, love the personality you did.

I want to say congratulations on retiring.

I'm not sure how I'm gonna do it.

I'm getting close, but I don't have to deal with flannel shirts.

Anyway, congratulations on a great career, and hope your shop gets even better.

Thanks.

Norm: That's very cool.

Ah, there we go.

That's a keeper.

Oh.

Mmm!

Steve: Oh, that's good.

Norm: Nothing better than this.

Richard: Hey, let's not go back.

Kevin: New England was the backdrop for many "This Old House" projects.

The accents were a dead giveaway.

Steve: Have you seen Norm?

Tom: Yeah.

He's right over there.

Norm: I'm parking in the yard on Saturday afternoon.

Roger: Now, inside here, we dug a trench which is shaped like a "V." Tom: Well, let's take a walk around back and I'll show you how much of this place we save for ya.

Kevin: But most years, Norm and his crew also took the show on the road... when there was a road.

Norm: Hey, Steve!

I thought you said there was only one road.

Steve: Well, there is!

But it looks like we're running out of it.

Holy mackerel.

Norm: Nice work, Steve.

Steve: I don't get it, Norm.

Norm: What's this all about?

Steve: I don't get it.

They said it was one long, unbroken road all the way to Key West.

Norm: Going to other places in the country was always nice.

You know, go out to California, you're looking at a completely different type of house, you know, and environment that it lives in.

Now, some of the signatures of this style are the red tiles on the roof.

And you see a lot of Moorish influence, like these arches at the window, and they're all over the house.

Steve: So, what do you think of Santa Fe style?

Norm: Kind of like it.

It's quite interesting.

I love the Santa Fe House.

I mean, it was a classic 1800s true adobe house.

It needed a lot of work.

Steve: Hey, this looks terrific, Norm.

Really came together, didn't it?

Norm: Sure did.

Actually made most of the doors, put the shelves in, and made the drawers.

Steve: Now, is it true that in an hour and a half, a mariachi band is gonna roll up, unfold, and serenade us?

Woman: You got that right, Steve.

Norm: And I've been back to it several times.

Woman: Does this look familiar?

Norm: Wow, it looks great.

Richard: You know, it looks like we left yesterday.

It's just perfect.

Norm: It still looks great.

You know, when you start to look back, you say, "Oh, I remember building those cabinets."

You have the frame that goes all the way around the perimeter.

And these corner blocks are unique in that they stick out just a little bit.

And then there's a nice molding that goes all the way around and a seam down the center.

Woman: John, thank for my adobe walls.

John: Oh, it's a wonderful opportunity.

Richard: Hey, wait a minute.

Weren't they playing 30 years ago here?

Norm: 30 years?

That's quite a good gig.

[ Laughter ] -[ Singing in Spanish ] Richard: And so, we got to do these cool sort of... not would be our typical thing.

Steve: But where else but London could you begin the show at Buckingham Palace?

Norm: The most interesting story I read was about George IV.

He had a very bold move.

He had a little permit for minor repairs, but he had a different idea in mind.

He shrouded the building in a scaffolding system and built a whole new palace.

Steve: You're kidding.

Norm: Up in Montana, riding horses up in the hills.

This is not a commute I'd like to make every day.

Went to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Steve: This is unbelievable!

Norm: Boy, everyone's gonna be jealous that we got to come up here.

Steve: That's for sure.

On the top of the North Tower!

Norm: Look at that.

It's 48 stories above the water, which is over 700 feet.

Amazing.

Richard: It's still to this day, for all of us, Norm included -- You say to yourself, "How did that happen?

How does this cool stuff have happened to us that's been so much fun?"

Norm: And then one year, you made me paddle all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Steve: And you're a better man for it, too.

Richard: Norm wasn't a likely kayaker or on the outrigger.

He's just been the right guy for us, though.

He's just this-- It's -- You know what it is?

It's everyman doing it.

He's everyman, and he's out there.

You know, Walter Mitty.

Steve: The space shuttle!

Now, can you imagine this thing gliding back in from space?

John H.: Okay, Norm, let's start with your tool belt.

Norm: This is great.

I'm with astronaut John Herrington, and he's showing me some of the tools they use in space.

John H.: Well, we have a ratchet.

Everybody has a ratchet.

Norm: Wow, that's not like any ratchet that I have at home.

Huh!

If someone gave me the opportunity to go up into space, I'd go.

And there it is.

The real thing.

Amazing.

Now, which one is this?

John H.: It's the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Norm: You don't get this opportunity every day.

You know, when you get up close to this, it's huge!

Amazing.

Richard: When we traveled, if we were in the airport, we'd always -- people would always want to move their seats so they could eavesdrop on us.

And so after a while, just to fool people, when I was far away, I would just yell over, "Hey, Freddie!"

Norm: Freddie.

He always called me Freddie.

Richard: And Norm would react.

And you'd watch the people go, "Geez, I thought that was Norm."

[ Laughs ] And so we just -- we just played with them, and it was really fun.

Freddie, thanks for everything.

You taught us all.

You're the man.

Norm: [ Chuckles ] Richard is great, too.

And he's -- he's a clown.

You know, he's the clown of all of us.

Thanks for your help today.

Steve: Sure.

Norm: About that miter box you want this weekend... Take good care of it.

Steve: Thanks.

Norm: And don't forget to bring it back on Monday.

Steve: When I was screen-testing for "This Old House," I knew that 411 people came before me and they all tanked.

So I decided I'm just gonna be myself, which included a full beard.

Couple days later, they call me back.

They say, yeah, I was pretty good, "but on camera, you and Norm looked like the Smith brothers.

So one of you has to shave, and it's not gonna be Norm."

So I shave my beard, I get the job, and for the next 14 years, we worked side by side.

He wore plaid and had a beard, and I didn't.

Hey, that is great, Norm!

So, Norm, happy retirement.

As you head off to Margaritaville, keep the beard, rock the plaid.

And remember, always wear these -- your safety glasses.

Norm: That was nice to say hello, because it's been a long time since I've seen him.

Richard: You know, a lot of times, you end up in a work environment, you don't like your coworkers.

We love each other.

You don't mind if I bring along a little friend?

Roger: Howdy!

Norm: Oh, this is trouble.

Tom: Somebody say trouble?

Norm: Hey, Tommy!

Tom: Yeah, we're good friends, good buddies, off the air.

And our families are close.

Richard: So, Norm, you remember this tub?

Norm: I do.

I helped move it.

It was very heavy.

Alright, there's another one.

How many more to go?

Tom: 31 more.

Norm: Alright.

So, you become a family, and I think that happens everywhere.

Roger: Tommy's been working on the house for seven months, and I've been here for two days.

Norm: You're not just working.

You're learning about each other and appreciating each other, and you become friends.

Kevin: Norm?

Hey, Norm, is that you?

Norm: It's the only way to travel.

I'll meet you in the square.

Kevin: It meant the world to me that I got along with these guys.

Oh, I knew I could count on you.

Thank you.

Norm: A great way to start a new season.

Kevin: Boy, it sure is.

And so, whether it was when he put that arm around me and introduced me and said, "Say hello to my new best friend"...

Norm: Here's my new best friend, Kevin O'Connor.

He'll be the new host as we continue our journey on "This Old House."

Kevin: ...or any time during our career where he and I could have a moment of confidence where I could ask him for advice and he would unselfishly give it to me...

Norm: I put a cleat at the top.

Hopefully it's not too high.

Kevin: Well, it's catching it.

It was transformative to me in my career, but it also just showed me how we were gonna treat each other at "This Old House."

Norm: Hey, you know what kind of wood that is?

Kevin: [ Sniffs ] Well, it's not pine, but no, I don't know what kind.

Norm: It's cypress.

Cypress is a great outdoor wood.

It loves to be outdoors.

It doesn't rot, and the insects don't like it very much.

So, take that home.

You'll find a use for it.

Don't throw it away.

Kevin: Geez.

It's a good thing we didn't get rid of this door.

Norm: That's for sure.

He's probably the softest-spoken of all of us, and he certainly has no appetite for the attention or the spotlight.

But, you know, he's also just a regular guy.

And when there's an opportunity to have fun, I think he takes it.

Norm: Kevin, I don't understand.

There are planes that leave every 10 minutes, and we got to go back to Boston by boat?

Kevin: Norm, we came by boat -- we leave by boat.

And there she is.

Like putting on goofy Bermuda shorts and a helmet and zipping around on the mopeds -- he's all for it.

Norm: It's the next right, Kevin.

Stay left!

Remember where you are.

Hey!

Stay left!

Kevin: Everyone's got a buddy who's kind of quiet and thoughtful and then lets loose every once in a while.

Norm: I'm Norm Abram, and welcome to "Jeopardy!"

Kevin: [ Laughing ] That's terrific.

Norm: I could get used to this.

Kevin: Wow.

So this is, like, the most recognized quiz show in history.

"Jeopardy!"

How cool is this?

Norm: Wait a minute.

You think I'm gonna walk around with a pair of boots that has a snakehead on the tip of it?

Kevin: You wear that on a jobsite, you get respect.

Norm: No way.

Kevin: You look "mah-velous."

Norm: So do you.

Tom: Hey, hey, hey.

Talk about work.

Let's go.

Up There.

Start ripping those clapboards off.

Not getting anything done with you guys flapping.

Kevin: Guess we know who's certified on this jobsite.

It would be great to have you back, but I do have to thank you for your generosity from the very first day we worked together all throughout my career.

It's been a pleasure.

And, you know, I and my family love you and Elise.

And I couldn't be more grateful for that time when you put your arm around my shoulder, and you never took it off.

So, thank you, brother.

Norm: Wow.

That's the guy I know.

And that's the guy I love.

Tom: So, what I want to do is I want to get this flashing out of the way.

I'm gonna remove this last board, and let's see how the rest of the rafters look.

Norm: Alright, I'll get some tools and give you a hand.

Tom: Okay, great.

It's an honor to work beside him.

I mean, Norm and I started out as colleagues.

Norm: But, you know, if there's anybody who can save this building, it's Tommy.

Steve: That's good.

Tom: And we ended up probably one of the best, best buddies that there are.

Norm: That's good, Tom.

Tom: I think it should come out.

Oh!

There it goes.

Norm: There it goes.

Tom: This is a heavy little sucker, watch it.

But this is pretty heavy.

Norm: Yeah, well, they call it MDF, but I think they should call it MDH.

Tom: [ Laughs ] Norm: Mighty Darn Heavy.

Tom: Well, it'd be right.

Norm: Now... a couple finish nails in the bottom rail and some of the top, and that's all there is to it.

Tom: We can have a conversation about the silliest little things to the average person, but to us, it's a big deal.

This is what I like.

A nice, big outfeed table.

This is a little bit bigger than yours, Norm.

Norm: Yeah, Tom, I'm jealous.

[ Laughter ] Tom: Whatever we're doing, I think one of the projects that comes to mind is the Belmont project, where we had to take some old doors, six-panel or four-panel doors, and we wanted to resize them width-wise.

So, I figure if we can cut this door down and move the stile over, it should solve our problem.

Norm: I think we can do that.

Tom: And so we got together on the workbench, we got the door in, and very little words were said.

But basically he did this, I did that, and the next thing you know, the door's put back together.

Norm: That glue squeeze out.

That's a good sign.

Tom: Yeah.

Norm: Alright.

Looks pretty good.

Tom: It does look good.

Norm: We'll have to let that dry overnight, and it'll be ready to hang tomorrow morning.

Tom: Yeah, it was like no direction.

It was just, you knew what I'm gonna do, and I know what you're gonna do, and I'll have it ready for you, and you'll have it ready for me.

And it was just -- it's magical.

Norm: We don't have to talk.

We know what's going on.

Okay.

There's more than one way to do this job.

And neither one of them is wrong.

And that's Tommy, because he's like me.

We're always thinking, you know, "How can we do this easier?"

Tom: You know, all of a sudden.

we could not meet up for weeks.

When we get back together and it's like we just never were apart.

Steve D.: We miss you on set.

But I know that whether you're on land working on a project or on sea, out on your boat having fun, I hope you're enjoying yourself.

And I hope to see you soon.

Mauro: Norm is the man.

He's simply the best.

Mark: Hi, Norm.

Congratulations on the greatest career of all time.

I remember when you and I did our first scene together.

Norm: So what's the plan?

Mark: Alright, the plan is, is we're gonna take out all the mortar joints and we're gonna start fresh.

I remember being a little bit nervous because I was gonna be working with you, but I was excited at the same time because I thought I was gonna be able to show you how to grind out brick on a foundation and re-point it.

Yep.

You got it, Norm.

By the end of the day, I had to kind of catch up to you, which again, has never left my mind and has always been something kind of special to me.

So, congratulations on everything.

It's been great working with you, and see you soon.

Norm: Yeah, I love Mark.

He such a...He's a real guy.

He's a guy who will do anything for you.

So, he's a winner.

Kevin: Along those who also worked alongside Norm -- some of the homeowners.

Woman: Beautiful job.

Beautiful.

Norm: Early on at this project, we asked Matt and Cat if there was anything special we could build for them.

And they knew right away what they wanted -- a new dining room table.

Matt: Okay.

Looks like I'll fit my family, butt do you think it'll fit my extended family that comes for, like, Thanksgiving?

Norm: Well, that will certainly fit your family.

You can put eight people at that table as is.

I'm gonna build you an extension, and that gives you a couple more place settings.

We're just gonna put a dab of glue in the hole and then drive a ten in there.

That's a table.

Matt: It looks awesome.

Yeah, I can't wait to have our first dinner here.

David M.: I would tell Norm that I'm not any better painting as I was when he tried to get me to paint the fireplace alcove and he finally gave up in disgust.

[ Both laugh ] I have other skills, obviously.

But we'd say, most of all, thank you for what you brought to our home.

And it's been perfect.

Norm: Here you go, David.

Seven more panels.

David M.: Oh, my goodness.

Thank you very much.

Norm: You can just help guide it.

Liz: I think my favorite project was working with Norm on the deck.

That was like bucket-list, dream-come-true kind of thing.

Norm: That went pretty well, and it looks great.

Liz: Wow.

I love it.

Thanks, Norm.

Norm: Thank you.

Kevin: And from Norm's workshop, beautiful, handcrafted items to fill other homes.

Norm: This year, I had the opportunity to make a corner banquette for Chris just off of her kitchen.

And I haven't seen it since Buzzy and his crew painted it.

Boy, they did a nice job.

It looks great.

And our custom seat cushions are in place.

Kevin: Oh, look at this!

Right on cue.

Wow.

Norm: This was a fun project, I can tell you that.

Especially because it was an ellipse.

And we spent a couple days on it.

Kevin: So, Scott, Shayla, what do you guys think?

You like?

Shayla: I do.

It fits the space perfectly.

Scott: I think it's fantastic.

Steve: Holy smoke!

Look at this.

Kevin: That spirit of generosity blossomed in Norm.

He was on the board of Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum which re-creates life in rural New England around 1800.

For his contributions, Norm was awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of another PBS legend.

Norm: I got the Ken Burns Award.

[ Applause ] Now, there's a person I met that I never thought I would ever meet.

And, nicest guy you would ever want, and so smart.

Ken: Hi.

I'm Ken Burns.

Who doesn't remember seeing Norm Abram every Saturday morning?

It's safe to say he invented DIY on television back in 1979.

Known for his plaid shirts and his legendary woodworking skills, Norm has been a pivotal part of our public television family.

And now that he's hanging up his tool belt, I want to wish him the very best.

Thanks, Norm, for devoting your time and sharing your knowledge with PBS viewers nationwide.

Enjoy your retirement.

Norm: Wow.

Ken Burns.

I was just so blown away that I was good enough to be in his group of people.

And so I'm very grateful for what he said.

And I'm very grateful for what he does and continues to do with Old Sturbridge Village.

Kevin: Nathan, Austin, Bailey, this guy knows a thing or two, so you're in very good hands with Norm.

I guess I'll leave you to it.

Just don't scream at them, huh?

Norm: I'll take it easy, I'll take it easy.

Kevin: Alright.

Good luck, guys.

Norm: Now, framing isn't a complicated process, but it's all about the details.

Kevin: Norm has also given back to the trades -- the bedrock of "This Old House."

He helped launch our apprentice program, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of craftspeople.

As part of our Generation NEXT initiative, we initiated a nationwide search for people who are interested in the building trades and interested in working with us.

Norm: Trades are changing, finally, I think.

So, I got my fingers crossed.

More people are finding that it's a great thing to do and make money.

Pick up the 2x6 and site down the edges.

And what I'm looking for is a nice straight line and no twist.

If it's twisted, set it aside.

We'll use that for blocks.

You know, these are mostly kids who want to be engineers.

If you're an engineer, you can be a great plumber and run a business that you'll do really well financially.

So, that's where we're going, I hope.

Now, I don't like to have to measure every single stud, take my square, mark it, and then cut it.

So I make a little jig.

Monica: Being able to be the guidepost for them as they're moving through the very early stages of their preservation careers.

And that only comes when someone has the emotional intelligence and the compassion to work through and be gentle with people as they're learning.

Norm: Alright.

That looks good.

Now, when we get the pocket door our hardware, we'll put that in, and then this wall will be ready for wiring and blue board.

Nice job, guys.

We got to get out of this idea of everybody needs to have a college education.

The educations in the trades is just as difficult, when you come right down to it.

Tom: Now, the pitch of the roof is marked on one end, and it doesn't matter if it's a common rafter or a hip rafter.

The pitch is the same.

Norm: I'm not trying to put down people who want to be lawyers and so forth, but when you build things and you can touch them, that's a whole different feeling of life, basically.

Tom: Kids today, you know?

I mean, there's jobs out there.

There's a lot of jobs for them.

Mike R.: Yeah.

Tom: But you just can't find somebody to come in to the trade.

Everybody thinks they got to go to college, but they came out of college, and they can't find a job.

Mike R: You just gonna stand there and listen to us talk?

You gonna work or what?

Tom: Yeah.

Come on.

Mike R.: Kids.

Norm: Mike Rowe.

I've spent time with him.

What he did, I totally believe in him.

His bible is perfect.

Mike R.: We want to give people a skill that's in demand.

And with the help of your show, we want America to see just what those skills look like when they're properly applied.

Woman: So, why do you only use pressure-treated on the first layer?

Norm: Well, you always use pressure-treated anytime you're next to any kind of masonry.

Otherwise it'll start to absorb the moisture and then it'll rot.

Keep the pressure on it.

Perfect.

Nice job.

But we're not done yet.

Mike R.: So, the short version is, together, we're gonna close the skills gap.

Kevin: Hope so.

Tom: Gonna try, that's for sure.

Mike R.: Why, it's as good as done.

Hey, Norm, how are you?

It's me, Mike Rowe.

Just about to head out into the hurricane to film another episode of "Dirty Jobs."

And I was thinking to myself, you know, "Dirty Jobs" has been on the air for 20 years.

Seems incredible.

In fact, I was feeling pretty proud of myself.

And then I got an email from somebody saying that you were retiring after 43 years of "This Old House."

43 years.

Nobody likes a quitter, Norm.

Norm: [ Laughs ] Mike R.: Hey, congratulations to you and all your plaid shirts for a career well done and a life well lived.

You're the man.

Enjoy your retirement.

You've earned it.

Love to chat.

Got to go.

[ Thunder rumbles ] Great.

Norm: You actually got Mike Rowe to talk to...?

Wow.

Nathan: Norm, thank you for being a friend and a mentor to everyone in the trades.

I look back fondly on our time during the apprenticeship and also getting to travel to different trade shows.

Best of luck on your next adventure.

Norm: Yeah, Nathan.

He is another person that I really love to spend time with.

I remember flying back on some projects we were on, and we just talked, you know, shop, basically.

His father was on one of the very early "This Old House" projects and did a kitchen job.

Bob: How are you gonna cut it, by hand?

Bill: No, I use a circular saw for the initial cut and then I clean it off with a block plane.

Norm: And to see that and learn from that -- oh, your father started there and now you're working with "This Old House."

And I think as he grows more in his trade that, you know, he could be the next Tom Silva or he can be the next person who is gonna continue this show along.

Heath: Hey, Norm.

Now, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I need to add my name to that long list of people that tell you how much of an influence you truly were on their lives.

It really just drew me into woodworking, which led me to a career in the trades that I never thought would have been possible.

So, I really want to say thank you for everything and wish you nothing but the best in retirement.

Norm: And if I helped somebody get in there and feel more comfortable, that's good.

Kevin: Norm was invited to take one more road trip with his "This Old House" family.

It was to Los Angeles to receive one of the highest honors in broadcasting.

Only two other series -- "60 Minutes" and "Sesame Street" -- have received such recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Adam: It is my distinct pleasure to present this year's Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy Award to the cast of "This Old House."

[ Applause ] Kevin: What you are looking at here are people who are first and foremost professional contractors, people who are skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who believe deeply in their craft and have the very fortunate benefit to share that craft with a television audience.

Norm: I would like to thank my wife, who has always been my support, as well as everyone on the stage with me.

They -- They respect the best craftspeople and have made this journey feel like they've always been a family.

Thank you.

[ Applause ] Tom: I'm happy to be part of such a great organization, a great team.

Here's to "This Old House" and another 43 years.

[ Cheers and applause ] Kevin: Thank you!

Norm: It seems unreal.

I mean, it feels like -- am I really in a dream now?

Or is this really happening?

I never imagined I would get something like this.

And it makes me very emotional because there's so many friends that I've worked with for all these years and I hope that that continues, whether I'm there or not.

And I'd like to -- I'll keep up with them and stop in every once in awhile, make sure they're getting it done right.

Tom: And without him, we wouldn't be getting this at all, because I think that he's the main -- the main key to the lock.

[ Indistinct conversations ] [ People cheering ] Photographer: There we go.

[ Laughter ] [ Cheering continues ] Norm: Check the measurements.

Kevin: And while Norm may be hanging up his "This Old House" tool belt, he's not giving up his craft.

Norm: And people say, "Well, what are you gonna do?"

But I'm good.

I want you to all know I'm good.

I got things in my life to do.

Well, I think it's time that I put away my nail gun and pick up my fishing rod.

You got to get me out there.

Man: How's that feel, Norm?

Norm: That feels great.

Man: This all makes getting up worth it, doesn't it?

Norm: What a way to start the morning.

And I'm in good health.

I've got a lot of ideas in my head.

I'm not a person who sits around and doesn't do anything.

I'm on the move all the time.

I'm gonna continue working with my hands.

That's what keeps me alive.

Kevin: After 10 years working with his hands and another four decades on television, the house that Norm built is more than a building or a TV show.

The house that Norm built is a lifetime of achievement, but always humble and generous and patient.

A house filled with a great family and people who love him.

Alright!

[ Cheers and applause ] Well done!

Tom: Hey, Norm.

You did a good job over all these years.

Don't quit pounding nails or driving screws.

I know you can't, I know you won't, because it's in your blood.

But you know what?

Now's the time of year where we put those boats in the water.

So get the boat ready.

We're gonna start traveling the seas.

We're gonna go to some ports, and at evening, every now and then, we're gonna get together and toast a glass of wine, talk about old memories.

-Wow.

[ Chuckles ] [ Chuckles ] I'm -- I'm overwhel-- overwhelmed, actually.

When I talk to Tom... Wow.

[ Exhales sharply ] Give me a minute.

Oh, you know, that's...

I just love that guy.

And I'm gonna miss him, too.

But I'm gonna catch him on the boat, too.

Tom: You're a genius.

Richard: Thank you.

Tom: Norm, give him some bait, see if he can put it on a hook.

Kevin: Hey, Gilligan.

Who's driving the boat?

Steve: How many hours you figure you have into it?

Norm: Ahh.

Time doesn't count, Steve.

It's a labor of love when you're working on something like this.

Steve: That's true.

Kevin: Wow.

40 years, huh?

Richard: We look good.

[ Laughter ] Kevin: We do look good.

Norm: It's been a big day for the front of our house.

Tom: Things are looking good.

- Always keep your heart open