Tom Silva

Biography

Tom Silva is the general contractor on the long-running PBS home improvement series This Old House and its spinoff Ask This Old House. He has been part of the show since 1986, bringing decades of hands-on expertise and practical advice to viewers nationwide. Growing up in a family of tradespeople in Massachusetts, Tom’s first major project was working with his father and brother to build a basement fallout shelter beneath their 1787 Colonial home. Renovating homes from a young age sparked his passion for construction, which led him to work in his family business, Silva Brothers Construction, a company co-owned by him and his brother that focuses on quality craftsmanship in the Boston area. Tom is known for his respect for traditional building techniques combined with a willingness to embrace new tools and materials that stand the test of time. His work on This Old House has earned him a loyal following, thanks to his approachable style and commitment to sharing knowledge that empowers homeowners to improve their own homes. Outside of television, Tom enjoys woodworking, boating, and spending time with his family in a 19th-century house he's continuously renovating in a Boston suburb. Known to be friendly and down-to-earth, Tom’s influence extends beyond the show through his active presence on social media and his ongoing contributions to the home improvement community.