David: A member of America's favorite home improvement team, general contractor Tom Silva, has offered more than 20 years of expert advice to home enthusiasts on Public Broadcasting Service show "This Old House."

Local homeowners will have an opportunity to gain valuable and practical information about homes of all ages from Silva, during the Delmarva Home and Remodeling Expo in Salisbury Oct. 18-19.

"Silva is one of the nation's leading experts on historic home renovation," said Scott Smith, producer of the Expo. "We're very pleased he was able to come to Salisbury."

Presented by PNC Bank, the Expo -- held Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center -- features more than 85 local and regional companies, Smith said.

Showcases include kitchen and bath displays, home security, decking, fencing, countertops, tile, home energy systems, home financing, landscaping, interior design, window treatments, as well as roofing, waterproofing, heating and air opportunities.

Silva is scheduled to give two presentations, followed by a question-and-answer session, at noon and 4 p.m., he said.

"It gives consumers a chance to see some of the latest products on the market, plus talk to professionals about all their projects," Smith said.

Silva Brothers Construction, consisting of Silva, his brother Richard, and his nephew Charlie, built the original set for the WGBH-TV Boston production "The Victory Garden" in the parking lot of WGBH. Russell Morash, the creator of This Old House, discovered the Silva crew while they were conducting a major restoration on an 1845 Greek Revival-style house.

It was then that Morash named Silva and his crew the general contractors for the show.

"Tom is a very matter-of-fact kind of guy," Smith said. "He will tell you exactly what you need to know about your house."

Source: delmarvanow.com