Tom Silva’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $5 million, reflecting his successful career as a contractor and television personality. Known for his role on PBS’s This Old House and Ask This Old House, Silva has built a legacy in home improvement. At 78 years old, he remains a respected figure in construction, co-owning Silva Brothers’ Construction. Married to Susan Silva for over 45 years, his personal life is as stable as his professional one. This article explores his net worth, salary, age, married life, and career highlights, offering fresh insights into his enduring influence.
Who is Tom Silva? A Brief Biography
Tom Silva, born on January 17, 1947, in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a master carpenter and contractor whose passion for construction began in childhood. Growing up in a family of builders, he honed his skills alongside his father and brothers, working on projects like a fallout shelter beneath their 1787 Colonial home. This early experience shaped his career, leading him to co-found Silva Brothers’ Construction with his brother Richard and nephew Charlie. His television career began in the 1970s when his company built sets for PBS’s The Victory Garden, catching the eye of This Old House producer Russell Morash. Since joining the show in 1986, Silva has become a household name, sharing his expertise with millions.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Silva |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1947 |
| Age (2025) | 78 years old |
| Birthplace | Lexington, Massachusetts, USA |
| Occupation | Contractor, Television Personality, Author |
| Education | Wentworth Institute of Technology (Building Construction Technology) |
| Company | Silva Brothers’ Construction (Co-owner) |
| Television Shows | This Old House (1986–present), Ask This Old House (2002–2020) |
| Books | Homeowner’s Manual: Advice on Maintaining Your Home (2000) |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Nomination (2012, Outstanding Special Class Series) |
| Marital Status | Married to Susan Silva (since 1974) |
| Children | Two (Kate Silva, T.J. Silva) |
| Grandchildren | Jake (via daughter Kate) |
| Residence | Historic home in a Boston suburb |
| Hobbies | Boating, fishing, golf |
Tom Silva’s Net Worth in 2025: A Financial Overview
Tom Silva’s net worth is estimated at $5 million in 2025, driven by his multifaceted career. His primary income sources include his salary from This Old House, estimated at $200,000 annually, and revenue from Silva Brothers’ Construction, which generates approximately $3 million yearly. Additional income streams come from contributions to This Old House Magazine, public speaking engagements, and his book, Homeowner’s Manual: Advice on Maintaining Your Home. Unlike many TV personalities, Silva’s wealth is grounded in his hands-on construction work, reflecting his commitment to craftsmanship over fleeting fame.
A unique insight comes from analyzing Silva’s business model. By maintaining a lean operation at Silva Brothers’ Construction, with no middle management, he and his nephew Charlie directly oversee projects, ensuring quality and cost efficiency. This approach has sustained the company’s reputation and profitability, setting it apart in a competitive industry. For context, similar contractors on HGTV shows often rely on larger teams, which can dilute profits. Silva’s focus on high-end renovations and historic preservation has also attracted premium clients, boosting his financial standing.
Salary and Income Sources: How Tom Silva Earns His Wealth
Silva’s salary from This Old House is a significant contributor to his wealth, but his construction business is the backbone. Silva Brothers’ Construction, based in Lexington, Massachusetts, specializes in custom renovations and new builds, with projects featured on This Old House. The company’s success lies in its family-oriented approach and attention to detail, as noted on their official website. Public speaking and magazine contributions add an estimated $50,000–$100,000 annually, while his book royalties provide a steady, albeit smaller, income stream.
A real-world example of Silva’s earning potential is his work on a 1950s home renovation for his daughter Kate and her fiancé, Jay, featured on This Old House. This project showcased his ability to blend modern upgrades with historic charm, a niche that commands high fees in the Boston area. Industry data suggests top contractors in Massachusetts earn $150–$300 per hour, and Silva’s expertise likely places him at the upper end, further explaining his robust net worth.
Age and Personal Life: Is Tom Silva Married?
At 78 years old in 2025, Tom Silva remains active in both his professional and personal life. Married to Susan Silva since 1974, their over 45-year marriage is a testament to stability. The couple has two children, Kate and T.J. Silva, and a grandson, Jake. They reside in a 19th-century home in a Boston suburb, which Silva continually renovates, reflecting his passion for preservation. Unlike many celebrities, Silva keeps his family life private, with little known about Susan’s career or background.
Silva’s daughter Kate, aged 32, recently moved back to Boston, where Tom assisted in renovating her new home. This personal project highlights his family-oriented nature, a trait that extends to his business, where he works closely with his brother Richard and nephew Charlie. Silva’s hobbies—boating, fishing, and golf—offer balance to his demanding career, contributing to his youthful energy at 78. For more on his personal life, check his Instagram.
Career Highlights: A Legacy in Construction and Television
Silva’s career is marked by significant milestones. Joining This Old House in 1986, he became a permanent contractor after impressing producer Russell Morash during a Greek Revival restoration. His work on The Victory Garden sets in the 1970s laid the groundwork for his TV career. A 2012 Daytime Emmy nomination for Ask This Old House underscores his influence. Silva’s favorite project, a three-year restoration of an 18th-century home in Essex, Massachusetts, showcased his expertise in traditional methods, as noted in an interview on This Old House’s website.
Beyond television, Silva mentors aspiring builders, sharing insights through speaking engagements and his book. His commitment to sustainability—using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs—sets him apart in an industry often criticized for waste. A case study from a 2023 This Old House episode showed Silva implementing solar panels and reclaimed wood in a renovation, reducing the home’s carbon footprint by 30%, according to project data.
Recent Updates and Future Prospects
In 2025, Silva remains a staple on This Old House, contributing to its 46th season. Despite Ask This Old House ending in 2020, his influence persists through reruns and online content on The Roku Channel. Rumors of retirement have surfaced, but Silva’s active involvement in Silva Brothers’ Construction and his robust health suggest he’s far from slowing down. His focus on mentoring, as seen in his work with young contractors on This Old House: Trade School, reflects a desire to pass on his knowledge.
A unique angle is Silva’s impact on historic preservation. His renovations preserve architectural heritage, a niche that aligns with growing demand in the U.S., where historic home sales rose 12% from 2020–2024, per real estate data. This trend positions Silva for continued relevance, as homeowners seek experts who balance modern upgrades with historical integrity.
Conclusion: Tom Silva’s Enduring Impact
Tom Silva’s net worth of $5 million in 2025 reflects a career built on skill, authenticity, and family values. At 78, his contributions to This Old House and Silva Brothers’ Construction have made him a trusted name in home improvement. Married to Susan Silva for over four decades, his personal life mirrors his professional stability. With a salary bolstered by diverse income streams and a legacy of craftsmanship, Silva inspires homeowners and builders alike. Follow his journey on Twitter or explore his work on Wikipedia.
