I was the kid who was drawing on tables or removing the legs of furniture. When I was handed a hammer, my first project was building a three-story tree house. My dad was a musician; I didn't get it from him. I'm self-taught. My first job in construction paid my way through art school. I was building to pay my bills.

[Who has won two Emmies for Outstanding Reality Program and two People's Choice Awards]: Yes, I get swarmed. It depends on the town but it is nice to be loved. They watch Extreme Makeover and I'm an okay human being. It's about the joy of doing things for others. The show is about family, about America and about these random acts of kindness that can restore your faith in people. We're a life-improvement as opposed to a home-improvement show. We've been on for six seasons and we're still popular. I think we all want to believe there is hope; that a community will rally behind you. We all know someone who has been through something terrible and you give somebody a second chance. It's a reward for giving back when you see real people with families and kids and you put yourself on hold. It might be the neighbour next door helping you out instead of them locking their door and being frightened. It makes you believe that mankind is a bit better than you thought.

[When he was doing Trading Spaces (2000) at the time]: It was in 2000. I learned to work with next to nothing. We have $20 to build three pieces. I was comedic on camera and was very popular. It was the U.S. version of (the British series) Changing Rooms and I'm the American Handy Andy.

[Speaking on the terrible devastation of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina]: If you lose the sounds coming out of New Orleans, you lose part of the American language. I realize we're just a TV show, but we feel we have a real obligation to let these people know we haven't forgotten about them, that we'll do whatever we can to make things right.

[Of his own disability]: I know what's it's like to grow up with ADHD and how important it is for parents, caregivers and patients, to have access to accurate information. I loved being part of ADHD Experts on Call last year and I am excited about the many people we will impact this year. I hope that by working with all of these great people and sharing how support and treatment has made a difference in my life, I'll help other kids and families understand that there are people out there ready to help them and that it's possible to live a productive life with ADHD."

We had to wait until FEMA and the government said we could come in. I was not prepared for what I saw down there. When you see it firsthand, it looks like Hiroshima. ... We were hoping we could go down and help out where it would affect a lot of people: churches, community centers.

[About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)] The one thing about our show is some pretty incredible things can happen when people come together and help people in need

[In an E! Interview]: I would strip down naked, and swing from the blinds in my classroom as a child.

[Of his arrest for drunk driving]: I made an error in judgment. We all make mistakes, however this is about accountability. Under no circumstances should anyone consume alcohol while driving. I could have jeopardized the lives of others and I am grateful there was no accident or harm done to anyone.

[on his absolution]: This was my wake-up call. I also want to apologize to my fans, ABC Television and my design team for my lapse in judgment and the embarrassment I have caused.