Category Archives: Home Improvement Show

EP160: Generation Helpless, Garage Organization, Murder Hornets, and Fiascos

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segment 1: Generation H(elpless)

We found an article that we really struggled to believe. And yet, it brought up a great topic that is worth digging into: kids who have no idea how to do anything around the home. Here's the article for your reading (dis)pleasure, but suffice to say, as parents and grandparents, let's do what we can to teach our kids the skills they'll need when they have their own places! We don't want to read articles about how they left burnt out lightbulbs in because they were too afraid to  change them....

Segments 2 & 3: Garage Organization

Getting the garage organized is one of those tasks that provides a great deal of satisfaction! It's normally a monumental undertaking . . . but when it's done and done well, it's worth the work!  Here are a few of the resources we mentioned in the show today,  starting with the article from  the Family Handyman website!

Segment 4: Murder Hornets

Yep. Something else bad is apparently on the horizon in 2020. At least according to the news! In fact, everywhere you look (where they're not covering COVID19), they're showing pictures of INSANELY large hornets known as Murder Hornets. And nothing with the word "murder" in front of it is a good thing. Murder House, Murder Weapons, Murder Rooms, Murder Tigers, Murder Puppies. Nope. Nothing with "murder"  in front  is good.

Well, we sit down with David Popp from Rose Pest  solutions and talk about these insects. And fortunately, right now,  David says, we have  a  long  time to go before we'll see these in West Michigan . . . if they even can survive in the U.S.

Bonus Segment: Fiascos

Betsy stumbled onto a  great podcast from This American Life. It was a collection of stories about fiascos--true fiascos. And we talk about a couple of our own....

 

 

EP159: Lawn Mower Tune-Up, Spring/Summer Design Trends, Deck Materials, and Hardwood Deck Coatings

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segments 1: Lawn Mower Tune-Up

The snow has been gone for a while and with all the rain we've had, it might be time to mow your grass. And, because we're all stuck at home, it's the perfect time to tune up you mower before you need it. We cover the tune-up portion in the show but here are some other things you might want to consider doing as long as you're at it.

CLEAN IT

  • Scrape off grass caked on underside of mower deck
  • Brush off grass clippings, etc.
  • Be careful about using too much even with the clean out ports
  • And let it run a few minutes after you’ve done that.
  • Also, you could apply an automotive wax to the deck to potentially stop grass from sticking there — 
    • But you’re better off to just not mow when it’s  wet if you can help it.

 

OLDER MOWER, RUSTING DECK?

  • Slow the deterioration down
  • Wire brush the rust, clean it up
  • RepcoLite’s 449 Metal Primer and Met’l Clad can be used

 

LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

  • Use a spray lubricant on the front wheel adjusters
  • Grease the wheel bearings as necessary

 

  • Do the maintenance — it’s a huge investment
  • JUST DO IT ALL WITH THE SPARK PLUG DISCONNECTED
  • Consult the owners manual for the recommended steps and procedures specific to your equipment
  • Look online if you don’t have one
  • Check YouTube for How-Tos

Segment 2: Spring/Summer Design Trends from High Point

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, High Point, NC didn't hold their annual spring market this year. But don't worry, we've got you covered! And just a heads up, don't throw everything in your basement away because you think it's out of style. That old wicker peacock chair from the 60's and 70's....yup! Back. In. Style!

Segment 3: Deck Materials

We sat down with Jason Slenk, one of the owners of Overisel Lumber in Holland, before the pandemic to talk about the different decking materials that are available.

Segment 4: Hardwood Deck Coating

Following our conversation with Jason, we decided it might be beneficial to discuss what type of stain to put on a hardwood deck and what to do if you have an old Trex deck that has seen better days after years of fade.

 

 

EP158: Notre Dame Update, Painting the Ceiling, and Stripping Grandma’s Wallpaper

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segments 1 and 2: An Update on Notre Dame

It's hard to believe it's been a year since the tragic fire at Notre Dame. Here's a quick update in case you've wondered how things are progressing!

Segment 3: Don't Forget the Ceiling

With all the room repainting that's going on now, it's easy to forget about the ceiling. But a new coat of paint up there will definitely improve the look and feel of the finished room. And, if you're feeling a little bold, why not try a color?

CEILINGS THAT WILL INSPIRE!

Segment 4: Wallpaper Stripping Pitfalls

Many people right now are stripping wallpaper and getting ready to repaint those walls. If you're one of those folks, here's how you can avoid a messy mistake!

 

 

EP157: Wall Decor Ideas and Questions from the Web

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segments 1 and 2: Wall Decor Ideas for Now (and Later)

If you're trapped in the house right now, there are still some great, creative things you can do to add some fun, color, and texture to your walls using items you probably have sitting at home right this moment! Also, in Segment 2, we tackle a few more projects that are perfect for when we can finally get out and about!

Segment 3 and 4: Paint Questions from the Web

With everyone stuck at home, we're getting TONS of questions about paint projects. So we pick a few of the best ones!

 

EP156: The Story Behind the Closet (and More), Isaac Newton’s Year of Quarantine, Peel and Stick Wallpaper Projects

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segments 1 and 2: The Story of the Closet (and more)

Who knew that certain extremely common elements in our homes came about because people were concerned about sanitation, cleanliness, and avoiding deadly germs? Who knew? Betsy. And she digs into all of it in these two segments.

Segment 3: Isaac Newton's "Year" of Quarantine

Being in self-isolation ourselves, it's possible we can draw some inspiration from people in the past who've lived through similar experiences. Well, one such person who's been all over the internet recently is Isaac Newton. There are tons of stories talking about Newton's "Miracle Year" or his "Year of Wonders" where he basically dreamed up every major idea he ever had while in quarantine from the Great Plague in 1665.

Well.... It's a great story. But the truth is a little different than some of the accounts we've all been reading. Check it out!

Segments 4: Peel and Stick Wallpaper

One of our favorite advancements in the world of home decorating is Peel and Stick wallpaper. It may sound like a gimmick or like a weird, unworkable, and ridiculous product, but it's absolutely as cool as you might be able to imagine if you try very hard! It is unique, versatile, priced well, and so easy to work with!  Betsy has a few ideas about how you can incorporate it inn your home. And we've got a few pictures just to show you some of the (many) patterns available!

[envira-gallery id="13220"]

EP155: Quarantine Prep for Projects, Deck Questions, & Renovation Loans

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segment 1: Quarantine Prep for Projects

We've been getting a lot of questions about prep work people can do now, with the supplies they have on hand, for a project they'll do when they can go out again. We got the most common project questions.

Segment 2: Deck Questions

We also know that a lot of people have been thinking about doing their deck, now that the weather has shown us some warmer, sunny days. But there are a few things to consider before you just jump right in.

Segments 3 & 4: Renovation Loans

There's a special loan out there for people looking to buy a house that may need a bit of fixing up. We have never heard of it before and we're guessing a lot of other people haven't either! Jen Aalderink and Amanda Lehman from Stockton Mortgage fill us in on the details of this special loan and exactly how it works.