Tag Archives: choosing colors

Episode 222: Color Consultations, Deck Transformations, and the Pictures We Forget to Take

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Listen to the full episode!

SEGMENT 1: Color Consultations

We often mention that we have color consultants in our stores that are ready to help. However, some people may be left wondering what exactly a color consultation is or when they are helpful… so to give us some insight on the process we are joined by our Fulton Street Color Consultant, Myra Maness.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Deck Transformation

Coating a deck is probably the most common exterior DIY project. Yet most of us are prone to avoiding the process because the prep work can take days. Luckily there is a way around this! We’ll tell you exactly how we made a deck look brand new in under 5 hours!

SEGMENT 4: The Pictures We Forget to Take

Whether we like it or not most of us are attached to our phones, so why not put them to work? We discuss some of the smart ways to use your phone’s camera as a tool during your next project.

EP216: Color App Fun, EGO Power Tools Review, Repelling Mosquitoes Naturally, Fixing Those Fences

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SEGMENT 1: Color Capture

Last week we talked about finding color inspiration in unexpected places. Now we highlight a tool that can turn your inspirational photos into a color palette of Benjamin Moore colors. You won’t believe how fun and easy it is to match the colors you are inspired by. What is this magic tool? Tune to find out! 

SEGMENT 2: EGO Battery Powered Yard Equipment

Dan recently purchased new lawn equipment when he saw a deal for EGO battery powered, string trimmer, blower and hedge trimmer. In the past he preferred gas or electric so he was interested in putting these battery powered tools to the test! The reviews are in…

SEGMENT 3: Mosquito Wars

We see a lot of articles claiming that planting things such as lavender, citronela, lemongrass and Rosemary will keep mosquitos at bay…However, there is more to the story. We have put together a system that combines natural ways of taking your yard back from Mosquitos. 

SEGMENT 4: The Ugly Side of Fences

Our show experienced technical difficulties last week when the radio station that airs each of these episodes failed to start our show on time! So this segment (which included a giveaway) never aired for all of those listeners. So, this week we included it again so the on-air audience could be a part of the contest. We apologize to all the podcast subscribers who caught this one twice!

In this segment we address old, grayed, and weathered fences. They can detract from the look of your property and there really are some great stain and sealer options out there that will help you improve their appearance. Also, even if the wood is cedar or pressure treated pine, a sealer or stain will protect it and help it last much longer!

EP215: Finding Color Inspiration, Egress Windows, Fixing Those Fences

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SEGMENT 1: Welsummer

Hailey launches the new Instagram Color Palette for June and discusses the inspiration behind it: a previous customer who chose her entire color scheme for her home based on the varied colors of eggs in her chicken coop! In the segment, we discuss the importance of looking everywhere for inspiration when it comes to paint colors.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Egress Windows

We are joined by Zach Kreiger from Ayers Basement Systems to discuss the value of Egress Windows. Zach runs through everything we should be considering if we are debating installing an egress window.

SEGMENT 4: The Ugly Side of Fences

In this segment we address old, grayed, and weathered fences. They can detract from the look of your property and there really are some great stain and sealer options out there that will help you improve their appearance. Also, even if the wood is cedar or pressure treated pine, a sealer or stain will protect it and help it last much longer!

EP214: In a Neighborhood Near You…

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SEGMENT 1: Memorial Day

Dan flies solo and shares stories of families with fallen heroes. As we enjoy the festivities this weekend, let’s take pause to remember what Memorial Day represents.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Maintenance Free?

The maintenance-free promises of vinyl siding often come up short. Even vinyl needs regular maintenance such as cleaning and inspection. We talk about how to catch the problems your siding might be hiding and answer the age old question…can you paint it?

SEGMENT 4: Here Comes the Judge…


Tick magnet, Dan, is ditching the trails for neighborhood sidewalks… and what kind of Home Improvement Show would this be if he didn’t spend those walks noticing…and perhaps, judging the homes he passes? Luckily we have the solution to a common problem he is seeing.  

EP213: To Paint or Not to Paint

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SEGMENT 1: Tick Explosion

Tick populations are exploding in Michigan! Warmer winters and bird migration have contributed to a rise in the tick population in west Michigan. We talk about a few simple ways to help protect your whole family this summer. 

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Where Do You Stop?

 

Is painted trim right for you? We weigh the pros and cons of painting your trim and explain how to tackle this project yourself. We also discuss the growing trend of painting the trim colors other than white! The sky’s the limit for color but if you aren’t painting all the trim where do you start and stop? Tune in for an easy rule of thumb. 

SEGMENT 4: Junk Royalty


Dan is clearing out the barn! We know he’s not the only one with junk to get rid of so we thought we’d discuss all the options. Whether you need to hire a service to haul it away for you or just need to know where to take it, we’ve got you covered!

EP212: Black Gold

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SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Black Gold

Composting is a great way to cut down on the amount of trash filling your garbage can. However, most of us have probably seen or experienced a compost pile that smells and attracts pests. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. Learn how to do composting right!

MATERIALCARBON/NITROGENINFORMATION
Wood Chips/PelletsCarbonHigh carbon levels; use sparingly
Wood AshCarbonOnly use ash from clean materials; sprinkle lightly
Tea LeavesNitrogenLoose or in bags
Table ScrapsNitrogenAdd with dry carbon items
Straw or HayCarbonStraw is best; hay (with seeds) is less ideal
Shrub PruningsCarbonWoody pruning are slow to break down
Shredded PaperCarbonAvoid using glossy paper and colored inks
Seaweed and KelpNitrogenApply in thin layers; good source for trace minerals
Sawdust PelletsCarbonHigh carbon levels; add in layers to avoid clumping
Pine NeedlesCarbonAcidic; use in moderate amounts
NewspaperCarbonAvoid using glossy paper and colored inks
LeavesCarbonLeaves break down faster when shredded
Lawn and Garden WeedsNitrogenOnly use weeds which have not gone to seed
Green Comfrey LeavesNitrogenExcellent compost activator
Grass ClippingsNitrogenAdd in thin layers so they don't mat into clumps
Garden Plants-Use disease-free plants only
Fruit and Vegetable ScrapsNitrogenAdd with dry carbon items
Flowers, CuttingsNitrogenChop up any long woody stems
EggshellsNeutralBest when crushed
Dryer LintCarbonBest if from natural fibers
Corn Cobs, StalksCarbonSlow to decompose; best if chopped up
Coffee GroundsNitrogenFilter may also be included

SEGMENT 3: Meet the Professor

We are joined by Brad Krause, president of Service Professor. We talk about shortages we are seeing across industries and speculate on how long term that may be. Plus, learn all about the services they offer, including a new technology that improves your heating and cooling efficiency.

SEGMENT 4: Curb Appeal on a Budget

Obviously, painting the entire exterior will have the most impact. Fortunately, there are small projects that can improve the curb appeal of your home with less time and money invested. In this segment, color is the name of the game as we point out some overlooked projects….