Around the House with Eric G® Home Improvement Remodeling & DIY

This week on The Punch List, I break down my favorite Amazon Prime Big Deal Days picks for your home, from Roborock robot vacuums and Lutron Caséta dimmers to BORA sawhorses and a Chamberlain myQ video keypad. We also cover a big batch of product recalls and what Berkshire Hathaway's $8.5 billion Taylor Morrison deal means for housing. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are happening right now — I’m talking hot steals like Roborock robot vacuums, Lutron Caséta dimmers, a bargain Rove dash cam and even Chamberlain MyQ garage video keypads, but heads up: these Prime-only prices end Wednesday at midnight PT, so move fast if you want the good stuff. We walk through the best picks I’m eyeballing (yes, I own a Roborock and yes, it’s glorious), call out the sleeper bargains like steel Bora sawhorses and wire for DIY projects, and remind you that some of these sale prices only pop up once or twice a year. On the safety front we got a nasty batch of recalls — everything from 4.4 million Walmart grill brushes (do not eat metal shavings, just don’t) to rechargeable hand warmers that can catch fire, sketchy lamps, and cargo e-bike seat-post bolts that can break — so we tell you what to toss, return or quarantine immediately. Big-picture housing news: Berkshire Hathaway just paid $8.5 billion for Taylor Morrison and merged it with Clayton, joining other deep-pocketed buyers scooping up builders, which might be a sign we’re nearing a market bottom but won’t magically fix affordability overnight. I mix a little reality check about interest rates and inventory with a reminder that fewer new builds and smarter owner incentives could help kick the market back into gear. Stick around for our game plan: quick shopping tips for Deal Days, what to do if you own one of the recalled items, and why these builder buyouts matter to anyone eyeing a house in the next year.

Takeaways:

• We rushed this early midweek Punch List because Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are live — snag Roborock vacuums, Lutron Caseta dimmers, dash cams, and heavy-duty Bora sawhorses at sharp, time-limited prices if you act before midnight Pacific.
• I called out the Rove R2 dash cam marketing — it upscales to “4K” so don’t expect true cinema-grade footage, but it’s still a solid budget option for front-and-rear coverage.
• We went through a heavy batch of safety recalls — electric cargo bikes, multiple brands of rechargeable hand warmers, floor lamps, grill brushes, and camping immersion heaters all pose real fire, burn, or ingestion hazards, so stop using recalled items and get refunds or replacements.
• I unpacked the Berkshire Hathaway buy of Taylor Morrison and their bigger stakes in other builders — investors (including Japanese firms) are scooping up discounted homebuilders, which could be a sign we’re approaching a housing-market bottom, but it’s no guarantee.
• We flagged the broader housing reality: too many homes on the market versus buyers and stubbornly high interest rates mean demand needs to tighten and builders must slow construction before prices and activity normalize.
• Pro tip from me — if you’re doing projects, Amazon’s Deal Days are a great time to buy wire, tools, power units, and smart-home gear, but always double-check specs, prime-only restrictions, and return policies before the impulse buy.

Links referenced in this episode:

• amazon.com
• ROBOROCK: https://a.co/d/01oXOzKq
• Lutron: https://a.co/d/0ijXfrc9
• Rove: https://a.co/d/0b6s8yER
• Levoit: https://a.co/d/09WTrwQP
• BORA: https://a.co/d/09RTN99f

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

We walk you through a no-nonsense, fall-before-winter home audit that I’ve been doing on the show for over two decades—no fluff, just the stuff that keeps your house from turning into a soggy money pit. I kick things off with water management because water is the enemy (dramatic, but true). Clean gutters, unclog downspouts, and make sure water gets at least 10 feet away from the foundation; if your gutters dump at the curb, run a hose and watch for pooling, roots, or corrugated plastic joints that rot out. If you’ve got irrigation or underground sprinklers, blow them out before the freeze—use the right pressure, don’t be an overconfident hero and explode your system. Roof checks: treat moss, inspect flashing and pipe jacks, and if climbing terrifies you, hire a soft-wash pro instead of turning your roof into a shingled gravel field with a pressure washer. We also cover the little sealing stuff that adds up to big savings and fewer drafts. I talk caulking strategy (don’t plug weep holes—learn what you’re sealing), weather stripping, painting the bottom edges of lap siding, and replacing failing garage door seals. I recommend stretchy latex caulk so you can paint over it, and pro tips for getting a neat bead that actually stretches instead of cracking. Thermal imagers are cheap and brilliant this year—plug one into your phone, walk your house on a cold day, and you’ll literally see missing insulation, air leaks, and hidden wet spots. Trust me, that tiny gadget will point you to the exact easy wins that save money and headaches.

Takeaways:

• I nag about gutters, downspouts and grading: route water at least ten feet away from the foundation, no excuses.
• We recommend disconnecting hoses, insulating hose bibs, and blowing out irrigation lines before the freeze hits—do it now, trust me.
• I say treat mossy roofs carefully: use soft wash or powder treatments, and absolutely avoid pressure washers that shred granules.
• We talk caulking and weatherstripping like it's romance—use paintable, stretchy caulk, but never seal weep holes or you'll trap water.
• I push thermal imaging scanners as an inexpensive detective tool to find missing insulation, air leaks, and hidden water damage.
• We insist on HVAC and water‑heater maintenance: change filters, tune furnaces, flush or replace aging tanks—prevent expensive emergency replacements.
• I get passionate about safety: test smoke and CO alarms, replace ten‑year units, check GFCIs, and stage multiple extinguishers.
• We advise storm prep and self‑sufficiency—exercise your generator, store fuel, and keep at least two weeks of food and medications on hand.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aroundthehouseonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Godsmack
• Simple Plan
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Tesla
• Theory of a Deadman
• Daughtry
• Jackyl
• Steel Panther
• Sashco
• Lutron Caseta
• Amazon
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• LinkedIn
• Twitter (X)
• Around the House
• Rock the Locks

I'll show you my tricks on how not to get ripped off by a bad foundation contractor—seriously, learn the moves so you don't end up paying for drama and a leaky floor. We dig into crawlspace realities too (that gross air with spiders and rodents absolutely can creep into your home), plus why radon testing and encapsulation might be the smart play in some markets. Hour two is our Around the House Annual Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: caulk windows, doors and siding, inspect weatherstripping, and fix that garage door seal — basically hunt down every sneaky air gap like a homeowner ninja. I’ll walk you through replacing failing caulk and seals so you can keep drafts, wasted energy, and terrible power bills where they belong: nowhere near your wallet. Stick around for practical tips, a few questionable DIY confessions, and our usual banter — and yeah, subscribe and leave a review so we can keep dodging rogue ladders together. Catch us this Saturday; we’ll help you make your home better, make you laugh, and maybe convince you to keep your hammers swinging and your WiFi strong. If you want to avoid getting hosed by a shady foundation contractor, we walk you through the real-world stuff that saves you time, money, and your sanity. I break down the red flags—what a slick sales pitch sounds like versus what good work actually looks like—and share practical tricks for vetting people who want to dig under your home. We talk crawlspaces like they’re the underworld they really are: dusty air full of spiders, bugs, and the kind of critters that show up in horror movies. I explain why that filthy air sneaks up into your living space, how vents and airflow factor into the problem, and why encapsulation can be the sensible insurance policy if you’re writing checks and want peace of mind. There’s nuance here: encapsulation isn’t always legally required, but where radon is common (hi, Oregon), testing and mitigation can turn a “maybe” into a “do it.” We also get into the nuts and bolts of installation—how to handle posts and concrete bases, what to wrap and what not to wrap, and the silly mistakes that create more headaches than they solve. I warn you against “well-intentioned” DIY attempts that make problems worse (yes, don’t poke around blindly down there), and I give you smart steps to make sure your contractor actually knows what they’re doing. By the end of this segment you’ll have a checklist of things to ask, things to demand on the contract, and the confidence to call out anything that smells like a scam.

• We walk you through spotting shady foundation contractors so you don't get ripped off, promise.
• I explain crawlspace hazards—dirty air, spiders, and rodents—that can creep into your living spaces.
• We emphasize radon testing and possible encapsulation, especially in areas where radon is common and risky.
• I give a badass fall home maintenance checklist: caulking, weatherstripping, garage seals, and energy-saving fixes.
• We show tricks like using a trouble light at night to find sneaky air gaps around doors and windows.
• I warn against DIY crawlspace mistakes—partial encapsulation or ignoring wrapped posts can actually make problems worse fast.
• We invite you to subscribe, leave reviews, and follow our channels to keep the shenanigans and practical tips coming.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aroundthehouseonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• YouTube
• Around the House
• aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Alright, let me give it to you straight — I want you calm, curious, and not handing over a giant check because some flashlight-wielding salesperson played the fear card. We walk through how concrete behaves (it cracks — that’s normal), how to read those cracks (hairline vertical = cosmetic; horizontal, stair-step, or anything wider than about a quarter-inch or that accepts a business card = time to investigate), and why soil, trees, old mixes (yeah, sometimes sand from the beach with salt), or poor compaction can turn a boring leak into a structural headache. I even tell a story where a broken sprinkler was the villain — a $2,500 fix, not a $30,000 nightmare — because someone knew how to look. We give you the practical playbook: grade your yard so soil slopes away at least 6 inches over the first 10 ft, run downspouts a minimum of 10 ft away (no cheesy short extenders), consider drywells or daylighting to lawn, and keep gutters clean. If water’s getting in, start with water management before you assume the foundation must be ripped out. If pumps keep failing, get an inspection camera and call a structural engineer — they’re your friend, not the contractor’s sales script. I also cover simple monitoring (crack stickers, humidity sensors) and sensible documentation (take pictures of repairs) so you don’t get upsold or stuck with surprises later.

Takeaways:

• I learned not all cracks are equal; tiny hairline vertical cracks are usually cosmetic, not structural, so don't panic.
• We always say: start with water management — grading, gutters and downspouts must direct runoff at least ten feet away to save headaches.
• If a contractor hits you with 'your house will fall' fear tactics, I roll my eyes and call a structural engineer first.
• We once turned a $30,000 scare-job into a $2,500 quick fix by finding a leaking sprinkler with an inspection camera — ask for diagnostics before signing anything.
• Sump pumps without battery backups are a disaster waiting to happen; I recommend battery or water-powered backups so storms don't become indoor swimming pools.
• Crawl space encapsulation isn't a blanket solution — either condition the space like the rest of the house or install a proper dehumidifier and manage moisture carefully.
• I insist on an independent engineer's stamped repair before accepting quotes; that forces contractors to propose engineered, cost-effective fixes like carbon fiber wraps, helical piers, or interior foundations rather than one-size-fits-all sales pitches.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Around the House
• aroundthehouseonline.com
• Simpson Strong-Tie
• Rhino Carbon Fiber
• Bobcat
• Tyvek

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

This week on The Punch List, I break down why buyers finally have the upper hand, with mortgage rates back above 7% and Redfin reporting 57.9% more sellers than buyers in August. We run through the latest product recalls, and I recap emceeing Rock the Locks, where I proposed to Alisa backstage and she said yes. We kick this midweek Punch List off with that high-energy recap before diving into the real stuff. We dig into fresh housing data: mortgage rates have crept back above 7% (Freddie Mac ~7.03%, Bankrate ~7.33%), existing-home sales hit a 2026 low, and Redfin says there were about 57.9% more sellers than buyers in August — the most lopsided market on record. That imbalance means tons of price cuts (Denver hit 31.4% of listings with cuts; Portland about 30.5%), builders are even buying down interest rates by a couple points in some markets to compete, and remodeling activity is stalling as homeowners hold off on big projects. We also run a hard-hitting recalls roundup — from online mattresses failing flammability rules to smart glasses that can overheat, reclining-chair battery packs sold on Amazon, heated blankets, infrared saunas that can short and overheat, pool heaters risking carbon monoxide, and more — so if you’ve got any of that gear, please go check it. Bottom line: great music and good vibes at the festival, but the housing market’s getting messy and your stuff might be a recall away from drama — we walk you through what to watch and what to do next, plus I sneak in a teaser for our weekend show and the new YouTube reviews (generator and one-person grill tested at the fest).

Takeaways:

• I emceed Rock the Locks last weekend, proposed to Alisa backstage, and honestly couldn't stop smiling — it was an epic, music-fueled highlight that reminded me why live events matter.
• We're seeing mortgage rates around seven percent (and sometimes higher), which is squeezing buyers, cooling sales, and making now a real window for renters with savings to pounce.
• I dug into Redfin's August data — about 57.9% more sellers than buyers nationally — and that lopsided inventory gives buyers real leverage in many markets.
• We're watching builders buy down interest by as much as two points, so new construction with lower rates and big warranties is outcompeting comparable existing homes right now.
• We ran the recall scoreboard on the show — everything from tens of thousands of flammable online mattresses to overheating smart glasses and saunas — so please check cpsc.gov and double-check what you bought.
• I'm seeing remodeling stall and contractors reporting record cancellations, meaning homeowners are favoring repairs over big projects and planning more cautiously this cycle.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cpsc.gov

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Hold on tight—we're spilling the tea on a trend that flips the script: empty nesters upsizing. I'm Eric G., and Wendy Glaster and I race through a story that sounds like lifestyle porn for people who suddenly find themselves with extra square footage and a newfound love of entertaining. We walk you through a couple who decided not to gut and cling to their old house but to buy big instead—carriage house, outdoor kitchen, Olympic-size pool, acres of lawn. Seriously, they went full social-hub: Bible studies, baby showers, grandkid blowouts—their place is basically the community’s favorite hangout. Wendy and I geek out over the practical choices too: one client wanted a shower on the first floor (because stairs are a thing), and we debate when a remodel is just throwing money at a problem versus when moving on is the smarter move. I tell you how that gut-job on their former house would’ve been a waste if it didn't actually get them where they wanted to be. You’ll get the feel of what it’s like to design for lives that shift—from private nests to public living rooms—and we share the kinds of layout, outdoor-living, and seating decisions that make a home actually work for big-family living. By the end you'll either be jotting down notes for your own dream entertaining palace, or quietly admitting you’re happy with your modest but efficient floor plan—no judgment, promise.

Takeaways:

• We dig into the surprising trend of empty-nesters upsizing instead of downsizing, seriously.
• I talk through the practical wins of adding a first-floor shower for accessibility and everyday convenience.
• They ended up with massive living and dining rooms, outdoor kitchen, Olympic-size pool — we talk about how that turned their house into the family's social hub.
• We riff on fall decor — deep greens, rusty reds, cozy velvets — and warn against matchy-matchy color overload if you copy nature too literally.
• I remind you lighting becomes crucial when days shorten; we cover layering lights so evenings feel warm, functional, and Instagram-friendly.
• We're politely begging you to subscribe, follow our YouTube channels, leave reviews, and join us Saturday for laughs, tips, and questionable DIY decisions.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aroundthehouseonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• YouTube
• Around the House
• aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Fall Home Trends & Cozy Upgrades with Wendy Glaister | Lighting, Color, Smart Home & Holiday Prep Host Eric G welcomes interior designer Wendy Glaister (Wendy Glaister Interiors) to discuss fall home trends and practical ways to make spaces feel warmer and more uplifting as daylight fades. They talk about the shift away from years of “greige” toward richer colors, plaids, florals, and Ralph Lauren–inspired looks, plus timeless details like Greek key patterns. They share ideas for layered, warmer lighting, using timers and simple smart-home setups for lamps, fireplaces, blinds, and thermostats. They also cover decorating do’s and don’ts (too many gnomes, harsh scents, bright pumpkin orange, oversized skeletons, and quote decor), seasonal table setting with fine china and vintage pieces, decluttering and pantry prep, regional considerations like wasps and spiders with wreaths, emergency power planning, and why major remodels should avoid the holiday season due to shutdowns, shipping delays, and scheduling realities.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Empty Nesters Are Upsizing: Designing Forever Homes with Style and Aging-in-Place Features On the Around the House Show, host Eric G talks with interior designer Wendy Glaister about shifting empty-nester trends, with more clients rejecting traditional downsizing and instead upsizing or redesigning homes to support an active “next chapter.” They discuss how pandemic-era priorities, agency, and quality of life are driving decisions, along with incorporating subtle aging-in-place features that look high-end—zero-threshold showers, bidet-ready outlets, better lighting, heated floors, safer induction cooktops, and sound-insulated offices/bathrooms. Wendy shares examples including a Wall Street Journal–featured ranch remodel built for long-term accessibility and a dentist couple who chose a new property better suited for entertaining and family gatherings. They also highlight the value of bringing trusted professionals on house hunts to avoid unrealistic renovation cost expectations and to align layouts with real lifestyle needs, such as separate offices and hobby spaces.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Mold is quietly turning into the new lead paint/asbestos scandal and I’m here waving a giant, slightly gross flag about it. I walk through why big volume builders like D.R. Horton and Lennar are getting slammed with lawsuits — bad HVAC sizing, poor framing, and homes built so tight they sweat themselves into unlivable molds. I riff on the Dixon case in Louisiana (buyers from 2014 pushing back, state court standing and a potential class action stretching back to 2007) and the Seminole Tribe litigation in Florida where 450 homes and a thousand tribal members are dealing with defective roofs and moldy walls — damage estimates topping the hundreds of millions. The numbers get my attention: Horton’s $1.1 billion self-insurance reserve and Lennar’s 21% bump to $336.9 million tell you insurers and builders are already feeling the pain; jury verdicts north of $10M rose 52% between 2023 and 2024. I don’t buy “just maintenance” as an excuse — undersized HVAC, poorly ventilated attics, and wet lumber are failures in basic building science, not bad luck. I also talk about the human cost — property values tanking (one Texas house plunging from $318,700 to $117,000 when mold was disclosed) — and why legal, insurance, and construction practice pressures are converging into what could be a long, expensive reckoning for national builders.

Takeaways:

• We warned mold is becoming the new lead paint — builders are ignoring humidity, and that's a systemic failure.
• I walked a Lennar job with wavy walls and undersized HVAC systems, proving sloppy framing and poor load calculations aren't isolated oopsies.
• We talked legal fireworks: the Dixon vs. D.R. Horton fight stayed in Louisiana courts and may expand into a class action reaching back years.
• I pointed out insurers and builders are quietly padding self-insurance reserves into the hundreds of millions, because construction litigation costs are rising fast.
• If you're buying new, we insist the punch list is 100% done before closing; seriously, pay for pre-drywall inspections and someone to manage the build, don't take their BS.
• Mold testing is a circus — spore counts and remediation estimates can vary wildly, resale values can plummet, so get proper air quality tests from pros like Caroline Blazowski before you panic or sign away rights.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Planning a master bathroom remodel in 2026? Eric G walks through his top 10 tips so you don’t blow the budget, hire the wrong crew, or build a shower that fails in five years.

From checking neighborhood comps on Zillow before you design, to wiring for heated floors and a bidet seat you’ll want later, this episode is packed with hard-won advice from decades in the field. Eric covers why you hire a designer at the drawing stage (not after demo), how to plan for aging in place while the walls are open, and why Rockwool insulation is one of the cheapest upgrades that makes a master bath feel quieter and more solid.

He also digs into the stuff that usually goes sideways: treating the shower waterproofing as one system (Wedi, Ardex, Schluter — pick a brand and stick with it), finding a CTI certified tile installer through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, double-vanity wall math that actually works, and sizing ventilation so mold never shows up in a $50,000 room.

In this episode:

• Match your remodel to comps so you don’t over- or under-build
• Hire the designer early — pay once, or pay the contractor twice
• Aging-in-place blocking, curbless showers, and lighting that still looks sharp
• Rockwool for sound and a quieter bedroom
• Wire for 2030: towel warmers, heated floors, bidet outlet, Cat6
• Realistic 4–8 week timelines, inspections, and a real contingency plan
• One waterproof system end-to-end — no mix-and-match parts
• Why a CTI certified tile installer matters (and how to find one)
• Double vanity rules: 76 inches comfortable, 60 inches legal
• Overbuild the fan, duct it right, and keep the mold out

Listen, subscribe, and dig into nearly a decade of episodes at aroundthehouseonline.com.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.