Ask The Contractors

Ask The Contractors

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Ask The Contractors episodes

  • Question: Fireplace remodel
    Ask The Contractors a Question: This is a question from Angela. I have a brick fireplace that is flush with the wall. The upper portion is drywalled. I would like to remove a portion of the upper drywall and expose more brick. It’s an exterior wall. Here is the Question: “If I remove framing to expose the Brick, will that cause any structural damage?”
    To help me answer this question, we have Angela with us…
    Or click to follow along with the transcript below.
    (more…)
    11 min
  • Lowe’s vs. Home Depot Comparison

    Pulled as a Bonus Ask The Contractors Question off the website…

    “Where is the best place to buy quality lumber: Lowe’s, Home Depot, or 84 Lumber?”

    Homeowner: Sonya (via the web)

    Hi Sonja. Thanks for sending your question. We are intrigued by your insight and want to say, we love all contractors, lumber yards, and big box stores.

    Coincidentally, we did have some news reports in this weekend’s Home Update section on the show about Lowe’s and Home Depot. It’s a four minute listen.

    “In fact, I will go the extra mile and shop local retailers like Emigh’s Ace Hardware, Berco Redwood and Berry Lumber, even if it means paying a little bit extra.” – Todd Bird

    Thank you so much for sending your question. And thank you for listening to AskTheContractors.com

    Best regards,
    Todd Bird

    Do you have a news tip for our Show Prep on 

    5 min
  • Lowe’s vs. Home Depot Comparison
    Pulled as a Bonus Ask The Contractors Question off the website…
    “Where is the best place to buy quality lumber: Lowe’s, Home Depot, or 84 Lumber?”Homeowner: Sonya (via the web)
    Hi Sonja. Thanks for sending your question. We are intrigued by your insight and want to say, we love all contractors, lumber yards, and big box stores.
    Coincidentally, we did have some news reports in this weekend’s Home Update section on the show about Lowe’s and Home Depot. It’s a four minute listen.
    “In fact, I will go the extra mile and shop local retailers like Emigh’s Ace Hardware, Berco Redwood and Berry Lumber, even if it means paying a little bit extra.” – Todd Bird
    Thank you so much for sending your question. And thank you for listening to AskTheContractors.com
    Best regards, Todd Bird
    Do you have a news tip for our Show Prep on AsktheContractors.com? Send us a comment on the home page.
    5 min
  • Question: Soundproofing floors
    Ask The Contractors a Question.
    This question is from Renee in Folsom

    I live in an apartment and my neighbors are noisy. I need help soundproofing a floor/ceiling.

    Here is the Question: What is the best way to soundproof between upper rooms and lower rooms in a condo?

    Joining me now is Earl Cruz from Prestige Flooring. He is one of my Trusted Home Improvement Pros.

    Or click to follow along with the transcript below

    (more…)
    0 min
  • Question: Soundproofing floors
    Ask The Contractors a Question. This question is from Renee in Folsom I live in an apartment and my neighbors are noisy. I need help soundproofing a floor/ceiling. Here is the Question: What is the best way to soundproof between upper rooms and lower rooms in a condo?
    Joining me now is Earl Cruz from Prestige Flooring. He is one of my Trusted Home Improvement Pros.
    Or click to follow along with the transcript below
    (more…)
    0 min
  • 2019 Mortgage Market Update
    What to expect from the Fed Reserve, with Todd Bird and Troy Bird.
    The Bird Brothers

    Lower Mortgage Rates are giving house-hunters their best opportunity today to increase their buying power right now. That’s because rates have come down almost 1/2 percentage points since late mid-November. Therefore, given the strength of the economy, the big question is, “Will it last?”

    We asked Mortgage Banker, Troy Bird with Guild Mortgage whether he sees this dip from future interest rate hikes lasting?

    Troy: I don’t see it lasting but it is a nice dip right now for some buyers out there. If you’re looking to lock in an interest rate, it’s a great time to do that. We are seeing a window of opportunity for some buyers.

    How long could the rate dip last?

    Troy: We’ll see some movement here in the first quarter, but what you’re losing in stocks, you’re going to gain in lower interest rates for your house.  Homeowners can lock in now. They’re going to see an open window right now that’s a great opportunity, especially if you are looking to refinance.

    Todd: So what is your advice to homeowners right now?

     Troy: My advice is simple.

    – Try to save up as much for a down payment as you can.

    – Pay off your credit cards as much as you can to keep your debt low.

    – There are lots of down-payment assistance programs, but if you have the cash to work with that’s even better. Keep your credit great.

    – Get pre-qualified with a Mortgage banker before you meet up with a realtor and you start looking for a home.

    Source: The Work with Bird Team

    Todd: Lastly, how important is it to have extra money in savings? When you go to get a loan, does the underwriter look at that?

    Troy: For most loans, it’s great to have reserves. It is not required on all loans.

    Troy Bird from G
    0 min
  • 2019 Mortgage Market Update
    What to expect from the Fed Reserve, with Todd Bird and Troy Bird.The Bird Brothers
    Lower Mortgage Rates are giving house-hunters their best opportunity today to increase their buying power right now. That’s because rates have come down almost 1/2 percentage points since late mid-November. Therefore, given the strength of the economy, the big question is, “Will it last?”
    We asked Mortgage Banker, Troy Bird with Guild Mortgage whether he sees this dip from future interest rate hikes lasting?
    Troy: I don’t see it lasting but it is a nice dip right now for some buyers out there. If you’re looking to lock in an interest rate, it’s a great time to do that. We are seeing a window of opportunity for some buyers.
    How long could the rate dip last?
    Troy: We’ll see some movement here in the first quarter, but what you’re losing in stocks, you’re going to gain in lower interest rates for your house.  Homeowners can lock in now. They’re going to see an open window right now that’s a great opportunity, especially if you are looking to refinance.
    Todd: So what is your advice to homeowners right now?
     Troy: My advice is simple.
    – Try to save up as much for a down payment as you can.– Pay off your credit cards as much as you can to keep your debt low.– There are lots of down-payment assistance programs, but if you have the cash to work with that’s even better. Keep your credit great.– Get pre-qualified with a Mortgage banker before you meet up with a realtor and you start looking for a home.Source: The Work with Bird Team
    Todd: Lastly, how important is it to have extra money in savings? When you go to get a loan, does the underwriter look at that?
    Troy: For most loans, it’s great to have reserves. It is not required on all loans.
    Troy Bird from Guild Mortgage 916-977-1234
    Todd: So, let’s talk about the Federal Reserve. You’re saying that this might not last but they’re projecting that we’re going to see a bigger than 5% interest rate in the future.
    Troy: We will probably end up somewhere at the end of 2019 around 5.3%. We’re going to see at least three bumps this year. Originally, the Federal Reserve was expecting to bump rates four times to three times. Again, I would expect that probably three bumps up this year.
    Todd: In December, last month we had 312,000 jobs added to the jobs market. What’s that say about our economy right now? That’s a lot in one month.
    Troy: What it says is, the bumps we just talked about are going to happen. As the economy heats up, they’re going to want to keep it cool. You don’t want the economy to overheat. You don’t want inflation.
    Do you have a news tip for our Show Prep on AsktheContractors.com? Send us a comment on the home page.
    0 min
  • ATC Pods: Todd’s Holiday Tips & Tricks Ep22
    It’s my post-Thanksgiving, gettin’ ready for the holiday, Ask The Contractors podcast. Are you ready? I’m Todd Brid, Host of Ask The Contractors radio show and website, and these are my best Tips and Tricks to prepare your home for your holiday guests.
    35 min

About Ask The Contractors

From the publisher's feed

Host Todd Bird answers your questions and highlights his endorsed & trusted Contractor Pros on the topics of Home Improvement and Renovation.