The latest mid-week update from Eric G dives headfirst into the world of construction, and let me tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We're talking about a noticeable slowdown in the construction industry, with contractors and subcontractors hitting the brakes harder than a kid on a bike going downhill. Is a construction crash on the horizon? Eric doesn't think so, but he does believe the market is taking a breather as folks hold their wallets tight, waiting to see how tariffs and interest rates will play out. He also spills the tea on HVAC systems, suggesting that if your system is older than five years, now's the time to consider a maintenance agreement. And if you've got some DIY projects in mind, now could be the perfect moment to tackle those big decks and fences while contractors are twiddling their thumbs.

Switching gears, Eric revisits a construction site right down the street, where he’s been keeping a close eye on a multi-million dollar home. Spoiler alert: the building science—or lack thereof—being employed is enough to make any home improvement enthusiast cringe. With Tyvek house wrap being improperly installed and flexible flashing placed in all the wrong spots, it’s a recipe for disaster. Eric's got a knack for spotting these construction faux pas, and he’s not shy about pointing them out. He emphasizes how crucial it is for homeowners to know what’s going on behind the walls of their new homes, especially when shortcuts like these could lead to long-term damage. He wraps up with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and vigilant, ensuring they don’t fall victim to shoddy construction practices.

Lastly, we dive into the whirlwind world of smart home technology, where things can get outdated faster than you can say “upgrade.” Eric highlights the frustration many face when their once cutting-edge gadgets become obsolete. Remember that fancy smart thermostat you bought? It might just be time for an upgrade if it's not playing nice anymore. He encourages listeners to keep an eye on their tech and be proactive about replacements, especially when companies decide to cut support for older models. So, whether you’re a DIY warrior or just trying to keep your tech in check, Eric's got the insights you need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of home improvement and construction.

Tune in for a show filled with valuable nuggets of wisdom and a sprinkle of humor—because who said home improvement couldn’t be fun?

Takeaways:

• The construction industry is experiencing a significant slowdown, causing many projects to pause or halt entirely.
• Smart home technology can become outdated surprisingly fast, often in just a few years.
• Poor building practices, like improper installation of Tyvek, are being used in high-end home constructions, leading to potential long-term problems.
• Contractors are worried about product shortages due to tariffs and reduced overseas orders; now might be the time to start your project.
• Homeowners should consider maintenance agreements for HVAC systems over five years old to avoid costly replacements.
• Upgrading outdated smart home devices is crucial, as they often become unsupported and may not function properly after a few years.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Monument Grills
• Tyvek
• Carrier
• Nest
• Ring

The construction industry is hitting the brakes hard, and it’s a wild ride we’re on! Eric G dives into the slowdown of everything construction-related, from contractors to remodeling, and muses whether we’re teetering on the edge of a construction crash. Spoiler alert: the house prices aren’t going anywhere, but the anxiety is palpable as folks wait to see how tariffs and interest rates play out. Plus, we’re taking a peek at that multi-million dollar home being built down the street, where some seriously questionable building practices are raising eyebrows. And don’t even get me started on how fast smart home tech becomes yesterday's news—if your gadgets are starting to act like they’re from the Stone Age, it might be time for an upgrade! So, grab a comfy seat, and let’s dig in!

To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House.

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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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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