Katie loves British cuisine. TJ wants to be in the Rat Pack. In a follow up to recent episodes on ways to pay, and what expensive really means, Katie and TJ discuss what kind of return you can expect on your investment, whether that investment is money, energy, time (or all 3). Then they review the 2025 Cost vs Value Report, explain what it is, and how it can be useful.

Katie and TJ discuss purchases they've made that felt expensive. Then they tackle our big topic - what does "expensive" really mean in remodeling? They discuss a chart from Designed Happy: The Book, why focusing on value is important, and call back to our episode on ways to pay (other than money).

Katie and TJ tackle the topic of paying. Sure, everyone knows what it means to pay for a project with money. But did you know that you could also choose to pay with your time, energy, and emotion? All of the options are interwoven, and have pros and cons. Katie and TJ tackle the nuances and guide you through decided which path might be best for you.

TJ and Katie take a break from the weekly wisdom, to talk about their favorite Halloween memories, being scared, haunted houses, and a brainstorm for a new brilliant business idea.

TJ and Katie discuss their favorite things to shop for and then dive in to the main topic: What are you actually buying when you buy remodeling? Katie's not sure if that's real grammar. Most people would say cabinets, or tile, or windows. Yes, while your money is technically being used to purchase materials for your project, learning what you're actually buying could help you have a much more enjoyable experience.

In this episode Katie and TJ discuss the remodeling and design process, and when and how clients can control it. As a homeowner, you'll want to tune in to this one to understand when in the process you have the most control vs when you have the least, and how to set your project up for success when you're in the driver's seat. Katie sneaks in some (seemingly) complicated laundry advice to keep your black shirts looking black, and TJ doesn't want to decide on your dishwasher placement for you.

Katie and TJ talk about feedback: why it's important and how to make yours better. TJ is terrified on a roller coaster, and Katie does an A+ impression.

Katie and TJ introduce Heat Maps, a simple tool to help you see which rooms matter to you and which rooms don't. Katie makes a stellar air horn sound and TJ's ears get too hot.

Katie and TJ tackle the 3 types of stress: what they are, how to know which one you're currently feeling, and how to move between them.

Here is the link to the book Katie mentioned (this is not an affiliate link - just trying to help you out):

https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Stress-Why-Good-You/dp/1101982934/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Katie and TJ discuss how to talk about the B word - Budget. Katie twirls her fingers in excitement, and we give you some tips for making an uncomfortable conversation a little bit easier.