DIY House Medic  Podcast Show Notes

Sponsored by Legal Shield

Season:  1

Episode:  25

Episode Title:  Plywood and Lumber, Pulling the Curtain Back

Episode Summary:

In this episode Contractor John answers, a listeners question about Design Contracts and pulls the curtain back in all about plywood and it’s grading as well as why a 2x4 isn’t a 2x4, and what is with the pre-cuts? 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Legal Shield  (NEW SHOW SPONSOR)

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Access the Word Dyslexia Help

More about Plywood 

Dimension Bible Free Shipping Coupon Code*** Limited Time Offer (DIYHM)

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                              DIY House Medic  Podcast Show Notes

Sponsored by Legal Shield

Season:  1

Episode:  24

Episode Title: The Design Contract, Bidding Apples for Apples

Episode Summary:

In this episode Contractor John introduces you to the Design Contract. Separating the design process from the actual construction process to give you more control and less stress.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Access the Word Dyslexia Help

Legal Shield  (NEW SHOW SPONSOR)

Remodeling Magazine 2020 Cost vs Value Report

Dimension Bible Free Shipping Coupon Code*** Limited Time Offer (DIYHM)

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

Tip of the Week

3 Things you can do with lemons

a.    Put a lemon in the microwave and cook it til it explodes. The lemon juice helps all the splatter wipe right off

b.    Freshen up the garbage disposal by dropping a ½ a lemon in the garbage disposal and give it a 3 or 4 second run and then let it sit for a few hours

c.       Stains on your cutting board rub a half lemon over the stain, if it is stubborn sprinkle some salt over the stain and then rub.

In this episode Contractor John explains 10 Simple things you can do to save energy and save money. And unveils a new sponsor for the show.

Lets look at 10 simple ways you can “Go Green”

 1.       Turn Down Your Water Heater 

2.       Install water saving aerators on your faucets

3.       Change your household light-bulbs to LED bulbs 

4.       Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer at night

5.       Dry your clothes outside on a line like your mom or grandma did

6.       Install a setback thermostat, program it and use it

7.       Keep shades and curtains drawn during the summer days and let the sun shine in during the winter

8.       Grow a garden

9.       Capture the rain water.

10.   Use a crock-pot to cook your meals

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

 Season:  1

Episode:  22

Episode Title:  Some of my 45+ years of Remodeling, Tips, Tricks and Hacks

 Episode Summary:

Contractor John looks back over his 45+ years in the building and remodeling industry to share with you some of the tips, tricks, and hacks he has learned.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Access the Word; Dyslexia Help

Tips Tricks and Hacks Handout

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

 Season:  1

Episode:  21

 Episode Title:  Keep Varmints and Drafts Out of Your Home

  Episode Summary:

Contractor John talks about proper sealing of your homes exterior to keep drafts out and those pesky critters. Included is an in-depth explanation of the different types of Caulk and their uses. 

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Access the Word; Dyslexia Help

  ·        There are several major types of caulks or groups of caulk; Latex, Silicone, Synthetic Rubber and Butyl, with variations of each type.  

 ·        Latex caulk is a good general-purpose caulk for small cracks, and wood trim.   It does not stretch very well, but it can be painted easily once it cures.   Water based latex caulk works well on the exterior of your home, as they adhere to most building products. o   An example would be caulking windows to the wood clapboard siding. These types of caulk need time to cure, in a dry environment, and usually 48 hours above 40 degrees. High humidity will slow the curing process, and heavy rain can wash the caulk out before it cures

 ·        Silicone caulk has been around for many years and has seen many evolutions. Experts seem to disagree if silicone caulk will even be around in 10 years. In my opinion silicone is a great product and it will be here. Silicone can be tricky to work with and requires a solvent to clean up. If you are using it for the first time, I would suggest you practice with it before working in an area that will be seen.

·        Although there are some siliconized caulks that can be painted, pure silicone cannot be painted. What it does best is adhere to glass, metal, ceramic, and porcelain tile. However, it does not adhere well to one of the most common building materials and that is wood. 

·        There is what I call hybrid silicones that are formulated for just about every job and they get around some of the pure silicone limitations. Silicone can be applied at virtually any temperature and stands up to temperature extremes, cures soft and remains flexible. Since silicone is inorganic so it is safe to use indoors, does not mold or mildew and UV rays do not affect it.

·        Synthetic Rubber caulks are the most flexible and clearest curing products on the market. This flexibility makes them excellent choices for use on exterior wood siding or any exterior surface that moves a lot. These types of caulk are said to have memory, which allows them to stretch and return to their original cured size and shape.  They also adhere to most substrates or surfaces and can be applied in cold and wet weather and are resistant to mold and mildew. They can be painted with water-based paints. Synthetic·       rubber caulks are flammable until cured and they produce a higher rate of VOC’s, and for that reason indoor use is not recommended.

·       Butyl caulk is extremely messy to work with, but is the most water resistant caulk there is. It stretches like chewing gum but will not return to its shape like synthetic rubber caulks.  Butyls resistance to water makes it an excellent below grade sealant. Gutters joints are an application that butyl caulk is well suited for.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

Season:  1

Episode:  20

 Episode Title:  No Contract Equals Horror Story!

  Episode Summary:

Contractor John shares with you a real-world horror story, from a job when I didn’t “Honor The Process”. Every job needs a written contract and then needs you to adhere to it. Listen to hear the horror story that developed in my world when I did not practice what I preach.

Contract Points (not all -inclusive, please consult an attorney before signing any contract)

·       Obviously on very small jobs, a contract might be a 3 or 4 line description of the job. On other larger jobs it can be pages long In either case it has to contain

1    the description of the work to be performed., with product specification, including manufacturers and model number information.

2   In addition there should be a section defining the owner’s responsibilities 

3   the course of action to be taken in case of a disagreement if the parties cannot work it out among themselves. 

4   Also the amount of time the job will take

5   If it is a longer duration job ask the number of workers that will be on the job daily

6   Also make sure you get a COI, certificate of Insurance from the contractor, including liability, and workers comp coverage

7   Are all the workers who will be doing work employees or are some of them subcontractors? If so, make sure to get COI’s from them also, or as I have said before in previous episodes you could be held liable if someone was to get hurt on the job.

8   Also, a section outlining the contractor’s warranty, what it covers and for how long.  Coming up in the not too distant future I will be doing an episode “All About Warranties”

9  Lastly the payment schedule should be outlined including allowable hold back amounts in the case of a disagreement.

a. Let me throw this is about payments…. You can use a title company to do the payouts. Connect with them for their fee schedule, really, I have found them to be reasonable for what they do. From the contractor’s point of view if all the money is deposited with the title company before the job begins, they know the client has all the money needed to finish the job and ….

b.  From the client’s perspective they know all the paperwork will be completed correctly, the money will be paid out with their authorization and relevant to the amount of work performed

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

Season:  1

Episode:  19

Episode Title:  The Art of Building Your Own Home Part 3: The Paperwork!

Episode Summary:

Contractor John walks you through the sometimes-confusing myriad of paperwork required to Build Your Own Home. Subjects Include Building your team, Specifications, Change Orders, Contract, Payout timing and schedule, Contractors Statement,, waivers and more.

 Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Contractor John “How To Read a Blueprint” video

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

 Season:  1

Episode:  18

Episode Title:  The Art of Building Your Own Home Part 2

Episode Summary:

Contractor John walks you through the Actual construction phase of building your own home in the 2nd part of ‘The Art of Building Your Own Home”. Next week in part 3 we will discuss the paperwork involved when building your home.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Construction Steps Handout

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

Season:  1

Episode:  17

Episode Title:  The Art of Building Your Own Home Part 1 of 2

Episode Summary:

Contractor John takes you through part 1 of 2 of The Art (not science) of Building Your Own Home. The planning steps are covered in Part 1.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Smartsheet 

Planning Process CheatSheet

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.

                                                 Podcast Show Notes

Season:  1

Episode:  16

Episode Title:  Construction Terminology You Need to Know

 Episode Summary:

Contractor John explains some typical terms used in the contract/proposal process as well as some common general framing terms/manes of different house framing components. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Roy Worley Voice Overs

Construction Terminology Cheat Sheet

Ask questions, post comments at the Contractor John/DIY House Medic Facebook Page 

Visit the Contractor John website and receive a free monthly Home Maintenance Checklist for following

Contractor John

Visit the Contractor John YouTube Channel and please Subscribe to my channel.