Big news alert! Eric G is diving into the juicy details of a massive merger in the construction industry, where James Hardy is making waves by teaming up with AZEK for a whopping $8.75 billion! We’re talking about the kind of cash that could build a small village—or at least a really fancy treehouse. But wait, there’s more! Eric’s also sharing some personal updates, like his plans to sell his home and the wild ride that comes with preparing for a move. And if that’s not chaotic enough, he’s poking fun at the major headaches that pop up in Facebook groups about home construction—seriously, it’s a treasure trove of DIY disasters. So grab your favorite drink and buckle up, because this Weekday Update is packed with insights, hilarity, and maybe a few “what were they thinking?” moments!

Merger mania is sweeping through the construction industry, and Eric G is here to spill the tea on the latest jaw-dropping acquisitions! Picture this: James Hardy, the big player in siding from Down Under, just threw a whopping $8.75 billion at AZEK, the composite decking wonder, in a cash and stock deal. I mean, can we talk about the size of that check? Talk about making waves in the housing market! With mortgage rates climbing and sales of previously occupied homes plunging to a near three-decade low, it’s clear that the construction landscape is shifting faster than a jackhammer on the job site. Eric dives deep into the implications of these mergers, like how James Hardy will control a staggering 74% of the new company, leaving AZEK stockholders with a mere 26%. But the real kicker? James Hardy's resilience through its asbestos scandal is a testament to the brand's grit. As Eric navigates through these corporate maneuvers, he also drops a personal bombshell: he’s preparing to put his house on the market! A big change is coming, but will he sell to a developer or find a new pad to call home? The stakes are high, and Eric's got a lot on his plate as he gears up for round two of home improvement adventures. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with insights, business smarts, and personal anecdotes that are as relatable as they are enlightening.

On the home front, Eric reveals that while he's tackling major changes in his personal life, he's also keeping a close eye on the social media world—especially those Facebook groups that focus on home construction. And boy, does he have some stories to tell! With a plethora of DIY groups at his fingertips, he’s noticed a pattern: the same construction pitfalls keep popping up. From cabinet disasters to questionable craftsmanship, it’s like watching a bad reality show unfold. He shares his experience from the group “Ask a Cabinet Maker”, where the majority of cabinetry issues stem from small custom shops that, let’s just say, may not be putting their best foot forward. With horror stories of ugly finishes and poor designs, Eric emphasizes the importance of doing your homework before investing in custom cabinetry. Should you trust the local kitchen and bath design center? Spoiler alert: yes! It’s all about finding quality over quantity, and Eric offers sage advice on what finishes and practices to look out for. So before you dive headfirst into your next renovation project, make sure to tune in for some golden nuggets of wisdom that could save you from a DIY disaster!

As the episode winds down, Eric leaves us with a tantalizing teaser about what’s coming next in the world of home improvement. With an exciting array of topics on the horizon—including smart home tech and lighting innovations—he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a home smart and stylish. Not to mention, there’s a birthday celebration in the air for the show itself, marking 37 years of bringing you the best in home improvement tips and tricks. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of home projects, this Weekday Update is your go-to guide for all things construction, renovation, and a dash of real estate intrigue. Don’t forget to check in with Eric next time for more laughs, insights, and maybe even some unexpected twists!

Takeaways:

• Big mergers are shaking up the construction industry, with James Hardy's $8.75 billion acquisition of AZEK being a key example.
• Eric G is gearing up for some exciting changes at home, including moving and tackling new renovation projects.
• Facebook groups are a treasure trove of DIY advice, but beware of the common pitfalls with cabinetry and construction.
• The importance of doing your homework when selecting a contractor cannot be overstated; quality varies greatly among custom cabinet shops.
• With housing prices and mortgage rates on the rise, the market is in a state of flux that homeowners need to navigate carefully.
• Eric G emphasizes the value of high-end finishes and quality craftsmanship to avoid the dreaded 'bad cabinet' scenario in home improvement.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Monument Grill
• James Hardy
• AZEK
• QXO Inc.
• Beacon Roofing Supply
• Home Depot
• Lowe's

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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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:

Monument Grill Omni-Pro Eminence Series 405

Eminence 405 enhances grilling efficiency with a smart App-synced full-color LED touch panel, a durable quality finish, and an upgraded heating system. Its sleek, modern ClearView® lid design represents the perfect blend of elegance and expert-level performance. To find out more visit: https://monumentgrills.com/collections/omni-eminence-series/products/eminence-405

Monument Grills

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We're diving into the world of affordable housing and stellar construction, showcasing how Champion Homes is flipping the script on what factory-built housing can look like. Picture this: gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bath homes that don’t just meet the needs of today’s homebuyers but also come packed with style and efficiency. To find out MORE head to https://www.championhomes.com/

Champion Homes