Hire It Done

If you are planning a bathroom or kitchen remodel, the fixtures you choose can change how the space feels, cleans, and performs for years. In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Caspers, Regional Manager for Infusion Kitchen & Bath Showrooms, to talk about the decisions homeowners should make before they buy plumbing fixtures or close up the walls. We get into showroom versus big-box fixture construction, why adding power near the toilet can future-proof a remodel, large-format shower wall panels that reduce grout, shower-drying technology, walk-in showers, aging-in-place choices, hand showers, touchless kitchen faucets, and the difference between buying something because it looks good and buying it because it actually improves daily life. Question: Are showroom plumbing fixtures different from big-box versions? Answer: Nathan explains that some products can use different internal materials or components, even when the brand name looks familiar. He recommends comparing construction, warranty, service, and expected lifespan, not just the logo and price. Question: Should I add an electrical outlet near the toilet during a remodel? Answer: Nathan recommends considering it while the walls are already open. It can make a future bidet seat or intelligent toilet much easier to add than retrofitting power later. Question: Are homeowners removing bathtubs for walk-in showers? Answer: Nathan says many first-floor primary bathrooms are moving toward walk-in showers when another tub is available elsewhere in the home. The right choice depends on how you actually use the space. Question: How can I reduce grout in a shower? Answer: Large-format wall panels can cover much more of the shower with fewer joints. Nathan discusses options designed to create a stone-like look while making the walls easier to clean and maintain. Question: What shower fixtures are most useful day to day? Answer: Nathan calls a fixed shower head plus a hand shower the new normal because the combination adds flexibility for rinsing, cleaning the shower, washing pets, and controlling where the water goes. Question: Can a shower dry itself after use? Answer: Nathan describes AirMada, a system that moves air through outlets in the shower to help dry wet surfaces faster and reduce lingering moisture. Question: How smart can a kitchen faucet get? Answer: The episode covers touchless faucets and a Kohler setup that can connect to a voice assistant to dispense a specified amount of water for everyday kitchen tasks. If you are remodeling, visit a working showroom, test what you can, and ask what is inside the product before you decide. The more you plan before installation starts, the fewer expensive changes you have to make later. Connect with Nathan Caspers: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-caspers-6b175788/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caspersn/ Connect with Infusion Kitchen & Bath Showrooms: Website: https://www.infusionshowrooms.com/ Schedule a consultation: https://www.infusionshowrooms.com/book-an-appointment Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infusionkitchenbathshowroom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfusionShowrooms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infusion-kitchen-and-bath-showrooms/home/ #HireItDone #BathroomRemodel #HomeImprovement

If your windows feel drafty, your energy bills keep climbing, or you are trying to decide between vinyl and fiberglass, this episode will help you ask better questions before you buy. I sat down with Brent Ramsey of WeatherGard, a family-owned Southeast Michigan company that manufactures windows in Michigan and focuses on products designed for the local climate.

We get into what homeowners should actually compare when shopping for replacement windows. Brent explains why installation matters as much as the product, how he decides which windows should be replaced first, what Low-E glass really does, why climate affects the vinyl-versus-fiberglass conversation, and why high energy bills may point to more than one problem in the house. The goal is not to overload you with window terminology. It is to help you understand what matters before you hire a contractor and spend the money.

Question: How can you tell if air is leaking around a window?

Answer: Brent says spider webs around a window can be one clue because spiders often build where air movement brings insects through. Cold spots can also come from drafts or air movement around cold glass.

Question: Do you need to replace every window at once?

Answer: Not necessarily. Brent recommends starting with the rooms where you spend the most time and looking at which side of the house gets the most exposure.

Question: What matters more, the window or the installation?

Answer: Brent considers them equally important. A strong product can underperform when it is measured, sealed, or installed poorly.

Question: Is all Low-E glass the same?

Answer: No. Different coatings can affect heat, UV, visible light, sound, safety, and comfort in different ways.

Question: Is vinyl or fiberglass better for Michigan homes?

Answer: Brent prefers evaluating the material in the context of Michigan's temperature swings, building movement, the frame design, and the installation method. He also notes that fiberglass can make sense in other climates and applications.

Question: Will new windows automatically fix high energy bills?

Answer: Not always. Brent looks at the house as a system, including ducts, insulation, rim joists, windows, and other sources of air leakage before deciding what will make the biggest difference.

If you are planning a window project, use this conversation as a checklist for the questions you should be asking. Watch the full episode, then connect with WeatherGard or send me your home improvement questions.

CONNECT WITH WeatherGard:

Website: https://weathergard.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathergard

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weathergardwindows

CONNECT WITH Brent Ramsey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-ramsey-1b2125a9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.ramsey.37/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsabouttheenergy/

#HireItDone #WeatherGard #ReplacementWindows

Your house gives you plumbing warning signs long before some problems become emergencies. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Travis Haines and Nathan Bourdon of Nelson Haines Plumbing and Drain Cleaning to break down the drain, sewer, leak and cold-weather issues homeowners should know how to spot.

We cover the everyday habits that create clogs, what gurgling toilets and bubbling floor drains can mean, why strong drain chemicals are not always the answer, when camera inspections and hydro jetting come into play, and how to prepare your plumbing before freezing weather. Nelson Haines has been serving plumbing and drain needs for more than 50 years, so this conversation is packed with practical homeowner advice from people who work on these problems every day.

Question: Are "flushable" wipes actually safe for plumbing?

Answer: Nathan and Travis explain that wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can contribute to clogs in household plumbing and larger sewer systems.

Question: What should you do if a basement floor drain starts backing up?

Answer: Stop running water and call a plumber. The next step may include clearing the line and using a camera to identify what is causing the backup.

Question: Is chemical drain cleaner a good fix for a slow drain?

Answer: Nathan cautions against strong drain acids, especially with cast-iron or older pipes. A plumber can clean the drain and help determine what is causing the recurring problem.

Question: Why is pouring grease down the sink a bad idea?

Answer: Hot water may carry grease into the drain, but the grease can cool and solidify farther down the line, adding to buildup and clogs.

Question: What does a gurgling toilet mean?

Answer: It can be a sign of a clog in the main line or, in some situations, an issue with the plumbing vent. Repeated new noises are worth investigating.

Question: Can a home automatically shut off water during a leak?

Answer: Yes. Travis recommends whole-home leak detection with an automatic shutoff, which can monitor unusual flow and help stop the water when a problem is detected.

Question: What plumbing should you check before winter?

Answer: Disconnect garden hoses, prepare outdoor faucets, know your shutoff valves and consider professional winterization if the home will be vacant during freezing weather.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:

Nelson Haines Plumbing

Website: https://nelsonhainesplumbing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nelson-Haines-Plumbing-and-Drain-Cleaning-61581930606420/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NELSONHAINESPLUMBINGANDDRAINCL

Travis Haines

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-haines-9a9344115/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.haines.2025/

Nathan Bourdon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bourdon-414a253b8/

#HireItDone #PlumbingTips #HomeMaintenance

Hiring the right contractor is about more than getting a price. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, a Macomb County remodeling company working on kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and other major home improvement projects. We break down the questions homeowners should ask before hiring, how to talk about budget, and what a professional remodeling process should look like.

We also get into the parts of renovation that create the most stress: ballpark estimates, material selections, kitchen costs, project timelines, change orders, stage payments, and what happens when a homeowner and contractor hit friction. Brian shares how his team approaches design, selections, project coordination, and problem-solving so homeowners can make decisions with more information and less guesswork.

Question: What should I ask a contractor before hiring them? Answer: Ask whether they specialize in your type of project, whether they are licensed and insured, and when they can come see the job and provide a quote.

Question: Can a contractor give an accurate remodel quote over the phone? Answer: For a major remodel, an on-site visit matters because the contractor needs to see the space, structure, layout, and possible challenges before pricing the work.

Question: When should I discuss my remodeling budget? Answer: Early. Brian explains why comparing the contractor's realistic project range with the homeowner's expectations can prevent wasted time and sticker shock.

Question: Can I save money without replacing everything in a kitchen? Answer: Sometimes. If existing cabinet boxes are in good condition and the layout works, refacing and updating doors, hardware, counters, and finishes may be an option worth discussing.

Question: How can homeowners avoid decision overload during a remodel? Answer: Work with a contractor who helps narrow selections based on the design instead of handing you thousands of disconnected choices.

Question: What should happen when a remodeling project hits a problem? Answer: Address it directly. Brian recommends talking through the concern, stopping when necessary, reviewing the steps, and working toward a resolution.

Question: Why do change orders affect the schedule? Answer: Extra work can interrupt the sequence of trades, add labor or materials, and change the completion date. Discuss the scope and price before the added work begins.

Connect with Brian Lee and Metro Home Improvements: Website: https://metrohomeimprovement.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetroHomeImprovement Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroHomeImprovementsLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metrohomeimprovements LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-home-improvements-llc/ Phone: (586) 929-0224

If you are planning a remodel, watch the full conversation before you start collecting quotes. The goal is simple: ask better questions, understand the process, and make a smarter hiring decision.

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #RemodelingTips

Enjoy 20% OFF at BollAndBranch.com! Use code ADAM at checkout. Offer expires October 31st.

Your bedroom remodel does not really end when the paint dries.

In this episode of Hire It Done, I'm joined by Scott Tannen, Founder & CEO of Boll & Branch, to talk about something homeowners use every single day but rarely think about carefully: bedding. We get into thread count myths, organic cotton, healthier home choices, the final details that make a bedroom feel finished, and why bedding should be part of the home improvement conversation.

Scott explains why homeowners should stop judging sheets by thread count alone and start thinking about material quality, feel, weave, comfort, and how the bedding is actually made. Whether you are remodeling a bedroom, upgrading your home, shopping for better sheets and towels, or trying to make smarter choices for your indoor environment, this conversation gives you practical tips you can use before your next purchase.

Question: Is thread count the best way to judge sheet quality?

Answer: Not by itself. Scott explains that thread count is simply a measure of fabric density. The quality of the cotton and the way the fabric is made matter more than chasing the biggest number on the package.

Question: What should homeowners ask before buying new bedding?

Answer: Start with how you want the bed to feel. Some homeowners want a cool, crisp feel. Others want something soft and smooth. That choice should guide the type of sheet and weave you consider.

Question: Why does bedding matter in a home renovation?

Answer: A bedroom project is not only about paint, flooring, lighting, and construction. Bedding, pillows, towels, and blankets affect how the room feels every day. They are part of finishing the space properly.

Question: Can sheets and towels affect the health of a home?

Answer: They can be part of the conversation. Scott talks about synthetic fibers, chemical finishes, wrinkle-resistant treatments, and why Boll & Branch focuses on organic cotton and materials that do not add unnecessary toxins to the home.

Question: What is the biggest mistake homeowners make after a bedroom remodel?

Answer: Many homeowners leave the soft finishing details until the end, when they are tired of making decisions. Scott says those details should be considered earlier because they affect how the room feels and functions.

Question: Why did Boll & Branch open physical retail stores?

Answer: Scott says many customers wanted to touch and feel the products before buying. Their stores are built to educate homeowners, let them experience the bedding, and help them understand what will work best for their home.

Question: What makes the Boll & Branch store experience different?

Answer: Scott explains that their team can help customers choose bedding, bring products to the home, steam and set up the bed, and offer design guidance so the bedroom feels finished.

To learn more about Boll & Branch, visit:

https://www.bollandbranch.com/

Guest Offer:

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Up To 40% Off Select Styles

With 20% off sitewide. Use code SUMMER

Follow Boll & Branch:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/bollandbranch/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttannen/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bollandbranch

If you are a homeowner planning a remodel, upgrading your bedroom, or trying to make smarter home improvement decisions, watch the full conversation and make sure you finish the room with the same care you put into the project.

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #BollAndBranch

Getting an offer on a house is only part of getting it sold. And before you buy, the real estate agent, home inspector and contractor you choose can affect what happens next. I'm Adam Helfman, and in this episode of Hire It Done I sit down with Namir George and Kevin George of the Michigan Institute of Real Estate to talk about the people and decisions behind a Michigan home purchase, plus the paths into real estate and the trades.

We discuss what an agent does after an offer is accepted, what to ask before choosing a home inspector, why I check contractor licenses and insurance, and how Michigan residents can explore training for careers in real estate, building and home inspection. Whether you're buying, selling, hiring a trusted contractor or planning your next career move, this conversation gives you useful questions to take with you.

Question: What happens after a home seller accepts an offer? Answer: Namir explains that the accepted contract can be followed by inspection questions, amendments, coordination and work toward closing.

Question: What should buyers look for in a real estate agent? Answer: Kevin emphasizes marketing, negotiation, responsiveness and access to an effective brokerage team.

Question: How can someone start a real estate career in Michigan? Answer: Kevin outlines course formats, an exam pathway and how his school helps students explore a brokerage connection. Confirm current state requirements before enrolling.

Question: Why should homeowners verify contractor credentials? Answer: I explain why Hire It Done checks licenses, insurance and work history instead of relying on a pitch alone.

Question: Do all home inspectors bring the same level of experience? Answer: No. Namir shares an example of differing inspection findings and Kevin discusses reputation and training. Ask candidates for sample reports and about their scope of work.

Question: Where can listeners explore the guest's programs? Answer: Visit MyRealEstateSchool.com for course information, or CareerNight.com/radio for the career-night waitlist mentioned during recording. Check current dates and offerings directly.

For more homeowner-focused advice and help finding contractors, visit https://hireitdone.com/. Learn about the guests at https://myrealestateschool.com/. Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Hire It Done for more practical Michigan home improvement advice.

Connect with Namir George

President

Website: https://namirgeorge.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namir-george-73389a94/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/namirgeorge1/

Connect with Kevin George

Vice President

Website: https://kevingeorge.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-george-real-estate/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealkevingeorge/

Connect with Michigan Institute of Real Estate (MyRealEstateSchool.com)

Website: https://myrealestateschool.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@myrealestateschool

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiganrealestateschool/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/realestateschool/

X: https://x.com/realestateskool

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realestateschool

About the Michigan Institute of Real Estate (MyRealEstateSchool.com)

Michigan Institute of Real Estate (MyRealEstateSchool.com) - Real estate school in Michigan

Established in 1985 by Namir George, we have been the leaders in Real Estate, Broker, Mortgage, Builder, and Appraisal Training for over 40 years. Now, Kevin George is following in his father's footsteps, continuing the tradition of excellence.

We are proud to have over 5000+ 5-star reviews, reflecting our commitment to serving the needs of our students. Our goal is to provide comprehensive knowledge and education in Real Estate Selling, Buying, Managing, and Appraising.

Courses offered: Real Estate Course, Real Estate Broker Course, Builders License Course, Home Inspection Course, Appraisal Course, and Real Estate Investing Course.

#HireItDone #MichiganRealEstate #HomeImprovement

Fall can expose the home problems you ignored all summer, and a remodeling project can expose relationship problems nobody expected. In this episode of Hire It Done, I break down the fall home checklist I actually want homeowners to use before winter, then I flip the script and explain when a contractor may decide a homeowner relationship is no longer workable.

We get into practical home maintenance, including testing your furnace, cleaning gutters, moving water away from the foundation, disconnecting hoses, checking grading, testing the sump pump, inspecting the roof from the ground, sealing air leaks, and checking safety devices. Then I walk through the warning signs of a project going sideways, why scope creep creates conflict, how to reset a difficult job, and how a contractor should handle a professional exit if the relationship cannot be saved.

What should homeowners check before winter? Start with the systems and areas most likely to create cold-weather headaches: heat, drainage, hose connections, grading, the sump pump, roof conditions, air leaks, and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When should I test my furnace for fall? I recommend turning it on before you truly need it. Run it while you're home and make sure it starts properly so a problem does not surprise you on the first freezing night.

How far should downspouts move water from the house? In the episode, I recommend extending problem downspouts roughly four to six feet away from the foundation so rainwater is not being dumped directly beside the house.

How can I test a sump pump? Pour water into the sump and watch whether the float activates the pump. Then make sure the discharge is sending that water away from the house.

Can a contractor fire a homeowner? A contractor may decide a project relationship is no longer workable. Before walking away, I recommend trying a reset conversation, documenting the issues, and handling any exit professionally rather than quitting in anger.

What should happen before ending a contractor-homeowner relationship? Call first, follow up in writing, make the discussion about fit instead of blame, and clearly account for the work, payments, materials, permits, and project handoff.

Why is documentation so important on a home project? Photos, written follow-ups, selections, model numbers, inspection records, and a clear paper trail can help both sides remember what actually happened and what was agreed to.

If you want fewer surprises around your house and fewer headaches on your next project, this episode gives you the homeowner and contractor perspective from both sides of the driveway.

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #HomeMaintenance

A home-improvement salesperson should help you understand your options, not make you feel trapped at your own kitchen table. In this episode of Hire It Done, I break down the high-pressure contractor sales tactics homeowners need to recognize before signing a roofing, window, kitchen, bath, or remodeling contract.

I cover the difference between professional selling and pressure, what to say before a contractor arrives, how to handle "this price is only good today," why installation can matter more than the brand itself, how pricing and commissions may affect the conversation, and what to ask when someone uses fear to turn a repair into an emergency. The goal is simple: help you hire trusted contractors, compare home-improvement proposals more confidently, and make major decisions with a clear head.

What should a professional home-improvement salesperson do?

A professional salesperson should inspect the project, explain your options, answer your questions, provide a clear written proposal, and give you room to decide. Pressure, fear, and attempts to stop you from comparing options are warning signs.

What should I tell a contractor before an estimate?

Tell the company you're gathering prices and you're not ready to make an immediate decision. Setting that expectation before the appointment can make it easier to keep the conversation focused on information rather than a same-day close.

What should I do if a contractor says the price is only good today?

You can calmly say you're not ready to buy today and let the offer go if that is truly the condition. A major home-improvement decision should make sense after you've had time to review the proposal.

Why does installation matter so much in roofing and remodeling?

Two contractors can use the same product and produce very different results. The quality of the installation, workmanship, process, and company behind the job can matter as much as, or more than, the brand name on the material.

How should I respond if a contractor says my home is unsafe?

Ask what specifically is unsafe, request photos and measurements, ask for the findings in writing, and consider a qualified second opinion when appropriate. Serious claims deserve clear evidence.

What should I compare besides the contractor's price?

Compare the written scope, installation process, workmanship, references, explanations, documentation, and financing terms. If financing is involved, ask for the total price, the interest rate, and whether the rate is fixed or variable.

What does a trustworthy contractor expect from a homeowner?

A good company should expect homeowners to ask questions, check references, compare bids, and take time with a major decision. A contractor should earn your confidence, not manufacture urgency.

If you're planning a major home project, use this episode as a checklist before your next sales appointment. Subscribe to Hire It Done for more practical homeowner advice on hiring contractors, avoiding costly mistakes, and getting home improvement done with less stress.

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #ContractorTips

If a contractor relationship is falling apart, the worst thing you can do is make the next move in anger. In this episode of Hire It Done, I break down how homeowners can handle a contractor dispute with a calm, documented plan, from reading the contract and putting problems in writing to ending the relationship and sorting out the money.

This is practical homeowner education, not legal advice. Every contract and state can have different rules. My goal is to help you understand the questions to ask, the records to keep, and the point where a normal home improvement problem may need professional legal guidance.

What should you do before firing a contractor? Read the contract first. Look for termination language, notice requirements, and any opportunity to cure the problem before you end the relationship.

Should you fire a contractor by phone? A written record is much stronger for clarity. Put the termination in writing, state the effective date, and keep a copy of what you sent.

What should you document during a contractor dispute? Save texts and emails, take dated photos and videos, keep a running job log, save receipts, and record the specific problems and promises made.

How should you recap a contractor phone call? Send a short email after the conversation explaining what was discussed, what remains unfinished, what each side agreed to do, and the next deadline.

What happens to the money after you fire a contractor? You still need to reconcile what has been paid, what work is complete, what materials or labor may already be committed, and whether subcontractors or lien issues are involved.

When should a homeowner call a lawyer? Get qualified legal guidance when the dispute involves liens, structural or safety defects, unresolved code or inspection problems, arbitration language, or other legal claims you do not understand.

If your home renovation or remodeling project is going sideways, this episode will help you slow the situation down and make a more informed next move. For more trusted contractor and home improvement advice, visit HireItDone.com and follow Hire It Done.

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #ContractorTips

Your house gives you warning signs long before a small problem turns into an expensive project. In this Hire It Done episode, I walk through the midsummer home improvements I want homeowners thinking about before fall, from exterior paint, decks, gutters, windows, and weather stripping to garages, basement leaks, kitchens, bathrooms, and contractor planning.

I also get into the homeowner decisions that matter after you decide to do the work. Should resale value control every remodel? What makes one replacement window better than another? What should you ask before signing a contractor proposal? And when is a small maintenance issue telling you to act now instead of later? The goal is simple: help you plan smarter, hire trusted contractors, and get more value from the home you live in every day.

What home projects should you book before fall?

Prioritize weather-sensitive exterior work, roof and gutter checks, caulking, weather stripping, deck repairs, concrete issues, and any project that becomes harder once cold or wet weather arrives. Good contractors may already be filling their fall calendars.

Should resale value be the main reason to remodel a kitchen or bathroom?

No. Resale value matters, but if you plan to live in the home, daily comfort and usability matter too. A renovation should solve the frustrations you actually live with.

How can you make a garage more useful?

Start by clearing what you no longer use. Then consider flooring, storage, insulation, climate control, lighting, security, and garage-door maintenance based on how you want to use the space.

What is the best replacement window?

The best window is one that is installed properly. Ask the window contractor about installers, air sealing, caulk, fit, workmanship, and the installation process instead of comparing brand names alone.

What should you ask before signing a contractor proposal?

Ask what is not included, how cleanup and preparation are handled, when the job really starts, whether permits are required, and whether the contractor can do better on price, schedule, or another term.

What small home problems can become expensive later?

Clogged gutters, air leaks, loose deck boards, cracked concrete, leaks, damaged trim, garage-door problems, and basement moisture are all worth investigating before they grow into larger repairs.

If you are planning a home improvement project and want to hire smarter, watch the full episode and use these questions during your next walk around the house and your next contractor meeting.

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