Hire It Done

It's -10° in Metro Detroit, and that kind of cold doesn't just make you miserable — it can wreck your house fast.

In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements — Macomb County's favorite home improvement company — to talk real-world remodeling, how to avoid getting burned by the wrong contractor, and what homeowners should actually expect when they renovate.

If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner trying to hire trusted contractors for a remodel, this conversation will help you make smarter decisions. We get into timelines, design-build, avoiding common homeowner mistakes, and what separates a legit pro from the "sounds good on the phone" crowd — especially in Southeast Michigan home services, where you want the job done right the first time.

Brian breaks down how a true design-build contractor makes the process faster, clearer, and less stressful — by designing with you at the table, not disappearing for weeks with "we'll get back to you." We also cover smart choices like floors before cabinets, how to evaluate contractors beyond price, and the simple "reference question" that exposes red flags instantly.

If you're planning home renovation in Michigan — kitchens, baths, basements, additions, or even outdoor living — this one's packed with usable advice.

Question: How do I prevent frozen pipes during extreme Michigan cold?

Answer: Open sink and vanity cabinets so warm air can circulate. Run a faucet at a pencil-thin stream. If it's dangerously cold, set your furnace fan to ON so heat moves through the home consistently.

Question: What does real fire restoration remodeling involve?

Answer: A serious fire job can mean taking the home down to the structure, then rebuilding correctly so it's safe, clean, and livable again. That includes framing, floors, insulation, drywall, and making sure the home doesn't carry lingering smoke odor.

Question: What makes a design-build contractor better for homeowners?

Answer: You get planning and construction under one roof, with clear decisions upfront. Instead of vague estimates and delays, the homeowner is involved in layout and design choices early, which usually reduces surprises and miscommunication later.

Question: Should I do flooring before kitchen cabinets?

Answer: It depends on the material and the situation. In many remodels, going wall-to-wall can protect you long-term if there's a leak, and it can make future appliance changes easier. The key is installing it the right way for the flooring type.

Question: What projects are most common for Metro Detroit homeowners right now?

Answer: Kitchens, bathrooms, finished basements, and additions are always high on the list. More homeowners are also investing in outdoor living spaces because they want their home to feel bigger and more functional.

Question: What questions should I ask before hiring a remodeling contractor?

Answer: Ask what they specialize in, how long they've been in business, and whether they're licensed and insured. Request references and photos of similar projects. And make sure they can clearly explain process, timeline, and expectations.

Question: What's the best reference check question to expose red flags fast?

Answer: Ask: "Would you use them again?" Then stop talking. If there's hesitation, that pause tells you more than a rehearsed compliment ever will.

If you're a homeowner in Metro Detroit / Southeast Michigan and you want hassle-free home improvement with trusted contractors, watch the full episode and take notes. And if you're ready to talk about a kitchen, bath, basement, addition, or insurance restoration, reach out to Brian Lee / Metro Home Improvements at (586) 929-0224.

🔗 CONNECT WITH METRO HOME IMPROVEMENT

💻 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/

Want a free consult? Call (586) 929-0224.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #HomeImprovement #MetroDetroit

If your basement smells musty, shows cracks, or takes on water after heavy rain, this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with Jeff Schleuning of EverDry Waterproofing to break down what really causes basement leaks—and how Metro Detroit homeowners can fix the problem the right way the first time.

Jeff and his team at EverDry have been serving Southeast Michigan homeowners for nearly four decades. They've waterproofed thousands of homes across Metro Detroit using a patented inside-and-out approach designed for permanent results.

Water always finds a way in—through the wall, the floor, or the footing. If you only treat part of the problem, it will come back somewhere else. That's why EverDry evaluates the entire foundation and builds a solution based on how you actually use your home, whether you're finishing the basement or just want it clean, dry, and healthy.

• Why musty smells are often a hidden sign of water intrusion • The three most common ways water enters a basement • Why "patch jobs" usually fail and cost homeowners more long-term • How professional inspections differ from quick sales visits • What a lifetime, transferable waterproofing warranty really means • How basement waterproofing protects home value in Michigan • What Metro Detroit homeowners should watch out for when comparing contractors

If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner dealing with basement moisture, mold concerns, or foundation leaks—or you just want to hire the right home improvement expert—this episode will save you time, stress, and money. Watch the full conversation and make smarter decisions for your home.

🔗 CONNECT WITH EverDry Waterproofing

💻 Website: https://everdrymichigan.com/waterproofing-faq-videos/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverdryWaterproofingofMichigan/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EverdryMichigan

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everdrymichigan/

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-schleuning-9701247/

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomes #BasementWaterproofing

Clean water isn't a luxury. It's a health decision every homeowner makes, whether they realize it or not.

In this episode, I sit down with Jerrad Beauchamp of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions, a trusted water expert serving Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan for over 40 years. His family's roots go back to 1976, and today their team brings more than 100 years of combined experience helping homeowners protect their homes, appliances, and health with properly treated water.

We break down what's really happening with your water — whether you're on city water or well water — and why Metro Detroit homeowners should be paying closer attention. From PFAS and lead concerns to hard water, rust, and chlorine, this conversation is about making smart, informed home improvement decisions and working with trusted contractors who do it right.

We also focus on real solutions. You'll learn how professional water testing works, how systems are designed around your specific home, and why proper filtration protects everything from your plumbing and appliances to your skin and drinking water. Jerrad explains how Southeast Michigan homeowners can eliminate guesswork, avoid overpriced shortcuts, and invest in water treatment systems that actually deliver results.

• How to tell if your home has hard water or hidden contaminants

• The difference between water softening, filtration, and purification

• Why PFAS, lead, and microplastics matter for Michigan homeowners

• How whole-home water systems protect appliances and plumbing

• What city water vs. well water really means for your home

• Why reverse osmosis beats bottled water long-term

• How trusted contractors test, educate, and customize solutions

If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner who wants safer water, smarter home improvement choices, and contractors you can actually trust, this episode is for you. Watch the full conversation and learn how to protect your home, your family, and your investment — the right way.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/partners/beauchamp-water-treatment-solutions

https://www.beauchampwater.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauchampwater/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcdNJfc8P3J6EipXefbGwA

𝕏 X: https://x.com/beauchampwater

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauchampwatersolutions/

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beauchamp-water-treatment-solutions/

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors

#MetroDetroitHomes #CleanWater #HomeImprovementExperts

Most homes in Southeast Michigan are bleeding energy—and homeowners don't even realize it.

This is the first Hire It Done episode of 2026, and I'm starting the year with a conversation that can immediately lower your energy bills. I sit down with Tom Mackey of Dana Insulation, Inc., an insulation expert with nearly 49 years in the business.

Dana Insulation has been serving Metro Detroit homeowners since 1977, focusing on one thing—installing insulation the right way. If you care about comfort, efficiency, and hiring trusted home improvement professionals in Southeast Michigan, this episode is a must-watch.

Insulation isn't sexy, but it's one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make. We break down where heat actually escapes, why attics, knee walls, rim joists, and crawl spaces are critical, and how bad installation can cancel out even the best materials. Tom explains what really works in Michigan homes, how proper insulation improves comfort year-round, and why most homeowners wait far too long to fix these problems.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why attic insulation delivers the fastest return on investment

• How improper installation wastes money and energy

• What R-values really mean for comfort and efficiency

• When cellulose, fiberglass, or foam makes the most sense

• Why ventilation and baffling are non-negotiable

• How insulation upgrades lower heating and cooling costs

• What separates trusted insulation contractors from the rest

If your home is cold in winter, hot in summer, or expensive to heat and cool, this episode will show you why—and how to fix it the right way.

Watch the full conversation, and if you're a Metro Detroit homeowner looking for solution-minded contractors, Hire It Done is here to help.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Dana Insulation

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/partners/dana-insulation

https://danafoaminsulation.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danainsulation

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors

You don't hire a contractor every day—so when you do, the stakes are high. In this episode, I break down exactly how Metro Detroit homeowners can hire smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and protect their investment from day one. This conversation is all about giving Southeast Michigan homeowners clear, practical guidance on home improvement, remodeling, and working with trusted contractors—without the stress, confusion, or surprises.

Here's the real issue: most homeowner problems don't start during construction. They start before the contract is even signed. I walk you through how to ask the right questions, how to evaluate communication early, and how to spot red flags before they turn into expensive headaches.

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, room addition, or major home repair, this episode helps you approach the process with confidence and clarity.

• How to evaluate a contractor based on communication, not just price

• What questions to ask before a contractor steps inside your home

• Why proposals must clearly list what's not included

• How smart payment schedules protect homeowners

• How to discuss budget without hurting your negotiating position

• Why design-build can simplify complex remodeling projects

• How Hire It Done helps reduce risk for Metro Detroit homeowners

If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner planning a renovation—or even just thinking about one—this episode gives you the tools to hire the right professional and avoid costly missteps.

Tune in, take notes, and reach out anytime. I'm here to help you get it done the right way.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors

Dining rooms are dead — and that's just the start of this conversation.

In this episode of Hire It Done, I'm joined in studio by Simmons + Co. Design, led by principal interior designer and licensed builder Veronica Simmons. Veronica and her team are a women-owned, full-service design-build firm serving Metro Detroit homeowners with nearly two decades of experience.

We get real about what today's homeowners actually need, why design-build matters, and how smart planning protects you from costly remodeling mistakes.

If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner looking for trusted contractors and practical home improvement advice, this conversation is for you.

We also break down why the design-build approach is one of the smartest ways to remodel or renovate your home. One team. One plan. One point of accountability. Veronica explains how having designers and builders working together — in-house — helps prevent change orders, budget surprises, and miscommunication that homeowners deal with all too often.

From kitchens and bathrooms to outdoor living and whole-home renovations, this episode helps you understand how to hire smarter, plan better, and move forward with confidence on your next home improvement project.

What you'll take away from this episode:

• Why "design-build" protects homeowners from expensive mistakes

• When it makes sense to eliminate a formal dining room

• How trends should support function — not drive decisions

• Why color, lighting, and materials must be planned together

• How one-source accountability saves time and money

• What Metro Detroit homeowners should expect in today's remodeling market

• How to prepare before calling a trusted home improvement professional

If you're planning a renovation, addition, or design upgrade — or just want to avoid the headaches most homeowners face — this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Tune in, learn how the pros think, and visit HireItDone.com to connect with trusted home improvement experts serving Southeast Michigan.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Simmons + Co. Design

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/pro/simmons-co-design/

https://www.simmonscodesignremodeling.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simmonscodesign/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SimmonsCoDesign/

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomes #HomeImprovement

The holidays are here, and if you're decorating this season, you want it done right — without stress, wasted money, or last-minute panic.

On this episode of Hire It Done, I'm joined by Ashley Thomas of Sherwood Forest Garden Center, a true local favorite for Metro Detroit homeowners who want quality, creativity, and expert guidance when it comes to holiday décor and outdoor living. We talk about real vs. artificial trees, smart decorating choices, and why working with trusted local experts makes all the difference for Southeast Michigan home services.

Ashley shares what makes Sherwood Forest Garden Center special — from live Christmas trees and custom décor to personalized design help and family traditions built right here in Rochester. If you're a homeowner in Metro Detroit looking for dependable home improvement advice, holiday inspiration, or trusted contractors who actually care, this conversation is for you.

It's all about saving time, avoiding mistakes, and enjoying hassle-free home improvement during the busiest season of the year.

We also break down how to choose the right Christmas tree for your home, how to decorate smarter instead of harder, and when it makes sense to hire it done instead of doing it yourself. Ashley explains how expert guidance can help homeowners avoid common decorating headaches, protect their homes, and create a finished look they'll actually love — inside and out.

Key Takeaways

• How to choose between real and artificial Christmas trees

• What type of tree works best for your space and decorations

• Common decorating mistakes homeowners make during the holidays

• Why custom décor and local expertise matter

• How to save time and reduce stress with professional help

• Smart tips for indoor and outdoor holiday decorating

• Why trusted Southeast Michigan home service pros are worth it

If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner getting ready for the holidays, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to make your home festive without the hassle.

And if you need help along the way, you already know — hire it done.

🔗 CONNECT WITH SHERWOOD FOREST GARDEN CENTER

💻 Website: https://www.sherwoodforestgardencenter.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.l.thomas.77/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083213536712

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_thomas1217/

𝕏 X: https://x.com/sherwoodForest4

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-thomas-2636bb62/

🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#HomeImprovement #MetroDetroit #HireItDone

If you're planning a remodel in 2025 or 2026, you'll want to hear this conversation. Today I'm sitting down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, one of the most experienced and trusted design-build experts serving Macomb County, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan homeowners.

Brian and I dive into what's really happening in the home improvement world—why some contractors fall behind, how technology is reshaping remodeling, and what homeowners should expect when hiring a pro. If you're looking for trusted contractors, real guidance, and smarter ways to plan your next project, this episode is for you.

Brian brings decades of hands-on experience, leading a team that specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, finished basements, and full renovations. Metro Home Improvements focuses on craftsmanship, clear communication, and solution-based planning—something every Southeast Michigan homeowner needs, especially with rising project costs and outdated city processes slowing many projects down.

Whether you're dreaming about a new kitchen or dealing with a tricky structural or zoning challenge, you'll walk away knowing how to hire smarter and protect your investment.

In this episode, we break down the biggest issues homeowners face today—everything from delays in city permitting, to outdated ordinances, to contractors who refuse to modernize. We also talk about practical solutions: preparation, transparency, new design-build tools like VR planning boards, and what a truly smooth remodeling process should look like. Brian's approach is rooted in real results, real experience, and real accountability—something every Metro Detroit homeowner deserves.

Key Takeaways

- Why many contractors fall behind—and how to spot the ones who stay ahead. - How Metro Home Improvements uses technology (AI, VR boards, digital planning) to make remodeling easier for homeowners. - What Southeast Michigan homeowners must know about zoning, permitting, and navigating city processes. - How long major projects (like room additions or garages) really take—and how to avoid costly delays. - Why design-build matters and how it helps you get clearer pricing, better planning, and fewer surprises. - What homeowners should prepare before hiring a contractor (wish list, wants vs. needs, budget expectations). - The red flags to watch out for when hiring a home improvement pro.

If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a renovation—big or small—this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid the headaches so many homeowners face. And if you need a trusted contractor, you can always find the pros I personally recommend at HireItDone.com.

👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more home improvement advice, expert interviews, and weekly insights to help you hire smarter.

🔗 CONNECT WITH 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/

🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/ 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone 🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/ 🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone #HomeImprovement #MichiganContractors #MetroDetroitRemodeling

Stop wasting money in your home this winter. In this episode, I break down the hidden mistakes Metro Detroit homeowners make every cold season — the ones that quietly drain your energy bills and leave your house colder than it should be. From insulation problems to simple fixes you can do today, I walk you through everything you need to know to stay warm, save money, and hire the right trusted contractors across Southeast Michigan.

If you want straight, practical home improvement advice without the fluff, you're in the right place.

Winter exposes all the weak spots in a home, and most people don't realize how much comfort and energy they're losing until it's too late. That's why I'm sharing what really works — from proper attic insulation to fixing cold additions, sealing problem areas, choosing safe ice melters, and understanding when it's time to call in a pro.

I also highlight how companies like Dana Insulation help homeowners solve real pain points, especially when your house just can't hold heat the way it used to. This episode will help you make smarter decisions, hire better, and protect your home all season long.

• Why winter exposes the real condition of your insulation

• How to tell if your furnace is sized correctly for your home

• The biggest heating and energy mistakes Metro Detroit homeowners make

• How blown-in cellulose insulation actually works (and why it matters)

• Why cold rooms over garages or additions happen — and the fix

• The safest ice melters for your pets and your concrete

• Simple winter energy-saving habits that reduce your bill instantly

If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner looking for trusted home improvement pros — insulation, roofing, electrical, plumbing, or any repair — visit HireItDone.com. I'll help you hire smarter and avoid costly mistakes. Subscribe for more real home advice straight from the field.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

When it comes to remodeling your home, design should never be an afterthought — it should lead every part of the project.

In this episode, I sit down with Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design, a women-owned design-build firm based in Commerce Township that handles everything from layouts and material selections to lighting, furnishings, and décor.

If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a remodel in 2026, this conversation will help you understand what true design-build support looks like and why it matters when you're choosing trusted contractors in Southeast Michigan.

Veronica breaks down the biggest 2026 home design trends — including why dining rooms are becoming obsolete and how homeowners are stretching their kitchens into larger, more functional spaces. We also get into why two-island kitchens are exploding in popularity, how curves and softer silhouettes are taking over Michigan homes, and why organic tones like clay, sage, and Sienna are replacing the stark whites and grays we've seen for years.

Beyond the trends, she explains how a strong design-build team prevents costly mistakes, eliminates decision overload, and keeps your project aligned from concept to completion.

Key Takeaways: • The most important 2026 design trends homeowners should know • Why dining rooms are fading fast — and what Michigan families are doing instead • How two-island kitchens improve workflow and entertaining • The growing shift toward curves, softer lines, and natural palettes • Why outdoor living spaces will dominate Southeast Michigan remodels • How design-build keeps your renovation consistent, functional, and stress-free • What trusted contractors look for in an ideal homeowner • Why communication and symmetry make or break a remodel

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, a full-home redesign, or even a future 2026 project, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, hire confidently, and understand exactly what a top-tier design-build firm brings to the table.

Watch the full interview, leave your questions in the comments, and subscribe for more weekly home improvement tips for Metro Detroit homeowners.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Simmons + Co. Design 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/pro/simmons-co-design/ https://www.simmonscodesignremodeling.com/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simmonscodesign/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SimmonsCoDesign/

🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/ 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone 🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

#HomeImprovement #MichiganRemodeling #TrustedContractors