They tell us how their baby was born, as they say, through “home improving home improving” to writing to video, then (sometimes national) TV appearances. My Fix It Up Life as they tell us is “A Home Improvement Lifestyle Show.” It is about all things in the home and for all people interested in the home. [Click to Read More]

An interview with Wilsonart’s Mike Lallo, a Segment Manager in Home Center Segments. Wilsonart and specifically Wilsonart HD was a sponsor of our 106 Yard Fund, which ultimately brought Sean Lintow, Sr. to Baltimore for the Remodeling Show. A recount of the panel discussion Looks for Less and a deep dive into Wilsonart products.

Day 3 of the Remodeling Show, we were fortunate enough to spend part of the afternoon with Miriam Illions (pronounced “Millions” just minus the M) . . . of HomeTalk.com. Never mind that Miriam is likely one of the sweetest, bestest, goodest people I know from the interwebs, she happens also to be a passionate, well-spoken representative of the HomeTalk brand. That day, she was gracious enough to sit down with us for an (audio) interview. [...]

Here Sean and I, Barry too, discuss Sean’s business and blog (one of my personal favorites). With that, while Sean is known by many as @SLSConstruction, it is actually the steady expansion of his services offerings that intrigued us. While you could certainly look at his blog the Homeowner's and Trades Resource Center (the HTRC for short) as one of these, it is his move more specifically to offer a formal green solutions suite that really piqued our interest.

A handful of presenters and exhibitors that I spoke with had high marks and raves for Paul. In our interview, I marvel at the thought of all that must go on to pull off a week of classes, coordinating with 250+ exhibitors … all while hosting thousands of show-floor guests.

A natural speaker Chris opened by talking about his sincere and humble passion for building things. But drawing on personal history both with FedEx and on his martial arts background, he talked of the common perceptions both sides face . . . how designers see contractors and how contractors see designers. But he says, and targeted to those of us sitting in the audience, “You must empty the cup.” [ . . . ]

“Fine Quality Custom Cabinetry Handcrafted for Your Entire Home.” That’s exactly how it reads in Crown Point Cabinetry’s own tagline. “Kitchens, Baths, Laundries, Offices, Home Bars” . . . *breath* . . . “Islands, Pantries, Breakfast Nooks, Closets, Built-Ins.” They build every cabinet to the exact specifications for your project, and really anything you could imagine . . . in terms of cabinetry. True Custom.

One of the bigger announcements that came out of the Remodeling Show in Chicago last week was a new product line from DAP targeting professional contractors and remodelers. The DAP Spec Line by DAP is the first full line of sealants and adhesives designed specifically to help professionals meet industry specifications for each job by including the required spec as part of the product name. With numeric labels that match proven industry specification standards, professionals can now easily select the best product for each job application.

Barry checks in with this third installment of the Sounding Board. Fishing for Hammers, Baseball and Possibilities, The Great Depression.

Barry checks in with his second installment of The Sounding Board Podcast. In 3 segments: Work Songs to Sing To. Working with Pets. Construction Sayings.