In this rebranded episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen introduces the show's new name and reaffirms its commitment to tackling home improvement projects, emphasizing that home ownership is a continuous journey.

This week, Dan discusses getting started with backyard smokers, detailing different types of smokers and essential tools for beginners. He also covers the best paint colors for north-facing rooms, offers tips for exterior painting in extreme heat, and makes a compelling case for hanging clothes out to dry. Sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, this episode is packed with practical advice and insightful tips for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces one project at a time.

SOFT WHITES

• Cotton Balls OC-122
• White Chocolate OC-127
• Timid White OC-39

NEUTRALS

• Elephant Tusk OC-8
• Wheeling Neutral HC-92
• Tapestry Beige OC-32
• Lenox Tan HC-44

MORE DEPTH

• Deeper blues or greens—but always those with yellow undertones.
• Think deep teal or moss green, not cool navy or leaf-light sage.

ADD A LITTLE SUNSHINE

• Peachy-pinks, creamy yellows, or warm apricot tones
• Weston Flax HC-5
• Head over Heels AF‑250
• Satchel AF‑240

00:00 Welcome to Home in Progress

00:39 Diving into Backyard Smokers

03:23 Types of Smokers Explained

05:08 Essential Tools for Smoking Meat

07:59 Beginner-Friendly Foods to Smoke

13:24 The Importance of Resting Meat

16:21 Choosing the Right Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

21:21 Tips for Painting in Extreme Heat

29:25 Using Infrared Thermometers for Surface Temperature

30:06 Staying Safe and Comfortable While Painting in the Heat

31:39 Choosing the Right Paint for Extreme Weather

35:27 The Benefits of Line Drying Your Clothes

43:42 Overcoming Common Objections to Line Drying

50:28 Essential Gear and Tips for Line Drying

54:33 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

This episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, guides listeners through the process of selecting exterior paint colors with confidence. Topics covered include the importance of considering existing materials and landscaping, the impact of lighting on color appearance, and the influence of architectural style on color decisions.

Dan also discusses how to use color samples effectively, the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio app, and the benefits of using high-quality paints such as Benjamin Moore and RepcoLite. Listeners are encouraged to take their time, seek limited but trusted opinions, and use available resources to make informed decisions about their exterior home colors.

00:00 Sweet corn!

05:07 Choosing Exterior Paint Colors with Confidence

09:38 Ground Rules for Picking Exterior Colors

13:04 Considering Existing Materials and Constraints

18:41 Introduction to Exterior Color Selection

19:37 Architectural Styles and Color Schemes

21:12 Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman Homes

23:30 Ranch Homes and Mid-Century Colors

25:30 Working with Brick Exteriors

29:35 How Many Colors to Use?

32:49 Shutters, Doors, and Final Thoughts

37:03 Choosing the Right Paint

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, Dan Hansen shares his recent adventure at Six Flags Great America and insights on how his diminished senses make him a 'superhero.'

The episode then delves into practical home improvement topics, including a detailed comparison of bagged vs. bagless vacuums, the benefits of RepcoLite's new waterborne Deck and Dock stain, and useful advice on choosing the perfect front door color. Listeners get recommendations on tools and products, insights on color psychology, and tips on keeping their homes aesthetically pleasing and up-to-date.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

03:59 Show Overview and Upcoming Segments

05:13 Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums: A Detailed Comparison

10:56 Favorite Things: Power Pump Plunger and Freshly Painted Ceiling

19:12 Repco Light's New Deck and Dock Waterborne Stain

20:31 Choosing the Right Deck Stain

21:54 The Benefits of Waterborne Deck Stain

22:47 Easy Cleanup and Quick Drying

25:33 Application Tips for Deck Stain

31:17 Selecting the Perfect Front Door Color

32:26 Popular Front Door Colors and Trends

37:38 Practical Tips for Painting Your Front Door

38:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen dedicates the entire episode to deck projects. Dan discusses how such projects can feel overwhelming due to the numerous steps involved and the plethora of products on the market. He shares personal anecdotes, such as refurbishing his own deck, and outlines essential preliminary steps including inspecting the deck's structural integrity and cleaning it before applying stain. Dan also compares different types of stains—translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid—highlighting their unique benefits and best-use scenarios.

Additionally, he distinguishes between the processes and advantages of using oil-based versus water-based stains. The episode includes insights on using tools like the Wooster Bravo stain brush and renting an on-floor machine. Lastly, listeners are informed about the ongoing sale on deck staining products available at Repco Light until June 16.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:18 Common Deck Problems and Solutions

03:30 Personal Deck Project Experience

04:02 Important Considerations Before Starting

08:51 Cleaning Your Deck: Why and How

11:01 Chemical Cleaning Methods

16:21 Using the On-Floor Machine

18:51 Applying the Stain

19:01 Introduction to Deck Staining

19:41 Applying the Stain: Methods and Tools

23:18 Important Tips for Stain Application

24:36 Drying and Final Steps

26:05 Choosing the Right Deck Stain

28:56 Understanding Deck Stain Types

36:36 Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains

38:36 Conclusion and Final Advice

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen discusses the significance of skilled trades with Drew Anderson from Harmel Academy of the Trades.

They delve into the reasons behind Drew's passion for the trades, the current shortage of skilled workers, and the misconceptions that trade jobs are less valuable than a college education.

The conversation covers the personal and societal importance of working with one's hands, the value of failing and learning, and the deeper spiritual meaning associated with trades. Drew also highlights the unique approach of Hormel Academy in forming young men into skilled tradesmen and the exciting future prospects for the industry. If you're considering a career in trades or want to understand their broader impact, this episode offers valuable insights.

LINKS: Harmel Academy

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:03 The Importance of Skilled Trades

00:47 Personal Connection to Trades

01:25 The Crisis in Trades and Character

03:06 The Shortage in Skilled Trades

04:22 Changing Perceptions of Trades

09:56 The Dignity of Work

20:11 Encouraging Young People to Explore Trades

23:05 A Surprising Survey on Basic Skills

24:38 Learning Through DIY Repairs

25:58 The Importance of Teaching Kids Practical Skills

27:16 Parenting Challenges and Letting Kids Help

28:16 The Value of Work and Household Chores

28:57 Introducing Harel Academy

29:08 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

35:22 Connecting with Others to Learn Trades

39:28 The Future of Trades and Manufacturing

42:22 Exciting Developments at Harel Academy

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan explores the common dilemma of choosing the wrong paint color for a room.

Key tips include sampling paint, trusting your gut feeling, and understanding the impact of lighting and surroundings on color perception.

If you do end up with a color you dislike, he provides six essential questions to consider before making any hasty decisions. The episode concludes with advice on potentially tweaking the current color and repurposing the paint for other areas, emphasizing patience and a positive mindset through the repainting process.

00:00 Introduction and Morning Greetings

00:23 Bathroom Books: A Library Story

04:35 The Dilemma of Choosing the Right Paint Color

06:08 Tips for Avoiding the Wrong Paint Color

10:34 Trusting Your Gut on Paint Colors

12:07 Dealing with the Wrong Paint Color

14:36 Questions to Ask Before Repainting

17:37 The Impact of Lighting on Paint Colors

19:17 Adjusting to Change in Paint Colors

20:35 Understanding the Fear of Change

21:53 Overcoming the Fear of Change

23:22 Is It the Wrong Color or the Wrong Room?

27:23 Reevaluating Your Vision

33:27 What to Do When You've Chosen the Wrong Color

37:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan shares personal anecdotes about challenging first impressions and provides expert advice on painting your front door to enhance curb appeal. He covers essential tips for choosing the right day, gathering supplies, and applying paint.

Additionally, Dan features an interview with Barbara Klein, a decorative painter and former respiratory therapist, who discusses her transition into the world of faux finishes, furniture refinishing, and the influence of her father's carpentry skills on her work.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

00:17 The Importance of First Impressions

05:28 Making a Great First Impression with Your Home

07:24 Choosing the Right Day for Painting

09:10 Gathering Supplies for the Project

12:41 Prepping and Painting the Door

16:01 Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish

18:44 Interview with Barbara Klein

20:12 Transition from Respiratory Therapy to Decorative Painting

21:13 Joining the International Decorative Artisans League

22:08 Techniques and Tools in Faux Finishing

24:14 Challenges in the Medical Field

26:28 The Joy of Transforming Homes with Paint

28:30 Ceiling and Large-Scale Projects

33:02 Furniture Transformation and Foil Techniques

35:23 Legacy of Carpentry and Personal Reflections

38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, as we embark on a journey from a simple task of cleaning crumbs to tackling home improvement projects. Host Dan Hansen talks about how kitchen crumbs led him to caulking the bathroom tub. This experience leads to a conversation about 'The Prep Trap,' where Dan discusses the importance of staging prep work for efficient home painting.

In the latter part of the show, real estate experts Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group, 5-Star Real Estate Leaders, share their insights on the current real estate market trends in West Michigan. They discuss strategies for buying and selling homes, the impact of low inventory, and legal ramifications when backing out of a purchase agreement. Filled with humor, practical advice, and expert insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in home improvement and the real estate market.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:07 A Crumb Leads to a Caulking Adventure

05:12 The Prep Trap: Avoiding Over-Preparation

08:04 Real Estate Market Insights with Sue and Ginger

09:13 Current Market Conditions and Trends

12:21 Challenges for First-Time Home Buyers

17:37 Spring Market and Inventory Expectations

18:40 Introduction and Market Update

19:49 Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

22:24 Navigating Real Estate Challenges

30:18 Legal Complications in Real Estate Deals

37:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen discusses home dust issues and the mixed effectiveness of duct cleaning based on listener feedback.

The episode's highlight is an engaging interview with Keegan Somers from Vivid Creative Contracting, who shares insights about his family-run business, the rewarding nature of his work, the importance of proper prep work in painting, and valuable tips for DIYers. Somers also reflects on the merits of pursuing a trade over a traditional college education. The episode concludes with a note about Benjamin Moore paint discounts.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Sick of the Cold

02:50 Show Overview and Guest Introduction

03:15 Dealing with Dust: Tips and Insights

04:31 Duct Cleaning: Is It Worth It?

08:54 Interview with Keegan Summers: Background and Career

14:20 Finding Meaning in Work

19:21 Common Misconceptions About Painting

21:09 The Importance of Consulting Experts

22:39 Weirdest Job Site Experiences

24:41 Favorite Tools and Products

29:23 Cabinet Repainting Tips

33:47 Life Outside of Painting

35:36 The Value of Trades vs. College

38:28 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, the focus is on providing a comprehensive guide to repainting kitchen cabinets and dealing with dust in your home.

Dan begins by sharing a personal struggle with dust accumulation, offering insights into what dust is made of and sources of dust in homes, highlighting various practical tips for controlling it. The latter part dives into a detailed, step-by-step discussion of repainting kitchen cabinets, covering everything from proper labeling, cleaning, sanding, and priming to finishing touches. This episode provides valuable information for both DIY enthusiasts considering this project and those who might opt to hire professionals.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Show Overview

00:34 The Dust Dilemma: Personal Confessions

04:37 Understanding Dust: What It Is and Where It Comes From

13:14 Practical Tips to Reduce Dust in Your Home

18:44 Upcoming Segment: Painting Your Cabinets

19:18 Introduction to Kitchen Cabinet Painting

20:15 Why Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?

22:26 Preparation: Removing and Labeling

24:31 The Importance of Prep Work

26:01 Cleaning and Scuff Sanding

28:37 Priming Your Cabinets

31:25 Applying the Finish

34:32 Final Touches and Reassembly

36:08 Final Tips and Conclusion