Home In Progress

On Today's Episode

We're (kind of) back at it after being out sick for 2 weeks! On today's show, we'll talk about:

• Where we've been for the last 2 weeks and why
• Can You Paint Latex Over Oil?
• 5 Questions You Should Ask Before Every Home Decorating Project

Where We've Been . . . and Why! [00:00 - 03:45]

We've been out for a couple of weeks and to help me get a new show together for the week, I'm joined by Dan Altena and Ali Bryde. Both are RepcoLite employees. Dan's the president and has been with the company since 1978. Ali came on board about 1 month ago. I'm glad both could join me so we could get a new show together after a 2 week hiatus.

Can You Paint Latex over Oil? [03:45 - 19:00]

It's a question that comes up periodically. The short answer is "yes," but there are some things to know:

The "Is It Oil or Latex Test"

Sometimes it's difficult to tell if the paint on a given surface is oil or latex. Fortunately, there's a simple test that will get you the answer every time. All you need to do is dampen a rag with ammonia and wipe the surface you're testing. If the paint softens slightly or if some of the color comes off on the rag, then it's latex paint. If there's no change to the paint, then it's oil.

It's Oil . . . But Is it Lead-Based?

If you test the surface and determine that your previous coating is oil-based paint, you can still make the transition to latex. But in order to get great results, you need to do the proper surface preparation. And before we talk about that, we need to quickly mention lead-based paints.

Prior to 1978, lead was used in the production of paint. If the surface you're painting was painted in 1978 or earlier, there's a chance lead could be present. The closer you are to 1978, the less likely you are to find lead. The earlier the surface was painted, the likelihood increases. If you're unsure the surface is lead, you can secure a test kit. And, finally, if you determine that the paint you're dealing with is lead-based, you'll want to take different steps than what I'm going to lay out below. Check this link for more info!

Whew! It's Just Regular Oil-Based Paint . . . Now What?

If you are only dealing with regular oil-based paint, here are the steps to successfully making the shift to latex paint:

1. Wash the surface with a good degreaser (Krud Kutter, Challenger, TSP)
2. Scuff sand with a 180-220 grit sandpaper
3. Wipe all the sanding dust off with a damp rag (NOT a tackcloth)
4. Prime with a bonding primer (STIX from Insl-X or QuickSand from RepcoLite)
5. Topcoat with your choice of latex paints

Five Questions to Ask Before Starting A Home Decorating Project [19:00 - 39:07]

Making over a space in our home can be a lot of fun. But it can also be daunting! There are a lot of decisions to make, work to accomplish, and (usually) money that needs to be spent. We definitely don't want to make mistakes that cost us time and dollars.

To help you move through your next project with confidence, here are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start:

Question 1: How do I want this space to make me feel?

Yes, this is a touchy-feely question. But it's incredibly important. Answering this question helps you make other decisions down the road. So give it some serious thought. What do you want to feel when you enter or spend time in the space you're going to be working in?

Are you looking for a cozy and relaxing vibe for a living room? Are you wanting to feel that "Ahhhhhh, I'm home" feeling when you walk into your entry? Are you hoping to create an energized, exciting atmosphere? Or a space that just makes you feel happy?

Think about the space. Think about what you want to feel in that space--the atmosphere you want to create and make some notes.

Question 2: What purpose do I want/need this space to serve?

Good Interior Design is more than just creating an aesthetically pleasing environment built around great colors, art, and beautiful furniture. The other necessary component--the other side of the design coin--is all about functionality. Good design means a space also functions well for the people living in it.

So what are those needs? What does this space need to do for you? Is it a place where you want to be able to relax and read--a reading nook away from the busy-ness of family life? Or do you need your space to allow for large gatherings and easy conversation? Maybe your space is all about storage--no matter what happens, you need a place for boots and shoes and coats!

Make notes and consider dividing up your needs/wants into two categories: the must-haves and the wishlist items.

Question 3: What's working and what isn't?

If you're not starting over with a blank slate, it's important to take a moment and assess what existing components or features of the space are working towards helping you meet your goals. What features help you achieve the atmosphere and meet the needs you have for the space? And also, determine which features are possibly working against your broader goals.

Question 4: What truly appeals to you?

This question is all about starting to narrow down your colors and the other elements you'll bring into the design. So ask yourself what colors you truly love, what wallpaper styles or patterns speak to you. Consider furniture styles, art, fabrics, accessories, and so on.

This sounds fun and very easy at first. But there's a catch: trends can trick us! We can see a trending paint color that's new to us and, in many cases, we're drawn to it. However, as time goes by, we may find that the more we see of that color, the less we like it.

Finding out what you truly like--regardless of trends--is key. And it can be a remarkably simple process. However, it takes some time and diligence to gather the info. Here's a great way to start:

Grab a literal accordion folder or a manilla envelope. Or, if that's not you, create some Pinterest boards, or use other digital solutions. Either way, whenever you find colors, wallpaper, furniture, fabrics, magazine photos, Instagram posts, anything that appeals to you, save it in your folder. Start doing that and continue doing it!

But the biggest part of making this really work is the weeding of the folder. What this means is that you take time every month or so to assess what you've collected. Toss out (or move to a "maybe" section of your folder) all the colors, fabrics, patterns, that you no longer feel "wowed" by.

If you do this regularly, you will end up with a very specific grouping of colors, patterns, furniture styles, and textures that truly speak to you. You may not have a specific blue or green from this folder, but you'll definitely know that you are inclined to love blues and greens. It gives you a great starting point and helps you choose specific paint colors with much more confidence.

Question 5: Do I Need Help?

If our car needed the brakes done, a lot of us would bring that to a mechanic. If we needed our house re-wired, we'd usually hire an electrician. And none of us would feel bad or incompetent when we hired those experts.

Yet, when it comes to interior design or "picking colors for my room", many people believe that's a task that pretty much anyone can do.

Turns out, Interior Design is a skill just like the mechanical or electrical skills other experts possess. And in many situations, when you work with an expert, you will get expert results that far exceed the results we may have come up with by doing it on our own.

Whether you are great at putting together a comprehensive design that will help you achieve the atmosphere and functionality of your space is for each person to decide. However, it's important that you ask and answer that question: Do I need help with this? Will I benefit from bringing in an expert?

If you decide an Interior Designer will help you meet your goals, be aware that there are a lot of options out there! Many designers offer online (discounted) consultations. You can often secure a 1 hour online meeting that will help you get some great info for your project and which will cost you very little.

We also have people at all of our RepcoLite locations who are happy to help you with color in the store!

On Today's Episode

Unable to get a new show together for the weekend, we went back into the archives and found this one from two years ago to the day. It's all about getting your home ready for the upcoming holidays and . . . winter!

Make Your Home Sparkle for Thanksgiving [00:00 - 09:35]

We've got some basic cleaning tips and tricks as well as some product recommendations so you can get your house looking great for your guests!

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter with Ayers [09:36 - 30:59]

Zack from Ayer's Basement Systems joins us to talk about what we should do to make sure our basements and crawlspaces are ready for winter.

11th Hour Touch-Ups [31:00 - 39:26]

As we get closer to the holidays, we all find we've got less and less time to get our homes ready! We already talked about some cleaning tips at the beginning of the show. Now we'll focus on a number of quick touch-up tricks to help you get your trim and walls looking great with as little effort as possible!

On Today's Episode

• We look at a couple of Benjamin Moore's Color Trends for 2024
• We also talk about the value and beauty of wallpaper!
• Finally, we discuss a life-saving device that every home should have!

Pristine and Honey Bee: A Closer Look [00:00 - 09:21]

Every year Benjamin Moore comes out with the new color of the year along with a Color Trends Palette that consists of 10 supporting colors. While many people are excited to see what is trending, not everyone knows how to utilize these colors. This year we want to distill this information and make it very practical. We will be going through the whole palette in the coming weeks to talk about where to use the colors, why you would use them and how to have success. Last week we talked about White Dove Oc-17 This week we will be talking about Pristine and Honey Bee:

Pristine is a soft warm white with blush undertones, neutral enough that it could be used on a large scale or in multiple rooms. Colorful twist on a classic neutral. Great color to use in a south or east facing room where the warm undertones are amplified to create a warm glowing effect, making a room ultra cozy.

Use In:

• Bedroom: to create a cozy and calming environment.
• Bathroom: make the space feel fresh and sophisticated.
• Entryway: can make a small or narrow space feel larger and more welcoming.
• Could work as a trim color with a strong warm color such as Topaz but for most situations this color may not be neutral enough.
• Use as a main color in your homes color scheme for a warm white that feels fresh rather than dated.
• Pairs well with whites, soft gray blues and taupes.

Honey Bee is a warm and inviting yellow that can add a touch of vibrancy and energy to a space. Great for smaller spaces or an accent color! Yellows in general are pretty polarizing but they can be beautiful when done right. Yellows of this saturation can come off very strong on a large scale so we recommend limiting the application to a small room or accent. If you are looking for a yellow to paint an entire room this could be a great jumping off point, though!

Use In:

• Kids room: Cozy color for a bedroom that offers plenty of whimsy.
• Laundry Room: Add a cheerful color to a space that otherwise feels drab.
• Furniture: Add a pop of color, warmth and personality to a space.
• Trim Color: Perfect color to pair with a whimsical or playful wallpaper that has a complementary or monochromatic or neutral palette.
• Kitchen cabinets: great color to bring in a quaint, sunny, vintage look.

Other yellows to consider if you are sampling:

• Pale Moon
• Hawthorne Yellow
• Windham Cream

Wallpapered Walls, Wallpapered Ceilings... [09:21 - 31:24]

We are joined today by Ali Bryde, RepcoLite's new Social Media Marketing Associate. Anyway, Ali's a BIG fan of wallpapered spaces and we decided to sit down and talk through the value and beauty of Wallpaper.

West Side RepcoLite Stores Who Have Wallpaper Book Libraries

• 17th Street
• Lakewood Blvd
• Byron Center
• Broadmoor
• Fulton Street
• Plainfield Ave.
• Kalamazoo

West Side RepcoLite Stores Who Have Morris & Co. Books

• Broadmoor
• Fulton Street
• Plainfield Ave.

East Side RepcoLite Stores Who Have Wallpaper Book Libraries

• Birmingham
• Farmington Hills
• Grosse Pointe Woods

Life Vac: A MUST for Every Home [31:24 - 39:20]

A few years back Dan discovered a device called “The LifeVac” used to clear someones airway when chocking. We are finally getting around to talking about it on the show because this is an incredible life saving device.  The LifeVac is a non-powered, non-invasive and single-use. It works by utilizing a one way valve, picture an oxygen mask with a small accordion plunger attached to it. When the mask is over someones face you push the implement down to release the air without it going into the persons mouth and when you pull up you are able to gently but effectively suck out whatever was obstructing their airway.

This will work on adults and children and is extremely easy to use. Which is what we love about it. Neither of us can imagine we would be confident giving the Heimlich maneuver or CPR to someone in an emergency situation. Even after taking classes, I don’t know that I could save my loved ones or myself. We are not along in feeling this way! Even family members that are medical professionals do not trust that they could be as effective as The LifeVac and do not leave home without it.

After digging into the device a little more we found statistics that really demonstrate the value of having one of these in your home or car.  For example:

• Choking is a leading cause of death in children
• 5,000 deaths yearly
• One child dies every 5 days from choking
• Choking leads to 100,000 visits to the ER yearly
• More people die from aspirating than die in fires, drowning, or accidental shootings
• Leading cause of accidental deaths in persons over the age of 65

What drives this point home even more is how quickly damage can be done:

• 0-4 minutes: Brain damage unlikely
• 4-6 minutes: Brain damage possible
• 6-10 minutes: Brain damage probable
• 10 minutes +: Probably brain death
• Average emergency response time is 7 to 12 minutes

Seems very timely to talk about this device because Halloween is coming up and it turns out that candy is associated with 19% ER visits for aspiration emergencies – 65% due to hard candy and 35% gummy bears, chocolate, caramel, etc.

So many reasons to have one of these and the price is so reasonable! Just $70 for so much peace of mind.

If you want to learn more or are interested in purchasing one for your home you can find out more here.

On Today's Episode

Do you remember colored toilet paper?? We discuss the strange history of colorful and patterned toilet paper and debate whether we will see a resurgence as colorful bathrooms are coming back in style! We've also got your next fall list to get you prepped for the shorter days that are upon us. Plus, a quick project that will make your winter less stressful. Finally we will be talking about the only white paint color you will ever need!

Toilet Paper [00:00 - 08:54]

We have discussed the colorful and polarizing history of bathrooms before but we left out the cherry on top! In the 1950's bathrooms were very focused on color as sinks, toilets and tubs became available in wide range of pastels. However, those fixtures were just the start. Not only would a bathroom of had a pink set of fixtures they would have had matching tile, floors, wallpaper, rugs and the cherry on top toilet paper! That's right! Colorful toilet paper was a staple of bathroom design until the 1980's because who could endure the eyesore of a white roll within a perfectly curated room?

So where did these colorful rolls go? Why did they go?

There are a few theories:

1. The dyes in the toilet paper were an environmental concern .
2. The dyes in the toilet paper were irritating peoples skin and Dr. starting advising people use white toilet paper.
3. Colorful bathrooms were on the way out and toilet paper went out along side them.

With colorful bathroom fixtures becoming available again and recent paint color trends becoming more colorful...could we see a resurgence of colorful toilet paper?

Hailey recently found pink rolls available at IKEA and is making a prediction we will start seeing more!

Dan is all in and ready to find out if we will also see a resurgence of unsightly rashes...

The List [08:55 - 18:58]Light up your Yard and walkways

Daylight hours are shrinking and it's always helpful to be able to see where you are going in the morning and evening hours! Especially when you are lugging a million kid bags along with you.

This is also a great security measure! Most home invasions happen during the fall and winter months because its darker.  Don't give them the cover of darkness.

Here is a list to get you started:

• Check all your outdoor lights and make sure they are working
• Replace bulbs as necessary
• If you don't have motion sensing lights, consider installing them 
• Pathway lights are also extremely helpful but don't cheap out! Hailey advises against the affordable packs of plastic pathway lights found on amazon.

** Dan Warning** If you decide to get motion sensing lights remember that these will be set off by EVERYTHING. Dan had to turn his off because he was constantly on guard... so this is a reminder to know yourself... if they will make you MORE anxious, skip them.

• Check this link if you are considering security lights! https://staysafe.org/outdoor-security-lights-a-guide-to-increase-the-safety-of-your-home/
• If you are looking for pathway lights that won't immediately break, Bob Villa recommends the Beau Jardin 8 Pack. Stainless Steel construction, Stays bright for up to 12 hours and an eight Pack is just $60.
• Bob's Picks: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-solar-path-lights/

Smart garage door openers?

Dan's parents picked up a Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Control System last year and they still love it! This system allows you to open, close and monitor the door with your phone. Its easy to set up and only costs $20.

So many benefits!

• Let people in when you need to . . . and ensure the door is closed when they leave 
• Give the neighbors access when YOU want instead of giving out a passcode or a key
• Will send alerts when doors open or if they’ve been left open for an extended period of time
• Make a time schedule for lights to go on or off when you are out of town.
• Schedule the garage door opens and closes at same time every day
• With certain vehicles you can achieve hands-free entrance to the garage! 
• It can be set up to alert you if the remote start function is activated on the vehicle with the garage door closed

Critter defense!

• Now's the time! Take a walk around your home and look for any potential points of entry. Seal them up using copper mesh--$16 a roll!
• Also . . . doesn't hurt to set up some mouse traps just make sure to check them periodically. 
• Great tip:
• Use snap traps
• and put the bait UNDER the triggering pad--make them work for it.
• If you don't want to use peanut butter, try stuffing pits of fabric or cotton under that trigger 
• they'll want it for their nests . . .

Cover up that AC!

• Plywood over the top
• Don't use tarps! They attract critters to make a home in them.

Prepare your Entryway for Winter [18:58 - 30:26]Start With a Seasonal Shuffle

Go through all of your coats and jackets & move the lightweight stuff out of the prime real-estate areas! You can have a big convenient coat closet but if its packed to the brim it only creates stress. Move as much out of the closet as possible and put things in storage.

Pare Down

After moving all your spring and fall stuff . . .it's time to go through all your winter gear; coats, hats, gloves, scarves and boots. If there are things you didn't wear last year or that you no longer need its time to DONATE those items to those who do need them. Holding on to gloves that are missing its mate? time to get rid of it. Reducing the AMOUNT of stuff you've got means you'll have LESS to deal with once Winter gets into full swing.

Solve the Boot Problem

For Dan's house--biggest problem is snow-covered boots. In the entry, the snow melts and puddles everywhere. In the garage, they're FREEZING cold and nobody wants to put them on.

Here's a 3-Step Solution: 

1. Get a rough, bristled mat for outside the door or get a bristled boot cleaning station. Do what you can to get the snow and muck OFF the boots BEFORE you even step foot in the house.
2. Get a good rug that can take some abuse!
3. Invest in some boot trays! 

• What about putting stones in the bottom?
• Allow the boots to drip and drain
• but won't look as messy as the boot trays I've got -- YUCK.

Dry Those Gloves and Hats

Another big issue that comes with winter is gloves and hats that don't dry out. They are always soggy and wet when you need them and it's like using the wet towel after a shower . . . nobody wants that! Find a solution that really works and fits your space.  

• Wire racks
• Electric drying stations
• Simple DIY solution; a board with a bunch of clothes pins attached to hold gloves and hats

Make It Convenient

Consider creating a spot to sit down so you don't have to struggle when gearing up for the winter world!

The Only White Paint Color You'll Ever Need [30:26 - 39:07]

Almost everyone has white paint in their homes somewhere and yet this is one of the hardest colors to pick! Often times people pick the whitest white they can find and run into all kinds of problems.

• Bright whites colors do not hide well and often require more coats of paint.
• They leave a space feeling cold and sterile.
• Bright whites show more dust, dirt and finger prints.

The other problem that makes it hard to find the right white is strong undertones that make the color look too yellow or too gray.

Benjamin Moore's White Dove; OC-17, solves all of those problems!

• Neutral undertones that create depth so it looks beautiful and soft
• Covers well
• It won't look stark
• Hides some of that dust

This is an iconic color, known for being a perfect neutral. A touch of both warm and cool tones create depth that is soft and pairs perfectly with any hue.

Benjamin Moore's 2024 Color Trends features White Dove and yet this color is the opposite of trendy; it is timeless.

White Dove can be used ANYWHERE!

Great color to use for the whole house. If you are looking for a color to use with accent colors or colorful furnishings White dove is a great backdrop.

White Dove is also the most popular white for cabinets for a clean classic look. White cabinets will never really go out of style but you want to make sure you choose the RIGHT white

White dove is a perfect for a trim color for the whole house if you are looking for a color that will pair well with a variety of colors throughout your home.

White Dove is the only white paint color you will ever need!

On Today's Episode

• We are joined by Sue Prins and Ginger Herman of Sue Prins Group Five Star Real Realestate Leaders to bring you a complete home buying guide! Perfect for the first time home buyer.
• Benjamin Moore has revealed 2024's color of the year! Did we guess right? We will be discussing the color of the year along with the color trends 2024 palette.

A Guide for First Time Home Buyers [00:00 - 31:47]

1. Talk to a realtor!

• Sue and Ginger discuss the current market and why it is crucial to have an expert by your side.
• It may be counter intuitive but it's actually recommended you talk to realtor before You start talking to lenders or getting pre approved. Realtor's can discuss your dreams, goals and help you come up with a game plan to navigate the current market.
• Once you have a clear plan your realtor can actually help match you with the RIGHT lender. Lenders offer different types of loan structures and financing options so it is important to find the right one for your situation.
• Your realtor can also help uncover hidden closing costs and help you shop rates with ALL the information!
• Working with a realtor will also means that you have access to a Multiple Listing Site and custom home search! You will be notified in real time rather than waiting for third party sites like Zillow, which, can be hours or even days behind!

2. Talk to a lender

• Now it's time to find the right lender. It is important to find lender based on your goals, financial portfolio and budget.
• Shopping rates can be a good idea, just remember some interest rates come at a cost! Make sure you know what they will charge you at closing.
• Most people are surprised to find out you don't need 20% down. You can put 10% down, 5% or even NO PRECENT.
• Find the right loan program for your situation and get pre approved.
• Be prepared, loan officers will ask for a lot of personal and financial information. Don't let this intimidate you!
• Once you are pre approved it is very important not to make any big financial changes or big purchases! This could hurt your chances of getting approved after offering on a house.
• Do you have family helping you with the down payment? Make sure you talk to your lender before depositing any large checks! These will need to be documented in a specific way.

3. Let's see houses!

• If you haven't already, now is the time to set up a home search with your realtor.
• Seeing homes with an experienced realtor by your side is crucial! Sue Prins and Ginger Herman offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to spotting potential problems or costly home repairs.
• Remember, realtors have walked through thousands of homes, lean on their experience and expertise so you make a good investment!
• Once you have found a home you will meet with your relator to go over an offer.
• There is an art to writing offers. Sue Prins and Ginger Herman are always adapting to the market in order to write the most competitive offer possible.
• It is always recommended to have your future home inspected but buyers have been waiving these in order to make their offer competitive. In this case Ginger and Sue recommend getting a pre inspection. This means paying for an inspection BEFORE writing an offer.

4. I'm in escrow!!

• Hurray your offer was accepted! First on the agenda is inspections (if they have not been waived).
• Next an appraiser will visit the home to make sure the property is worth the money you are offering.
• Closing on your house can be as fast as 30 days, although sometimes you will need to give a seller time in their home after closing.
• Closing on a house can be chaotic, there is a lot of paperwork during this transactions and slow downs or snags are not uncommon. Ginger and Sue talk about all of the ways they work behind the scenes to coordinate your transactions so all you experience is smooth sailing as you look forward to holding the keys in your hand.

If you or someone you know is interested in working with Sue or Ginger, you can find their contact information below:

Sue: 616-723-2400

Ginger: 616-633-5880

Web: sueprins.com

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2024 [31:47 - 39:29]

Benjamin Moore has officially announced the color of the Year for 2024! A couple weeks ago we made our color predictions and, lo and behold, DAN WAS RIGHT!!

Blue Nova number 825 has been named the color of the year. Blues represent stability , trust and also speak to our desire for travel, relaxation or new horizons. All feelings that we are hoping 2024 will bring.

Blues Nova is a mid-tone blue; not too light, not too dark. It has a rich purple undertone but remains soft and muted. Blues are timeless, they never go out of style and yet Blue Nova brings a modern flare to this traditional hue.

2024's color trends palette is a nice retreat compared to last year. These colors are timeless, balanced, easy to work with and still offer plenty of inspiration. This palette is the perfect starting place for anyone who gets overwhelmed at the color chip rack. We are excited to discuss each of these hues and all of their potential uses in the coming weeks!

Check out the full color palette and learn more about 2024's Blue Nova:

https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color-of-the-year-2024

On Today's Episode

• We follow up on our garage paint conversation from last week to discuss the right interior product for the job.
• Holland's Fire Marshall, Bret Groendyke joins us in the studio to share the results of our “not so scientific” fire extinguisher test!
• Service Professor’s HVAC experts stop by and share everything you need to know to extend the life of your furnace.
• Finally, we share this week’s “Fall To-Do List”! Complete this list to keep your home SAFE and warm this fall. 

The Best Garage Paint [00:00 - 03:55]

Last week, we discussed why you should never use an exterior product inside your garage. This week, we discuss WHICH interior products are best for the job. 

First you need to assess your specific situation to decide which product best suits your needs. 

Do the walls in your garage act as tool storage? Do you have bikes leaning up against the wall? If so, you may be looking for a product that is durable, scuff-resistant and will look brand new for years to come. In this case, Benjamin Moore’s “Scuff-X” is the paint for you! 

Does your garage get less use? Are you looking for a budget friendly option? If so, you may be looking for a solid entry level product to get the walls coated without breaking the bank. In this case, RepcoLite’s “Carefree” is the paint for you! 

Stop in and see us or place your order online.

The Fire Blanket [03:55 - 19:00]

We are joined by Holland’s Fire Marshal; Bret Groendyke, to discuss the results of our “not so scientific” fire extinguisher experiment. 

To run the test, we set up a common scenario: a pot with a small amount of oil is left on a hot burner of an electric stove. Within minutes the oil reaches 500 degrees and ignites. The pot now has a grease fire that many homeowners would struggle to put out. 

First we used a standard ABC Fire extinguisher to put the fire out. This method put the fire out quickly but also left a huge mess! It's not uncommon for a stove to have to be replaced after a fire extinguisher has been used on it. 

Next we threw a Prepared Hero Fire Blanket over the pot. This method worked exactly as advertised. It was easy to use, smothered the fire and left no mess! 

Last we saw what happens all too often; a glass of water was poured onto the grease fire (from a safe distance). This method resulted in a HUGE column of fire that would have engulfed a kitchen. When people panic, they often grab the pot and put it in the sink to try to extinguish the fire. However, water vapor only feeds this type of fire and this method can result in serious injury.  

We all agreed our new favorite fire extinguisher method is the Prepared Hero Fire Blanket! 

Check out our video here

Furnace Tune-Ups [19:00 - 32:22]

Service Professor’s HVAC specialists; Donald Keegan and Chris Wyngarden are in the studio to share everything you need to know to keep your furnace running this winter. 

Dan has always been skeptical of the heavily advertised “Furnace Tune-up” that many companies push this time of year. Is it just a sales call or is this something that really needs to be done by a professional? 

We learn that a furnace tune-up is vital to keep your Furnace running safely and efficiently. Manufacturers recommend this be done on a regular basis because it improves performance, efficiency, remedies minor issues, enhances safety and ultimately increases the service life. 

Dust is the main enemy of the system, when dust accumulates it slows the whole system down. This puts strain on the furnace, which can cause components shut off inorder to avoid hazardous leaks. 

These are delicate systems and just like newer cars, newer furnaces have many more electrical components that are difficult to maintain without specialty knowledge and tools. Hire a professional to do this maintenance! 

Here is what a tune-up looks like: 

• Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts
• Check and adjust fan belt tension
• Voltage and current checks
• Tighten all electrical connections
• Inspect heat exchanger 
• Test exhaust system
• Inspect and clean burner 
• Verify and adjust gas pressure
• Test ignition system
• Check connections to gas or oil lines
• Test and verify system controls
• Inspect condensate drain and clear, if needed 
• Clean interior and exterior of the furnace
• Change air filter

Service Professor has a $49 Furnace Tuneup special running right now! Schedule yours online today and cross this off your fall to-do list. 

Service Professor Contact Info

Kalamazoo: 269-364-6500

Grand Rapids: 616-871-1900

East Side: Great Dane Heating and Cooling: 586-790-2604

The Big Fall List #3 [32:22 - 32:22]

This weeks “Fall To-Do List” 

Keep a Warm Home 

1. Change your furnace filter and get a tune up. 

2. Invest in a humidifier

• Dry air can actually feel colder!
• Make the dry indoor air more comfortable. No more cracked skin!
• Help reduce the spread of germs during cold and flu season. Germs cannot travel as far with water vapor in the air. 

3. Make your home extra cozy. 

• Hanging heavy curtains will not only create a cozy looking room but they can also help insulate windows which account for around 30% of energy loss.

4. Bigger Project Alert: Now is a great time to update insulation! 

• Replace or add attic insulation. 
• Insulate and air seal rim joists.
• Keep warm air from escaping your home so critters won’t be attracted to it!
• Save on heating costs! 

Fire Safety Prep 

1. Get your Fireplace Ready! 

• Do or schedule your chimney cleaning. 
• Consider a fireplace inspection. 

2. Clean out Dryer Vent 

• Pull and vacuum out lint to reduce fire risk!

3. Make a Fire Escape Plan

• Make sure your family has a fire escape plan.
• Most fires occur in fall and winter with the peak months being December and January.

4. Change Batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. 

5. Have a Fire Extinguisher and or Fire blanket on Hand.  

On Today's EpisodeGarage Paint Conundrum [00:00 - 04:02]

When painting the inside of the garage, what do you use? Interior paint or exterior paint? The answer may surprise you!

A Toy Story: Decluttering and Reclaiming the Play Room [04:02 - 18:58]

When you have children . . . the toy room can become crowded and then overcrowded in a crazy short amount of time! We've found a great article written by Elle Penner that you should check out!

• How To Declutter Toys
• 50+ Best Experience Gifts for Children

The Big Fall List, Part 2 [18:59 - 29:17]

Fall is settling in and it's important to start getting your home ready! Don't put off the projects! Here are our recommended projects that should be accomplished this week:

• Clean and Organize the Shed and/or Garage
• Take stock of your rakes and shovels--get more now if you need them!
• Check the leaf blower and make sure it's working
• Check the snowblower and make sure it's working. If not, you've still got time to fix it or get it fixed!

Our Color of the Year Predictions [29:17 - 39:26]

On October 11, Benjamin Moore will reveal their prediction for the 2024 Color of the Year. We beat them to it with our predictions . . . .

On Today's Episode4 Steps for Working Through an Overwhelming To-Do List [00:00 - 10:54]

When we sit down and note everything we have to do for a given project or even a given day, it can sometimes be so overwhelming that we don't know where to start. Or, worse, we don't start! We felt that stress starting to build when we compiled our list of Fall To-do's to make sure our homes are ready for winter. And here's how we took that massive list of jobs and made it manageable!

1) MAKE MULTIPLE LISTS

Rather than creating one massive list, break your list into smaller daily, or weekly to-do's. Making a list small and manageable is key to finding the energy to get those items crossed off!

2) DON'T SAVE IT ALL FOR THE WEEKEND

It's easy to make a project list and plan on tackling that list on the weekend. It's honestly the default plan for many of us. But, if you want to ease up your weekend and eliminate the "project dread" we can feel as Saturday gets closer . . . tackle smaller items from your list during the week! Who knows how much you can cross off before Saturday gets here . . . and if you get a good amount of the work finished, you may have plenty of time for actual weekend stuff--like kicking back and relaxing!

3) BREAK BIG PROJECTS INTO MULTIPLE TASKS

This is the same concept as what we covered above in Tip #1--it's just that now you're doing this with each large project. So, instead of writing "Clean Windows" on your list for the weekend, write down: Compile Window Cleaning Supplies; Remove Screens; Clean Front Windows; Clean Back Windows. Yes, it's a bit of a mind-game you're playing with yourself . . . but it really works. AND, it makes Tip #2 above easier. For example, you may not have time and energy to clean all the windows after a work day . . . but you absolutely could gather the supplies you need and place them all in a bucket or box in the garage. Sure it was only 15 minutes of gathering . . . but it's 15 minutes you won't have to do on Saturday.

4) SET A TIMER AND QUIT AT THE BELL!

If all that sounds good, but you're still having trouble getting yourself moving during the week, try this: set a 10 minute or 15 minute timer and tackle some of those small items on your list. Work as fast as you can at some of those tasks and quit when the timer goes off. It's a great way to get large jobs accomplished in chunks that feel painless. I stumbled on this when I stared at my work bench that was a complete disaster. I'd been lazy and negligent and now I had to pay the piper. I was looking at easily a few hours worth of work (it seemed at that point). I didn't want to do that much work, so I put it off until one night I had a brainstorm. I set a timer and worked for 15 minutes and quit. Next night . . . same thing. By the 4th night, I was almost done with the project and rather than having spent a full hour on Saturday . . . I spent 15 painless minutes over the course of 4 nights. It really works!

The Big Fall Prep List: Week One Projects [10:54 - 18:55]

We're taking our own advice from above and we're breaking down our MASSIVE fall home prep list into 5 or 6 smaller lists. Each week, we'll go over the next list, and finally, by the end of October . . . if you've done all the projects we've mentioned . . . your home will be ready for winter! And it won't have been a terribly painful journey. (Which is GREAT!)

Here's the Week One list . . . and we start things off easy!

GET ON THE CALENDAR

Many seasonal service providers see their calendars fill up quickly. So, make those phone calls this week!

• Call to schedule your sprinkler system winterization
• Call to schedule any tree maintenance you may need
• Make a plan for your leaf removal--if you need bins, get them reserved!
• Consider scheduling a furnace tune-up (we'll have more info on whether this is worth it or not next week)

SOME JOBS TO TACKLE WHILE YOU CAN STILL OPEN WINDOWS

• Get your carpets cleaned
• Do some interior painting
• Consider a simpler, less extensive deep cleaning of the house
• Wash your windows

WINDOW WASHING MIRACLE

We mentioned a tried and tested window cleaning solution that worked great. Mix 1 TBSP of Jet Dry with 2-3 TBSP of Dawn in 1/2 gallon of warm water. When that's ready, remove your screens and rinse your windows with a garden house. Then, wash the windows with the solution and rinse with your garden hose. With this system, the water will sheet away and you won't have to dry the windows and will still have largely streak-free results. If the water's not sheeting away as well as you'd like, add a little more Jet Dry.

Creations By Brian [18:54 - 39:23]

In the last half our show today, we're in the studio talking with Brian and Amber Yaussy from Creations by Brian, LLC. It's a great conversation and it's always amazing to us how much our painting contractors do besides just apply paint to your walls!

CONTACT INFO:

Creations by Brian: 231-557-8599 and you can find them online here.

Learn more about Kids Belong here.

On Today's EpisodePlaster's Ancient Past [00:00 - 14:28]

We were surprised to see how far back the use of plaster as a building material goes!

3 Tips for Hanging Art on Plaster Walls [14:28 - 19:00]

Plaster is great for a lot of reasons (covered in the previous segment), but from personal experience, hanging a simple piece of art on a plaster wall can be a real pain! Here are some tips to make sure your new art isn't hanging on a pockmarked and damaged wall!

"No Fear" Fall Painting [19:00 - 27:50]

Fall is a great time to paint outside and wrap up those exterior projects we didn't finish this summer. BUT, in order to have great results, you have to find a way to navigate the colder temps and the sneaky rain and heavy dew that seem to lurk around every corner! Happily, we've got a couple simple guidelines that will keep you painting in the ideal situations so you get the best results.

Also, we dig into a "Silver Bullet" exterior paint that has been designed almost exclusively for early and late season exterior painting: Element Guard from Benjamin Moore. If you want to ensure that you have great results in the fall or spring . . . Element Guard is really the only choice!

6 Reasons Why You Should Paint for the Holidays Now! [27:50 - 38:29]

No, we're not saying that you should be decorating for Christmas yet! That's crazy. However, we are recommending that if you have some repainting or touching-up to do before the holiday festivities get underway . . . now is the time to start. Here's why:

1. You've got the time! Time to choose your color the right way; time to order wallpaper if you want it; time to do the prep work completely; and time to get everything back together well before guests arrive!
2. The Pressure's Off! No big meals to prepare, no parties to attend. No Christmas shopping to finalize. Right now, the pressures of the holidays are still ahead. Don't wait until that's on your shoulders before you start looking at the updates you want to do to your space!
3. You Can Open Windows and Ventilate!
4. You Have an Increased Work Space! Once it gets cold and the snow sets in, most of us only have our homes to work in. However, right now, we can still make use of our garage if we need extra space for a kitchen cabinet re-paint or something like that.
5. You Have Better Lighting! The lighting right now isn't as good as it was a month ago, but it's still lighter out in the evenings than it's going to be in a few months! And that extra lighting, even when working indoors, can really help!
6. You Have All Winter to Enjoy the Fruits of Your Work. Let the holidays and their busy-ness be all that fills up your plate in November and December and then enjoy that newly repainted space all the rest of winter!
7. Bonus Reason #1
8. Bonus Reason #2

On Today's EpisodeKilling Spray Cans Safely [00:00 - 10:49]

First, we answer a common question about paint recycling: yes, RepcoLite will take back unwanted latex paint and we'll either recycle it (if possible) or responsibly dispose of it (if necessary). The cost is $3 per container and the material must be in its original container.

From there, we talk about the best way to deal with a basement full of old spray cans you no longer want or need!

Why to DIY [10:49 - 18:58]

There are a lot of reasons to DIY. Here are just a few:

• Save money
• Save time waiting for repairs
• Build a sense of accomplishment
• Learn new skills
• And gain confidence so you can tackle MORE repairs and projects around the house
• Bragging Rights

Faulty Excuses That Keep Us From DIYing [18:58 - 32:21]

There are a lot of excuses that keep us from tackling a project. And most of them just don't stand up!

BASIC APPLIANCE REPAIR TOOLKIT:

• Screwdriver Set (Phillips and Slot)
• Putty Knife
• Nut Driver Set
• Impact Driver
• Combination Wrench Set
• Socket Set
• Multimeter
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Strippers
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Pliers
• Allen Wrenches
• Nylon Brushes
• Brass Brushes
• Vice Grips
• Needle Nose Vice Grips
• Channel Locks
• Crescent Wrench
• Hammer
• Level
• Head Lantern/FLashlight
• Razor Knife
• Magnetic Pickup
• Magnetic Parts Dish
• Electrical Tape
• Plumber's Tape
• Zip Ties

BASIC AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR TOOLKIT:

• The tools in BOLD above plus...
• Vehicle Jack
• Tire Iron and Breaker Bar
• Wheel Chock
• Torque Wrench
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Oil Filter Wrench
• Drain Pan
• Spark Plug Gap Gauge
• OBDII Scanner (Check out this super cool scanner from BlueDriver)

Getting the Best Results [32:21 - 39:58]

Lastly, we talk about a few things you might want to do to ensure that you get the best results possible!