Home In Progress

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Segment 1: Decluttering

We all have cluttered spaces in our home. And yes, sometimes, we've spent a good number of months letting them get that way. But the good news is that decluttering is manageable! In this segment we talk about a few simple steps that will help you get started.

Segment 2: The Mud Nook

Many of us would love to have a huge mudroom . . . . Benches, ample storage for boots and coats . . . . But most of us just don't have the space. In this segment, we speak with Michaela Noelle from Michaela Noelle Designs about a small mudroom "nook" she and her husband pulled together.

Segment 3: Kitchen Cleaner Review

We discuss 4 of the internet's most recommended kitchen cleaners and see how they perform. Also, we stumble into another cleaner that is basically a weapon of nearly unlimited power. It can do stuff that few other cleaners we've ever used can do . . . . But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility . . . .

Segment 4: Painting Foundations

Unpainted foundations . . . or foundations that have been patched . . . can give your home a bit of an unfinished look. If you're looking for an inexpensive curb appeal project with a big payoff, this might be for you!

Segment 1: Color Consultations

We often mention that we have color consultants in our stores that are ready to help. However, some people may be left wondering what exactly a color consultation is or when they are helpful… so to give us some insight on the process we are joined by our Fulton St. Color Consultant Myra Maness.

Segments 2 and 3: Deck Transformation

Coating a deck is probably the most common exterior DIY project. Yet most of us are prone to avoiding the process because the prep work can take days. Luckily there is a way around this! We’ll tell you exactly how we made a deck look brand new in under 5 hours!

Segment 4: The Pictures We Forget to Take

Whether we like it or not most of us are attached to our phones, so why not put them to work? We discuss some of the smart ways to use your phone's camera as a tool during your next project.

Segment 1: Refrigerator Paint Job

We received a question from a listener wondering if it was possible to paint his refrigerator. Actually, it's a relatively simple project provided you follow a few basic steps!

Segment 2: The Ins & Outs and Ups & Downs of Window Treatments!

Judy Cisler from Gotcha Covered of Grand Rapids joins us in the studio to discuss window treatments. We talk about the terminology and how you can decide which ones are right for your home.

Segment 3: Foundational Issues

Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems speaks with us about concerns regarding the foundations of our homes. He talks about some common problems and the solutions. And of course, he provides us with a number of things to look for so you can determine if your home's foundation needs a little expert help.

Segment 4: Refrigerators Revisited

To wrap up the show, we return full circle to refrigerators. In the opening segment we talked about how to paint them. This time we talk about some interesting design ideas and fun "refrigerator makeovers" that are cropping up all over Instagram.

Segment 1: Nagging Laundry Room Projects

We talk about these things often, but that's because they're important AND easy to forget about! So today we cover a couple laundry room maintenance tasks that you should be accomplishing.

Segments 2 and 3: 8 Details to Consider in Your Next Kitchen Update

We chat with Interior Designer, Lauren Figueroa, about eight design details you may want to consider if you're looking at a kitchen update. Check out her blog post below:

• 8 Details to Consider In Your Next Kitchen Update

Segment 4: Kitchen Updates on a Budget

Not everyone is in a spot right now where a full kitchen update is possible. (I'm not!!) And so, for those of us in that situation, we thought we'd talk about the tremendous difference a simple kitchen cabinet repaint can make in your home!

Segment 1: The "Old Glory" Story

Dan recounts the dramatic tale of how the flag won the nickname "Old Glory".

Segment 2: Flag Etiquette

There are rules when it comes to proudly displaying the old "Stars and Stripes". And we're going to bet that a number of you are breaking at least one or two of them! We talk about the proper way to respectfully display the American Flag and we talk about the rituals that make up the "retirement" ceremony of a flag when it reaches that age!

Segment 3: Styling Shelves the Easy Way

Interior Designer, Michaela Noelle, joins us to talk some key mistakes to avoid when styling shelves. She also walks us through her 4-step process to beautiful built-ins!

• 4 Steps to Style Your Bookshelves by Michaela Noelle Designs

Segment 4: Finding a Contractor

Contractors are crazy busy right now! We talk with RepcoLite's sales manager, Ryan Mullen about the best steps to finding and hiring a contractor for that next project. (Hint: the BEST tip is to start looking NOW).

Segment 1: Recycling the Right Way

Are you a contaminator or are you shutting down recycling plants?? There are big stakes when it comes to what we put in our recycling bins. Learn how to avoid the most common recycling mistakes!

• Kent County Accepted Materials
• Recycling 101
• Grocery Bag Recycling

Segment 2 & 3: Meeting the Man Behind the Chat

Peter Ogle from our online chat joins us in the studio! Peter has been manning our online chat from 8am - 9pm M-F to make sure your questions can always be answered. Today we go over some of the most common questions.

Segment 4: Beautiful Lawns All Summer Long

Dan inherited a flawless lawn when he bought his house and it's been stressful knowing how to keep it looking great. We have tips to take the guesswork out of having a healthy, beautiful lawn this summer.

• How to Grow Deep Grass Roots
• Improving Grass Growth
• Lawn Watering Tips

Segment 1: Happy Fathers Day!

Dan recounts some of his favorite childhood memories of his Dad and the lessons that come along with them.

Segment 2: The Unexpected History of Ladders

There are a lot of everyday tools and objects that we take for granted. We never stop to think where it all began...In the case of the Ladder its story begins in Spain, as cave paintings, that date back to 10,000 BC! We dig into the innovations as well as the 40 years of bad luck!

• Fun Superstitious Fixes from History

Segment 3: Is Painter's Tape worth it?

Taping is our least favorite part of the paint job and most masking tapes will still allow paint to bleed through. Leaving you to wonder; is it really worth it? We put 7 painters tapes to the test to find out!

• Check Out Our Test Board for Some Razor Sharp Results!

Segment 4: Paint Baseboards not the Carpet

If the last segment didn’t get you hooked on tape this one is sure to. Painting baseboards can get really messy when you have carpet on the floor. Tools sold as carpet shields rarely live up to the name but we have found the magic trick that offers flawless results.

SEGMENT 1: COLOR CAPTURE

Last week we talked about finding color inspiration in unexpected places. Now we highlight a tool that can turn your inspirational photos into a color palette of Benjamin Moore colors. You won't believe how fun and easy it is to match the colors you are inspired by. What is this magic tool? Tune to find out! 

SEGMENT 2: EGO BATTERY POWERED YARD EQUIPMENT

Dan recently purchased new lawn equipment when he saw a deal for EGO battery powered, string trimmer, blower and Hedge trimmer. In the past he preferred gas or electric so he was interested in putting these battery powered tools to the test! The reviews are in...

SEGMENT 3: MOSQUITO WARS 

We see a lot of articles claiming that planting things such as lavender, citronela, lemongrass and Rosemary will keep mosquitos at bay...However, there is more to the story. We have put together a system that combines natural ways of taking your yard back from Mosquitos. 

• Homemade Insect Repellant Recipe

SEGMENT 4: FIXING THOSE FENCES

Our show experienced technical difficulties last week when the radio station that airs each of these episodes failed to start our show on time! So this segment (which included a giveaway) never aired for all of those listeners. So, this week we included it again so the on-air audience could be a part of the contest. We apologize to all the podcast subscribers who caught this one twice!

Segment 1 -- Welsummer

Hailey launches the new Instagram Color Palette for June and discusses the inspiration behind it: a previous customer who chose her entire color scheme for her home based on the varied colors of eggs in her chicken coop! In the segment, we discuss the importance of looking everywhere for inspiration when it comes to paint colors.

Segments 2 & 3 -- Egress Windows with Ayers Basement Systems

We are joined by Zach Kreiger from Ayers Basement to discuss the value of Egress Windows. Zach runs through everything we should be considering if we are debating installing an egress window.

Segment 4 -- The Ugly Side of Fences

In this segment we address old, grayed, and weathered fences. They can detract from the look of your property and there really are some great stain and sealer options out there that will help you improve their appearance. Also, even if the wood is cedar or pressure treated pine, a sealer or stain will protect it and help it last much longer!

SEGMENT 1: Memorial Day 

Dan flies solo and shares stories of families with fallen heroes. As we enjoy the festivities this weekend, let’s take pause to remember what Memorial Day represents. 

• A Simple Day by Yolanda Acevedo
• Stories of Those We Lost

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Maintenance Free?

The maintenance-free promises of vinyl siding often come up short. Even vinyl needs regular maintenance such as cleaning and inspection. We talk about how to catch the problems your siding might be hiding and answer the age old question...can you paint it?

SEGMENT 4: Here Comes the Judge 

Tick magnet, Dan, is ditching the trails for neighborhood sidewalks... and what kind of Home Improvement Show would this be if he didn’t spend those walks noticing...and perhaps, judging the homes he passes? Luckily we have the solution to a common problem he is seeing.