Home with Dean Sharp

It's an all calls day!  Callers ask Dean's advice on adding a backyard unit with a concrete driveway, how to resolve a gopher problem without killing the gophers, when doing a remodel, is it wise to consult a designer or structural engineer first, replacing carpet with wood floors, how to fix retaining wall cracks, re-roofing a home and whether or not to mix and match windows when replacing them.

Dean answers listener calls about roof tiles, exposed deck at a beach house, firebox cleaning, advantages of building a garage or carport, sealing oak floors and replacing a hollow pocket door with something that would provide better sound proofing.

Dean answers listener calls about building an outdoor privacy wall, whether to build an addition to the house for a mother-in-law or invest in an ADU unit, termite treatment alternatives, how to resolve hairline granite countertop cracks and how to stop cats from jumping on a roof.

Dean answers listener questions about damage to a wood burning fireplace insert, a roof replacement, how to get hot water to more faucets in the house quicker and solar panels on a clay tile roof.

Dean discusses your walls, everyone has them!  Here's how you can make them stronger, bolder, bigger, smaller and better to define your space.  From painting to glass walls, texture and hanging things on those walls, Dean covers it all!

Dean discusses your walls, everyone has them!  Here's how you can make them stronger, bolder, bigger, smaller and better to define your space.  From painting to glass walls, texture and hanging things on those walls, Dean covers it all!

Dean is here to help you take your home to the next level by talking insulation. It's not just about keeping warm—insulation stops energy transfer, keeping the outside out and the inside in. Even in Southern California, proper insulation is crucial, especially if your home was built before 1972. Dean explains how good insulation saves you money, the importance of R-values, and why it's a better investment than replacing windows.

Dean delves into how insulation prevents energy loss through conduction, air infiltration, convection, and radiation. Using clothing analogies, he explains how higher R-value insulation reduces energy transfer—like a heavy coat keeps you warm. He emphasizes insulating your attic, likening it to putting a warm hat on your house.

Dean also debunks myths about window replacements drastically cutting energy costs unless you're replacing old single-pane windows. With autumn's arrival, it's the perfect time to consider improving your home's insulation.

Dean discusses how homes in different climates share similar construction because insulation is universally important for both heat and cooling. He explains the differences between blown-in and rolled fiberglass attic insulation, noting that attics function best when left empty to insulate effectively.

For older homes without wall insulation, Dean outlines options like hiring professionals to blow insulation into existing walls or removing drywall yourself for better access and savings.

He also highlights innovative insulation materials and the value of air-sealing, wrapping up with his clothing analogy to redefine how we think about insulating our homes.

Dean tackles listener calls about the worth and risks of remodeling a 1930s Spanish Revival home. Discover how firefly lights can brighten up your yard. He’ll also compare vinyl shades to bamboo, discussing their fire resistance and durability. Plus, Dean shares his top product recommendations for enhancing your dishwasher and keeping your toilet bowl mineral-free.