Home with Dean Sharp

Dean gets into fences, walls and hedges, discussing the differences between them and how to determine which one is right for your home and details the best preparation and installation for each of these options.  Callers ask Dean's advice on whether to replace a wooden fence with a block wall and a kitchen sink issue with an undermount granite sink.

Dean gives us the last backyard habitat building tips of the season and its importance.
Dean says planting trees is great for property value and for the mind, body & soul. He also,talks about native plants in Southern California and what makes them exotic & the root of causing animals and nature not to blossom. Dean is joined by Sammie Cowell from National Autobounds Society of America & Richard Armerding from Wild Birds Unlimited of Northridge and Thousand Oaks to discuss the decline of birds, and how the primary factor is the loss of habitat.

Dean's guest, Sammie Cowell talks about transferring a regular backyard to a native habitat living backyard for individuals who want to re-do the backyard within a program from the National Autobounds Society of America. Dean informs us when is the correct time to trim a tree for a fulfilling environment for birds. Dean gives advice to a listener on the safety of bird feed for different types of birds. Dean touches on the value increase on a property with just simple add-ons such as landscaping changes. Robin Bertolucci, Founder of Poison Free Conejo, Program Director KFI, joins Dean.as she discusses her appreciation of nature.

Dean says Autumn is the best season to trim trees and the change in weather, creating a habitat for living animals. Robin Bertolucci talks about her pledge to stop the usage of rodenticide in her area to ban it to prevent animals from being poisoned. Dean and Robin talk realistic lines on rodents. (R.E.D.) which is repellent, exclude and deter. Dean and Robin tell us the importance of avoiding poisons for rodent control as it affects other animals and our pets. Dean recaps on creating a habitat in backyards and alternatives from using poison to keep animals safe. 

Dean finishes up the current list of e-mails from the mailbag & answers all types of questions. 
He compares two different roof types and determines which of the two are better for homes. Dean talks about exposed cabinets and doors with soft closing. Plus, Dean talks about countertop selection for kitchens and the many styles available.

Dean continues the topic of different granite and stones for kitchen countertops. Dean talks about gutter guards and the qualifications for an easy maintenance task. Dean says to start with cabinets, followed by flooring when remodeling a kitchen. Also, he talks about powered tools and his thoughts on them. 

Dean Sharp dives into the world of decks and decking, exploring everything from the essential tools to the importance of design. He’s joined by guest Tim Shultz as they discuss why design matters most in any decking project, especially in SoCal, where outdoor living is key.

Dean highlights the unique advantages of wooden decks over stone and concrete, touching on materials, including a composite option he finally recommends. He also covers the permitting process and the rules you need to know when planning your perfect deck!

Dean kicks off the hour addressing a caller’s concerns about deck surfacing in Arizona’s heat, introducing a low-maintenance composite material that mimics wood. 

He then tackles a double-story deck issue, advising on solutions to prevent water from passing through the upper deck. Dean emphasizes the importance of design, foundation, and substructure, likening deck foundations to snowshoes that distribute weight evenly. 

Dean wraps up by discussing deck surfaces, highlighting the pros and cons of different materials, including ironwoods and composites, and stressing the importance of considering long-term maintenance when making your choice.

Dean dives into the timeless appeal of wood decking, discussing the gold standard of wood and its undeniable charm. But, is it possible to capture that essence without relying solely on wood? 

Dean explores this question, transitioning the conversation to wood alternatives and composite materials. He’s joined by guest Tim Schulz to introduce "Acre" by Modern Mill, a composite material that Dean highly recommends.

Dean dives into the concept of a “transitional home” and what it means for your living space. He also tackles a listener’s question about choosing between PEX plastic and copper piping for water pipe replacements, exploring the pros and cons of each option. Plus, discover how to make the most of hidden spaces in your home.