Home with Dean Sharp

Dean shares about a trade of with an off in-direct water heater system, combination broiler (radiant cooling system). Dean talks to a caller about tankless electrical water heaters, how much electricity is used and how it's still cost efficient! Dean talks about gas heaters and how the future of heaters will be electric. Also, natural course will automatically be electric once older electrical panels die out.  Dean continues to talk about electrification and its regulations. Lastly, Dean says Bye-Bye to gas powered cool heaters, and natural gas usage in Southern California.

In the first hour, Dean dives into the second part of his series on essential remodel insights that you won't hear often. If you missed part one, start there! He revisits a key point: don't take "no" from your builder or contractor. Most projects can be done, though they might be tough or cost more—don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.

Dean shares practical tips for your remodel, focusing on the little things that can make a big difference. There are two areas that wow people: major structural changes that get the flow and bones of the house right, and the fine details that showcase superb craftsmanship. Simple updates like swapping out A/C registers and vent covers can have a big impact.

He goes on to talk about those often-overlooked details like cabinet pulls and hinges, explaining how investing in these small elements can elevate your remodel. The hour wraps up with a caller asking about air sealing an attic, and Dean provides DIY advice to tackle it effectively.

In the second hour, Dean kicks things off by tackling a listener's question about deciding between a remodel and a teardown. He shares a checklist of considerations, starting with whether your goals can be met with the existing floor plan.

Dean then encourages listeners to follow him on social media @homewithdean for a special feature video related to today's content. He revisits his remodel advice, suggesting the removal of unnecessary recessed can lighting and upgrading baseboards. He reminds listeners that contractors and electricians are not designers and that lighting should highlight things in rooms, not just the rooms themselves.

Wrapping up, Dean offers critical insights and tips for approaching your remodel. He highlights the importance of focusing on details to save costs and shares DIY advice for fitting expansion piping. He strongly recommends using PEX-a for its cost-effectiveness and general superiority over copper.

In the third hour, Dean teases an upcoming discussion on new attic building techniques that will change the game. He then takes a call about concrete pavers, discussing their function and how to preserve them.

Dean revisits the remodel list, focusing on doors. He strongly recommends replacing all interior doors with solid core ones, despite their higher cost, for a significant quality upgrade. He also emphasizes the importance of smooth flooring transitions between rooms, noting that while contractors might resist, it usually only requires a bit more effort.

Next, Dean covers moldings, advising that seams should only appear in runs longer than 16 feet. He stresses the importance of overseeing the project closely to ensure no corners are cut, particularly with details like base work.

Dean wraps up the show with final remodel tips, emphasizing the necessity of staying involved in the process. He acknowledges the stress involved and advises listeners to consider their capacity to manage it before diving into a remodel.

In the first hour, Dean begins a two-part series on remodel insights that are often overlooked, and also shares his passion for making the perfect cup of coffee. He emphasizes that contractors and builders should never say "never can be done," but rather offer compromise-based solutions and conduct cost-benefit analyses.

Dean highlights the importance of transparency and solution-oriented approaches from contractors, noting that while they aren't designers, they play a crucial role in the remodeling process. He also takes a call about selecting and protecting a fiberglass door with a topcoat, providing practical advice for homeowners.

In the second hour, Dean addresses caller questions, starting with advice on creating a slip-resistant marble floor for a shower/bathtub combo using high-friction anti-slip sealers. He then discusses the necessity of inspections and how to approach them, recommending contact with the Board of Building and Safety, and talks about the streamlined permit process for ADUs. Dean also advises a caller on repairing chips and finishes in a trek-built deck.

He emphasizes that today's advice is part of a two-part remodel series, discussing the importance of sound insulation, especially in older homes. Dean highlights that opening any interior wall should include adding insulation as a cost-effective upgrade. He wraps up by teasing the next part of the series and briefly touches on soffits.

Dean continues discussing Curb Appeal and your home, how do to it properly, no matter the budget you have. Dean also takes listener questions about programmable thermostats, painting and flooring and which should come first, and a remodel of a three-car garage into an ADU and problems with air conditioning and heating in the new space.

Dean continues his discussion on Curb Appeal for your home and how to make it great, even on a small budget and tackles listener questions about replacing a tile floor, how to build equity by doing home improvements on a budget, and a kitchen remodel that include hardwood countertops.

Dean talks curb appeal and how small changes can make a big difference in how your home is viewed by others and ultimately how it can help you get more for your money when you're ready to sell.  Dean tackles listener calls on outdoor hoses, small gadget suggestions for Father's Day gifts, the value of investing in a 'Little Giant' ladder and a flickering issue with dimmable canned lights.

Dean continues his discussion of curb appeal and how to make the most of the first impression your home makes to someone driving by. Dean also takes listener calls about floating floor problems, and how to remedy a drywall texture issue after a water leak damaged the wall.