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A brand new episode comes out next Tuesday, but today I'd like to share a couple of episodes you might have missed but will really enjoy.

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

June 13, 2023

89. Bad Choices Where to Live Cost Everyone with Mark Mauriello
 
In this episode of the Tell US How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal discusses the issue of people living in vulnerable areas and the challenges associated with rebuilding after disasters. He is joined by Mark Mauriello, a coastal geologist with expertise in natural hazard management and land use regulation.

The discussion explores the question of whether people should be allowed to live anywhere they want and the costs and risks associated with that freedom. They delve into the difficulty of convincing people to relocate from hazardous areas and the political and financial challenges involved.

The conversation also highlights the importance of adopting higher construction standards and land use management practices to mitigate the impact of disasters. They emphasize the need for proactive measures, such as allocating funds for mitigation before disasters occur, to reduce the long-term damages and costs.

The episode concludes by addressing the unpredictability of disasters and the need to better educate individuals about the benefits of investing in resilient infrastructure and protective measures.

Here’s how you can follow Mark:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mauriello-20077b21/

Email: [email protected]

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

June 6, 2023

88. Wildfire Ready: Protecting Your Home and Family with Bobby Milstein

The increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires are threatening lives and properties. In this episode, we dive deep into fire mitigation strategies with our guest, Bobby Milstein, a wildfire expert who has saved numerous homes during destructive fires like the 2018 Wolsey Fire in Malibu.

Focusing on fire mitigation, Bobby emphasizes the critical role that home construction and vegetation management play in reducing wildfire risks. He shares his insights on selecting fire-resistant plants and maintaining a defensible space around your property. The discussion also highlights essential home hardening measures, such as ember-proof vents, and the importance of modifying eaves to minimize ember intrusion, making homes more resistant to wildfires.

This episode is crucial for those living in fire-prone regions or anyone interested in understanding and implementing fire mitigation strategies. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and stay informed of new episodes. Fire mitigation is a critical issue that can no longer be ignored, and this episode offers essential information to help protect lives and homes.

Here’s how you can follow Bobby:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalfiresupplyco/

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

May 30, 2023

87. How to Turn Your Garage into Something Great

In this episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal discusses the often-overlooked importance of the garage in home design with guest Aaron Cash. They highlight how garages often become cluttered storage areas, limiting their functionality. Aaron shares his expertise in transforming disorganized garages into efficient and attractive spaces.

The conversation touches on the psychological impact of an organized garage, which can reduce stress and enhance daily experiences. They also discuss the varying conditions of garages in different homes, from unfinished spaces to partially completed ones. 

They explore the cost range of garage transformations, starting from basic organization to comprehensive projects. You’ll learn why a well-designed, finished garage enhances a property's appeal and livability. Overall, this episode highlights the potential of garages as valuable and versatile spaces when given the right attention and design.

Here’s how you can follow Aaron:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/garageliving/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/garageliving

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GarageLiving

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

May 23, 2023

86. Reality Building and Remodeling Shows Aren’t Reality with Gabriella Milgrom

Are you overwhelmed by the endless design choices when it comes to creating or remodeling your dream home, especially with the false impressions that reality building shows create? In this episode, our guest Gabriella Milgrom, and host George Siegal discuss how these shows can misguide people, particularly women, and dive deep into the reality of home design projects. They share valuable resources, questions you should ask yourself, and the process of creating a home that meets your priorities, function, and needs. Topics include hiring professionals, navigating disagreements in the construction industry, and the importance of having a cohesive team. 

Here’s how you can follow Gabriella:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellamilgrom.co/

Website: https://www.gabriellamilgrom.co/

House to Home Challenge: https://www.gabriellamilgrom.co/house-to-home-challenge

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

In this episode of the "Tell Us How to Make It Better" podcast, host George Siegal interviews Sabrina Downing, a survivor of the devastating fire in Malibu, California in 2018. Sabrina’s story was first featured in the documentary film "The Last House Standing".  Sabrina shares the journey of rebuilding her house from scratch after it was completely burnt down.

Sabrina describes the challenges she faced, including the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lengthy permit process, which took 18 months to complete. She explains the intricacies of dealing with her mortgage company and insurance company

The conversation also delves into the measures taken to make the new house fire-resistant, such as using fireproof materials and installing indoor sprinklers. Sabrina shares her husband's experience as a retired fireman and the precautions they have taken to be prepared for future fire threats.

Overall, this episode provides insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by survivors as they rebuild their lives after natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of resilience and preparedness.

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

May 9, 2023

84. Three Real Estate Landmines You Can Avoid

In this episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal shares three personal stories about things that went wrong during his home-buying and renovation experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neighborhood you're moving into and suggests doing your homework to find out about any pending projects that might impact the area. George also talks about the need to know the company you're buying from and its management structure, as this can help you deal with any problems that arise during the process. Finally, he advises listeners to keep their eyes wide open on their project and find things wrong before they take ownership of the property. This episode provides must-hear advice for anyone looking to buy or renovate a home.

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

May 2, 2023

83. Seven Secrets to Successful Home Construction with Julie Laughton

In this episode, licensed general contractor and multi-disciplinary designer Julie Laughton shares her expertise on successful home construction. With more than 30 years of experience in architecture, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering, and interior design, Julie emphasizes the importance of a good plan, the right team, and execution to keep construction organized and prevent problems.

Julie reveals her seven secrets to successful construction. Additionally, Julie delves into gender dynamics in the construction industry and how women can succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. 

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights and tips for anyone interested in home construction or looking to build their dream home. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned builder, you'll benefit from Julie's wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Here’s how you can follow Julie Laughton:
 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julielaughtondb/
 
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.laughton.98

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielaughtondesignbuild

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

April 25, 2023

82. Surviving Hurricane Ian A Story of Resilience and Recovery with Robert St Cyr

In this podcast episode, George Siegal talks to Robert St Cyr about his experience of surviving Hurricane Ian. Bob's home, along with 19 other houses in his community, was severely damaged. Water seeped into the walls, ruining everything it touched. Bob shares how he dealt with the situation and the importance of swiftly mitigating water damage. The conversation covers several topics, including the mindset and preparation for the hurricane, insurance policies, and limitations, and the challenges of rebuilding after a catastrophic event. 

The episode highlights the importance of disaster preparation and having the right insurance coverage to protect yourself, your property, and your investment in a hurricane-prone area. 

Topics discussed: 

- Mindset and preparation for a hurricane

- Insurance policies and limitations

- Rebuilding after a catastrophic event

- The housing market in Naples, FL

- Risk assessment for living in flood-prone areas

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

April 18, 2023

81. Control Your Destiny by Leaving The City Behind with Jesse Fisher

Are you tired of living in a city where you constantly rely on external resources? Jesse Fisher has a solution: living in a self-sustaining community. In this episode, Fisher describes his journey in creating a new type of living where individuals are responsible for producing their own food, water, and power. People purchase shares of farmland and build their own homes in these communities, which aim to produce more food than they need and export the excess, creating a more self-reliant way of life. But what are the challenges of living in such a community? Join us as Fisher shares his experiences and knowledge on building better communities.

 Topics discussed in the episode:

 - Living in a self-sustaining community

- Utah's agricultural co-op law

- Building passive solar homes, solar water well and water distribution systems

- Producing own food and water

- Ensuring resilience in case of disasters

- Growth of the local economy

- Infrastructure for building a self-sustaining community

- The community as a refuge in case of national crises or disasters

 Facebook:  

- Jesse Fisher - https://www.facebook.com/top10traffic

Website:

- Riverbed Ranch, Utah:  https://www.riverbed-ranch.com/

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/

Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/

If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:

https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making: Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

Thanks for listening!