Should homeowners buy their own materials, or should the contractor handle it?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, we break down when homeowners should buy fixtures, tile, paint colors, and finishes — and when contractors should handle materials for better quality, durability, and fewer problems.

We also cover the biggest mistakes that cause delays, surprise costs, and frustration during remodeling projects.

If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, landlord, or contractor, this episode will help you save time, money, and headaches on your next project.

Questions or comments?
[email protected]

Handiwork Startup System-

https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

Before you start your next paint project, these 7 simple painting tips can save you time, money, and frustration — and help your walls look cleaner, smoother, and more professional.
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I’m sharing practical painting advice every homeowner should know before picking up a brush or roller. Whether you’re painting one room, freshening up your house before selling, or trying to make your home look more valuable on a budget, the right process makes a huge difference.
A good paint job is not just about picking a color. It’s about choosing the right sheen, doing the prep work, cutting clean lines, rolling the right way, keeping a wet edge, using the right roller, and buying paint that actually covers well.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why choosing the right sheen matters before you start painting
- When to use flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paint
- Why prep work is what makes a paint job look professional
- Why painter’s tape is not a complete painting strategy
- Why you should cut first, then roll
- How keeping a wet edge helps prevent paint lines and flashing
- Why an 18-inch roller can save time on large walls and rooms
- Why cheap paint can cost you more in the long run
If you’re a homeowner who wants better-looking walls without wasting time or money, this episode will help you avoid common DIY painting mistakes and get a cleaner, more consistent finish.
A professional-looking paint job comes down to patience, prep, and using the right process.
If you have questions, you can email me at:
[email protected]
Hosted by John Lane
Small Business Strong

Got burning homeowner questions? In this Q&A episode of Small Business Strong, handyman and home improvement expert John Lane draws on years of field experience to answer the questions he hears most. From cheap upgrades that actually add value, to spotting a trustworthy contractor, pulling permits, knowing what to fix first, and decoding those cracks in your drywall — this episode is packed with real, actionable advice. No fluff, just straight talk from someone who’s been in the trenches. Perfect for first-time homeowners and seasoned homeowners alike.

Most homeowners assume a 4.9-star contractor with hundreds of reviews must be trustworthy. But in today’s world of fake review farms, review gating, and reputation manipulation, that rating may not mean what you think it does.

In this episode of Small Business Strong, John Lane explains how online reviews are being manipulated in the home service industry and gives homeowners practical ways to protect themselves before hiring a contractor.

You’ll learn:

• How fake contractor reviews work
• The biggest red flags homeowners miss
• Why negative reviews can actually be a good sign
• How to properly vet a handyman or contractor
• Why personal referrals still beat algorithms

This episode is for homeowners, small business owners, and anyone trying to avoid costly contractor mistakes.

May is your last chance.

Every June, phones start blowing up with emergency calls that could’ve been prevented with a few simple steps in May. In this episode, I walk you through a practical checklist to get your home ready before the Texas heat hits.

We cover:

• Why your AC system needs attention NOW (not in June)
• How your attic could be silently driving up your energy bill
• Easy fixes for windows, doors, and weatherstripping that actually make a difference
• Foundation warning signs most homeowners miss
• Outdoor systems

If you’re a homeowner, this episode can save you time and money.

Pick one thing from this list and knock it out this weekend.

If this helps you, share it with a neighbor. Someone on your street needs to hear it.

Learn how to start a handyman business step-by-step—even with no experience—and how to realistically grow.
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down exactly how to get your first jobs, what tools you actually need, how to price your work, and how to build momentum fast.
No fluff—just real-world advice from running a handyman business every day.
⸻
 What you’ll learn:
• How to get your first handyman jobs
• What tools you actually need
• How to price jobs (not hourly)
• How to build trust and get referrals

If you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.

https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

Connect with Small Business Strong:

Email: ⁠[email protected]

Not every fence needs to be replaced—but not every fence should be repaired either.

In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference so you don’t waste money making the wrong call. We cover when repair actually makes sense, when replacement is the smarter move, and how to think about cost, longevity, and long-term value.

If you’re dealing with a leaning, aging, or damaged fence, this will help you make the right decision the first time.

Homes require constant maintenance—but the real issue isn’t maintenance… it’s what gets ignored.In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down the top 5 things I personally see causing serious (and expensive) damage in homes—the stuff most homeowners don’t even realize is a problem until it’s too late.This isn’t theory. This is what I see every week in real houses.🔧 What We Cover:

1. Drywall CracksWhen they’re normal vs when they’re a problemWhy foundation movement is expectedWhy cracks over 1/4” matterIt’s not just the crack—it’s how fast it’s changing2. Foundation Corners (Slab Homes)Why corners show problems firstWhat cracks to look forSigns like doors not closing properly3. Toilets & Hidden LeaksBad wax rings (smell = problem)Silent leaks you won’t notice until damage is doneBidet attachments and why they can flood a house4. Water Issues (Biggest Money Killer)How to check your water meter for hidden leaksWhy every homeowner should have a water meter keyWater heater checks + why you should drain it yearly5. Baseboards = Early Warning SystemSwelling, discoloration, or separationOne of the easiest ways to catch a leak early⚠️ What to Watch For:Problems getting worse over timeAny signs of moisture or waterMovement (shifting, cracking, separating)🛠️ When to Call a Handyman vs a Specialist:Cosmetic issues → HandymanStructural or major water issues → Specialist💡 Bottom Line:Most problems in a home are normal.But ignoring the wrong ones… is what gets expensive.If you’re a homeowner and want to avoid costly repairs, this episode will save you money.

In Episode 10, I break down the real reasons why so many homeowners end up getting ripped off by contractors and handymen.

It’s not always bad intentions—most of the time, it comes down to poor decisions, unclear expectations, and lack of communication.

I walk through 6 (really 5) common mistakes homeowners make, including choosing the cheapest bid, not getting a clear scope of work, and failing to ask the right questions upfront.

If you’re planning a project or hiring someone to work on your home, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Why referrals matter more than anything

• The danger of choosing the lowest bid

• Why everything must be in writing

• How communication can make or break a project

• What to ask before any job starts

If you follow these principles, you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of getting taken advantage of.

In this episode, I talk about a shift in the direction of Small Business Strong.

I’ll still be interviewing other business owners, but moving forward I’m going to spend more time breaking down what it actually looks like to run my handyman business day to day.

From pricing and mistakes to the reality behind the scenes, this episode sets the foundation for what’s coming next.

If you’re running a business or thinking about starting one, this will give you a real look at what it takes.