Summary: In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle the world of home remodeling — and how Homeowner AI is making it easier, smarter, and far less overwhelming. From upgrading kitchens to redoing landscaping, remodeling is a massive industry filled with major decisions about budget, materials, and scope.

Beth and John break down remodeling projects into four main categories:

• Big Systems (roofs, windows, HVAC)
• Lifestyle Upgrades (kitchen and bathroom remodels)
• Minor Projects (new flooring, painting, appliances)
• Outdoor Projects (landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens)

They explore the pros and cons of DIY vs hiring a contractor, and why being fully informed about your material and labor costs before starting is absolutely essential. Lack of preparation can easily cause delays, budget overruns, and even resentment over the final results.

Enter HomeZada’s Homeowner AI — a powerful tool that helps homeowners:

• Build detailed project plans
• Estimate realistic budgets in minutes
• Research material types and costs
• Plan projects smarter to avoid costly surprises

John and Beth show how AI streamlines decision-making, saves time, and helps homeowners have clearer, more productive conversations with contractors — leading to better results and less stress.

Their key takeaway: When you plan ahead with the right tools, you remodel smarter, stay on budget, and actually enjoy the process.

Learn more about Homeowner AI at www.homezada.com!

Takeaways

• Home remodeling is a multi-trillion dollar industry.
• There are different categories of remodeling projects: big systems, lifestyle desires, minor projects, and outdoor landscaping.
• Deciding between DIY and hiring a contractor depends on skills, tools, safety, and budget.
• Material costs can vary significantly between projects.
• Planning is crucial for a successful remodeling project.
• Homeowner AI can help streamline the budgeting process.
• Understanding the scope of a project can prevent budget overruns.
• Homeowners should be educated about the costs associated with remodeling.
• AI can assist in creating material lists for projects.
• Effective planning can lead to better project outcomes. The cost of materials can significantly impact project budgets.
• AI can quickly adjust estimates based on material choices.
• Preparation is key to successful home remodeling projects.
• Homeowners should do their research before contacting contractors.
• AI tools can save time compared to traditional budgeting methods.
• Informed homeowners can foster better relationships with contractors.
• Product research through AI helps eliminate overwhelming choices.
• AI can create custom project budgets based on user input.
• Understanding material costs is crucial for budget management.
• AI enhances efficiency in home improvement planning.

Sound Bites

"It's a huge business." "I had to pull back scope." "That's a huge difference." "This is preparation at its best." "It's a huge time saver." "This is efficiency." "It streamlined everything."

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Remodeling Projects 03:39 Categorizing Remodeling Projects 06:38 DIY vs Hiring a Contractor 09:38 Understanding Costs in Home Remodeling 12:45 The Importance of Planning and Budgeting 15:30 How Homeowner AI Streamlines the Remodeling Process 21:29 Understanding Budget Fluctuations in Home Remodeling 23:46 The Power of AI in Home Project Planning 26:34 Enhancing Contractor Relationships through Preparedness 30:51 Product Research: Making Informed Choices 36:03 Creating Custom Projects with AI 39:10 The Future of Home Improvement with AI