Home In Progress

On Today's EpisodeWith Memorial Day weekend here, we wanted to spend a little time focusing on what the day is about, so the last half of the show is dedicated to the day and the men and women who've given their lives in the service of their country. Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing [00:00 - 07:30]If you're on the fence when it comes to fencing materials, here's some information that may help you decide which one is right for you!Hello New Products! [07:30 - 18:37]Having new products to offer is always fun. Knowing that some of these products are going to offer solutions for tough situations is even better. All Gave Some, Some Gave All [18:57 - 33:03]We sit down with U.S. Navy Chaplain, Retired, Beth Stallinga to talk about Memorial Day from the perspective of someone who's spent her career in service to her country. Don't miss this interview!The First Decoration Day [33:03 - 39:12]Usually, we equate the year 1868 with the beginnings of Memorial Day. But recent (1990's) historical evidence suggests that there was another, much earlier beginning for the heart and soul of Memorial Day....

On Today's EpisodeA Baby Announcement [00:00 - 05:38]Long-time co-host of the show, Hailey, had her baby! We share some info and do a little reminiscing...How Michigan's New VOC Rules Will Impact All of Us [05:38 - 33:28]New regulations regarding VOCs in paint and coatings went into effect in April in Michigan. And while it may seem like it may not impact you . . . chances are, everyone will feel it a little.Gone are oil-based deck products, polyurethanes, interior and exterior stains, and more. What does that mean? Are the waterbased alternatives as good? Also, if you (like so many people do) rely on oil-based products to get the job done, you'll be eager to hear that RepcoLite is actually still allowed to produce all of these oil-based, go-to, traditional products for 5 more years. So if you need them, we've got something that will work for you. We talk about all of that and much more in this segment!The Perfect Hose [33:29 - 38:58]With only a little time left in the show for the week, we opted to discuss hoses. Dan #2 is looking for a new hose and he's sick of the standard options--the ones that kink and are hard to uncoil. He's found a great alternative....Flexilla Garden Hose

On Today's EpisodeThis week, our show was pre-empted in the West Michigan market, so we decided to air a "Best Of" episode featuring some of our favorite segments.The (Tasty) History of Tulips [00:00 - 09:30]In honor of the end of Tulip Time 2023, we talk about the surprising (and surprisingly "tasty") history of tulips.Touch-Up Master Class [09:31 - 18:59]Ever touched up some scuffs on your wall only to have less than perfect results? We've got answers!Ladder Folklore [19:00 - 30:40]Ladders are common tools around the home. They're crazy old . . . and with all that use over all those years, there are bound to be some interesting stories that have arisen through the ages. We discuss some of our favorite (and the funniest) ladder-related history and folklore.Floor Painting [30:41 - 39:15]Painting a floor can really infuse a room with energy and interest. If you're thinking about this kind of project, check out this segment. We've got the info you need to get great results.

On Today's EpisodeHow to Remove Moss from Your Roof [00:00 - 15:32]FORMULA I USED:1 Pound Oxygenated Bleach2 Gallons of WaterTHIS IS FOR DIY Formulas! If you purchased a roof cleaner, follow label instructionsFIRST: RINSE PLANTS AROUND BASE OF HOUSESECOND: RINSE THE ROOF WITH LOW PRESSUREIF You spray from the ground, be cautious NOT to spray up under the shingles.May be better to get on the roof and spray at a downward angleBe careful–it’s slipperyALSO: Be careful with a hose on the roofDon’t damage your shinglesThis alone may be reason to call someone else to do it….THIRD: IF DEALING WITH HEAVY MOSS, SWEEP LIGHTLYUse a soft-bristled brushScrub lightly from top downDon’t damage shinglesRemove what you can of the moss before spraying on your cleanerMost of my moss wouldn’t come off at that pointFOURTH: APPLY YOUR CLEANING SOLUTION WITH A GARDEN SPRAYERAllow to stay for 15 - 20 minutesRinse thoroughlyAGAIN: LOW PRESSUREAnd spraying from the top downIF POSSIBLE don't do this from the groundDon’t push water up under the shingles.FIFTH: A SECOND QUICK SWEEPAfter rinsing . . . Swept it againThis time a lot of moss came off–filled up the guttersLichen began to powder away over the following weekIt MAY take more than one treatment to kill all of the MOSS.If you have to reapplyDo so only after it's been allowed to thoroughly dry.SIXTH: GIVE THAT LANDSCAPING ANOTHER RINSE!Just to be safe, it doesn't hurt to spray your landscaping down one more time after you've finished on the roof. A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:Don't use a pressure washer!Don't allow the bleach to remain on the surface for more than 30 minutes without rinsing.Take precautions with bleach -- goggles, etc.RINSE WELL – oxygenated bleach will leave a white residue if not rinsed wellProtect the landscaping, decking, etc. below and around the housePre-rinse plants and decking and rinse off immediately after.Use plastic to cover plantsFor some folks, this is a Hire it Out Project!If that’s you, make the call!Don’t get on your roof if you’re not comfortable with it!There are plenty of places out there waiting to help!PREVENTATIVE MEASURESThe moss and lichen will come back as time goes by. Here are some easy preventative steps to help slow that down:Trim back tree branches! Sunlight is your friend!Remove debris that accumulates on the roof regularly with a leaf blower.Always work DOWN the slope! Don't blow debris or spray water up under the shingles.Keep gutters clean to promote water drainage.Figure on regular maintenanceMaybe It's Time to Update the Camper [15:33 - 39:03]We don't usually think about throwing a new coat of paint in our campers or RVs . . . but maybe we should....

On Today's EpisodeJust Say No to One Coat! [00:00 - 6:25]We are people, too! We know how tempting it is try to squeak by with one coat of paint. Here are 5 quick reasons why you shouldn't do that! 1) ONE COAT MIGHT NOT LOOK AS GOOD AS YOU THINK!Lighting can affect what we seeWet hide versus Dry hide – not the same things2) 2 COATS GIVE BETTER LONG TERM RESULTSBetter Color Representation → Better LookBetter Durability, washability, etc.3) IT'S MORE CONVENIENT TO DO IT NOW . . . Furniture’s movedDrop cloths are downTape is appliedYour tools are out!Putting everything away now and finding you need a second coat just turned that one project into two projects!4) SECOND COATS ARE WAY FASTERYou’re not cutting in againYou’re not doing all the prepYou’re just rolling that surface!5) PLANNING ON A SECOND COAT CAN PREVENT YOU FROM MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE!When people PLAN on only doing one coatThey tend to apply paint far too heavily!Runs, sags, and overall mess usually followPlanning on two coats right from the start means you apply paint correctly with each coat!Wet Basement Horror Stories (and the Fixes!) [06:26 - 32:24]Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems joins us to talk about some wet basements, creepy crawlspaces . . . and the fixes that are available! Don't live with bad basements--Ayers can help!Call Ayers: 866-379-1669Or visit Ayers onlineBig Time Curb Appeal [32:34 - 39:01]Cleaning the house is (relatively) simple! Dan tackled the (neglected) vinyl siding on the back of his house. And in 20 minutes, or so, he had tremendous results. You can give your home a much needed bath this weekend using Jomax House Cleaner. Check out the segment for more info!

On Today's EpisodeGetting Unstuck [00:00 - 7:08]Life's busy and projects and maintenance and all kinds of other jobs can get pushed to the side. And often, when that happens, there's a bit of guilt that starts to build. We should be wrapping these things up. And if we're not, what does that say about us?Well, I'm in the middle of a long slog through this and in my efforts to figure out what I might need to do to get myself moving again, I think I stumbled on some obvious info that might be helpful to more people than just me.So, if you're feeling overwhelmed and a little guilty about projects at home, maybe this will help a little.CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACKIt sounds touchy-feely, but being down on yourself--being negative--isn't productive. Negativity doesn't produce more results or better results. It really just slows the process down. So it's important to ease up on yourself a little bit. You're not a lazy homeowner, you're just busy. Maintaining a home is a marathon and it's OK to take your time as you move through your projects. So, stop beating yourself up for what you may feel is a lack of results. That's first. But there's a lot more....GET MOVING WITH A LISTFor me, the problem is basically that there are so many things I'd like to do or need to do that I don't know which to do first. They hover over me, filling up my mind, and I find myself randomly chasing down projects only to abandon them part way through when I see the next "squirrel". In the end, I find I'm almost running in circles.If you've got so many things to do that you don't know where to start, here's something simple: make a list. Just brainstorm. Everything that comes to mind, everything that's looming over you, demanding your attention. Take all of those things and throw them down on paper. You're not prioritizing this list yet. You're not filtering it. You're just throwing everything you can think of that's bothering you, that needs to be done, that you want to see changed . . . down on that pad of paper.Once that's done, then sort the list into 3 categories: Must Do; Should Do; and Would Like To Do.If you get all the way through that step, you've just solved your "I don't know what to do first" problem. You've got a list of maybe 3, 5, 10 or more Must Do projects. That's a perfect place to start.TIME TO STARTNow that you've got those Must Do projects clearly identified, now what you (and I need) is a little momentum. We need to see some success. We need to see how good it feels to cross something off the list . . . and we need to leverage that energy, that momentum, into more accomplished projects.So pick one of the smaller Must Do projects and get it done. You don't need to tackle it all in one work session, but don't start any other projects from your list until this first one is done. That's really key! You need to start, work through, and finish this first one. FIGURE IT OUT or HIRE IT OUT!Sometimes it's having too many projects that causes us to get stuck. But sometimes we're stuck because we don't know how to do something. We know we don't know how to do it, we're convinced it may be difficult to figure it out, and so we just linger in limbo. I do that all the time. I'm too cheap to hire things out usually (and I feel that I should be able to figure them out and do them); but I'm also convinced that certain things are going to present a ridiculous learning curve. And so I just push the project to the back of my mind and hang out in that horrible limbo.That's not productive--obviously! And if that's you, it's time to either jump in and learn the skills necessary, or hire the work done. I know that hiring things done sometimes feels like a cop-out. I also know it sounds expensive. But it also sounds like progress. And seeing projects get crossed off my list is really going to ease up on some of my anxiety levels! So, if you know you just aren't going to have the time to tackle a project, or if you just don't feel you can learn the skills quickly enough, or if the tools are so specialized that you don't want to buy them . . . bring in a professional. It's worth it! If you're bound and determine to tackle the project . . . then it's time to jump in, learn what you need to learn, and get it done. Stop delaying. Look at your list of things that need to be done and put an asterisk by any that are going to require you to learn something new. And then make work of learning those skills! My son had a clicking in his car for months. It was driving him nuts. He looked up the problem, but was convinced the fix was just beyond his abilities. He didn't want to drop the money to bring it in and so he just tolerated it. Until he couldn't tolerate it any longer. Finally, he devoted a Saturday to the project and planned to spend the morning watching YouTube videos until he understood what he needed to do. Turns out, after watching the second 4-minute video, he knew everything he needed to know. 20 minutes later, he had the part out and was off to

On Today's EpisodeSurge Protectors Vs. Power Strips [00:00 - 06:57]With some recent lightning storms, we've heard a couple horror stories where people lost a lot of the electronic devices in their home after a power surge. There's a simple, inexpensive solution that most of us know about . . . but not all of us use: surge protectors. And before you tune out because you think you've got a couple surge protectors on your devices, make sure that what you're using isn't just a power strip. They look like surge protectors, but don't do a whole lot when it comes to protecting your stuff! Here are a couple of great articles that spell it out clearly:Surge Protector Vs. Power Strip Vs. UPSWhat's the Difference Between a Power Strip and Surge Protector?Worm Farming [06:58 - 18:55]Hailey's still on the "composting train" and now she's digging into worm farming. It's a fun project that could help you turn all your food scraps into valuable compost--black gold! Worm Farming InstructionsElement Guard from Benjamin Moore [18:56 - 30:52]Every now and then a paint miracle emerges from a lab somewhere . . . like some sort of superhero. A number of years back, it was Scuff-X. Now, we're looking at Element Guard from Benjamin Moore--an exterior paint that allows you to paint even when rain is only an hour away....Clean Those Gutters! [30:53 - 38:52]It's not been a nice Spring . . . at least not yet. And there's a good chance you haven't worked on getting your gutters cleared after winter. But with all the Spring rain just around the corner . . . it's time to get the gunk out!

On Today's EpisodeSpring Cleaning Around the World [00:00 - 11:49]Spring cleaning reaches back to Biblical times and beyond... We explore how the world approaches everyone's favorite Spring pasttime.20 Minutes to Clean [11:50 - 18:59]We love the idea of a clean house, but getting started can be tough. We've got a trick that will get you moving. Best of all? It's painless.Can I Paint THAT??? [19:00 - 32:59]We see it all the time on TV and the web: people painting EVERYTHING. Tile floors, backsplashes, countertops, and even dishwashers. We see that and wonder: can I do that?? The bigger question is: should you?Check in with Hailey [33:00 - 39:10]Hailey's WAY pregnant and we get an update on how things are going...

On Today's EpisodeApril Fool's Day History [00:00 - 08:01]It's April Fool's Day and that means people all over the place are going to be pranking friends or getting pranked. But where does the day come from in the first place? The history is a little surprising!Best Hoaxes Through the Years [08:02 - 18:59]In digging into the history of April Fool's Day, we ran into a number of amazing hoaxes sprung on the unsuspecting masses throughout the years. Here are some of our favorites....100 Best April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All TimeIs Raspberry Blush Still Terrible? [19:00 - 32:02]That's a bit harsh! We don't think Benjamin Moore's Raspberry Blush is a terrible color . . . but we DO know that the color of the year for 2023 is pushing the boundary. Today we talk about how the bold colors of 2023 can be used in our homes.If It's Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Poorly [32:03 - 39:00]We're used to hearing the phrase: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well." But today, we're putting a spin on it.

On Today's EpisodeThe Review Review [00:00 - 11:36]We revisit a few of our previous reviews and recommendations to see if they stood the test of time. Lomi Countertop ComposterYou can check out our original segment on Lomi down below. But the long and short of it is . . . after nearly a year of ownership, the luster has worn off a bit! The Lomi unit is great and does exactly what it's supposed to do . . . it's just that Hailey doesn't find herself using it for a variety of reasons. LOMI Countertop Composter Original ReviewGOVEE Humidifier and HygrometerAnother product we initially loved was the GOVEE Humidifier and Bluetooth Hygrometer. In this case, after a winter of use, Dan still LOVES it. There are a lot of different sizes available, but for the small room Dan needed to humidify, this has worked flawlessly. The Hygrometer works with the Humidifier to keep the room at a constant relative humidity of about 48-50%. And when the water is low . . . the GOVEE unit sends an alert through a phone app. Check out the original review below as well as the items themselves!Govee Smart WiFi HumidifierGovee Bluetooth HygrometerGovee Original ReviewDawn Platinum Powerwash Dish SprayA final product we looked at, back in February, is this dish spray you've probably seen commercials for. Hailey loved it back in February and since then, Dan's given it a try. After nearly a couple months of use, Dan agrees: this stuff is good . . . but he, of course, has found a cheaper solution that works for him . . . .Original Dawn ReviewHand Cleaner VS. Silly Putty [11:37 - 18:59]Hailey's friend, Amber visited and accidentally left a little silly putty embedded in the new rug in the nursery. Fortunately a great little hand cleaner was able to remove it in seconds. And while we know silly putty in carpets isn't terribly common . . . this hand cleaner is great for cleaning up after paint and stain projects (latex AND oil), automotive work, small engine repair . . . you name it! It's a great product and is worth a look. Check out the link below:Kresto Hand CleanerThe Pros and Cons of Induction Stoves [18:59 - 32:07]Induction cooking is not new, but a lot of us are unfamiliar with the technology. Or, if we know about it, we may only know one side of the story! Before you run out to snatch up an induction stove AND before you discount them as something you'd never want, check out the pros and cons. No matter which side of the fence you're on, we think you'll be (at least a little) surprised.Superhero Spotlight: STIX Primer [32:07 - 39:19]STIX primer from Insl-X (a Benjamin Moore company), is a bonding primer that solves paint problems all day long!

On Today's EpisodeCooking with Cast Iron [00:00 - 13:29]Cast Iron is old school, heavy, and a traditional weapon against burglars . . . but is it still serious cookware? Absolutely . . . it's the Serious-est.Pros and Cons of Cast Iron CookwareColor Sample Sale [13:30 - 19:00]Benjamin Moore Color Samples are the ideal way to make sure you've chosen the right color. The rest of this month, they're 50% off!How to Find the Right Contractor Everytime! [19:01 - 32:18]Hiring the right contractor is all about starting at the right time and looking for some signs as you get your quotes. We'll tell you everything you need to know!Paint Finishes--What Goes Where? [19:02 - 39:28]Paint finishes can be confusing. We'll break it down and . . . believe it or not . . . make it entertaining!

On Today's EpisodeIt's our 300th Episode and we're kicking back and celebrating! 300 Episodes [00:00 - 07:25]We make a correction to our Chicken Conversation from last week and talk about the fun we've had making 300 episodes!Extension Cords [07:26 - 18:59]Getting the right extension cord is a big deal! In this segment, we talk about everything you need to know to make the right choice.Powering 15 amp tools for 25 feet? Go with a 14 gauge cordPowering 15 amp tools for 50 feet? Go with a 12 gauge cordPowering 15 amp tools for 100 feet? Go with a 10 gauge cordSome Resources:Determining the Right Extension CordChoosing the Correct Extension CordSelecting the Right Extension Cord for Your Power ToolsExtension Cord ChartWhat Size Extension Cord Do I Need?Extension Cord Buyer GuideRepcoLite Rewind: Painting Your Cabinets [19:00 - 29:45]This segment for our Detroit listeners comes from Episode 220.Faking It With Paint [29:46 - 42:39]Paint can cover your walls with color . . . but you can do a lot of other creative things using just a small amount of paint! We talk about using paint to create wainscoting, "big" trim, "wallpapered" walls and more.Laser Levels and Why You Need One! [42:39 - 50:12]In the projects we talked about in the last segment, a tool that will simplify your work dramatically is a laser level. We talk about a number of different projects where a laser level is a must have!

On Today's EpisodeInflation Chickens [00:00 - 11:03]With rising egg prices, there may be just ONE reasonable way to proceed: raising our own chickens. Inflation Chickens are a real thing and we're wondering whether or not it makes sense!Nurseries (Again) [11:04 - 26:52]We talked about some nursery struggles last week. This week, we want to talk about the best paint choices if you're painting while pregnant. And, we want to spend some time talking about how to pull a nursery together so you don't have to re-do the entire thing in just a couple years when your new baby is a toddler. RepcoLite Rewind for Detroit: Perfect Project Planning [26:53 - 38:54]We go back to an old segment from April of 2022 and discuss some key steps to take if you want to start crossing projects off your to-do list!Sad, Neglected Spaces [48:54 - 59:24]Every home has spaces that are not as nice as others. There are different reasons for this, but the bottom line is that neglected spaces drag us down. They hover over our heads and are constant reminders that there's more work to be done! Let's figure out where our neglected spaces are, why we've neglected them . . . and let's get them taken care of!

On Today's EpisodeIt's a banner day on the show as we get to break some breaking news....Dormant Seeding [00:00 - 06:50]Hailey missed the opportunity in the fall to overseed her lawn. Disappointed, she turned to the internet and discovered the concept of Dormant Seeding. If your lawn has some bare spots and you'd like to get a leg up on spring, maybe a little dormant seeding is just what's needed.SOME RESOURCES:How to Sow Grass Seed in WinterWinter Dormant SeedingDormant SeedingBenjamin Moore Budget-Friendly Paint [06:51 - 18:59]Sometimes, we can convince ourselves that Benjamin Moore is the paint that you buy if you've got money to burn. Turns out, Benjamin Moore offers some great budget-friendly options. In this segment, we shine a light on just a couple of them....REPCOLITE REWIND: Picture Rails [19:00 - 31:48]This blast from the past for our Detroit listeners is from March 19, 2022.The BIG Announcement [31:49 - 52:31]We have a special guest who joins us to break some pretty big news....Decorating a Nursery [52:32 - 1:01:55]Decorating a nursery seems fun and exciting . . . but then, there are so many considerations to make. Before long the process becomes a chore rather than the exciting project it should be!

On Today's EpisodeUnderstanding Paint Cure [00:00 - 08:20]Yes, we are literally doing a segment on watching paint dry. But it's important info! Paint can dry to the touch in hours or less . . . but it doesn't reach it's full durability for much longer. We've got the info that will help you make sure you're next paint project turns out beautifully.High Efficiency Wood Burners: Tax Credit [08:21 - 18:59]Kurt Zink, Fire Scientist from Vanderwall Brothers stops by to talk about high efficiency wood burners and a 2023 Tax Credit.Biomass 2023 Tax Credit infoRepcoLite Rewind: Caroline's Story [19:00 - 31:18]This time, we head back to January 2021 to talk about a friend of ours who lived through a HUGE color-selecting fiasco. Happily, there are some takeaways that can help all of us choose the right color every time.High Efficiency Wood Burners: Practical Info [31:19 - 42:00]Kurt Zink is back for part 2 of our interview on wood burners and this time we dig into the practical side of things. How do wood burners compare with gas? How do we know which unit is right for us? And so on!Reach out to Kurt at Vanderwall Brothers and Heritage FireplaceFor Detroit Listeners, check out Creekside Hearth and Patio in AlmontKilling the Winter Blues (Real Good) [42:01 - 58:35]We recorded this segment on a sunny February morning. Three hours later, we had a wonderful rain/snow mix falling down with 2 inches or more already on the ground. Perfect case in point: winter isn't done, yet! If the winter blues are dragging you down . . . we might have the fix!

On Today's EpisodeToday's show is really all about sneaking pops of color into unexpected places! It can have a huge impact on your interior design . . . but where do you draw the line? How much is too much? And which spots are the right ones?The Bold New Colors of Kohler [00:00 - 19:00]Kohler has just announced two new colors that we'll be seeing in kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and even toilets! These are historical colors and one of them, Spring Green, first debuted nearly 100 years ago in 1927. What's old is new again! We discuss the new colors, the history behind them, and the modernism that spawned them in the first place. Also, here are some links to some great pieces from Kohler's Marketing Past:Retro Renovation: The First Colors for Bathroom FixturesREPCOLITE REWIND--Painting Ceilings, Step-By-Step [19:01 - 30:45]Our show is now playing in the Detroit market as well as in Grand Rapids. However, the Detroit station has a slightly different format, so to fill the extra time, we're playing some great segments from past episodes that the Detroit audience has never heard. Here's a step-by-step guide to painting ceilings that first aired in February of 2022.Wallpapering the Closet? [30:45 - 51:12]I've wallpapered walls and rooms and even bookcases and the bottoms of drawers . . . but I've never wallpapered a closet. Sara Pen has, though--and she LOVED the results. Sara's a busy mom who's spent the last few years raising her kids, renovating her home, and recording it all on social media. She's got a lot of great, creative ideas and has tackled some fun projects. We sit down with her to discuss one of her latest . . . . Find Sara on Instagram!

On Today's EpisodeOn this episode, we focus on a design trend that's been "a thing" for a while: using plywood as a finish material in interior design. We discuss the idea and toss around a few things to consider if you're thinking about jumping in!Dawn Powerwash Review [00:00 - 13:46]Maybe you've seen the commercials . . . maybe you've been skeptical. Put that all aside. Hailey's been using this new dish washing miracle and LOVES it! Aura Bath and Spa: Not Just for Bathrooms? [13:47 - 24:55]We draw from a lengthy conversation we had with our Detroit Benjamin Moore rep, Jon Potoski regarding Aura Bath and Spa. Jon isn't in the segment (though he was in the studio and on the show last week!), but in our conversations, he pointed out how a growing number of contractors in his area are using Bath and Spa outside of the bathroom because they're looking for a "flatter" matte than Aura Matte. Bath and Spa fills that need.Jon explained that the contractors who've begun using it on walls throughout the home are finding it a nice switch from other interior flats offered by other paint companies. Aura Bath and Spa provides a similar finish to a flat enamel, offering some washability with lower sheen than a standard matte. We encourage any contractors who are using a flat paint from a competitor but who'd like to step up the coverage and hide as well as the washability of the product they're using, to give Aura Bath and Spa a try.We highlight those points, explain how flatter finishes hide imperfections and texture better, and then, of course, camp on Bath and Spa as the ideal bathroom paint.Plywood and Interior Design: A Bridge Too Far? [24:55 - 45:22]The last two segments are a discussion about a friend of Hailey's who's using clear-coated plywood as full wall accents in her new home. She had even considered using it as the finish wood for her kitchen cabinets, but eventually decided against it.As strange as it may seem, clear-coated plywood has been a trend in interior design for a while. It leans into a Scandinavian style of design and while it's more popular on the different coasts, it's still something we see from time to time in the Midwest.We feel it's largely a reaction to the relative cold and dreary nature of gray--a color that's dominated interiors for a while now. People are shifting towards warm natural tones and plywood brings that . . . along with texture which adds to its appeal.However, there's a concern when jumping on trends. We spend a fair amount of time urging listeners to make their design choices based on solid likes and dislikes rather than by following the newest thing.We talk about paint and wallpaper as obvious alternatives to going with full plywood. After all, the plywood is trending because of the warmth and color it brings to the space. Paint and wallpaper can do all of that with much less commitment!  We also talk about the concerns revolving around trying to change a plywood interior when/if we ever get tired of the look.The big takeaway at the end is something we highlight all the time: trends are great as starting points and for idea-gathering. But in the end, you need to love your home. Choose what you like regardless of what the trends are telling you....

On Today's EpisodeAre You Moisturizing? [00:00 - 08:44]Here's the video Dan was talking about at the beginning of the segment!We talked about Dan’s smart humidifier last weekHow it can be an essential home appliance during the winter Which reminded us there are simple maintenance steps many of us forget about during winter months! Conditioning the wood and leather in our homeAs wood or leather loses moisture, it shrinks, which can result in cracks in your beautiful wood cutting board or favorite chair. Even if you don't have leather furniture this same rule applies to leather bags, coats, shoes etc. Make a plan to oil your wood cutting boards and furniture once a month during the winter, or whenever they feel very dry to the touch. The entire process takes less than five minutes—and it could help preserve your cutting boards and furniture for years to come.Cutting Boards:First, make sure your cutting board is clean and thoroughly dry.Using a clean cloth apply CUTTING BOARD OIL  to the surface of the board distribute the oil evenly  let the oil soak in for a few hours or up to overnightUsing another clean cloth, wipe off any excess oil. Your cutting board should look shiny and revived, without being damp to the touch.For Wooden Furniture:Note: Follow these steps for oil-and-wax or stain-and-wax finishes, not painted or lacquered pieces.Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Follow with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.Apply wood polish to a clean cloth, then wipe it onto the furniture, working in the direction of the grain.Let the oil soak in for about 30 minutes before buffing in and wiping away any excess oil.Leather Furniture:Leather lasts forever with the right amount of care and upkeep, so why not get the most bang for your buckIt’s recommended to clean light-colored leather every six months and dark-colored leather once a year. start by vacuuming the leather couch to get rid of any crumbs. Then dust it, if necessary, to remove any lingering dirt. Make sure it's completely dry Now it's time to get down to business and use cleaners. Leather cleaners can help break down the dirt and stains to make your leather couch look like new. Some products are 2-in-1 and contain both the cleaner and conditioner. This part is very important - Spray the cleaner onto a cloth, rather than directly onto the furniture!Prevent it from leaving spray marks. Wipe lightly all around, making sure to clean the edges, nooks, and crannies. Work from top to bottom to avoid any uneven polish marks.After you've cleaned, make sure to wipe away any excess cleaner before conditioning the couch. Grab your favorite conditioner, either in spray or bottle form, and apply a small amount onto a clean cloth. Conditioners are great because they contain healthy oils to make your furniture look fresh, smell phenomenal, and stay moisturized. Extends the life of your furniture!Once you've finished buffing in the conditionerAllow the leather to dry for an hour or so to let the product seep inAvoid getting the oil on your clothing. Damaged Drywall Repair [08:45 - 18:59]Ever removed some base board or maybe a backsplash or a toilet paper holder and ended up peeling off some of your drywall's face paper? If you've got brown paper exposed on your wall board, you'll need to seal it before you mud it or you could be dealing with annoying bubbling! Gardz is a waterbased product that comes to the rescue! Here's a quick overview of the steps involved when using Gardz:FIRST: remove the curling paper mess. You can do this by running a joint knife over the surface or doing a light sanding. Sometimes, that paper will continue to peel. If that's the case, score around the damaged area with a razor. This will prevent the peeling from continuing past the scored line. SECOND: Get rid of the dust and apply a good coat of Gardz. It's quite runny, so don't use a thick-napped roller cover. A 1/4" microfiber roller cover is ideal! Roll an even coat over the damaged areas, but don't overapply. Let it dry for about 3 hours.THIRD: Gardz dries to a very hard finish. When the surface is dry, the curled pieces of brown paper that were not sanded off earlier will be easy to remove by running joint knife over the surface.  A light sanding would work too.FOURTH: Apply a light skim coat of drywall compound and apply more coats of compound as necessary. FINALLY: When finished, prime the area with another coat of Gardz, or even just a single coat of your finish paint. Then coat the entire area with an even coat of finish! A Quick Step for Flawless Results [18:59 - 32:03]We're joined by Benjamin Moore Territory Rep, Jon Potoski from the Metro Detroit area. Jon makes the case that a quick pole sanding between coats of paint will produce flawless results everytime!The Anatomy of Trim [32:03 - 39:29]Our homes are full of different pieces of trim. Many of us

On Today's EpisodeLaundry Bag Hacks [00:00 - 06:14]You've heard of mesh laundry bags, I'm sure. And maybe you've had good luck using them for their intended purpose: laundry. But there are a lot of other creative uses for these cool, mesh bags! Here are just a few:BABY STUFFNew baby in the house? It can be really tough to take care and keep track of all their gear once you've tossed it into the washer. If you've struggled with that, give this a try: toss socks, bibs, hats, nursing pads, and any of their other tiny accoutrements into these zippered washer bags and keep track of them while you wash them!MORE BABY STUFFSticking with the baby theme . . . bottle parts, pacifiers, and other things like this are usually dishwasher-friendly. However, they're tiny and can easily fall through the gaps in the racks. Toss those pieces and parts (after confirming that they're dishwasher-safe) into mesh laundry bags and run them through the dishwasher that way.BEACH TOYSBeach toys are a mess! The sand gets everywhere. So, toss them in one of the big, drawstring mesh laundry bags and carry them around that way. When the kids are done playing with them at the beach, pack them into the mesh bag, and before you toss it in the car, walk it out into the lake and rinse everything off in the bag! BATH TOYSBath toys can end up filling the whole tub . . . Instead, get one of the big, drawstring mesh bags hang it from the shower head. Use that for toy storage! Even though they're stored wet, they'll easily dry through the mesh.BIG PUZZLES or TOYS with PIECESBig, wood-block puzzles are fun, but it's not long before all the pieces are shuffled everywhere. Store those puzzles in separate zippered bags and keep everything together. Or, what about Mr. Potato Head toys or other things like that? Want Mr. Potato Head's eyes and mouths and his little tie and feet to all be available for the next day? Store him and all his parts in a laundry bag.There are tons of other mesh laundry bag hacks! If you have a few that you use on a regular basis, let us know! You can email us at [email protected] Humidifier [06:15 - 18:58]Dan bought a new guitar and quickly realized that in order to maintain it throughout the winter months, he was going to need a humidifier. After doing some digging, he purchased the humidifer in the links below as well as an accompanying hygrometer.Together, the system is working brilliantly: He can set the desired humidity and that's it. The humidifier and hygrometer work together to maintain the room at exactly that relative humidity. The unit is quiet, easy to fill and clean, and because the humidifier turns itself on and off as necessary, he finds he doesn't need to fill it as often as other humidifier that simply run all day until their empty or manually turned off. Govee Smart WiFi HumidifierGovee Bluetooth HygrometerBold Colors Without the Blues [18:59 - 39:21]The 2023 Color Trends from Benjamin Moore are bold! Many of the colors in that palette are saturated and powerful. With rich color being on trend for the year, it's important to understand some key concepts regarding how to work with bold tones. After all, we don't want you to do all that work to paint a room only to have to wear sunglasses whenever you're in the space!THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALEIt's easy to forget or fail to realize, but just because a bold color looks great on a small photograph, or in a piece of art, that doesn't mean it will look great in your room when it's painted on every wall.Colors look and FEEL differently when we're immersed in them versus just looking at them in a contained area like a picture frame or on the pages of a magazine. This is true even for photographs of rooms that demonstrate the color you think will look amazing in your space. You're still only looking at a single, small-scale representation of that color. You're not seeing it in your periphery as you stand in a space. It's one thing to look at a yellow picture held out in front of you. It's something else entirely to stand in a yellow room where the color streams at you from every angle. The yellow in your room--even if it's the same yellow as what's on the photograph--will feel significantly more powerful because there's so much more of it!So remember that scale matters when choosing bold colors and consider opting for a more muted version of the color you think you want. A great place to start is with Benjamin Moore's Williamsburg Collection. There are a lot of rich tones here, but they're made to scale well!GET INPUT FROM EXPERTSAt all the RepcoLite stores in West Michigan and in the Metro Detroit area (formerly Teknicolor Paints), you'll find experts who work with paint colors all day long. We've helped people find the right color for their home--and have steered others away from the WRONG colors--for years. We can give you some solid input regarding your color choices and work with you to make sure you get something you will love! Don't overlook the benefits of th

On Today's EpisodeVillage Custom Interiors: Which Countertop is Right for You? [00:00 - 13:34]Dan and Hailey are joined by Darin DeHaan and Tara Ezinga from Village Custom Interiors to discuss the pros and cons of popular countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms. Steam Cleaning Saved Me Again [13:34 - 19:00]Hailey’s New Years Eve celebration almost ended in tragedy. Hear all about how a steam cleaner saved the day and why everyone could use a steamer. Paint Color Tips for New Builds [19:01 - 32:53]Dan and Hailey discuss a recent color consultation and the tips everyone needs to know when picking paint colors. Order of decorating Paint color selection should come lastMake sure lighting is in place Start with Neutrals Makes sure you have samples of all of your finishes Flooring Cabinets TileCounter Upholstery Always Sample!Tips to Follow When Asking for Decorating Advice [32:53 - 39:30]Dan and Hailey discuss a quote they recently heard “before someone had an opinion you had a goal”. Asking for decoration advice can be tricky but there are a few tips that will help you navigate those waters without losing sight of your own goal.  

On Today's EpisodeRodents and PEX Piping [00:00 - 06:37]PEX piping is becoming more and more popular and for good reason! There are a ton of pros to using PEX . However, there is one BIG CON. Dan and Hailey discuss how to avoid running into problems if you have PEX plumbing in your home. Are You Paying More for Your Water Than You Should? [06:38 - 19:00]Dan and Hailey are Joined by Mark from Great Lakes Plumbing to discuss plumbing maintenance and common signs that you have a plumbing issue that is costing you money every month!Contact Mark at the Plumber is Here!Give Yourself a Break (and Other Lessons from 2022) [19:01 - 39:31]As we say goodbye to 2022, Dan and Hailey look back at the year and discuss the most important lessons they learned. If you’re a DIY’er or an aspiring DIY’er, these are  rules to live by.

On Today's EpisodeThe History of the Christmas Orange[00:00 - 08:12]Many of us decorate with oranges for Christmas. A few of us even continue the tradition of giving them out as gifts. But where does that tradition come from? Hailey has some answers....The History of Snowmen [08:13 - 18:59]Snowmen are not a new concept. In fact . . . SOME archaeologists postulate that they were possibly a favorite past time of primitive man! We've got the whole story here!A Christmas Carol [19:00 - 30:55]Dan's favorite Christmas tradition is watching every rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" that he can find! It's a great little Christmas story AND, surprisingly, it quite possibly inspired the Christmas celebrations we enjoy today!Also, as promised, here are a list of Dan's favorite movie versions:Scrooge with Albert Finney (1970) Yes, it's a musical and yes, there are a number of prominent critics who hated it. But this is the version I grew up with and it's my family's favorite. A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott Although just a made-for-TV movie, this one is also great. No singing, but George C. Scott is a pleasure to watch!A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart Another TV movie, but it's still great.Finally, here's the play we found online! Christmas Memories and Contest Winners [30:55 - 39:30]Before we announce our contest winners from our big Christmas Giveaway, we reminisce about some of our favorite (and most brutal) Christmases!

On Today's EpisodeThe Best Dishwasher Detergents [00:00 - 06:50]The right dishwasher detergent matters--not just for sparkly results, but also in the protection of your dishwasher and even the prevention of food poisoning! Hailey's done the research and here are her recommendations:Cascade Platinum Dishwasher PodsEcover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets ZeroFinish Hard Water DetergentA Ceiling Paint and Primer Chat [06:51 - 18:59]Kevin Hermann from Benjamin Moore joins us to chat about ceiling paint, primers, paint and primer all-in-ones and more. Last Minute Winter Checklist [19:00 - 30:57]Are you ready for winter?? In West Michigan, we had an early snowfall that may have thrown you off your schedule. Here's our checklist to make sure you're prepared for another Michigan Winter:Add fuel stabilizer to your lawnmowersRemove the mower batteries or put on a trickle chargerPut battery-powered lawn equipment batteries inside but NOT on charger!Is your snowblower ready?Are your gutters cleaned out?and more....Ceilings: Always the Forgotten Wall [19:00 - 30:57]Whenever we do a repaint of a room, it's good practice to throw a coat of paint on the ceilings first, to freshen them up! But many of us (Dan and Hailey included) don't do that! Here's why it's a good idea....

On Today's Episode:Making Christmas Brighter [00:00 - 05:13]Christmas is rapidly approaching! And while that fills many of us with excitement and anticipation, there are many families in our community who will struggle! Angel Tree is a ministry run by the Salvation Army that allows us to help make Christmas just a bit brighter for kids in our area. It's a great opportunity for us to get involved and help someone in a very tangible way. Find an Angel Tree donation site, grab a tag from the tree, buy an appropriate gift and return it unwrapped! The Salvation Army will make sure it gets delivered to a child or teen in need before Christmas!We've got Angel Trees at 4 different RepcoLite locations:473 W. 17th Street in Holland860 84th Street SW, Suite 2 in Byron Center2840 Broadmoor Ave SE in Grand Rapids912 Fulton St SE in Grand RapidsYou can find other locations as well as gift ideas here!The 5 Most Common Reasons Your Dryer Isn't Working! [05:14 - 18:59]When an appliance quits working, it's frustrating. It's concerning. It's inconvenient. And it's usually expensive. Happily as DIYers, there are a number of appliance fixes we can implement on our own--for very little money. Today we talk about dryers and 5 of the main reasons yours may not be working right now.Start Troubleshooting with the Simple StuffIs it plugged in?Did the breaker trip?Is it just overloaded with clothes?Is an obstruction preventing the drum from spinning?Is the door closed firmly?Common Problem 1: Is the Door Switch Working?Once you know the simple stuff isn't the problem, you need to dig deeper. One place to look that could be a cause of the problem is the door switch. Every dryer has one--it's a little lever or button that's visible when you open the door.Is it physically broken? Sometimes the tab/lever breaks off and will no longer catch when the door closes. Replacing it is easy!If it's not physically broken, it still could be faulty or defective. Look online and determine how to access your door switch and test with a multi-meter. **IMPORTANT: If the door switch isn't physically broken, before I took the dryer apart to test the switch, I'd instead pop the bottom access panel off and check for a broken belt (Common Problem 2 below). Common Problem 2: Is the Drive Belt Broken?Another common problem is the drive belt. You access this by removing the lower access panel on the dryer and finding the belt that loops over the drum, around an idler pulley and then to the motor.In many dryers, the idler pulley is on a lever switch.When the belt is in place and taut, the switch is engaged and the machine works. When the belt is broken, the switch is disengaged and nothing happens. Common Problem 3: Is the Thermal Fuse Tripped?Another common problem is the thermal fuse. Since the 80's, these are installed on dryers as a safety mechanisms to prevent fires. If the dryer is overheating, the thermal fuse trips and shuts off power. It's not a device that can be reset--it needs to be replaced. Happily, it's inexpensive.Consult your owner's manual or search for your model online to find the location of the thermal fuse.With the machine unplugged, remove the two wire leads and test the fuse with a multi-meter.If it's not working, it has to be replaced.Common Problem 4: Is the On/Off Button Defective?A last common (and simple) reason your dryer could quit working is a faulty or defective switch. Consult your owner's manual or search your model online to determine how to access the on/off switch With the machine unplugged, check the switch for continuity with a multi-meterCommon Problem 5: The Motor? Is it the Motor?Finally, if none of those problems seem to be the reason your dryer isn't working, it definitely could be the motor. Usually this is a job for a service tech!RepcoLite's Biggest News Ever! [19:00 - 32:48]We're joined by Dan Altena, president of RepcoLite to talk about some huge news! RepcoLite has just acquired the 5 Teknicolor Paint stores in the Metro Detroit area, making RepcoLite West Michigan's largest (and favorite) Benjamin Moore dealer!4 Steps to Flawless Touch-ups [32:48 - 39:29]We're heading into Christmas and we know that many folks aren't thinking about tackling big repaints right now. However, you may be looking at some spots that need touch-ups. Here are four steps to ensure you get great results!

On Today's EpisodeToday's a HUGE day! We cover a cool project, talk about some great board games, and finally (and more importantly) launch our big Christmas Scavenger Hunt for 2022! The Pros and Cons of Painting the Subfloor [00:00 - 9:17]Watch on YouTubeAn interesting project that's making the rounds on the internet is turning your subfloor into a finished floor by painting it. Is it a good idea? Or is it one of those really ridiculous internet projects? We talk pros and cons--you decide!Paint Stories: We All Start Somewhere [9:18 - 18:59]Watch on YouTubeWe're joined in the studio by Bob Troszok, Manager of RepcoLite's Plainfield Avenue location and host of The Board Game Shenanigans Podcast. In this segment we talk about Bob's favorite paint project of all time and how much he's grown and learned as a painter. The bottom line is simple: nobody starts as an expert. But you're never going to get good at anything unless you jump in!Board Game Shenanigans [19:00 - 32:01]Watch on YouTubeBob Troszok, host of The Board Game Shenanigans Podcast joins us to talk about his top recommendations. Whether you're looking for a party game, or a great gift, Bob's got you covered!Learn more about The Board Game Shenanigans PodcastThe RepcoLite Christmas Scavenger Hunt 2022 [32:01 - 39:30]Watch on YouTubeIt's time to launch our big Christmas contest for 2022! We've got all the info and a HINT that can help you get your first entry!Learn more about the contest here!

On Today's EpisodeIt's time for our annual gift guide: a time-honored classic! In this episode, we discuss Dan-and-Hailey-approved Christmas gifts. If you're looking for something that's a step above the usual, check out our guide! We'll also dig into the 5 D's of Home Staging with home staging expert, Natalie Kaman from At Home Design and Staging!No Fail Christmas Gifts [00:00 - 18:58]Watch on YouTubeBuying gifts can be tough! It's difficult to find something unique, intriguing, or interesting. We've got a few recommendations that are definitely "off the beaten path!"THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGEHygge has been described as everything from "the art of creating intimacy", "cosines of the soul", "the absence of annoyance" to "taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things", "cozy togetherness" and "the pursuit of everyday pleasures".This book is for anyone wanting to slow down a bit and find more joy in the simple things! STAR WARS -- SHAKESPEAREAN EDITIONSDan stumbled into these books by accident. They are renditions of Star Wars movies we all know and love, but done with a Shakespearean twist! Each book is written as a play in Shakespearean meter and language. His entire family has had tons of fun sitting around the kitchen table, taking roles, and play-acting some of their favorite movies. It's a great introduction to Shakespeare (even though it's NOT Shakespeare), and it's a great opportunity to break out the voice-actor inside each of us! Check them out! You'll thank us later.FAMILY PASSES to the BLANDFORD NATURE CENTERThere's so much going on at the Blandford Nature Center, it's tough to say it in just a few sentences. They've got trails to walk, but so much more! With everything from various classes and workshops to a community-supported farm, they're definitely worth checking out! A family membership may be the perfect gift for someone looking to spend a little more time away from a screen....DAN'S TOP GUN CHRISTMASOK. Dan finally saw Top Gun: Maverick and he was over-the-moon excited. Having just received his motorcycle endorsement, all he needs to fully embrace the supreme coolness of the movie, is to get a pilot's license. That's surely no small feat. And so he wrote it off as something that just isn't to be.And then he discovered the concept of Discovery Flights! A number of piloting schools in our area (Lavion Aero in Zeeland and West Michigan Flight Academy in Sparta, for example) offer an opportunity to fly a plane! Ranging from $99 to $170 (and up), you can purchase a gift certificate for one of these flights. The lucky person who gets it will do everything from taking part in a pre-flight check, to taxiing down the runway, to actually flying the plane, and bringing it in for a landing. All with close supervision, of course! But it's still a great way to see if piloting is for you. AND, it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas gift! The 5 D's of Home Staging [18:59 - 39:10]Watch on YouTube!We sit down with Natalie Kaman from At Home Design and Staging out of Grand Rapids to talk about what sellers can do to get the most for their homes! Here's a sneak peak at Natalie's tips:DepersonalizeDeclutterDon't DarkenDetailDesignCheck out the interview for all the info!

On Today's EpisodeIt's been a monumental week. And it all started with a very lucrative offer from Keanu Reeves....Avoiding Scams [00:00 - 06:53]The Holidays are rapidly approaching. And with them . . . come the scammers! Every year, these people crawl out of the woodwork with schemes and tricks, hoping to harvest information from the unsuspecting. Don't fall for it! We'll talk about a few common scams and what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe!Real Estate Check-In [06:53 - 31:40]The housing market has been all over the place throughout the year. We started with a crazy seller's market and now, the year is ending with the advantage swinging toward the buyers! We sit down with Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group Five-Star Real Estate Leaders to get the scoop. Whether you're a buyer or a seller (or both), this segment is crammed with great info!Our Favorite Projects (and Why) [31:40 - 39:29]Dan and Hailey have tackled a LOT of home projects. But in all of that work over all of those years, which project stands out for each of them as their favorite? And why?

On Today's EpisodeFall is settling in and that means a couple things for sure: the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year and a potential invasion of mice into our homes as they look for warmer digs. Who Can We Blame for DST? [00:00 - 12:17]We take a rambling and energetic look at select moments from the history of Daylight Saving Time. Our focus is to figure out who we can blame for it. We turn up a couple likely culprits, but find that the evidence doesn't point their direction. Fortunately, we're able to uncover the main guilty party for DST in the U.S.Mouse Trapping Masterclass [12:18 - 26:23]The mice are coming! Fall is digging in and that means mice and other pests will be looking for warm places to spend the winter. Is your home going to be a mouse resort? Hopefully not! But, if you do happen to find mice in your walls and running around the edges of your rooms, you need to know how to get rid of them quickly. We go through 8 tips (and a bonus tip that starts the next segment as well) that will help you deal with them if they invade your space!The Big Winners Announced! [26:24 - 39:28]We start this segment with a bonus mouse-trapping tip and then give away the prizes for our big contest that has been running since the middle of October!

On Today's EpisodeWe cover everything from tips for the workshop to laundry room mistakes that we all should correct!Using an Orbital Sander the RIGHT Way [00:00 - 07:48]We’ve all seen the little swirls left behind from an orbital sander. Seeing those is a huge bummer because they show through the finish, whether that’s polyurethane, stain or paint. The good news, It’s not Sanders' fault! Swirling scratches happen because we are using the sander incorrectly. Learn all about common mistakes and how to avoid them in this segment. TOP TIPS For Eliminating Swirls (Pig Tails) When Using Orbital SanderStart RightHold the sanderPlace it flatly on the surface to be sanded and then power it onWhen it is on the surface, with slight hand pressure, the disc spins at a much more controlled ratesWhen it is in the air, it spins very quicklySetting it down while it’s moving at that speed can cause skips, gouges, etc. when it contacts your woodAlso, you may not set it down evenlyCorrect Speed, Keep it Flat, and Use the Right PressureCORRECT SPEED IS IMPORTANT!Often swirls happen because we move too fastWe go back and forth quicklyInstead, sand with the grain at a SLOW and STEADY PACE!Especially as you near the final sandRule of thumb: 1” per secondKEEP IT FLATSometimes we tilt the sanderTry to angle it in to put more pressure on certain areasVery likely to gouge the piece or create swirls (or both)Instead . . . keep it even! Nice and flat on the surfaceUSE THE RIGHT PRESSURELet the sander do the work!Don’t get overly aggressive!Light pressure–just enough for guidance and controlDon’t bog down the motor!If you hear the motor slowToo much pressure!Will result in swirlsInstead, let it work itself over the surfaceWork Through Your GritsCommon MistakeThere isn’t a one-size-fits-all grit usually!Instead, start low–with a coarser gritAnd move your way through the different grits until you finishLet the various grits each do their job and then move to the next one!Don’t skip grits trying to save time – or, if you do, don’t skip more than oneSO, to make it clear:Start with an 80 or 100 grit to remove the finish on a pieceThen, move to 120 grit, then 150 grit, then 180, and finally 220 or higher if necessaryYes, that means you’ll have to amass extra sanding discsBut, it will produce beautiful flawless results!Dust Extraction and Dust RemovalDust from your sanding can get trapped beneath the discs, creating swirlsRemove it!Attach a shop-vac attachment to your sanderTo remove dust as you goAlso! Be sure to remove dust in between gritsWhen you change sandpapersTake time to remove the dust from the surfaceWipe with a soft bristled brushBlow off with an air hoseVacuum offStop RightIt’s important to start rightWith the sander evenly on the surfaceWith light handpressureBefore turning on . . . .Also important to stop right!Stopping while the sander is spinning on your surface is like slamming the brakes on your carThe tire marks in this instance are the swirls you leave behindSo lift the sander off the surface before hitting the power button!Think of it this way:Start ON, Stop OFFDouble CheckOld maxim–measure twice, cut onceSame idea applies here!Nothing more frustrating than applying your stainOnly to discover swirls you missed!Much harder to fix at that pointSo take the time to do a quick double checkA couple methods work well:Use mineral spiritsBasically just get a rag damp and wipe the surfaceSwirls should be readily exposedAnd the mineral spirits evaporates out quicklyOr, use a light on a low angle LED work light, flashlight, or just hold the piece up to the windowKitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, and More [07:48 - 32:21]We work through 9 customer-submitted projects and talk about the amazing transformation $150 worth of Benjamin Moore paint made in each of these! If you've got a project on the horizon . . . you need to give this segment a listen!3 Things We're Likely Doing Wrong in our Laundry [32:21 - 39:29]The Book “Laundry Love” has taught us all about the glaring mistakes many of us make. We run through a few tips that will save your clothes, washing machine and money!Laundry Love by Patric Richardson

On Today's EpisodeWe start in the workshop, head to the bathroom, and then wrap things up talking about how you could win a $1000 Home Improvement Prize Package! It's a full day!Tape Measure Maintenance [00:00 - 07:43]Dan and Hailey discuss all the ways to keep your tape measure accurate. Have you calibrated your tape measure recently? Find out how!Listen to Episode 047: Tape Measure Tricks!Bathroom Renovation Tips [07:44 - 33:37]Dan and Hailey are Joined by Interior Designer and professor Andy Yates to discuss the daunting task of remodeling a bathroom. From planning to installation, Andy has perfected the process so you can avoid common mistakes. The Giant Giveaway [33:37 - 39:20]Dan and Hailey launch phase two of our Giant Paint Giveaway! This time there are multiple $1,000 Home Improvement Prize Packages to win!! Find out how to enter!Check out the before and after pictures and vote!

On Today's EpisodeBenjamin Moore just released their Color of the Year for 2023 and it's a doozy! We cover that topic in detail and we also highlight some ridiculously cheap paint tools that work remarkably well. In non-paint-related news, we sit down with Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One in Grandville to talk about all sorts of flooring and countertop materials and trends. It's definitely a full day!Cheap (But Brilliant) Paint Tools [00:00 - 08:30]WATCH THIS SEGMENT ON YOUTUBE!These small inexpensive tools can have an incredible impact on your next paint project!Tile, Counters, Carpet, & More! [08:31 - 28:44]WATCH THIS SEGMENT ON YOUTUBEWe are joined in the studio with Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One to discuss the wide variety of products they offer. Plus we will discuss inexpensive options and trends in flooring, countertops and tile! Straight Talk about Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2023 [28:45 - 39:14]WATCH THE FULL 18-Minute VERSION ON YOUTUBEThe very bold, 2023 color trends palette by Benjamin Moore is sure to invite strong opinions. Dan and Hailey have a very candid conversation about the recently announced 2023 color of the year.

On Today's EpisodeWe cover a wide range of topics! We all know technology has rapidly advanced over the last 10 years . . . but is every advancement REALLY an advancement? Also, if you are getting ready to snag some pumpkins for carving or for your outdoor fall decorating, we've got some tips to keep them looking great longer. Another question that comes up this time of year involves our decks: is there still time to stain them before we head into winter? Is there any reason to consider that project now? We'll discuss it with painting professional Dean Veltman. And finally, we'll focus on what seems like a silly, throw-away-tool. But could there be some value to it? Smart Toilets [00:00 - 8:05]What will they think of next? Dan and Hailey discuss all that a smart toilet can offer. Kohler Smart ToiletsHow to Preserve your Carved or Uncarved Pumpkin [8:06 - 19:00]The first weekend in October Hailey always rushes out to get pumpkins so she can start decorating for fall and she almost always regrets it. Determined to make this year's pumpkins last longer, Hailey has found the best ways to preserve both carved and uncarved pumpkins.Deck Considerations [19:00 - 35:20]Dan and Hailey are Joined by Painter, Dean Veltman to discuss common pitfalls when staining a deck, realistic expectations for deck stains plus best practices for staining your deck during the fall. Universal Socket Mini-Review [35:20 - 39:29]It may sound like a silly tool to add to the collection but in a pinch the universal socket can be a life saver!Universal Socket Tool

On Today's EpisodeToday is all about fixing problems and dealing with (and avoiding) mistakes! 6 Ways to Avoid Color Mistakes [00:00 - 18:58]Unfortunately, we have all made mistakes when choosing paint colors, the good news is there are simple ways to avoid that! We have 6 lessons that everyone can benefit from. Standby Generators: Whole Home Power [18:58 - 28:37]Dan and Hailey are joined by Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems to discuss whole home power in the event of a power outage.Concrete Lifting and So Much More! [28:37 - 39:28]Ayers Basement Systems offers more than basement  waterproofing solutions. They offer everything from concrete lifting and insulation to plumbing and electrical services!

On Today's EpisodeWith Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today! We'll also be talking about...Last Minute Father's Day Gifts [00:00 - 18:58]With only 1 shopping day left until Father's Day 2022...How to Become Handy [18:58 - 32:34]Are you handy? When it comes to projects...The Curb Appeal Checklist [32:34 - 39:28]Curb appeal is important all the time...

On Today's EpisodeWho would have thought painting your floor could leave you without hot water! We'll explain how that could happen. We'll also be talking with Lauren Figueroa about decorating with vintage finds (and how to find them). And of course, we'll be listing off the 10 winners of our paint contest and launching Phase 2!FV Sensors [00:00 - 8:45]Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube! We were made aware of an interesting painting experience that resulted in a loss of hot water! It led us on an interesting search where we discovered something we hadn't been aware of regarding water heaters. Turns out, since 2003, most gas water heaters are equipped with a safety feature called an Flammable Vapor (FV) sensor. And when these (sometimes finicky) gadgets detect what they think are dangerous fumes, they'll shut down the whole unit.It's a nice safety feature, but definitely something to be aware of if you've got an upcoming project in your home! Video on Resetting the FV sensor on a number of different gas valves Decorating with Vintage Finds (and how to find them!) [8:46 - 28:58]Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube! If you haven't gone searching for vintage decor, furniture, rugs, accessories for your home, you're missing out on an amazing experience! Not only can you save money, take the materials you buy home with you (rather than wait for 7 months while they're constructed) . . . but you also get to experience the "joy of the hunt!".Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa chats with us about her article in the September/October issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. Turkish Rug Empire WebsiteThe Big Winners [28:59 - 39:29]Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube! We've selected winners for our Big Paint Giveaway contest and now we're ready to name names and launch Phase 2! Tune in to find out if you won . . . and even if you didn't, we'll tell you about another way you can take home a prize!

On Today's EpisodeWe'll be talking about (incredibly brilliant) DIY lessons that Dan learned from his recent vacation. They apply to ALL people EVERYWHERE. They are THAT good. kind of. We'll also be talking about one of the most exciting art projects we've ever covered on the show: Cyanotype Printing. It's easy, inexpensive, and the results are incredible. Finally . . . we unleash our biggest paint contest ever! DIY Life Lessons from Vacation [00:00 - 14:21]We are constantly learning lessons in life that can be applied to DIY projects. Whether that is learning to ask for help, knowing who NOT to ask for help or “not feeding your inner seagull” this segment has a lot to offer when it comes to ENJOYING your next DIY project. Cyanotype Projects for All Ages [14:22 - 38:58]Cyanotype prints are the perfect process. They are beautiful, inexpensive, easy and only take 15 min to make! The possibilities seem endless! We discuss how to make them and all the ways you can make beautiful home decor using this process.Cyanotype Chemicals on AmazonCyanotype Papers on AmazonThe BIG Paint Giveaway [38:59 - 45:49]We are excited to give 10 lucky people a $150 gift certificate for Benjamin Moore Paint from RepcoLite! Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment,  telling us what your next paint project is. Contest Ends 09/01/2022 Want to increase your chances of winning? Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @repcolitepaints and comment on the giveaway posts. Head to https://www.repcolite.com for more details!

On Today's EpisodeSummer's winding down and as we look back to our big DIY hopes and dreams in the Spring, we're feeling a little bummed about how little we actually accomplished. We'll talk about what went wrong, how to correct it, and why it's not so bad. We'll also talk about cleaning and avoiding paint spills. And finally, after a year of waiting, Hailey can finally do her toilet paper topic!Avoiding (and Cleaning) Paint Spills [00:00 - 07:22]During an annual RepcoLite cookout Dan sprung into action when he noticed paint leaking from a van! We discuss how to avoid paint spills when transporting paint and the best ways to clean up a paint spill so YOU can be a paint spill hero like Dan!Summer Project Blues (and Hope) [07:23 - 32:06]We had high hopes for accomplishing projects this Summer and now that we are nearing the end…depression has set in as we realize we are nowhere near where we hoped. After commisterating, we go through a list of helpful tips on how to get back on track. What Did We Do Before Toilet Paper? [32:07 - 39:25]Hailey pitched a topic to Dan about a year ago and he has finally come around to the idea; What did we do before toilet paper? We go through the absolutely ridiculous list of what people used before toilet paper and it is sure to surprise you.

On Today's EpisodeChoosing the wrong dining room table for your space can be a frustrating and expensive mistake! Fortunately, we've got some tips to help you make sure you get it right! We'll also be talking with Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa about a very unique Design-in-a-Day service she offers. Finally, we'll close the show out talking about paint sheens. It's not exciting stuff, but think of it this way: you could pick the right color, the best paint, use the best tools with the greatest skill . . . and still hate the end results because the sheen is wrong. We'll help you avoid that!How to Find the Perfect Table [00:00 - 09:39]Dining room tables are extremely important to our home life and choosing the wrong table can have a big impact. We discuss the rules of thumb everyone needs to know before shopping for a new table.A Budget-Friendly Interior Design Service [09:40 - 30:40]We are joined by Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa to discuss a design service that has become a huge hit; Design in a Day! Many of us struggle when decorating our homes and yet we don't ask for help because we don’t think we can afford it. That is all changing with the flexible budget friendly option. Find out how it works and how to get the most out of it.Lauren Figueroa Lauren's Website @lfdesigns.co on Instagram Lauren's Facebook page How to Pick a Paint Sheen [39:41 - 39:12]You can do all of the right things; find the perfect color, get the best paint and paint tools but if you don't pick the right sheen…it could still mean catastrophe. We walk you through all of the sheens and where/when you should use them.

On Today's EpisodeWith Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today! We'll also be talking about...DIY PAINTING 101: How Much Paint Do I Need? [00:00 - 9:20]DIY Painting 101: Start by estimating how much paint you are going to need! Getting an accurate paint estimate / budgeting for your project can be easy once you know how much paint to buy. Just follow these steps:Measure the LENGTH of each wall AND  the HEIGHT. Multiple each wall LENGTH by the ceiling HEIGHT. Add those totals togetherSubtract square footage from windows and doorsWe always recommend 2 coats which means if the room is 408sqft you will be covering 816 sqft1 gallon will typically cover around 400 sqft. For this example you will need 2 gallons of paint Bring in your final number of square feet into your nearest RepcoLite Paints so we can get you the right amount of paint! Lithium-Ion Battery Safety [9:21 - 32:35]We are surrounded by Lithium Ion Batteries. They are used in everything from phones, watches and  tools to yard equipment, electric scooters and cars. If you have seen any of these devices catch fire it can be frightening and many people wonder if they are safe…In short, yes, they are safe. However, like most things that use electricity,  there are safety precautions everyone needs to know! We are joined by Holland’s Fire Chief to learn all about Lithium Ion Batteries and Fire Safety. Bunny the Talking Dog [32:36 - 39:27]We know that your days are filled with stress so we thought we’d bring you a story that is sure to make you smile! Bunny the talking dog is an internet sensation and for good reason! Dan and Hailey discuss the possibility of communicating with pets. Check out Bunny on Instagram!

On Today's EpisodeIt's a project-focused episode this week. Hailey is converting her 100 year-old garage into an art studio and needed to degrease the concrete. She'll talk about what she used and whether or not it's a product she'd recommend.Dan, on the other hand, took an old, rusty Bistro set that he bought over 20 years ago and restored it to "better-than-its-former-glory." He'll discuss the steps he went through and, more importantly, he'll talk about the temptation to skimp on the prep and how he overcame it! While both of these projects are ridiculously specific . . . they are loaded with applications and ideas that will apply to many projects around the house.ACT Concrete Cleaner Review [00:00 - 18:58]-->View this segment on YouTube!<--Hailey's 100 year-old-garage floor was covered with dark oil stains. So many, in fact, that she surmised that the garage had possibly been used for automotive work sometime in its long history. With all those stains, she decided to go with a heavy-duty, industrial strength cleaner. And then, she read the warnings on the back of that degreaser and decided she wanted something less terrifying. She settled on ACT Concrete Cleaner. It's pet-friendly, Hailey-friendly, and generally safe. But does it work? She'll let you know in her review!ACT Concrete CleanerRestoring Rusty Patio Furniture [18:59 - 39:28]-->View this segment on YouTube!<--Years back, Dan bought a cute little cast iron bistro set. And then he set it outside and let time have its way with it. Recently, his daughter started using the rusty, spider-infested, ivy-covered set and Dan decided it was time to restore it.It's a simple project and very specific. Yet, it was surprising how many painting lessons he relearned or remembered along the way. Most surprising is how tempting it really is to skimp on the prep work--even when you KNOW that doing so is a bad idea. In this segment, we talk about removing rust, prepping surfaces, painting metal, and a lot of other things along the way.Final Notes and ThoughtsIf you're listening to our podcast, we'd LOVE to know! Please email us at [email protected] and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future segments. Also, don't forget to check us out on YouTube! And if you do, please click subscribe!

On Today's EpisodeToday's a bit wide-ranging when it comes to topics. The whole first half of the show is about "summer school"--about continued learning and making the most of the time we have! We start with a summer learning experience Hailey jumped into at Ox-Bow in Saugatuck. From there, Dan talks about turning 50 and some of the recent experiences he's jumped into. Then we shift gears into an in-depth review of the Ego Zero Turn Riding Lawnmower. We know someone who has one and we get his thoughts.Finally, we wrap up with a quick look at the new and improved Ben from Benjamin Moore. It's a great, budget-friendly paint and now, with some new technology, it's even better!Art at Ox-Bow [00:00 - 9:28]Hailey recently took an Art class at Ox-Bow Art School & Artist in Residency in Saugatuck, Michigan. We discuss the history of Ox-Bow the campus and her experience taking a printmaking class there. A Vist to Ox-Bow VideoArt on the Meadow WorkshopThe Mid-Life Crisis[9:29 - 18:59]Dan has been joking about his midlife crisis after buying a motorcycle and approching the age of fifty. All jokes aside, though,  he has found navigating this crisis means learning new things and that is something we all need more of no matter what age. EGO Zero Turn Riding Lawnmower Review [19:00 - 33:30]We have talked about EGO Lawn equipment on the show before but this time we are going big! Hear all about the EGO Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower and how it compares to a traditional John Deere Tractor. Is it worth the money?Ben Revisited [33:31 - 39:29]Benjamin Moore has recently improved their entry level paint “Ben” . We discuss those improvements and when we’d recommend choosing this product. Check out Ben in our online storeFinal Notes and ThoughtsIf you're listening to our podcast, we'd LOVE to know! Please email us at [email protected] and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future segments. Also, don't forget to check us out on YouTube! And if you do, please click subscribe!

On Today's EpisodeWhen gas is pushing $5 a gallon and groceries have become ridiculously expensive, the concept of saving money on home improvement projects is a big deal. On today's show, we talk about how you can cut corners (safely) and save money on your next paint or wallpaper project without compromising the final look!Budget-Friendly Paints [00:00 - 13:08]WATCH ON YOUTUBE (and don't forget to subscribe!)Working with the best paints money can buy is a great experience. The paint goes on better and lasts longer. Working with the best is always fun. However, we don't always have money to buy the best. And sometimes our particular project doesn't need the absolute best paint. (A spare bedroom maybe doesn't require Aura from Benjamin Moore, for example)And so, with all that in mind, we talk about some of our favorite "budget-friendly" options and list their pros as well as some of their cons. BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY PAINTSBen from Benjamin MooreCarefree from RepcoLite BEST PRICED PREMIUM PAINTOptima from RepcoLitePaint Tools You Can Skimp On (and Those You Can't) [13:09 - 33:01]WATCH ON YOUTUBE (and don't forget to subscribe!)When it comes to paint tools, there are certain ones that you can save money on. Sure, they may not be the best tool and there may be some limitations to how well they work, but overall, they'll perform well and at a discount.However, there are other tools that you should absolutely never skimp on. Let's break them down:BRUSHES. Believe it or not, brushes are actually a good place to skimp if you're hoping to save some money. Of course, there are caveats. First, I would never go to the cheapest brushes you can find. Avoid dollar store brushes like the plague. They drop bristles left and right and can make any paint project a misery. Instead, if you don't want o spend the money on the best brushes out there, go for middle of the road. Wooster SilverTip brushes are a great option. Wooster Soft Tips will work great as well. A great brush is still far better--it applies more paint, more evenly, and lasts much longer. But a middle of the road brush can save you some money.ROLLER COVERS. This is a place you should never skimp. Most of our projects are rolled out. That means that the roller cover is the item most responsible for how good your finished paint looks. A cheap roller cover can make a premium, top-shelf paint, look terrible on your walls. And a great cover can make a cheaper paint look better.On top of that . . . a good cover, Like Wooster's MicroPlush Cover prices out just over $4. A cheap (garbage) roller cover could maybe price out as low as $1. So a $3 savings per cover. On average, most projects require about 2 covers. Which means you'd be compromising your finished look for a grand total savings of $6. It's absolutely not worth it!ROLLER FRAMES. There are great roller frames out there (Wooster Sherlock Frames, we're looking at you!). And while they are great to work with, you can certainly get by with a standard $3 roller frame. Definitely a decent place to save money if you're looking to make cuts. EXTENSION POLES. If you're skimping on the roller frame, there's no reason to splurge on the extension pole. Extension poles make every project easier--even when you're painting standard, 8 foot walls. But while more expensive ones can really feel like gold in your hands . . . you can certainly get by with a cheap wooden extension pole. DROP CLOTHS. This is a toss-up! If you do a ton of painting, go for a canvas drop cloth. It'll pay for itself quickly. But if you are only doing a few projects, you might want to opt for a 4 x 15 canvas runner. You can pick one up for about $22 and you'll use it until you wear it out. If that's still too steep, consider a paper and plastic drop. These are very inexpensive and they're not too bad to work with. TAPE. This one's also a toss-up. It's all about you and how you work. If you will take the time to apply a regular painter's tape and then press down the paint edge with a putty knife, then go for the cheaper blue painter's tape from 3M. If you don't think you're going to go through those extra steps, then spring for Frog Tape. It will give you the cleanest, sharpest lines with less effort!Cheap-O Wallpaper [33:01 - 39:27]WATCH ON YOUTUBE (and don't forget to subscribe!)We didn't have time to dig into this topic as much as we had wanted. Suffice to say, Roommates Wallpaper is a great budget-friendly option. It's a peel-n-stick paper and there are some beautiful patterns available.Also, never forget that reducing the amount of paper in your space is an obvious (but still great) way to save some money! Pick a high-impact wall and see what a difference it can make!

On Today's EpisodeWe cover a lot of ground today--or, at least, we cover some very diverse ground! It all starts with a quick look at a cool project: repairing an antique frame (or at least making it better!).From there, we take a deep dive into the Sous-Vide--a kitchen appliance that promises to save you time and help you produce the best meals you've ever made.Finally, with all that delicious food you're likely to make with the Sous-Vide, we know the next problem you'll be dealing with are ants and other pests, coming for their piece of the feast. We've got some alternative insecticides to help you eliminate those unwanted guests!Frame Job [00:00 - 05:24 ]Durham's Water Putty is an inexpensive product that covers a lot of ground. If you don't have some in your DIY arsenal, you need it!In this segment, we talk about an antique picture frame Dan found at an antique store a couple weeks ago. The frame was relatively intricate and sadly, a bit of that detail work had broken off with age. The missing section was glaring and accounted for the cheap price on the piece.After looking at it for months, Dan bought it planning on painting the missing section with a metallic gold color, hoping to blend it in. However, when he got home, he remembered that he had a canister of Durham's Water Putty. Durham's, among other things, can be carved and shaped once it hardens. He went to work and after an hour or so, had puttied in the missing spots and done a fair job of carving in a close-enough representation of the pattern. It's not perfect and there's a different approach that he could have taken with the Durhams that would have worked better. But still, after a beautiful paint match, the damaged corner fades out of sight while hanging on the wall.Check out our video of the first segment!The Sous Vide [05:25 - 31:17]Sous-Vide Chef and RepcoLite employee par excellence joins us in the studio to talk about a kitchen appliance that he's LOVED for the last 4 years: The Sous-Vide. He makes the case that the Sous-Vide helps you prepare the best-flavored food you've ever eaten . . . while at the same time making the whole preparation and cooking process simple. Is the Sous-Vide right for you? Here's the Sous Vide Peter was talking about on the showAlternative Insecticides [31:17 - 39:23]Ants and other pests in the home can be a real pain in the neck! If you're dealing with that, there are some options other than your standard pesticides.DIATOMACEOUS EARTHDiatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. While living, they are responsible for producing almost 30% of our oxygen. And once dead and fossilized, they can be ground up into a fine powder that works well for filtration, polishing, and . . . bug killing.Just sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and any bugs with an exo-skeleton who crawl through it will be short for this world. Just wear a mask while applying it and you should be fine. There's a lot more to read about and here's a great place to start! BORAX ANT KILLERThe internet abounds with recipes using Borax as a main ingredient in ant killers. Basically, you mix 1 part Borax to 3 parts water, sugar, peanut butter, or corn syrup. Then you put that mixture on small pieces of index cards and place them where you see your ants. They will eat the mixture and then take it back to the colony and in about 24 - 48 hours, there should be no problem.A couple IMPORTANT things to consider:Borax is not a pet-safe/child-safe alternative! It CAN be lethal to both pets, children, AND adults in the right doses. So be careful to keep it out of reach!Borax is the ACTIVE INGREDIENT in the over-the-shelf ant killer, Terro.

On Today's EpisodeIt's the Fourth of July Weekend and so we're looking at a couple things that are uniquely American! We'll be digging into some fun facts about the 4th as well as an architectural element of our homes that is distinctly American--the front porch. Do you have one? Do you use it? Whatever situation you're in, we've got some creative solutions so you can get out there and enjoy your summer.We'll also be talking with realtors Sue Prins and Ginger Herman about the current state of the real estate market. Do we need to be worried about another housing market crash like 2008? Sue and Ginger have some positive (and calming) news....4th of July Fun Facts! [00:00 - 09:43]There's a lot we know about the Fourth of July. BUT, even more importantly, there's a lot of fun/cool stuff we don't! For example: did you know that a teenager designed the current American flag in 1958? Yep . . . he made room and added a couple stars . . . and there you go: history was made! His name was Robert G. Heft and you can learn more by clicking here.Another interesting fact is that 3 Presidents, who had all signed the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams (both on the same day), and James Monroe 5 years later.Moving on . . . the 4th is all about Flag Etiquette (or should be), so we were surprised to find that snippets of the original Star Spangled Banner have been sold at auctions over the years. It somehow just feels wrong...Finally, here's a couple last facts that aren't really so surprising . . . Americans spent over 1 billion dollars on fireworks every 4th and . . . also not surprising . . . over 45,000 people visit the emergency room on this same day every year!The State of Real Estate [09:44 - 26:24]We're all hearing some doom and gloom coming from the media about the real estate market. They're throwing around phrases like "bubble bursting" and "housing crash" and the always popular: "just like 2008."Is that the case? Is that really where we're at or where we're heading? Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group Five-Star Real Estate Leaders don't think so. In fact, they believe there's a bit of a silver lining to everything that's going on right now.Sue Prins Real Estate Professional Sue 's Website Creating a Front Porch Oasis [26:24 - 55:49]Front porches, whether you realize it or not, are distinctly American. They contain elements found in other cultures . . . but we've taken those concepts, melted them all together in our big melting pot, and produced a product as perfect as a fresh apple pie: the front porch.Unfortunately, while front porches were a big part of life from the mid-1800's to just before World War II, they ended up kind of taking a back seat as indoor plumbing arrived. That moved the outhouse out of the back yard and made that area much less horrible to spend time in--as a result, those spaces became our go-to's for outdoor living. Also, air conditioning and TVs in every house brought people inside for even more time. And so the value and use of the front porch waned.However, we think it needs to be brought back! Front porches create a vibe of leisure and community--spaces where we can relax and recharge . . . but still remain connected to neighbors and community. It's sad that this has faded from typical American life. And we're not the only ones who think so! Just check out the Professional Porch Sitters Union and consider forming your own chapter!SOME PROJECTSSo, how do you get your front porch up to snuff so you can get out there and start enjoying those lazy summer evenings?DECLUTTERIt all starts with a little decluttering. Don't let that space be a place for collecting all the things you don't know what to do with! So many front porches are stuffed from floor to ceiling with boxes, exercise bikes, crates and who-knows-what-else. If you don't use the space as a relaxing front porch, it's very likely you're using it as an extra closet. Problem is, this closet has a view to the outside. And it really detracts from the look of your home. So take the time to cut through the mess. It's tough, but donate, toss, and re-organize until you've got a space you can call relaxing.OPEN THOSE WINDOWS!If you've got an older home, there's a good chance the windows are painted shut. That makes the space almost impossible to spend time in. The good news is that opening them isn't complicated and you don't need tons of specialty tools. All you need is a box cutter, a putty knife, and a hammer. Check out this video that walks you through the whole thing! In a few hours, you could have your porch airing out with a fresh breeze....IT'S TIME FOR FURNITUREOnce you've got the windows open and the clutter gone . . . you're starting to see the potential of the space. And at this point, what's clearly missing is furniture! Sure, you could set up some crates and call it good . . . but you want this to be a relaxing place, an inviting place . . . and for that, you need the good stuf

On Today's EpisodeGroceries (and everything else) are getting extremely expensive. Today, we talk briefly about some of our tried-and-true money-saving tips when it comes to stocking the pantries. We'll also be taking a deep dive into some color theory and talk about how to choose exterior colors like a pro!Finally . . . we need to address an elephant in the room: Dan's a hypocrite. But chances are, he's not the only one . . . .Saving Money on Groceries [00:00 - 05:31]When it comes to saving money at the grocery register, the best thing you can do is plan those meals! Yes, it's work. No, it's not fun . . . but when you sit down and plan out the meals for the week, working out all the ingredients necessary, and then make your purchases based on that plan . . . you dramatically cut down on the unnecessary purchases. Before doing this, I was always buying one-off items that made sense as I stood in the store trying to imagine what the meals would be. But later, when they sit in my pantry, I realize they're not a meal. And they're not a part of any of the meals I actually made. They're just extra. Maybe I'll use them eventually . . . but I don't want to spend money on food I'm maybe going to use eventually. Along these same lines, another easy way to save money is to make use of your local grocery store's online order and curbside pick-up system. If your store offers this, it's a crazy simple way to save money. I order online, arrange a time to pick up the items, and then am in and out in 5 minutes. I never set foot in the store and I'm never buying the extra add-ons that I don't really need. Yes, I sometimes miss out on some special prices, but I'll trade that for the savings on ridiculously unnecessary trinkets and gadgets that I'm currently enjoying!Another idea that's counter to common thought on this regard is to avoid buying in bulk. I'm sure it works for some people. Maybe it works for most people. But for me, when I do it . . . all it means is that my kids eat in bulk. The most recent example is a box of 38 granola bars. Normally we buy the box that has 10 of them in it. And it lasts a week. But recently, I found the big box. The Bulk Box. The Box of the gods. And so I snagged it, knowing that now we would have granola bars for weeks and weeks. Yes, I knew the kids might tend to want to eat them quickly, but I also knew that with a quick conversation and some reasoning, they would see that by limiting their intake, we would save money as a family. So I put the box in the cupboard, explained the situation to the kids, and then, amidst much nodding and agreeing, we went our separate ways. Two days later the box was empty. Even I hadn't listened to myself. The lure of 38 granola bars was too enticing. I think I ate 14 of them myself. Bottom line . . . when we have an abundance of something . . . we treat it like we're rolling in cash. That we'll never run out. And we eat it faster than when we have a smaller amount we need to stretch.There are tons of other ways to save money. We're not experts. We know what works for us, but if you've got a system that's utterly brilliant and you'd like to share it with the world (or at least with us) please reach out: [email protected]!Exterior Color Help 101 [05:32 - 33:12]Choosing colors for the exterior of your home (or for an outbuilding of any kind) is stressful! You want to get it right because it's a big area to paint and a big investment . . . but also because everyone in your neighborhood is watching to see your results.Here is a quick look at some of the details we cover in the podcast:COLORS WILL LOOK LIGHTER OUTSIDE. Lighting and scale dramatically affect the appearance of colors outside. Because the sun is the ultimate light source and because colors outside are usually painted on much larger areas, they end up looking much lighter than we may expect--sometimes as much as three "shades" or more. So, if you're looking at a color chip with 8 different gradations of color and you really want that middle color . . . chances are, once it's on your house, it's going to look more like the top color. So choose accordingly!NARROW DOWN YOUR CHOICES USING YOUR ROOF. It's important to sample colors for outdoor projects by actually painting them on the surface you're going to paint. However, before you jump into buying 12 sample 1/2 pints . . . you've got to narrow down your choices! Not only will that save you money, it will also help you stay sane in the process. Too many options doesn't help anyone. Fortunately, you can really narrow down the options by simply looking at the roof. Here are a couple of quick tips to help:THE ROOF COLOR SHOULD BE THE DARKEST COLOR. Darker colors recede in our visual field while lighter colors come forward. You don't want the roof to be the thing everyone notices first! So let that be the darker of the colors.ROOF TEMPERATURE CAN HELP WITH COLORS. If the roof is a warm color, (brown, beige, some orange), look for warm colors for the ho

On Today's EpisodeWith Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today! We'll also be talking about what it takes to be "handy". A lot of us tell ourselves (and others) that we're all thumbs. That we're not mechanical. All of that. We don't believe you! You're handy. You just don't know it....Finally, we walk you through a quick curb appeal checklist. These are some key areas of our home that are often overlooked. How does your home measure up? Tune in to find out!Last Minute Father's Day Gifts [00:00 - 18:58]With only 1 shopping day left until Father's Day 2022, we decided to put our brains to work to come up with the best, easily-attainable, Father's Day gifts for any budget! Joining us is RepcoLite's own Ryan Mullen, a new father for the third time! The Money Bags CategoryLocal Craft Beer or Liquor (Ryan's Idea)An Experience for Dad -- Batting Cages, A Baseball Game, A Concert, etc. (Hailey's Idea)A DEWALT Atomic Series Reciprocating Saw (Dan's BRILLIANT Idea)The "I've Got No Money But Still Care" CategoryA DIY Plaster Mold of Your Child's Hand (Hailey's idea)A DIY Yard Golf Game (Dan's Idea)The "I've Got SOME Money to Spend . . . But Let's Not Get Crazy" CategoryMovie Tickets for a Dad's Only Movie Event (Ryan's Idea--He's thinking the new Top Gun looks pretty good...)A Car Vacuum (Hailey's Idea)A French Press Coffee Pot (Dan's Idea)When everyone had explained all of their recommendations, we let Ryan vote on the best gift idea. I won't tell you who he picked . . . but he couldn't have been more correct in his choice.How to Become Handy [18:58 - 32:34]Are you handy? When it comes to projects or repairs around the house, do you jump in? Or do you look the other way and hope things somehow just get better? Not long ago, I was speaking with a friend about a lawnmower repair I had to tackle. When I finished recounting the experience (there were some ups and some really exciting downs), he shook his head and said "well, you can do that because you're handy. I'm just not good at stuff like that."That statement was remarkably eye-opening to me because I would never have thought of myself as "handy." I know other people who are handy. I'm not them. In fact, I usually think of myself as a hack. Sure, I'm a good "tryer" and a relatively quick learner, but handy? No.And yet, here was my friend, looking at the work I'm able to accomplish, completely convinced that I'm one of the lucky ones: the few, the proud, the Handy.Being handy is a great thing. Sure, there's the satisfaction of repairing something and the sense of pride that goes with it. But there's also the huge savings you experience when you DON'T need to bring something to a fix-it shop or hire a professional. Well, that idea about me being handy turned into a great conversation. Hailey and I dig into what it takes to be handy. And really, we come to the conclusion that we're all probably handy. Some of us just don't realize it. Where do you fall in the mix? Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think! You can email comments to [email protected]. We'd love to chat about this topic! It's one of our favorite concepts.The Curb Appeal Checklist [32:34 - 39:28]Curb appeal is important all the time--NOT just when you're selling your home. In fact, we believe that there's something psychological going on when our homes have good curb appeal and when they don't.A house that has good curb appeal bounces our mood in a positive direction every single time we pull into our driveway. Is it always a huge bounce? Probably not. But really, any bounce in a positive direction is a good thing as we arrive home after a long day at work.Conversely, a house with bad curb appeal does exactly the opposite. Again, is it a huge, dramatic bounce in a negative direction this time? Maybe not. But still . . . when we pull in and see messy landscaping, peeling paint, dirty siding, a cluttered yard . . . the negative feelings about our home and space add up and color our mood as we begin our evening....Often, there are a lot of reasons we don't tackle these jobs. Sometimes we're just too busy. Other times we don't know how to go about the repair. Maybe it's money. But quite often, the reasons we don't jump into these curb appeal projects is even simpler than that: we don't notice them.Being "house blind" is a real thing! We see something so often that it no longer strikes us as new, interesting, concerning, messy, etc. It's just "normal". In this short segment, our goal is to help all of us wake up a bit and take notice of our homes! Here are some of the key areas we think you should check out:The Front Door and Main Entry The Front PorchThe LandscapingSidewalks and Driveways Your House's SidingIf you're interested in being a guest on the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, please let us know! Hailey a

SEGMENT 1: The Butter ZoneTwo things are accomplished--sort of--in this segment! First, if you had grubs on your yard last fall, NOW's the time to treat for them. Secondly . . . Dan has a new refrigerator and it doesn't seem to be functioning correctly. So . . . he's placed a thermometer inside. This is both a great idea and a terrible idea. We'll tell you why!SEGMENT 2: Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper RecantSeveral weeks ago, we recommended that you DO NOT use Peel-n-Stick wallpaper on a full room installation. We based that conclusion on a personal experience. However, a few weeks later, we had another personal experience and now, we've changed our minds dramatically. REPCOLITE LOCATIONS THAT CARRY WALLPAPER BOOKS17th Street RepcoLite in HollandLakewood Blvd. RepcoLite in HollandByron Center RepcoLitePlainfield Ave RepcoLite in Grand RapidsFulton Street RepcoLite in Grand RapidsKalamazoo RepcoLiteFind ALL of our locations here!SEGMENT 3: EGO Yard Equipment RevisitedA year ago or so, Hailey and I both jumped into EGO battery-powered lawn equipment. And initially, we LOVED it. However . . . it's been a year. How do we feel about it all now? Learn more about EGO here!SEGMENT 4: The Saugatuck Antique PavilionWe LOVE to highlight area businesses that stand out! The Saugatuck Antique Pavilion is another one. If you love shopping for antiques and haven't been here . . . it's time to plan a day trip.Learn more about the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion here!

Today's show is basically the presentation we gave on June 1 and 2 at the Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville. It's a yearly event that RepcoLite hosts and Hailey and I called this one: Down the Rabbit HoleSEGMENT 1: Meet Our GuidesIn this first segment, we introduce you to the topic and also to our guides:Elizabeth GilbertFrank Gehry David LynchSEGMENT 2: Recognizing FearOne of the key requirements to living creatively is learning to recognize fear. SEGMENT 3: Being CuriousAnother key trait of creative people is that they are constantly curious! Get out there, ask questions, stop "knowing" so much and be a detective!SEGMENT 4: Taking Time to DaydreamA third train of creative people is that they take time to daydream . . . to let their mind rest . . . or to "play and experiment with reality."

SEGMENT 1: The Field GuideIt's a simple thing . . . but it can bring about a lot of fun for the whole family. Pick up a field guide--for birds, wildflowers, trees, whatever--and turn your outdoor time into a great family scavenger hunt of sorts!SEGMENT 2: Aura ReformulatedBenjamin Moore's Aura is the best paint they've ever made. AND, it just got better! We sit down with Benjamin Moore's Kevin Hermann to talk about what improvements have been made and what you can expect from this premium product moving forward.SEGMENTS 3 and 4: A Trip Down the Rabbit HoleRepcoLite and Benjamin Moore are hosting "Down the Rabbit Hole" coming up on June 1. It's a deep dive into some creative pioneers and we'll talk about what it is they do that helps them continually find new ideas. In these segments, we talk specifically about what Hailey and Dan each have personally learned in the process of preparing the event.You can learn more about Down the Rabbit Hole here!

SEGMENT 1: TICKSIt's already tick season! They're gross and their annoying and dangerous . . . but you can avoid them. As long as you've got the right info! SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Common Paint QuestionsAt RepcoLite.com we have a chat function--like most websites. However, ours is manned entirely by one guy who's always ready with an answer! Peter Ogle runs the chat from 8 AM to 9 PM every weekday and he will go to ridiculous lengths to help customers get the answers they need. Today we talk with Peter about a few of the most common questions he gets. And, he regals us with a story of his most epic chat.SEGMENT 4: Down the Rabbit HoleComing up on June 1, RepcoLite is hosting our premier yearly event: Down the Rabbit Hole: Finding, and being found by, the next new idea. It's all about creativity and learning how to reignite and recharge your own! And, it's also about free wine and desserts! If you're in the area and would like to join us, you can learn more and secure your tickets here!