Home In Progress

SEGMENT 1: Instagram ContestSEGMENT 2: Supporting the Arts in Grand Rapids with Lions and RabbitsSEGMENT 3: Drill Bits 101SEGMENT 4: The History of Trim

SEGMENT 1: Escape RoomsOut of the Box Games and Toys is a gem of West Michigan! They have an AMAZING selection of unique games and toys. The Zeeland location has something extra special we needed to experience for ourselves...an Escape Room! Learn about what an escape room entails and if we made it out in time!Out of the Box has 3 locations. Find them in Kentwood, Zeeland and Holland. The Zeeland Location is the only store with Escape Rooms. These rooms can hold 6-12 people depending on which room you choose. They also vary in difficulty and are friendly for a variety of ages and skill levels. Escape Rooms are designed around a theme and require you to work as a team to solve the puzzles and riddles in order to make it out.SEGMENT 2: Unusual Trim ColorsUsually the first color that comes to mind when painting trim is "white" but we want to challenge that convention. Using a color other than white on trim can actually be the best of both worlds. We discuss when / where it makes sense.  Painting trim colors other than white started to gain popularity about 5 years ago. At the time it seemed ridiculous but it's proven to be a design choice that has a lot to offer.Using a color on trim can have a big design impact without overwhelming the space. This design is easiest to implement in rooms with defined starting and stopping points.If you love color but also want to maximize the light in your space using white on the walls and color on the trim could be the compromise you have been looking for. SEGMENT 3: Steam CleaningHailey has a new steamer!... That may not sound terribly exciting but you would not believe all the things you can do with Dupray's Neat Steam Cleaner. Hailey gives a full review after putting it to the test.  Tested the steamer on a stove top to remove serious carbon build up, on wool upholstery to remove a black grease stain, carpet stains and more! Amazing results. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is extremely simple to use, stores easily, reaches 50 psi, heats to 275 degrees, comes with 10 attachments and can produce continuous steam for 50 min. Easily eliminates; dirt, grease, soap scum, stains, 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, bedbugs and mold. You can use it on; floors, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout and tiles, bathrooms and more. SEGMENT 4: Removing WallpaperWallpaper gets a bad reputation because people believe that it is extremely difficult to remove. However, wallpaper can be easily removed if properly installed. It may be tempting but painting over wallpaper instead of stripping it can lead to problems. Stripping wallpaper is another perfect use for the Dupray Neat Steamer we discussed in the previous segment! The large paddle attachment works great and has been well reviewed for this application. If you decide to forgo the steamer here are some supplies you will need: DIF, Paper Tiger, Spray Bottle, Large Putty Knife, Hot water, Lots of towels.The most important thing is letting the DIF product and water do the work for you. Don't rush! Water based paint CAN be used over wallpaper but does have the ability to cause paper to bubble. Oil based primer is better if you do decide to go down that road. Just remember paint will make the seams of wallpaper very obvious no matter what paint you use. Once the wallpaper is painted over it is much more difficult to remove.

Segments 1 & 2: Art Appreciation 101ArtPrize is back for it’s 10th year! We discuss the process of viewing art and ways to create a better connection with what is in front of us. We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy the events and festivities. How Long Do People Really Spend Looking at Art in MuseumsArtprizeThe Sword in the SphinxSegment 3: Dealing with GrubsInnocent looking problems in the yard can turn out to be a whole lot of yuck. Are those brown patches of grass pointing to a bigger problem? Find out what to look for and how to fix it. How to Choose and When to Apply Grub Control Products to Your Yard How Late Can I Put Down Grub ControlIs It Too Late to Treat for White GrubsSegment 4: Fall Painting Do's and Don'tsCooler weather heading into fall is a great time to finish last minute paint jobs. HOWEVER, there are still some factors to be aware of. Find out what the cooler temps mean for painting.

Due to a bit of a crazy week, we ended up handpicking some of our favorite segments from the past!SEGMENTS 1 and 2: Composting 101Fall is on the way and it's the perfect time to start composting! If you've never tried your hand at this, check out these segments. We've got all the info you need to jump in with confidence!SEGMENT 3: The Fireplace Paint JobThe fireplace in my home is composed of 80's brick. You know the look. It's dark, it's overpowering . . . it's dated. Well, we painted it and the results are amazing. It's a project EVERYONE can tackle . . . but there are a few things you'll want to know. We cover all of that!SEGMENT 4: Refrigerator MakeoverThis is an unusual one, but every now and then, someone asks! The question? Can I paint my refrigerator? Of course! We'll tell you how....

Segments 1 and 2: The Arctic Tern ProjectWe speak with James Van't Slot about a major DIY project he undertook a number of years back: building a sailboat! Click here if you'd like to check out the images James captured during every step of the project!Segment 3: Renovation Loans with Stockton MortgageAmanda Lehman from Stockton Mortgage gets us all up to speed on a loan that could help you snag your dream home!Segment 4: Solo Stove and RepcoLite's September ContestWe're heading into fall and that means campfires! If you've never heard of a Solo Stove Fire Pit before, we highlight the main reasons you'll want on. Number one on the list? It's smokeless! On top of that, we talk about a new contest that will run in all of our stores this September, giving you a chance to win one!

SEGMENT 1: Safety FirstDan rips his pants...and to put it all behind him we recount a few stories that might help you slow down. We are all guilty of rushing and not taking proper safety precautions...but is it worth it?SEGMENT 2: Dealing with Paint ShortagesProduct shortages are the never ending story right now in almost every industry. We are joined by Kevin Herman; Benjamin Moore Territory Rep to get the scoop on what we are experiencing in the paint industry. We will leave you with a few things to keep in mind during your next visit. SEGMENT 3: Home Buying HopeHailey got a house! It’s been months of searching but it’s finally happened. We go through her house buying journey and what she learned along the way. If you are looking or thinking about looking for a house these tips might help. SEGMENT 4: The Order of Decorating Whether you are decorating an entire house or just a room, the task can be daunting. The trick that can help you is; working “in order”. Many of us paint first but there are some problems that can create...

CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTESSEGMENT 1: Unfinished BusinessWe have made some promises over the year and we haven’t forgotten! Learn weather that raving review of EGO Lawn Equipment has stood the test time. Plus an extra tip that we forgot to include in the camera as a tool segment. SEGMENT 2: Painting Vinyl FloorsI've seen more and more pictures on instagram and pinterest showing painted vinyl and linoleum floors in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a simple project with a huge impact especially if you have a limited budget. However, it’s not a perfect solution, tune in to learn what they don't show on instagram. SEGMENT 3: Touch-up PaintRecently we had a listener reach out about touching up paint in her living room. She used the same color and finish but the touch up paint did not blend in and she was back at square one. Learn what you can do now that will save you from the same fate. SEGMENT 4: Stud Finders (and more)You won’t want to miss this confession...as we revisit the topic of drywall anchors, Dan hears his favorite words. Plus we review the easiest and most accurate stud finder we have ever used!

CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTESSEGMENT 1: Rotting Lunchbox StoryI am sure now is the time we are going through school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes to sort the chaos that came home the last day of school.  Some of us may be discovering there was a lunch box with a truly disgusting surprise. If you find yourself in that situation...there are some tools that might save the day. SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Fireplace MakeoverPainting a brick fireplace is a big commitment but it also makes a giant impact on a space. We have talked about projects like this in the past so we decided to tackle it ourselves and LOVE the results. Tune in to hear about what we learned after we started painting and what tools you need to avoid our mistakes. SEGMENT 4: Window Treatment BloopersJudy Cisler from Gotcha Covered custom window treatments joins us in the studio to discuss some famous mistakes people have made when buying window coverings. They are fun to hear about but not so fun to experience. Learn what not to do next time you shop.

SEGMENT 1: Why are Barns Red?The red barn is an icon of rural America. But why red? We've got the answers...SEGMENT 2: Cramped Bathroom MakeoverInterior designer Lauren Figueroa talks about how she took a dated, cramped bathroom and made it feel large and spacious without changing the square footage! Check out Lauren's work here!SEGMENT 3: Drywall AnchorsSure, when hanging objects on our walls, it's best to anchor them into studs. But, that's not always possible. In those situations, you may need to use a drywall anchor. However . . . there are a wide variety of them and some far outperform others. We've got the scoop!Here's the video we referencedSEGMENT 4: Furniture Shopping 101Furniture is a major purchase and it's important to get it right. Today on the show, we discuss a number of things to consider before you hand over the money for that new couch!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR FULL SHOWNOTES PAGESegment 1: DeclutteringWe all have cluttered spaces in our home. And yes, sometimes, we've spent a good number of months letting them get that way. But the good news is that decluttering is manageable! In this segment we talk about a few simple steps that will help you get started.Segment 2: The Mud NookMany of us would love to have a huge mudroom . . . . Benches, ample storage for boots and coats . . . . But most of us just don't have the space. In this segment, we speak with Michaela Noelle from Michaela Noelle Designs about a small mudroom "nook" she and her husband pulled together. Segment 3: Kitchen Cleaner ReviewWe discuss 4 of the internet's most recommended kitchen cleaners and see how they perform. Also, we stumble into another cleaner that is basically a weapon of nearly unlimited power. It can do stuff that few other cleaners we've ever used can do . . . . But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility . . . .Segment 4: Painting FoundationsUnpainted foundations . . . or foundations that have been patched . . . can give your home a bit of an unfinished look. If you're looking for an inexpensive curb appeal project with a big payoff, this might be for you!

Segment 1: Color ConsultationsWe often mention that we have color consultants in our stores that are ready to help. However, some people may be left wondering what exactly a color consultation is or when they are helpful… so to give us some insight on the process we are joined by our Fulton St. Color Consultant Myra Maness. Segments 2 and 3: Deck TransformationCoating a deck is probably the most common exterior DIY project. Yet most of us are prone to avoiding the process because the prep work can take days. Luckily there is a way around this! We’ll tell you exactly how we made a deck look brand new in under 5 hours! Segment 4: The Pictures We Forget to Take Whether we like it or not most of us are attached to our phones, so why not put them to work? We discuss some of the smart ways to use your phone's camera as a tool during your next project.

Segment 1: Refrigerator Paint JobWe received a question from a listener wondering if it was possible to paint his refrigerator. Actually, it's a relatively simple project provided you follow a few basic steps!Segment 2: The Ins & Outs and Ups & Downs of Window Treatments!Judy Cisler from Gotcha Covered of Grand Rapids joins us in the studio to discuss window treatments. We talk about the terminology and how you can decide which ones are right for your home.Segment 3: Foundational IssuesZack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems speaks with us about concerns regarding the foundations of our homes. He talks about some common problems and the solutions. And of course, he provides us with a number of things to look for so you can determine if your home's foundation needs a little expert help.Segment 4: Refrigerators RevisitedTo wrap up the show, we return full circle to refrigerators. In the opening segment we talked about how to paint them. This time we talk about some interesting design ideas and fun "refrigerator makeovers" that are cropping up all over Instagram.

Segment 1: Nagging Laundry Room ProjectsWe talk about these things often, but that's because they're important AND easy to forget about! So today we cover a couple laundry room maintenance tasks that you should be accomplishing.Segments 2 and 3: 8 Details to Consider in Your Next Kitchen UpdateWe chat with Interior Designer, Lauren Figueroa, about eight design details you may want to consider if you're looking at a kitchen update. Check out her blog post below:8 Details to Consider In Your Next Kitchen Update Segment 4: Kitchen Updates on a BudgetNot everyone is in a spot right now where a full kitchen update is possible. (I'm not!!) And so, for those of us in that situation, we thought we'd talk about the tremendous difference a simple kitchen cabinet repaint can make in your home!

Segment 1: The "Old Glory" StoryDan recounts the dramatic tale of how the flag won the nickname "Old Glory". Segment 2: Flag EtiquetteThere are rules when it comes to proudly displaying the old "Stars and Stripes". And we're going to bet that a number of you are breaking at least one or two of them! We talk about the proper way to respectfully display the American Flag and we talk about the rituals that make up the "retirement" ceremony of a flag when it reaches that age!Segment 3: Styling Shelves the Easy WayInterior Designer, Michaela Noelle, joins us to talk some key mistakes to avoid when styling shelves. She also walks us through her 4-step process to beautiful built-ins! 4 Steps to Style Your Bookshelves by Michaela Noelle DesignsSegment 4: Finding a ContractorContractors are crazy busy right now! We talk with RepcoLite's sales manager, Ryan Mullen about the best steps to finding and hiring a contractor for that next project. (Hint: the BEST tip is to start looking NOW).

Segment 1: Recycling the Right Way Are you a contaminator or are you shutting down recycling plants?? There are big stakes when it comes to what we put in our recycling bins. Learn how to avoid the most common recycling mistakes!Kent County Accepted MaterialsRecycling 101Grocery Bag RecyclingSegment 2 & 3: Meeting the Man Behind the Chat Peter Ogle from our online chat joins us in the studio! Peter has been manning our online chat from 8am - 9pm M-F to make sure your questions can always be answered. Today we go over some of the most common questions. Segment 4: Beautiful Lawns All Summer LongDan inherited a flawless lawn when he bought his house and it's been stressful knowing how to keep it looking great. We have tips to take the guesswork out of having a healthy, beautiful lawn this summer. How to Grow Deep Grass RootsImproving Grass GrowthLawn Watering Tips

Segment 1: Happy Fathers Day!Dan recounts some of his favorite childhood memories of his Dad and the lessons that come along with them. Segment 2: The Unexpected History of Ladders There are a lot of everyday tools and objects that we take for granted. We never stop to think where it all began...In the case of the Ladder its story begins in Spain, as cave paintings, that date back to 10,000 BC! We dig into the innovations as well as the 40 years of bad luck! Fun Superstitious Fixes from HistorySegment 3: Is Painter's Tape worth it?Taping is our least favorite part of the paint job and most masking tapes will still allow paint to bleed through. Leaving you to wonder; is it really worth it? We put 7 painters tapes to the test to find out! Check Out Our Test Board for Some Razor Sharp Results!Segment 4: Paint Baseboards not the CarpetIf the last segment didn’t get you hooked on tape this one is sure to. Painting baseboards can get really messy when you have carpet on the floor. Tools sold as carpet shields rarely live up to the name but we have found the magic trick that offers flawless results.

SEGMENT 1: COLOR CAPTURELast week we talked about finding color inspiration in unexpected places. Now we highlight a tool that can turn your inspirational photos into a color palette of Benjamin Moore colors. You won't believe how fun and easy it is to match the colors you are inspired by. What is this magic tool? Tune to find out! SEGMENT 2: EGO BATTERY POWERED YARD EQUIPMENTDan recently purchased new lawn equipment when he saw a deal for EGO battery powered, string trimmer, blower and Hedge trimmer. In the past he preferred gas or electric so he was interested in putting these battery powered tools to the test! The reviews are in...SEGMENT 3: MOSQUITO WARS We see a lot of articles claiming that planting things such as lavender, citronela, lemongrass and Rosemary will keep mosquitos at bay...However, there is more to the story. We have put together a system that combines natural ways of taking your yard back from Mosquitos. Homemade Insect Repellant RecipeSEGMENT 4: FIXING THOSE FENCESOur show experienced technical difficulties last week when the radio station that airs each of these episodes failed to start our show on time! So this segment (which included a giveaway) never aired for all of those listeners. So, this week we included it again so the on-air audience could be a part of the contest. We apologize to all the podcast subscribers who caught this one twice!

Segment 1 -- WelsummerHailey launches the new Instagram Color Palette for June and discusses the inspiration behind it: a previous customer who chose her entire color scheme for her home based on the varied colors of eggs in her chicken coop! In the segment, we discuss the importance of looking everywhere for inspiration when it comes to paint colors. Segments 2 & 3 -- Egress Windows with Ayers Basement SystemsWe are joined by Zach Kreiger from Ayers Basement to discuss the value of Egress Windows. Zach runs through everything we should be considering if we are debating installing an egress window. Segment 4 -- The Ugly Side of Fences In this segment we address old, grayed, and weathered fences. They can detract from the look of your property and there really are some great stain and sealer options out there that will help you improve their appearance. Also, even if the wood is cedar or pressure treated pine, a sealer or stain will protect it and help it last much longer!

SEGMENT 1: Memorial Day Dan flies solo and shares stories of families with fallen heroes. As we enjoy the festivities this weekend, let’s take pause to remember what Memorial Day represents. A Simple Day by Yolanda AcevedoStories of Those We LostSEGMENTS 2 & 3: Maintenance Free?The maintenance-free promises of vinyl siding often come up short. Even vinyl needs regular maintenance such as cleaning and inspection. We talk about how to catch the problems your siding might be hiding and answer the age old question...can you paint it?SEGMENT 4: Here Comes the Judge Tick magnet, Dan, is ditching the trails for neighborhood sidewalks... and what kind of Home Improvement Show would this be if he didn’t spend those walks noticing...and perhaps, judging the homes he passes? Luckily we have the solution to a common problem he is seeing.  

Segment 1: Tick ExplosionTick populations are exploding in Michigan! Warmer winters and bird migration have contributed to a rise in the tick population in west Michigan. We talk about a few simple ways to help protect your whole family this summer. More info on avoiding ticks!Segment 2-3 : Where Do You Stop?Is painted trim right for you? We weigh the pros and cons of painting your trim and explain how to tackle this project yourself. We also discuss the growing trend of painting the trim colors other than white! The sky's the limit for color but if you aren't painting all the trim where do you start and stop? Tune in for an easy rule of thumb. Where to stop when changing colorsSegment 4: Junk Royalty Dan is clearing out the barn! We know he’s not the only one with junk to get rid of so we thought we’d discuss all the options. Whether you need to hire a service to haul it away for you or just need to know where to take it, we’ve got you covered! Junk KingsMike's Junk HaulingCollege HunksPadnos Metal RecyclingSalvation Army

On this episode:Composting is a great way to cut down on the amount of trash filling your garbage can . . . . We talk about the how-to's and even jump into a little science to make sure you're off on the right foot.Supply chain shortages are impacting many industries right now. We discuss the problem and the outlook with Brad Krause, president of Service Professor.There are small projects that can improve the curb appeal of your home. We dig into a few of them and discuss a number of considerations when choosing color!

On this episode:We speak with Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs about her latest project. White's white, right? Nope! We discuss undertones in paint colors and how to train your eye to see them!RepcoLite's president, Dan Altena discusses a couple cutting edge products that recently hit the shelves.Dan and Hailey give 12-Stars and 4 Thumbs-up to another Gem of West Michigan. Maybe it's time for a road trip!

On this episode:Tulips are a big deal here in Holland, Michigan, but do you know where they came from originally? Or that they were eaten during WWII? Or that they helped a Dr. solve a medical mystery? We interview Kelly Karp from Landscape Design Services about making our outdoor living spaces amazing!Responsibly dealing with unwanted latex and oil-based paint.

On this episode:When it comes to DIY skills . . . we all have to start somewhere!Installing wainscoting is a popular weekend project. Is it right for you?Sick of mosquitos? Mosquito Shield might be the answer you've been looking for....

On this episode:Digging in the dirt actually does reduce stress!We interview Jason Slenk from Overisel Lumber regarding some of the different types of wood available when building a deck.A deep dive into CLR: Brilliant Bath -- one of our favorite bathroom cleaners!Ghosting . . . thermal tracking . . . it goes by a number of different names. We'll tell you what it is and how to fix it if you have it!

On this episode:Creating a Personal LibraryUsing Area Rugs to Define a Space with Johnson Carpet OneAnother Gem in West Michigan: Heritage Architectural Salvage and Supply!

On this episode:Introducing RepcoLite's April Color Palette: RechargeKeeping our Basements Dry with Ayers Basement SystemsWhich Deck Product is Right for You?

On this episode:Avoiding pitfalls when choosing colors for your next paint projectThe great power washer debate: Gas or Electric?Seller's Paradise: what do you need to do to your home if you're getting ready to put it on the market?

On this episode:Multimeters are a Must Have!Painted Floor EncoreMatching Stain and ExpectationsThank You Tuberculosis?

On this episode:Want your next paint project to go smoothly? Don't forget to take these steps!What's the current state of the Real Estate market in West Michigan? Floor painting fever! Are you coming down with it? Should you be?

On this Episode:A Weekend of WallpaperMeeting Mac FlookDutch Doors: Practical and Pretty

Also on this Episode:Getting our sump pumps ready for SpringWhy it's worth hiring a professional sometimesFinding a painting contractorWallpaper: SO much cooler than you may think!

Also on this episode:Finding the Right HumidifierDealing With Ice Dams on the Roof

Also on this episode:Pet Safe Ice MeltScuff-X: Miracle PaintMaintaining the Correct Tire Pressure

On this episode, we talk about a couple of local gems: The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and Wally's Treasures Antique Mall! We also discuss VOCs in paint.

Also on this episode:Electronic Door Locks

Also on this episode:Paint Spraying SafetyThe History of ClosetsProject Time Budgeting Tips

Also on this episode:Welding (yes, you can do it!)The Firedisc Cooker (and why you want one)

Also on this episode:Simple Battery TestReducing Window CondensationWoodworking Mistakes

Also on this episode:Dan's 30-Year Library Table Refinishing ProjectFinding the Right Gray

Also on this episode:Must-Have Paint ToolsThe BEST Paints You May Not Have Heard About

Also in this episode:How the Charlie Brown Christmas Special Ended the Aluminum Tree IndustryHome Theater on a Budget!

Also on this episode: Jeff Rietveld from Out of the Box Games, Toys, and Puzzles serves up the best games to gift this Christmas!

Also on this episode: Defending Your Tulip Bulbs from SquirrelsThe Great Christmas Contest Giveaway of 2020

Also: Making a wax-free friction polish, the perfect bathroom ceiling paint, and some ways to stay connected this Christmas!

On this episode, we talk about a simple way to hang Christmas lights that makes taking them down CRAZY EASY! We also answer a question from our website about how bad things can get when you skip prep work on a project.

On this week, it's a bit of a "Best of" broadcast. We look back on some of Betsy's favorite segments and we wish her well as she takes on a new career!

On this week's episode, we discuss Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2021. We also talk about getting your lawn mower ready for storage and a few of the things we've learned over the last 3 years on the show!

In today's episode, we've got some big (and sad) news! But we also take a look into what makes the perfect mudroom and how to repaint that 80's brick fireplace!

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