Best Renovation Cost Guide Podcasts (2025)

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The Invisible Land Restrictions: Why Property Easements Can Make Your Lot Unbuildable 46:09

Play Pause

1d ago46:09

46:09

You can check out the companion video here REAL PROPERTY EASEMENT EXAMPLES: How a 2-Acre Lot Lost Half Its Buildable Area https://youtu.be/WTJLeb2OGGM When you purchase property for your dream home, what you see is definitely not what you get. Property easements home building restrictions are legally binding rights that allow others—utility compani…

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TGRES S25 E45: Why Real Estate Investing Isn’t Just About Money, It’s About Mindset 45:49

2h ago45:49

45:49

Real estate investing isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a mindset shift. In this episode, we break down the beliefs, fears, and habits that quietly determine success or failure in property investing. From decision-making and risk tolerance to long-term thinking, this conversation goes beyond money and gets to the psychology behind building real wealt…

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Get Ready to Power Your Projects: A Chat with Champion's Todd Welzbacher 49:32

3d ago49:32

49:32

Today, I'm chatting with Todd Welzbacher from Champion Power Equipment, and let me tell you, we’re diving headfirst into the electrifying world of power storage and generators. We tackle the burning question: how the heck do you find the right generator for your home or project? Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as picking the one with the shiniest…

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Holiday Decorating Trends 2025: Expert Tips from Wendy Glaister on Jewel Tones, Minimalist Elegance, and High Point Market Insights 45:47

4d ago45:47

45:47

Join hosts Eric G and John Dudley on Around the House® Home Improvement for an inspiring episode featuring award-winning luxury interior designer Wendy Glaister! Dive into the hottest holiday decorating trends for 2025, including the resurgence of rich jewel tones (think emerald, sapphire, and ruby for cozy sophistication), a return to traditional …

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E162 - Christmas Decorating: How to Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Theme for Your Home 27:20

2h ago27:20

27:20

In this festive episode of the My Forever Home™ Podcast, Frances walks you through how to create a Christmas theme that flows beautifully from your tree, to your table, and throughout your home. She shares how she designed her own Australian botanical Christmas and offers practical ideas to help you personalise your festive décorations, whether you…

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How to Finance Your Remodel: HELOCs, ARVs & Real Costs Explained! 49:55

4d ago49:55

49:55

In this episode, I sit down with renovation-financing expert Megan Safara from RenoFi to finally break down how homeowners can really fund their remodels. Most families want to upgrade their space — but very few understand how renovation loans, HELOCs, ARVs, and ADU/DADU financing actually work in 2025. We talk about the biggest mistakes people mak…

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Why Did They Even Bother? Eric G's Hilarious Color Renaming 12:32

5d ago12:32

12:32

Disappointment levels are high as Eric G takes a deep dive into the underwhelming colors of the year for 2026. Seriously, I mean, have these color trendsetters even tried? It’s like they all sat around a table, looked at each other, and decided to just throw darts at a color wheel. I’m all for creativity, but come on! Eric doesn’t hold back as he c…

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Home Improvement Experts Reveal New Tech to LEVEL UP Your Home Renovations 49:51

5h ago49:51

49:51

If you're planning a remodel in 2025 or 2026, you'll want to hear this conversation. Today I'm sitting down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, one of the most experienced and trusted design-build experts serving Macomb County, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan homeowners. Brian and I dive into what's really happening in the home improve…

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The Squeeze: Why Your Dream Lot Is Smaller Than You Think 50:49

4d ago50:49

50:49

When you stand on a piece of land you're considering buying, your perception is almost certainly wrong. Without knowing exactly where property lines fall, you might be admiring your future neighbor's lot while assuming it's yours. Property setback requirements for home building create invisible boundaries that can reduce your buildable area by 40-5…

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TGRES S25 E44: Holiday Reflections: Finding Calm in the Year-End Chaos 45:51

9h ago45:51

45:51

In this reflective holiday episode, we explore the strange, calm-yet-chaotic energy that arrives as the year winds down. From seasonal slowdowns to emotional resets, we unpack why December feels different and how to find clarity in the middle of it all. Join us as we pause, breathe, and make sense of the year-end mood.…

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The Unplugged Interview: Cell Service Hacks from Comcast 46:01

10d ago46:01

46:01

Ever wonder how you can actually save some cash on your cell phone bill while enjoying a better signal? Well, buckle up, because Eric just sat down with Rigo Topete from Comcast to spill the tea on all things tech. They dive deep into how Comcast's latest innovations are not just fluff, but real game-changers for your connectivity. If you caught ou…

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From Drab to Fab: 10 DIY Hacks Every Homeowner Needs 45:41

11d ago45:41

45:41

Get ready to roll up those sleeves because we're diving into some seriously handy DIY talk! Eric G and John Dudley kick off with the top 10 DIY projects every homeowner should know to keep your hard-earned cash from slipping through the cracks. Why hire someone to change a leaky faucet when you can just tackle it yourself and save a boatload? These…

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Housing Crisis: Are We Building Empty Boxes? 8:56

12d ago8:56

8:56

Affordable housing is a hot mess, and Eric G is here to spill the tea on why that is. With nearly 1,900 affordable units sitting empty in the Portland metro area, we’ve got to ask: What’s the city doing about it? Spoiler alert: Not much! Eric dives into this absurdity and how the local government might as well be running the DMV when it comes to ge…

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Ep. 4 Can Great Photos Change How Buyers See a Home? 49:25

13d ago49:25

49:25

Great listing photos can make or break a sale—and Matt Greco knows why. Scott & Colin sit down with Matt to explore how he built his real estate media business, what separates good visuals from great ones, and why small details matter. They cover Matt’s early pivot into photography, the realities of shooting challenging homes, and how the industry …

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Stop Wasting Money: The Hidden Home Mistakes You're Making This Winter (and how to fix them!) 50:49

13d ago50:49

50:49

Stop wasting money in your home this winter. In this episode, I break down the hidden mistakes Metro Detroit homeowners make every cold season — the ones that quietly drain your energy bills and leave your house colder than it should be. From insulation problems to simple fixes you can do today, I walk you through everything you need to know to sta…

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The Hidden Rule That Just Cost a Couple $8,000 (Floor Area Ratio Exposed) 59:52

16d ago59:52

59:52

Floor area ratio (FAR) is the master rule that determines exactly how big your home can actually be—and most homeowners don't discover it until they're facing expensive redesigns or permit denials. This episode exposes the hidden complexities of FAR calculations and provides a proven action plan to avoid the costly surprises that plague unprepared …

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2026 Home Design Trends Every Homeowner Needs to Know (Dining Rooms Are Dead!) 38:22

11d ago38:22

38:22

When it comes to remodeling your home, design should never be an afterthought — it should lead every part of the project. In this episode, I sit down with Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design, a women-owned design-build firm based in Commerce Township that handles everything from layouts and material selections to lighting, furnishings, and déc…

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How to Keep Your Power On When Everyone Else Goes Dark with Josh Young of Voltron Power 37:53

6d ago37:53

37:53

When your lights flicker, your outlets feel warm, or your breaker trips for no reason — that's your house screaming for help. ⚡ In this episode, I'm joined by Josh Young of Voltron Power, an electrical pro out of Waterford, Michigan, serving Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan homeowners. These guys handle everything from outlet upgrades and reces…

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Game Changing Technology In Home Improvement With LiveSwitch 53:43

10d ago53:43

53:43

Technology keeps moving fast, and in the home improvement world, it's time for contractors and homeowners to catch up. In this episode, I sit down with James Hatfield, co-founder of LiveSwitch, a platform built to revolutionize how contractors and homeowners connect. LiveSwitch gives small and mid-sized businesses a fighting chance against big play…

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Get Your DIY Game On: Top 10 Projects to Crush Before 2026 45:30

17d ago45:30

45:30

Eric G and John Dudley are diving into the thrilling world of home improvement by unveiling their top 10 projects to tackle before the year wraps up. From snagging those elusive energy tax credits to ensuring your home is cozy and ready for winter, they’re serving up some serious wisdom that could save you some bucks—and maybe a few headaches along…

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Holiday Savings: Eric and John's Must-Have Buys 45:16

17d ago45:16

45:16

Oh boy, it’s that magical time of year when we all pretend we’re super into shopping and saving money! Join me and Johnny as we dive headfirst into the chaos of Black Friday sales, where we sift through the endless deals and try to find the gems that won't end up collecting dust in your garage. Seriously, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to…

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Forget Everything You Know About Phone Carriers: Comcast is Here to Shake Things Up! 22:00

19d ago22:00

22:00

In this mid-week update,We decided to give you a sneak peek for an upcoming interview that had some killer black friday deals on it. (This is NOT a sponsored segment) Eric’s sitting down with Rigo Topete from Comcast to spill the tea on how Xfinity’s phone system struts its stuff differently than all those other carriers that pretend they’re the be…

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Master Your Zoning Code: The Smart Homeowner's Guide to Building Success 29:13

17d ago29:13

29:13

Master your zoning code and municipal regulations to become the informed, empowered homeowner who builds with confidence and success. In this foundational episode launching the Understanding Design Limitations series, Bill Reid reveals how smart homeowners research zoning regulations and building codes BEFORE purchasing property or beginning design…

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TGRES S25 E43: Why Waiting to Sell Could Cost You Thousands 44:30

18d ago44:30

44:30

In this episode of The Golfi Real Estate Show, Rob Golfi breaks down why holding out for a “better market” could be a costly mistake for Canadian homeowners. From price drops to rising debt pressure, plus real stories from today’s buyers, sellers, and investors—Rob exposes the true risks of waiting too long to sell. If you want to understand the re…

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From GFCIs to Giant Snowmen: Your Guide to Holiday Decorating Failures 44:20

24d ago44:20

44:20

Eric G and John Dudley are diving deep into the festive chaos of holiday decorating, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. They kick things off with some golden nuggets of wisdom about electrical safety – because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like blowing a fuse while trying to light up your house like a runway. Seriously, they’ve seen it all, fr…

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Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Avoiding Family Feuds and Kitchen Catastrophes 44:53

25d ago44:53

44:53

Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us faster than Aunt Judy can bring up that one family feud, and trust me, we’re here to help you avoid a holiday disaster. In this hour, Eric G and John Dudley are dishing out the ultimate last-minute tips to get your home ready for the big feast. We’re talking everything from decluttering those countertops (because, …

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E161 - How to Create a Cohesive Home Design: Flow, Function & Feeling 35:16

15d ago35:16

35:16

In this episode, Frances dives deep into what it really means to create cohesion and continuity in your home — and why it matters more than you might think. From consistent materials and colour tones to layout flow and emotional connection, Frances walks you through the key elements that help your home feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours. Whe…

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Get Off the Couch: Why 7 Million Men Aren't Working 17:35

26d ago17:35

17:35

Eric G is diving into the whirlwind of chaos this week, and trust me, it’s a doozy! We're talking about trades, YouTube influencers getting tangled in legal messes, and some serious recalls that might just make you reconsider your latest home improvement project. Seriously, if you thought your week was rough, wait until you hear about the YouTuber …

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Ep. 3 Owl Group Insights and Stories: What It’s Really Like Being a Real Estate Agent 31:33

27d ago31:33

31:33

What does it really take to build a sustainable career in real estate today? Scott sits down with his business partner and friend, Colin Cuthbert, to unpack how he went from hospitality and luxury auto sales to launching his real estate career just days before COVID hit. Colin shares the lessons he carried over from past jobs, the realities of buil…

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Property Evaluation Before Buying Land (Understanding Design Limitations Series Launch) 56:04

25d ago56:04

56:04

Episode Title: Understanding Design Limitations EP31: Property Evaluation Before Buying Land Episode Number: 31 Duration: Approximately 58 minutes Release Date: 11/15/25 You've found it. The perfect property. The view takes your breath away. The location feels right. Your heart is racing, and you're ready to make an offer. But before you sign anyth…

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50-Year Mortgages: A Dream or a Nightmare? 51:43

1M ago51:43

51:43

Today, we dive into the wild world of 50-year mortgages—yes, you heard that right! Just when you thought home loans couldn't get any longer, the Trump administration decided to throw a 50-year option into the mix. Eric G and John Dudley break down the absurdities of this idea, weighing potential benefits, like lower monthly payments, against the ri…

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Home Alone: How to Keep Your Parents from Moving to a Retirement Home 44:17

1M ago44:17

44:17

We're diving into the nitty-gritty of keeping our beloved seniors safe and sound in their own homes. Eric and John Dudley drop some seriously relatable gems on how to avoid turning your parents' cozy nest into a hospital ward—no one wants that vibe, right? From installing stylish grab bars (because, let's be honest, no one needs their bathroom to s…

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TGRES S25 E42: Should You Renovate or Relocate? Rob Golfi Breaks Down the Smart Move 45:37

26d ago45:37

45:37

In this week’s Golfi Real Estate Show, Rob Golfi tackles one of the biggest homeowner questions — should you renovate or relocate? From basement makeovers to backyard pools, Rob and host Stephanie Vivier break down which upgrades add value and which ones drain your wallet. Plus, the latest insights on mortgages, housing taxes, and what’s next for C…

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Critical Fire Restoration Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Thousands—And How to Avoid Them 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

The smoke smell won't leave. You tried wiping down the soot yourself, and now it's worse, smeared into surfaces that looked salvageable an hour ago. Fire restoration mistakes don't just delay recovery. They compound damage, void insurance coverage, and turn manageable restoration into financial catastrophe. Many of these errors happen during the fi…

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TGRES S25 E41: Winter Buyers Beware: Rob Golfi Reveals Why Now Might Be the Smartest Time to Buy 44:04

28d ago44:04

44:04

As the temperatures drop, the real estate opportunities heat up! Rob Golfi shares why winter could be the smartest time for buyers to make their move. From market trends to insider strategies, Rob and host Stephanie Vivier reveal how to spot deals, what to watch for, and how to turn a cold season into a hot investment.…

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Home Improvement Myths That Will Make You Facepalm 16:12

1M ago16:12

16:12

Eric G dives into the wild world of remodeling mistakes that’ll make you question your life choices. Seriously, folks, trying to match a maple kitchen island with red oak floors? What are we doing here, playing a twisted game of interior design bingo? He’s got the lowdown on how to avoid these cringe-worthy blunders and save your sanity (and your w…

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Sledgehammers and Lawsuits: The Wild World of Home Renovation! 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

Hiring a contractor isn't as easy as scrolling through your dating app and swiping right—trust me, I learned that the hard way! In this wild ride of an episode, we’re joined by Joseph Brickman, an attorney who shines a light on the chaotic world of contractor hiring and real estate law. We dig into everything from dodging liability like it's a bad …

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Why Your Carpets are Gross and What to Do About It! 45:24

1M ago45:24

45:24

Get ready to plunge into the not-so-glamorous world of carpet care with Eric G and Ed Quinlan, the big cheese over at Chem-Dry. Right off the bat, we’re diving into the shocking truth that your beloved carpets are basically the air filters of your home—yeah, gross, I know! Ed’s got the scoop on why those DIY rental machines from your local hardware…

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Home Renovation Planning Mistakes: Tale of Two Homeowners Complete Story 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

Two couples bought neighboring lots same day. One finished in 12 months on budget. Other still incomplete 18+ months later, $150K+ over. Complete story of how planning mistakes destroyed dreams while proper methodology created success. What separates a dream home success story from a $150,000+ construction nightmare? Two couples discovered their an…

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Midweek Madness: Eric G's Take on the Wild World of Home Improvement 14:45

1M ago14:45

14:45

Eric G dives into the whirlpool of midweek madness with a fresh update on all things home, politics, and absurdity that only life can conjure. Kicking things off with a light-hearted jab at local politics, he muses about the recent elections that feel like watching a toddler's tantrum over a toy. He can't help but roll his eyes at the bond measures…

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Ep. 1 The Real Cost of Building a Home In Vancouver 33:10

1M ago33:10

33:10

What does it really cost to build a home in Vancouver today? Realtor Scott Dempster sits down with general contractor Brian Rantz to break down the true price of construction — from rising material and labor costs to new city regulations, soft costs, and the hidden expenses most homeowners overlook. A candid, practical conversation about what it ta…

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Ep. 2 The Power of Interior Design 45:39

1M ago45:39

45:39

What does it take to turn a house into a home? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, host Scott Dempster talks with interior designer Erica Winterfield about the art and practicality of great design — from balancing budgets and collaborating with contractors to creating spaces that reflect real personality and purpose. Together, they explor…

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Architect Fee Structures for Home Building: 3 Payment Methods to Protect Your Budget 1:01:10

1M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Understanding architect fee structures for home building is the difference between a dream project and a financial nightmare. The design agreement you sign with your architect might be the most important financial decision you make in your entire construction or remodeling project—yet most homeowners don't even know there are different types of arc…

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TGRES S25 E40: Don’t Scare the Squirrel! Rob Golfi’s Guide to Smart Home Selling 45:26

1M ago45:26

45:26

In this episode of The Golfi Real Estate Show, Rob Golfi and Stephanie Vivier tackle one of the most common real estate regrets — turning down the first offer. Rob shares real stories of sellers who lost out by waiting for more and explains how to negotiate without “scaring the squirrel.” Plus, he breaks down market trends, interest rate shifts, an…

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Holiday Home Hacks: How to Impress Your In-Laws Without Losing Your Mind 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle those last-minute holiday home improvements! In this hour, Eric G and Johnny D dive into the world of quick fixes that will make your home look so good, your in-laws might just forget all the projects you *didn't* get around to. We're talking everything from sprucing up your front porch to decluttering l…

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Safety First? More Like Safety Second with Eric G and Johnny D 45:49

2M ago45:49

45:49

Get ready to dive into the wild world of home improvement with Eric G and John Dudley. In our very first episode, we're all about safety—because, let's face it, nobody wants to turn their DIY project into a trip to the ER. We kick things off with a hilarious yet eye-opening discussion on the latest gadgets designed to keep you from doing something …

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The Real Estate of Things: Trailer 1:31

1M ago1:31

1:31

The go-to listen for anyone passionate about buying, building, or investing in Vancouver’s housing market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to decode what a teardown is really worth, planning your first laneway build, or chasing an investment property in a city where prices never sit still, this podcast unpacks the real costs, curveballs, a…

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Rats in the City: Is Yours on the List? 13:11

2M ago13:11

13:11

So, guess what? Los Angeles has snagged the title of America’s rattiest city—yeah, you heard that right! In a shocking twist that would make even the most seasoned reality TV producers raise an eyebrow, LA has dethroned Chicago and New York. Eric G is diving into the latest survey results from Orkin, and trust me, it's a wild ride through the seedy…

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Self-managed Super, with Mark Calleja 16:55

1M ago16:55

16:55

Theodora sist down with accountant, Mark Calleja, to unpack the ins and outs of Self-Managed Super Funds. Mark explains what an SMSF is, who it’s suited for, and what’s involved in setting one up and running it effectively. We also explore the risks, responsibilities, and potential benefits for investors looking to take greater control of their ret…

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When to Hire Your Contractor: The 3 Risk Profiles That Protect Your Project 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

Your construction documents are complete. You've reviewed them. You've approved them. Now you face a critical strategic decision: When do you hire your contractor? When do you submit for building permits? Does the order matter? This isn't just paperwork and scheduling—this timing decision affects your project timeline, budget certainty, and financi…