Around the House with Eric G® Home Improvement Remodeling & DIY

Is your furnace ready for winter? We're busting the most common heating and cooling myths with Athen Ashby of Pyramid Heating and Cooling, the team that's taken care of Eric's house for more than a decade. They serve Portland and Central Oregon (Bend), Oregon CCB #59382. (We legally have to do that in Oregon)

We cover what homeowners should do right now before cold weather hits: changing the air filter (and why that cheap one-inch filter can overheat your furnace), annual gas tune-ups, flame sensor cleaning, and why register filters and "beauty cages" around your outdoor unit do more harm than good. We also get into how modern heat pumps work in the cold, why steam and ice in a defrost cycle are normal, heat pump vs. gas furnace costs, mini-split maintenance, and covering your AC for winter the right way.

You'll also learn which warning signs aren't normal, why you should never fire up a furnace that's sat unused without an inspection, how smart thermostats age, and why hiring a licensed, bonded and insured HVAC pro beats the "Chuck in a truck."

Book service with Pyramid Heating and Cooling at pyramidheating.com. If you're outside Oregon, find your local dealer.

Hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD.

Takeaways:

• We kept it simple and loud: change your furnace filter regularly, because restricted airflow overheats the system, causes shutdowns, and makes your bills and repair list much uglier.
• I seriously recommend scheduling a pre-winter tune-up — we can find flaky flame sensors, calibration issues, or backordered parts before temperatures drop and your phone explodes with service calls.
• We busted the DIY filter myth: sticking screens on every register chokes the system — there's one proper filter location at the furnace, not a hundred little band-aids.
• I had fun blowing up the heat pump myth — it doesn't just make cold air; we reverse refrigerant flow to harvest outside heat and deliver useful BTUs even when it’s pretty chilly.
• Please don’t build a cute doghouse or Instagram cage around the outdoor unit: trapping air makes it work harder, lose capacity, and possibly shut down on the worst day.
• If your heat pump spits a little steam during defrost, relax — that’s normal; heavy ice sheets, freezing rain, or persistent ice though, means emergency heat or technician attention.
• We love mini-splits — great for older homes, lofts, or tricky rooms — but keep up with cleaning, sanitizing blower wheels, and clearing drain lines to prevent smelly bacterial nasties.
• I’ll say this straight: hire licensed, bonded pros who size systems by load and know current codes; cheap hacks can cost you way more in comfort and replacement down the road.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://pyramidheatingcooling.com
• https://pyramidheating.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Pyramid Heating and Cooling
• Carrier
• Lennox
• Honeywell
• Netflix

Thanks for listening to Around the House with Eric G! Subscribe so you never miss a new episode: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

Watch and follow us on YouTube:

• Around the House with Eric G: https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricG
• Around the House HQ: https://www.youtube.com/@AroundtheHouseHQ

Join the Around the House Insider for the full back catalog, exclusive content, early access to new shows and a direct line to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

Has this episode helped with your house? We'd love a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the best way to help other homeowners find the show. For more tips, products and past episodes, visit https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Want a smarter home but don't know where to start? We sit down with interior designer Wendy Glaister of Wendy Glaister Interiors for a beginner-friendly, DIY guide to home technology that you can actually install yourself.

We start with the foundation: a fast internet connection, a speed test, and a mesh Wi-Fi system that gets rid of dead zones. Then we get into picking one smart home "language," like Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings or Matter, so all your devices work together from one app and you're not juggling 12 of them. Eric shares his favorites: Lutron Caseta switches and battery-powered shades, Baldwin/Level smart locks, Chamberlain myQ garage control with Amazon in-garage delivery, Aqara cameras and doorbells, Ting electrical fire sensors, and Deep Sentinel's AI-plus-live-guard security.

You'll also hear how to dodge LED flicker, why matching your doorbell and cameras cuts subscription fees, how to set sunset-based lighting schedules, when to bring in an integrator, and the privacy concerns around voice-controlled devices and devices with cameras.

Hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD.

Takeaways:

• I always start with the Internet — run a speed test, call your ISP if it’s slow, and don’t blame your gadgets until you rule out a squirrel-chewed line. Seriously, been there, fixed that.
• We swear by a true mesh Wi‑Fi setup (think three nodes for most two‑story homes) so cameras, sprinklers, and work-from-home video calls aren’t elbowing each other for bandwidth — get the fastest version you can afford.
• Pick one smart‑home “language” (Apple HomeKit, Matter, SmartThings, etc.) and stick to it — I refuse to live in an app graveyard with a dozen half‑working controls. Interoperability matters more than brand flash.
• Start small and smart: a video doorbell or smart thermostat gives the biggest bang for your buck, but make sure your doorbell matches your camera system to avoid paying two subscription fees. Ouch.
• If you’re DIYing switches, arm yourself with a tester, wire strippers, a screwdriver and common sense — and if you’re unsure, bring in your electrician or an integrator early to save future headaches (we mean it).
• I’m a big fan of Lutron Caséta for lighting and battery blinds that actually stay charged for years, but do check bulb compatibility unless you want an accidental disco strobe for the neighbors.
• Buy safety tech like Forge flame detectors and electrical monitors (Ting) — those devices can warn you before a small problem becomes a house‑eating fire, and insurers are actually into that now. Win.
• Security and privacy aren’t sexy but they’re real: cameras, voice devices and some overseas‑made routers/vacs can introduce risks, so balance convenience with caution and vet device provenance before you plug in.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Control4
• Samsung SmartThings
• Apple
• LG
• Ring
• Aqara
• Lutron
• Baldwin
• Level
• Chamberlain
• Amazon
• Deep Sentinel
• TP-Link
• Roborock
• Volvo
• Bradford White
• AOL
• The Home Depot
• YouTube

Thanks for listening to Around the House with Eric G! Subscribe so you never miss a new episode: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

Watch and follow us on YouTube:

• Around the House with Eric G: https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricG
• Around the House HQ: https://www.youtube.com/@AroundtheHouseHQ

Join the Around the House Insider for the full back catalog, exclusive content, early access to new shows and a direct line to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

Has this episode helped with your house? We'd love a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the best way to help other homeowners find the show. For more tips, products and past episodes, visit https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

This Saturday on Around the House with Eric G, we're covering smart home tech and how your HVAC system really works! In hour one, Wendy Glaister joins us and Eric teaches Home Tech 101. That means easy smart home products like a one-swipe "good night" scene that locks the doors, closes the garage, lowers the blinds and sets the outdoor lights. We'll also talk about why smart devices like video doorbells only last about five to seven years. In hour two, we sit down with Pyramid Heating and Cooling to explain how your furnace and HVAC work, which noises warn you of trouble, and how fresh-air code changes are affecting today's systems. Listen this weekend on your favorite podcast player. Everything's linked at aroundthehouseonline.com.

Thanks for listening to Around the House with Eric G! Subscribe so you never miss a new episode: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

Watch and follow us on YouTube:

• Around the House with Eric G: https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricG
• Around the House HQ: https://www.youtube.com/@AroundtheHouseHQ

Join the Around the House Insider for the full back catalog, exclusive content, early access to new shows and a direct line to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

Has this episode helped with your house? We'd love a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the best way to help other homeowners find the show. For more tips, products and past episodes, visit https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Portland's downtown hotel crash and a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed contractors both hit homeowners, and we break down why. I saw hotels in Portland go from hundreds of millions to pocket change, and that cascade matters even if you're only worried about a kitchen remodel. We riff on jaw-dropping numbers. The Royal Sonesta was bought for $108M in 2016 and resold for about $6.8M. Yeah, you heard that right. We talk about how hotel and commercial fire sales reshape downtown cores, and why those downtown problems eventually trickle into neighborhood housing markets. I give the bleak-but-useful view: commercial collapse can depress surrounding residential values and change who's buying and how properties get repurposed.

Then we flip gears into contractor land. State contractor boards are finally doing the thing we've been nagging about: going after unlicensed, unbonded contractors who show up with a van, a pocket full of cash and zero paperwork. I walk you through the real risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor, from injuries to illegal decks to bad wiring. Then there's the nightmare scenario where your homeowner's policy won't save you because suddenly you're their employer. I share how to check a contractor's license before you hand over a deposit, plus a brutal real-world story of a guy who paid cheap, got $200k of trash work, and doubled down on bad choices. We wrap with product recalls you shouldn't ignore: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and knockoff kids' gear. The takeaway? Spend a little more on a licensed and bonded crew, or pay a lot more later, literally and emotionally.

Takeaways:

• I can't believe downtown hotels are selling for pennies on the dollar. We're seeing 70–90% collapses that could trickle into residential housing markets.
• State contractor boards and NASCLA are running nationwide stings against unlicensed contractors. Nevada's undercover ops exposed unlicensed bidders offering work up to $100k, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
• Hiring an unlicensed, unbonded contractor can make you the employer on the hook for injuries, and your homeowner's insurance likely won't cover that mess.
• Here's how to check a contractor's license: I call the state or local licensing agency, dig through service records, and judge how complaints were handled before handing over any deposit.
• I watched a homeowner pay $200,000 to an unlicensed crew, then need another $100,000 in repairs because of illegal decks, bad wiring and dangerous workmanship. It's a textbook contractor scam story.
• Product recalls to know about: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and cheap knockoff kids' gear are getting pulled for safety reasons. Don't ignore them, or dinner might fight back.

Links referenced in this episode:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
• Oregon CCB contractor license lookup: https://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/
• NASCLA: https://www.nascla.org/
• Around the House: https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Companies and organizations mentioned:

• Royal Sonesta
• Hotel Zags
• NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies)
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board (Oregon CCB)
• California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
• San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
• Lithonia Lighting

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

If you like bathrooms that feel like a tiny resort you can actually afford to enjoy, I want to walk you through my top 10 picks for a 2027 master-bath remodel — the stuff I’d spend money on (and in many cases already did). We chat about the gear that transforms a wet, mildew-prone box into a spa-like, low-maintenance oasis: AirMada’s airjet shower drying system that blows showers dry in 20–30 minutes (seriously, mold hates it), Ardex Flexbone heated floors that warm tile and benches, and Thermasol’s Total Wellness steam systems with aromatherapy, chromotherapy and touchscreen controls. I point out why linear Infinity drains and large-format porcelain slabs make showers easier to clean and more elegant, and why bidet toilet seats (I’m a fan of heated, all-electric units) are a comfort-and-hygiene game changer. I’m not just name-dropping — I give real-world pros and cons. Heated floors need a dedicated circuit and tile professionals (or decent DIY skills), steam showers demand steam-rated waterproofing like Vapor 85 and a sloped ceiling so you’re not showered with condensation, and those flashy touchscreen panels? Keep ’em out of the direct spray or you’ll be calling warranty. I also cover practical bits: Panasonic vent fans, Amba towel warmers that save laundry and make winter mornings bearable, whole-house leak detection/shutoff for peace of mind, and smart lighted mirrors and wood vanities for the look. Overall, this piece is a buyer’s cheat sheet for luxe function — what’s worth splurging on and what to plan for so it actually works long-term.

Takeaways:

• I swear by the AirMada airjet: it dries a glass shower in 20–30 minutes versus hours, massively cutting mold risk—just don’t skip pairing it with a killer vent fan.
• We put Ardex Flexbone heated floors in the shower and bench, and honestly it changed mornings; remember it needs a dedicated circuit, helps dry floors fast, and protects subfloors.
• I’m team all‑electric bidet seats (heated, adjustable water temp, self‑cleaning nozzle) — Brondell’s SC400 is the sweet spot for comfort without paying Toto‑level prices, and yes, get a GFCI outlet.
• I love my Thermasol steam shower for wellness and aromatherapy, but I’ll be brutally honest: the touchscreen electronics aren’t waterproof, so place screens away from direct spray and expect to plan for 220V and service access.
• We used a Panasonic vent fan plus a clever transom idea to pull steam out efficiently; coordinate your AirMada blower and fan or you’ll be setting off hallway smoke detectors.
• Go barrier‑free with Infinity linear drains and large porcelain slabs — they’re gorgeous, easier to clean, and reduce grout drama, but install with the right large‑format mortars and Ardex products.
• Practical luxuries pay off: a whole‑house leak detector with auto shutoff can save your insurance claim, and a hardwired Amba towel warmer seriously cuts laundry and makes winter mornings feel deluxe.
• Lesson learned: don’t DIY a steam‑shower glass door, consolidate plumbing/electrical in accessible attic or service space, add rockwool for quiet and condensation control, and budget realistically because steam systems can cost tens of thousands.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Alright, here’s how I’d play 2027 if I were you: the housing market is shifting from a relentless seller’s treadmill to something friendlier to buyers — at least in most metros. I walk you through the numbers we’ve been watching (Redfin’s gap, inventory creeping up, average time on market around 33 days) and explain why mortgage rates in the mid-to-high sevens aren’t apocalypse-level — they’re just the new normal compared to the dreamy 3% era. I also tell it straight about deferred maintenance: water is the slow killer of houses, and if you let caulking, roofing and exterior wood slide for years you’ll pay way more later. So we talk trade-offs: buy now if your lease is ending and you can lock a deal; otherwise consider smart renovations if you’re sitting on a low-rate mortgage or want to avoid risky landlord laws in your area. I get a little personal — we’re fighting a Hvac saga with Lennar and I’ve been to the Mayo Clinic for a week (thanks for the patience) — because real decisions are always messy and human. Then I pivot to practical, high-ROI moves: fix deferred maintenance, consider turning a house into a rental only in markets where landlord protections make sense, and don’t let interest-rate fear freeze you. TL;DR: be strategic, not panicked. If you’re a millennial tired of renting, there are deals out there; if you own, prioritize maintenance and energy checks so you’re not caught off guard when market or utility shocks hit.

Takeaways:

• I’m telling you: 2027 looks like a buyer’s market in many places — more inventory and seller concessions mean if you can escape a lease, now’s a smart time to pounce.
• We keep saying it on the show: water and deferred maintenance will quietly ruin your house — I beg you, fix roofs, caulking, and siding before small stuff becomes a teardown drama.
• If you’re remodeling, I’d reserve your quartz slabs today — California might ban man‑made quartz, and I’m expecting a 60–90 day sell-through scramble that could mess with your timeline.
• I don’t hate quartz, but silica dust is a real worker health crisis — ask fabricators about wet cutting, vacuums, StopAct certification, and take a shop tour so I don’t have to scold anyone later.
• Listen up: tariffs could hit imported cabinets and upholstered goods hard on January 1, 2027 — I’d buy now or choose Made‑in‑USA pieces unless you enjoy surprise sticker shock.
• We’re seeing real kitchen shifts: I love the return of defined zones, back kitchens, concealed appliances, two‑tone islands, plus practical resilience like leak detection and backup power.
• Energy reality check from me: heating oil prices are way up and electricity isn’t cheap either — tune your furnace, consider fuel swaps, and install whole‑house safety systems before bills give you heartburn.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Buckle up — we’re jumping straight into the 2027 game plan and I’m the one steering this conversation with a coffee cup in one hand and a measuring tape in the other. We talk about whether you’re remodeling, buying new, or hunting for that first home, and I give the kind of no-nonsense pointers that actually help you avoid rookie mistakes. We also get real about silica dust: I lay out how quartz granules become a health hazard when fabricators dry-cut without respirators or water suppression, why manufacturers and cutters both share the blame, and what could happen if regulators like the California Air Resources Board decide to act. Spoiler — if they vote to curb or ban certain products, supply and installation could get interesting. Beyond the doom-and-gloom, I walk you through practical takeaways: how to vet fabricators, what PPE and on-site controls matter, and the timeline to watch (that November 19th meeting is worth marking). I close with the usual cheer-squad reminders to subscribe, leave a review, and follow our channels — because keeping the show alive means we keep bringing the messy, useful truth about home projects to you. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and actionable steps you can use before your next contractor shows up with a saw and a smile.

Takeaways:

• We jump into your 2027 game plan — remodeling, buying, or first-home strategies, nailed.
• I warn you about quartz silica dust risks: dry-cutting fabricators without respirators create serious long-term health hazards.
• We're tracking California's Air Resources Board vote — possible ban could be scheduled November 19th, so stay tuned and a little nervous.
• In hour two we gush about spa-level master bathroom upgrades: heated floors, Ardex/Irmada systems, and yes, bidet toilets that feel surprisingly civilized.
• We ask you to subscribe, follow our YouTube channels, leave reviews, and keep those hammers swinging while we dodge rogue ladders and website crashes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Airmada
• Ardex
• Toto
• Kohler
• California Air Resources Board
• YouTube

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Forget polite corporate spin — I ripped into something that smells funny and I’m dragging you along. I talk about how Lennar spun off Milrose (they split it off in early 2025), and then Milrose went on a buying spree: more than 700 finished homes across 15 states in about a month, roughly $200 million worth. My antennae went up when Hunter Brook Media (and yes, they’re affiliated with an investment firm) started poking around and found Milrose buying homes that were supposed to be held as land — not rented out. Then filings changed, suddenly allowing Milrose to rent finished houses. Investors filed a class action claiming misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I walk through the math that suggests Lennar only barely hit delivery targets because of those sales. It’s sketchy, possibly a backroom move to prop up sales numbers and keep stock sentiment buoyant — and then Warren Buffett’s Berkshire quietly ups its stake. I also share my own, annoyingly personal connection: my fiancés son bought a Lennar home and we’re still battling HVAC and wiring issues. Bottom line: whether this is illegal or just ugly accounting, it stinks for homeowners and could ripple through neighborhoods. I’m staying on this story and doing a feature about a Lennar homeowner’s fight — so yeah, expect more receipts soon.

Takeaways:

• I’m calling shenanigans on Lennar’s move to spin off Milrose and then sell finished homes back to it, because it looks like a dodge to prop delivery numbers and tidy up earnings at just the right time.
• We talked about the investor lawsuit alleging misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I can’t help but note how odd timing—Lennar misses targets, Milrose pops up buying homes, and Berkshire quietly ups its stake—raises real questions.
• I’ve seen the homeowner side up close—my fiancée’s son bought from Lennar and we’re still fighting HVAC and wiring issues despite inspections, which makes me skeptical about quality control and buyer protections.
• We dug into the data and found nuance: a London School of Economics study suggests institutional buying can depress nearby home prices over time, while a Philly Fed paper found single-family rentals might nudge prices up slightly, so the real impact isn’t black-and-white.
• Heads-up on recalls: big-ticket hazards this week include 3M Scotch laminators that can overheat, crystal glass cups that can shatter into ingestion risks, bedside sleepers posing suffocation dangers, and air rifles firing unexpectedly—so I strongly recommend checking cpsc.gov for anything in your home.
• On a lighter note, I’m kind of into Medea’s new Straw Wash dishwasher—finally someone designing jets to actually clean metal straws and lids, and yeah, I’ll admit I want one because I’m tired of pre-rinsing and pretending it’s fine.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://expedia.com
• https://youtube.com
• https://cpsc.gov/recalls
• https://finance.yahoo.com
• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Ventilation is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your home healthy, and we get real about it with Ken from Panasonic — fans, ERVs, filters, and why cheap venting is a false economy. I’m Eric (and John’s chiming in), and we walk through how Panasonic’s robust motors and whisper-quiet fans actually solve moisture, mold, and nasty indoor pollutants better than the dusty little $29 fans most builders slap in. We nerd out on ERVs — how they recover heat and moisture so your house stays comfy without the runaway energy bill, why a good MERV-13 filter matters in wildfire or industrial-smoke days, and how smart controls can even shut off intake when outside air is garbage. We also rant (lovingly) about recirculating microwave vents, venting into attics, and insulated garages that turn into moldy Chia Pets if you don’t pull that moisture and fumes out. Practical takeaways: aim for predictable, mechanical ventilation (not random open-window hope), buy quality so you’re not on speed dial in three years, and for the love of filters — check and change them. Bottom line: we’re all about making indoor air something you can actually trust, not just something you ignore until the crawlspace starts plotting against you. We got nerdy and nosy about the air you breathe at home — and let me tell you, we weren’t gentle. I’m Eric (with John nudging me), and we hung out with Ken from Panasonic to chew on why ventilation actually matters beyond that little fan you occasionally swear was on. We talk motors — real, rock-solid ECM motors that can run forever (Ken literally has one in his crawl space humming for 18 years) — and why you should care: moisture management, mold prevention, and keeping nasty PM2.5 and combustion gases out of your lungs. We bust myths: an open window isn’t always ventilation, over-the-range microwaves are basically useless hoods, and recirculating “hoods” just spread gross stuff around. Practical gold: use an exhaust to create predictable airflow, put vent fans to the exterior (not into the attic), upgrade kitchen hoods to vent outside, and don’t ignore garage and crawlspace ventilation. We also toss in the humble but vital task of filter changing (ERV cabin air filters go black fast in wildfire or Gulf-coast air), plus the whisper-sense and motion-sensor fans that flip on for you so humans don’t have to remember. If you want healthier air without turning your house into a science lab, this is the conversational, slightly snarky roadmap we laid out — with concrete fixes for builders, DIYers, and anyone tired of living in a steam room or a mold gallery.

Takeaways:

• I brag about Panasonic's ECM motors — ours run for decades with minimal fuss, so don't cheap out on fans unless you enjoy mysterious mold and callbacks.
• We reminded listeners that ventilation isn't just for bathrooms; kitchens, garages, and crawl spaces produce moisture, chemicals, and starch aerosols that feed mold and wreck indoor air if ignored.
• I explained ERVs: two fans and a special membrane core that swaps heat and moisture so we save energy and keep humidity manageable, not mystical voodoo.
• We stressed that ERV and ventilation filters must be checked often — in high PM or wildfire-prone areas you'll change them monthly, otherwise your fancy system turns into a black Chia Pet.
• I admitted smart controls can pause ventilation during wildfire smoke or awful outdoor air, but adding Wi‑Fi sensors and automation costs money, and builders are watching every cent.
• We warned that open windows don't guarantee ventilation because air movement needs pressure differentials; mechanical systems give predictable, uneventful fresh air while windows gamble with the weather.
• I roasted over‑the‑range microwaves as the worst ventilation option — they mostly recirculate greasy vapor, so invest in a properly ducted hood that vents outside.
• We balanced reality: tightening the building envelope saves energy but requires smarter ventilation choices, so pick solutions that hit comfort, health, code, and the builder's budget.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Panasonic Ventilation
• Panasonic
• ENERGY STAR
• Gore-Tex
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• YouTube

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Eric had a family emergency this week so we had to jump into a best of episode as he had to jump on a plane to the midwest: We jump straight into the good stuff: John and I rag on the viral “3D printed house” videos (yeah, pretty, but I’m not convinced a stack of concrete tubes survives a real winter), then pivot to something actually useful—Instabid.pro. I walk you through how we used it: you walk a kitchen with your phone, the app recognizes granite, sinks, cabinets, and spits a full bid, material list and a before-and-after render faster than you can say “where’s Bill with the hose?” John demoed it in his own kitchen a hundred times (no, really, he did), and we unpack how that speed obliterates the slowest part of remodeling: the back-and-forth measuring and endless estimating that used to take days or weeks. For contractors, it’s auto-sub notifications, change-order tracking, labor-hour uploads, and a pinged approval flow that keeps you honest and keeps jobs from bleeding money because someone forgot the countertop. Beyond the theatrics, we get practical. Instabid isn’t a black-box spitball; it’s grounded in decades of field experience—John built the dataset, region-pricing multipliers and trade parts so the numbers actually reflect where you live. We compare it to other AI tools that promise the moon but undercut reality; a demo had one competitor 60 grand short on a 600 sq ft addition—yikes. Instabid’s founder puts his phone on the site (yeah, no PR fluff), offers a trial, and even a pilot deal for the first callers—because we want the honest small guys to win, not the slick price-pumpers. If you’re a homeowner tired of crickets after posting for bids, or a contractor who hates admin, this is the practical lever that changes how remodeling gets done.

Takeaways:

• We ripped through Instabid.pro — I swear it spits out regional, contractor-priced bids in about a minute, killing the old two-week bid slog.
• I kept saying AI isn't a magic contractor replacement — it nails simple visual swaps, but we still need humans to handle construction's messy, surprise-filled nuance.
• We laughed about robot apocalypses, but truthfully Instabid actually helps keep contractors honest with auto sub notifications, change orders, and fewer admin headaches.
• I told homeowners the new workflow plainly: scan your kitchen with your phone, hit the contractor's Instabid form, and bam — multiple real bids, not sketchy spitballs.
• We compared the market and found a lot of AI estimating tools wildly off; Instabid leans on decades of trade experience and localized data for much better accuracy.
• I geeked out about affordable tech like phone thermal imagers — small, fun toys that let us spot hidden leaks or hot breakers without ripping open walls.
• We emphasized how contractors can customize parts and pricing, set auto-approvals, and protect margins, so the platform’s speed doesn't mean careless, underpriced work.
• I openly invited listeners to try the Instabid Pro trial and even call the founder — no-BS transparency, a pilot program, and a promise to build what contractors actually need.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://youtube.com
• https://homeadvisor.com
• https://houzz.com
• https://instabidpro.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

The housing market is weird right now — interest rates are way up (we’re talking about 7¼%), but prices are coming down, so if you can stomach the payments it might actually be a smart time to buy. I’m talking to you from a hotel room in Rochester, MN (near the Mayo Clinic), my voice a little shot and the décor clearly missing a renovation cycle or two — sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and hotel reviews lie. Builders are getting creative to move houses: buying down points, skimping on subs, and cutting corners, which means you need a local new‑construction inspector on a pre‑construction contract (concrete, framing, pre‑drywall inspections) and a real agent who will fight for you — don’t be cheap on representation. We also ran through the recalls — everything from propane fireplace lava rocks that can explode to trimmer mowers that can ignite — and I covered one of the internet’s latest brainfarts: people upset about Tillamook being Halal‑certified when it’s really just better cheese-making practices (calm down, internet detectives). I had to hop out for family stuff so this week’s punch list is a midweek quickie and we’ve got a “best of” dropping this weekend, but I’ll be back with a fresh show next week. Stick with us, hit subscribe, and bring a sense of humor — you’ll need it when you start reading online comment sections. I'm calling this one the “phones-and-foundations” rant — I was broadcasting from a hotel by the Mayo Clinic because family comes first, but that didn't stop me from ripping into what’s happening with houses right now. Mortgage rates are stupid-high (we’re talking 7%+), prices are drifting downward, and builders are getting creative: buy-downs, shortcuts, and commission cheapness. I walk you through the practical math — why two points saved by a builder can steer a buyer toward new construction, and why that sweet monthly payment might come with drywall surprises later. I’m adamant that if you’re chasing new builds, you get a pre-construction contract with a local inspector who checks concrete, framing, and pre-drywall. Also, don’t cheap out on an agent; paying market-rate commission means someone actually fights for you when things go wrong. I toss in a real-world example (Elise’s kid) to show how buy-downs work, and I give my take that long-run rates aren’t going back to the 3% dream — 5% is the new comfort zone. Practical tips, blunt warnings, and a few digs at national builders who cut corners — all delivered while I sip questionable hotel coffee and remind you that timing the market matters but so does staying protected.

Takeaways:

• I'm on the road in Rochester with a shot voice from a pre-90s hotel room, so forgive the rasp while I walk you through why high interest rates make buying tricky even as prices fall.
• We think right now is a weird sweet spot: prices are dropping, but seven-percent mortgage pain makes timing and math everything, so buying only makes sense if you can stomach higher payments short-term for potential long-term gains.
• Builders are aggressive—buying down points and skimping on workmanship—so I recommend locking in a local new-construction certified inspector for concrete, framing, and pre-drywall checks to catch shortcuts early.
• Don't cut realtor corners: when builders slash commissions to one percent you lose an advocate; pay market rate for an agent who will actually fight for you and protect future costs.
• Heads-up on recalls and safety: stop using certain propane fireplace inserts and recalled trimmer mowers, and check with manufacturers or REI for fixes—small products can create big fire or crash risks.
• And for some delightful social-media nonsense—Tillamook being Halal-certified isn't a cultural takeover, it's better cheese production choices; I call out the dumb panic and remind you to do two seconds of research.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Around the House
• Mayo Clinic
• Tillamook
• Snow Peak
• Dr. Power Equipment
• Decathlon
• Van Rysel
• REI
• Ford

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

We jump right into the big idea: Walk Your Plans projects blueprints to exact scale so you can literally walk a house or remodel before a single brick is laid — Joe Matejka tells us builders and designers catch over 90% of pre-construction mistakes this way, which translates into huge savings, less rework, and way fewer “oh no” moments when concrete is already cured. I confess I used to tape out kitchen islands with foam board to help clients visualize (amateur hour, right?), and Joe’s story about financing a 26-person Idaho lodge only to discover “we got a good room when we wanted a great room” had us both cringing and laughing — that kind of real-world misread is exactly what their tech prevents. We dig into how Walk Your Plans evolved from a painful personal lesson into a national tool — 58 locations now, shooting for 120 — and why Joe chose floor-projection and iPad-powered 3D over clunky VR (hint: vertigo and liability were party crashers). Beyond homes, we talk commercial wins — hospitals, restaurants, even bank lenders love anything that reduces risk — and Joe explains how dropping actual furniture into a scaled space solves the “will my couch fit?” nightmare and helps retailers reduce returns. Bottom line: we’re selling confidence as much as square footage; clients leave smiling, designers get buy-in, and projects move faster and cleaner — which, honestly, sounds like a miracle wrapped in projector film. If you want the hookup, Joe points folks to walkyourplans.com and their social channels, because apparently one viral video and 37 million views later, there’s a whole lot of people ready to stop guessing and start walking.

Takeaways:

• We project blueprints exactly to scale on our studio floor so I can literally walk the space before a single brick gets laid — that pre‑walk 'aha' moment prevents headaches and dumb surprises down the road.
• I learned we routinely catch over 90% of pre‑construction mistakes during these walkthroughs, which translates to real time and cost savings versus crying into a $20k–$50k fix later.
• As a kitchen designer I’ll tell you, we move islands all the time — roughly 65% — because physically navigating the plan changes design from theoretical to actually usable for two people cooking together.
• We drop your exact furniture into the scale model via iPad, so I can prove whether that beloved sectional or giant dining table will fit, avoiding glorious returns and awkward living‑room do‑overs.
• I found VR is flashy but often makes people dizzy, so we built a low‑nausea, on‑the‑floor solution that’s a tool, not a toy — practical, tactile, and way less liability prone.
• We’re scaling fast (58 locations now, 120 goal) and our viral social presence proved demand is real — people worldwide want to walk their plans, not squint at tiny PDFs.
• We help commercial clients, hospitals, banks and insurers reduce massive liability by catching layout failures digitally early — sometimes preventing million‑dollar screwups instead of expensive late‑stage reframing.
• Ultimately, I love seeing clients walk out smiling and confident; we turn anxiety into belief, speed up approvals, and get builders, architects and homeowners on the same page — which, honestly, feels like magic.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://walkyourplans.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Walk Your Plans
• Our House Furniture
• Around the House
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• National Association of Home Builders
• KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)
• IBS (International Builders' Show)
• Meditech

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

We sat down—me, Stephanie, and Jason—and basically geeked out about making our homes less likely to become headline material. I walked through why smoke and CO detectors are not the same dinosaurs my parents put up: UL rewrites have turned them into sophisticated little wall‑computers that can tell real danger from burnt toast, and Kidde’s newer devices will even nag you mercilessly at the 10‑year mark so you finally change the thing. Jason broke down the UL changes that speed up detection and introduced low‑level CO alerts (35 ppm notifications, not waiting till you’re gasping), which are huge for kids, seniors, and pets. We also talked combo devices that monitor toxic VOCs and indoor air quality because wildfire smoke and everyday pollutants matter now more than ever. We got practical—testing monthly, looking at manufacture dates, and knowing whether your unit is hardwired, battery‑replaceable, or a sealed 10‑year model. Travel and rentals came up: only a handful of states require CO alarms in hotels, so pack a battery‑operated CO detector for peace of mind. We also dove into the “surprising sources” of CO exposure (generators, cleaners using a generator next to your house, neighbors’ diesel gear), why lithium‑ion batteries are stealth arson risks, and how counterfeit or off‑brand batteries and chargers can start fires faster than you can say “return policy.” Bottom line: we want your home to be the easiest place to feel safe. Clean and vacuum your alarms, replace units older than ten years, keep extinguishers around the house (and know how to sweep the base, not the flames), and if ladders freak you out, call your local fire department’s non‑emergency number—they’re almost always happy to help. For extra toys, check kidde.com, causes4alarm.org, the AR escape‑plan tool, and our YouTube guides. We care, we nag lovingly, and yes—we’re serious about not letting you be the cautionary tale.

Takeaways:

• I loved how we explained the UL changes — modern alarms are basically tiny computers that actually know the difference between a real fire and burnt toast, so people stop taking them down in frustration.
• We warned that carbon monoxide is sneaky and often comes from outside sources like generators, contractor vans, pool heaters, or a running car in the garage, so I keep saying: even electric homes need CO detection.
• I pushed the travel tip hard: pack a simple AA carbon monoxide alarm when you stay in hotels, rentals, or Airbnbs, because only a handful of states require proper detection and you can’t trust every property.
• We drove home maintenance basics — test your alarms monthly, check the manufacturing date on the back, replace units older than ten years, and clean sensors with compressed air so false chirps don’t wreck your sleep.
• I got passionate about fire extinguishers and placement: have multiple extinguishers per level, use a kitchen-rated unit (not water on grease!), know to aim at the base, and stash one near bedrooms for quick grabs.
• We dug into lithium-ion battery risks — cheap knockoff chargers and batteries can chain-ignite; I recommend buying UL/ETL‑listed batteries and keeping tool and phone batteries off continuous charge, ideally in a metal cabinet.
• We hyped the smarter features we love: low-level CO alerts for vulnerable folks, air quality and toxic chemical monitors, plus new radon and gas detectors — layering detection really gives us extra time and calm.
• We closed with a practical nudge: practice a family fire escape plan now — map two exits per room, include pets and grandparents, and if you need help call your fire department’s non‑emergency line.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://kidde.com
• https://cause4alarm.org
• https://portalarm.org

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

This week on The Punch List, I break down my favorite Amazon Prime Big Deal Days picks for your home, from Roborock robot vacuums and Lutron Caséta dimmers to BORA sawhorses and a Chamberlain myQ video keypad. We also cover a big batch of product recalls and what Berkshire Hathaway's $8.5 billion Taylor Morrison deal means for housing. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are happening right now — I’m talking hot steals like Roborock robot vacuums, Lutron Caséta dimmers, a bargain Rove dash cam and even Chamberlain MyQ garage video keypads, but heads up: these Prime-only prices end Wednesday at midnight PT, so move fast if you want the good stuff. We walk through the best picks I’m eyeballing (yes, I own a Roborock and yes, it’s glorious), call out the sleeper bargains like steel Bora sawhorses and wire for DIY projects, and remind you that some of these sale prices only pop up once or twice a year. On the safety front we got a nasty batch of recalls — everything from 4.4 million Walmart grill brushes (do not eat metal shavings, just don’t) to rechargeable hand warmers that can catch fire, sketchy lamps, and cargo e-bike seat-post bolts that can break — so we tell you what to toss, return or quarantine immediately. Big-picture housing news: Berkshire Hathaway just paid $8.5 billion for Taylor Morrison and merged it with Clayton, joining other deep-pocketed buyers scooping up builders, which might be a sign we’re nearing a market bottom but won’t magically fix affordability overnight. I mix a little reality check about interest rates and inventory with a reminder that fewer new builds and smarter owner incentives could help kick the market back into gear. Stick around for our game plan: quick shopping tips for Deal Days, what to do if you own one of the recalled items, and why these builder buyouts matter to anyone eyeing a house in the next year.

Takeaways:

• We rushed this early midweek Punch List because Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are live — snag Roborock vacuums, Lutron Caseta dimmers, dash cams, and heavy-duty Bora sawhorses at sharp, time-limited prices if you act before midnight Pacific.
• I called out the Rove R2 dash cam marketing — it upscales to “4K” so don’t expect true cinema-grade footage, but it’s still a solid budget option for front-and-rear coverage.
• We went through a heavy batch of safety recalls — electric cargo bikes, multiple brands of rechargeable hand warmers, floor lamps, grill brushes, and camping immersion heaters all pose real fire, burn, or ingestion hazards, so stop using recalled items and get refunds or replacements.
• I unpacked the Berkshire Hathaway buy of Taylor Morrison and their bigger stakes in other builders — investors (including Japanese firms) are scooping up discounted homebuilders, which could be a sign we’re approaching a housing-market bottom, but it’s no guarantee.
• We flagged the broader housing reality: too many homes on the market versus buyers and stubbornly high interest rates mean demand needs to tighten and builders must slow construction before prices and activity normalize.
• Pro tip from me — if you’re doing projects, Amazon’s Deal Days are a great time to buy wire, tools, power units, and smart-home gear, but always double-check specs, prime-only restrictions, and return policies before the impulse buy.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://amazon.com
• ROBOROCK: https://a.co/d/01oXOzKq
• Lutron: https://a.co/d/0ijXfrc9
• Rove: https://a.co/d/0b6s8yER
• Levoit:https://a.co/d/09WTrwQP
• BORA: https://a.co/d/09RTN99f

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

This week on The Punch List, I break down why buyers finally have the upper hand, with mortgage rates back above 7% and Redfin reporting 57.9% more sellers than buyers in August. We run through the latest product recalls, and I recap emceeing Rock the Locks, where I proposed to Alisa backstage and she said yes. We kick this midweek Punch List off with that high-energy recap before diving into the real stuff. We dig into fresh housing data: mortgage rates have crept back above 7% (Freddie Mac ~7.03%, Bankrate ~7.33%), existing-home sales hit a 2026 low, and Redfin says there were about 57.9% more sellers than buyers in August — the most lopsided market on record. That imbalance means tons of price cuts (Denver hit 31.4% of listings with cuts; Portland about 30.5%), builders are even buying down interest rates by a couple points in some markets to compete, and remodeling activity is stalling as homeowners hold off on big projects. We also run a hard-hitting recalls roundup — from online mattresses failing flammability rules to smart glasses that can overheat, reclining-chair battery packs sold on Amazon, heated blankets, infrared saunas that can short and overheat, pool heaters risking carbon monoxide, and more — so if you’ve got any of that gear, please go check it. Bottom line: great music and good vibes at the festival, but the housing market’s getting messy and your stuff might be a recall away from drama — we walk you through what to watch and what to do next, plus I sneak in a teaser for our weekend show and the new YouTube reviews (generator and one-person grill tested at the fest).

Takeaways:

• I emceed Rock the Locks last weekend, proposed to Alisa backstage, and honestly couldn't stop smiling — it was an epic, music-fueled highlight that reminded me why live events matter.
• We're seeing mortgage rates around seven percent (and sometimes higher), which is squeezing buyers, cooling sales, and making now a real window for renters with savings to pounce.
• I dug into Redfin's August data — about 57.9% more sellers than buyers nationally — and that lopsided inventory gives buyers real leverage in many markets.
• We're watching builders buy down interest by as much as two points, so new construction with lower rates and big warranties is outcompeting comparable existing homes right now.
• We ran the recall scoreboard on the show — everything from tens of thousands of flammable online mattresses to overheating smart glasses and saunas — so please check cpsc.gov and double-check what you bought.
• I'm seeing remodeling stall and contractors reporting record cancellations, meaning homeowners are favoring repairs over big projects and planning more cautiously this cycle.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://cpsc.gov

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Fall Home Trends & Cozy Upgrades with Wendy Glaister | Lighting, Color, Smart Home & Holiday Prep Host Eric G welcomes interior designer Wendy Glaister (Wendy Glaister Interiors) to discuss fall home trends and practical ways to make spaces feel warmer and more uplifting as daylight fades. They talk about the shift away from years of “greige” toward richer colors, plaids, florals, and Ralph Lauren–inspired looks, plus timeless details like Greek key patterns. They share ideas for layered, warmer lighting, using timers and simple smart-home setups for lamps, fireplaces, blinds, and thermostats. They also cover decorating do’s and don’ts (too many gnomes, harsh scents, bright pumpkin orange, oversized skeletons, and quote decor), seasonal table setting with fine china and vintage pieces, decluttering and pantry prep, regional considerations like wasps and spiders with wreaths, emergency power planning, and why major remodels should avoid the holiday season due to shutdowns, shipping delays, and scheduling realities.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Empty Nesters Are Upsizing: Designing Forever Homes with Style and Aging-in-Place Features On the Around the House Show, host Eric G talks with interior designer Wendy Glaister about shifting empty-nester trends, with more clients rejecting traditional downsizing and instead upsizing or redesigning homes to support an active “next chapter.” They discuss how pandemic-era priorities, agency, and quality of life are driving decisions, along with incorporating subtle aging-in-place features that look high-end—zero-threshold showers, bidet-ready outlets, better lighting, heated floors, safer induction cooktops, and sound-insulated offices/bathrooms. Wendy shares examples including a Wall Street Journal–featured ranch remodel built for long-term accessibility and a dentist couple who chose a new property better suited for entertaining and family gatherings. They also highlight the value of bringing trusted professionals on house hunts to avoid unrealistic renovation cost expectations and to align layouts with real lifestyle needs, such as separate offices and hobby spaces.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Mold is quietly turning into the new lead paint/asbestos scandal and I’m here waving a giant, slightly gross flag about it. I walk through why big volume builders like D.R. Horton and Lennar are getting slammed with lawsuits — bad HVAC sizing, poor framing, and homes built so tight they sweat themselves into unlivable molds. I riff on the Dixon case in Louisiana (buyers from 2014 pushing back, state court standing and a potential class action stretching back to 2007) and the Seminole Tribe litigation in Florida where 450 homes and a thousand tribal members are dealing with defective roofs and moldy walls — damage estimates topping the hundreds of millions. The numbers get my attention: Horton’s $1.1 billion self-insurance reserve and Lennar’s 21% bump to $336.9 million tell you insurers and builders are already feeling the pain; jury verdicts north of $10M rose 52% between 2023 and 2024. I don’t buy “just maintenance” as an excuse — undersized HVAC, poorly ventilated attics, and wet lumber are failures in basic building science, not bad luck. I also talk about the human cost — property values tanking (one Texas house plunging from $318,700 to $117,000 when mold was disclosed) — and why legal, insurance, and construction practice pressures are converging into what could be a long, expensive reckoning for national builders.

Takeaways:

• We warned mold is becoming the new lead paint — builders are ignoring humidity, and that's a systemic failure.
• I walked a Lennar job with wavy walls and undersized HVAC systems, proving sloppy framing and poor load calculations aren't isolated oopsies.
• We talked legal fireworks: the Dixon vs. D.R. Horton fight stayed in Louisiana courts and may expand into a class action reaching back years.
• I pointed out insurers and builders are quietly padding self-insurance reserves into the hundreds of millions, because construction litigation costs are rising fast.
• If you're buying new, we insist the punch list is 100% done before closing; seriously, pay for pre-drywall inspections and someone to manage the build, don't take their BS.
• Mold testing is a circus — spore counts and remediation estimates can vary wildly, resale values can plummet, so get proper air quality tests from pros like Caroline Blazowski before you panic or sign away rights.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://aroundthehouseonline.com

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Planning a master bathroom remodel in 2026? Eric G walks through his top 10 tips so you don’t blow the budget, hire the wrong crew, or build a shower that fails in five years.

From checking neighborhood comps on Zillow before you design, to wiring for heated floors and a bidet seat you’ll want later, this episode is packed with hard-won advice from decades in the field. Eric covers why you hire a designer at the drawing stage (not after demo), how to plan for aging in place while the walls are open, and why Rockwool insulation is one of the cheapest upgrades that makes a master bath feel quieter and more solid.

He also digs into the stuff that usually goes sideways: treating the shower waterproofing as one system (Wedi, Ardex, Schluter — pick a brand and stick with it), finding a CTI certified tile installer through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, double-vanity wall math that actually works, and sizing ventilation so mold never shows up in a $50,000 room.

In this episode:

• Match your remodel to comps so you don’t over- or under-build
• Hire the designer early — pay once, or pay the contractor twice
• Aging-in-place blocking, curbless showers, and lighting that still looks sharp
• Rockwool for sound and a quieter bedroom
• Wire for 2030: towel warmers, heated floors, bidet outlet, Cat6
• Realistic 4–8 week timelines, inspections, and a real contingency plan
• One waterproof system end-to-end — no mix-and-match parts
• Why a CTI certified tile installer matters (and how to find one)
• Double vanity rules: 76 inches comfortable, 60 inches legal
• Overbuild the fan, duct it right, and keep the mold out

Listen, subscribe, and dig into nearly a decade of episodes at aroundthehouseonline.com.

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

AI in construction and remodeling is moving fast — and a lot of the hype doesn’t hold up on a real jobsite. On this episode of Around the House, certified kitchen designer Eric G and co-host John Dudley cut through the noise on AI-powered design, estimating, and bidding, and what actually helps homeowners, contractors, and remodelers today.

They dig into the buzz around 3D-printed concrete houses — aesthetics, insulation, durability — and why practical building systems still win for most projects. Then they get into AI kitchen design and phone-based scanning that can turn a room into visuals, material lists, and bid numbers in minutes instead of weeks. John walks through InstaBid, a contractor bidding tool that automates estimates, subcontractor notifications, change orders, and follow-ups so accuracy and accountability don’t fall through the cracks. They also cover affordable thermal imaging for diagnosing home issues, and why today’s AI panic sounds a lot like old scares such as Y2K.

If you care about AI in construction, remodeling tech, faster kitchen estimates, or smarter contractor bidding, this one’s for you.

00:00 Show Intro 00:38 John Back in Studio 01:15 3D Printed House Hype 03:34 AI Decorators and Design 04:40 AI Panic and Marketing 07:08 Instant Kitchen Scans 09:03 Old School Bidding Pain 11:52 InstaBid Explained 14:04 Homeowner Bid Struggles 16:02 Accuracy and Accountability 19:20 Competitors and Trust Issues 22:12 Construction Nuance Costs 23:01 InstaBid Data Advantage 23:17 Economy Remodeling Pressures 25:59 Regional Rates Multipliers 26:37 Sign Up Trial Pitch 27:40 Helping Contractors Win 29:06 Back From Break Tech 29:19 Thermal Camera Use Cases 30:56 AI Accountability Benefits 34:21 Pilot Program Offer 37:09 Rock The Locks Plug 39:35 Final Sign Off

Thanks for listening to Around the House. Subscribe for the latest episode: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

Join the Around the House Insider for the back catalog, exclusive content, early access, and a direct line to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and reviews on how this helped your house. More at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.