The RepcoLite Home Improvement Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Today's EpisodeAre You Moisturizing? [00:00 - 08:44]Here's the video Dan was talking about at the beginning of the segment!We talked about Dan’s smart humidifier last weekHow it can be an essential home appliance during the winter Which reminded us there are simple maintenance steps many of us forget about during winter months! Conditioning the wood and leather in our homeAs wood or leather loses moisture, it shrinks, which can result in cracks in your beautiful wood cutting board or favorite chair. Even if you don't have leather furniture this same rule applies to leather bags, coats, shoes etc. Make a plan to oil your wood cutting boards and furniture once a month during the winter, or whenever they feel very dry to the touch. The entire process takes less than five minutes—and it could help preserve your cutting boards and furniture for years to come.Cutting Boards:First, make sure your cutting board is clean and thoroughly dry.Using a clean cloth apply CUTTING BOARD OIL  to the surface of the board distribute the oil evenly  let the oil soak in for a few hours or up to overnightUsing another clean cloth, wipe off any excess oil. Your cutting board should look shiny and revived, without being damp to the touch.For Wooden Furniture:Note: Follow these steps for oil-and-wax or stain-and-wax finishes, not painted or lacquered pieces.Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Follow with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.Apply wood polish to a clean cloth, then wipe it onto the furniture, working in the direction of the grain.Let the oil soak in for about 30 minutes before buffing in and wiping away any excess oil.Leather Furniture:Leather lasts forever with the right amount of care and upkeep, so why not get the most bang for your buckIt’s recommended to clean light-colored leather every six months and dark-colored leather once a year. start by vacuuming the leather couch to get rid of any crumbs. Then dust it, if necessary, to remove any lingering dirt. Make sure it's completely dry Now it's time to get down to business and use cleaners. Leather cleaners can help break down the dirt and stains to make your leather couch look like new. Some products are 2-in-1 and contain both the cleaner and conditioner. This part is very important - Spray the cleaner onto a cloth, rather than directly onto the furniture!Prevent it from leaving spray marks. Wipe lightly all around, making sure to clean the edges, nooks, and crannies. Work from top to bottom to avoid any uneven polish marks.After you've cleaned, make sure to wipe away any excess cleaner before conditioning the couch. Grab your favorite conditioner, either in spray or bottle form, and apply a small amount onto a clean cloth. Conditioners are great because they contain healthy oils to make your furniture look fresh, smell phenomenal, and stay moisturized. Extends the life of your furniture!Once you've finished buffing in the conditionerAllow the leather to dry for an hour or so to let the product seep inAvoid getting the oil on your clothing. Damaged Drywall Repair [08:45 - 18:59]Ever removed some base board or maybe a backsplash or a toilet

On Today's EpisodeLaundry Bag Hacks [00:00 - 06:14]You've heard of mesh laundry bags, I'm sure. And maybe you've had good luck using them for their intended purpose: laundry. But there are a lot of other creative uses for these cool, mesh bags! Here are just a few:BABY STUFFNew baby in the house? It can be really tough to take care and keep track of all their gear once you've tossed it into the washer. If you've struggled with that, give this a try: toss socks, bibs, hats, nursing pads, and any of their other tiny accoutrements into these zippered washer bags and keep track of them while you wash them!MORE BABY STUFFSticking with the baby theme . . . bottle parts, pacifiers, and other things like this are usually dishwasher-friendly. However, they're tiny and can easily fall through the gaps in the racks. Toss those pieces and parts (after confirming that they're dishwasher-safe) into mesh laundry bags and run them through the dishwasher that way.BEACH TOYSBeach toys are a mess! The sand gets everywhere. So, toss them in one of the big, drawstring mesh laundry bags and carry them around that way. When the kids are done playing with them at the beach, pack them into the mesh bag, and before you toss it in the car, walk it out into the lake and rinse everything off in the bag! BATH TOYSBath toys can end up filling the whole tub . . . Instead, get one of the big, drawstring mesh bags hang it from the shower head. Use that for toy storage! Even though they're stored wet, they'll easily dry through the mesh.BIG PUZZLES or TOYS with PIECESBig, wood-block puzzles are fun, but it's not long before all the pieces are shuffled everywhere. Store those puzzles in separate zippered bags and keep everything together. Or, what about Mr. Potato Head toys or other things like that? Want Mr. Potato Head's eyes and mouths and his little tie and feet to all be available for the next day? Store him and all his parts in a laundry bag.There are tons of other mesh laundry bag hacks! If you have a few that you use on a regular basis, let us know! You can email us at radio@repcolite.com.The Humidifier [06:15 - 18:58]Dan bought a new guitar and quickly realized that in order to maintain it throughout the winter months, he was going to need a humidifier. After doing some digging, he purchased the humidifer in the links below as well as an accompanying hygrometer.Together, the system is working brilliantly: He can set the desired humidity and that's it. The humidifier and hygrometer work together to maintain the room at exactly that relative humidity. The unit is quiet, easy to fill and clean, and because the humidifier turns itself on and off as necessary, he finds he doesn't need to fill it as often as other humidifier that simply run all day until their empty or manually turned off. Govee Smart WiFi Humidifier

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

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

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

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

On Today's Episode:Making Christmas Brighter [00:00 - 05:13]Christmas is rapidly approaching! And while that fills many of us with excitement and anticipation, there are many families in our community who will struggle! Angel Tree is a ministry run by the Salvation Army that allows us to help make Christmas just a bit brighter for kids in our area. It's a great opportunity for us to get involved and help someone in a very tangible way. Find an Angel Tree donation site, grab a tag from the tree, buy an appropriate gift and return it unwrapped! The Salvation Army will make sure it gets delivered to a child or teen in need before Christmas!We've got Angel Trees at 4 different RepcoLite locations:473 W. 17th Street in Holland860 84th Street SW, Suite 2 in Byron Center2840 Broadmoor Ave SE in Grand Rapids912 Fulton St SE in Grand RapidsYou can find other locations as well as gift ideas here!The 5 Most Common Reasons Your Dryer Isn't Working! [05:14 - 18:59]When an appliance quits working, it's frustrating. It's concerning. It's inconvenient. And it's usually expensive. Happily as DIYers, there are a number of appliance fixes we can implement on our own--for very little money. Today we talk about dryers and 5 of the main reasons yours may not be working right now.Start Troubleshooting with the Simple StuffIs it plugged in?Did the breaker trip?Is it just overloaded with clothes?Is an obstruction preventing the drum from spinning?Is the door closed firmly?Common Problem 1: Is the Door Switch Working?Once you know the simple stuff isn't the problem, you need to dig deeper. One place to look that could be a cause of the problem is the door switch. Every dryer has one--it's a little lever or button that's visible when you open the door.Is it physically broken? Sometimes the tab/lever breaks off and will no longer catch when the door closes. Replacing it is easy!If it's not physically broken, it still could be faulty or defective. Look online and determine how to access your door switch and test with a multi-meter. **IMPORTANT: If the door switch isn't physically broken, before I took the dryer apart to test the switch, I'd instead pop the bottom access panel off and check for a broken belt (Common Problem 2 below). Common Problem 2: Is the Drive Belt Broken?Another common problem is the drive belt. You access this by removing the lower access panel on the dryer and finding the belt that loops over the drum, around an idler pulley and then to the motor.In many dryers, the idler pulley is on a lever switch.When the belt is in place and taut, the switch is engaged and the machine works. When the belt is broken, the switch is disengaged and nothing happens. Common Problem 3: Is the Thermal Fuse Tripped?Another common problem is the thermal fuse. Since the 80's, these are installed on dryers as a safety mechanisms to prevent fires. If the dryer is overheating, the thermal fuse trips and shuts off power. It's not a device that can be reset--it needs to be replaced. Happily, it's inexpensive.Consult your owner's manual or search for your model online to find the location of the thermal fuse.With the machine unplugged, remove the two wire leads and test the fuse with a multi-meter.If it's not working, it has to be replaced.Common Problem 4: Is the On/Off Button Defective?A last common (and simple) reason your dryer could quit working is a faulty or defective switch....

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

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

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

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

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

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