Renovation Made Right

In this special edition of Renovation Made Right, we have an important update to share with our valued listeners. As we reflect on the journey so far, we realize that we've explored a vast array of home renovation topics, providing insights, tips, and guidance to homeowners.However, all good things evolve, and so does our podcast. We're transitioning to a more spontaneous schedule, moving away from regular updates. This isn't the end of "Renovation Made Right"; rather, it's a shift to a new phase where we will release episodes as and when we encounter exciting new listener questions, groundbreaking home improvement technologies, or any topic we believe will benefit you, our listeners.This episode is not a goodbye; it's a promise of "see you later." We're still here, still passionate about home renovation, and we'll continue to share valuable content, albeit less frequently. Stay subscribed, and keep an eye out for those surprise episodes that will pop up when you least expect them, packed with the same enthusiasm and expertise you've come to love.Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here's to the next, more spontaneous chapter of Renovation Made Right! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this much-anticipated return of "Renovation Made Right," hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan break their hiatus with a bang! They dive right into addressing your burning questions about home renovations.We kick off with a detailed discussion on load-bearing walls. If you're contemplating whether to remove one in your next project, this segment is packed with essential considerations to ensure your home's safety and integrity.Next, we shift our focus to the kitchen. Discover budget-friendly, DIY upgrades that can breathe new life into your kitchen space. These tips are perfect for homeowners looking to make impactful changes without the need for a professional contractor.Lastly, we tackle the unique challenges of bathroom remodeling in high-humidity areas. From selecting durable materials to effective moisture management, we cover crucial tips to help you create a bathroom that's both beautiful and functional in a humid environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "Renovation Made Right," we address a unique listener query that resonates with many homeowners: How do you transform a small, dated space into your forever home, one room at a time?This week, we delve into a listener's journey of renovating a quaint 650 sqft house, originally built as a summer cottage in the 60s. After successfully revamping their kitchen, the homeowners are ready to tackle the next challenge - the bathroom.The focus is on a common issue in older homes: low head height in the shower, especially in a bathroom with sloping ceilings. Our listener is considering installing a skylight in the shower area to add height and bring in natural light. But, is this feasible? What are the implications of having a window so close to moisture?Join Dave and Brenda as they explore the practicalities, challenges, and creative solutions for installing skylights in bathrooms. They'll cover everything from moisture management, structural considerations, to maximizing small spaces with smart design choices.Tune in for an episode packed with expert advice, tailored specifically for making the most of compact spaces, and turning them into comfortable, functional, and bright areas of your home! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to turn up the heat with hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan in the latest episode of Renovation Made Right! They're dishing out a healthy serving of gas stove safety tips that will leave you feeling confident and fired up in the kitchen. From maintenance and ventilation to carbon monoxide detection, Dave and Brenda leave no stone unturned as they equip homeowners with the knowledge needed to navigate the potential hazards associated with gas stoves. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an occasional cook, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a safer cooking experience.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of our series on the history of kitchens in America, Brenda Bryan takes a deep dive into the evolution of kitchen appliances and technology. Based on insights from the book "America's Kitchens" by Nancy Carlisle, Melinda Talbot Nasardinov, and Jennifer Pustz, Brenda explores the development of the key kitchen tools and appliances that revolutionized American kitchens, including the icebox, the gas range, the refrigerator, and the microwave. Brenda also discusses the cultural and social impact of these appliances, from the ways they changed the way we cook and eat to their role in shaping gender roles and domestic life. Tune in to learn about the fascinating history of the tools that made American kitchens what they are today.You can find "America's Kitchens" on Amazon and AbeBooksFind us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of two episodes on the history of kitchens in America, Brenda Bryan takes us on a journey through the evolution of the American kitchen from the colonial period to the mid-20th century. Drawing on insights from the book "America's Kitchens" by Nancy Carlisle, Melinda Talbot Nasardinov, and Jennifer Pustz, Brenda illuminates the cultural, technological, and social factors that shaped the American kitchen over time. From the humble hearth of colonial times to the modern appliances of the mid-century, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of the most important rooms in the house.You can find "America's Kitchens" on Amazon and AbeBooksFind us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "Renovation Made Right," hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan are joined by Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty to discuss the age-old question: "Should I stay in my house long term?" The group explores various strategies for approaching home renovations when you're unsure about your long-term living situation, whether it's updating the essentials or investing in major upgrades that could boost resale value down the line. Tune in to get expert advice on how to make the most of your home, no matter how long you plan to stay.Find Ray and Judy at Leading Edge Realty. You can also find them at RayDurling.com.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Renovation Made Right, hosts Dave and Brenda sit down with Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty to discuss the current state of the real estate market. Ray and Judy share their insights on the challenges and opportunities of buying and selling homes in today's market, including tips on how to navigate bidding wars, prepare your home for sale, and find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on the housing market and offer predictions for the future. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to make a move in the current real estate climate.Find Ray and Judy at Leading Edge Realty. You can also find them at RayDurling.com.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Renovation Made Right, the podcast where Dave and Brenda (sometimes) answer your burning questions about all things remodeling. In this episode, they tackle a range of topics submitted by listeners, including the pros and cons of tub/shower combo removals, range ovens, and more!Whether you're planning a renovation project or just looking for some inspiration, this episode of Renovation Made Right is packed with practical advice and insights from two remodeling experts. Tune in now to hear Dave and Brenda tackle your toughest remodeling questions!Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Renovation Made Right, Brenda and Dave dip into interior design and explore the do's and don'ts of creating a beautiful and functional space.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Renovation Made Right, Dave and Brenda give a refresher on their background in the remodeling and home improvement industry, and answer a listener question about house flipping!Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to this week's edition of Renovation Made Right, where Dave and Brenda answer your questions!Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever just "click" with someone, and feel like the stars have aligned? That's what we want ALL of our clients to experience - and you should, too! Dave and Brenda chat about how important and beneficial it is to find a contractor that understands you, your vision, and your home when approaching a project.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much to Dave's dismay and Brenda's glee, to celebrate 100 episodes, Dave tells a story of legendary proportions from the Blackdog archives.Thank you for listening to us for 100 episodes! We can't believe we've made it this far, and couldn't have done it without you. Please continue to rate, review, subscribe and follow us on your favorite platforms.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picture this: you hire a contractor for your project, but unknown to you, that contractor hasn't been able to turn a profit. They use the money you put down as a deposit to pay for the materials, labor, subcontractors, etc. of a prior project. When it comes time to begin yours, they've run out of money and can't start construction. How do you protect yourself? Dave and Brenda chat about this (unfortunately common) scenario and cover different ways you can protect yourself and your project.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk a lot on the show about what we think homeowners should do when pursuing a home improvement project. What about hearing it from a (home-improvement experienced) homeowner's perspective? This week, Dave and Brenda sit with past client Susan Sabia to chat about her experiences working with Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel. Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back! This week, Dave and Brenda chat about why you should consider switching over your home's heating and cooling system over to (drumroll)... heat pumps! A riveting topic, we know, but we promise to make it interesting. Dave and Brenda chat about the environmental considerations, costs, and how to determine if the system is feasible for your home.This episode was inspired by and references the Journal of Light Construction's article of the same name: "Heat Pumps in the Age of Electrification" by Steve Easly.Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want a peek behind the curtain at Renovation Made Right? This week, Dave and Brenda take a little detour from our typical format to chat with Renovation Made Right's pretty-cool Producer, Merrill (who writes these descriptions and makes Dave and Brenda sound good). They talk about the podcast learning curve and answer Merrill's questions about tackling the "insulation situation" in her old home. Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This accidentally turned into the Craft-Bilt fan show, but let's roll with it! Join Dave and Brenda as they chat about two newer products in the home improvement industry that they think you should know about and take advantage of for your home!Craft-Bilt - 4 Track Vinyl Stacking Windows LinkCraft-Bilt - Aluminum Water Resistant Interlocking Decking LinkFind us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to this week's edition of Renovation Made Right, where Dave and Brenda answer your questions! Find us @renovationmaderight on social mediawww.renovationmaderight.comwww.blackdogbuilders.comSend us your questions at renovationmaderight@gmail.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.