At Home with Gary Sullivan

We are saying goodbye to our friend Ron Wilson as he moves on to new ventures. Ron shares one final piece of advice for homeowners: have fun and don't overthink it. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and not getting too serious. We also chat about the value of independent hardware stores and garden centers, where Ron got his start. Plus, we're joined by Scott, who's getting ready...

This hour of At Home with Gary Sullivan covers two homeowner concerns: painting brick and addressing energy efficiency issues. Gary shares his thoughts on painting brick, discussing the importance of preparation and primer, and the pros and cons of different finishes. He also talks to a caller who's experiencing fading on their stamped concrete patio and offers advice on how to restore its color....

Gary tackles two home improvement topics. He shares his experience with a noisy garage door and offers tips on how to quiet it down. He also discusses the importance of addressing air quality and ventilation in homes, especially when refinishing basements. Additionally, he talks about the challenges of removing old tile and asbestos, and recommends using floating floors as a safer alternative. The...

This hour of "At Home with Gary Sullivan" covers various home improvement topics. Gary discusses the importance of addressing moisture issues in the attic, which can lead to mold growth and unhealthy air quality. He also talks about the dangers of ice dams and iceicles, and how to prevent them. Additionally, Gary shares tips on painting and the importance of using good quality paint and tools. He...

Gary chats with Sam Tidwell from Three Day Kitchen and Bath about the ins and outs of a comprehensive kitchen remodel. From planning to execution, Sam shares the secrets behind their unique three-day process, which eliminates waiting times and gets homeowners into their new space quickly. They discuss the importance of design, logistics, and homeowner involvement, making the process as smooth as p...

Gary tackles two home improvement questions from listeners. First, a caller shares a concern about a stone step that's been damaged and needs repair, and Gary offers advice on how to fix it without replacing the entire step. Next, a caller asks about cleaning a sediment-filled hot water tank, and Gary provides guidance on how to safely drain and clean the tank. The episode also features a discussi...

Gary dives into home security and maintenance topics. He discusses the importance of air quality with Easy Breathe, a ventilation system that can make a big difference in your home. Listeners share their experiences with security cameras, from DIY solutions to professional installations. Gary also tackles a listener's question about a noisy sub pump and offers advice on how to fix it. Plus, he cha...

Gary discusses home security and improvement tips with his listeners. He talks about the importance of having a security system in place, especially after a recent incident in Arizona. Gary shares his own experience with security cameras and systems, including his use of Ring cameras and a Simply Safe system. He also takes calls from listeners, including Brian and Bill, who share their own experie...

we're talking gardening with Ron Wilson and his sidekick Scott.   They're sharing their expertise on spring pruning, a crucial task for woody plants. Ron emphasizes the importance of pruning at the right time, especially for flowering plants that bloom on old wood. Scott shares his favorite pruning tools, including bypass pruners and Japanese pole saws. They also discuss the best times t...

Gary tackles home improvement and DIY projects. A caller shares concerns about air leaks around windows and doors, and Gary recommends products like More Tight and Draft Stop to seal gaps and eliminate drafts. He also discusses fixing clogged drains and shares a DIY solution using a zip-it strip and a plunger. Additionally, Gary talks to a caller about replacing a redwood fence and recommends cons...

Gary dives into the world of home maintenance and safety. He's joined by Clark, a chimney expert from the Chimney Care Company, who shares insights on the importance of fireplace maintenance and safety. They discuss common issues like chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and the consequences of neglecting fireplace upkeep. Gary also touches on the topic of wildlife getting into homes during t...

Gary tackles the aftermath of harsh winter weather on homes. He discusses the importance of inspecting roofs for damage, checking for water intrusion, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent costly repairs. Gary also addresses common issues like ice dams, inadequate insulation, and the consequences of neglecting maintenance. He takes calls from listeners, offering advice on topics ranging from...

Gary discusses home improvement and energy efficiency with Nate Burgess from USA Insulation. They talk about the importance of insulating older homes, which can be a game-changer for comfort and energy bills. Nate shares how his company, USA Insulation, has been helping homeowners in Cincinnati for 41 years, and how insulation can pay for itself over time. They also discuss the benefits of insulat...

Gary tackles home improvement conundrums with callers. He advises a homeowner dealing with a cracked door and potential foundation issues, suggesting a structural engineer's assessment to determine the cause. Gary also discusses the importance of proper insulation in preventing ice dams and shares tips on how to address a water heater that's been in operation for 38 years. Additionally, he offers...

Gary tackles home improvement issues with his listeners. He's joined by callers who share their concerns about ice dams, vent pipe leaks, and grout problems. Gary offers practical advice on how to address these issues, from using calcium chloride to melt ice dams to regrouting ceramic tile flooring. He also chats with Clark, a certified chimney sweep, about fireplace safety and the importance of r...

Gary chats with Clark, a chimney expert from the Chimney Care Company. Clark shares his expertise on fireplace safety, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent chimney fires. They discuss common issues like creosote buildup, pressure problems, and the need for proper ventilation. Clark also advises listeners on how to circulate heat from their fireplaces and st...

Gary dives into home improvement topics with a focus on winter preparation. He discusses fireplace safety with a certified chimney expert and shares tips on protecting concrete from ice and salt damage. Listeners also hear from Ron Wilson, a local expert on landscaping and gardening, about the challenges of finding a substitute for boxwood and the importance of bee conservation. Additionally, Gary...

Gary chats with Ron Wilson about the challenges of landscaping, specifically the struggles with boxwood plants. They discuss how boxwood's popularity has waned due to issues like pests and disease, and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement. Ron shares his personal experience with Japanese yew and the importance of considering regional factors when choosing plants. The conversation also...

Gary tackles the challenges of winter weather on your home. He discusses the importance of protecting your foundation from snow and ice dams and shares a caller's story about a mysterious melting patch on their roof. Gary also talks about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it, and answers questions about paint and plumbing issues. He also reminds listeners to check their g...

Gary tackles common home issues caused by extreme weather. He shares tips on how to prevent frozen pipes and discusses the importance of paying attention to your home's signs, like a garage door that's not sealing properly. Gary also answers listener questions, including one about efflorescence on a pool coping and another about a furnace that's not working. He offers advice on how to troubleshoot...

Gary discusses a listener's concern about cracks in the mortar joints of their 80-year-old home's walkout basement and offers advice on how to address the issue. He also talks to a caller about mold in their bathroom, and shares tips on how to prevent it. Additionally, Gary chats with a caller about a pool with calcium buildup and explores possible solutions. The hour wraps up with a discussion on...

Gary tackles home improvement and maintenance tips. He shares a personal story about fixing a noisy toilet by adjusting the water supply valve and offers advice on how to identify and address issues with door weatherstripping and inconsistent temperatures in the home. Gary also takes calls from listeners, including one about a problematic American Standard toilet and another about a well pump issu...

Gary tackles home improvement questions from listeners. He discusses the importance of planning and preparation for big projects, like building a deck, and recommends products like Barkeeper's Friend for cleaning porcelain surfaces. Gary also shares his expertise on dealing with a scratched toilet bowl and offers advice on how to fix a sinking foundation. Additionally, he talks to callers about in...

Gary discusses the importance of ventilation and insulation in homes, sharing tips on how to check attic insulation and ensure proper ventilation. He also talks about the Easy Breathe ventilation system and its benefits. Additionally, Gary shares advice on how to eliminate odors in the home, including a product called OdorXit.  This hour also touches on plumbing and water conservation, with a...

Gary tackles two pressing home improvement questions. First, a homeowner shares their concern about a hot attic, wondering if they should leave insulation in the window or not. Bill Richter from One Stop Pest Control joins the show to discuss the busiest time for mice, which is surprisingly January and February. He shares tips on how to identify and prevent mouse infestations, including sealing en...