Home with Dean Sharp

Dean unpacks the “Iron Triangle” of construction—Cost, Quality, and Time—and how it impacts every home project. He explores how falling in love with a home often means accepting its imperfections, leading to “house blindness” and stalled remodels—yet another reason why design truly matters most. Dean shares key tips on what not to do during a remodel, the value of hiring a designer, and how it can...

In this episode of Home with Dean, Dean kicks things off by introducing the gang and chatting about a recent whale-watching adventure. Then it's back to the house as Dean dives into painting over century-old wallpaper—yes, it can be done!—with oil-based primer and quality paint. He also breaks down modern roofing materials, from lightweight tile to composition asphalt, and explains why synthetic r...

Dean offers expert advice to a caller exploring different techniques for adding solar panels to their roof. He also helps another listener navigate the challenges of rebuilding a fire-damaged home—offering tips on dealing with unreliable contractors and avoiding overpriced labor. Dean explains the importance of hiring a contractor separate from a house designer and shares how to verify a contracto...

It’s an All-Calls Weekend! Dean takes questions from listeners tackling everything from contractor troubles to home energy savings. He advises a caller facing a shady contractor and shares smart tips on getting multiple bids to avoid getting ripped off. Plus, learn how to save energy when starting up your AC and why proper insulation is key to keeping your home cool and efficient. See omnystudio.c...

Dean shares expert tips on fire-retardant proofing and fire hardening your home. He also explains how to seal crawl spaces to block toxins using vapor barriers. Plus, Dean advises a caller on her new kitchen cabinets and countertops with practical guidance for a flawless finish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean dives into practical solutions for common home issues. He explains the benefits of using a bridge valve with a tankless water heater, how to prevent damage from private trees and surrounding concrete, and tips to extend the life of your shingle roof. Plus, learn what to do about cracked, lifted driveways and how to properly paint the exterior of your fireplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Dean Sharp kicks off an All Calls Weekend by letting listeners steer the conversation. He begins with a thoughtful discussion on rebuilding after a home loss due to fire, then takes a call about surface sealers—explaining how porosity, moisture, and high-humidity environments affect stone, and why penetrating sealers can enhance without trapping water. Dean breaks down the difference between stone...

Dean Sharp opens the second hour with a “haunted” light switch mystery, explaining why intermittent contact—not the switch or ceiling fan—is likely the culprit, and how an electrician can track down the problem. A follow-up caller offers a theory, but Dean rules out a three-way switch issue before moving on to a fence problem in windy Lancaster, diagnosing rotted, improperly treated posts as the r...

In today’s episode, Dean dives into the challenges and creative opportunities of designing small spaces. He shares why clutter is your worst enemy in tight quarters and how the right design “rules” can turn frustration into function. From the 3-5-7 rule to the 70/30 balance and the real meaning behind the rule of thirds, Dean breaks down how to use numbers and light to open up even the tiniest roo...

Dean takes your calls and offers expert advice on common (and frustrating) home issues. He shares tips on repairing a porcelain sink with a hole, explains what that mysterious white powder on your A/C system really means, and helps a caller cool down a home that's running too hot. Plus, Dean weighs in on how to deal with old bathroom tiles showing water marks. Practical, real-world solutions you c...

Dean continues his guide to maximizing small spaces with smart design choices. In this episode, he explains how scaling your furniture, choosing multi-purpose pieces, and avoiding oversized, showy items can make a big difference. Dean also dives into flooring tips—why uniform tile sizes can backfire, and how keeping floors open and furniture low can enhance flow. Plus, he emphasizes the importance...

Dean’s new chicks, practical cabinet painting tips, HVAC troubleshooting advice, and Dutch door design/install insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean takes you from the attic to the electrical panel with practical advice for homeowners looking to make smarter decisions about comfort, efficiency, and safety. First, Dean breaks down the differences between fiberglass insulation and spray foam in attic spaces — especially when you're converting to a conditioned attic. He also explains how baffles work and why proper attic ventilation is criti...

Dean dives into outdoor furnishings — from choosing the right pieces for your space to understanding what makes furniture truly great (both hard and fluffy!). Special guest Brian Gold from ALDIK HOME joins to share what’s trending, what’s practical, and how to elevate your outdoor setup. Plus, don’t miss the scoop on Aldik Home’s Christmas in July sale! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Dean tackles a range of home improvement questions — from repairing a cracked sewer pipe to choosing between foam or blown insulation. He also dives into upgrading your home’s electrical panel and shares insights on construction quality and choosing the right furnishings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean is joined by Brian Gold from ALDIK Home to talk all things outdoor patio furnishings — from weatherproofing tips to choosing the right materials. Dean shares his personal experience with ECO LA and how he tackled a mosquito problem at home. Plus, a deep dive into rigid structures vs. umbrellas and a recap on creating the perfect outdoor patio space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Dean takes your calls and tackles a wide range of home improvement challenges. He shares tips for silencing those annoying squeaky floors, explains why some LED light bulbs run hotter than expected, and offers expert advice to a caller dealing with a problematic water system. Plus, Dean helps a listener figure out what’s going on with their “floating” hardwood floor. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

It’s an All-Calls Weekend on Home with Dean Sharp! In this episode, Dean opens the phone lines and answers your burning questions about your home. From plumbing tips to smart strategies for remodeling your bathroom, Dean breaks it all down with his signature clarity and creativity. Plus, if you’re stuck with stubborn carpet pad residue after a flooring removal—don’t worry—Dean shares the best ways...

Dean shares practical tips on protecting your home during the peak of fire season. As high temperatures, dry conditions, and summer winds create the perfect environment for fire danger, Dean explains how embers—carried by the wind—can enter homes through vents and other vulnerable spots. Learn how to prepare your home before fire strikes, why ember defense matters most, and what simple steps you c...

Dean shares key tips for midsummer fire prevention and highlights two companies offering vents designed to block dangerous fire embers. He answers a caller’s question about the ember resistance of O’Hagin vents and offers practical advice for reducing noise from a loud pool pump. Plus, Dean discusses repair options for damaged fascia board lumber and how to get your home back in shape. See omnystu...

Dean Sharp shares smart, budget-friendly ways to fire harden your home during peak wildfire season. From creating zero-defensible zones to using fire-rated window films, Dean explains how simple changes—not extreme measures—can make all the difference. He also breaks down how fire lines work and why every homeowner should have a fire-prep checklist in place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Dean dives into how to side over stucco and safely remove it when needed. A caller gets expert advice on tackling a stubborn tree stump, and Dean shares why protecting outdoor copper pipes—especially those with rubber sleeves—is crucial. Then it’s off to the lake, where Dean explains how water agitation can help combat algae growth, and why understanding the nature of algae is key to keeping your...

Dean answers listener questions and shares expert insights on a range of home improvement topics. Learn about the best spray paints on the market, the step-by-step process of laying tile like a pro, and how to safely deal with black mold in your bathroom. Dean also helps a caller troubleshoot mysterious toilet vibrations and explores the latest in Wi-Fi-enabled water leak detection systems to keep...

Dean takes listener calls about privacy glass for a front window, a tankless water heater that is not providing hot water, new front door for a really old home, shellacking very old oak floors, why only warm water is coming out of an outdoor faucet, how to change a regular shower to a 'walk in' shower for an older person, tree roots that are causing cracks on sidewalk, plumbing problems and whethe...

Dean takes listener calls about a water line break that caused wood floors to warp, a gopher problem, a dryer that doesn't dry clothes properly, how to build a firepit in the backyard, the rules on smoke detectors, building a retaining wall, how to pick the 'right' white paint, and a kitchen remodel with new appliances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.