The Carolina Contractor Show

A massive hailstorm just hit Greensboro NC with golf ball-sized projectiles, and your roof might be compromised without you even knowing it. General contractor Donnie Blanchard pulls back the curtain on what happens when hail strikes your shingles and why the damage matters even when there's no immediate leak. The roofing industry harbors a dark side that emerges after every major storm. Donn...

Think homeownership is out of reach? This eye-opening conversation with real estate expert Ashton Dixon might change your mind forever! We peel back the curtain on the home buying process, revealing pathways to property ownership that most people never discover... The journey begins with finding the right realtor – someone genuinely invested in your success rather than just chasing a quick commiss...

Choosing between DIY projects and hiring professionals can feel overwhelming. This episode grapples with crucial considerations for homeowners looking to tackle improvement projects, unearthing valuable insights and practical advice. We explore how to assess personal skills and tools, the importance of safety, and when it makes sense to call in a professional. The discussion also emphasizes unders...

What if tariffs could shape the future of home building and redefine the housing market landscape? Tune in to the Carolina Contractor Show as we, your hosts Donnie Blanchard and Eric Smith, unravel the complex web of tariffs and their surprising effects on the construction industry. With our signature humor, we kick off with a nod to the tariffs set by Donald Trump, before steering into how these...

Ever wondered if you really need a 20% down payment to buy a home? Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as we unravel these common myths and explore the world of home buying with our special guest Kyle May from Movement Mortgage. Kyle brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on the current challenges faced by young buyers, such as high interest rates and inflation. You'll gain ins...

Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as we navigate the tumultuous world of home construction and ownership. We set the stage for a deep dive into the challenges facing today's housing market, where rising house prices and limited inventory are creating unique hurdles for prospective buyers. From DIY renovations to selling a self-built home, we share personal stories and valuable insights...

Can you afford to misunderstand your insurance policy when a hurricane strikes? Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as we unravel the complexities of post-hurricane home management. You'll learn the crucial first steps to take after a storm has wreaked havoc on your property, including the importance of promptly filing insurance claims to secure a place in the repair queue amidst potentia...

What if Donald Trump's election victory could redefine the construction industry landscape? Join us, Eric Smith and Donnie Blanchard, as we unpack this bold notion and discuss the newfound consumer confidence that's energizing the construction sector. We'll also explore how Trump's policies, particularly his focus on immigration enforcement, might reshape the labor force while...

What if the re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States could reshape the entire construction industry landscape? Join Donnie Blanchard and Eric Smith on The Carolina Contractor Show as he shares firsthand insights gained from his businesses, SureTop Roofing and Blanchard Building Company. In this episode, we step beyond our usual DIY projects to uncover how Trump's...

What if you could build your forever home without breaking the bank? Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as we unravel the secrets to balancing quality and cost in home construction with our special guest, general contractor Donnie Blanchard. Our conversation starts with some light-hearted banter, including a flight of fancy where Donnie's charm lands Donald Trump on the Joe Rogan podcast...

Unlock the secrets to saving money while building your ideal home as we sit down with seasoned general contractor Donnie Blanchard. This episode is packed with insights, from the excitement of football fandom to the parallels between strategic game adaptations and the construction process. Ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of home building and the impact of fluctuating interest rates on yo...

What if a flood could put everything you own in jeopardy? On this episode of the Carolina Contractor Show, Eric Smith and general contractor Donnie Blanchard tackle the pressing issue of flood preparedness and insurance coverage, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in North Carolina. Drawing from personal experiences in hard-hit areas like Little Switzerland and Boone, we...

Can the Kansas City Chiefs pull off a historic three-peat, or will the Eagles soar to victory with their star-studded roster? Join us as we dive into bold NFL season predictions, where I forecast a Chiefs vs. Detroit Super Bowl showdown with Kansas City coming out on top. Donnie, on the other hand, predicts a thrilling Chiefs-Eagles final, giving the edge to Philadelphia thanks to their new powerh...

We dive into the world of home improvement with a focus on increasing your property’s resale value. Discover why the Carolina Panthers are struggling and how that relates to your home projects. From simple DIY upgrades like painting kitchen cabinets to creating impactful curb appeal with strategic landscaping, we provide actionable tips to make your home not just livable, but lovable. And yes, the...

Join experts Eric Smith and Donnie Blanchard as they steer us through the latest in truck-making technology. They explore a potential shift from electric batteries to hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul freight, weighing in on the pros and cons. With insights from Rick Cucci, COO of Fundkite, Eric and Donnie provide a critical look at the feasibility of battery-powered vehicles hitting carbon neutra...

Can weather really make or break a construction project? Find out as we chat with Donnie Blanchard from Sure Top Roofing about how heavy rainfall and porous chimney materials are causing headaches for roofers everywhere. We also discuss how seasonal trends, like vacations and droughts, shape the demand for roof replacements, and ponder the far-reaching implications of a possible Trump presidency o...

Can you truly prepare for the unpredictable power of hurricanes, and are we genuinely ready to meet the ambitious "net zero by 2050" goal? These are the questions we tackle in this eye-opening episode of the Carolina Contractor Show. We start with a timely reminder about hurricane preparedness, emphasizing the importance of acting early before storms escalate. Then, we dive into a contro...

Have you ever wondered how you can slash your summer cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable? Our latest episode of the Carolina Contractor Show promises to reveal practical, budget-friendly strategies that will help you do just that.  But it's not all about entertainment. We're committed to equipping homeowners with actionable advice to enhance energy efficiency and reduce uti...

Can choosing the right home construction method save you time and money?  Discover the hidden benefits and challenges of modular versus stick-built homes on this week’s Carolina Contractor Show.  Donnie, a seasoned general contractor, dives deep into the intricacies of modular and stick-built homes, debunking myths and offering a balanced perspective on both construction methods. In this episode,...

Ever wondered what goes into demolishing an industrial elevator shaft and why vintage bricks are suddenly all the rage online? Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as Donnie and Eric spill the beans on a social media sensation they never saw coming.  But we don't stop there. With hurricane season looming, we pivot to a crucial discussion on securing the right insurance coverage to protect...

Can homeowners really be held responsible for damage caused by their neighbors' trees during hurricane season? Join us on the Carolina Contractor Show as we unravel this surprising truth and other crucial insights. Leveraging my background as a former insurance adjuster, I clarify the often-confusing responsibilities and liabilities associated with overhanging tree branches and property damag...

Imagine embarking on a construction odyssey that leads you to a 10,000 square-foot lakeside gem in Burlington. That's exactly what we're doing today, as I recount the thrilling tale of my most challenging structural project to date. From the industrial elegance of a porch crafted with dense structural fir to the soaring splendor of radius glulam beams.  We'll explore the behind-the-...

Ever found yourself locked in the heated debate of gas versus charcoal grilling, or whether Michael Jordan really is the G.O.A.T. of basketball? Well, buckle up, because that's just the tip of the iceberg in today's sizzling episode! Eric Smith and I get the ball rolling on our favorite meaty subject—grilling. Our playful banter will guide you through the convenience and precision of gas...

"Brace yourselves as I recount my triumph in the office NCAA men's basketball bracket pool—it's not just a game" - Eric Smith Just a prelude to the power tool prowess I'm set to unveil. As a seasoned contractor, I've witnessed first-hand the evolution of these dynamic devices, from the hefty drills of the past to the lightweight, battery-operated marvels of the presen...