The Renovation Situation

054 Homeowners aren’t just asking for pretty kitchens and bathrooms anymore — they’re asking how a space will make them feel. In this episode of The Renovation Situation, Joe and Todd break down the fast-growing wellness trends shaping the remodeling world. From natural light and circadian-friendly design to air quality, water purification, saunas, layered lighting, plants, textures, and dedicated...

053 In this episode of The Renovation Situation, Joe and Todd sit down with Jeremiah from Invision Marketing to unpack what actually makes a remodeling website convert and why most contractors get it dead wrong. We kick things off with a wild story:Joe’s Google My Business was suspended for months, completely tanking search visibility, until Jeremiah stepped in and fixed what no one else could. Fr...

💰 So… how much does a kitchen remodel really cost?052Spoiler: it’s not $10K — no matter what Google or HGTV tells you. In this episode, Joe and Todd break down the truth behind kitchen remodel pricing, the myths of online “averages,” and what actually drives the cost of your dream kitchen. From cabinets and countertops to labor shortages and layout changes, they uncover why every kitchen is diffe...

051 In this episode of The Renovation Situation, Joe and Todd sit down with Jeremiah from HydroShield to talk about protecting your home’s most vulnerable surfaces — countertops, tile, glass, and more. We dig into the science behind HydroShield’s surface protection, how it works, why it matters, and how it’s helping homeowners avoid costly damage from stains, etching, and hard water buildup. You’l...

049 SummaryIn this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss the complexities of the remodeling industry, focusing on the challenges of managing employees versus subcontractors. Todd shares his recent decision to transition from having employees to relying solely on subcontractors, citing issues with quality control, the pressure of providing for employees, and the hidden costs associated with employment...

050 SummaryIn this conversation, TC and Joe discuss the significance of reviews in the remodeling industry, exploring various platforms for obtaining them, the challenges faced in acquiring customer feedback, and strategies for dealing with bad reviews. They emphasize the importance of integrating review requests into the project process and maintaining a professional response to negative feedback...

Summary 048 In this episode, Joe and Todd discuss the latest trends in bathroom renovations, focusing on curbless showers and their growing popularity. They explore the importance of planning, math, and product choices, particularly the use of Schluter systems, to ensure seamless transitions and accessibility in bathroom design. The conversation also touches on the significance of aging in place c...

047 SummaryIn this episode, Joe and Todd discuss their experiences with kitchen remodeling and the importance of inspection cameras in the renovation process. They review various inspection tools, including the Teslong inspection camera and the FLIR thermal camera, highlighting their features and practical applications in identifying issues before and during projects. The conversation emphasizes t...

046 SummaryIn this conversation, Joe and TC discuss their recent personal experiences and the challenges faced in the remodeling industry, particularly focusing on trade partners and the importance of communication. They share a detailed story about a drywalling project that highlights miscommunication and professionalism, ultimately leading to valuable lessons learned about maintaining relationsh...

044SummaryIn this conversation, Joe and TC discuss their recent experiences in project management, focusing on the importance of effective communication with homeowners, innovative documentation strategies, and the challenges faced during renovations. They share insights on how to enhance client relations through detailed visual references and the benefits of documenting job sites for future refer...

SummaryIn this conversation, Joe and TC discuss various challenges faced in the renovation industry, particularly focusing on building department regulations, permit frustrations, and the complexities of managing renovation projects. They share personal experiences with old homes, insulation choices, and the often contentious topic of garbage disposals, highlighting the differences in regional pra...

SummaryIn this conversation, Joe and TC discuss various aspects of home renovation, focusing on the challenges of sourcing materials like mahogany for decking, the importance of protection during remodeling, and the mishaps that can occur during plumbing work. They share insights on project updates, innovative solutions for protecting surfaces, and the tools and materials they use to ensure qualit...

Summary  In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss the complexitiesof managing renovation projects, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by indecisive clients. They explore the importance of effective communication, timely selections, and structured processes to enhance project efficiency and client satisfaction. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear deadlines and regular check-in...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various aspectsof construction projects, focusing on the importance of preparation, protection, and navigating building regulations. They share insights on project scopes, job site challenges, and specific techniques for installing extension jams. The discussion emphasizes the need for a clean job site and theprofessional standards required in t...

Summary A conversation between Todd and Joe, where they discusstheir week, including attending a leadership presentation and a pro show. They delve into the importance of networking and attending industry events, even if the immediate benefits aren't apparent. The main focus of the conversation is on books that are essential for business and self-employment, particularly in the construction an...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various aspectsof remodeling and construction, focusing on a small kitchen project and the importance of pre-drywall checks. They explore design challenges, the use of design software, and essential inspections before drywall installation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of planning for future installations, documenting the process,...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and TC discuss various pricingstructures in the construction industry, including fixed costs, cost plus, and time and material pricing. They share personal experiences and insights on the advantages and disadvantages of each method, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethics in contractor-client relationships. The discussion highlights the value of ex...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various aspectsof business management, including the importance of networking, handling taxes, and navigating challenges in the remodeling industry. They share personal experiences and insights on how to build relationships, leverage associations, and utilize local networking opportunities to grow their businesses. The discussion emphasizes the...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and TC discuss various aspects ofthe remodeling industry, focusing on insulation codes, handling business slowdowns, and the importance of air sealing. They compare insulation requirements between Illinois and Washington, explore different types of insulation, and share insights on innovative building materials and techniques. The discussion highlights the chall...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss the complexitiesof remodeling projects, focusing on the challenges faced by contractors and homeowners alike. They emphasize the importance of communication, setting expectations, and understanding contracts to ensure a smooth renovation process. The discussion also highlights the significance of creating a positive work environment for contract...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various topicsrelated to home renovation, focusing on cabinet lighting, economic insights, and housing trends among millennials. They explore the benefits of under cabinet lighting, innovative lighting solutions, and the importance of proper wiring and installation. The discussion also touches on the current state of the economy and its impact o...

Summary In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various topicsrelated to home renovation, including personal updates, work challenges, and specific issues with plumbing and electrical work. They delve into the importance of lighting in home design, discussing color temperature, lighting plans, and the advantages of wafer lights over traditional can lights. The conversation highlights the signif...

Summary   In this conversation, Joe and Todd discuss various topicsranging from the harsh winter weather and its impact on comfort food choices, to the challenges of remodeling projects, including tile delivery issues and computer building frustrations. They delve into plumbing essentials, emphasizing the importance of proper materials and practices in remodeling, particularly the differences betw...

Summary   In this conversation, Todd and Joe discuss various aspectsof hiring in the carpentry industry, focusing on the importance of genuine resumes, the challenges of finding qualified candidates, and the nuances of crafting a standout resume. They share personal anecdotes and insights on what employers look for in applicants, emphasizing the need for sincerity and specificity in resumes. The d...

Summary   In this engaging conversation, Joe and Todd delve into theworld of resumes, sharing humorous anecdotes and insights about what makes a good resume and what doesn't. They discuss the importance of experience, loyalty, and transferable skills, while also highlighting some of the most unusual and funny resumes they've encountered. The conversation touches on the evolving expectation...