Most of us have a lot of stuff. A great deal of that stuff is useful, but that doesn't mean it has to be immediately accessible at all times. In this episode we take a verbal stroll through the home and discuss the many storage options availabl

The Straight Poo About Sewers

Aug 16th, 2019 22m 39s

Oh, yay! It's time to talk about sewers! Because of Taro Gomi's classic book, we all know that every home needs a way to manage waste. In this episode we talk about all types of sewers, what a sewer scope inspection will find, and talk about m

Radon 101

Jul 26th, 2019 18m 59s

This week we talk about radon - what it is, where it comes from, how to measure it, and how to mitigate. The State of Minnesota recently enacted a law requiring licensure for radon measurement professionals, and as a part of that licensure, Chr

Central Air Unit Maintenance

Jul 15th, 2019 20m 49s

Hey, guess what? It's hot and humid in Minnesota during the summer! Crazy, right?! Anyway, we know that routine cleaning and maintenance of things that we operate by pushing a magic button on the wall are tasks that slip by us all too easily, s

Electricity!

Jun 6th, 2019 24m 26s

Most of what we cover in this episode is: Electricity can kill you. Never hesitate calling a licensed electrician to handle the work for you. Having said that, we do cover some homeowner DIY basics - swapping out lights, switches, and outlets.

Painting 101

May 23rd, 2019 30m 17s

Painting is something most homeowners feel they can tackle on their own. If you've never painted before, or you just want to get some tips from an expert, we'll talk you through tools and technique in this week's episode. Also: Theresa has a re

Patching Holes In Walls

May 9th, 2019 20m 47s

This week we talk patching holes in walls! We cover both drywall and plaster patches, and go into detail about what tools and techniques can help you create seemingly seamless patches. Visit the show notes page for more information: https://www

Working With Kids

Apr 26th, 2019 25m 6s

This week we talk about doing home improvement projects with young people - your own children, young relatives, any children you mentor who may want to learn some fix-it skills! We address safety, education, and all the benefits that children r

Home Owner Repairs vs Contractors

Apr 18th, 2019 20m 37s

This week we look at what types of repairs are great for homeowners who want to really get into the work of maintaining their home, versus those instances when a contractor might be the best person for the job. We also discuss how to vet a con

Mystery Plants and Garden Planning

Apr 4th, 2019 26m 16s

This week we tackle the perennial question: Do I let the landscaping grow in this first year I own my home, or do I change everything out right away? We cover plant identification, landscaping tips, how to remove dangerous/problem thorny inter

Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, and Chimneys

Mar 28th, 2019 25m 31s

This week we dive into all things fire! Fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys all require regular maintenance in order to function properly and SAFELY! Now that the burning season is more or less over, this is the best time to have the fire-hea

Get That Deck Ready For Summer!

Mar 21st, 2019 29m 14s

It's officially spring! After a rather rough winter, we needed a break from Doom & Gloom podcasts. This week we're talking decks - how to ensure they're ready for spring, and how to maintain them. We touch on patios a bit, too! And we discuss o

Emergency Podcast - Spring Thaw Water Management & Basement Flooding

Mar 12th, 2019 23m 53s

Over the weekend, Central and Southern Minnesota got an additional 6-12" of heavy, wet snow. Now, two days later, it's starting to rain. Temps will be in the 30s with rain for the next 2-3 days. The potential for flooding is extremely high. Th

Don't Lock People In Your Basement

Mar 7th, 2019 16m 16s

This week we address safe means of egress (the means of entering and exiting a location). We were jacked up on cookie dough and exhaustion, so we cover everything from fire safety to serial killers to tapping maples to make syrup! Find photos a

Look Ahead to Spring

Feb 28th, 2019 25m 15s

In this episode we talk about water management (especially in light of the record snowfall we had this month!) and how to ensure the spring thaw doesn't leave your basement flooded. We also take a look at landscaping. Our listener question is a

Listener Questions: Alesha in Minneapolis

Feb 25th, 2019 22m 31s

Today we answered several questions from listeners Alesha and Nick who live in an older home in Minneapolis. Topics covered: Hardwood floors, asbestos, paint stripping, and more hardwood floors. They even supplied our W.hat T.he Fail for the we

The Homes Of Our Lives; Door Rot

Feb 21st, 2019 24m 33s

In this episode Christopher and Theresa walk down memory lane and discuss the homes they've owned, the deferred maintenance issues they faced in each home, and what they learned along the way. Also in this episode: door rot - what might cause i

All About Ice Dams

Feb 15th, 2019 22m 43s

Main topic: Ice dams In this episode we tackle that seasonal foe, ice dams. We describe what causes ice dams, how to prevent and/or remove them safely, and take a look at the role your attic ventilation and insulation plays in the formation o

Trailer

Honest Home Podcast - Introduction

Feb 14th, 2019 6m 2s

After many years of being podcast enthusiasts, Christopher and I are excited to announce the launch of our very own podcast! The Honest Home Podcast is an educational podcast about home maintenance. We'll get into the nitty gritty of what typi

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