Épisodes

  • Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!

    Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!
    Oct 22 2026

    Buckle up — we’re jumping straight into the 2027 game plan and I’m the one steering this conversation with a coffee cup in one hand and a measuring tape in the other. We talk about whether you’re remodeling, buying new, or hunting for that first home, and I give the kind of no-nonsense pointers that actually help you avoid rookie mistakes. We also get real about silica dust: I lay out how quartz granules become a health hazard when fabricators dry-cut without respirators or water suppression, why manufacturers and cutters both share the blame, and what could happen if regulators like the California Air Resources Board decide to act. Spoiler — if they vote to curb or ban certain products, supply and installation could get interesting. Beyond the doom-and-gloom, I walk you through practical takeaways: how to vet fabricators, what PPE and on-site controls matter, and the timeline to watch (that November 19th meeting is worth marking). I close with the usual cheer-squad reminders to subscribe, leave a review, and follow our channels — because keeping the show alive means we keep bringing the messy, useful truth about home projects to you. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and actionable steps you can use before your next contractor shows up with a saw and a smile.

    Takeaways:

    • We jump into your 2027 game plan — remodeling, buying, or first-home strategies, nailed.
    • I warn you about quartz silica dust risks: dry-cutting fabricators without respirators create serious long-term health hazards.
    • We're tracking California's Air Resources Board vote — possible ban could be scheduled November 19th, so stay tuned and a little nervous.
    • In hour two we gush about spa-level master bathroom upgrades: heated floors, Ardex/Irmada systems, and yes, bidet toilets that feel surprisingly civilized.
    • We ask you to subscribe, follow our YouTube channels, leave reviews, and keep those hammers swinging while we dodge rogue ladders and website crashes.

    Links referenced in this episode:

    • aroundthehouseonline.com

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • Airmada
    • Ardex
    • Toto
    • Kohler
    • California Air Resources Board
    • YouTube

    Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

    If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

    We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

    Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    4 min
  • Midweek Punch List: I Caught Lennar’s Sneaky Home Swap — Sketchy or Criminal?

    Midweek Punch List: I Caught Lennar’s Sneaky Home Swap — Sketchy or Criminal?
    Oct 21 2026

    Forget polite corporate spin — I ripped into something that smells funny and I’m dragging you along. I talk about how Lennar spun off Milrose (they split it off in early 2025), and then Milrose went on a buying spree: more than 700 finished homes across 15 states in about a month, roughly $200 million worth. My antennae went up when Hunter Brook Media (and yes, they’re affiliated with an investment firm) started poking around and found Milrose buying homes that were supposed to be held as land — not rented out. Then filings changed, suddenly allowing Milrose to rent finished houses. Investors filed a class action claiming misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I walk through the math that suggests Lennar only barely hit delivery targets because of those sales. It’s sketchy, possibly a backroom move to prop up sales numbers and keep stock sentiment buoyant — and then Warren Buffett’s Berkshire quietly ups its stake. I also share my own, annoyingly personal connection: my fiancés son bought a Lennar home and we’re still battling HVAC and wiring issues. Bottom line: whether this is illegal or just ugly accounting, it stinks for homeowners and could ripple through neighborhoods. I’m staying on this story and doing a feature about a Lennar homeowner’s fight — so yeah, expect more receipts soon.

    Takeaways:

    • I’m calling shenanigans on Lennar’s move to spin off Milrose and then sell finished homes back to it, because it looks like a dodge to prop delivery numbers and tidy up earnings at just the right time.
    • We talked about the investor lawsuit alleging misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I can’t help but note how odd timing—Lennar misses targets, Milrose pops up buying homes, and Berkshire quietly ups its stake—raises real questions.
    • I’ve seen the homeowner side up close—my fiancée’s son bought from Lennar and we’re still fighting HVAC and wiring issues despite inspections, which makes me skeptical about quality control and buyer protections.
    • We dug into the data and found nuance: a London School of Economics study suggests institutional buying can depress nearby home prices over time, while a Philly Fed paper found single-family rentals might nudge prices up slightly, so the real impact isn’t black-and-white.
    • Heads-up on recalls: big-ticket hazards this week include 3M Scotch laminators that can overheat, crystal glass cups that can shatter into ingestion risks, bedside sleepers posing suffocation dangers, and air rifles firing unexpectedly—so I strongly recommend checking cpsc.gov for anything in your home.
    • On a lighter note, I’m kind of into Medea’s new Straw Wash dishwasher—finally someone designing jets to actually clean metal straws and lids, and yeah, I’ll admit I want one because I’m tired of pre-rinsing and pretending it’s fine.

    Links referenced in this episode:

    • expedia.com
    • youtube.com
    • cpsc.gov/recalls
    • finance.yahoo.com
    • aroundthehouseonline.com
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    14 min
  • Home Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality: ERVs, Exhaust Fans, MERV-13 Filters (with Ken Nelson from Panasonic)

    Home Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality: ERVs, Exhaust Fans, MERV-13 Filters (with Ken Nelson from Panasonic)
    Oct 17 2026
    Home ventilation with Ken from Panasonic: ERVs, bath and kitchen exhaust fans, crawlspace moisture and MERV-13 filters for better indoor air.Ventilation is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your home healthy, and John and I got into it with Ken from Panasonic. We talked about why the dusty little $29 fan most builders put in isn't cutting it, and why a quality fan with a real ECM motor pays for itself. Ken has one humming away in his own crawl space that's been running for 18 years.We broke down ERVs: two fans and a special membrane core that swaps heat and moisture, so you get fresh air without a runaway energy bill. Then the part nobody wants to hear: check those filters. In wildfire smoke or high-pollution areas you may be changing them monthly, and a MERV-13 filter makes a real difference.We also busted a few myths. An open window isn't always ventilation, because air needs pressure differences to move. Over-the-range microwaves are about the worst "hood" you can buy. And recirculating hoods just push the grease and gunk around. Kitchens, garages and crawl spaces all make moisture and fumes that feed mold, so vent fans to the outside, not into the attic.In this episode:- Why cheap bath fans are a false economy, and what ECM motors bring to the table- How an ERV works and why it saves energy- MERV-13 filters and how often to change them in wildfire or smoky air- Smart controls that can pause outside air when air quality is bad, and what they cost- Why open windows aren't reliable ventilation- Over-the-range microwaves vs. a properly ducted kitchen hood- Garage and crawlspace ventilation to keep moisture and mold out- Motion-sensor and humidity-sensing fans that turn on so you don't have to remember- Balancing a tight, energy-efficient house with healthy air, code and the builder's budgetThanks for listening to Around the House! Subscribe so you get the latest episode as soon as it posts: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenJoin the Around the House Insider for the back catalog, exclusive content, early access to the show and a direct email to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/supportWe love comments and reviews about how this info helped with your house. More at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.Takeaways:I brag about Panasonic's ECM motors — ours run for decades with minimal fuss, so don't cheap out on fans unless you enjoy mysterious mold and callbacks.We reminded listeners that ventilation isn't just for bathrooms; kitchens, garages, and crawl spaces produce moisture, chemicals, and starch aerosols that feed mold and wreck indoor air if ignored.I explained ERVs: two fans and a special membrane core that swaps heat and moisture so we save energy and keep humidity manageable, not mystical voodoo.We stressed that ERV and ventilation filters must be checked often — in high PM or wildfire-prone areas you'll change them monthly, otherwise your fancy system turns into a black Chia Pet.I admitted smart controls can pause ventilation during wildfire smoke or awful outdoor air, but adding Wi‑Fi sensors and automation costs money, and builders are watching every cent.We warned that open windows don't guarantee ventilation because air movement needs pressure differentials; mechanical systems give predictable, uneventful fresh air while windows gamble with the weather.I roasted over‑the‑range microwaves as the worst ventilation option — they mostly recirculate greasy vapor, so invest in a properly ducted hood that vents outside.We balanced reality: tightening the building envelope saves energy but requires smarter ventilation choices, so pick solutions that hit comfort, health, code, and the builder's budget.Companies mentioned in this episode:Panasonic VentilationPanasonicENERGY STARGore-TexLinkedInFacebookYouTubeThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace ...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    48 min
  • AI Remodeling Estimates: Instabid.pro Review, Scan a Kitchen and Get a Bid in Minutes (Best Of)

    AI Remodeling Estimates: Instabid.pro Review, Scan a Kitchen and Get a Bid in Minutes (Best Of)
    Oct 17 2026
    Eric had a family emergency this week so we had to jump into a best of episode as he had to jump on a plane to the midwest: AI remodeling estimates with Instabid.pro: scan your kitchen with your phone, get a contractor bid in minutes. A Best Of on AI estimating.John and I start by poking at those viral 3D-printed house videos. They look great, but I'm not convinced a stack of concrete tubes makes it through a real winter. Then we get to something actually useful: Instabid.pro. You walk a kitchen with your phone, the app recognizes the granite, sinks and cabinets, and it gives you a full bid, a material list and a before-and-after render in about a minute. That takes out the slowest part of remodeling, the back-and-forth measuring and estimating that used to eat days or weeks.For contractors, it handles automatic sub notifications, change-order tracking, labor-hour uploads and approvals, so jobs don't bleed money because somebody forgot the countertop. It's built on decades of field experience and regional pricing, so the numbers reflect where you live. We also compared it with other AI estimating tools, including one demo that came in $60K short on a 600-square-foot addition. AI is not a contractor replacement. It's great at simple visual swaps, but you still need people for the messy surprises of real construction.In this episode:- 3D-printed houses: hype vs. a real winter- How Instabid.pro turns a phone scan into a bid, material list and render- Regional, contractor-based pricing vs. AI tools that come in way off- Contractor tools: sub notifications, change orders, labor hours and auto-approvals- What homeowners should do instead of waiting on bids that never come- Phone thermal imagers for spotting hidden leaks and hot breakers- Instabid's free trial and pilot programLinks: https://instabidpro.comTakeaways:We ripped through Instabid.pro — I swear it spits out regional, contractor-priced bids in about a minute, killing the old two-week bid slog.I kept saying AI isn't a magic contractor replacement — it nails simple visual swaps, but we still need humans to handle construction's messy, surprise-filled nuance.We laughed about robot apocalypses, but truthfully Instabid actually helps keep contractors honest with auto sub notifications, change orders, and fewer admin headaches.I told homeowners the new workflow plainly: scan your kitchen with your phone, hit the contractor's Instabid form, and bam — multiple real bids, not sketchy spitballs.We compared the market and found a lot of AI estimating tools wildly off; Instabid leans on decades of trade experience and localized data for much better accuracy.I geeked out about affordable tech like phone thermal imagers — small, fun toys that let us spot hidden leaks or hot breakers without ripping open walls.We emphasized how contractors can customize parts and pricing, set auto-approvals, and protect margins, so the platform’s speed doesn't mean careless, underpriced work.I openly invited listeners to try the Instabid Pro trial and even call the founder — no-BS transparency, a pilot program, and a promise to build what contractors actually need.Links referenced in this episode:youtube.comhomeadvisor.comhouzz.cominstabidpro.comThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    37 min
  • Walk Your House Plans Before You Build: Life-Size Blueprints (with Joe Matejka, Walk Your Plans)

    Walk Your House Plans Before You Build: Life-Size Blueprints (with Joe Matejka, Walk Your Plans)
    Oct 10 2026
    Walk your floor plans at full scale with Joe Matejka of Walk Your Plans: life-size blueprints that catch home design mistakes before you build.What if you could walk through your new house or remodel before anybody pours concrete? Walk Your Plans projects your blueprints at exact scale on the floor, and Joe Matejka told us builders and designers catch over 90% of pre-construction mistakes this way. That's a lot of $20K to $50K fixes that never happen.I'll admit I used to tape out kitchen islands with foam board so clients could picture them. Amateur hour. Joe shared the story of a 26-person lodge in Idaho where they realized too late that "we got a good room when we wanted a great room." That's exactly the kind of mistake this prevents. Islands get moved a lot once people actually walk the space, and you can drop your real furniture into the scaled room on an iPad to find out whether that sectional or dining table will actually fit.We also talked about why Joe went with floor projection and iPad-based 3D instead of VR (vertigo and liability), how the business has grown to 58 locations with a goal of 120, and why hospitals, restaurants and lenders love anything that cuts risk.In this episode:- How life-size blueprint projection works- Catching over 90% of pre-construction mistakes before you build- Kitchen island placement and real-world traffic flow- Testing your actual furniture in the plan on an iPad- Why they picked floor projection over VR- Commercial projects: hospitals, restaurants, banks and insurers- Growth to 58 locations (goal: 120) after a viral video with 37 million viewsLinks: https://walkyourplans.comTakeaways:We project blueprints exactly to scale on our studio floor so I can literally walk the space before a single brick gets laid — that pre‑walk 'aha' moment prevents headaches and dumb surprises down the road.I learned we routinely catch over 90% of pre‑construction mistakes during these walkthroughs, which translates to real time and cost savings versus crying into a $20k–$50k fix later.As a kitchen designer I’ll tell you, we move islands all the time — roughly 65% — because physically navigating the plan changes design from theoretical to actually usable for two people cooking together.We drop your exact furniture into the scale model via iPad, so I can prove whether that beloved sectional or giant dining table will fit, avoiding glorious returns and awkward living‑room do‑overs.I found VR is flashy but often makes people dizzy, so we built a low‑nausea, on‑the‑floor solution that’s a tool, not a toy — practical, tactile, and way less liability prone.We’re scaling fast (58 locations now, 120 goal) and our viral social presence proved demand is real — people worldwide want to walk their plans, not squint at tiny PDFs.We help commercial clients, hospitals, banks and insurers reduce massive liability by catching layout failures digitally early — sometimes preventing million‑dollar screwups instead of expensive late‑stage reframing.Ultimately, I love seeing clients walk out smiling and confident; we turn anxiety into belief, speed up approvals, and get builders, architects and homeowners on the same page — which, honestly, feels like magic.Links referenced in this episode:walkyourplans.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Walk Your PlansOur House FurnitureAround the HouseInstagramYouTubeFacebookNational Association of Home BuildersKBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)IBS (International Builders' Show)MeditechThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    36 min
  • Builders are buying down points and steering you — I break down the two-point trap (from a sketchy Rochester hotel)

    Builders are buying down points and steering you — I break down the two-point trap (from a sketchy Rochester hotel)
    Oct 14 2026
    The housing market is weird right now — interest rates are way up (we’re talking about 7¼%), but prices are coming down, so if you can stomach the payments it might actually be a smart time to buy. I’m talking to you from a hotel room in Rochester, MN (near the Mayo Clinic), my voice a little shot and the décor clearly missing a renovation cycle or two — sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and hotel reviews lie. Builders are getting creative to move houses: buying down points, skimping on subs, and cutting corners, which means you need a local new‑construction inspector on a pre‑construction contract (concrete, framing, pre‑drywall inspections) and a real agent who will fight for you — don’t be cheap on representation. We also ran through the recalls — everything from propane fireplace lava rocks that can explode to trimmer mowers that can ignite — and I covered one of the internet’s latest brainfarts: people upset about Tillamook being Halal‑certified when it’s really just better cheese-making practices (calm down, internet detectives). I had to hop out for family stuff so this week’s punch list is a midweek quickie and we’ve got a “best of” dropping this weekend, but I’ll be back with a fresh show next week. Stick with us, hit subscribe, and bring a sense of humor — you’ll need it when you start reading online comment sections. I'm calling this one the “phones-and-foundations” rant — I was broadcasting from a hotel by the Mayo Clinic because family comes first, but that didn't stop me from ripping into what’s happening with houses right now. Mortgage rates are stupid-high (we’re talking 7%+), prices are drifting downward, and builders are getting creative: buy-downs, shortcuts, and commission cheapness. I walk you through the practical math — why two points saved by a builder can steer a buyer toward new construction, and why that sweet monthly payment might come with drywall surprises later. I’m adamant that if you’re chasing new builds, you get a pre-construction contract with a local inspector who checks concrete, framing, and pre-drywall. Also, don’t cheap out on an agent; paying market-rate commission means someone actually fights for you when things go wrong. I toss in a real-world example (Elise’s kid) to show how buy-downs work, and I give my take that long-run rates aren’t going back to the 3% dream — 5% is the new comfort zone. Practical tips, blunt warnings, and a few digs at national builders who cut corners — all delivered while I sip questionable hotel coffee and remind you that timing the market matters but so does staying protected.Takeaways:I'm on the road in Rochester with a shot voice from a pre-90s hotel room, so forgive the rasp while I walk you through why high interest rates make buying tricky even as prices fall.We think right now is a weird sweet spot: prices are dropping, but seven-percent mortgage pain makes timing and math everything, so buying only makes sense if you can stomach higher payments short-term for potential long-term gains.Builders are aggressive—buying down points and skimping on workmanship—so I recommend locking in a local new-construction certified inspector for concrete, framing, and pre-drywall checks to catch shortcuts early.Don't cut realtor corners: when builders slash commissions to one percent you lose an advocate; pay market rate for an agent who will actually fight for you and protect future costs.Heads-up on recalls and safety: stop using certain propane fireplace inserts and recalled trimmer mowers, and check with manufacturers or REI for fixes—small products can create big fire or crash risks.And for some delightful social-media nonsense—Tillamook being Halal-certified isn't a cultural takeover, it's better cheese production choices; I call out the dumb panic and remind you to do two seconds of research.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Around the HouseMayo ClinicTillamookSnow PeakDr. Power EquipmentDecathlonVan RyselREIFordThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    14 min
  • Smoke & CO Detector Tips for Fire Prevention Week (with Stephanie Berzinski & Jason Kohm, Kidde)

    Smoke & CO Detector Tips for Fire Prevention Week (with Stephanie Berzinski & Jason Kohm, Kidde)
    Oct 10 2026
    Smoke and carbon monoxide detector tips from Kidde for Fire Prevention Week: new UL standards, low-level CO alerts, lithium battery fire risks.Smoke and carbon monoxide detector tips from Kidde's Stephanie Berzinski and Jason Kohm: new UL standards, low-level CO alerts, lithium battery risks. Smoke and CO detectors aren't the dinosaurs our parents screwed into the ceiling. The UL rewrites turned them into little computers that can tell a real fire from burnt toast, so people stop ripping them off the wall. Kidde's newer units will even nag you at the 10-year mark so you finally replace them.Jason walked us through the UL changes that speed up detection, plus low-level CO alerts at 35 ppm, which are a big deal for kids, seniors and pets. Carbon monoxide often comes from outside the house: generators, contractor vans, pool heaters, a car running in the garage. So even all-electric homes need CO detection. And when you travel, pack a battery CO alarm, because only a handful of states require them in hotels.We also covered lithium-ion battery risks. Cheap knockoff batteries and chargers can start fires fast, so buy UL- or ETL-listed and don't leave tool and phone batteries on the charger all the time. Then the basics: test monthly, check the date on the back, replace anything over ten years old, keep extinguishers on every level, and aim at the base of the fire.In this episode:- How the new UL standards make alarms smarter and cut false alarms- Low-level CO alerts (35 ppm) for kids, seniors and pets- Surprise CO sources: generators, vans, pool heaters, cars in the garage- Why to pack a CO alarm for hotels and rentals- Combination alarms that monitor VOCs, air quality, radon and gas- Lithium-ion battery and knockoff charger fire risks- Alarm maintenance: monthly tests, manufacture dates, 10-year replacement, compressed-air cleaning- Fire extinguisher placement, and why you never use water on a grease fire- Making a family escape plan, and calling the fire department's non-emergency line for helpLinks: https://kidde.com · https://cause4alarm.org · https://portalarm.org https://aroundthehouseonline.com Takeaways:I loved how we explained the UL changes — modern alarms are basically tiny computers that actually know the difference between a real fire and burnt toast, so people stop taking them down in frustration.We warned that carbon monoxide is sneaky and often comes from outside sources like generators, contractor vans, pool heaters, or a running car in the garage, so I keep saying: even electric homes need CO detection.I pushed the travel tip hard: pack a simple AA carbon monoxide alarm when you stay in hotels, rentals, or Airbnbs, because only a handful of states require proper detection and you can’t trust every property.We drove home maintenance basics — test your alarms monthly, check the manufacturing date on the back, replace units older than ten years, and clean sensors with compressed air so false chirps don’t wreck your sleep.I got passionate about fire extinguishers and placement: have multiple extinguishers per level, use a kitchen-rated unit (not water on grease!), know to aim at the base, and stash one near bedrooms for quick grabs.We dug into lithium-ion battery risks — cheap knockoff chargers and batteries can chain-ignite; I recommend buying UL/ETL‑listed batteries and keeping tool and phone batteries off continuous charge, ideally in a metal cabinet.We hyped the smarter features we love: low-level CO alerts for vulnerable folks, air quality and toxic chemical monitors, plus new radon and gas detectors — layering detection really gives us extra time and calm.We closed with a practical nudge: practice a family fire escape plan now — map two exits per room, include pets and grandparents, and if you need help call your fire department’s non‑emergency line.Links referenced in this episode:kidde.comcause4alarm.orgportalarm.orgThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • Fall Decorating Trends: Warm Lighting, Rich Colors & Smart Home Tips (with Designer Wendy Glaister)

    Fall Decorating Trends: Warm Lighting, Rich Colors & Smart Home Tips (with Designer Wendy Glaister)
    Sep 26 2026

    Fall decorating trends with interior designer Wendy Glaister: warm layered lighting, rich colors over greige, smart home timers and holiday prep.

    Interior designer Wendy Glaister of Wendy Glaister Interiors joined me to talk about making your house feel warmer and brighter as the days get shorter. After years of greige, people are moving toward richer colors, plaids, florals and Ralph Lauren-inspired looks, plus timeless details like Greek key patterns.

    We talked about layered, warmer lighting and simple smart-home setups that put lamps, fireplaces, blinds and thermostats on timers. Then decorating do's and don'ts: easy on the gnomes, harsh scents, bright pumpkin orange, oversized skeletons and quote decor.

    Wendy shared ideas for setting a seasonal table with fine china and vintage pieces, and getting ahead on decluttering and pantry prep. We also covered regional gotchas like wasps and spiders moving into your wreath, planning for power outages, and why you don't want to start a major remodel during the holidays, with shutdowns, shipping delays and scheduling headaches.

    In this episode:

    - Fall color trends: moving past greige to richer colors, plaids and florals

    - Layered, warmer lighting for shorter days

    - Smart timers for lamps, fireplaces, blinds and thermostats

    - Fall decorating do's and don'ts

    - Seasonal table settings with fine china and vintage pieces

    - Decluttering, pantry prep and emergency power planning

    - Why to avoid starting a big remodel over the holidays

    Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

    If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

    We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

    Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    39 min