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 wellness zones… homeowners are demanding more intentional, health-forward spaces than ever before.We cover:• Why homeowners now care about health, mood, and comfort• Natural light & circadian rhythm design• Air quality, MERV filters, materials, and non-toxics• Water quality: RO systems, testing, filtration• Layered lighting & “dim-to-warm” full-spectrum systems• Saunas, steam rooms & spa-like bathrooms• Plants, biophilic design & living walls• Creating wellness nooks, recovery spaces & meditation roomsIf you’re a remodeler, designer, or homeowner planning a project, this episode shows where the industry is heading — and how to make your next remodel healthier, happier, and more intentional.Grab your beverage of choice—this one goes deep.Plumb Financialhttps://www.plumbfinancial.com/Plumb Perfect Buildershttps://plumbperfectbuilders.com/
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. From there, we dig into:Why Wix and DIY websites fail for remodelersHow SEO, keywords, and customer intent actually workWhat younger homeowners look for when choosing a contractorThe #1 misconception remodelers have about “nice looking websites”The simple fixes that dramatically improve conversionsThe biggest mistakes contractors make on their sites (like stock photos with palm trees 👀) Jeremiah also breaks down the real strategy behind modern websites, including speed, code-based builds with Next.js, and what Google actually cares about when ranking your business. If you're a remodeler, handyman, GC, or service business owner trying to turn your website into a real marketing tool not just an online brochure — this episode is your roadmap.https://invisionmarketing.io/Plumb Financialhttps://www.plumbfinancial.com/
💰 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 different — and why your remodel budget probably won’t match that AI answer you found online.🎧 In this episode:The reality behind “$15K to $160K” Google estimatesWhy AI and cost-vs-value reports miss the markThe top 5 factors that drive kitchen remodel costsHow to find and trust the right contractorWhy ballpark pricing and transparency matter more than ever🏡 Takeaways:Your dream kitchen is possible — it just may not look like a $10K HGTV project. Get honest insights from two remodelers who live and breathe this stuff.📺 Watch more episodes of The Renovation Situation:https://www.youtube.com/@TheRenovationSituation📱 Follow us for more remodeling truth and humor:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumbperfectbuildersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumbperfectbuildersWebsite: https://plumbperfectbuilders.com#TheRenovationSituation #KitchenRemodel #RemodelingPodcast #HomeRenovation #ContractorLife #DesignBuild #RemodelReality #PlumbPerfectBuilders
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’ll also learn how maintenance-free coatings can extend the life of high-end finishes — and why every remodeler should be talking about long-term protection with their clients.
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. They reflect on the importance of finding reliable trade partners and the joy of working with capable individuals who understand the demands of the job. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of the construction industry and the personal experiences that shape business decisions.
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.
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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 considerations and the impact of flooring heights on overall design.
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 the value of these tools in enhancing efficiency and accuracy in home improvement tasks. @teslongusa Teslong Inspection Camerahttps://teslong.com/products/nts300-industrial-endoscope @RIDGID_Tools Ridgid Inspection camerahttps://www.ridgid.com/us/en/inspection-cameras @Flir Flir Thermal Camerashttps://www.flir.com/browse/industrial/handheld-thermal-cameras/ @PlumbPerfectBuilders Plumb Perfect Buildershttps://plumbperfectbuilders.com/Plumb Financialhttps://www.plumbfinancial.com/Top Drawerhttps://www.topdrawerc.com/
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 relationships in the contracting world.https://plumbperfectbuilders.com/https://www.plumbfinancial.com/https://www.topdrawerc.com/
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 reference.https://plumbperfectbuilders.com/https://www.plumbfinancial.com/https://www.topdrawerc.com/
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 practices and codes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding building science and the practical implications of renovation decisions.
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 quality in their work.
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-ins to keep projects on track, while also considering the psychological aspects of client decision-making.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwoodfloors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial, Edmonds
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 the industry.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial, Edmonds
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 and remodeling industry. They discuss several books, including"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, "Markup and Profit" by Michael C. Stone, "Nail Your Numbers" by David Gerstel, and others. They emphasize the value of these books in improving business practices, managing teams, and personal development. The conversationis light-hearted, with jokes and personal anecdotes, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in their field.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial
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, and maintaining professional courtesy on job sites.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial
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 expertise and knowledge in determining fair pricing and managing client expectations throughout remodeling projects.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial
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 value of being proactive in networking and the potential benefits of joining professional associations.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial
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 challenges and considerations in the remodeling process, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding among contractors and tradespeople.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial
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 contractors and the need for homeowners to be realistic about compromises during the remodeling process. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for homeowners to navigate their renovation projects effectively while fostering good relationships with their contractors.
construction, entrepreneurship, project management, laborer, carpenter, business ownership, professional growth, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovation, Residential Remodeling, home renovation, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen remodel, bathroom, bathroom remodel, basement, basement remodel, demolition, painting, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, hardwood floors, tile flooring, countertops, general contractor, Design Build, Design, plumb perfect builders, plumb financial