Free Daily Podcast Summary
Around the House with Eric G Home Improvement Remodeling & DIY: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Eric Goranson
Home improvement, remodeling and DIY advice from a Certified Kitchen Designer and a contractor, on the national radio show heard on 200+ stations. Around the House with Eric G® helps homeowners, first-time buyers, DIYers and the pros who build homes renovate, repair and upgrade with confidence, without the costly mistakes. Ranked the #1 Home Improvement Podcast of 2026 by FeedSpot, Around the House is hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD ("Eric G"), with more than 35 years in kitchen design, remodeling and construction, and co-host John Dudley, a former contractor. You get two perspectives on every project: the designer's eye and the builder's know-how. Planning a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation? Budgeting a whole-home project? Trying to figure out what that weird noise in your wall is? Every episode covers: - Kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basements and whole-home renovation - DIY projects and home repair for every skill level - Hiring contractors, avoiding scams and understanding bids - Healthy homes: ventilation, indoor air quality, mold and moisture - Smart home technology and energy-efficient upgrades - Design trends, building products and what's actually worth your money You'll hear interviews with interior designers, building scientists, manufacturers and top building pros, plus our weekly Punch List on the housing market, mortgage rates and product recalls. About the host: Eric Goranson, CKD, is a nationally recognized home improvement expert and keynote speaker. He has been the design and smart home tech expert at Design and Construction Week (KBIS and IBS) for seven years, and Kitchen and Bath Design News named him a Top 50 Innovator. He's a former member of the Baldwin Hardware Design Council with brand experience including KraftMaid Cabinetry, and a former Seattle rock band bassist, which might explain why the show is this much fun. If you own a home, want to own one, or work on homes for a living, this is your show.
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- 2 days ago14 min
Portland Hotel Crash and Unlicensed Contractors: What It Means for Your Home
Portland's downtown hotel crash and a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed contractors both hit homeowners, and we break down why. I saw hotels in Portland go from hundreds of millions to pocket change, and that cascade matters even if you're only worried about a kitchen remodel. We riff on jaw-dropping numbers. The Royal Sonesta was bought for $108M in 2016 and resold for about $6.8M. Yeah, you heard that right. We talk about how hotel and commercial fire sales reshape downtown cores, and why those downtown problems eventually trickle into neighborhood housing markets. I give the bleak-but-useful view: commercial collapse can depress surrounding residential values and change who's buying and how properties get repurposed.Then we flip gears into contractor land. State contractor boards are finally doing the thing we've been nagging about: going after unlicensed, unbonded contractors who show up with a van, a pocket full of cash and zero paperwork. I walk you through the real risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor, from injuries to illegal decks to bad wiring. Then there's the nightmare scenario where your homeowner's policy won't save you because suddenly you're their employer. I share how to check a contractor's license before you hand over a deposit, plus a brutal real-world story of a guy who paid cheap, got $200k of trash work, and doubled down on bad choices. We wrap with product recalls you shouldn't ignore: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and knockoff kids' gear. The takeaway? Spend a little more on a licensed and bonded crew, or pay a lot more later, literally and emotionally.Takeaways:I can't believe downtown hotels are selling for pennies on the dollar. We're seeing 70–90% collapses that could trickle into residential housing markets.State contractor boards and NASCLA are running nationwide stings against unlicensed contractors. Nevada's undercover ops exposed unlicensed bidders offering work up to $100k, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.Hiring an unlicensed, unbonded contractor can make you the employer on the hook for injuries, and your homeowner's insurance likely won't cover that mess.Here's how to check a contractor's license: I call the state or local licensing agency, dig through service records, and judge how complaints were handled before handing over any deposit.I watched a homeowner pay $200,000 to an unlicensed crew, then need another $100,000 in repairs because of illegal decks, bad wiring and dangerous workmanship. It's a textbook contractor scam story.Product recalls to know about: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and cheap knockoff kids' gear are getting pulled for safety reasons. Don't ignore them, or dinner might fight back.Links referenced in this episode:U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls: www.cpsc.gov/RecallsOregon CCB contractor license lookup: search.ccb.state.or.us/searchNASCLA: www.nascla.orgAround the House: aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies and organizations mentioned:Royal SonestaHotel ZagsNASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies)Oregon Construction Contractors Board (Oregon CCB)California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficeSan Luis Obispo County District AttorneyLithonia LightingThanks 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 ad
- 1 weeks ago39 min
I Picked the 10 Bougie Bathroom Toys for 2027 — AirJets, Heated Floors & Yep, a Steam Shower
If you like bathrooms that feel like a tiny resort you can actually afford to enjoy, I want to walk you through my top 10 picks for a 2027 master-bath remodel — the stuff I’d spend money on (and in many cases already did). We chat about the gear that transforms a wet, mildew-prone box into a spa-like, low-maintenance oasis: AirMada’s airjet shower drying system that blows showers dry in 20–30 minutes (seriously, mold hates it), Ardex Flexbone heated floors that warm tile and benches, and Thermasol’s Total Wellness steam systems with aromatherapy, chromotherapy and touchscreen controls. I point out why linear Infinity drains and large-format porcelain slabs make showers easier to clean and more elegant, and why bidet toilet seats (I’m a fan of heated, all-electric units) are a comfort-and-hygiene game changer. I’m not just name-dropping — I give real-world pros and cons. Heated floors need a dedicated circuit and tile professionals (or decent DIY skills), steam showers demand steam-rated waterproofing like Vapor 85 and a sloped ceiling so you’re not showered with condensation, and those flashy touchscreen panels? Keep ’em out of the direct spray or you’ll be calling warranty. I also cover practical bits: Panasonic vent fans, Amba towel warmers that save laundry and make winter mornings bearable, whole-house leak detection/shutoff for peace of mind, and smart lighted mirrors and wood vanities for the look. Overall, this piece is a buyer’s cheat sheet for luxe function — what’s worth splurging on and what to plan for so it actually works long-term.Takeaways:I swear by the AirMada airjet: it dries a glass shower in 20–30 minutes versus hours, massively cutting mold risk—just don’t skip pairing it with a killer vent fan.We put Ardex Flexbone heated floors in the shower and bench, and honestly it changed mornings; remember it needs a dedicated circuit, helps dry floors fast, and protects subfloors.I’m team all‑electric bidet seats (heated, adjustable water temp, self‑cleaning nozzle) — Brondell’s SC400 is the sweet spot for comfort without paying Toto‑level prices, and yes, get a GFCI outlet.I love my Thermasol steam shower for wellness and aromatherapy, but I’ll be brutally honest: the touchscreen electronics aren’t waterproof, so place screens away from direct spray and expect to plan for 220V and service access.We used a Panasonic vent fan plus a clever transom idea to pull steam out efficiently; coordinate your AirMada blower and fan or you’ll be setting off hallway smoke detectors.Go barrier‑free with Infinity linear drains and large porcelain slabs — they’re gorgeous, easier to clean, and reduce grout drama, but install with the right large‑format mortars and Ardex products.Practical luxuries pay off: a whole‑house leak detector with auto shutoff can save your insurance claim, and a hardwired Amba towel warmer seriously cuts laundry and makes winter mornings feel deluxe.Lesson learned: don’t DIY a steam‑shower glass door, consolidate plumbing/electrical in accessible attic or service space, add rockwool for quiet and condensation control, and budget realistically because steam systems can cost tens of thousands.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.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.
- 1 weeks ago39 min
Our 2027 Game Plan: Why I’m Saying Buy Now (or Remodel Smart) — don’t sleep on this market
Alright, here’s how I’d play 2027 if I were you: the housing market is shifting from a relentless seller’s treadmill to something friendlier to buyers — at least in most metros. I walk you through the numbers we’ve been watching (Redfin’s gap, inventory creeping up, average time on market around 33 days) and explain why mortgage rates in the mid-to-high sevens aren’t apocalypse-level — they’re just the new normal compared to the dreamy 3% era. I also tell it straight about deferred maintenance: water is the slow killer of houses, and if you let caulking, roofing and exterior wood slide for years you’ll pay way more later. So we talk trade-offs: buy now if your lease is ending and you can lock a deal; otherwise consider smart renovations if you’re sitting on a low-rate mortgage or want to avoid risky landlord laws in your area. I get a little personal — we’re fighting a Hvac saga with Lennar and I’ve been to the Mayo Clinic for a week (thanks for the patience) — because real decisions are always messy and human. Then I pivot to practical, high-ROI moves: fix deferred maintenance, consider turning a house into a rental only in markets where landlord protections make sense, and don’t let interest-rate fear freeze you. TL;DR: be strategic, not panicked. If you’re a millennial tired of renting, there are deals out there; if you own, prioritize maintenance and energy checks so you’re not caught off guard when market or utility shocks hit.Takeaways:I’m telling you: 2027 looks like a buyer’s market in many places — more inventory and seller concessions mean if you can escape a lease, now’s a smart time to pounce.We keep saying it on the show: water and deferred maintenance will quietly ruin your house — I beg you, fix roofs, caulking, and siding before small stuff becomes a teardown drama.If you’re remodeling, I’d reserve your quartz slabs today — California might ban man‑made quartz, and I’m expecting a 60–90 day sell-through scramble that could mess with your timeline.I don’t hate quartz, but silica dust is a real worker health crisis — ask fabricators about wet cutting, vacuums, StopAct certification, and take a shop tour so I don’t have to scold anyone later.Listen up: tariffs could hit imported cabinets and upholstered goods hard on January 1, 2027 — I’d buy now or choose Made‑in‑USA pieces unless you enjoy surprise sticker shock.We’re seeing real kitchen shifts: I love the return of defined zones, back kitchens, concealed appliances, two‑tone islands, plus practical resilience like leak detection and backup power.Energy reality check from me: heating oil prices are way up and electricity isn’t cheap either — tune your furnace, consider fuel swaps, and install whole‑house safety systems before bills give you heartburn.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.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.
- 1 weeks ago3 min
Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!
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.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:AirmadaArdexTotoKohlerCalifornia Air Resources BoardYouTubeThanks 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.
- 1 weeks ago13 min
Midweek Punch List: I Caught Lennar’s Sneaky Home Swap — Sketchy or Criminal?
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.comyoutube.comcpsc.gov/recallsfinance.yahoo.comaroundthehouseonline.com
- 2 weeks ago47 min
We Pulled Back the Crawlspace Curtain: Why Ventilation, Filters and Motors Matter More Than You Think
Ventilation is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your home healthy, and we get real about it with Ken from Panasonic — fans, ERVs, filters, and why cheap venting is a false economy. I’m Eric (and John’s chiming in), and we walk through how Panasonic’s robust motors and whisper-quiet fans actually solve moisture, mold, and nasty indoor pollutants better than the dusty little $29 fans most builders slap in. We nerd out on ERVs — how they recover heat and moisture so your house stays comfy without the runaway energy bill, why a good MERV-13 filter matters in wildfire or industrial-smoke days, and how smart controls can even shut off intake when outside air is garbage. We also rant (lovingly) about recirculating microwave vents, venting into attics, and insulated garages that turn into moldy Chia Pets if you don’t pull that moisture and fumes out. Practical takeaways: aim for predictable, mechanical ventilation (not random open-window hope), buy quality so you’re not on speed dial in three years, and for the love of filters — check and change them. Bottom line: we’re all about making indoor air something you can actually trust, not just something you ignore until the crawlspace starts plotting against you. We got nerdy and nosy about the air you breathe at home — and let me tell you, we weren’t gentle. I’m Eric (with John nudging me), and we hung out with Ken from Panasonic to chew on why ventilation actually matters beyond that little fan you occasionally swear was on. We talk motors — real, rock-solid ECM motors that can run forever (Ken literally has one in his crawl space humming for 18 years) — and why you should care: moisture management, mold prevention, and keeping nasty PM2.5 and combustion gases out of your lungs. We bust myths: an open window isn’t always ventilation, over-the-range microwaves are basically useless hoods, and recirculating “hoods” just spread gross stuff around. Practical gold: use an exhaust to create predictable airflow, put vent fans to the exterior (not into the attic), upgrade kitchen hoods to vent outside, and don’t ignore garage and crawlspace ventilation. We also toss in the humble but vital task of filter changing (ERV cabin air filters go black fast in wildfire or Gulf-coast air), plus the whisper-sense and motion-sensor fans that flip on for you so humans don’t have to remember. If you want healthier air without turning your house into a science lab, this is the conversational, slightly snarky roadmap we laid out — with concrete fixes for builders, DIYers, and anyone tired of living in a steam room or a mold gallery.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 wou
- 2 weeks ago3 min
Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!
AI is changing construction and remodeling in America — and right up front we dig into how machine smarts are speeding up the slowest part of every project: design and estimation. We promise, there won’t be a robot under your sink installing plumbing tomorrow, but these tools get homeowners real, region-priced numbers fast, keep contractors honest, and shave off a ton of admin so builders can stop living in spreadsheets. Eric G had to jet to the Midwest for a family emergency, so we threw together a remastered best-of for you this week with extras you probably missed the first time around — think bonus riffs and some fresh audio polishing. Later we pivot into practical comfort-talk: how to stop mirrors from steaming up and keep bathrooms and laundry rooms mold-free, with a nerdy love-letter to robust ERV motors (Panasonic, we see you — one of our crawl-space fans has been humming for 18 years, no jokes). So yeah, stories, tips, tech and a tiny bit of humblebragging about products that actually survive homeowner life; stick around, subscribe if you’re into that, and we’ll keep the hammers swinging and the Wi‑Fi strong.Takeaways:We remastered this best-of show because Eric G had a family emergency, so I get to share rare clips and unheard bits you probably missed.I promise there won't be a robot under your sink tomorrow, but AI is legitimately speeding up design and estimation for remodeling projects across the country.We explain how automated estimating tools keep contractors honest by delivering regionally priced, parts-level numbers you basically can't bluff your way past.From pings on your phone to auto-approve options, I love how this tech slashes contractor admin and even follows up with clients by email when they ghost you.We nerd out about ERV motors — I mean Panasonic's electronic commutated motors running for eighteen years in my crawl space, which proves durable ventilation actually matters.Don't go cheap on ventilation: I explain why a flaky fan equals steamed mirrors, mold risk, and being on a homeowner's speed dial three years later.Help us keep the show alive — we ask you to subscribe, leave reviews, and follow our YouTube channels so we can keep dodging rogue ladders and bad Wi‑Fi together.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.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.
- 2 weeks ago36 min
We tried Instabid.pro — I scanned my kitchen and got a real bid before my coffee cooled
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: We jump straight into the good stuff: John and I rag on the viral “3D printed house” videos (yeah, pretty, but I’m not convinced a stack of concrete tubes survives a real winter), then pivot to something actually useful—Instabid.pro. I walk you through how we used it: you walk a kitchen with your phone, the app recognizes granite, sinks, cabinets, and spits a full bid, material list and a before-and-after render faster than you can say “where’s Bill with the hose?” John demoed it in his own kitchen a hundred times (no, really, he did), and we unpack how that speed obliterates the slowest part of remodeling: the back-and-forth measuring and endless estimating that used to take days or weeks. For contractors, it’s auto-sub notifications, change-order tracking, labor-hour uploads, and a pinged approval flow that keeps you honest and keeps jobs from bleeding money because someone forgot the countertop. Beyond the theatrics, we get practical. Instabid isn’t a black-box spitball; it’s grounded in decades of field experience—John built the dataset, region-pricing multipliers and trade parts so the numbers actually reflect where you live. We compare it to other AI tools that promise the moon but undercut reality; a demo had one competitor 60 grand short on a 600 sq ft addition—yikes. Instabid’s founder puts his phone on the site (yeah, no PR fluff), offers a trial, and even a pilot deal for the first callers—because we want the honest small guys to win, not the slick price-pumpers. If you’re a homeowner tired of crickets after posting for bids, or a contractor who hates admin, this is the practical lever that changes how remodeling gets done.Takeaways: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.
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About Around the House with Eric G Home Improvement Remodeling & DIY
Home improvement, remodeling and DIY advice from a Certified Kitchen Designer and a contractor, on the national radio show heard on 200+ stations. Around the House with Eric G® helps homeowners, first-time buyers, DIYers and the pros who build homes renovate, repair and upgrade with confidence, without the costly mistakes. Ranked the #1 Home Improvement Podcast of 2026 by FeedSpot, Around the House is hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD ("Eric G"), with more than 35 years in kitchen design, remodeling and construction, and co-host John Dudley, a former contractor. You get two perspectives on every project: the designer's eye and the builder's know-how. Planning a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation? Budgeting a whole-home project? Trying to figure out what that weird noise in your wall is? Every episode covers: - Kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basements and whole-home renovation - DIY projects and home repair for every skill level - Hiring contractors, avoiding scams and understanding bids - Healthy homes: ventilation, indoor air quality, mold and moisture - Smart home technology and energy-efficient upgrades - Design trends, building products and what's actually worth your money You'll hear interviews with interior designers, building scientists, manufacturers and top building pros, plus our weekly Punch List on the housing market, mortgage rates and product recalls. About the host: Eric Goranson, CKD, is a nationally recognized home improvement expert and keynote speaker. He has been the design and smart home tech expert at Design and Construction Week (KBIS and IBS) for seven years, and Kitchen and Bath Design News named him a Top 50 Innovator. He's a former member of the Baldwin Hardware Design Council with brand experience including KraftMaid Cabinetry, and a former Seattle rock band bassist, which might explain why the show is this much fun. If you own a home, want to own one, or work on homes for a living, this is your show.
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