Home Remodeling Hell Podcast

If you're thinking about remodeling your home, you won't want to miss this episode of Home Remodeling Hell. In this episode, host and professional architect Mike Smith shares ways homeowners can save money (and headaches) during the remodeling of their homes. As a professional for over 30 years, Mike knows from experience that this can be stressful and expensive for homeowners. This podcast episode of Home Remodeling Hell aims to help you avoid these costly mistakes by sharing expert tips for saving money on your home remodeling project.  Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell has an update on what to expect with the rebranding of the podcast! Our host Mike Smith has a lot in store! In this episode of HRH, Mike updates listeners on the building industry in San Obispo County, and where he wants to take the podcast for current and future listeners. The digital age has architects looking for innovative ways to reach potential clients. With that in mind, the podcast is undergoing a rebranding process. Listeners can hear about the rebranding of Home Remodeling Hell, and the exciting changes to come, by listening to Taking The Architecture Business Virtual, now on your favorite podcast player. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell features an exclusive interview with Gerald Evans, owner of Dynasty Luxury Homes. If you want to gain insight into the custom home contracting world, this podcast episode is one you won't want to miss! After Gerald's first build was a success, he started his own home building business, which has thrived for over 35 years. Dynasty Luxury Homes are known for their attention to detail and quality construction. He has earned the respect of the home building industry thanks to his commitment to excellence. In this interview, Evans and host Mike Smith discuss the process behind building custom homes, managing client expectations, and the permit process involved with the Dallas/Ft. Worth   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

Enoch Sears is a licensed architect and the founder of Business of Architecture, an architecture firm consulting company. In this episode of Home Remodel Hell, Enoch provides an overview of how he created his consulting firm, as well as some tips for other architects struggling with finances. We've included excerpts of this episode below, and you can listen to Creating a Self-managed Architecture Firm with Enoch Sears here.   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

Larry Rhodes and Home Remodeling Hell podcast host Mike Smith talks about architecture through a photographer's eyes. The two discuss how architecture and photography work together, as well as Rhodes' experience as a professional photographer.  Larry Rhodes' career as a photographer began by coincidence 40 years ago. He had no notion what he wanted to do with his life after college until he was inspired by a cross-country family trip and a borrowed 1960s Pentax camera. Rhodes began his profession as a photographer in the early days of print film. He was quickly taken to the technical aspects and artistry of photography, which ignited his desire to become a professional photographer. Larry has worked with every style of photography over the previous four decades, from print film to digital. Our special guest explains that Architecture has allowed Larry to express himself creatively through photography while providing a valuable service. "I was attracted to architectural photography because it's the closest commercial that I have been able to find, that gives me a lot of creative latitudes, that allows me to create little works of art and get paid for it at the same time." Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell features important topics within the realm of energy efficiency and green technology! In this episode of HRH, our host Mike Smith sits down with Andy Pease of In Balance Green Consulting. Andy Pease created In Balance Green Consulting in 2008. In Balance Green Consulting offers a range of services to help commercial, institutional, and residential buildings reduce their energy consumption. Services are tailored to each individual project, taking into account the specific design and needs of the building.  The firm works closely with all members of the building team - from architects and engineers to builders and developers - to ensure that they find the most effective way to improve energy efficiency. In this podcast episode, Mike and Andy discuss the future of green technology and energy efficiency in new home builds and remodeling projects. Andy shares her wealth of knowledge, explaining what homeowners in California and abroad can expect with new, eco-friendly initiatives, cost-saving measures, and the importance of teamwork on new projects. It's an episode you don't want to miss! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell will have you better prepared for the financial aspects of your home remodeling projects. Anthony Gonzales joins HR and host Mike Smith to discuss the process of loan approvals and budgeting for renovations on home remodeling projects. If you are exploring options to fund your next home improvement project, you need to check out this episode! Anthony Gonzales has been an active member of the real estate industry for over twenty years. A title agent and an escrow agent, as well as a lender, he has extensive experience. It is Anthony's pleasure to assist people with the purchasing and selling process, and he prides himself on his professionalism and understanding of the industry.  Financing can be complex for many homeowners, particularly during a pandemic. Mike Smith, the host of Home Remodeling Hell, spoke with Anthony Gonzales about the challenges homeowners face in securing financing for their home remodeling projects. They discussed the importance of working with a reputable lender and how to compare financing options to get the best rate. They also talked about the need to be realistic about the cost of a project and how to avoid going into debt if possible.  This episode is a must-listen for homeowners considering financing a home remodeling project. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell will have you excited about new innovations in the building industry. Our host Mike Smith is joined by Bob Crizer for an interview and discussion on using hemp as a building material in new home construction! Bob Crizer is a contractor with over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. In this interview, he shares his knowledge on working with architects on projects, new measures for energy efficiency, and an exciting new sustainable building material. Hempcrete is a construction material made from the woody core of the hemp plant, also called the shives. The shives are mixed with lime and water to create a mortar-like substance that can be used in place of traditional concrete or insulating materials like fiberglass or styrofoam. Hempcrete has a number of advantages over these other materials, including being much more environmentally friendly.  If using more sustainable materials is something of interest, you should listen to the full episode now! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

You may find it difficult to decide whether you should remodel your home. In many cases, families have been forced into quarantine, and they are wondering if getting some more room would be beneficial for them. Generally, yes, but only in certain cases, since you should always weigh the pros and cons before making any big decisions! In this episode, Mike explains what it's like to live in California. In a 1950'a style ranch house, four adults (including their grown children) can be a lot of people. It becomes obvious that more room is needed when all the adults are cooking in the same space, such as the kitchen. "So my wife immediately starts looking at 'what can we do to our home to make it better?'" People often begin to consider how they can maximize their home's space during times like these, whether they are in quarantine or not. There are ways to create the impression of more space, even with tight restrictions. As many people contemplate remodeling and expanding their homes, Mike shares a few common scenarios. Open-space concepts can be achieved by removing walls in older traditional-style homes. A bit of budgeting is also needed in these situations, which will be covered in future episodes. Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com  

The podcast begins with Eric discussing how his company started and that he has been building for the San Luis area since his father was. Eric, who has completed custom homes, explains that his company is a more personalized choice for people looking for new houses because they offer more than what ready-built homes do. Homebuyers want to be involved in the process and have all of their needs met. Eric's strategy includes an engaging building experience that includes customers every step of the way, while also providing value throughout this entire journey. Eric explains that his company, Schaefer Construction, was able to meet inspectors and construction deadlines even during the pandemic. Eric mentions a story of how some people have found ways to overcome the setbacks caused by Covid-19, in which they hired private inspection service. In this episode, Eric Schaefer uses his experience of working with contractors, inspectors, and city officials to share insight on what is needed for a successful building process. These two custom home experts discuss the home construction industry in great detail. Eric sees that the future of the industry would be incorporating technology and other cutting-edge, exciting innovations. It is an episode you do not want to miss! Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

This episode of Home Remodeling Hell features an interview with Josh Gillow of MasterPLAN Outdoor Living. If you're curious about designing the perfect outdoor living space, this episode is for you! Josh Gillow is the founder of MasterPLAN Outdoor Living in Pennsylvania. His firm helps create the backyard oasis every homeowner dreams of. In this interview, host Mike Smith and Josh converse on the design process of creating outdoor spaces. As well as discussions on permit requirements and procedures in the state of Pennsylvania and typical missteps homeowners make with their backyard construction and remodeling projects.  This is an insightful episode for anyone looking to start their own backyard project or industry professionals who want to learn more about working in the outdoor design realm of home construction. You can listen to the full podcast episode with Josh Gillow now. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

In this episode of Home Remodeling Hell, you'll learn 6 Rules to Consider When Starting a Home Remodeling Project, gathered from an architect with 30 years of experience working with clients. Remodeling a home can be challenging, as anyone who has done it can testify. Several potential pitfalls arise when working with contractors who aren't cooperative or dealing with a complex budget. It is still possible to make the process smoother if you follow a few simple rules.  Before you start your next renovation or remodeling project, you should head over to the HRH podcast and have a listen! Remember to subscribe!   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

Today in Home Remodeling Hell Podcast we will interview an Interior Designer, Bobby Tone, who is the owner of Studio B Elements. Bobbi Tone is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. In this interview, she shares her process for working with new clients and how she makes sure every detail is taken care of. Bobbi believes that working with an architect will improve her ability as a planner and designer. Collaborating with architects allows for the construction aspects to be covered, allowing the focus to be on aesthetics.   Mike and Bobbi discuss the importance of staying in close contact with your clients and collaborators, especially when they're working on a project that's already started. She also explains how she uses websites and programs that make planning for any project easy. When clients hire an architect or interior designer, they need to remember that communication plays a significant role in completing projects. Bobbi says, "I know that you and I both take this really seriously because at the end of the day, again, we want our clients to be super happy".  Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

In this episode of Home Remodel Hell, Mike Smith is explaining the common misconceptions with home improvement reality shows.   Mike explains how communication is key when working with contractors and homeowners when it comes to designing a new project. The most difficult thing about working without a contractor is estimating costs, but if you know the homeowner well, you can make any project work. DIY reality shows are a great way to get inspiration for your home improvement projects. The TV shows on home remodeling and building homes can make things seem easier than they are, and can create unrealistic expectations for clients.  Mike explains that many shows on home improvement TV are more for entertainment value than a tutorial or realistic expectation of the home design and build process. Home improvement DIY reality shows often add in storylines that aren't accurate to real-life scenarios, and fail to account for the key players involved in remodeling and construction.   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com

During this episode, Mark Marshall joins the podcast to share his wealth of experience and give homeowners insight into the process involved in building a house. On the topic of what homeowners can expect when building a new home, Marshall shares valuable insight on building costs in the Southern California area and the frustrations contractors face when working with architects. In this podcast episode, Marshall gives an example by sharing his recent work experience in Pasadena to demonstrate how bid packages can be detailed enough for large construction jobs while still containing all the necessary information that contractors need in order to complete their work successfully. Marshall also answers questions on technology struggles in the construction industry, and meeting client expectations and needs during the building process: Marshall explains common misconceptions many clients have about the level of technology involved and the ability of contractors and architects to streamline the building and manufacturing process. Marshall continues his interview by answering questions on different ways homeowners can save money on new construction costs. Mark Marshall shares further, advising, “But if you want to go through the normal hiring process and have an architect design your project, I would tell you to budget for 65-70% of the actual cost.” Marshall also explains what he considers an “ideal design-build process” that not only would save clients money, but keep delays and confusion at bay between clients, contractors, and architects. The podcast interview continues as Mark Marshall answers questions on the new energy code California began in 2020. Following this, Marshall concludes his interview by discussing how contractors will face additional challenges in the future of construction in California.   Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com    

Today in Home Remodeling Hell Podcast is an exclusive interview with Glen Olander.    Get in touch with me: Website - www.msaarchitects-inc.com Email - mike@msaarchitects-inc.com