Home with Dean Sharp

In this episode of Home with Dean, Dean kicks things off by introducing the gang and chatting about a recent whale-watching adventure. Then it's back to the house as Dean dives into painting over century-old wallpaper—yes, it can be done!—with oil-based primer and quality paint. He also breaks down modern roofing materials, from lightweight tile to composition asphalt, and explains why synthetic roofing paper is the smart choice. Plus, learn the key differences between manufactured homes and mobile homes in this packed, practical episode. 

Dean offers expert advice to a caller exploring different techniques for adding solar panels to their roof. He also helps another listener navigate the challenges of rebuilding a fire-damaged home—offering tips on dealing with unreliable contractors and avoiding overpriced labor. Dean explains the importance of hiring a contractor separate from a house designer and shares how to verify a contractor's license to ensure you're working with a true professional.

It's an All-Calls Weekend! Dean takes questions from listeners tackling everything from contractor troubles to home energy savings. He advises a caller facing a shady contractor and shares smart tips on getting multiple bids to avoid getting ripped off. Plus, learn how to save energy when starting up your AC and why proper insulation is key to keeping your home cool and efficient.

Dean shares expert tips on fire-retardant proofing and fire hardening your home. He also explains how to seal crawl spaces to block toxins using vapor barriers. Plus, Dean advises a caller on her new kitchen cabinets and countertops with practical guidance for a flawless finish.

Dean dives into practical solutions for common home issues. He explains the benefits of using a bridge valve with a tankless water heater, how to prevent damage from private trees and surrounding concrete, and tips to extend the life of your shingle roof. Plus, learn what to do about cracked, lifted driveways and how to properly paint the exterior of your fireplace.

Dean Sharp kicks off an All Calls Weekend by letting listeners steer the conversation. He begins with a thoughtful discussion on rebuilding after a home loss due to fire, then takes a call about surface sealers—explaining how porosity, moisture, and high-humidity environments affect stone, and why penetrating sealers can enhance without trapping water. Dean breaks down the difference between stone enhancements and a “wet look,” and clarifies the roles of sealers vs. color enhancers, cautioning against shiny surface resins. Later, he advises a caller on how to upgrade her kitchen while preserving her original countertop, exploring economical cabinetry changes, the benefits of quartz, and why the absence of natural veining is a strength in stone durability.

Dean Sharp opens the second hour with a “haunted” light switch mystery, explaining why intermittent contact—not the switch or ceiling fan—is likely the culprit, and how an electrician can track down the problem. A follow-up caller offers a theory, but Dean rules out a three-way switch issue before moving on to a fence problem in windy Lancaster, diagnosing rotted, improperly treated posts as the root cause. The call-in streak continues, wrapping with advice on how to tell when it's time to refinish a roof and the key indicators that determine the right timing for the job.

In today's episode, Dean dives into the challenges and creative opportunities of designing small spaces. He shares why clutter is your worst enemy in tight quarters and how the right design “rules” can turn frustration into function. From the 3-5-7 rule to the 70/30 balance and the real meaning behind the rule of thirds, Dean breaks down how to use numbers and light to open up even the tiniest rooms. Tune in to learn how natural light, smart editing, and intentional design can transform your small space into something truly special.

Dean takes your calls and offers expert advice on common (and frustrating) home issues. He shares tips on repairing a porcelain sink with a hole, explains what that mysterious white powder on your A/C system really means, and helps a caller cool down a home that's running too hot. Plus, Dean weighs in on how to deal with old bathroom tiles showing water marks. Practical, real-world solutions you can use...straight from Dean.

Dean continues his guide to maximizing small spaces with smart design choices. In this episode, he explains how scaling your furniture, choosing multi-purpose pieces, and avoiding oversized, showy items can make a big difference. Dean also dives into flooring tips—why uniform tile sizes can backfire, and how keeping floors open and furniture low can enhance flow. Plus, he emphasizes the importance of simple layouts and letting each area serve a clear purpose.

Dean's new chicks, practical cabinet painting tips, HVAC troubleshooting advice, and Dutch door design/install insights.

Dean takes you from the attic to the electrical panel with practical advice for homeowners looking to make smarter decisions about comfort, efficiency, and safety. First, Dean breaks down the differences between fiberglass insulation and spray foam in attic spaces — especially when you're converting to a conditioned attic. He also explains how baffles work and why proper attic ventilation is critical, even with modern insulation materials. Then, a caller asks about tinted windows. Dean shares the pros and cons of window films, how they compare to low-E glass, and what to consider when upgrading for heat control and privacy. Later, Dean dives into pest control, focusing on termite prevention and elimination. Learn the warning signs of an infestation and which treatments are most effective without overpaying for unnecessary services. To close out the show, another caller wants to do some electrical upgrades without damaging their walls. Dean walks through clever ways to run wiring with minimal disruption, and when it's best to call in a professional.

Dean dives into outdoor furnishings — from choosing the right pieces for your space to understanding what makes furniture truly great (both hard and fluffy!). Special guest Brian Gold from ALDIK HOME joins to share what's trending, what's practical, and how to elevate your outdoor setup. Plus, don't miss the scoop on Aldik Home's Christmas in July sale! 

 Dean tackles a range of home improvement questions — from repairing a cracked sewer pipe to choosing between foam or blown insulation. He also dives into upgrading your home's electrical panel and shares insights on construction quality and choosing the right furnishings.

Dean is joined by Brian Gold from ALDIK Home to talk all things outdoor patio furnishings — from weatherproofing tips to choosing the right materials. Dean shares his personal experience with ECO LA and how he tackled a mosquito problem at home. Plus, a deep dive into rigid structures vs. umbrellas and a recap on creating the perfect outdoor patio space.

Dean takes your calls and tackles a wide range of home improvement challenges. He shares tips for silencing those annoying squeaky floors, explains why some LED light bulbs run hotter than expected, and offers expert advice to a caller dealing with a problematic water system. Plus, Dean helps a listener figure out what's going on with their “floating” hardwood floor.

It's an All-Calls Weekend on Home with Dean Sharp! In this episode, Dean opens the phone lines and answers your burning questions about your home. From plumbing tips to smart strategies for remodeling your bathroom, Dean breaks it all down with his signature clarity and creativity. Plus, if you're stuck with stubborn carpet pad residue after a flooring removal—don't worry—Dean shares the best ways to clean it up without damaging your subfloor.

Dean shares practical tips on protecting your home during the peak of fire season. As high temperatures, dry conditions, and summer winds create the perfect environment for fire danger, Dean explains how embers—carried by the wind—can enter homes through vents and other vulnerable spots. Learn how to prepare your home before fire strikes, why ember defense matters most, and what simple steps you can take now to stay safe.

Dean shares key tips for midsummer fire prevention and highlights two companies offering vents designed to block dangerous fire embers. He answers a caller's question about the ember resistance of O'Hagin vents and offers practical advice for reducing noise from a loud pool pump. Plus, Dean discusses repair options for damaged fascia board lumber and how to get your home back in shape.

Dean Sharp shares smart, budget-friendly ways to fire harden your home during peak wildfire season. From creating zero-defensible zones to using fire-rated window films, Dean explains how simple changes—not extreme measures—can make all the difference. He also breaks down how fire lines work and why every homeowner should have a fire-prep checklist in place.

Dean dives into how to side over stucco and safely remove it when needed. A caller gets expert advice on tackling a stubborn tree stump, and Dean shares why protecting outdoor copper pipes—especially those with rubber sleeves—is crucial. Then it's off to the lake, where Dean explains how water agitation can help combat algae growth, and why understanding the nature of algae is key to keeping your water clean.

Dean answers listener questions and shares expert insights on a range of home improvement topics. Learn about the best spray paints on the market, the step-by-step process of laying tile like a pro, and how to safely deal with black mold in your bathroom. Dean also helps a caller troubleshoot mysterious toilet vibrations and explores the latest in Wi-Fi-enabled water leak detection systems to keep your home safe and dry.

Dean takes listener calls about privacy glass for a front window, a tankless water heater that is not providing hot water, new front door for a really old home, shellacking very old oak floors, why only warm water is coming out of an outdoor faucet, how to change a regular shower to a 'walk in' shower for an older person, tree roots that are causing cracks on sidewalk, plumbing problems and whether or not it's ok design wise to do window frames of different colors on the front and back of a house. 

Dean takes listener calls about a water line break that caused wood floors to warp, a gopher problem, a dryer that doesn't dry clothes properly, how to build a firepit in the backyard, the rules on smoke detectors, building a retaining wall, how to pick the 'right' white paint, and a kitchen remodel with new appliances.

Dean takes listener calls about building an outdoor kitchen, whether wood countertops are a viable option when remodeling a kitchen, insulation for a total house rebuild, soft water systems, whether or not you can reuse a foundation of a home after a fire and how to remedy an unpermitted room

Dean starts the show talking about the benefits of 'high tea,' and the fact that women are the most involved in DIY projects in the home, than tackles a phone call from a listener about a major kitchen remodel and cabinets

Dean takes listener questions about how to remedy a big raccoon problem on an adjacent property, how to go about getting the right auto gas shut off valve, why grass is 'thatching' on a lawn, how to properly light a vaulted ceiling and problems with a neighbor that smokes.

 Dean dives into the world of heat and air-conditioning—how it all works and how it all began. From the fascinating history of A/C to its surprising connection to the birth of Hollywood summer blockbusters, you'll learn why cooling has always been about more than just comfort. Dean also breaks down how refrigerants work inside your system, explores the latest 2025 A/C units and their upgrades, and helps you understand SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) so you can make smarter choices for your home.

Today, Dean dives into the latest in heating and air-conditioning for 2025, breaking down how modern systems work and what's new. He helps a caller troubleshoot a leaky faucet with practical DIY tips, explains the key differences between A/C intakes and outlets, and discusses what to consider when relocating an A/C vent into the attic.

Dean dives into the world of heating and air-conditioning in 2025. He breaks down HVIC systems, heat pumps, and clears up the confusion around California's heat pump mandates. Dean also explores uneven cooling in homes, how system controllers can balance room temperatures, and why frequent A/C cycling impacts power consumption. Plus, tips on finding a great HVIC installer and why changing your filter every 90 days really matters.

It's an All Calls Weekend with Dean Sharp! Dean answers your home questions—from interlocking driveways with pavers to sealing tips. He helps a caller with a broken foundation and another dealing with shingles falling from their roof.

It's an All Calls Weekend on Home with Dean Sharp! Dean covers everything from oiling exterior doors to replacing fascia boards and re-roofing. He also shares smart tips on relocating air vents for better cooling and explores water-saving solutions like under-sink hot water recirculators.

Dean Sharp kicks off a brand-new show all about getting control of sound in your home. From air-sealing and decoupling techniques to insulation and sound masking, Dean breaks down practical strategies to manage noise and improve your home's acoustic environment. He explores how noise isn't just a nuisance—it can actually impact your health—and why thoughtful design makes all the difference. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, your soundscape matters.

Dean dives deeper into soundproofing strategies in the home — from understanding the nature of sound as energy, to tips on how to break its travel paths using insulation, air-sealing, and decoupling techniques. He explains the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption, and how to think about windows, walls, and even flooring when it comes to controlling noise. Dean also breaks down the importance of layered defense and shares practical steps for reducing the impact of noise pollution on your home's comfort and your mental health.

In Hour 3, Dean continues breaking down the science of soundproofing and how to create a more peaceful living space. He explains the concept of decoupling walls to interrupt the transfer of sound energy, and how techniques like resilient channels, staggered studs, and floating walls can dramatically reduce noise. Dean also walks through the roles of damping and absorption — from mass-loaded vinyl to acoustic panels — and discusses when it's worth investing in high-end materials versus simple insulation. Whether it's footsteps from upstairs or traffic noise outside, Dean offers strategic solutions to restore calm and quiet at home.

It's All Calls Weekend! Dean lets listeners take the reins in this open-format hour. He kicks things off with wife Tina and the team before diving into listener questions—from boosting your home's water pressure with a pressure regulator or booster pump, to natural weed-killing remedies using vinegar and sunlight. Plus, Dean shares smart sequencing tips for a successful kitchen remodel. Whether you're tackling weeds or hardwood floors, Dean's got practical advice to make home life easier!

It's another listener-driven hour on All Calls Weekend! Dean shares his candid thoughts on home improvement TV shows, including why he steers clear of most—except for the BBC's Grand Designs, which he praises as the gold standard. Plus, callers get expert guidance on spotting load-bearing walls and navigating unique issues like managing a water well on reservation land.

Dean gets into to organizing your space and how to sort, inventory and store the things you really need.  Dean addresses a caller's question about how to test different colors of paint in a space instead of testing samples on a wall.

Dean gets into to organizing your space and how to sort, inventory and store the things you really need.  Dean answers a listener question about a painter who used a sprayer to paint but then threw the residue down the toilet and how to combat the residue that was left. 

Dean continued his discussion on organizing your home and how to sort, inventory and store the things you really need. 

Dean takes listener calls about home remodeling and design.  Callers ask questions about the proper fire resistant paint for a home, and how to deal with an  efflorescence problem under a home.

Dean takes listener calls about home remodeling and design.  Callers ask Dean about how to insulate an older home without resorting to pulling apart the walls, water spots on the ceiling (a lot of them) and how to cover them up, whether or not replacing a 20 year old roof with solar is a good investment vs, building an ADU, how to fix scratches on an engineered wood floor, what's the best way to replace a mirror with a mirror / medicine cabinet combo for a master bathroom and when you're painting your home and use an accent color, should you use that accent color for all exterior doors or just one?