Home with Dean Sharp

Today’s first caller is replacing an exterior timber side door that leads to her garage, but she doesn't trust the big box stores. What can she do? Our next caller needs to replace the roof on her home but is unsure if she should go with fire-resistant or non-fire-resistant roofing material. Another listener recently built a house and wants to put in a freestanding bathtub, but the issue is it’s hard to get into for an older person, what with that tall wall! Is a tub with a door the answer? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Dean’s reading recommendation for this Memorial Day weekend? “Shop Class as Soulcraft” by Matthew Crawford is a real page turner! When it comes to installing skylights that open for air ventilation, what’s the best way to go about this on the second story of a mountain cabin? Replacing windows is never wonderful, so let's help out our next caller in deciding what frame material to go with on her very large windows. To more on windows, our final caller’s windows aren’t soundproof, and outside noise from heat pumps is very disruptive. President Dean to the rescue! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean talks all things 'outside' from landscaping to design elements, Dean has you covered. Dean also took calls from listeners with questions about adding vents to attic area with a Spanish tile roof, what are the best plants and other landscaping to plant near a pool and why is an AC unit in 'cool down' mode occasionally blowing hot air? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean talks all things 'outside' from landscaping to design elements, Dean has you covered. Dean also took calls from listeners with questions about adding vents to attic area with a Spanish tile roof, what are the best plants and other landscaping to plant near a pool and why is an AC unit in 'cool down' mode occasionally blowing hot air? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean talks all things 'outside' from landscaping to design elements, Dean has you covered. Dean also took calls from listeners with questions about adding vents to attic area with a Spanish tile roof, what are the best plants and other landscaping to plant near a pool and why is an AC unit in 'cool down' mode occasionally blowing hot air? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on an all-calls Saturday, Dean’s first listener is converting her bathtub into a walk-in shower and needs to know about best drains, tiles and doors. The insurance company is requesting that our next listener has a shut-off valve installed for her plumbing. If she installs one, will this reduce her homeowner's insurance? Got solar panels on your home? Need a battery backup system added to it? If so, let’s discuss the difference between purchasing and leasing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a caller who lives in a motorhome and needs to refinish the cupboards and cabinets, which are presently raw materials. How best to do this without ripping everything out? When you’re building a house from the ground up like our next listener is, it’s tricky to figure out the best cupboard and counter height when there’s a height difference of a foot and a half between you and your wife. Lastly, how best to repair the hairline cracks in the exterior stucco facade of your home? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Mother's Day and Dean has a very special episode by detailing how small changes can turn 'normal' bathrooms into a 'spa like retreat.' Simple additions like: towel warmers to more extensive options like radiant heat flooring and shower saunas, you can make changes to any bathroom at any level of budget.Dean also takes listener questions on how to fix single sash windows, the best company to get a home loan for a home remodel, how to fix a Toto toilet that makes a 'water hammer' sound after filling up with water, whether you need to hire someone special to do a bathroom remodel in a mobile home, the best way to clean solar panels on the roof and how to properly install a 'french drain.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Mother's Day and Dean has a very special episode by detailing how small changes can turn 'normal' bathrooms into a 'spa like retreat.' Simple additions like: towel warmers to more extensive options like radiant heat flooring and shower saunas, you can make changes to any bathroom at any level of budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Mother's Day and Dean has a very special episode by detailing how small changes can turn 'normal' bathrooms into a 'spa like retreat.' Simple additions like: towel warmers to more extensive options like radiant heat flooring and shower saunas, you can make changes to any bathroom at any level of budget.Dean also takes listener questions on how to fix single sash windows, the best company to get a home loan for a home remodel, how to fix a Toto toilet that makes a 'water hammer' sound after filling up with water, whether you need to hire someone special to do a bathroom remodel in a mobile home, the best way to clean solar panels on the roof and how to properly install a 'french drain.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life in a cottage is great, especially when you tailor it to your life! Today’s first caller had a bit of bathroom bad luck: His suspended tempered-glass shower door literally exploded into fine pieces, and now they have to repair and replace it — how would he go about that, and should he apply a safety film to the new glass door? Next up, our listener has new kitchen cabinets with a trim color she doesn’t like, and that doesn’t match the cabinets. How best to remove the laminate trim and replace it? Or better yet, should she punt this one back to her lying contractor? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our caller at the top of Hour 2 has a low-pitched rock roof on her 1950s-built house that has never been replaced or redone, and now they’ve found mold up there! How serious could it be and what's the treatment to repair it? Next up, a listener needs to know if she can place epoxy or acrylic over a heating element for a radiant-heat floor. Morris has an old house built in 1951 that suddenly has plumbing issues, particularly a leaky kitchen faucet. Apparently, the anchor valve is frozen, so how would he go about fixing all these issues? If the final caller were to install carpet as a stair runner, does it have to have a finished edge, and does it have to be a certain kind of tack board? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean lifts the lid on everything roofs—from the six essential components to the hidden details that keep your home safe and sound. He explains rafters, trusses, roof planes, and why proper venting isn’t just smart—it’s required. Plus, Dean and Tina celebrate the return of their backyard bees after years of trying, and Dean breaks down the importance of fireproof vents for added home protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean tackles the sounds and secrets of your home—starting with a caller hearing a mysterious low-frequency rumble coming from their sliding door. He also helps another homeowner weigh the pros and cons of adding insulation versus upgrading their water heater to fix a chilly house. Then, Dean digs into the buzz about using soybean oil to extend the life of a roof—fact or fiction? Plus, a look at vintage attic designs with no nail holes and how they help protect Spanish tile roofs from moisture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: Dean reminds homeowners that a solid roof starts from the inside—repairing and insulating the attic before tackling the roof itself. He breaks down the world of roof tiles, explains tear-offs, and what it really means to do a “roof over,” including how roof shape can change. With California gearing up for a hot summer and a wet winter thanks to El Niño, Dean shares why now’s the time to get ahead on repairs. Plus, a full recap of roofing essentials to keep your home covered year-round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6:05am – It’s an all-calls Saturday! Dean opens the phone lines to discuss anything surrounding your home! 6:20am – Dean advices a caller who wants to revamp her composite sink. 6:35 am – Dean talks overhang sinks and replacing sinks. 6:50 am – Dean talks about dealing with an old foundation on a property. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7:05am – Dean provides advice to a listener about a solar lease agreement. 7:20am - Dean talks solar lease rates and works around some loopholes with the electric bill.    7:35am –Dean dives into a leaking heater and what to do to fix it, 7:50am – Dean advices a caller on replacing their roof, and a termite tratment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean shares his ten-step playbook for finding the right contractor, stressing that it’s your responsibility to choose the person who will get the job done. He calls out a common “culture hole” — we rush into projects without considering design — and explains how to vet three or more qualified prospects. Dean’s practical advice starts with checking contractors’ legal credentials online and continues through the consultation: punctuality, appearance, clear communication, and knowing who you’re talking to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean walks you through his ten steps for finding the right contractor, then opens the phone lines to answer listeners’ burning questions. Topics include re-piping, the pros of pea-gravel hardscapes, weatherproof cabinets, spider-cracking concerns, solutions for a wavy roof, and the use (and cautions) of muriatic acid for treating roots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean continues his ten-step guide to hiring the right contractor, recapping key steps and emphasizing crew size and site care. He recommends asking about C.M.S. (construction management software), explains how the app works and what you can track, and urges clients to buy their own materials and expect transparent, no-markup pricing. Dean stresses jobsite courtesy (porta-potties, property protection) and closes with a rapid recap of the ten steps to finding the perfect contractor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6:05am – It’s an All-Call Saturday where Dean takes all types of questions surrounding your home! 6:20am – Dean instructs a caller on how to go about hiring contractors for landscaping and remodeling. 6:35 am – Dean talks sanded grout tile and how to clean countertop tile in the kitchen. 6:50 am – Dean shares the differences between a regular screen and a security screen and the benefits of security screens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7:05am – Dean provides advice to a caller dealing with debris in their insulation. 7:20am - Dean talks pavement replacements and city permits.    7:35am – Dean talks replacing roofs and shingles. 7:50am – Dean dives into re-stuccoing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Bathrooms as modern retreats → how design has shifted from pure function to comfort, privacy, and relaxation• Guest: Jim Zanovik (Nulook Baths, San Diego) → 40+ years in construction and bathroom remodeling• Why specialization matters → focusing on bathrooms leads to better quality, speed, and consistency• Inside a remodel → plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, drywall, lighting, ventilation• In-house crews vs subcontractors → more control, fewer delays, tighter timelines• What homeowners should ask → recent references, process, and realistic scheduling expectations• Common hidden issues → dry rot, water damage, and why experienced builders plan for the unknown• Timeline reality → prep and planning take weeks, but on-site work can be completed in days when done rightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Contractor timelines → why real projects require weeks of prep before a fast on-site build• Red flag: “I can start Monday” → likely delays due to missing materials and poor planning• Custom elements → cabinets, finishes, and especially glass shower doors drive timelines• Shower glass reality → measured after install, built to exact specs, adds ~1–2 week delay• Setting expectations → clear communication upfront prevents frustration mid-project• In-house vs suppliers → most work controlled internally, with select material partners (like glass)• Listener Q: “weep holes” in showers → myth vs reality, proper drainage happens at the drain system, not through wall openings • Listener Q: flooring choices → laminate vs luxury vinyl plank, durability, waterproofing, and sound considerations in multi-unit homesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Laminate vs LVP → waterproof core is the key difference• Where it matters → kitchens/baths need fully waterproof materials• Partial remodels → keep cabinets/counters, update wet areas + floor• Design rule → match exactly or go clearly complementary• Materials → composite walls, quartz, large-format porcelain panels• Benefits → fewer seams, no grout, easier maintenance• Custom fit → every bathroom measured and built to size• Warranties → about service and follow-through, not just years on paperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behold!!! It's an All-Calls Saturday with Dean Sharp, The House Whisperer! Everything sounds more intense if you add "Behold!!!" in front of it. BEHOLD!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean tackles all of you home improvement, design, and repair questions!!! It's an All Calls Saturday with Dean Sharp, The House Whisperer!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and PestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and PestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and PestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning’s first caller is installing welcome posts on his front porch — to sandblast, re-stain or paint, what would Dean recommend and what would he aint? Did that rhyme this time? Got an air gap? We’re talking venting for a dish washer. Is there anything bad that can happen from not having one? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there any way to clean the at-home air conditioner condensate drain that runs to the outside of the house? Let’s find out! What’s the best service to use for a clogged gutter on the second story when your regular handyman doesn’t want to touch it? It’s a new house, and his air conditioner and heating unit makes a popping sound when he switches it on and off. What’s up with that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Calls SundaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Calls SundaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Calls SundaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First up, did you know? Dean is a secret science nerd, and he’s super excited about the Artemis II moon shot! Is Mars next on the list? This morning’s first caller has a ceiling that’s beginning to crack in his split-level house, so he’s wondering when the right time is to call in the experts — and he’s hoping it wasn’t yesterday. Our next caller is from Thousand Oaks and has had two plumbing leaks in 31 years, so she’s wondering if it’s time to replumb the whole home. Got a paver project like our next listener? He’s using an angle grinder to cut the stone and is wondering about the best way to go about doing this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the top of the second hour, our first caller has a jacuzzi bathtub that they never use, in that they don’t use the buttons to turn on the jets. And now? It smells mildewy! Hey Dean, what’s up with that? Calling from Texas, our next caller is wondering about the temperature differential between standard home installation and foam shell installation. Our next caller lives in a Beverly Hills condo and wants to install a valve to bring in hot water faster to her home. Got crack? Our next caller does — in her living room tiles, silly! It’s due to a foundation crack in her home, so she’s been advised to install luxury vinyl tile. Did you know? An office chair can tear up the vinyl floor in your kitchen — it happened to our last caller. What can he do so it doesn’t get destroyed again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean is talking about the birds and the bees today...in your yard! Dean talks to Nicole Palladino from Bee Catchers Inc. and Danny Finkelstein from The Valley Hive about all things bees. From what 'swarming' actually is and how to remedy it without killing the bees to all the basics of being a backyard beekeeper, Dean has you covered with everything you need to know about these creatures and how important they are to our everyday life. Dean answers listeners questions about bees, what pesticides shouldn't you use around bees, how to remove hives from block walls and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean is talking about the birds and the bees today...in your yard! Dean talks to Nicole Palladino from Bee Catchers Inc. and Danny Finkelstein from The Valley Hive about all things bees. From what 'swarming' actually is and how to remedy it without killing the bees to all the basics of being a backyard beekeeper, Dean has you covered with everything you need to know about these creatures and how important they are to our everyday life. Dean answers listeners questions about bees, what pesticides shouldn't you use around bees, how to remove hives from block walls and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean is talking about the birds and the bees today...in your yard! Dean talks to Nicole Palladino from Bee Catchers Inc. and Danny Finkelstein from The Valley Hive about all things bees. From what 'swarming' actually is and how to remedy it without killing the bees to all the basics of being a backyard beekeeper, Dean has you covered with everything you need to know about these creatures and how important they are to our everyday life. Dean answers listeners questions about bees, what pesticides shouldn't you use around bees, how to remove hives from block walls and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people prefer to live in a sterile environment. But Dean says life doesn’t thrive in that state. Today’s first caller is adding 500 square feet to his property in Whittier, which is one of LA’s older cities. The City is coming out to check out his sewer line, and he’s concerned about what they are looking for and how much it will cost him. The next caller lives in a cabin in the woods and wants to turn it into an off-grid house. He wants to know if a power-flush or power-assisted toilet is the best option. A Connecticut caller had a spring snap on his garage door — is that a DIY repair or is it too dangerous to do by himself? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the top of the second hour, a caller up in Northern California is having issues with the siding on his home that needs to be replaced, but he’s unsure what the present material is. The next listener lives in an apartment building with an HOA, and there is major bubbling in his paint work on the building exterior, and not just around the windows. Air conditioning not all it’s cracked up to be? Our next caller wants to know if he should invest in a split unit to effectively cool his upstairs and downstairs without breaking the electricity bank. Today’s last caller lives in an uninsuation 1920 bungalo that has curved ceilings, flat roof and a narrow attic. How would insulation work in this space when it’s needed due to how much the home heats up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.