Home with Dean Sharp

Today on Home With Dean Sharp, a caller wanted to know if luxury vinyl flooring is toxic to lay in small spaces with low ventilation.  Cracked grout is giving one caller grief, so Dean is on hand to give her the best repair advice.  Another listener has the urge to conserve hot water in their home, and Dean is here to dish the advice.  Meanwhile, Wendy wants to talk wood – should she lay her floor with engineered or hardwood flooring? 

Today on Home With Dean Sharp, a caller wanted to know if luxury vinyl flooring is toxic to lay in small spaces with low ventilation.  Cracked grout is giving one caller grief, so Dean is on hand to give her the best repair advice.  Another listener has the urge to conserve hot water in their home, and Dean is here to dish the advice.  Meanwhile, Wendy wants to talk wood – should she lay her floor with engineered or hardwood flooring? 

Dean talks about SoCal fire defensible spaces (ember resistant zones within 5 feet of the home), and takes your calls on electrical problems that can effect your home.He's the House Whisperer for a reason, folks!

Dean fights Covid brain to answer your calls about stucco and expanding paint on an all calls weekend!Stucco!!!!

Dean takes all of your calls on an All Calls Saturday on KFI AM640!

Dean continues to take all your calls! That's why it's an All Calls Saturday on KFI AM640!

A caller is in the process of buying a near-completed home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, and the foundation is being retrofitted. He wants to know who is responsible for finishing the work — the buyer or seller?Another caller is terrified for a relative whose home is exhibiting every bad sign of foundation damage, it's rumored to have been built over a creek — and possibly even a landfill!

Today it's all about windows and doors...we welcome Chris Perez of American Vision Windows to talk about how to improve the window and door situation in your home, a critical component of your home and the value of making sure both are as energy efficient as possible. 

Today it's all about windows and doors...we welcome Chris Perez of American Vision Windows to talk about how to improve the window and door situation in your home, a critical component of your home and the value of making sure both are as energy efficient as possible.  Dean tackles listener questions about asbestos in the attic of an old house and how that might affect the sale of the house, and whether or not you can place another layer of insulation over it, where to find motorized sliders to put over a kitchen sink with a box window, how to fix a damaged 'weep strip' on a common stucco wall, and how to find the source of a water leak that seems to have originated in a bathroom, but has no obvious sign of source. 

Today it's all about windows and doors...we welcome Chris Perez of American Vision Windows to talk about how to improve the window and door situation in your home, a critical component of your home and the value of making sure both are as energy efficient as possible. 

How to choose the color of your baseboards when designing your space? Hint: It's not just about the shade -- it's also about sheen, Queen!Plus, Dean answers a listener question regarding navigating multigenerational family trauma, and moving back into a family house that still holds past trauma while trying to break that cycle and turn the space into a trauma-free home.

A caller wants to know about nail pops, and whether letting the house frame sit for a month or so prior to drywalling will help reduce the chance the lumber will shift, and the studs will warp.Plus, Dean answers a homeowner's question regarding the maintenance of their tankless water heater and scale reduction.Also, a caller is having issues with deteriorating stucco on their newish home and is wondering what could be causing the crumble.

Dean tackles nothing but your questions this morning, including; how to properly determine the 'undertones' of paint colors and what is the proper additive for concrete that will help make it stronger? 

Dean tackles nothing but your questions this morning, including; how to properly fix living room flooring when it's slanted, properly treating a basement for moisture control, fixing a cracked coating on bathtubs, removing hard 'green netting' under landscaping, and whether an attic that previously had no insulation needs some after the installation of an AC unit at home in Florida

Dean shares smart, proactive tips to help you avoid expensive repairs down the line—from overlooked GFCI outlet checks to the importance of annual carpet cleaning. He breaks down why cleaning air ducts is crucial after major events like floods or construction, and why gutter maintenance before the rain matters more than you think. Plus, Dean explains how regular paint inspections can protect your home's exterior. Don't let small neglects turn into big bills!

On today's episode of Home With Dean Sharp, it's all about staying ahead of home maintenance before it turns into costly repairs. Dean explains the importance of regularHVAC filter changes and what neglecting them could mean for your system. He also takes calls from listeners, offering advice on whole-home re-pipes and tackling issues with electric panels—yes, even when it involves digging trenches! Plus, special guest Sue Fries from EcoLa joins the show to talk about smart, effective mosquito control.

Dean shares practical tips to help you avoid the high cost of deferred maintenance. From flushing your water heater to cleaning the dryer vent to prevent fires, he covers the small tasks that make a big difference. Dean also talks about adjusting door shoes, checking riser sprinklers regularly, lubricating sliding doors, and keeping an eye on your roof and chimney. It's all about catching the little things before they turn into big problems.

Dean Sharp kicks off All Calls Saturday by opening the phone lines for listeners' home questions. He shares a lighthearted exchange with KFI's Heather Brooker, who proudly recounts her DIY fix of a broken toilet handle—before the conversation turns humorous with stories about bidets. Dean then takes his first caller, Gabriel, who manages apartments with aluminum windows that don't slide properly. Dean explains why WD-40 isn't the best solution and recommends a product designed specifically for aluminum tracks, along with advice on maintenance. The hour closes with another call about air return systems in desert condos, where Dean warns against improper venting that pulls hot attic air into the AC and explains the right way to insulate or condition attic spaces.

Dean Sharp continues All Calls Saturday by taking listener questions on home projects and repairs. He starts with a caller concerned about garage door springs being replaced with different sizes and explains why it is important to match springs properly to a door's weight and design. Dean offers practical advice on getting multiple expert opinions to verify the work. Later, he fields a call about an aging water heater, breaking down how to check the sacrificial anode rod, the risks of mineral buildup, and why flushing the tank can extend its life. The hour closes with guidance for a homeowner experiencing hot water in both the toilet and cold faucet lines, which Dean diagnoses as likely mis-plumbing in the recirculation system and recommends a plumber to correct.

On today's episode of Home with Dean Sharp, Dean dives into the heart of the show's mantra: design matters most. He shares 10 powerful reasons why great design is the key to creating a home that truly serves and inspires you. From understanding the difference between luxury and custom, to embracing the process of design for the best results, Dean unpacks the practical value behind every choice you make. Discover why your home is your most sacred space!

Dean takes your calls and tackles real-life home dilemmas. He offers advice to a homeowner weighing the pros and cons of restoring a property to its original style versus relying on an assessor for resale. Dean also breaks down tricky property line concerns and offers clarity. Later, he dives into the world of e-pipes—what they are, how they work, and whether they're a smart choice for your home. Finally, a curious caller asks about steaming a room: Dean explores the risks, code issues, and how moisture, air flow, and mold can make or break your indoor environment.

Dean unpacks the “Iron Triangle” of construction—Cost, Quality, and Time—and how it impacts every home project. He explores how falling in love with a home often means accepting its imperfections, leading to “house blindness” and stalled remodels—yet another reason why design truly matters most. Dean shares key tips on what not to do during a remodel, the value of hiring a designer, and how it can help maximize your budget and avoid common pitfalls. Plus, he introduces the concept of “Post-Traumatic Design Disorder”—when past design mistakes haunt a home—and how a good designer can help heal and free your space. Because in the end, good design reigns.

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.