Episodes
In this special edition of Renovation Made Right, we have an important update to share with our valued listeners. As we reflect on the journey so far, we realize that we've explored a vast array of home renovation topics, providing insights, tips, and guidance to homeowners. However, all good things evolve, and so does our podcast. We're transitioning to a more spontaneous schedule, moving away from regular updates. This isn't the end of "Renovation Made Right"; rather, it's a shift to a new...
Published 11/12/23
Published 11/12/23
In this much-anticipated return of "Renovation Made Right," hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan break their hiatus with a bang! They dive right into addressing your burning questions about home renovations. We kick off with a detailed discussion on load-bearing walls. If you're contemplating whether to remove one in your next project, this segment is packed with essential considerations to ensure your home's safety and integrity. Next, we shift our focus to the kitchen. Discover budget-friendly, DIY...
Published 10/29/23
In this episode of "Renovation Made Right," we address a unique listener query that resonates with many homeowners: How do you transform a small, dated space into your forever home, one room at a time? This week, we delve into a listener's journey of renovating a quaint 650 sqft house, originally built as a summer cottage in the 60s. After successfully revamping their kitchen, the homeowners are ready to tackle the next challenge - the bathroom. The focus is on a common issue in older homes:...
Published 05/28/23
Get ready to turn up the heat with hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan in the latest episode of Renovation Made Right! They're dishing out a healthy serving of gas stove safety tips that will leave you feeling confident and fired up in the kitchen. From maintenance and ventilation to carbon monoxide detection, Dave and Brenda leave no stone unturned as they equip homeowners with the knowledge needed to navigate the potential hazards associated with gas stoves. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an...
Published 05/14/23
In the second part of our series on the history of kitchens in America, Brenda Bryan takes a deep dive into the evolution of kitchen appliances and technology. Based on insights from the book "America's Kitchens" by Nancy Carlisle, Melinda Talbot Nasardinov, and Jennifer Pustz, Brenda explores the development of the key kitchen tools and appliances that revolutionized American kitchens, including the icebox, the gas range, the refrigerator, and the microwave. Brenda also discusses the...
Published 04/23/23
In the first of two episodes on the history of kitchens in America, Brenda Bryan takes us on a journey through the evolution of the American kitchen from the colonial period to the mid-20th century. Drawing on insights from the book "America's Kitchens" by Nancy Carlisle, Melinda Talbot Nasardinov, and Jennifer Pustz, Brenda illuminates the cultural, technological, and social factors that shaped the American kitchen over time. From the humble hearth of colonial times to the modern appliances...
Published 04/09/23
In this episode of "Renovation Made Right," hosts Dave and Brenda Bryan are joined by Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty to discuss the age-old question: "Should I stay in my house long term?" The group explores various strategies for approaching home renovations when you're unsure about your long-term living situation, whether it's updating the essentials or investing in major upgrades that could boost resale value down the line. Tune in to get expert advice on how to make the most...
Published 03/26/23
In this episode of Renovation Made Right, hosts Dave and Brenda sit down with Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty to discuss the current state of the real estate market. Ray and Judy share their insights on the challenges and opportunities of buying and selling homes in today's market, including tips on how to navigate bidding wars, prepare your home for sale, and find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on the housing market and...
Published 03/12/23
Welcome to Renovation Made Right, the podcast where Dave and Brenda (sometimes) answer your burning questions about all things remodeling. In this episode, they tackle a range of topics submitted by listeners, including the pros and cons of tub/shower combo removals, range ovens, and more! Whether you're planning a renovation project or just looking for some inspiration, this episode of Renovation Made Right is packed with practical advice and insights from two remodeling experts. Tune in now...
Published 02/26/23
In this episode of Renovation Made Right, Brenda and Dave dip into interior design and explore the do's and don'ts of creating a beautiful and functional space. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 02/12/23
This week on Renovation Made Right, Dave and Brenda give a refresher on their background in the remodeling and home improvement industry, and answer a listener question about house flipping! Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 01/29/23
Welcome back to this week's edition of Renovation Made Right, where Dave and Brenda answer your questions! Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 01/15/23
Do you ever just "click" with someone, and feel like the stars have aligned? That's what we want ALL of our clients to experience - and you should, too! Dave and Brenda chat about how important and beneficial it is to find a contractor that understands you, your vision, and your home when approaching a project. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on Acast. See...
Published 01/01/23
Much to Dave's dismay and Brenda's glee, to celebrate 100 epi Dave tells a story of legendary proportions from the Blackdog archives. Thank you for listening to us for 100 episodes! We can't believe we've made it this far, and couldn't have done it without you. Please continue to rate, review, subscribe and follow us on your favorite platforms. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at...
Published 12/18/22
Picture this: you hire a contractor for your project, but unknown to you, that contractor hasn't been able to turn a profit. They use the money you put down as a deposit to pay for the materials, labor, subcontractors, etc. of a prior project. When it comes time to begin yours, they've run out of money and can't start construction. How do you protect yourself? Dave and Brenda chat about this (unfortunately common) scenario and cover different ways you can protect yourself and your...
Published 12/04/22
We talk a lot on the show about what we think homeowners should do when pursuing a home improvement project. What about hearing it from a (home-improvement experienced) homeowner's perspective? This week, Dave and Brenda sit with past client Susan Sabia to chat about her experiences working with Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel.  Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on...
Published 11/20/22
Welcome back! This week, Dave and Brenda chat about why you should consider switching over your home's heating and cooling system over to (drumroll)... heat pumps! A riveting topic, we know, but we promise to make it interesting. Dave and Brenda chat about the environmental considerations, costs, and how to determine if the system is feasible for your home. This episode was inspired by and references the Journal of Light Construction's article of the same name: "Heat Pumps in the Age of...
Published 11/06/22
Want a peek behind the curtain at Renovation Made Right? This week, Dave and Brenda take a little detour from our typical format to chat with Renovation Made Right's pretty-cool Producer, Merrill (who writes these descriptions and makes Dave and Brenda sound good). They talk about the podcast learning curve and answer Merrill's questions about tackling the "insulation situation" in her old home.  Find us @renovationmaderight on social...
Published 10/23/22
This accidentally turned into the Craft-Bilt fan show, but let's roll with it! Join Dave and Brenda as they chat about two newer products in the home improvement industry that they think you should know about and take advantage of for your home! Craft-Bilt - 4 Track Vinyl Stacking Windows Link Craft-Bilt - Aluminum Water Resistant Interlocking Decking Link Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at...
Published 10/09/22
Welcome back to this week's edition of Renovation Made Right, where Dave and Brenda answer your questions! Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 09/25/22
Roofs are considered one of the most critical components of your house, which is why they (unfortunately) require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure you can literally keep a roof over your head! Join Dave and Brenda as they chat about not-as-thrilling but definitely necessary roofing tips that every homeowner should know. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Hosted...
Published 09/11/22
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and stress-free, right? Think again! This week, join Dave and Brenda as they give a recap on their harrowing home-improvement summer vacation adventure, and learn about how dealing with plumbing emergencies are super gross. Shout-out to: Parker Septic & Drain on Martha's Vineyard - Find them at parkersepticanddrain.godaddysites.com Parker Carpet on Martha's Vineyard - find them at: parkercarpet.com Find us @renovationmaderight on social...
Published 08/28/22
Join us for another LIVE listener question! This week, Dave and Brenda chat live with a listener from Iowa about the best way to tackle finishing the basement of his 80's-era home. Want to ask us your own burning home-improvement questions? Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to chat on-air with you! Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]! Our GDPR...
Published 08/14/22
Get your zen on! On this edition of Renovation Made Right, Dave and Brenda tackle how to have the right mindset when going through the process of a remodeling project. As industry veterans, we are not strangers to the stress that a project can often cause, but there are ways to mitigate it. As Dave likes to say, "Your incoming attitude determines your outgoing experience!" Find us at @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your...
Published 08/07/22