Is it really an episode? Hmmm. More of an announcement that WE'LL BE BACK in the new year... but there are also reminders on winter maintenance for your home!

Happy Hour part 2: Darylene Dennon, Kimberly Martin, Adriana Ramirez

In this episode, Amy talks about a Habitat for Humanity build they were involved in in North Bend as part of a Professional Women in Building event.

The discussion then turns to No VOC paint and first hand experience that Amy had painting at Habitat and while painting their soon-to-arrive grandbaby. No smell!!

Tool corner brings us to different things to do with a pressure washer beyond the standard sidewalks and siding cleaning. Things like pumpkin carving, fish scaling and potato peeling.

If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, questions or comments drop us a note at askamy@amyworks.com.

Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.thewinterblueroom.com) in Seattle.

Alicia gives us an update on her bathroom remodel. Demo has started, electrical and plumbing have been roughed in.

Tool Corner finds us talking about angle grinders and the different uses such as grinding, polishing, cutting, paint removal, and removing mortar between bricks.

Amy shares their attempt to repair their subwoofer associated with the tv sound bar. Interesting discovery.

If you have any questions, comments or a subject you’d like us to talk about send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

Please subscribe and leave us a review. We’d really appreciate it!

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.Winterblue room.com) in Seattle.

Amy and Alicia have a great conversation with Architect Grace Kim about co-housing and the barriers to affordable housing development in Seattle. The causes and solutions around the "missing middle" in our housing supply.

More information about the Schemata Workshop: https://www.schemataworkshop.com/

Amy and Alicia talk fall maintenance tasks to keep your home in tip top shape. Gutter cleaning, filter changing, weatherproofing and more.

Alicia loves her screwdrivers and we talk all kinds of options when thinking of screwdrivers, Allen wrenches and bits.

If you have questions, comments or want to suggest a topic for us to cover, email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

Leave us a review and subscribe.

This podcast was recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.the Winterblue room.com) in Seattle.

In this episode Amy talks about their involvement in workforce development for the residential construction industry. The Wood Tech Center (WTC) in Seattle has been struggling for several years and is threatened with closure. A task force has been created on the state level with Frank Chopp, state representative from the 43rd district, and Louise Chernin, chair of the Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees, acting as co-chairs along with faculty and industry representatives. This task force is working on finding solutions to the funding shortfalls these programs have and find innovative solutions to reviving these much needed programs for the sake of the residential construction industry and ultimately the issue of housing shortages and affordability.

Alicia gives us an update her bathroom remodel project which is scheduled to start in a few short weeks. Stay tuned to hear how it goes.

If you have nay questions, comments or topics you'd like to hear us talk about drop us a line at askamy@amyworks.com.

Please take a moment and leave us a review and don't forget to subscribe.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle, WA. Check it out at www.thewinterblueroom.com

In this episode Amy & Alicia discuss building codes. Amy explains some of the specific codes that exist when it comes to bathrooms, stairs, electrical and more. It's important to keep these in mind when considering a remodel or building new. What are some building codes that make you tear your hair out?

You can find out more about cohousing at The Cohousing Association website. Amy gives us an update about what they learned at the cohousing conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

Send us your questions, comments and ideas to askamy@amyworks.com.

Let's Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle. You can find Alicia and her music on her website.

We have a special guest! Joy Fire from the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. You KNOW you want to pound some hot metal. Learn more about the art of blacksmithing and this Society that promotes partnerships and mentorships throughout the country.

https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com/ for more information.

And send your questions, comments, desires to askamy@amyworks.com

Amy and Alicia discuss various kitchen countertop options. Amy references past podcast guests Matriarchy Build who have some great DIY inspiration articles including this one on countertops. There are many considerations to keep in mind when choosing countertops for your kitchen. Alicia discusses the difficulty and regret that she's had with her honed quartz kitchen countertops. Listen for all the considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen remodel and the pros and cons behind each choice.

Amy also talks about the contents of the latest Tool Crate, a boxed subscription service of curated tools.

Let's Talk Home Repair is recorded at Winterblue Room. You can find Alicia's music on her website. Do you have questions or have a suggestion for a topic or a guest for us? Send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com

This week Amy and Alicia are joined by guest Andy Pace, owner of The Green Design Center and host of the Non Toxic Environments Podcast.

Andy has over 30 years of experience in the field of chemical sensitivity, building materials and non-toxic construction. He's a leading educator for those who suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities, and asthma when they are trying to create a healthy home environment.

You can find Andy at The Green Design Center for more information about the work he does with homeowners and contractors.

Let's Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle.

Alicia's music can be found at https://aliciahealey.com/

While Amy and Alicia take a short summer hiatus from recording, we wanted to share another encore episode with our listeners. They will be back in the studio very soon so send us your questions and comments at askamy@amyworks.com

In celebration of Women in History month Alicia and Amy are joined by three great women from the Seattle area that have forged great careers and businesses in the male-dominated trades industry.

Louise Hansen – owner of Weezee’s Plumbing (www.weezeesplumbing.com)

Catie Chaplin – Residential Carpentry program instructor with Wood Technology Center in Seattle

Alice Lockridge – Exercise Physiologist and advocate of women in physically demanding careers.

The discussion ranges from women being suppressed in the trades, recruiting women and where do we find them, how do women navigate the current environment, and stressing that the trades can be a viable career option for women.

We want to thank Louise, Alice and Catie for joining us and sharing their experiences with you. Please send any questions or comments to askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast was recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle. That is Alicia singing our theme song. Check out more of her music at aliciahealey.com.

What happens when you put four business owners and a banker in the same room??! A joyful Happy Hour discussion!

Amy & Alicia Healey welcome Darylene Dennon (painter/handyperson/business owner), Kimberley Martin (landscaper, hardscaper, deck builder, business owner), & Adriana Ramirez (VP at Banner Bank) to our latest "Happy Hour". How did they get started? What are the pros and cons of owning your own business? How to handle employees? How to get a loan for a new or existing business? NO TOPIC is off limits!

While Amy and Alicia take a short summer hiatus from recording, we wanted to share this encore episode with our listeners!

If "Let's Talk...Home Repair " had been created only to publish this episode, it would be a worthy endeavor. 

This episode is a little different, but in the best way possible . Alicia and Amy welcome 3 special guests: Susan (Construction Estimator), Shannon (Carpenter) and Kayla (Project Manager) all members of the Amyworks team. Rather than listener questions, this week Alicia masterfully guides the conversation around the challenges facing the workforce in construction trades, and more specifically, women within the industry. 

Topics discussed: While employment in the trades remain vastly disproportionate, is it worth navigating the known challenges to secure a career if you're not a white man? What benefits are there to this career? How does the education route compare to more other paths to employment? What barriers need to be removed for women entering the trades, and how do we make that happen? 

Personal stories from all create a clear picture of the environment women must be willing to tolerate to work within the white, *cishet-dominated working culture. 

Our episode concludes on an uplifting note as we hear about their hopes and excitement for their future, and that of the industry. 

If you have questions, comments or just want to tell us your story that we can share drop us a line at askamy@amyworks.com.

*cishet - someone who is both cisgender and heterosexual

Amy goes over cleaning hacks that don’t work or actually cause damage to surfaces that you are trying to clean. Did you know that dish soap is actually damaging for your automobile paint? 

Also in this episode, have you ever wondered about what your shower floor is made of? Amy explains the anatomy of a shower pan. The installation and products you choose in your shower make a huge difference in the durability and ensures that you have water moving in all the right places. 

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at Winterblue Room in Seattle.

You can find Alicia’s music at her website.

Questions, comments or topic or guest requests? Email us: askamy@amyworks.com

Amy and Alicia discuss the various ways to remove tree stumps in your yard. Amy discusses various ways that are possible to attempt to get rid of large stumps that are in your way.

Have you ever removed a large tree stump in your yard? Tell us how it went and what you learned! Email us at askamy@amyworks.com

Alicia experienced the sub-contractor walk through with AmyWorks and gives us the update about how that went. She gives us the client perspective of what it was like. 

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at Winterblue Room in Seattle.

You can find Alicia’s music at her website.

Questions, comments or topic or guest requests? Email us: askamy@amyworks.com

Amy and Alicia have Kayla in the studio today! Amy gives an update on the Chillwell air cooler that was a bit of a disappointment on a hot summer day. We also get an update on consulting with Matriarchy Build from episode 56.  For a limited time you can get a free session with Amy via Zoom to get your DIY home project questions answered using code: amyecklund.  A reminder that you can sign up to volunteer with Sound Foundations to help build a tiny house for the unhoused. We also hear about the next stages of the preparation for the Lincoln Block cabin that Amy is working on. Kayla joins us with some essential information when it comes to insulation. 

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at Winterblue Room in Seattle.

You can find Alicia’s music at her website.

Questions, comments or topic or guest requests? Email us: askamy@amyworks.com

Part #2 SITE VISIT

What happens at a site visit? We recorded the actual conversation during the site visit for Alicia's Guest Bath remodel. Project Manager Kayla from Amyworks arrives, and then...

Episode 64 - Melissa Garcia founder of La Matriarca Woodworkings joins Amy and Alicia to discuss the specialty work that she does in the Seattle area.

She specializes in deck builds and restoration as well as making furniture and home decor. Check out her river tables!

You can find her at https://www.lamatriarcawoodworkings.com/ where you will find examples of her work and videos. Her tagline is "honoring lineage, building community & empowering womxn".

Let's Talk Home Repair is recorded at Winterblue Room. You can find Alicia's music at https://aliciahealey.com/

If you have any questions or topic ideas send them to askamy@amyworks.com. Enjoying our podcast? Please share it with others, subscribe and review.

Amy gives us all the details on the various types and sizes of plywood. We get a break down for the best uses for each type of plywood.  Amy also talks about the difference and application for using melamine, MDF, and OSB. Did you know that you can get better quality from a local store such as Dunn Lumber (in Seattle) vs. buying from your big box stores?

Painting prep for porches when you are doing it yourself. Most house painters are booked up for the summer so these tips will help you complete your DIY painting project!

Gather your supplies: Drop cloths, broom, shop vac, paint scraper, five in one painters tool, wire brush, sandpaper (80 to 150 grit), rubber gloves, paint roller, safety glasses, cleaner such as TSP or an environmentally friendly substitute, exterior grade caulk and filler, extension pole, latex exterior primer and exterior paint. Plan on a couple of coats! Use a door and trim paint for the railings and use a textured paint for the deck. Listen to the full episode for all the steps and tips that Amy includes to prep and paint.

Send us your questions to askamy@amyworks.com Listen, review, rate and share our show so we can continue to create Let’s Talk Home Repair.

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle. You can find Alicia’s music at https://aliciahealey.com/

Amy is back! 

What should we do to prepare for a hot summer?

Amy tells us about an upcoming ultra white paint that is going to help keep our homes cooler.

Amy has ordered a new tool for cooling small areas of the home to review and will report back to us on how it works.  What portable cooling units have you tried and had success with? Send us a note at askamy@amyworks.com. 

When considering air quality with upcoming smoke season coming calls for air purifiers. AmyWorks office has been using this quiet air purifier with great success.

Amy gives us some tips on how to keep our houses cool without air conditioning. 

Amy and Alicia geek out on remote controlled electrical outlets such as these.

Alicia gives us an update on the bathroom walk through with Kayla. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming potential bathroom remodel.

Send us your questions and comments to askamy@amyworks.com 

Listen, review, rate and share our show so we can continue to create Let’s Talk Home Repair!

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle. You can find Alicia’s music at https://aliciahealey.com/

Kayla, Production Manager for AmyWorks joins Alicia in place of Amy this week. Alicia is talking about doing a bathroom remodel.

What does that initial process of considering a remodel with a general contractor look like?

Kayla walks us through the whole process from getting an estimate through the entire remodeling project.

A lot of thought and consideration goes into every project. Ensure that you have a good working relationship with your general contractor. It’s all about good communication!

Send us your questions to askamy@amyworks.com

Listen, review, rate and share our show so we can continue to create Let’s Talk Home Repair.

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle.

You can find Alicia’s music at

https://aliciahealey.com/

Amy talks about their recent visit to a co-housing community in Seattle. Grace Kim is an architect and owner of Schemata Workshop that is passionate about co-housing and gave a Ted Talk about the benefits of living in co-housing community. 

Summer Home Maintenance Tips:

1.     Roof

Make sure all tree limbs are not taking over your roof. 

2.     HVAC

Time to service your heating and cooling system to avoid delays.   Consider getting on an annual maintenance plan with your trusted HVAC company.

3.     Dryer Vents:

Clean it! Another reminder that this is an important safety measure and will keep your dryer running efficiently. Alicia promises to clean hers no later than September! Email us and tell us if you have done this askamy@amyworks.com and Alicia will sing you a song! 

4.     Check under your sinks for leaks.

5.     Clean your aerators on your sink faucet. This is a simple way to improve your water pressure.

6.     Go up in the attic and see if there is any indication of leaking and that the insulation is pulled away from the eaves in order to ensure good airflow. Check for indications of critters! 

7.     Replace worn cartridges and filters on your sink.

8.     GFCI – push the test button with a hairdryer on and make sure it stops.

9.     Clean the refrigerator coils and door gaskets. Make sure there is no ice build-up and clean the refrigerator in general.

Listener questions:

Where do I put all my stuff while having my hardwood floors refinished?

Move it all completely out. Rent a pod or put it in a room that isn’t being refinished.

What are some tips for running ethernet cable without using an electrician?

Amy talks about using fish tape to take it behind walls. 

Send us your questions to askamy@amyworks.com Listen, review, rate and share our show so we can continue to create Let’s Talk Home Repair.

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle. You can find Alicia’s music at https://aliciahealey.com/

We've talked about water heaters before - mostly around maintenance - but today we go DEEP into water heaters. The different kinds, components, plumbing considerations, water main shut offs, and how to consider whether to repair or replace a failing water heater.

We also touch on best way to use a plungers and how a water closet auger works (when plunging isn't enough!)

Send you stories and ideas on what you'd like us to cover: letstalkhomerepair@gmail.com.

Barb Oliver is the director of Sound Foundations NW, an organization that builds tiny homes for the unhoused using volunteer labor and donated materials. Sound Foundations NW began at Camp Second Chance in West Seattle, building directly on-site, but last year they were able to move into a large warehouse space in SoDo, which they call "The Hope Factory". They've built well over 100 homes, refining the process along the way to an amazing degree of thrift and efficiency, all while maintaining a high level of quality so that the homes will stand up to years of use. And they do this in a way that allows volunteers of all skill levels feel welcome and do productive work.

The Sound Foundations web site has an excellent overview of the process: 

https://www.soundfoundationsnw.org/how-we-build 

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winterblue Studio in Seattle.

What kitchen renovations are not going to give you a return on your investment when selling your home?

But first….

Amy troubleshoots a listener question about a waterfall faucet that comes out of a mirror. 

Plus, it’s time for a Tool Crate update! The subscription this time included a mechanical contractor pencil and a 24 volt brushless circular saw by Flex.

Tips for what to avoid in kitchen renovations when considering your return on investment (ROI):

·      Kitchen renovations should never exceed 25% of your home value

·      Overly customized kitchens

·      Using low quality materials - for example, don’t use IKEA cabinets due to the low quality and inability to repair

·      Excessive wallpaper

·      Using high end appliances

·      DIY repairs gives the buyer and real estate agents red flags – especially plumbing

·      Out of style trends such as outdated hardware on your cabinets

·      Sacrificing space such as taking walls down

·      Natural stone countertops are expensive and prone to damage and the options for alternatives are so excellent now. Amy mentions Cambria as a great option for quartz countertops and backsplashes.

·      Exaggerated lighting: good lighting shouldn’t be noticeable. The general rule of thumb is 70 to 80 lumens per square foot.

Amy and Alicia love hearing from listeners! Any suggestions, stories, or questions can be sent to askamy@amyworks.com

Please rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to Let’s Talk Home Repair!

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle.

Amy gives us the exciting update that the DADU has been completed. Hear how it wrapped up and what’s coming next. Amy also gives us a definition about what it means to be a certified builder.

This week our listener question is:

Why do popcorn ceilings exist and what do we do with them?

Popcorn ceilings came into popularity in the 1950’s when there was a construction boom. They were quick and inexpensive. Get your popcorn ceiling tested for asbestos!

Amy defines the different drywall styles besides popcorn ceiling. They include orange peel, knock down and level 5.

Amy and Alicia talk about the detail, work, and artistry that it takes to do drywall properly.

You can check out Drywall Shorty on YouTube for some fabulous instructional videos on this important trade skill. 

AmyWorks is on Instagram and Facebook as AmyWorksSeattle.

Love our podcast? Subscribe, leave us a review and tell your friends!

Send us your questions to askamy@amyworks.com

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle, WA.

Alicia and Amy are joined by Lacey Soslow and Gabriella Ansley, co-creators of Matriarchy Build. Matriarchy Build is an online platform created to promote and support women and queer folks looking for help in the home DIY arena and to give exposure to the many bad-ass women out there working the trades and getting the job done. The Matriarchy Build website allows people to connect with professionals in the trades to ask questions and get one on one consultations for anything home or trades related. There are also inspirational diy tips and stories to empower the user to tackle their project.

Check out the many pros on the site that you can connect with and get answers to your questions.

www.matriarchybuild.com

If you have questions or stories you’d like to share on the podcast, email us at askamy@amyworks.com

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle.

In this episode, Amy and Alicia talk about home improvements that can be done for under $100!

They answer a listener question about hard-wired smoke detectors. Amy lets us know that smoke detectors only have a life span of about 10 years.  Remember to use canned smoke to test your smoke detectors. 

Eleven ideas for home improvements for under $100:

1.    Embrace the power of decluttering!

2.    Take a whole house inventory and write it down. What furniture or items are needed so you aren’t tempted to make impulse purchases? Alicia recommends Any List as an app for your phone.

3.    Buy new art! Find yourself something great for $100 or less at an estate sale or consignment shop.

4.    Add plants with colorful pots.

5.    Hire an interior designer for an hour to help you plan for simple improvements.

6.    Create a gallery wall of family photos.

7.    Add plug in lighting such as rope lighting as an accessory.

8.    Hang sheer curtains to filter light.

9.    Add wallpaper to the ceiling in a small room.  

10. Replace hardware on furniture or cabinets. Try Second Use or a secondhand store for something unique and less expensive.

11. Add throw pillows, blanket or a new rug that includes an accent color for the room. 

Amy reminds us that when doing touch up work especially with painting, to focus on your prep to make it worth it. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Listen, rate, review and send us your questions! askamy@amyworks.com

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle.

Mandy Rennehan is the founder and CEO of Fresh Co. (not the grocery store!), a commercial remodeling company on the east coast and Canada. She is the author of Blue Collar CEO and host of the upcoming HGTV Canadian show, Trading Up.  Mandy talks about how she went from being a rookie contractor to a multi-millionaire contractor. She discusses the challenges of entering the trades as a woman in a predominately male dominated industry.  Mandy, Amy and Alicia discuss the classist attitudes and stigma that surrounds the trades and what keeps young people from choosing it as a viable career choice.

Trading Up with Mandy the HGTV Canada show releases May 12th which is available to watch in the states on Hulu.

You can find Mandy online at the following places:

Mandy Rennehan | The Blue Collar CEO

Freshco - Retail Maintenance & Construction

Facebook

Instagram

Send us your questions or comments to askamy@amyworks.com 

Let’s Talk Home Repair is recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle.

In this episode...

Listeners email - “Hi, Angie from Springfield again. Getting caught up on the podcast. Just want you to know I appreciate you both SO much! All the stuff I need to know but was afraid to ask is here. I really loved your episode on to replace or repair. Oh, and the saws… I have to go back and listen to that one and take notes because it is chock full of helpful info.” 

Anyway, re: workplace development. Maybe you could hang around hospitals and clinics. I know a lot of nurses who are completely done with nursing right now. They’d probably be open to a whole new career🤣. Jk (not really..). 

Amy and Alicia talk about using Ramboard (a special cardboard)as floor protection when having a renovation done. This will protect the floor better than just a drop cloth.

Cleaning that usually doesn’t get done…but should

1. Washing out the trash and recycling containers
2. Vacuuming your mattress. Even airing it outdoors in the sunshine can help with musty smells
3. Wiping down the walls with a Swiffer (or a napkin)
4. Cleaning your deck but not with a pressure washer.
5. Washing the dishwasher - clean the dishwasher screen, clean sprayer arm ports, clean the dishwasher door lip, run a cycle with dishwasher cleaner and no dishes or detergent.
6. Clean the splash guard on the garbage disposal
7. Clean the chimney. If heavy creosote buildup is present, hire a professional
8. Clean door knobs and light switches, refrigerator handles and cabinets pulls and remotes. Use alcohol wipes.
9. Use a little car wax to clean and shine stainless steel appliances.
10. Clean your keyboard. Compressed air and a cotton swab with alcohol.
11. Clean the magnetic ports on computers using poster putty.

Alicia recommends checking out "engineering gadgets" on Instagram to see some fascinating inventions.

If you have a story you'd like to share or a question to ask Alicia or Amy please send it to askamy@amyworks.com

Please leave us a review where you listen to this podcast.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.thewinterblueroom,com)in Seattle.

Jack Hanks from Velocity Public Adjusting joins Alicia and Amy and talks about public adjusting associated with insurance claims after a disaster to one’s home or commercial property. As a public adjuster, Jack and his company represent the consumer/insured, striving to collect a higher claim than what the insurance company initially gave often under-compensating for the actual damages. Through thorough review of the insurance policy and the damaged property public adjusters are often able to find hidden or missing issues with the policy, claim or findings which are presented to the insurance company for review and possible claim adjustment. 47 states in the US allow for public adjusting companies to work with consumers while only three, Alabama, Arkansa and South Dakota prohibit this service.  Jack strongly suggests that anyone with property insurance perform a complete and comprehensive review on a regular basis of their policy to ensure that proper and adequate coverage is in place before a disaster strikes.

Jack’s website is www.vpa.claims if you have any questions or feel you could use their services.

If you have any questions or comments about this podcast or anything related to your home send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

If you like what you hear leave us a review wherever you listen and tell your friends.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle. www.thewinterblueroom.com

Morgan Mentzer is the co-founder and executive director of Reckoning Trade Project. Morgan started with an undergrad in human rights then wanted to be an auto mechanic and turn wrenches.  But then determined that she also wanted to be lawyer. Her dream was to have a auto repair shop where she could fix your car and file any legal papers you need as well. She started as an apprentice mechanic, went to tech school then decided to go to law school. After completing law school Morgan worked part time as a mechanic and started the Lavender Rights Project, an LGBT legal services firm.

In 2018 a welder friend and Morgan brainstormed the idea of forming an organization that brought together queer and trans people in the trades together. The Reckoning Trade Project was born. There were social and educational events bringing people together until the pandemic hit. One event included a tiny home build with Sawhorse Revolution, an organization introducing youth to the trades.

Today the organization is growing to include the training for employers and how to include the marginalized population in the workforce. Reckoning Trade Project offers a mentor/mentee program to lend support to those entering the trades and having a skilled mentor to help them navigate the oftentimes difficult working environments. Go to www.reckoningtradeproject.org to get involved and to learn more. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

If you have questions or a story to share with us please drop us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.thewinterblueroom.com) in Seattle.

The Seattle Home Show – Alicia and Amy recount their time at the home show and their attempt to record an episode of the podcast. Due to technical difficulties the recording didn’t happen, but they had a blast nonetheless. They are throwing the idea around of taking the show in the road. 

Listener email – Joe from Ontario gave Alicia some advice on how to deal with her ice issue in her freezer. 

DADU update – Looking like a house! Cabinets are going in, doors, flooring, counters, and plumbing trim out. We are getting so close!! Alicia can’t wait to get this done.

Spring home maintenance – Inspect foundation, crawl space and attic. Check for cracks, signs of moisture, insects, rodents and how the insulation and vapor barrier are holding up. Verify that your electrical line from the utility pole to the house is not sagging excessively. Contact your power company if you’re not sure and ask for them to check it out. Fertilize the lawn. Clean the gutters and downspouts and ensure water is running away from the foundation. Check the smoke detectors and change the batteries. Use canned smoke to make sure the detector can detect smoke. Check the fire extinguisher and shake if it’s a dry chemical type to loosen the chemical inside. Check the expiration date on the extinguisher also. Drain/flush the hot water tank. Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles and trim branches 3’ away from the roof surface. 

Blue tape!! Amy shares some unusual tips for using 3M’s blue painter’s tape. Invented in 1988, preceded by standard masking tape. 

1.    Use to minimize the splintering that happens when cutting plywood or doors.

2.    Create a U-shaped piece of tape to stick to the wall placed below where drilling into the wall. The tape will catch the dust.

3.    Use as a guide for caulking. 

4.    Use 1” pieces and stick to your tape measure to record measurements for trim. Take the piece of tape and affix to the cut trim piece when finished cutting.

5.    Use as a drill depth-guide. Place the tape on your drill bit at the depth you want to drill.

6.    Record the paint colors of a room on a piece of tape and stick to the back of the switch plate cover so you know where the paint colors are recorded.

7.    Use as a protective gluing surface when needing to attach a piece of wood to your luxury vinyl plank flooring to be able to tap the wood to close gaps that sometimes form.

If you have any questions, comments or stories you’d like to share please email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle, WA.

Helpful hints with measurements or "Carpenters' Math" and the evil resurgence of wallpaper !

In celebration of Women in History month Alicia and Amy are joined by three great women from the Seattle area that have forged great careers and businesses in the male-dominated trades industry.

Louise Hansen – owner of Weezee’s Plumbing (www.weezeesplumbing.com)

Catie Chaplin – Residential Carpentry program instructor with Wood Technology Center in Seattle

Alice Lockridge – Exercise Physiologist and advocate of women in physically demanding careers.

The discussion ranges from women being suppressed in the trades, recruiting women and where do we find them, how do women navigate the current environment, and stressing that the trades can be a viable career option for women.

We want to thank Louise, Alice and Catie for joining us and sharing their experiences with you. Please send any questions or comments to askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast was recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle. That is Alicia singing our outro. Check out more of her music at aliciahealey.com.

A listener from Madison, WI gave us a great follow-up to the table saw that stops instantly when it senses flesh. Scott sent us pictures too:

“Hi Amy, Alicia, and Kayla,

I just wanted to follow up on some of the gray areas around the 

flesh-sensing saw technology. I have owned one for a few years.

The saws actually sense an electrical current that flows through the 

blade, a current which changes if it contacts your body. The blade stops 

and is retracted below the saw table in about 5/1000 of a second. There 

is a lot of video online of people setting them off on purpose, 

including of the inventor very cautiously putting his finger onto the 

blade. It doesn't even break the skin!

The propulsion mechanism is a spring.

I've attached a photo of a new cartridge and one that I had the 

misfortune of triggering, although it was through accidental contact 

with my aluminum miter gauge, not my skin. You can see a few key things 

in the photo:

First, the lower unit is obviously the one that was triggered. The chunk 

of aluminum is the actual braking mechanism--it's driven into the 

spinning blade to stop it. The row of little holes act as a crumple 

zone. If you look closely, you can see that some of them are deformed a bit.

Second, the spring is exposed. The whole thing pivots around the large 

circular hole, which fits over an axle. When the spring fires, it drives 

the block into the blade, and the blade is also being driven (by its 

rotational momentum) into the block, which is how it retracts under the 

table.

Third, in the second photo, you can actually see that there are some 

carbide teeth embedded in the block. In general, when these things fire 

the blade and the cartridge are both throw-away items. In theory you can 

have the missing teeth replaced and the blade checked for straightness, 

but it's more cost effective to replace all but the most expensive 

blades. This was a rather costly dado set, and when I priced it out the 

repair option was basically equal to replacement cost.

You can also see a data port on there--it looks just like the port that 

was on your PC back in the 90s. There are a ton of electronics in the 

saws. They actually have a boot-up cycle, and there are a bunch of 

diagnostics that they run, including making sure that the gap between 

the blade and the brake is correct. There's even a chart you use to read 

error codes based on combinations of flashing lights. From what I can 

tell looking at online forums, if people have problems with the saws 

it's that they fire too much rather than not enough. I'm not familiar 

with a case of one of them failing to fire.

You can also boot up the saw in what they call bypass mode. You would 

use this to cut conductive materials like aluminum. It's also possible 

that some very wet treated lumber might be wet enough to conduct current 

at a level that would fire the saw.

At present the only brand available is SawStop. Bosch tried to introduce 

a competitor a few years back but it got pulled from the market due to 

patent infringement.

The saws are expensive, that's true. I decide to get one because with my 

insurance, every time I go to physical therapy it's over $100 out of 

pocket, so in the long run avoiding an injury is going to be the cheaper 

option!

Thanks for the podcast!"

Coupled with the “first year of homeownership” task list, having an energy audit performed is also something to...

Overview of the IBS (International Builders Show) 2022. Amy attended the show in Orlando and shares about the huge event and what they experienced.

·     Workforce Development – always looking for ways to fill the void in the trades.

·     Land development, affordable housing and what is “the missing middle”.

·     Modular housing products i.e. SIPs panels (structural insulated panels).

·     Virtual reality for new house plan review

·     Wall panels that replace tile

·     Site scape- this is a design app that you can use on your phone

Things to do in the first year of homeownership

Create a homeowner’s journal with insurance paperwork, maintenance records, inspection report, contacts for electrician, plumber, HVAC and others

Make a list and prioritize.  

   1. Safety first. 

·     Change the furnace filter

·     Clean the refrigerator coils

·     Change the toilet seats

·     Smoke detector and CO batteries and test

·     Clean the lint out of the dryer vent - clean the lint screen after every load. A dirty lint screen uses about 30% more energy and is a common cause of fires. Doing dryer loads one after the other save energy, when the dryer is still warm. Over drying also ruins clothes and wastes energy.

·     Locate the main water shut

·     Locate your electrical panel

·     Locate the gas meter and attach a wrench to it for emergency shut offs

·     Inspect the crawl space and attic

·     Test your sump pump

·     Replace washing machine hoses with stainless braided hoses

·     Flush water heater                

2. Organization, maintenance, and remaining unpacking

·     Create a sanctuary-one room that doesn’t require much work and you can  escape to when the rest of the house gets to be too much.

·     Meet your neighbors

3. Non-essentials - improvements and projects you’d d like to complete in a        year like landscaping, renovations and large purchases. Live in the house for 12-18 months before doing any major renovations. What you think initially may change after living there for a while. 

If you have any questions or have a story you want to share email us at askamy@amyworks.com. 

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle, WA.

Alicia and Amy welcome guest Dennis Stinson of Fujitsu General America. Dennis talks about high efficiency heating, heat pumps, and what hybrid homes means. www.fujitsugeneral.com

If you have questions or want to share your story please email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle.

This week Alicia, Amy and Kayla talk about repairing, replacing, or reusing things around the home. They start with kitchen counter cutting boards. Kayla recommends taking measurements or pictures of the original piece to make sure that the new one is a good fit. This also helps when reassembling an appliance to make sure it all goes back together the same and the screws are in the right place.

Repair or replace the faucet when it starts to drip? And what about cleaning it before replacing any of the parts. Parts are less expensive and if the faucet is of good quality, it may be a better choice than replacing the faucet with a lesser quality new one.

When using how-to videos to learn how to make a repair, watch the entire video before starting the repair to make sure that you are comfortable with the whole repair. Watch more than one for the same repair. Some are better than others.

Cleaning is another thing to consider in order to keep things working well. Taking apart a bathroom fan and cleaning it can help prolong the life and keep the fan quiet. 

There’s controversy on what’s considered a quality brush and whether a paint roller should be cleaned or tossed.

Finally, the discussion turns to cabinets and are recycled cabinets a viable option. Kayla and Amy say yes. Paint them and use them in the laundry or your cabin. Maybe just replacing the doors will make the second hand boxes look like new. 

If you have questions or want to tell us your story please email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

This episode was recorded at The Winter Blue Room in Seattle.

We are joined by Kayla, AmyWorks’ project manager.  Project update on the DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit).  The plumbing rough-in and electrical rough-in are done along with the HVAC including inspections for all.  Mini split unit with no ducting (Alicia’s favorite) was also done and then followed by insulation.  According to Kayla it looks “hairy” but coming together. Framing inspection and HVAC to be done and getting ready for drywall.  Supply chain issues have hit the project and flooring is backlogged into June.  Stay tuned for how this issue is worked through.

Power saws.  This seems to be one of the most intimidating tools for the DiY’er but the most sought after tool to use and purchase.  Amy talks circular saws and the several different types.  There is the side winder that is the most common with the motor on the side.  These are lighter and easier to use.  Then there is the worm-drive and hypoid that have the motor in-line and are narrower with more torque which can handle wet or dense wood easier than the sidewinder.  Changing the blade can be tricky and knowing the tricks can help with this task. Also knowing the different types of blades can be a huge advantage to the success of using the saw.  Kayla and Amy cover some tricks for cutting plywood and how to deal with splinters and holes using wood filler or glue and saw dust.

Miter saws and chop saws are one in the same for this conversation.  There is the compound miter saw that has a pivot of the blade either left or right, the dual compound miter saw has a blade that pivots both left AND right.  Then there is the sliding compound miter saw that allows the user to cut larger pieces of wood like a 2x12.

Remember to think safety when using the saws.  No gloves. No baggy clothes. No strings. Headphones can be distracting and prevent you from hearing the blade binding. Wear a mask and eyeglasses.  Use the dust collection feature on the tools and never alter the blade guard. 

If you have any questions or want to hear about other tool features send us a note at  askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast was recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle, WA.  www.the winterblueroom.com

Alicia and Amy welcome April Rauch, a real estate agent with Windemere in Seattle with 26 years of experience helping her clients buy and sell their homes. April lends some great advice on such as knowing when to do a total renovation and when to just freshen up. They also talk about having a full bath with a tub and is it necessary for the home sale. The question of staging is brought up and whether it really helps in the sale. April shares some insider info on client behavior with staged homes. April recommends a “seller procured inspection” and have that available for the buyer during this time when houses are on the market for such a short amount of time. Also recommended is to be pre-approved all the way to underwriting and be ready for price escalation. April has found that the smaller, local banks are more nimble and flexible while working through the mortgage process. Consider “first-time homebuyer” programs through local lenders to help with getting the funding you need.

April’s website is www.vibrantseattle.com and she can be reached at April@windemere.com.

If you have questions or want to tell us your stories send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room (thewinterblueroom.com) in Seattle.

Things that will shorten the life of your rechargeable tool batteries.

1. Keeping them on the charger - this can cause overcharging which results in a shortened lifespan
2. Storing dead batteries for long periods of time. Swap to a new one before it dies and charge dead ones for 20 minutes before storing.
3. Completely draining a battery. With older Ni-Cd it was recommended to drain them completely before storage. keep an eye on the battery’s power indicator.
4. Storing batteries that are fully charged. A fully charged battery exposed to high temperatures is more likely to degrade or explode. Instead, store batteries at roughly 50 percent of their capacity for the optimal lifespan.
5. Proper storage. The batteries have electronics, energy cells and and wiring that can be fragile. Keep in a padded bag or in their original container.
6. Exposing to extreme heat. Temps above 80 deg. Will degrade the battery. Temps above 100 or 120 can cause rapid damage. Unlike older Ni-Cd batteries, storing on concrete does not harm the batteries and is actually helpful in keeping them cool.
7. Not protecting them from moisture. Wreaks havoc on the wiring and electronics in the battery.
8. Not allowing them to cool down. They heat up when charging. When using. If not allowed to cool down they will degrade.
9. Using the wrong battery in the wrong tool. Batteries have between 300-500 charges. Using a power-hungry tool with a lower amp battery 2.0 or 3.0 amp-hour will drain the battery quickly and require more charges. Small batteries can be used for drills and impact drivers. Larger ones for the heavy-duty tools like a circular saw or grinder.

Remodeling advice - know the timeline and the order of operation.

       Planning – know what you want, what are lead-times for materials

        Budget – how much can you spend

        Design – picking the design aspects and agreeing with your partner  

Demo including lead-based paint testing (if your home is older than 1978) and remediation. Also asbestos testing which can be found in linoleum glue, drywall or insulation.

Plumbing rough in (tub or shower pan gets set at this time)- moving drain lines and supply lines to accommodate the new lay-out.

        Electrical rough in – moving/adding lighting and switches

Inspections -need to be performed according to permitting department’s criteria and timeline.

        Drywall – repair or install of new drywall, texturing and priming.

Painting – it is easiest to do the painting BEFORE anything is installed. Touch-up at the end.

        Cabinets/counters for kitchens OR Tile for bathrooms

        Plumbing trim out – faucets, sink drain, supply valves replaced.

        Electrical trim out – light fixtures installed and switch plate and outlet covers

        Finishing touches – towel bars, mirrors and other final, fancy touches

        Final inspection

If you have any questions or want to share your story email us at

Q&A- Listener from Springfield, MO sent in a question about a three-way level. They want to build a fence and the instructions called for a three-way level and they sent a note asking to explain this a little bit. Hope this helps. Thanks Angela.

 Tools/tricks/tips- types of levels

 Levels consist if tubes that have water, alcohol, or some other liquid-filled tube with a bubble. There are two (sometimes four lines) on the tubes that when level the bubble rests exactly between the two lines. The four-line levels show the required drop for plumbing drain lines (1/4” per 1’ for pipes 2-1/2” and smaller) to allow for proper gravity drainage.

 Carpenter’s Level - comes in 2, 4, 6 and 8 ft. models. Two-foot levels consisting of a wooden or fiberglass body and one or more bubble tubes are generally called carpenter’s level. Typically, such levels are about three inches high and an inch or so deep.

Masonry level - a level longer than a carpenter's level used in laying brick and stone masonry. (Merriam Webster)

Torpedo Level - typical nine inches long with tapered ends. Contains two or three spirit tubes. Works best in tight quarters. Portable and often with a magnetic strip.

 Line level - attaches to a string stretched taut.

 Water level - length of flexible plastic tubing or hose containing water. Rather than relying on a single bubble, the water level relies on Pascal’s law which, in its simplest terms, states that water always seeks its own level. Can be of virtually any size. Fence posts spread apart.

 Laser level - different models and features. Simple level laser line to Bluetooth enabled that will download measurements into mobile app.

 Tool subscription service -

Tool Crate - 4-8 items such as quick squares, locking pliers, PPE, saw blades and drill bits. Well-known brands such as DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee. $201..49 plus $10 shipping quarterly  

Gangboxed - focused on the professional. $29.99 /month plus shipping.      

Cratejoy by The Tool Chest - along with tools and PPE CrateJoy delivers supplies a DIYer uses (and runs out of) regularly, including stain, wood glue, and sandpaper.      $59.95/month       

The Handy Box - include unique items not found in a standard workshop, such as small screwdrivers for electronics and eyeglasses, wire strippers, a tape dispenser for packaging boxes, an emergency hammer for breaking auto glass, and a power strip that’s bendable to support cords connected to it from all different directions. Bigger ticket items as well such as a full cordless rotary tool kit. $109.95 for 3 months and delivers monthly.

If you have nay questions or want to tell us your story please email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

Leave us a review and tell your your friends.

On this episode Alicia tells of her woes during the freeze we experienced in Seattle over the holidays.

Not only were there frozen pipes to contend with there was also a mystery of where was the water actually frozen. She found shut off valves that were useless and realized she didn’t really know her home. Pipe heaters plugged into several extension cords were discovered but Alicia was left wondering if the heaters really worked.

Then came the furry visitors that found comfort in the warmth of Alicia’s living room. She shares the advice she received from the clerk at the local hardware store on what to do and not do when dealing with a rat infestation.

Alicia stresses the benefit of knowing the systems in your home how they work. She also encourages everyone to perform the seasonal maintenance that we frequently talk about on this podcast so that you won’t have to deal with the woes she just experienced.

Moral of the story. Learn about your house. And do your maintenance.

For questions or to tell us your story email us at askamy@amyworks.com

Jennifer Tennyson of Tennyson Paint - an all service home painting company - joins Amy and Alicia in the studio to guide us through painting cabinets (and some general painting facts)

Alicia and Amy are joined by Kayla, AmyWorks’ project manager, to discuss Alicia’s basement remodel.  The Winter Blue Room recording studio was a house that was converted to commercial space.  Alicia talks about her dream to convert the basement into possibly a small living space and all that goes into planning a brand new space.  She talks about her new perimeter drain and then adding a kitchen, bathroom, new concrete floor and how it all goes together.  Alicia is working as her own general contractor and talks about the in’s and out’s and how she is working with a very tight budget.  There is also a discussion about bringing out the subcontractors (electrician and plumber) and discussing what’s possible for the space.  The permitting phase is touched upon as well and some of the different requirements involved. 

If you have any questions or want to share your story send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

Share the podcast with your friends and leave us a review.

Deep dive: In Episode 17 we touched on leak detection from the water meter. Let's get a little deeper on how to determine where the leak may be.

Amy shares that there was an electronic alert from the water meter sent to the water company due to usage detected every hour for a seven day period. Usage was up as well. 

How to determine if there is a leak - find the water meter. Clean off the glass. Typically two indicators and numbers. Low flow indicator will spin quickly when water is flowing. Turn the water on in the house and note the movement of the indicators. Turn off all faucets and water using appliances, note the position of the indicators. If you notice movement immediately there may be a large amount of water loss. Wait 20-30 minutes and note the position the indicators. If they have moved then there is a likely leak. Also a significant increase in your water bill or usage noted on your bill is another indication.

Toilet leak test using dye in the tank. If dye flows into the bowl after a period of 20 minutes or so, the flapper is the ulprit.

Color update: Pantone Color of the Year  "Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude."

Questions  

What do I use for slippery/icy deck and stairs? Coconut mats

When I turn off the water to drain and clean the toilet my hand comes back wet. What would cause water to,leak by the shut off valve? Leaking valve through the valve packing, condensate from toilet tank or connection to fill valve under the tank. Dry well and check the blue shop towel.

Update on DADU – Amy gives the latest on the Seattle DADU build. Coming right along.

Alicia’s Favorite – Terms relating to anything about the home.

1.   Plumber’s putty

2.   Pipe dope

3.   Adjustable slip nut wrench or spud closet wrench

4.   Wainscoting

5.   Niche

6.   Kelvin unit of measure that relates to the color of a light source - the higher the number the closer it is to replicating bright sunlight

7.   J-box

8.   Etagere - freestanding or hanging set of open shelves, designed to display trinkets or other decorative objects

9.   Bauhaus- (German for “building house”) A style of design that takes its name from an influential German art school that operated from 1919 to 1933. Bauhaus style is defined by simplistic modernism and the concept of “form following function.

•    Lack of ornamentation - simplicity and clean lines
•  Authentic materials- ones that are true to their original form and not altered in any ay steel, glass and organic materials that haven’t been overly worked or manipulated
• Sleek visuals - polished, smooth lines
• Flat roofs
• Geometric accents - lines curves
• Modern aesthetics
• Form follows function - In the case of Bauhaus architecture, this can be seen in the affordable, realistic materials that are used, and the fact that mass production (followed by style) served as top priorities.

Amy gives a random statistic on home prices. The national median sales price for homes in October $378,000, in Seattle $783,000. When will it end?

If you have questions or want to add to the list of terms for Alicia’s next go round send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

Winter home maintenance tasks

·       Check washing machine hoses and replace rubber hoses if older than 2 years

·       Check vent fans in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

·       Clean dryer vent inside and out. 

Color of the year for 2022

·       Benjamin Moore - October Mist 1495, “silver-green stem of a flower”

·       Sherwin Williams – Evergreen Fog, a strikingly soft and soothing green

·       Lucky Colors of 2022 – Year of the Tiger – red, green, yellow and blue. More specifically water mint green and cerulean blue.

Question: What are some things to consider when buying a home that is 100 years old?  Amy and Alicia talk about the major systems such as plumbing, electrical, foundation, lead-based paint and deferred maintenance that could cause a problem.

If you have questions or want to share your story email us at askamy@amyworks.com