Thinking Of Renovating? How To Find The Right Contractor episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 19, 2026 · 58 MIN

Thinking Of Renovating? How To Find The Right Contractor

from The Well Lived Podcast · host Sydni Hoffman and Nicole Bechbache

Welcome to season 2!Renovations look sexy on TV. Real life can be a little more complicated.In our first episode of Season 2 (and kicking off 2026), we’re pulling back the curtain on what actually happens during a renovation: the timelines, the budgets, the messy middle, and the stuff no one tells you before you knock down a wall.We’re joined by our longtime collaborator, trusted contractor, and all-around straight shooter Adam Marmo of Marmo Contracting. If you’ve ever watched HGTV and thought, “Why doesn’t my renovation look like that?”, then this episode is for you.Together, we dive into:How to land on the right contractorThe truth about HGTV timelines vs. real-life renovationsWhy the lowest quote is often the most expensive mistakeWhat contractors really mean when they say “trust the process”The biggest red flags homeowners should watch for before hiring a contractorWhy living through a renovation is harder than anyone expectsHow designers and contractors should work togetherWhat’s actually behind your walls (and why it matters)How to think realistically about budgets, contingencies, and timelinesThe value of experience and why it shows up in pricingThis episode is part education, part therapy session, and part reality check, all delivered with honesty, humour, and zero sugarcoating.If you’re planning a renovation, dreaming about one, or currently living in the chaos of one, this conversation will help you feel more informed, more grounded, and a lot less alone.Welcome to Season 2. Let’s do this properly.Connect with AdamWebsite: ⁠www.marmocontracting.comInstagram:@marmocontractingTo learn more about The Well Lived Podcast@thewelllivedpodcast on Instagram⁠www.thewelllivedpodcast.com⁠To learn more about our interior design firm, Stafford House Studio, follow along at:@staffordhousestudio on Instagram⁠www.staffordhousestudio.com⁠Please rate, review, and share The Well Lived Podcast. It helps us reach more women, mothers, creatives, and entrepreneurs navigating the messy, beautiful, and deeply personal journey of building a life well lived.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

Welcome to season 2!Renovations look sexy on TV. Real life can be a little more complicated.In our first episode of Season 2 (and kicking off 2026), we’re pulling back the curtain on what actually happens during a renovation: the timelines, the budgets, the messy middle, and the stuff no one tells you before you knock down a wall.We’re joined by our longtime collaborator, trusted contractor, and all-around straight shooter Adam Marmo of Marmo Contracting. If you’ve ever watched HGTV and thought, “Why doesn’t my renovation look like that?”, then this episode is for you.Together, we dive into:How to land on the right contractorThe truth about HGTV timelines vs. real-life renovationsWhy the lowest quote is often the most expensive mistakeWhat contractors really mean when they say “trust the process”The biggest red flags homeowners should watch for before hiring a contractorWhy living through a renovation is harder than anyone expectsHow designers and contractors should work togetherWhat’s actually behind your walls (and why it matters)How to think realistically about budgets, contingencies, and timelinesThe value of experience and why it shows up in pricingThis episode is part education, part therapy session, and part reality check, all delivered with honesty, humour, and zero sugarcoating.If you’re planning a renovation, dreaming about one, or currently living in the chaos of one, this conversation will help you feel more informed, more grounded, and a lot less alone.Welcome to Season 2. Let’s do this properly.Connect with AdamWebsite: ⁠www.marmocontracting.comInstagram:@marmocontractingTo learn more about The Well Lived Podcast@thewelllivedpodcast on Instagram⁠www.thewelllivedpodcast.com⁠To learn more about our interior design firm, Stafford House Studio, follow along at:@staffordhousestudio on Instagram⁠www.staffordhousestudio.com⁠Please rate, review, and share The Well Lived Podcast. It helps us reach more women, mothers, creatives, and entrepreneurs navigating the messy, beautiful, and deeply personal journey of building a life well lived.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

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Thinking Of Renovating? How To Find The Right Contractor

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This episode was published on January 19, 2026.

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Welcome to season 2!Renovations look sexy on TV. Real life can be a little more complicated.In our first episode of Season 2 (and kicking off 2026), we’re pulling back the curtain on what actually happens during a renovation: the timelines, the...

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