Renovation Made Right
by David Bryan, Brenda Bryan, Merrill McNally
Every homeowner has some fears about the remodeling industry. Just about every homeowner considering a remodeling project is nervous. They hear horror stories from their neighbors and friends about damage to homes, contractors taking deposits and never showing up, and even being sued by injured employees! That, in conjunction with the multitude of bad reviews on websites like Yelp and Google, makes the words “scary story” and “remodeling” practically synonymous. It does not have to be like this. Education is the key to a great remodeling experience! Join Dave and Brenda Bryan, veterans of the industry and owners of the successful and highly-respected design/build remodeling company Blackdog Builders, as they guide you through what you need to know when pulling together a remodeling project. Dave and Brenda will dive into the often confusing, misleading, and downright stressful world of residential remodeling. Whether you want to learn how to select the right project, or w
Episodes
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Changes! An Update from Renovation Made Right
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...
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Episode 112: Back from Break: Your Renovation Questions Answered!
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...
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Episode 111: Bright Ideas for Compact Bathrooms
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...
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Episode 110: Ensuring Home Safety: Exploring Gas Stove Precautions
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...
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Episode 109: Tools of the Trade: The Evolution of Kitchen Appliances in America
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…
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Episode 108: From Hearth to Home: A Brief History of American Kitchens
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…
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Episode 107: Should I Stay in My House? with Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty
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...
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Episode 106: The State of the Real Estate Market with Ray and Judy Durling of Leading Edge Realty
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,...
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Episode 105: Listener Questions Volume 19
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!…
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Episode 104: The Right and Wrong of Design
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...
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Episode 103: (Re)Introducing Dave and Brenda!
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...
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Episode 102: Listener Questions Volume 18
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]!
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Episode 101: Clicking with your Contractor
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...
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Episode 100: A Very Special 100th Episode Storytime with Dave
Much to Dave's dismay and Brenda's glee, to celebrate 100 episodes, 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,...
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Episode 99: Contractor Red Flags
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...
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Episode 98: A Client's Perspective - Interview with Susan Sabia
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...
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Episode 97: Heat Pumps in the Age of Electrification
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,...
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Episode 96: Behind the Curtain!
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...
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Episode 95: Cool Product Roundup - Stacking Windows and Aluminum Decking!
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...
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Episode 94: Listener Questions Volume 17
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]!
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Episode 93: Fix Your Roof!
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...
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Episode 92: Dave and Brenda's Summer Adventure
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...
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Episode 91: Listener Questions LIVE Edition - Volume 2
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...
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Episode 90: The Zen of Remodeling
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…
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Episode 89: Insurance Restoration
We all know that insurance is really important for your home, your car, your life... but when it comes to dealing with an insurance company if something goes wrong, it can be a huge headache! This week, Dave and Brenda tackle how to approach your insurance company for restoration work if…
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Episode 88: Grab Bag Renovation
Join us for a very special grab-bag episode where Dave and Brenda discuss a bunch of different topics that aren't long enough for their own episode, but important enough to share! If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over at RenoFi! Visit renofi.com to learn more....
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Episode 87: How to Run Your Own Project
At Renovation Made Right, we get a lot of questions along the lines of: "can I run/general contract/organize my own project?", because how hard can it be? We're here to tell you, YES, you can, but we strongly recommend giving this episode a listen first! Dave and Brenda discuss what it really…
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Episode 86: Listener Questions LIVE Edition - Volume 1
Have you ever thought about sending us a question, but wanted the answer in real time? We can help! This week, Dave and Brenda chat live with a listener from Hawaii about making her condo's hodgepodge ceiling more cohesive, and read another listener's question about updating their '60s-era home....
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Episode 85: Interview with Trish MacNeil, Designer for Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel
Curious about what goes on at a home improvement industry event? Do you have an interest in uniquely-colored plumbing products? Join Dave and Brenda as they interview Trish MacNeil, Designer from Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel. They discuss the kitchen and bath design show "KBIS", what home design...
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Episode 84: Remodeling in Harmony
While it looks easy on HGTV, a home renovation can be one of the most stressful projects a couple can undertake. Everything boils down to communication: making joint decisions, working as a team... but that doesn't always come easy! This week, Dave and Brenda discuss how to protect your...
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Episode 83: How Do You Design a Kitchen?
Kitchen design: How hard can it really be? As it turns out, there's more to them than you'd think. In most homes, kitchens serve multiple purposes: as a place to cook, a place to eat, a place to socialize... they are often the heart of a house, which requires special care and design…
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Episode 82: Listener Questions Volume 16
Welcome back to this week's edition of Renovation Made Right, where Dave and Brenda answer your questions! Is it advisable to attempt your own bathroom remodel? Can an existing crawlspace be converted into a full basement? If my older home still has horsehair plaster, should I remove it? Tune in…
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Episode 81: Is Open Concept Living Dead?
Welcome back! The pandemic has changed the dynamics of how we live, and our living spaces are no exception. As personal space comes back into style, Dave and Brenda speculate if this spells the end for open concept living. If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over…
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Episode 80: We Don't Know What We Don't Know!
Picture this: an expensive problem is discovered hiding within your walls or under your floorboards. The project's budget doesn't include the problem, so what is the remodeling contractor to do? You've likely seen this drama unfold on renovation shows, but it happens in real life, too! In this...
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Episode 79: Listener Questions Volume 15
Welcome back! This week, Dave and Brenda answer more of your questions about ice dams, curbless showers, and bathroom fans. If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over at RenoFi! Visit renofi.com to learn more. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media...
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Episode 78: Listener Questions Volume 14
Welcome back to another round of listener questions! This week Dave and Brenda answer questions about aging-in-place and home accessibility. If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over at RenoFi! Visit renofi.com to learn more. Find us @renovationmaderight on social...
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Episode 77: Energy Efficiency during Wintertime
In honor of the blizzard hitting the northeast this week, Dave and Brenda discuss how to make your home more energy efficient during the colder months. They chat about weatherization and energy efficiency programs, what the "stack effect" is, the importance of air sealing, and what the "ABCs" of...
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Episode 76: Favorite Products Roundup
Join Dave and Brenda as they provide a rundown on their favorite home improvement-related products! Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally. If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over at RenoFi! Visit renofi.com to learn more. Find…
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Episode 75: Design Challenges, Part One
Happy New Year! Dave and Brenda ring in the new year by covering two interesting design challenges they've recently faced. They cover the projects from start to finish: what the issue was, how it was approached, and what the outcome was. Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by...
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Episode 74: Listener Questions Volume 13
Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally. If you are looking to fund your home renovation, talk to our friends over at RenoFi! Visit renofi.com to learn more. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us...
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Episode 73: Handyman Services!
Welcome back! After an interesting introduction full of pen clicks and judgement, Dave and Brenda discuss the differences between a general contractor and a handyman services company, and why you should consider seeking out the latter for your smaller home repair needs. Hosted by David and Brenda...
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Episode 72: Listener Questions Volume 12
Welcome back to Renovation Made Right! Today, Dave and Brenda read your listener questions about incorporating HVAC vents into a design and the differences between utilizing a design/build company, architect, or contractor for a remodeling project. Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and...
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Episode 71 - Choosing the Trades as a Career - with Keith Osborne of Osborne Plumbing LLC
We take a break from our regularly-scheduled home improvement content and jump into trades career coaching! Dave and Brenda continue their discussion with Keith Osborne, owner of Osborne Plumbing LLC, as they chat about the trades, what it's like to pursue it as a career, and why it's a great...
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Episode 70: Plumbing Product Selection Help with Keith Osborne, Osborne Plumbing LLC
Welcome back to Episode 70! Friend of the show Keith Osborne from Osborne Plumbing LLC joins Dave and Brenda for an interesting discussion around plumbing products, which ones he recommends, and how to choose the best ones for your home. Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by...
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Episode 69: Post-Pandemic Challenges in the Home Improvement Industry
Have you tried to purchase windows lately, but been told they're out of stock? Or hire a contractor, and been told you'll have to wait 6+ months? Join Dave and Brenda as they chat about the pandemic-related challenges we're experiencing in the remodeling industry that are just now hitting us.…
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Episode 68: Navigating Your Town During Remodeling
Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]!
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Episode 67: Listener Questions Volume 11
Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]!
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Episode 66: Pulling Back the Curtain - Our Company, Blackdog Builders, Inc.
Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally. Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]!
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Episode 65: Listener Questions Volume 10
Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com www.blackdogbuilders.com Send us your questions at [email protected]!
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Episode 64: Why You Should Care About Electrical Codes with Jordan Hill, Owner of Jordan Hill Electrical Services
Find Jordan Hill at: Facebook: Facebook.com/JordanHillElectricalServices Email: [email protected] Phone: (603) 765-7643 --- Hosted by David and Brenda Bryan. Produced and Edited by Merrill McNally Find us @renovationmaderight on social media www.renovationmaderight.com...
About this show
Every homeowner has some fears about the remodeling industry. Just about every homeowner considering a remodeling project is nervous. They hear horror stories from their neighbors and friends about damage to homes, contractors taking deposits and never showing up, and even being sued by injured employees! That, in conjunction with the multitude of bad reviews on websites like Yelp and Google, makes the words “scary story” and “remodeling” practically synonymous. It does not have to be like this. Education is the key to a great remodeling experience!
Join Dave and Brenda Bryan, veterans of the industry and owners of the successful and highly-respected design/build remodeling company Blackdog Builders, as they guide you through what you need to know when pulling together a remodeling project. Dave and Brenda will dive into the often confusing, misleading, and downright stressful world of residential remodeling. Whether you want to learn how to select the right project, or w
Hosted by
David Bryan, Brenda Bryan, Merrill McNally