We're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of hurricane and wildfire preparedness this Fourth of July weekend! Eric G is joined by Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and trust me, this chat is a must-listen. We kick things off by tackling the critical aspects of prepping your home against those wild winds and raging flames—because, let’s face it, Mother Nature can be a total diva sometimes! With over three decades of research under their belt, Fred and his team ha...
Jul 03, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2018
Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone! We’re diving back into the world of package security with Jeff Kutas from MB Sentinel, who’s got the ultimate game plan to put those pesky porch pirates out of business once and for all. Seriously, if you’re tired of watching your deliveries vanish into thin air, Jeff’s here to spill the beans on how you can protect your packages like a pro. We'll chat about cool gadgets, like battery-operated solutions that don’t need any solar power—because who has time for...
Jul 03, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2017
We’re diving into some juicy updates this week! First off, I’m giving you the scoop on the status of our television show—it’s a wrap on the last season of Around the House Northwest over on Fox 12, but don’t you worry! We’ve got a shiny new version in the works that’s going to be even better and way more fun. Plus, let’s chat about some recalls that’ll make you want to double-check your home gadgets. From LED lanterns that might burn brighter than expected to camping cots that could turn into su...
Jul 01, 2025•11 min•Season 37Ep. 2015
Get ready to roll up those sleeves because we're diving into some seriously cool DIY projects that'll have your indoor air quality soaring higher than a kite on a windy day! Eric G is here to spill the beans on how to transform your home into a breath of fresh air—literally! From tackling those pesky crawl spaces to installing vapor barriers, we’ll uncover those small yet mighty projects that pack a punch when it comes to cleaner indoor air. Plus, we’ll chat about why sometimes it's smarter to h...
Jun 26, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2014
Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of countertops? Buckle up, because Eric G is dishing out his 35 years of expertise to help you navigate your countertop project like a pro! From the best materials for your kitchen to the sneaky pitfalls you’ll wanna avoid, he’s got all the juicy details covered. You’ll discover why timing is everything when it comes to countertops and how to dodge costly mistakes that could leave you pulling your hair out. Whether you're a DIY warrior or just looki...
Jun 26, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 2013
Today’s chat is all about the wild ride of eminent domain, where a township is eyeing a long-standing family farm in Cranberry, New Jersey, to snag it for some shiny new affordable housing. I mean, come on! This farm has been in the family for 175 years, and they’ve said a big fat “no thanks” to offers up to $30 million! It’s a classic case of David versus Goliath, and I’m feeling a little fired up, especially since I’m gearing up to tussle with the State of Oregon myself over some property righ...
Jun 25, 2025•13 min•Season 37Ep. 2011
Eric G is diving deep into a golden gem of a program called The Viking House, celebrating its 50th anniversary of shaping young minds in the construction trades. Chris Higginbotham, the maestro behind this high school initiative, shares how they’re not just building houses – they’re building futures, one stud and nail at a time. The program stands out by teaching advanced construction techniques while self-funding through the sale of the homes built by students. With a hands-on approach that get...
Jun 21, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 2009
Small businesses are facing a real pickle when it comes to launching new home improvement products, and Eric G is ready to spill the tea on this major issue. He kicks things off by shedding light on the struggles these innovators encounter, especially with the pesky problem of product knockoffs that can derail their hard work. But fear not, because once we tackle that hairy situation, we're diving into the fun stuff—designing your dream outdoor space! From snazzy outdoor kitchens to cozy covered...
Jun 19, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2010
Custom cabinetry can be a real treasure trove of beauty for your home, but hold onto your tool belts, because Eric G's dishing out some truth bombs in this midweek update! One of the biggest pitfalls lurking in the world of custom cabinets is the finish — or lack thereof! Eric spills the beans on how some small custom shops might leave you high and dry with rough finishes that could make your beautiful new cabinets look like they were slapped together in a hurry. It’s essential to know that if y...
Jun 17, 2025•10 min•Season 37Ep. 2006
Eric G is hanging out with Stan Hays, the big cheese over at Operation Barbecue Relief, and trust me, this chat is all about grilling up some serious goodness during tough times. We dive into how this fantastic crew rolls up their sleeves to serve millions of meals to folks hit by natural disasters—talk about a flavor-packed way to lend a hand! And let’s not forget the sizzling excitement of Stan’s upcoming Father’s Day barbecue classes at the Ilani Casino in Ridgefield, Washington, where you ca...
Jun 12, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2005
Eric G is sitting down with John Fowler from Millboard Decking and Cladding to dive into the revolutionary world of decking and cladding materials that are changing the game for building "Around the House." We're talking about a product that looks like wood but is a whole different animal—think maintenance-free, gorgeous, and durable. John spills the beans on how Millboard’s unique manufacturing process gives each board its own character, making your outdoor spaces not just functional but downri...
Jun 12, 2025•44 min•Season 37Ep. 2004
Get ready, folks, because hurricane season is knocking at our door, and wildfire season isn’t far behind! In today’s midweek update, I’m diving into the essentials you need to prep your home for these wild summer antics. We’ll chat about food and water supplies, how to keep your loved ones safe, and even the best ways to protect your home from those pesky wildfires. But that’s not all! We’ve got some big recalls to keep an eye on, including power tools, air conditioners, and boilers that could t...
Jun 11, 2025•13 min•Season 37Ep. 2002
Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of home improvement goodness with Eric G on this episode of Around the House! We kick things off by tackling the all-important question of how to build the right fence—yes, the kind that keeps your nosy neighbors at bay while looking fabulous. From wood to metal, Eric spills the beans on the best materials to use, making sure you know what’ll stand the test of time. After that, we switch gears to discuss the hot topic of affordable housing—because who doesn’t w...
Jun 05, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 2001
Eric G dives into the nitty-gritty of indoor air quality this summer with his top 10 tips to keep your home’s air fresh and clean. From battling high humidity to steering clear of those sneaky air fresheners that are practically just glorified vape pens, we’re on a mission to help you breathe easier. We'll break down the importance of proper ventilation—yes, that means using your kitchen and bathroom fans like they’re supposed to be used! Plus, we'll chat about the hidden dangers lurking in your...
Jun 05, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 2000
Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving into a hot topic today! There’s a massive recall on kitchen faucets lurking in the shadows, and trust me, you’ll want to hear about it before you get a surprise dose of lead in your morning coffee. Yup, those cheapo faucets you picked up online might just be a ticking time bomb for your health—so let’s spill the tea on that! Alongside the faucet fiasco, we’ve got some exciting updates about the television show that’s bubbling up like a pot of pasta ...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Season 37Ep. 1998
When it comes to kitchen and bath design, avoiding blunders can save you a world of heartache (and a hefty repair bill). Eric G is here to spill the beans on the top 10 biggest mistakes that interior designers often make during cabinetry projects. From spatial awareness to the nitty-gritty of appliance fit, these tips are gold for anyone looking to hire the right designer for their remodel. Whether you're dreaming of a sleek kitchen island or a cozy bathroom retreat, knowing what not to do can m...
May 29, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 1997
Eric G is here to kickstart your summer projects with a treasure trove of tips to tackle before the fun in the sun begins! This episode is all about being proactive and getting those home improvement tasks done early so you can kick back and enjoy your vacation without a care in the world. We dive into everything from sprucing up that trusty barbecue (seriously, don’t let it catch your house on fire!) to ensuring your deck is safe and sound for those backyard parties. Plus, Eric shares the lowdo...
May 29, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 1996
We're diving into some serious stuff this week, folks! First up, we tackle a critical initiative from Oregon aimed at combating the alarmingly high suicide rates among construction workers. The Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership is here to shake things up and foster a culture of support in the construction industry. You can check out more about it at suicide-stops-here.org—it's a game-changer for those in the trades. Then we switch gears to celebrate the Viking House's 50th anniversary,...
May 28, 2025•13 min•Season 37Ep. 1994
We're diving back into the world of smart home tech with our good buddy Jim Carroll from Sendal, Inc. While Eric is battling the sniffles, we're here to revisit Jim's innovative ideas on how to make our homes not just smarter, but healthier too! Sendal is all about creating a harmonious living space by integrating smart technology that actually works together, unlike that chaotic mess of apps most of us have on our phones. Jim shares some fascinating insights on how their platform focuses on imp...
May 22, 2025•51 min•Season 37Ep. 1992
Grab your hard hats and get ready to dig deep into the world of foundations, folks! We're rolling back to one of our favorite chats with RK Bob Brown, a.k.a. the Dirt Whisperer, who’s here to drop some serious knowledge on foundation repair. If you’re a homeowner (or know one), this episode is a goldmine of info you can’t afford to skip. Bob dives into the nitty-gritty of foundation myths, the tricks of the trade, and why calling an engineer is the smartest move you can make when foundation issu...
May 22, 2025•48 min•Season 37Ep. 1991
Keen Utility just pulled the plug on its Portland manufacturing facility, and honestly, it’s not the shocking twist we were hoping for in the plot of "Life in the West Coast." Eric G dives into the nitty-gritty of why this closure is more than just a corporate shuffle; it’s a head-scratcher reflecting the bigger picture of Portland’s rising costs and urban chaos. With Keen’s shift to Kentucky for a snazzier, more automated setup, he raises some eyebrows about what this means for the local job ma...
May 22, 2025•12 min•Season 37Ep. 1990
Things are looking a bit shaky out there in the world of construction and home improvement, friends! Eric G. is back, despite battling a pesky cold, and he's diving into the current economic struggle faced by many contractors and retailers. It seems like folks are more focused on sprucing up their spaces with some light maintenance instead of diving headfirst into those big renovation projects—y'know, the kind that puts a smile on every contractor's face. But hold onto your hard hats, because Er...
May 21, 2025•9 min•Season 37Ep. 1989
Join me as I sit down with the legendary Elvin Hurst, the mastermind behind Kountry Kraft Cabinetry, where we dive deep into the world of custom cabinetry. From its humble beginnings with just a table saw in 1959 to becoming a powerhouse in the industry, Elvin shares the ups, downs, and everything in between of his incredible journey in Pennsylvania Dutch country. We’ll explore how cabinetry has evolved over the decades, from the finishes and styles that have come and gone to the cutting-edge te...
May 17, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 1987
Ready to dive into the wild world of real estate prep? Eric G's got the lowdown on getting your house ready for the big sale in 2025, and trust me, you won't want to miss this! As he's sprucing up his own home for the market, he spills the beans on the newest rules and trends that could snag you the best deal. We’re talking about everything from the latest expectations buyers have to the bizarre quirks of houses that might make you scratch your head. Plus, Eric shares some sage advice on making ...
May 15, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 1988
Eric G dives into the electrifying showdown between battery-powered and gas-powered outdoor tools, and spoiler alert: he’s leaning towards batteries! It seems our boy Eric has made the switch to battery tools for his lawn care and never looked back. He’s been buzzing about the convenience, the ease of use, and the sheer joy of not having to deal with gas spills and oil changes—seriously, who wants that hassle? Plus, he’s got some juicy insights on how much space you can save in your garage when ...
May 14, 2025•12 min•Season 37Ep. 1984
Eric G is about to drop some serious wisdom on kitchen and bath design that you won’t want to miss! With 35 years of experience under his tool belt and his prestigious certification from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, he’s got the goods to elevate your home game. This hour, we’re diving deep into his top tips and tricks for creating stunning, functional spaces that will make your friends green with envy. From the essential kitchen triangle to the must-have bathroom features, Eric’s i...
May 08, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 1983
Housing prices are skyrocketing, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into the chaos of the housing crisis and what’s driving those costs through the roof. I mean, seriously, if you blink, you might find yourself priced out of your own neighborhood! Our buddy Eric G breaks down the nitty-gritty of why homes are becoming less affordable and what we can actually do about it. We’re not just here to complain—oh no, we’re also cooking up some spicy solutions to this mess. So, grab your favorite bev...
May 08, 2025•45 min•Season 37Ep. 1982
The latest mid-week update from Eric G dives headfirst into the world of construction, and let me tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We're talking about a noticeable slowdown in the construction industry, with contractors and subcontractors hitting the brakes harder than a kid on a bike going downhill. Is a construction crash on the horizon? Eric doesn't think so, but he does believe the market is taking a breather as folks hold their wallets tight, waiting to see how tariffs and inte...
May 07, 2025•13 min•Season 37Ep. 1980
Hold onto your hard hats, folks! Eric G is diving deep into the murky waters of homeownership scams that are popping up in 2025, and trust me, you want to be in the know. He’s laid out his top 10 scammy pitfalls that homeowners need to dodge like a pro, from fake contractors lurking in the shadows to those sneaky moving companies that pull the ol' bait-and-switch on your wallet. It's a wild ride through the world of home improvement, where the stakes are high and the scams are sneakier than a ca...
May 01, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 1979
Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of home design blunders—those pesky little (or gigantic) mistakes that can turn your cozy abode into a DIY disaster zone. Eric G is here to chat about some of the best ways to tackle and fix these design mishaps, whether they were inflicted by a previous owner or perhaps even by your own eager hands. From the woe of mismatched countertops to the heartbreak of poorly laid flooring, we’ll explore how to transform those boo-boos into brilliant solutions....
May 01, 2025•46 min•Season 37Ep. 1978
