Your Valuable Home - podcast cover

Your Valuable Home

After years on the radio, host Ron Melk has flipped the switch to podcasting! The Home Improvement Replays can spark ideas about projects for your home. The Horror Stories can help you avoid one and my Featured Segment draws in experts from across the country on everything from new building products, maintaining a healthy home and leveraging home equity, to choosing the right contractor, adding value to communities and so much more. Your Valuable Home is not about DIY or flipping. It is about building wealth with real estate, choosing the right contractor to do the right job at the right price…improving communities. The show is packed with valuable education for homeowners and landlords who believe that knowledge is the path to wise decisions.

Episodes

Is an interior designer in your future?

In our Replay today, we cover a credit card shakedown that’s not to be believed. Often subs hired by a contractor have a mind of their own. In this case, they also had the nerve to walk off the job. This is the second week in a row where we pick the brain of multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hoffman. Ever wondered if you should hire an interior designer? Donna will help you puzzle through that question. She’ll also talk to how to hire the right interior designer...how to identify t...

May 19, 202346 min

Is an interior designer in your future?

In our Replay today, we cover a credit card shakedown that’s not to be believed. Often subs hired by a contractor have a mind of their own. In this case, they also had the nerve to walk off the job. This is the second week in a row where we pick the brain of multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hoffman. Ever wondered if you should hire an interior designer? Donna will help you puzzle through that question. She’ll also talk to how to hire the right interior designer...how to identify t...

May 19, 202346 min

Outstanding Advice for Design-It-Yourselfers from Top Interior Designer, Donna Hoffman – plus a FREE design resource.

In the Replay, we have a further discussion on the YouTube video on a more detailed installation of the windows for the Sugar Shack in Knoxville, PA! See video here: https://youtu.be/e5ZNj20TYP0 In the Horror story, Since the Trex show last week we continue with a Bad deck job, to a happy Trex ending! If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your home’s interior, and you have the urge to design-it-yourself, relax and listen to some great advice from multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hof...

May 12, 202351 min

Outstanding Advice for Design-It-Yourselfers from Top Interior Designer, Donna Hoffman – plus a FREE design resource.

In the Replay, we have a further discussion on the YouTube video on a more detailed installation of the windows for the Sugar Shack in Knoxville, PA! See video here: https://youtu.be/e5ZNj20TYP0 In the Horror story, Since the Trex show last week we continue with a Bad deck job, to a happy Trex ending! If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your home’s interior, and you have the urge to design-it-yourself, relax and listen to some great advice from multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hof...

May 12, 202351 min

Got a Deck Planned? Hear a Convincing Case for Trex.

In our Replay today, Kevin and Ron discuss the frenzy of Roofing ads on Social Media, what is their agenda? In the Horror story, a listener asks for advice on how to fix the BAD tile installation job they recently completed. In our Featured segment today, we talk with the Trex Director of Product Marketing about all aspects of Trex decking that make it the logical choice over wood and other composites. The science and engineering behind Trex, keep it from rotting, warping, and splitting from bei...

May 05, 202348 min

Got a Deck Planned? Hear a Convincing Case for Trex.

In our Replay today, Kevin and Ron discuss the frenzy of Roofing ads on Social Media, what is their agenda? In the Horror story, a listener asks for advice on how to fix the BAD tile installation job they recently completed. In our Featured segment today, we talk with the Trex Director of Product Marketing about all aspects of Trex decking that make it the logical choice over wood and other composites. The science and engineering behind Trex, keep it from rotting, warping, and splitting from bei...

May 05, 202348 min

Part 2: Architect Illya Azaroff Talks About How Resilient Construction, Heat Pumps, PBR and the Inflation Reduction Act Can Make Life Better for Homeowners

In the Replay today, dad John struggles to get a contractor-created house of horrors under control. There’s a lot to be corrected, and Kevin works alongside John step-by-step to make it happen. In the Horror Story today we talk about BAD electrical wiring in a basement, and why it is so important to get permits! Finally, in our Featured segment architect Illya Azaroff gives us a a glimpse of how the concept of resilience in residential construction, performance-based regulation of utilities and ...

Apr 29, 202353 min

Part 2: Architect Illya Azaroff Talks About How Resilient Construction, Heat Pumps, PBR and the Inflation Reduction Act Can Make Life Better for Homeowners

In the Replay today, dad John struggles to get a contractor-created house of horrors under control. There’s a lot to be corrected, and Kevin works alongside John step-by-step to make it happen. In the Horror Story today we talk about BAD electrical wiring in a basement, and why it is so important to get permits! Finally, in our Featured segment architect Illya Azaroff gives us a a glimpse of how the concept of resilience in residential construction, performance-based regulation of utilities and ...

Apr 29, 202353 min

There’s A Sea Change Coming in Residential Construction...A Change for the Better. Part 1 of a 2-part Series with Notable Architect Illya Azaroff.

In our Replay today, Morgen talks about the final touches of her whole-house renovation that began as a horror story. Kevin Kennedy helped turn things around. Today, it’s once again time for the Bad Guy Bulletin. Marc Fuber from the Bucks County DA’s office offers suggestions on the theft of Stephanie’s belongings by a New York moving company. (Steph’s story was in our 3/17/23 podcast.) Ron talks about an acknowledged Publishers’ Clearing House scam that includes a live check. Absolutely don’t f...

Apr 22, 20231 hr 3 min

There’s A Sea Change Coming in Residential Construction...A Change for the Better. Part 1 of a 2-part Series with Notable Architect Illya Azaroff.

In our Replay today, Morgen talks about the final touches of her whole-house renovation that began as a horror story. Kevin Kennedy helped turn things around. Today, it’s once again time for the Bad Guy Bulletin. Marc Fuber from the Bucks County DA’s office offers suggestions on the theft of Stephanie’s belongings by a New York moving company. (Steph’s story was in our 3/17/23 podcast.) Ron talks about an acknowledged Publishers’ Clearing House scam that includes a live check. Absolutely don’t f...

Apr 22, 20231 hr 3 min

Is Your Home Safe from Severe Weather? Continuous Load May be the Answer.

In our Replay today, Kevin offers valuable advice to a new listener ready to update her kitchen, family room and bath. In the Horror Story, you’ll wonder how a flooring “pro” could do such a sloppy job. Continuous Load is an engineering principle that can help recently built homes withstand strong winds...possibly even a tornado. If your home was built to codes as they existed years ago, you can achieve some of the benefit of continuous load with Simpson Strong Tie products that essentially conn...

Apr 14, 202356 min

Is Your Home Safe from Severe Weather? Continuous Load May be the Answer.

In our Replay today, Kevin offers valuable advice to a new listener ready to update her kitchen, family room and bath. In the Horror Story, you’ll wonder how a flooring “pro” could do such a sloppy job. Continuous Load is an engineering principle that can help recently built homes withstand strong winds...possibly even a tornado. If your home was built to codes as they existed years ago, you can achieve some of the benefit of continuous load with Simpson Strong Tie products that essentially conn...

Apr 14, 202356 min

PEW Charitable Trusts is helping states prepare for inevitable flooding.

In our Replay, Robin talks about the plan and progress regarding her basement and bath projects. In the Horror Story today...Is it proper construction etiquette for one contractor to offload trash into another contractor’s dumpster? No kidding! In our Feature, Matt Sanders from PEW Charitable Trusts reports on the initiatives four forward-thinking states – New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Maine – are taking to mitigate the damage and threat to their residents that flooding will cause in...

Apr 08, 202357 min

PEW Charitable Trusts is helping states prepare for inevitable flooding.

In our Replay, Robin talks about the plan and progress regarding her basement and bath projects. In the Horror Story today...Is it proper construction etiquette for one contractor to offload trash into another contractor’s dumpster? No kidding! In our Feature, Matt Sanders from PEW Charitable Trusts reports on the initiatives four forward-thinking states – New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Maine – are taking to mitigate the damage and threat to their residents that flooding will cause in...

Apr 08, 202357 min

Western states are preventing collisions between animals and motorists with help from PEW Charitable Trusts.

In the Replay today, Susan shares the story of her new roof. And in the Horror Story, this homeowner was set to refer the contractor, until Kevin noticed issues with the job in photos the homeowner sent. Good catch, Kev! In today’s Feature, Matt Skroch, Project Director U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation at PEW Charitable Trusts, fill us in on how western states are keeping motorists and large, migrating animals from tangling with each other on the highway. Using GPS to track the migratio...

Apr 01, 202349 min

Western states are preventing collisions between animals and motorists with help from PEW Charitable Trusts.

In the Replay today, Susan shares the story of her new roof. And in the Horror Story, this homeowner was set to refer the contractor, until Kevin noticed issues with the job in photos the homeowner sent. Good catch, Kev! In today’s Feature, Matt Skroch, Project Director U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation at PEW Charitable Trusts, fill us in on how western states are keeping motorists and large, migrating animals from tangling with each other on the highway. Using GPS to track the migratio...

Apr 01, 202349 min

Home Inspections: The Upside of Doing Them, the Downside of Waiving Them.

In the Replay, Christina Sasso talks about she and husband Frank’s plans for the refurbishment of a cottage on their upstate PA property. The cottage was formerly used to process maple syrup. Refurbishing begins with two expansive ProVia® windows to be installed by our own Kevin Kennedy. In the Horror Story, Ron relates how a routine water heater swap-out in his Philadelphia rental unit became a nightmare. In our Feature today, we discuss the value and wisdom of making an offer on a residential ...

Mar 28, 202354 min

Home Inspections: The Upside of Doing Them, the Downside of Waiving Them.

In the Replay, Christina Sasso talks about she and husband Frank’s plans for the refurbishment of a cottage on their upstate PA property. The cottage was formerly used to process maple syrup. Refurbishing begins with two expansive ProVia® windows to be installed by our own Kevin Kennedy. In the Horror Story, Ron relates how a routine water heater swap-out in his Philadelphia rental unit became a nightmare. In our Feature today, we discuss the value and wisdom of making an offer on a residential ...

Mar 28, 202354 min

Here’s a Pre-fab Option for Home Buyers Tired of Getting Shut Out of this Sellers’ Market.

In the Replay today, Mt. Pleasant Window and Remodeling Company provides testimony to the quality of ProVia windows. The company has been a ProVia dealer for about 40 years. In the Bad Guy Bulletin today, Stephanie reveals a widespread scam that involves a moving broker and a mover. She lost everything when she turned to these two companies to store her belongings before making a move out of New York City. Turns out it will probably take an act of congress to stop this insidious shakedown scheme...

Mar 18, 2023

Here’s a Pre-fab Option for Home Buyers Tired of Getting Shut Out of this Sellers’ Market.

In the Replay today, Mt. Pleasant Window and Remodeling Company provides testimony to the quality of ProVia windows. The company has been a ProVia dealer for about 40 years. In the Bad Guy Bulletin today, Stephanie reveals a widespread scam that involves a moving broker and a mover. She lost everything when she turned to these two companies to store her belongings before making a move out of New York City. Turns out it will probably take an act of congress to stop this insidious shakedown scheme...

Mar 18, 2023

Anyone Who’s Had It with Being Outbid on Homes in this Seller’s Market Needs to Listen to Today’s Feature.

In the Replay today, Charla describes her bathroom re-dos. Our Horror Story today drives home the point that, bad a underlayment installation almost always results in a bad tile job. In the Feature today, PA realtor, Jeff Lavine, talks about alternatives to buying an already-lived-in home, which may be leaving a lot of prospective buyers in the lurch for one of three reasons: 1) You get there too late, 2) You get outbid by someone willing waive an inspection and bid crazy money over asking, or 3...

Mar 11, 2023

Anyone Who’s Had It with Being Outbid on Homes in this Seller’s Market Needs to Listen to Today’s Feature.

In the Replay today, Charla describes her bathroom re-dos. Our Horror Story today drives home the point that, bad a underlayment installation almost always results in a bad tile job. In the Feature today, PA realtor, Jeff Lavine, talks about alternatives to buying an already-lived-in home, which may be leaving a lot of prospective buyers in the lurch for one of three reasons: 1) You get there too late, 2) You get outbid by someone willing waive an inspection and bid crazy money over asking, or 3...

Mar 11, 2023

An Interview with Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox Roche

In the Replay today, Kevin takes us to his house on the Jersey shore to Replay the renovation of a fireplace using ProVia® manufactured stone veneer. Visuals to be posted to Facebook. The Horror Story is about another dreadful siding and window job. The windows are new and they’re leaking. Surprise! All Your Valuable Home listeners with rental properties will want to hear what Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox Roche has to say about making money with residential real estate today. An Inte...

Mar 04, 2023

An Interview with Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox Roche

In the Replay today, Kevin takes us to his house on the Jersey shore to Replay the renovation of a fireplace using ProVia® manufactured stone veneer. Visuals to be posted to Facebook. The Horror Story is about another dreadful siding and window job. The windows are new and they’re leaking. Surprise! All Your Valuable Home listeners with rental properties will want to hear what Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox Roche has to say about making money with residential real estate today. An Inte...

Mar 04, 2023

How to Add Value to Your Home Without Spending a Fortune

In the Replay today, Susan shares her satisfaction with her new ProVia® entry door. Next...a hardwood floor Horror Story that proves who you choose to refinish your floors matters a lot. The wrong equipment in the wrong hands can result in a mess throughout the house. In last week’s Your Valuable Home, Kevin and Ron were joined by three members of the Placemakers Guild in a brainstorming session aimed at generating affordable ideas about community improvement. This week, Kevin, Ron, and sought-a...

Feb 24, 2023

How to Add Value to Your Home Without Spending a Fortune

In the Replay today, Susan shares her satisfaction with her new ProVia® entry door. Next...a hardwood floor Horror Story that proves who you choose to refinish your floors matters a lot. The wrong equipment in the wrong hands can result in a mess throughout the house. In last week’s Your Valuable Home, Kevin and Ron were joined by three members of the Placemakers Guild in a brainstorming session aimed at generating affordable ideas about community improvement. This week, Kevin, Ron, and sought-a...

Feb 24, 2023

How to Add Value to Your Community One Affordable Step at a Time.

In our Replay today, Jess is back to finish our discussion about her new kitchen and bath. It’s our third podcast of the month, time for another Bad Guy Bulletin. Ron and Kevin are once again joined by Mike Bannon from Bucks County Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures. As long as the Bad Guys stay at it, we’ll keep exposing the scams and shakedowns so you don’t get burned. To celebrate our upcoming 100th podcast and the start of our tenth year of doing Your Valuable Home, we asked frequent c...

Feb 17, 2023

How to Add Value to Your Community One Affordable Step at a Time.

In our Replay today, Jess is back to finish our discussion about her new kitchen and bath. It’s our third podcast of the month, time for another Bad Guy Bulletin. Ron and Kevin are once again joined by Mike Bannon from Bucks County Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures. As long as the Bad Guys stay at it, we’ll keep exposing the scams and shakedowns so you don’t get burned. To celebrate our upcoming 100th podcast and the start of our tenth year of doing Your Valuable Home, we asked frequent c...

Feb 17, 2023

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR’s Deputy Chief Economist with a Forecast of the Real Estate Market 2023

In our Replay today, Jessica, a homeowner, shares the excitement of planning a high-end kitchen and bath remodel. In the Horror Story, Kevin shares the electrical and other issues a contractor who worked on Jessica’s house years ago left behind. This is a lesson in what happens if your contractor fails to get permits. Jessica Lautz from the National Association of Realtors and a good friend of Your Valuable Home shares a 2023 forecast of the housing market. You may be as surprised as we were to ...

Feb 16, 2023

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR’s Deputy Chief Economist with a Forecast of the Real Estate Market 2023

In our Replay today, Jessica, a homeowner, shares the excitement of planning a high-end kitchen and bath remodel. In the Horror Story, Kevin shares the electrical and other issues a contractor who worked on Jessica’s house years ago left behind. This is a lesson in what happens if your contractor fails to get permits. Jessica Lautz from the National Association of Realtors and a good friend of Your Valuable Home shares a 2023 forecast of the housing market. You may be as surprised as we were to ...

Feb 16, 2023