We flipped the script and asked dozens of contractors — including our own — what they wish their clients would do differently. We heard a lot of honest feedback, learned common homeowner missteps (we’re guilty of some, too), and collected practical tips to help renovations run smoother, finish faster, and sometimes cost less. We also share how we repurposed our dining table area to make it more functional, plus the big splurge we just made for the beach house.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify — or listen to it below. Use this page to find the links, notes, and photos we mention. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
- Above is a photo of the “spa” we ordered for the beach house backyard. Since in-ground pools or plunge pools aren’t allowed, we chose a stylish above-ground hot tub that fits the rules and looks great (we went with the Jacuzzi J-LX collection).
- After recording this episode we reconnected with Sean, our contractor, and we may be able to get the tub delivered as soon as the end of this week — fingers crossed!
- Below is the rough backyard schematic Sherry created in an app called HomeOutside. The layout is driven largely by local setback rules; for example, the shed must stay a certain distance from the neighbor’s property on the left, so we placed a path through that setback to reach the shed and preserved maximum patio space on the right.
What Your Contractor Wishes You Knew
- Sean is a real person — and many listeners asked to meet him. Below is a visual of Sean so you can put a face to the name.
- We also shared a short clip showing how rotten the back side of the duplex was before Sean reconstructed it.
- If you’re in the Cape Charles area and need a contractor, you can learn more about Sean and his company QS LLC on his website.
- We also linked a helpful PDF from Alma Homes titled “Things Contractors Wish Homeowners Knew.” It covers many of the same points our callers and emailers raised and is a useful reference for anyone tackling a remodel.
We’re Digging
rug / dining bench / end chair / similar chandelier / stools / art
- We replaced four high-backed chairs with two long, low-profile benches to improve visual flow through the dining area, which sits between the kitchen and living room. The benches open up the sightline, create more flexible seating, and encourage people to sit facing either room — it extends the hangout space in a really nice way.
- Below are the bench options we considered and the one we chose. The low bench keeps the space feeling open while providing comfortable, adaptable seating.
- One book I’ve been reading is I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which has a vibe similar to the Southern Nightmare podcast we mentioned in a past episode.
- We also mentioned that one of the co-author’s sisters is a family friend who appeared on the blog years ago. Her house feature includes the DIY cherry blossom mural she used in her foyer.
If you’re trying to find something we’ve featured in past episodes but don’t remember which show notes to open, check our master list of everything we’ve been digging from previous shows.
Finally, thanks to Annie Selke’s BED101 for sponsoring this episode. They’re running another giveaway exclusively for YHL Podcast listeners — one lucky listener will win a complete “Load It On” set of luxury bedding. Enter their giveaway for a chance to win.
Thanks for listening!
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