Episodes

  • Is Your Bathroom Fan Enough? Plus: Peeling Paint and Stump Removal Made Simple

    Is Your Bathroom Fan Enough? Plus: Peeling Paint and Stump Removal Made Simple
    Sep 20 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan shares a personal story about his father’s recent minor stroke, the challenges of the week, and the flood of childhood memories it brought back. He reflects on the importance of cherishing family moments and encourages listeners to preserve their own stories and memories.From there, the episode shifts into practical home improvement advice—covering everything from bathroom fan adequacy to fixing peeling paint in bathrooms and the most effective stump removal methods. Dan also takes time to clarify earlier stump removal tips and answer listener questions, making this episode both moving and highly informative.Episode Guide00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:07 A Tough Week: Dad’s Health Scare02:26 Memories of Dad: From Eye Patches to Invisible Friends08:25 Cherishing Memories and Making Changes12:28 Home Improvement Tips: Paint Failures and Bathroom Fans13:25 Clarifying Stump Removal Techniques18:57 Listener Questions: Peeling Paint in the Bathroom21:32 Understanding the Importance of a Bathroom Fan21:54 Calculating the Right Size for Your Bathroom Fan24:09 Ensuring Proper Fan Operation26:06 The Role of Prep Work in Preventing Peeling Paint29:43 Steps to Fix Existing Peeling Paint32:34 Choosing the Best Paint for Bathrooms33:29 Testing Your Existing Bathroom Fan37:32 Troubleshooting Fan Performance Issues39:16 Conclusion and Final Tips
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    40 mins
  • Removing Stumps; Painting a Metal Building (with a Twist!); The Impact of William Morris on Design

    Removing Stumps; Painting a Metal Building (with a Twist!); The Impact of William Morris on Design
    Sep 13 2025
    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen tackles projects both practical and inspiring. First, he breaks down affordable and effective DIY methods for removing stubborn tree stumps and roots—covering hands-on techniques, chemical options, and safety tips. Then, he answers a listener’s question about calculating paint for a metal building when there’s no running water on site. Finally, the show shifts gears to explore the life and legacy of William Morris, the visionary behind the Arts and Crafts Movement, and how his ideas on beauty, honesty in materials, and dignity in craft continue to shape the way we design and decorate our homes today.Resources Mentioned
    • William Morris Wallpaper Production

    Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction and show overview00:28 – Why tree stumps are such a problem01:49 – Hands-on DIY methods for stump removal08:33 – Chemical and alternative removal options12:00 – Answering listener emails12:51 – How to prep and paint a metal building without water on site18:08 – Who was William Morris?18:36 – His early life and influences21:53 – Founding Morris & Co.23:33 – Five ways William Morris changed design23:41 – 1. Rebellion against fakery27:59 – 2. Design as morality30:39 – 3. Transforming wallpaper33:51 – 4. Making beauty accessible36:58 – 5. Sparking a movement38:53 – Morris’s lasting legacy39:34 – Closing remarks
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    40 mins
  • The Right Way to Paint Andersen Windows (and Why Color Rules Aren’t Always Right)

    The Right Way to Paint Andersen Windows (and Why Color Rules Aren’t Always Right)
    Sep 6 2025
    SummaryFrom fashion faux pas to resale value, this episode of Home in Progress digs into the surprising stories behind the colors we choose for our homes and cars. Discover why “No White After Labor Day” has less to do with style and more to do with class, plus hear expert insights from Chris Hardesty on how car color affects safety, value, and upkeep. We’ll also tackle practical painting tips, including how to handle Andersen windows the right way.Resources Mentioned
    • Worst Car Colors to Buy for Resale Value

    Episode Guide:00:00 – Introduction and Show Overview00:43 – The History of “No White After Labor Day”06:19 – Breaking Design Rules in Home Décor08:24 – The Impact of Car Color on Resale Value16:00 – Car Color and Safety Considerations18:29 – Understanding Paint Swirls and Scratches19:22 – Color Fading and Resale Value20:22 – Issues with White Cars22:58 – Choosing Car Colors: Personal Preferences and Safety23:54 – The Myth of Red Cars and Traffic Stops25:35 – Exploring Popular Car Colors27:05 – Introduction to Painting Andersen Windows27:42 – Steps to Paint Your Windows35:40 – Final Tips and Cautions for Painting Windows37:07 – Conclusion and Listener Engagement
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    38 mins
  • Transforming Spaces with Bold DIY Projects and Smart Ground Cover Tips

    Transforming Spaces with Bold DIY Projects and Smart Ground Cover Tips
    Aug 30 2025
    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen dives into two very different but equally inspiring home improvement topics.First, Dan takes on his own landscaping challenge: a large flower bed that’s been giving him trouble. He shares what he’s learned about using ground cover plants—options that thrive in both sun and shade—along with practical advice on soil preparation and weed control.Then, the conversation shifts indoors with a special guest: Patty Brummel from MidLife Revival. Patty recently transformed an old player piano with a bold navy-blue paint choice that completely redefined the space. She walks us through her process, from prep work and product selection to the surprising impact that unexpected color choices can have on a room’s atmosphere.The episode wraps up with a look at current paint promotions and the lasting benefits of using high-quality paints like Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select.Episode Highlights:
    • 00:00 – Introduction and sponsor message
    • 00:48 – Tackling a home landscaping problem
    • 01:54 – Exploring ground cover options for sun and shade
    • 04:30 – Soil preparation and weed control tips
    • 06:40 – Interview with Patty Brummel: the painted piano project
    • 17:20 – Common issues in painting projects
    • 17:50 – Inspiration from designer Sister Parish
    • 19:49 – The impact of bold colors in design
    • 21:00 – Choosing the right color for your space
    • 24:38 – Taking risks with color choices
    • 30:54 – Patty’s current projects and where to find more
    • 34:10 – Special offers and final thoughts
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    36 mins
  • Craftsman Homes: A Journey Through Time and Design

    Craftsman Homes: A Journey Through Time and Design
    Aug 23 2025
    In this episode of Home In Progress, hosted by Dan Hansen and sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the first half is a humorous recount of life lessons learned during a family vacation, from managing close quarters with family to trying on new swimwear before the trip. Dan ties these vacation anecdotes to home improvement tips, emphasizing the importance of testing paint colors, stain matching, and tool comfort before committing to a project. In the second half, Dan dives into the lore of Craftsman homes, detailing their historical roots in the arts and crafts movement, key characteristics, and prominent figures like William Morris and Gustav Stickley. He explains their widespread appeal due to practicality, philosophy of simplicity, and natural beauty, offering insights into both exterior and interior design choices suitable for Craftsman-style homes.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Show Overview00:33 Family Vacation Stories01:50 Lesson 1: The Space Invader06:53 Lesson 2: The Swimsuit Fiasco11:41 Lesson 3: Kids Don't Listen13:50 Effective Communication with Contractors16:35 Introduction to Craftsman Style Homes17:01 Understanding Architectural Styles17:52 Defining Craftsman Homes20:07 Origins of the Craftsman Style24:19 The American Craftsman Movement30:44 Craftsman Homes in Modern Times31:40 Choosing Colors for Craftsman Homes34:07 Conclusion and Resources
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    37 mins
  • Satisfaction in the Trades, Deck Safety, and Choosing Colors for West-Facing Spaces

    Satisfaction in the Trades, Deck Safety, and Choosing Colors for West-Facing Spaces
    Aug 16 2025
    In this episode of 'Home in Progress', Dan Hansen dives into the importance of deck safety with an annual inspection checklist to prevent collapses, shares insights on dealing with mysterious white powdery substances known as efflorescence on basement walls, and offers expert advice on choosing the perfect paint colors for west-facing rooms which experience dramatic lighting changes throughout the day. Additionally, Dan reflects on the evolving value of trade skills in the face of advancing AI technology. Sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, this episode combines practical home maintenance tips with thoughtful discussions on career choices and the lasting importance of skilled trades.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Home in Progress00:50 The Impact of AI on Trades07:10 Deck Safety Essentials18:41 Understanding Efflorescence in Basements19:43 Identifying Efflorescence: The White Fuzz on Your Walls20:49 Understanding the Cause: Moisture Issues21:21 Cleaning Efflorescence: Tools and Techniques21:57 Preventing Recurrence: Addressing Moisture Problems23:02 Painting Over Efflorescence: Do's and Don'ts24:47 Choosing Colors for West Facing Rooms27:52 The Impact of Light on Paint Colors29:43 Tips for Selecting the Right Color38:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Secrets to Squeaky Floors and Perfect Paint Edges

    Secrets to Squeaky Floors and Perfect Paint Edges
    Aug 9 2025
    In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen, supported by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, covers practical fixes for common DIY home project frustrations. The episode dives into paint flashing, its causes, and how to avoid it, as well as a guide on fixing squeaky floors and achieving flawless results using masking tape. Hansen also shares a personal anecdote about his phone seemingly reading his mind, serving as a humorous interlude. The episode wraps up with tips on selecting colors for west-facing spaces and solving various DIY problems efficiently.RESOURCES
    • Squeeek No More Website
    • Repair a Squeaky Floor in Minutes with Squeeek No More (Video)
    • Fix Squeaky Floor with 2x4 Method (Video)

    CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Home in Progress00:51 Is Your Phone Reading Your Mind?10:49 Masking Tape Mastery19:38 Fixing Squeaky Floors21:21 Navigating Squeaky Floors: A Personal Anecdote22:43 Understanding the Cause of Floor Squeaks25:07 Fixing Squeaky Floors from Below28:42 Fixing Squeaky Floors from Above32:16 Alternative Solutions for Squeaky Floors34:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement35:39 Understanding Paint Flashing41:52 Preventing and Fixing Paint Flashing43:51 Final Thoughts and Giveaway Reminder
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    45 mins
  • EGO Battery Powered Lawn Equipment Discussion; The Power of SCUFF-X; Choosing Colors for East Facing Rooms

    EGO Battery Powered Lawn Equipment Discussion; The Power of SCUFF-X; Choosing Colors for East Facing Rooms
    Aug 2 2025
    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen covers a variety of home improvement topics. He shares a humorous personal story about a sprinkler mishap and discusses the longevity and performance of EGO battery-powered lawn equipment with guest Kevin Herman from Benjamin Moore. Later, they dive into the benefits of SCUFF-X, a high-performance paint ideal for high-traffic areas in facilities like schools, hotels, and senior living centers. Finally, Dan offers advice on choosing the right paint colors for east-facing rooms, taking into account the shifting natural light throughout the day.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Show Overview00:55 Sprinkler Head Fiasco: A Hilarious Home Improvement Story05:58 Ego Battery Powered Lawn Equipment Review14:57 SCUFF X: The Ultimate Solution for High-Traffic Areas18:34 Unique Qualities of SCUFF X19:37 Application and Feedback20:35 Demonstrations and Real-World Use23:50 Finishes and Durability27:56 Choosing Colors for East Facing Rooms36:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    38 mins