Remodeling Wisdom - Advice from the Pro
Craig Rainey reveals the secret workings of the residential remodeling industry and how to avoid the numerous pitfalls that could cost you money and damage your single biggest investment - your home! With more than 40 years' experience in the industry, Craig has worked in every phase and filled almost every role. hands-on builder, artisan, material vendor, window and door installer, project management, architectural designer, and building contractor. He gives his insight into the workings of the building industry. He reveals the most closely held secrets that most builders would rather you not know about the business and your project.
Episodes
February 17, 2024 • 57 mins
Craig continues with your crash course on managing your own project with his advice on finding the right trades and materials providers.
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January 30, 2024 • 57 mins
Craig reveals the true nature of his business model and how it can help you successfully complete your DIY remodeling project. In this episode Craig turns the corner he calls the "Big Shift" from advice to keep you and your project safe to how to DIY like a professional.
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January 10, 2024 • 42 mins
You may want to run your remodel project yourself for financial reasons, or you may be skeptical of the ability of your bidding contractors. Craig breaks down the way to control your biggest obstacle to your success - Trades.
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November 12, 2023 • 28 mins
Craig shares a recent experience with a client who discovered their current lighting doesn't work with their new decor. He talks about the three levels of lighting and his pet peeves about lighting quick fixes.
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August 5, 2023 • 15 mins
So many times, we take our color samples home and what we loved in the store, we hate at the house. What changed? Your house doesn't like your selections.
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August 3, 2023 • 30 mins
We dread the sales process of getting bids and fielding calls from eager salespeople. Bids on the phone and emailed proposals are your worst nightmare in the construction industry. Craig explains how to take control of the sales process, turning the benefit to you the homeowner. Never make your decision on the lowest-priced emailed proposal.
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July 19, 2023 • 18 mins
You hear a lot of talk about setbacks, easements, and rights of way. How do they affect you as a homeowner who wants to build a room addition? You probably know about encroaching upon the property line. Did you know that your plumbing could stop working too? Craig talks about the intricacies of the issue.
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July 10, 2023 • 17 mins
Craig Rainey shares how the pros can send your project off budget or off schedule by merely doing their job. He also offers advice on what you can do about it.
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June 30, 2023 • 19 mins
Although a remodeler is listed as an approved contractor on Angi, Home Advisor, Thumbtack, or Houz, they may not know much about running your project successfully. How can you know?
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May 2, 2023 • 22 mins
Craig talks about the origins of Design Build and why so many remodelers claim they are a Design-Build Contractor when they are not. Adding design to your remodeling company is a huge step. Most builders don't really take that step.
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April 6, 2023 • 15 mins
Every Spring we get in the mood to spruce up the place. Whether you are doing the work yourself or if you want to make sure your trades are doing it right, Craig Rainey shares the Construction 101 trade secrets you need to know.
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March 15, 2023 • 16 mins
How do you select an architectural designer? What assurance do you have that the designer won't blow your budget out of the water with an overly designed plan? Just because someone owns expensive and impressive tools doesn't mean the owner has the training, experience, or even the skill to use them. Craig offers a 3-step process for weeding out the bad from the good.
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February 17, 2023 • 21 mins
Craig tells a story of a common way homeowners lose money to trades. He saved this client nearly $10k.
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February 10, 2023 • 26 mins
Have you heard the saying "It's got good bones?" Did cracks appear at the corners of your walls a month or two after you moved in? Buying a home could place you in a very tough position where you may need an attorney or a builder. Avoid inheriting someone else's problem. Here's how.
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January 30, 2023 • 36 mins
Many products we buy were never designed to do what we are told they are for. There is a large culture of mis and disinformation when it comes to popular products and methods in the construction industry. Craig breaks down the top 10.
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January 17, 2023 • 33 mins
Why do remodelers seem more opportunists than businesspeople? How much money is your remodeler actually making on your project? Craig gives you the answer.
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January 12, 2023 • 36 mins
As a homeowner, when is it appropriate or even possible to participate in the building of my home remodel project? Craig gives the answer.
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October 27, 2022 • 36 mins
The biggest pitfall you can face as a homeowner lies beyond the hazards you face with your general contractor. The city or county authority or economic development department of the city will represent a huge hurdle if you are not prepared. This is my advice...
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October 23, 2022 • 26 mins
Most homeowners follow the same pattern when choosing a remodeler. Three bids, check references, check reviews, hope they have great subs. I wouldn't do it that way if I were you.
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October 14, 2022 • 32 mins
With rising interest rates, a softening housing market, and an unstable economy, should I remodel my home? Craig answers that question from the perspective of the homeowner in a changing construction environment.
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