Home with Dean Sharp

Dean tackles the sounds and secrets of your home—starting with a caller hearing a mysterious low-frequency rumble coming from their sliding door. He also helps another homeowner weigh the pros and cons of adding insulation versus upgrading their water heater to fix a chilly house. Then, Dean digs into the buzz about using soybean oil to extend the life of a roof—fact or fiction? Plus, a look at vintage attic designs wit...

Description: Dean reminds homeowners that a solid roof starts from the inside—repairing and insulating the attic before tackling the roof itself. He breaks down the world of roof tiles, explains tear-offs, and what it really means to do a “roof over,” including how roof shape can change. With California gearing up for a hot summer and a wet winter thanks to El Niño, Dean shares why now&r...

6:05am – It’s an all-calls Saturday! Dean opens the phone lines to discuss anything surrounding your home! 

6:20am – Dean advices a caller who wants to revamp her composite sink.  

6:35 am – Dean talks overhang sinks and replacing sinks. 

6:50 am – Dean talks about dealing ...

7:05am – Dean provides advice to a listener about a solar lease agreement. 

7:20am - Dean talks solar lease rates and works around some loopholes with the electric bill. 

 7:35am –Dean dives into a leaking heater and what to do to fix it, 

7:50am – Dean advices a caller on replacing their roof, and ...

Dean shares his ten-step playbook for finding the right contractor, stressing that it’s your responsibility to choose the person who will get the job done. He calls out a common “culture hole” — we rush into projects without considering design — and explains how to vet three or more qualified prospects. Dean’s practical advice starts with checking contractors’ legal credentials online and c...

Dean continues his ten-step guide to hiring the right contractor, recapping key steps and emphasizing crew size and site care. He recommends asking about C.M.S. (construction management software), explains how the app works and what you can track, and urges clients to buy their own materials and expect transparent, no-markup pricing. Dean stresses jobsite courtesy (porta-potties, property protection) and closes with a rap...

6:05am – It’s an All-Call Saturday where Dean takes all types of questions surrounding your home! 

6:20am – Dean instructs a caller on how to go about hiring contractors for landscaping and remodeling. 

6:35 am – Dean talks sanded grout tile and how to clean countertop tile in the kitchen. 

6:50 am – Dean&...

• Bathrooms as modern retreats → how design has shifted from pure function to comfort, privacy, and relaxation
• Guest: Jim Zanovik (Nulook Baths, San Diego) → 40+ years in construction and bathroom remodeling
• Why specialization matters → focusing on bathrooms leads to better quality, speed, and consistency

• Contractor timelines → why real projects require weeks of prep before a fast on-site build
• Red flag: “I can start Monday” → likely delays due to missing materials and poor planning
• Custom elements → cabinets, finishes, and especially glass shower doors drive timelines
• Shower...

• Laminate vs LVP → waterproof core is the key difference
• Where it matters → kitchens/baths need fully waterproof materials
• Partial remodels → keep cabinets/counters, update wet areas + floor
• Design rule → match exactly or go clearly complementary
• Materials → composite walls, quartz, large-format porcelain panels
• Benefits → fewer seams, no grout, e...

This morning’s first caller is installing welcome posts on his front porch — to sandblast, re-stain or paint, what would Dean recommend and what would he aint? Did that rhyme this time? 

Got an air gap? We’re talking venting for a dish washer. Is there anything bad that can happen from not having one? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Is there any way to clean the at-home air conditioner condensate drain that runs to the outside of the house? Let’s find out! 

What’s the best service to use for a clogged gutter on the second story when your regular handyman doesn’t want to touch it? 

It’s a new house, and his air conditioner&n...