Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
How to Home Podcast

How to Home Podcast

Aaron Massey

Hosts Aaron Massey and Tracy Pendergast interview experts in this weekly talk show, discussing all aspects of home improvement. From small DIY jobs to large scale projects, the How to Home Podcast covers everything you need to know about creating a home you love.
bookmark
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 How to Home Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best How to Home Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to How to Home Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite How to Home Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

How to Home Podcast - DIY vs Hiring Out - HTH001

DIY vs Hiring Out - HTH001

How to Home Podcast

play

01/15/19 • 56 min

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

DAVID’S TIPS:

Figure out the scope of your project before determining whether you want to hire out or DIY.

If you’re running your own job as a DIY’er you need to make sure you’re detail oriented.

Communication is key!

The Office of Building and Safety will help you figure out the scope of your project and it’s free to go and pull a number.

Know your limitations.

Find the right places to test your DIY ability-start small.

Does your budget match your expectations?

Be considerate of other people’s time.

AARON MENTIONED:

His backyard overhaul - https://www.mrfixitdiy.com/how-to-install-a-post-lamp/

TRACY MENTIONED:

Communication throughout a remodel- https://hey-tracy.com/tips-to-help-your-relationship-survive-a-home-renovation/

WORD OF THE DAY: CLUSTERBOMB

noun: clusterbomb; plural noun: clusterbombs

a pile up of sub contractors and home owners that causes great damage or loss of life.

PHONE CALLS:

Q: How can I get a clean shower that’s easy to maintain?

A: In a nutshell: Vinegar, new caulk or steam cleaning + reseal.

Q: I got drunk and punched a hole in my wall. Now what?

A: Long term- AA. Short term: patch kit from Home Depot and spray on orange peel if needed.

Q: My wall is tipping, what do I do?

A: In a nutshell: Fix the footing and/or brace the wall.

Q: How do I make my general contractor husband finish our home projects?

A: He needs to prioritize and finish what he starts. (Threaten a kitchen lock-out)

Q: The AC unit in my craftsman home is working non-stop. I’m loosing all the cool air. Help!

A: Aaron suggests a door sweep for the bottom of the door. David suggests looking at the big picture- floor, windows, insulation etc.

HEY, DAVID!

Website: davidsheinkopf.com

The Gram/ Twitter: @davidsheinkopf

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Buying vs Renting: Is Buying Your Best Option? | HTH 007
play

03/05/19 • 44 min

This week, Thyda Sim from Keller Williams Realty joins Aaron and Tracy to discuss whether buying a home is still the best option in the current market. We find out whether you really need to save a 20% downpayment, if renting is just throwing your money away, and what additional costs you should consider before deciding to buy.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

FAST Facts:

1. According to Realtor.com the average US Homeowner is 55 years old.

2. According to Zillow: In 1980, the median price of a home in the US was $47,200 and has risen to over $200,000 in 2018 while the median rental price for a home in the US is $1,650/month

3. According to Zillow the average home value in the US has risen over 7% in the past year.

4. According to Experian, the average mortgage debt in the US for 2016 was nearly $200,000

THYDA’S TIPS:

If you’re renting you’re paying someone else’s mortgage. Look at owning a home as your retirement plan.

Needing 20 percent down is a misconception. There are tons of programs that can get that way down, speak to a lender and/or agent.

It’s attractive to make a clean offer or offer to cover some closing costs.

Writing a personal letter to the seller is a great way to get noticed.

Best time of year to home shop is the Fall/Winter months.

TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME:

Take a deep look at your finances

How long are you going to be there?

Find a really great agent

Location! You can change your home but you can’t change your location. Do your research.

THE PROCESS:

Speak to a lender to look at your finances and get a preapproval letter.

Find the right house and put in an offer.

Open escrow

Close escrow, sign loan paperwork, sign title and you’re set! (She makes it sound easy, huh?)

AARON MENTIONED:

Have your pre-approval letter adjusted to a price you feel comfortable (if too high).

TRACY MENTIONED:

She accidentally referred to this documentary as “Minimalist”, but it’s actually “Minimalism”- https://minimalismfilm.com

VOICEMAIL QUESTIONS:

Q: What are the first steps for financing your home?

A: Find an agent that can sit down and talk to you about the steps to buying your first home. Get your credit checked and get a pre-approval letter.

HEY, THYDA!

Website | http://simteamrealty.com

Email | [email protected]

FOLLOW US on social media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

This week, 'Ultimate Drafting Pro' Ricky Maciel joins Aaron and Tracy to talk all things design and permitting. We discuss how to pick the best professional for the job, why permits are often necessary and how to find out if you’ll need one for your home project!

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

TIPS FROM RICKY:

Visit your city’s website or call Building and Safety to find out if the project you want to do requires permitting. You can also pull records there.

Anything is doable structurally it just depends on your budget.

Once you submit plans to the city you can make changes, but they have to be approved. Tracy suggests having a clear vision and asking lots of questions before submitting plans to the city.

Talk with contractor about costs before submitting plans.

Open up walls or check in crawl space/attic to find out if your walls are load-bearing.

Your contractor will arrange the inspection and make sure it matches the plans. If you have something unrelated that’s unpermitted they may catch it in their walk through.

Cost range depends on the scope of the work. From 2k-18k

Homeowners need to be on the same page before starting the process.

Permits are created to protect you. Pulling permits is important for your family’s safety.

Not pulling a permit can affect your ability to sell your home.

As a buyer you can also pull records to find out if a potential home is up to code (usually real estate agents disclose this).

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER

Architects are state licensed.

Designers are usually more cost effective.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER: - Historical locations have restrictions.

How is the house is being supported- structure and foundation.

Will you fit within the parameters of the planning department.

SOFTWARE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SPACE:

Google SketchUp- https://www.sketchup.com

Home Designer Pro- https://www.homedesignersoftware.com

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER:

Experience

Past projects. Have they done something similar to what you want

Have they worked locally?

CONTACT RICARDO:

UltimateDraftingPro.com

[email protected]

FOLLOW US on social media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Cabin Retreat with Mind Tree Arts | HTH 022
play

06/18/19 • 39 min

This week Aaron and Tracy chat with artist Peter Staley about blending creativity and construction.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

QUICK FACTS ABOUT PETER’S WORK:

Peter refers to his structures as shrines to nature.

His first woodworking was building stretchers for paintings and then he moved on to set design.

Once he built his own store (his wife’s kids shop), a lot of people had him start building their stores. He likes to bring nature inside.

Recently he’s been building a lot of cabins, which was a natural progression after building a work cabin for his wife’s second store. His latest cabin is a liveable space, 200 sq ft with a sleeping loft and outdoor shower.

His nature inspiration stems from his time in the Adirondacks as a child. https://visitadirondacks.com

Peter can look at a space and visualize what he wants to do with it.

Peter sees his builds as art and it’s a very spiritual process.

His favorite materials are: cedar and shou sugi ban.

He loves buying from Angel City Lumber- https://www.angelcitylumber.com

Peter feels this medium is the one that connects with people the most, whereas his art doesn’t necessarily connect with everyone.

Peter’s tip for creating a more functional small space is: laying stuff out with blue tape and seeing how it would feel to move around in the space.

“I would like someone to enter a space I made and have a spiritual experience.”

Peter’s suggestion for the beginner: “Get some tools and start playing around. Make a box!”

Peter believes everything needs to go as green as possible. He’d like to see a return to natural and comfortable materials.

SOCIAL QUESTIONS:

Q: Do you feel you have a signature style?

A: Not on purpose, but yes. Peter doesn’t try to make things in his style, it’s just his natural progression.

Q: How long is the planning process?

A: A couple of weeks.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from with your art?

A: It just comes to Peter and he needs to get it out.

Q: Is it hard to see a structure decorated in a way that doesn’t fit your intention for the space?

A: At first it is, but then you get used to it.

FIND PETER:

Website (Build) | https://www.mindtreearts.com

Website (Art) | http://www.peterstaley.com

The Gram | https://www.instagram.com/mindtreearts & https://www.instagram.com/p_staley

FOLLOW US on Social Media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Essential Oil Hacks for the Home | HTH 017
play

05/14/19 • 40 min

Lindsay Esparza from The Natural Cupboard joins us this week to to explore some fun oil uses for your household!

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

QUICK ESSENTIAL OILS INFO/TIPS:

Essential oils come from plants, roots, trees, bark etc. and they’re either steamed or distilled for their benefits.

They’re a great switch for natural cleaning products and home fragrance.

Essential oils are very concentrated, so they last a long time.

Making your own cleaning products also gives you the opportunity to upcycle bottles.

Oils can actually help snoring.

Using healthier cleaning products gives kids the chance to get involved in cleaning.

Dilution is important, so make sure you use a carrier oil (do your research).

Lemon is a natural degreaser, Wild Orange is anti-bacterial- so the oils themselves can also do some work.

Great for the bottom of the trashcan, garbage disposal, shoes, vacuum cleaner etc.

LINDSAY’S RECIPES:

Mix cleaners in glass because essential oils can break down plastic.

Use lemon essential oil to remove sticker residue.

DIY ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

20 or 24 oz glass spray bottle

Fill 1/4 of the bottle with hydrogen peroxide

Add 15 to 20 drops of either On Guard, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Lemon, Wild Orange, Purify, Eucalyptus or your other favorite cleaning oil. Feel free to mix and match!

Fill the rest with water

DIY WOOD POLISH

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

15 drops wild orange or lemon essential oil

1 Tbsp vegetable glycerine (optional but a great add!)

Put all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray on microfiber or other soft cloth to use.

CARPET CLEANER

Baking soda, 10-15 drops of lemon or orange (anything cleansing), shake over the carpet and vacuum up!

LINDSAY MENTIONED:

Spray bottle tops from Amazon - https://amzn.to/2H412Yp

Wool Dryer Balls - https://amzn.to/2vGn8dj

Listener Questions:

Q: What are some good starter oils for someone who’s never diffused?

A: Lemon, lavender, peppermint and citrus.

Q: People shy away from multi-level marketing. What would you say to dispel those feelings?

A: Lindsay loves it because her products come with an education. Find the product that works for you, and also the salesman that feels right.

Q: What should people be looking for when purchasing essential oils?

A: If it says “not for internal or topical use” that’s a red flag. Beware of synthetic ingredients and fillers.

CONTACT LINDSAY:

Website | https://mydoterra.com/lindsayesparza

The Gram | @thenaturalcupboard

FOLLOW US on social media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Adam Esparza of Ale Tile joins Aaron and Tracy this week to talk all things tile! Adam shares his winning formulas, top tips and insider knowledge to help make your next tiling project a breeze.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM!

MOST COMMON DIY MISTAKE ACCORDING TO ADAM:

  • Not figuring out layout

TRENDY TILES THAT AREN’T PRACTICAL:

  • Cement tiles are high maintenance (require sealing), consider the same look in a porcelain tile.

TIPS:

  • Asses foundation before deciding on your base flooring products.
  • Large format tiles help hide difficult flooring areas.
  • Choosing a cement base as opposed to Kerdi board is a more durable and affordable option, in Adam’s opinion.
  • To deal with different levels of flooring (wood that transitions into tile etc.), the new mats filled with thin set are a great option. Adam urges you to get creative and use a threshold or a T molding if necessary.
  • You really need to back butter plank tiles because they have a natural bow.
  • Always figure out your layout, pick the right tile for the job and start small when you’re learning! Try not to cut corners- be patient.
  • As your learning Adam suggests using the same color grout as the tile.

HARD-WOOD VS. HARD-WOOD STYLE TILES

  • Wood gives the warm feeling
  • Tile is more durable (great if you’re considering renting down the line)
  • Heated mats for under the tile are an option
  • Grout maintenance (Adam recommends a thin grout line close in color to the tile)

ADAM’S WINNING FORMULAS:

WALL MUD:1 shovel cement + 1 shovel lime to 4 shovels of sand.

FLOOR: 1 shovel cement to 4-5 shovels of sand.

TILE ON A BUDGET:

  • Do something classic that doesn’t go out of style like subway tile.
  • Big box stores will always be cheaper

KITCHEN GROUT MAINTENANCE:

  • Epoxy grout is great for backsplash. It doesn’t stain or crack.

Adam recommends this company- https://laticrete.com

SANDED GROUT VS. NON-SANDED:

  • Non-sanded grout is for grout joints less than 1/8th of an inch. Sanded is for anything larger.

QUICK TILE RUN-DOWN:

  • Porcelain works anywhere and can take a beating.
  • Ceramic is common in showers because of the glaze- it can also chip easily, so it’s better in lighter traffic areas.
  • Glass is great for backsplashes
  • Cement tiles stain easy and require a lot of maintenance- but look great!
  • Marble and stone ages, and requires a lot of maintenance as well.

DIY MUST HAVES:

  • Wet Saw
  • A scouring cutter
  • Trowel
  • Mortar mixer

PHONE CALLS:

Q: Is Red Gard necessary?A: It’s a great sense of insurance for crack prevention. Adam highly recommends Laticrete Hydro Ban as well. More expensive but an amazing product.https://laticrete.com/en/tile-and-stoneinstallation/waterproofing/hydro-ban

Q: I’m going to tile my tub surround, how do I keep the bottom row from falling off?A: Adam leaves the first row out and then you can put a piece of stick or a straight edge to create a line to stack on. Once it’s hard the next day you can cut in the first row.

Q: We had a hard time pulling out the “plus sign” spacers. Is there a better product?A: Adam suggests leave in spacers that become part of the thin set, or you can just make sure they’re not protruding and don’t get thin set on them. Push them all the way in.

Aaron suggests the horse-shoe shaped ones and the self leveling ones.

ADAM’S INFO

Website | aletile.comThe Gram | https://www.instagram.com/aletile

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

This week Aaron and Tracy chat with Kumiko Love about tips for jump starting your family budget and how to stick with it.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

KUMIKO’S METHOD:

Kumiko does the budget by paycheck method, and also implements a calendar.

She doesn’t use a predetermined dollar amount or percentage.

JUMP START YOUR BUDGET:

Learn the emotions and triggers behind your spending.

When you’re a freelancer, knowing everything about your past spending is important.

Meal plan! Food is a budget killer.

Track your spending and figure out where your money is being sucked.

Call the companies behind your monthly bills and see if you can get your costs down.

Create an allowance for spontaneous purchases.

Homeowners should have an emergency fund and a maintenance fund.

Find a financial adviser you can trust, if you don’t feel comfortable making the decisions on your own.

Kumiko thinks you’re more motivated to save if you have savings accounts labeled as your specific goal.

“If I spend the money right now, what am I giving up in the future?”

For student loans- sit down and figure out exactly what you have.

There are financial counselors out there for free! Check out non-profit organizations and banks.

TOP 5 TIPS:

Discover your why. Why do you want to start budgeting?

Track your spending. It’s the number one action step.

Look at your recurring bills and try to get them down.

Sit down and look at your debt. Write it all out.

Figure out what kind of learner you are? That’s how you have to organize your finances to stay motivated.

COMMON PITFALLS:

They can’t change their mindset surrounding what they have/need.

They feel stuck.

Food! They need to meal plan.

Not knowing where to start with debt.

CONTACT KUMIKO:

Website | https://thebudgetmom.com

The Gram | @thebudgetmom

Youtube | @thebudgetmom

FOLLOW US on Social Media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Unconventional Living with Zac Ruiz | HTH 020
play

06/04/19 • 53 min

This week Aaron and Tracy chat with Zac Ruiz of Den For Our Cubs. They discuss how he and his wife made the decision to leave their life in Southern California to live in a tent in New Mexico- and Zac’s philosophy on living a life you love.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

QUICK FACTS ABOUT ZAC’S HOME:

They currently live in New Mexico.

They transitioned from apartment, to camper and then to the tent.

The canvas home is 300 sq ft and 12 ft tall.

They built a platform and then a frame, then essentially just slid the tent on.

They have polycarbonate sheets on the front of the tent to let in sunlight.

They heat the tent with a propane heater. This is the one he mentioned: https://www.mrheater.com/big-buddy-portable-heater.html

They have a water well and use their Berkey to filter it. https://www.berkeyfilters.com

The house cost $5,000 to build.

They have a composting toilet. This is the one thing Zac mentioned not enjoying in terms of upkeep.

They’re not off the grid, they go into “town” for normal activities.

“If you don’t like your life- try something. If you still don’t like it- try something else!”

The Etsy Shop:

Zac sells custom lights for homes and businesses.

He builds in shipping container.

www.etsy.com/shop/MoonStoneFox

SOCIAL QUESTIONS:

Q: Did you ever have a moment where it was so overwhelming and you felt like you made the wrong choice?

A: There are always doubts/fears but he was so tired of California and ready for a change that this life is refreshing.

Q: Do you plan on homeschooling?

A: Yes. Zac and his siblings were homeschooled and they plan on doing the same.

Q: Are bugs a problem?

A: Surprisingly, NO!

Q: Do you grow your own vegetables?

A: Yes, but not a full farm lifestyle. They try to buy local as much as possible.

FIND ZAC:

Website | https://denforourcubs.wordpress.com

The Gram | https://www.instagram.com/DENFOROURCUBS/

Etsy | https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonStoneFox

FOLLOW US on social media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Furniture Design | HTH 025

Furniture Design | HTH 025

How to Home Podcast

play

07/09/19 • 46 min

This week Aaron and Tracy chat with Patrick Cain of Patrick Cain Designs about his interesting path to becoming a furniture designer, and the business side of being a maker.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

NOTABLE MOMENTS :

  • Patrick attributes his success to having a curiosity and learning.
  • He started mid-century modern and moved into minimalist design.
  • He’s currently working on a brutalist vibe with a little touch of Memphis.
  • Patrick’s company employs people from every continent.
  • The shop’s process is super collaborative. Patrick has everyone in the shop give input.
  • In addition to his main site, Patrick sells his second hand concrete pieces on Etsy, and also at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
  • “Do what you like, save what you love as a hobby”.
  • Patrick looks at selling at the flea market as free A/B testing. He can tell if he’s doing the right thing by who approaches him to hear more.
  • “I believe in open cabinetry because you can’t hide things!”
  • The dogs in Patrick’s photos are from Angel City Pitbulls.
  • If you’re thinking of starting a business, focus on a product that’s safe and then expand.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING FURNITURE:

  • If it’s MDF or particle board it’s not going to hold up.
  • The heavier the better.
  • Look for furniture that is environmentally friendly. Things that are made from new materials are better if they’re going to last 10 years.

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS:

  • Patrick uses recycled styrofoam in his concrete pieces.
  • Their team looks for fallen trees and materials that can be reclaimed.

SOME CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS/MOST REWARDING:

  • One of the biggest challenges is, Los Angeles doesn’t make it easy to run a business.
  • Being able to pay yourself is tough- it goes to employees and getting reinvested.
  • Having steady work.
  • Finding employees! Finding reliable people is so difficult.
  • Having a happy customer is really rewarding.

FIND PATRICK:

Website | patrickcaindesigns.com

The Gram | @patrickcaindesigns

Facebook | facebook.com/PatrickCainDesigns

Pinterest | pinterest.com/PCD_Furniture

FOLLOW US on Social Media:

Website | https://howtohome.com/

Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp

Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij

Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc

Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH

SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:

Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp

Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm

Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c

Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
How to Home Podcast - Building a Modern Home with Ben Uyeda | HTH 013
play

04/16/19 • 54 min

This week, we chat with the phenomenally talented, Ben Uyeda. We talk about his incredible undertaking of building a shipping container home in the middle of the Joshua Tree desert, his design process and some of his favorite materials to work with currently.

LET’S CHAT!

You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!

978-709-1040

FAST FACTS ABOUT BEN (FROM BEN):

Started out as a professor at Cornell University speaking about sustainable design.

Started a design firm called Zero Energy Design- https://zeroenergy.com

Started a tech company called Free Green where he gave away free blueprints with eco friendly housing, and sold advertising on the actual downloadable blueprints, and eventually sold it.

Launched Homemade-Modern.com where he started creating DIY projects.

Show Highlights:

Ben takes a lot of cues from food media. They don’t need a lot of fancy stuff or gadgets, just understanding the elements.

Plywood and concrete are two of Ben’s favorite materials. Concrete because it’s accessible worldwide, plywood because even if it’s not the same globally, people are at least familiar with sheet goods.

If you’re going to buy furniture try to find the cheapest basics and then splurge on the things you’re going to keep forever.

You can have a creative career that’s not dependent on patronage.

You can be more forgiving: Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly flat, people actually like things that look more homemade.

Tracy asked Ben about the future of architecture and he talked about the trends of smaller homes and more urban type living situations like lofts. Open floor plans becoming the norm, building performance, thermal comfort and smart homes are all trending.

Ben doesn’t like analytics but he values them. When looking for new property he searched areas where Whole Foods were popping up.

We Mentioned:

The Spiral Staircase Made With CNC- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd-Z7OTAjJ0

The Bucket Stool- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npPRWDgpduI

The Lounge Chair- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QHbp2bwUyA

Ben’s Shipping Container Project:

Ben felt like there was a lot of misinformation about container construction, so he decided to just show the process and enjoy the fun challenge.

He wanted to show the regulation intensive process of building in California.

You might think a container is a great deal, but take into account the labor cost and how intensive each step can be.

Homemade Modern:

Driven by the underserved DIY population of people who wanted to build things in a smaller space with minimal tools.

You can build a ton of stuff with an orbital sander, circular saw and drill.

PHONE CALLS/SOCIAL:

Q: How long did it take to cut all of the plywood for spiral staircase?

A: It was actually cut with a cnc machine (https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve) , so about 30 hours of cnc time.

Q: Is there any difference in insulating a shipping container as opposed to a house?

A: Yes and no, the only part that’s really different is if you have to insulate between floor beams. Wood isn’t as conductive of heat as steel is. They insulated between steel beams and then continuous insulation above the plywood and from the metal in.

Q: Were you building things and taking things apart when you were young?

A: Ben loved the way that making could lead to adventure. He was inspired by Swiss Family Robinson and Huckleberry Finn.

Q: Besides permits what was the biggest challenge of building the shipping container?

A: Just not having clear answers for the workers on how to do things. They’d ask questions about how to do things and Ben had to research and figure things out as they moved forward. (And holding his temper in the comment section of the videos...)

Q: What’s the cheapest place to get a shipping container?

A: It depends on where you are. In CA they have to be a one trip condition container. In SoCal it’s https://containersdiscount.ca

Find Ben’s Quickfire video on our Instagram! @howtohome_guide

Ben’s INFO

Website | https://www.homemade-modern.com

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/benjaminuyeda

Twitter | https://twitter.com/BenUyeda

Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/BenUyeda/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ben.uyeda

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/HomeMadeModern

The Modern Home Project |

bookmark
plus icon
share episode