Home with Dean Sharp
1,029 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 125 ratingsNobody knows your home like The House Whisperer. From architecture and construction to decor and DIY, Dean Sharp—custom home designer and builder—shows you how to transform your ordinary house into an extraordinary home.
Listen live, Saturdays 6-8am PST and Sundays 9-12pm PST.
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Episodes
What Makes a Home, Homey, Part 2 | Hour 1
July 14, 2024 19:07 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBDean continues the topic of how to make a home homier. He says a house creates a shelter, and a home creates a homey vibe. Dean shares his breakdown when providing a consult for his potential clients for a makeover. He discusses the emotional compass of homes and how they are the key to a dream remodel.
What Makes a Home, Homey, Part 2 | Hour 2
July 14, 2024 19:07 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBDean advises a caller on removing rust from a toilet bowl. Dean talks about subterranean issues on a home's foundation and fixing a leaking drip system. Dean shares different ways of being able to contact him and Tina for a house consultation. Dean says the key to getting over remodeling confusion is to figure out how different inspirations make you feel.
What Makes a Home, Homey, Part 2 | Hour 3
July 14, 2024 19:06 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBBreaking News: President Biden delivers remarks following assassination attempt of former President Trump. Dean wants to know how many emotional spaces one needs in a home. Dean says that when picking the right design for your home should help the feel of your home. Dean talks about the various styles of homes and how they are pre-written stories. Dean says colors, textures, landscapes, and shapes are part of emotional meaning and that they are a dynamic of architectural compounds.
What Makes a Home, Homey, Part 1 | Hour 1
July 14, 2024 01:11 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBDean talks about transforming your home into an extortionary home. He also talks about Karate Kid the film and the wax on and wax off theory. Plus, Dean talks about different types of homes from fancy neighborhoods to regular.
What Makes a Home, Homey, Part 1 | Hour 2
July 14, 2024 01:11 - 29 minutes - 27 MBDean talks about installation and keeping fresh, cooling air, bathroom and having running water and how it’s the physical shelter for a living person. He ventures into the conversation of outdoor abduction kitchens and takes listener calls.
Outdoor Kitchens Part 2 | Hour 1
July 07, 2024 19:41 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBDean continues to talk outdoor kitchens and provides the steps to get that outdoor kitchen without bursting a hole in your wallet. Dean’s shares his go-to item: a simple kitchen - when out in the wilderness as its important to have a kitchen to cook a good meal. Dean says to haven an idea of the types of foods you’d like to consume while out in nature so that you know what to bring along on the journey. Dean says that determining what and how to cook outdoors is also key. Dean says that a g...
Outdoor Kitchens Part 2 | Hour 2
July 07, 2024 19:41 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBDean continues with calls; Dean helps a caller about adding a whole house water system in their home. Dean shares the differences between filtration and purification water and how it helps remove bacteria. Dean covers the rotisserie grill feature on the high-end specialty grills and the importance of space in the outdoor kitchen area. Also, how Dean enjoys a simple outdoor kitchen vibe due to the cost when it comes to outdoor cabinetry and talks about outdoor protection for outdoor kitchens d...
Outdoor Kitchens Part 2 | Hour 3
July 07, 2024 19:41 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBDean takes a call about trees and their roots causing damage to a porch. Dean talks about electrification and the new existence of electric grills. He also discusses about a free-standing sink for a great price as its grilling month and many stores have break-through sales for outdoor kitchen supplies. PLUS, the topic of aged coolers and how its another appliance to add-on to the outdoor kitchen set up for hot summer days. Dean discusses solutions on having the interaction of the cook and the...
Outdoor Kitchens Part 1 | Hour 1
July 06, 2024 20:56 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBDean is talking outdoor Kitchens and the importance of staying cool in these hot temperatures. July is national grilling month and how great outdoor cooking has evolved throughout the years. Dean talks about backpacking and his upcoming trip to the Sierra Madre area, and the appliances he takes when camping or backpacking. Dean shares his piece of advice when it comes to building your outdoor kitchen. Also, learning what to cook when cooking outdoors. Plus, which equipment to have.
Outdoor Kitchens Part 1 | Hour 2
July 06, 2024 20:56 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBDean helps a caller dealing with a smelly laundry drain and finding the root of the issue. Dean breaks down the basic differences between barbecuing and grilling. He provides examples of the types of grilling and what it means to actually grill. He then goes into explaining what barbecuing means and his way of doing it. Lastly, Dean recaps the fundamentals of both, grilling and barbecuing.
Water Wisdom Weekend, Part 2 | Hour 1
June 30, 2024 19:38 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBDean dives into water wisdom for part two of Water Wisdom Weekend, discussing filtration, softening systems, and smart water use. He emphasizes finding a balance—not turning your home into a rainforest or desert, but using water wisely. Dean highlights the importance of using water effectively, particularly for SoCal residents, advising against daytime watering and recommending upgrading to a smart irrigation controller. These controllers, now affordable on Amazon, adapt to weather conditio...
Water Wisdom Weekend, Part 2 | Hour 2
June 30, 2024 19:38 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBDean kicks off the second hour with a caller discussing how to handle foundation cracks in an HOA setting. Next, he dives into smart irrigation systems, explaining their detailed customization and efficiency. Dean also recommends switching to an electric tankless water heater for optimal performance. Shifting focus inside the house, Dean emphasizes the importance of water filtration systems. He explains that reducing scale from municipal water supplies can improve water taste and extend a...
Water Wisdom Weekend, Part 2| Hour 3
June 30, 2024 19:38 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBDean starts the hour emphasizing that we’re not in a drought, so don’t zeroscape your lawns. Lush greenery helps keep our environment cooler and moister. He also discusses why water softeners, originally designed for industrial use, are a mistake for homes. Instead, he recommends a descaling system to protect your appliances and faucets. Dean takes a call about handling asbestos tiles, offering practical advice. He then circles back to water filtration, covering different types and materi...
Water Wisdom Weekend | Hour 1
June 29, 2024 15:26 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBIt’s a water wisdom weekend as Dean talks about using water properly, water troubles and landscaping.Summer is here and with no drought, Dean shares his knowledge of water usage when it comes to landscaping your property. Dean says to not strip your landscape to create a desert environment but to have fun with the landscaping. Dean recommends Theodore Payne Foundation as a good place for native California plants imaginable. Dean provides advice to a caller about replacing an old roof and miti...
Water Wisdom Weekend | Hour 2
June 29, 2024 15:26 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBDean continues to take calls as he provides advice on replacing an older roof and a/c installation. Dean suggests to plant trees to help create shade and how transpiration works to help cool the air around the area by simply having trees. Dean talks about the different types of sprinklers and a simple adjustment to the irrigation system can make a difference with water conservation in SoCal. Dean says to use water and use it wisely (no wasting water) Have to keep it green and cool by having ...
The House Whisperer’s Not So Secret Specialty Vendor List Part 2 | Hour 1
June 23, 2024 19:43 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBToday, Dean continues to share his specialty vendor list of his favorite businesses that help bring your home to the next level. Dean talks about LA’S Pinky’s Iron Doors and their classy door inventory. He talks about Walker Zanger, and their custom stone items too. Dean also provides a suggestion to a caller that spilt a beam when his vehicle hit a property.
The House Whisperer’s Not So Secret Specialty Vendor List Part 2 | Hour 2
June 23, 2024 19:43 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBDean continues answering callers questions: removing a kitchen counter sink that was installed incorrectly. Dean talks about Lights Styles, and their lighting design experts and their various lighting, lamps and chandeliers options. He talks things Theodore Pain Foundation, and how the company is the most resourceful when it comes to California native nursery plants. Also, The Valley Hive, for their bee keeping supplies and expert bee counsel. Lastly, Dean says to window shop and become fam...
The House Whisperer’s Not So Secret Specialty Vendor List Part 2 | Hour 3
June 23, 2024 19:42 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBDean mentions Hardware Specialty Work, for their specialty custom lumber and their work. ean returns taking calls, Dean gives recommendations on exterior finishes. Dean talks about the Kitchen Store, and rants about their large cabinet options and anything surrounding the kitchen. Dean talks about Aldik Home, with their extortionary high-quality artificial plants and home decor. Dean dives into Pasadena Architectural Salvage, as it is known for their vintage items for homes. Dean mentions Wi...
The House Whisperer’s Not So Secret Specialty Vendor List Part 1 | Hour 1
June 22, 2024 15:43 - 29 minutes - 26.5 MBDean shares his Specialty Vendor List a.k.a. his connections to businesses he uses. Dean talks hot climate and provides tips on how to keep your home cool with the air conditioner. Dean talks about Reseda Discount Pottering & Fountains – with over 1k inventory of fountains running on display. Dean provides an important fact about fans and how they don’t cool rooms down but tend to cool human body temperature instead. He also, talks about Restoration Hardware; with their high-quality furnit...
The House Whisperer’s Not So Secret Specialty Vendor List Part 1 | Hour 2
June 22, 2024 15:41 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBDean answers caller's burning questions about their home: water entering basement due to rain and tips on how to remove stains on a porcelain kitchen sink. Dean talks about HD Buttercup, a manu-tailor (manufacturer tailoring) retailer with great furniture and its different locations. Plus, Dean talks about Coco Republic, the Australian company that owns HD Buttercup furniture store.
The New Attic | Hour 1
June 16, 2024 19:29 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBDean talks about the Post fire near Gorman burns more than 11,000 acres, prompts hundreds of evacuations and the new kind of attic that is predicted to be inside residential homes in the 21st century. Dean starts to explain the new attic that has finally arrived in California! It's the unvented conditioned attic. Dean breaks down the basics of an unvented conditioned attics- sealed up tight, no vents or installation on floor but the slope of the attic. Plus, Dean adviced a caller about adding...
The New Attic | Hour 2
June 16, 2024 19:29 - 32 minutes - 30 MBDean helps a caller about exterior window shutters that are uneven but functional. Dean suggests a type of window film to cut the UV exposure for caller. Dean explains the continuing envelope of the house with standard installations or open/close cell spray-on. Dean shares that unvented attics help with energy savings.
The New Attic | Hour 3
June 16, 2024 19:29 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBDean advices a caller about installing an above ground pool, and the recommendations for a sand liner from the manufacturer. Dean tells a caller that he needs to inform the lighting inspector what they want and to have a sit-down conversation to have a clear reflective ceiling plan. Dean provides recommendations on a good skylight window for a decent priced one. Dean says the benefits of closed- vent attics prevent embers, bugs and or rodents from getting into attic. Plus, Dean share’s a st...
Stepping Toward ELECTRIFICATION | Hour 1
June 15, 2024 16:09 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBToday, Dean steps towards electrification around the home. Dean shares that over the weekend he paid a visit to UCLA Medical Center for an injury on his foot. Dean talks about electric induction cook tops. Plus, he chats about ways to live in a smog free environment.
Stepping Toward ELECTRIFICATION | Hour 2
June 15, 2024 16:09 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBDean shares about a trade of with an off in-direct water heater system, combination broiler (radiant cooling system). Dean talks to a caller about tankless electrical water heaters, how much electricity is used and how it's still cost efficient! Dean talks about gas heaters and how the future of heaters will be electric. Also, natural course will automatically be electric once older electrical panels die out. Dean continues to talk about electrification and its regulations. Lastly, Dean says...
Important Insights For Your Remodel, Part 2 | Hour 1
June 09, 2024 19:06 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBIn the first hour, Dean dives into the second part of his series on essential remodel insights that you won't hear often. If you missed part one, start there! He revisits a key point: don't take "no" from your builder or contractor. Most projects can be done, though they might be tough or cost more—don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. Dean shares practical tips for your remodel, focusing on the little things that can make a big difference. There are two areas that wow people: major st...
Important Insights For Your Remodel, Part 2 | Hour 2
June 09, 2024 19:06 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MBIn the second hour, Dean kicks things off by tackling a listener's question about deciding between a remodel and a teardown. He shares a checklist of considerations, starting with whether your goals can be met with the existing floor plan. Dean then encourages listeners to follow him on social media @homewithdean for a special feature video related to today's content. He revisits his remodel advice, suggesting the removal of unnecessary recessed can lighting and upgrading baseboards. He remi...
Important Insights For Your Remodel, Part 2 | Hour 3
June 09, 2024 19:06 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBIn the third hour, Dean teases an upcoming discussion on new attic building techniques that will change the game. He then takes a call about concrete pavers, discussing their function and how to preserve them. Dean revisits the remodel list, focusing on doors. He strongly recommends replacing all interior doors with solid core ones, despite their higher cost, for a significant quality upgrade. He also emphasizes the importance of smooth flooring transitions between rooms, noting that while c...
Important Insights For Your Remodel, Part 1 | Hour 1
June 08, 2024 15:27 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIn the first hour, Dean begins a two-part series on remodel insights that are often overlooked, and also shares his passion for making the perfect cup of coffee. He emphasizes that contractors and builders should never say "never can be done," but rather offer compromise-based solutions and conduct cost-benefit analyses. Dean highlights the importance of transparency and solution-oriented approaches from contractors, noting that while they aren't designers, they play a crucial role in the re...
Important Insights For Your Remodel, Part 1 | Hour 2
June 08, 2024 15:26 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIn the second hour, Dean addresses caller questions, starting with advice on creating a slip-resistant marble floor for a shower/bathtub combo using high-friction anti-slip sealers. He then discusses the necessity of inspections and how to approach them, recommending contact with the Board of Building and Safety, and talks about the streamlined permit process for ADUs. Dean also advises a caller on repairing chips and finishes in a trek-built deck. He emphasizes that today's advice is part...
Curb Appeal Part 2 - Hour 3
June 03, 2024 16:15 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBDean continues discussing Curb Appeal and your home, how do to it properly, no matter the budget you have. Dean also takes listener questions about programmable thermostats, painting and flooring and which should come first, and a remodel of a three-car garage into an ADU and problems with air conditioning and heating in the new space.
Curb Appeal Part 2 - Hour 2
June 03, 2024 16:11 - 32 minutes - 30 MBDean continues his discussion on Curb Appeal for your home and how to make it great, even on a small budget and tackles listener questions about replacing a tile floor, how to build equity by doing home improvements on a budget, and a kitchen remodel that include hardwood countertops.
Curb Appeal Part 2 - Hour 1
June 03, 2024 16:06 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBDean talks curb appeal and how small changes can make a big difference in how your home is viewed by others and ultimately how it can help you get more for your money when you're ready to sell. Dean tackles listener calls on outdoor hoses, small gadget suggestions for Father's Day gifts, the value of investing in a 'Little Giant' ladder and a flickering issue with dimmable canned lights.
Curb Appeal - Hour 2
June 03, 2024 16:01 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBDean continues his discussion of curb appeal and how to make the most of the first impression your home makes to someone driving by. Dean also takes listener calls about floating floor problems, and how to remedy a drywall texture issue after a water leak damaged the wall.
Curb Appeal - Hour 1
June 03, 2024 15:57 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBDean talks about your home's curb appeal and how important it can be especially when you're looking to sell it. He walks you through how to create a home with nice curb appeal. Dean also answers listener questions about entry doors and the right kind of door for different climates, pressure treated wood for fences and how to remedy an issue with a floating floor.
Landscape, Hardscape, and Softscape Explained | Hour 1
June 02, 2024 19:13 - 30 minutes - 28 MBIn the first hour, Dean dives into the topic of landscaping, explaining the differences between landscape, hardscape, and softscape, and what homeowners can achieve with each. He encourages listeners to rethink and potentially redesign their landscapes, emphasizing that builder-provided landscaping is often an afterthought. Dean provides seven compelling reasons to invest in landscaping, highlighting the ease of building irrigation lines with proper guidance from digalert.com. He discusses t...
Landscape, Hardscape, and Softscape Explained | Hour 2
June 02, 2024 19:13 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn the second hour, Dean continues the discussion on lawn shrimp infestations, explaining their beneficial role in composting but highlighting the need to address excessive moisture to prevent them from invading homes. He reassures listeners that lawn shrimp are not harmful to health and pest control services can assist with cleanup and moisture control. Dean then talks about the benefits of landscaping and takes a call from a listener interested in creating a Japanese-style garden, advising...
Landscape, Hardscape, and Softscape Explained | Hour 3
June 02, 2024 19:12 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBIn the third hour, Dean discusses landscape design for the 21st-century home, emphasizing the need for more nature and less visible structure to create a park-like feel. He uses Central Park as an example of expertly done landscaping that blends hardscape with nature seamlessly. Dean highlights that landscaping offers the highest return on investment, encouraging homeowners to rethink and redraw their outdoor spaces. He advises against following existing landscape lines, suggesting a more na...
Lawns, Are They Still a Thing? | Hour 1
June 01, 2024 15:41 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn the first hour, Dean focuses on the topic of lawns as summer approaches, debating whether to add to them or remove them in light of potential droughts. He explores the historical significance of lawns and advancements in lawn tools, discussing the traditional meaning of lawns in the early 20th century and the ongoing debate in California about maintaining or tearing them out during droughts. Dean covers the types of grasses, particularly the non-native Kentucky bluegrass commonly used in ...
Lawns, Are They Still a Thing? | Hour 2
June 01, 2024 15:41 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBIn the second hour, Dean addresses various home improvement topics, starting with a caller's question about wall insulation and the differences between plaster and drywall. He suggests options like removing plaster to install thick rockwool insulation or adding a new wall inside the existing one. Dean revisits the concept of non-native grasses and their impact on insect life, emphasizing that native plants are essential for a healthy ecosystem. He explains that non-native lawns can be as det...
Outdoor Living Part 2 | Hour 1
May 19, 2024 19:33 - 28 minutes - 26 MBDean continues with part two on biophilia's outdoor living style (our relationship with nature). Dean believes that dead silence isn’t the best for relaxation but, how birds and their sounds are the key to relaxation. Dean talks about how the patterns of trees and their branches also helps the mind go to a relaxed state. Dean shares his expertise on a delayed water heating system & how a bridge valve could help with issue.
Outdoor Living Part 2 | Hour 2
May 19, 2024 19:32 - 30 minutes - 28 MBDean helps a caller dealing with buckling luxury vinyl and how to fix the problem. Dean says views and vistas are important and every house needs more windows for great views & that includes a nice landscape with your outdoor living. Dean shares about the biggest mistakes people make in their backyards and on outdoor furniture. Pus, Brian from Aldik Home furniture joins Dean as he talks about their products and how to bring your outdoor living area to life.
Outdoor Living Part 2 | Hour 3
May 19, 2024 19:31 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBDean chats with Roy and Brian from Aldik Home Furniture as they discuss the build of their pieces as the store is a furniture store paradise! Dean provides a caller dealing with termites in her home and what method of exterminations are out there; a whole house tenting or on-spot treatment approach. Roy and Brian chat about high quality teak outdoor furniture. Dean shares a video on socials on a piece of work from the Aldik Furniture store to showcase its craftsmanship. Brian talks about the...
Outdoor Living Part 1 | Hour 1
May 18, 2024 16:05 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBDean talks about biophilic outdoor living as he defines what biophilia means and how it has become very popular in homes.New generation of individuals are spending about 17% less time outside than other generations and its causing major stress/learning disabilities. Dean shares how humans have a natural connection with biophilia realm. Also, background noise equals stress such in urban living areas. Dean adives a caller on what type of paint to use when painting a porch near a lake.
Outdoor Living Part 1 | Hour 2
May 18, 2024 16:05 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBDean advices on running a gas line to a BBQ grill and the installing rules. Dean shares that listening to birds chirping is the best natural sound to help with relaxation. Dean continues with relaxing/ stress-free sounds that helps your mind, body & soul. Dean says that bringing birds into your home helps create a stress-free environment as it works for his family. Plus,, how we as humans are becoming more bioscientific aware of our body and home environments.
051224 Dean Hour 3 - Mother's Day Calls Extravanganza
May 13, 2024 17:55 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBDean is taking calls from only the ladies today for Mother's Day. Dean offers the ladies advice on electrical outlets, how to put in an overmount sink without affecting the existing countertop and, attic vents, the proper way to seal a wood floor and the best kind of grass when you have big dogs.
051224 Dean Hour 2 -Mother's Day Call Extravananza
May 13, 2024 17:53 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIt's a Mother's Day all calls extravaganza, with calls from only the ladies. Dean gave some advice about wood burning stoves, fireplaces, and trellis troubles.
051224 Dean Hour 1 - Mother's Day Call Extravaganza
May 13, 2024 17:51 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIt's Mother's Day, so we're taking calls from the ladies all morning! Taking calls about light fixtures, critter problems and shared walls when you have neighbors that smoke.
All Calls Weekend! Day 1 | Hour 2
May 11, 2024 15:21 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIt's an all-calls weekend as Dean answers callers burning questions surrounding their home. Dean talks about carbon monoxide alarms and where’s the best place for installation. He gets into toilets that are brand new and not flushing properly, Dean advices a caller about the type of paint to use & how to paint their home for a long lasting paint job. Plus, Dean shares on how to plant a tree and how to nourish it successfully.
Important Things You Might Not Know, Part 2 | Hour 1
May 05, 2024 19:28 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBDean continues part two of random assembly of things you should know about your home. He also talks about recessed can lights and how the light hits in those areas where installed. Dean talks about trim-less can lights and how they are pricier. However, currently in demand. Dean says there’s 2 types of rules when it comes to lights. Lamps bring decor and attention, while recess lights don’t, they just bring the light into the space. Plus, Dean answers a callers question about uncovering a fir...