Let's Talk... HOME repair!
92 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsSeattle Contractor and owner of Amyworks, Amy Ecklund, and homeowner and DIY'er Alicia Healey discuss a broad range of home repair, remodeling and home appliance issues. Topics, guests and your questions! Lighthearted, humorous and frank discussion to demystify your home!
The first episodes were recorded in late 2019 right before COVID restrictions hit the United States. We're back with NEW episodes starting in June 2021!
Send your home repair, remodeling or home appliance questions to [email protected]
Topics include:
Appliances, tools, tips and tricks, working with contractors, remodeling advice, new design elements, reports from the field!
Recorded at The Winterblue Room studio in Seattle, WA
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Episodes
89 Announcement and Winter Maintenance Reminders
November 24, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBIs it really an episode? Hmmm. More of an announcement that WE'LL BE BACK in the new year... but there are also reminders on winter maintenance for your home!
88 Happy Hour part 2: Darylene Dennon, Kimberly Martin, Adriana Ramirez
May 18, 2023 13:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBHappy Hour part 2: Darylene Dennon, Kimberly Martin, Adriana Ramirez
87 "Happy Hour" with Darlyene Dennon, Kimberley Martin and Adriana Ramirez (Part 1)
May 04, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBWhat happens when you put four business owners and a banker in the same room??! A joyful Happy Hour discussion! Amy & Alicia Healey welcome Darylene Dennon (painter/handyperson/business owner), Kimberley Martin (landscaper, hardscaper, deck builder, business owner), & Adriana Ramirez (VP at Banner Bank) to our latest "Happy Hour". How did they get started? What are the pros and cons of owning your own business? How to handle employees? How to get a loan for a new or existing business? NO T...
86 Deep Dive: Water Heaters, beyond maintenance (components, kinds, plumbing, repair or replace); Plungers and Water Closet Augers
April 20, 2023 13:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBWe've talked about water heaters before - mostly around maintenance - but today we go DEEP into water heaters. The different kinds, components, plumbing considerations, water main shut offs, and how to consider whether to repair or replace a failing water heater. We also touch on best way to use a plungers and how a water closet auger works (when plunging isn't enough!) Send you stories and ideas on what you'd like us to cover: [email protected].
85 Carpenters' Math and Wallpaper is Back!
April 06, 2023 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBHelpful hints with measurements or "Carpenters' Math" and the evil resurgence of wallpaper !
84 Painting Cabinets with expert Jennifer Tennyson
March 23, 2023 13:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBJennifer Tennyson of Tennyson Paint - an all service home painting company - joins Amy and Alicia in the studio to guide us through painting cabinets (and some general painting facts)
83 Picture hanging tricks - Dryer hose alternative - Air quality in your home
March 09, 2023 13:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode: Tip from Sheila! Tricks for hanging something on a nail or hook you can't see! Using a Dryer Periscope Vent instead of a traditional hose. Humidity and dryness in the home Questions and comments can be sent to [email protected]
82 When to use Primer, a new Tool Crate! and a Matriarchy Build story
February 23, 2023 13:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBAmy and Alicia discuss when you need to use a paint primer, a new Tool Crate was delivered and Amy tells a story of helping a client install a kitchen sink disposal through the Matriarchy Build service (www.matriarchybuild.com if you want to give it a try!)
81 We're Back! Let's catch up
February 09, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWe've been gone for a couple months but we're back for 2023 with more chats on home care, remodels and tools and building and paint and... well, we talk about a lot of stuff. In today's episode we catch up on items we left hanging back in November 2022!
Special guest: Bridgette Boudreau - Navigating Emotions throughout a Renovation
November 10, 2022 13:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBBridgette Boudreau, a master certified personal and executive coach, helping people navigate change joins us in the studio. Bridgette gives some great advice for you and your family while living through a remodeling project that has the potential to be an incredibly stressful event. Check out Bridgette’s website www.BridgetteBoudreau.com or send her an email at [email protected] Have comments or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected] This episode is recorded at The...
79 Habitat for Humanity build, No VOC paint and fun things with a pressure washer.
October 27, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIn this episode, Amy talks about a Habitat for Humanity build they were involved in in North Bend as part of a Professional Women in Building event. The discussion then turns to No VOC paint and first hand experience that Amy had painting at Habitat and while painting their soon-to-arrive grandbaby. No smell!! Tool corner brings us to different things to do with a pressure washer beyond the standard sidewalks and siding cleaning. Things like pumpkin carving, fish scaling and potato pee...
Bathroom remodel update, angle grinders and a subwoofer fix.
October 20, 2022 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBAlicia gives us an update on her bathroom remodel. Demo has started, electrical and plumbing have been roughed in. Tool Corner finds us talking about angle grinders and the different uses such as grinding, polishing, cutting, paint removal, and removing mortar between bricks. Amy shares their attempt to repair their subwoofer associated with the tv sound bar. Interesting discovery. If you have any questions, comments or a subject you’d like us to talk about send us an email at askamy@a...
EP 77 Grace Kim Architect & Co-founder of Schemata Workshop
September 30, 2022 17:15 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBAmy and Alicia have a great conversation with Architect Grace Kim about co-housing and the barriers to affordable housing development in Seattle. The causes and solutions around the "missing middle" in our housing supply. More information about the Schemata Workshop: https://www.schemataworkshop.com/
76 Fall maintenance and screwdrivers
September 22, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 75.7 MBAmy and Alicia talk fall maintenance tasks to keep your home in tip top shape. Gutter cleaning, filter changing, weatherproofing and more. Alicia loves her screwdrivers and we talk all kinds of options when thinking of screwdrivers, Allen wrenches and bits. If you have questions, comments or want to suggest a topic for us to cover, email us at [email protected]. Leave us a review and subscribe. This podcast was recorded at The Winterblue Room (www.the Winterblue room.com) in Seattle.
Workforce Development and Bathroom Update
September 15, 2022 18:00 - 36 minutes - 84.5 MBIn this episode Amy talks about their involvement in workforce development for the residential construction industry. The Wood Tech Center (WTC) in Seattle has been struggling for several years and is threatened with closure. A task force has been created on the state level with Frank Chopp, state representative from the 43rd district, and Louise Chernin, chair of the Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees, acting as co-chairs along with faculty and industry representatives. This task force i...
74 Building Codes & Cohousing Report
September 08, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode Amy & Alicia discuss building codes. Amy explains some of the specific codes that exist when it comes to bathrooms, stairs, electrical and more. It's important to keep these in mind when considering a remodel or building new. What are some building codes that make you tear your hair out? You can find out more about cohousing at The Cohousing Association website. Amy gives us an update about what they learned at the cohousing conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Send ...
73 Joy Fire from the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths
September 01, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 41.1 MBWe have a special guest! Joy Fire from the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. You KNOW you want to pound some hot metal. Learn more about the art of blacksmithing and this Society that promotes partnerships and mentorships throughout the country. https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com/ for more information. And send your questions, comments, desires to [email protected]
72 Kitchen Countertop Options
August 25, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBAmy and Alicia discuss various kitchen countertop options. Amy references past podcast guests Matriarchy Build who have some great DIY inspiration articles including this one on countertops. There are many considerations to keep in mind when choosing countertops for your kitchen. Alicia discusses the difficulty and regret that she's had with her honed quartz kitchen countertops. Listen for all the considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen remodel and the pros and cons beh...
71 Guest Andy Pace of Green Design Center
August 18, 2022 13:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBThis week Amy and Alicia are joined by guest Andy Pace, owner of The Green Design Center and host of the Non Toxic Environments Podcast. Andy has over 30 years of experience in the field of chemical sensitivity, building materials and non-toxic construction. He's a leading educator for those who suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities, and asthma when they are trying to create a healthy home environment. You can find Andy at The Green Design Center for more information about the w...
70 Encore Episode: PNW Trade Pioneers
August 11, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutes - 46.6 MBWhile Amy and Alicia take a short summer hiatus from recording, we wanted to share another encore episode with our listeners. They will be back in the studio very soon so send us your questions and comments at [email protected] In celebration of Women in History month Alicia and Amy are joined by three great women from the Seattle area that have forged great careers and businesses in the male-dominated trades industry. Louise Hansen – owner of Weezee’s Plumbing (www.weezeesplumbing.com)...
69 Encore Episode: Happy Hour with the AmyWorks Crew
August 04, 2022 13:00 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBWhile Amy and Alicia take a short summer hiatus from recording, we wanted to share this encore episode with our listeners! If "Let's Talk...Home Repair " had been created only to publish this episode, it would be a worthy endeavor. This episode is a little different, but in the best way possible . Alicia and Amy welcome 3 special guests: Susan (Construction Estimator), Shannon (Carpenter) and Kayla (Project Manager) all members of the Amyworks team. Rather than listener questions, this we...
68 Cleaning Myths and the Anatomy of a Shower Pan
July 28, 2022 13:00 - 26 minutes - 20.9 MBAmy goes over cleaning hacks that don’t work or actually cause damage to surfaces that you are trying to clean. Did you know that dish soap is actually damaging for your automobile paint? Also in this episode, have you ever wondered about what your shower floor is made of? Amy explains the anatomy of a shower pan. The installation and products you choose in your shower make a huge difference in the durability and ensures that you have water moving in all the right places. Let’s Talk Home...
67 Tree Stumps & Case Study Sub Contractor Walk Through
July 21, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBAmy and Alicia discuss the various ways to remove tree stumps in your yard. Amy discusses various ways that are possible to attempt to get rid of large stumps that are in your way. Have you ever removed a large tree stump in your yard? Tell us how it went and what you learned! Email us at [email protected] Alicia experienced the sub-contractor walk through with AmyWorks and gives us the update about how that went. She gives us the client perspective of what it was like. Let’s Talk Home...
66 Updates on Past Projects plus Lincoln Block Cabin
July 14, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBAmy and Alicia have Kayla in the studio today! Amy gives an update on the Chillwell air cooler that was a bit of a disappointment on a hot summer day. We also get an update on consulting with Matriarchy Build from episode 56. For a limited time you can get a free session with Amy via Zoom to get your DIY home project questions answered using code: amyecklund. A reminder that you can sign up to volunteer with Sound Foundations to help build a tiny house for the unhoused. We also hear about ...
65 Bathroom Project Part #2 THE SITE VISIT
July 07, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBPart #2 SITE VISIT What happens at a site visit? We recorded the actual conversation during the site visit for Alicia's Guest Bath remodel. Project Manager Kayla from Amyworks arrives, and then...
64 Special Guest: Melissa Garcia of La Matriarca Woodworkings
June 30, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBEpisode 64 - Melissa Garcia founder of La Matriarca Woodworkings joins Amy and Alicia to discuss the specialty work that she does in the Seattle area. She specializes in deck builds and restoration as well as making furniture and home decor. Check out her river tables! You can find her at https://www.lamatriarcawoodworkings.com/ where you will find examples of her work and videos. Her tagline is "honoring lineage, building community & empowering womxn". Let's Talk Home Repair is recorde...
63 Primer on Plywood & Painting a Porch
June 23, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBAmy gives us all the details on the various types and sizes of plywood. We get a break down for the best uses for each type of plywood. Amy also talks about the difference and application for using melamine, MDF, and OSB. Did you know that you can get better quality from a local store such as Dunn Lumber (in Seattle) vs. buying from your big box stores? Painting prep for porches when you are doing it yourself. Most house painters are booked up for the summer so these tips will help you com...
62 Summer Hot Weather Tips
June 16, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBAmy is back! What should we do to prepare for a hot summer? Amy tells us about an upcoming ultra white paint that is going to help keep our homes cooler. Amy has ordered a new tool for cooling small areas of the home to review and will report back to us on how it works. What portable cooling units have you tried and had success with? Send us a note at [email protected]. When considering air quality with upcoming smoke season coming calls for air purifiers. AmyWorks office has been u...
61 Case Study - Bathroom Project Pt. 1
June 09, 2022 13:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBKayla, Production Manager for AmyWorks joins Alicia in place of Amy this week. Alicia is talking about doing a bathroom remodel. What does that initial process of considering a remodel with a general contractor look like? Kayla walks us through the whole process from getting an estimate through the entire remodeling project. A lot of thought and consideration goes into every project. Ensure that you have a good working relationship with your general contractor. It’s all about good communi...
60 Look what's in store for summer home maintenance.
June 02, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBAmy talks about their recent visit to a co-housing community in Seattle. Grace Kim is an architect and owner of Schemata Workshop that is passionate about co-housing and gave a Ted Talk about the benefits of living in co-housing community. Summer Home Maintenance Tips: 1. Roof Make sure all tree limbs are not taking over your roof. 2. HVAC Time to service your heating and cooling system to avoid delays. Consider getting on an annual maintenance plan with your trusted HVAC c...
59 The Hope Factory and guest Barb Oliver of Sound Foundations NW
May 26, 2022 13:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBBarb Oliver is the director of Sound Foundations NW, an organization that builds tiny homes for the unhoused using volunteer labor and donated materials. Sound Foundations NW began at Camp Second Chance in West Seattle, building directly on-site, but last year they were able to move into a large warehouse space in SoDo, which they call "The Hope Factory". They've built well over 100 homes, refining the process along the way to an amazing degree of thrift and efficiency, all while maintaining...
58 Kitchen Remodel ROI - things to avoid
May 19, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBWhat kitchen renovations are not going to give you a return on your investment when selling your home? But first…. Amy troubleshoots a listener question about a waterfall faucet that comes out of a mirror. Plus, it’s time for a Tool Crate update! The subscription this time included a mechanical contractor pencil and a 24 volt brushless circular saw by Flex. Tips for what to avoid in kitchen renovations when considering your return on investment (ROI): · Kitchen renovations should ...
57 Popcorn, Knockdown and Orange Peel - surface textures
May 12, 2022 13:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBAmy gives us the exciting update that the DADU has been completed. Hear how it wrapped up and what’s coming next. Amy also gives us a definition about what it means to be a certified builder. This week our listener question is: Why do popcorn ceilings exist and what do we do with them? Popcorn ceilings came into popularity in the 1950’s when there was a construction boom. They were quick and inexpensive. Get your popcorn ceiling tested for asbestos! Amy defines the different drywall styl...
56 Matriarchy Build-the “telehealth” of DIY
May 05, 2022 13:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBAlicia and Amy are joined by Lacey Soslow and Gabriella Ansley, co-creators of Matriarchy Build. Matriarchy Build is an online platform created to promote and support women and queer folks looking for help in the home DIY arena and to give exposure to the many bad-ass women out there working the trades and getting the job done. The Matriarchy Build website allows people to connect with professionals in the trades to ask questions and get one on one consultations for anything home or trades...
55 Spiffy home updates under $100
April 28, 2022 13:00 - 32 minutes - 73.6 MBIn this episode, Amy and Alicia talk about home improvements that can be done for under $100! They answer a listener question about hard-wired smoke detectors. Amy lets us know that smoke detectors only have a life span of about 10 years. Remember to use canned smoke to test your smoke detectors. Eleven ideas for home improvements for under $100: 1. Embrace the power of decluttering! 2. Take a whole house inventory and write it down. What furniture or items are needed so you aren...
54 Special Guest Mandy Rennehan, The Blue Collar CEO
April 21, 2022 13:00 - 47 minutes - 108 MBMandy Rennehan is the founder and CEO of Fresh Co. (not the grocery store!), a commercial remodeling company on the east coast and Canada. She is the author of Blue Collar CEO and host of the upcoming HGTV Canadian show, Trading Up. Mandy talks about how she went from being a rookie contractor to a multi-millionaire contractor. She discusses the challenges of entering the trades as a woman in a predominately male dominated industry. Mandy, Amy and Alicia discuss the classist attitudes and ...
53 Keeping it clean!
April 14, 2022 13:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode... Listeners email - “Hi, Angie from Springfield again. Getting caught up on the podcast. Just want you to know I appreciate you both SO much! All the stuff I need to know but was afraid to ask is here. I really loved your episode on to replace or repair. Oh, and the saws… I have to go back and listen to that one and take notes because it is chock full of helpful info.” Anyway, re: workplace development. Maybe you could hang around hospitals and clinics. I know a lot of nu...
52 Guest Jack Hanks of Velocity Public Adjusting
April 07, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBJack Hanks from Velocity Public Adjusting joins Alicia and Amy and talks about public adjusting associated with insurance claims after a disaster to one’s home or commercial property. As a public adjuster, Jack and his company represent the consumer/insured, striving to collect a higher claim than what the insurance company initially gave often under-compensating for the actual damages. Through thorough review of the insurance policy and the damaged property public adjusters are often able t...
51 Special Guest Morgan Mentzer of Reckoning Trade Project
March 31, 2022 13:00 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MBMorgan Mentzer is the co-founder and executive director of Reckoning Trade Project. Morgan started with an undergrad in human rights then wanted to be an auto mechanic and turn wrenches. But then determined that she also wanted to be lawyer. Her dream was to have a auto repair shop where she could fix your car and file any legal papers you need as well. She started as an apprentice mechanic, went to tech school then decided to go to law school. After completing law school Morgan worked part...
50 Happy 50th Episode! Seattle Home Show, Spring Maintenance and Blue Tape!
March 24, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBThe Seattle Home Show – Alicia and Amy recount their time at the home show and their attempt to record an episode of the podcast. Due to technical difficulties the recording didn’t happen, but they had a blast nonetheless. They are throwing the idea around of taking the show in the road. Listener email – Joe from Ontario gave Alicia some advice on how to deal with her ice issue in her freezer. DADU update – Looking like a house! Cabinets are going in, doors, flooring, counters, and plumb...
49 Pacific Northwest Women Trade Pioneers
March 17, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBIn celebration of Women in History month Alicia and Amy are joined by three great women from the Seattle area that have forged great careers and businesses in the male-dominated trades industry. Louise Hansen – owner of Weezee’s Plumbing (www.weezeesplumbing.com) Catie Chaplin – Residential Carpentry program instructor with Wood Technology Center in Seattle Alice Lockridge – Exercise Physiologist and advocate of women in physically demanding careers. The discussion ranges from women bein...
48 Follow-up on Flesh-sensing Saw and Tool Crate Reveal!
March 10, 2022 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBA listener from Madison, WI gave us a great follow-up to the table saw that stops instantly when it senses flesh. Scott sent us pictures too: “Hi Amy, Alicia, and Kayla, I just wanted to follow up on some of the gray areas around the flesh-sensing saw technology. I have owned one for a few years. The saws actually sense an electrical current that flows through the blade, a current which changes if it contacts your body. The blade stops and is retracted below the saw table in abou...
47 IBS 2022 and First Year of Home Ownership
March 03, 2022 13:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBOverview of the IBS (International Builders Show) 2022. Amy attended the show in Orlando and shares about the huge event and what they experienced. · Workforce Development – always looking for ways to fill the void in the trades. · Land development, affordable housing and what is “the missing middle”. · Modular housing products i.e. SIPs panels (structural insulated panels). · Virtual reality for new house plan review · Wall panels that replace tile · Site scape...
46 Guest Dennis Stinson talks HVAC!
February 24, 2022 13:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBAlicia and Amy welcome guest Dennis Stinson of Fujitsu General America. Dennis talks about high efficiency heating, heat pumps, and what hybrid homes means. www.fujitsugeneral.com If you have questions or want to share your story please email us at [email protected]. This podcast is recorded at The Winterblue Room in Seattle.
45 Replace Reuse Repair
February 17, 2022 13:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThis week Alicia, Amy and Kayla talk about repairing, replacing, or reusing things around the home. They start with kitchen counter cutting boards. Kayla recommends taking measurements or pictures of the original piece to make sure that the new one is a good fit. This also helps when reassembling an appliance to make sure it all goes back together the same and the screws are in the right place. Repair or replace the faucet when it starts to drip? And what about cleaning it before replacing ...
44 Power Saws!
February 10, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBWe are joined by Kayla, AmyWorks’ project manager. Project update on the DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit). The plumbing rough-in and electrical rough-in are done along with the HVAC including inspections for all. Mini split unit with no ducting (Alicia’s favorite) was also done and then followed by insulation. According to Kayla it looks “hairy” but coming together. Framing inspection and HVAC to be done and getting ready for drywall. Supply chain issues have hit the project and ...
43 Guest April Rauch - Selling or Buying a Home
February 03, 2022 13:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAlicia and Amy welcome April Rauch, a real estate agent with Windemere in Seattle with 26 years of experience helping her clients buy and sell their homes. April lends some great advice on such as knowing when to do a total renovation and when to just freshen up. They also talk about having a full bath with a tub and is it necessary for the home sale. The question of staging is brought up and whether it really helps in the sale. April shares some insider info on client behavior with staged h...
42 Maintain Your Batteries!
January 27, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBThings that will shorten the life of your rechargeable tool batteries. Keeping them on the charger - this can cause overcharging which results in a shortened lifespan Storing dead batteries for long periods of time. Swap to a new one before it dies and charge dead ones for 20 minutes before storing. Completely draining a battery. With older Ni-Cd it was recommended to drain them completely before storage. keep an eye on the battery’s power indicator. Storing batteries that are fully char...
41 On the Level with Levels
January 20, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBQ&A- Listener from Springfield, MO sent in a question about a three-way level. They want to build a fence and the instructions called for a three-way level and they sent a note asking to explain this a little bit. Hope this helps. Thanks Angela. Tools/tricks/tips- types of levels Levels consist if tubes that have water, alcohol, or some other liquid-filled tube with a bubble. There are two (sometimes four lines) on the tubes that when level the bubble rests exactly between the two lines....
40 Frozen pipes and Rats - Happy New Year!
January 13, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBOn this episode Alicia tells of her woes during the freeze we experienced in Seattle over the holidays. Not only were there frozen pipes to contend with there was also a mystery of where was the water actually frozen. She found shut off valves that were useless and realized she didn’t really know her home. Pipe heaters plugged into several extension cords were discovered but Alicia was left wondering if the heaters really worked. Then came the furry visitors that found comfort in the warmt...