Talking Aboout Home Repairs and Home Inspection
Honest Home Podcast Season 1 is hosted by Christopher and Theresa Meis and highlights a variety of home-maintenance topics.
Season 2 features Christopher and Adam talking about the things they encounter on inspections – common issues, cool features, and unique situations.
This first episode of Season 2 follows Christopher through searching for and discovering a utility room that wasn’t quite up to snuff.
Episode 1 | 6min
Past Episodes
Everybody Wants To Find A Secret
Christopher's keen eye leads him to discover a surprise for the new homeowner!
An Issue of Utility
This first episode of Season 2 follows Christopher through searching for and discovering a utility room that wasn't quite up to snuff.
Storage
Most of us have a lot of stuff. A great deal of that stuff is useful, but that doesn’t mean it has to be immediately accessible at all times. In this episode we take a verbal stroll through the home and discuss the many storage options available for the variety of...
The Straight Poo About Sewers
Oh, yay! It's time to talk about sewers! Because of Taro Gomi's classic book, we all know that every home needs a way to manage waste. In this episode we talk about all types of sewers, what a sewer scope inspection will find, and talk about many gross and...
Radon 101
This week we talk about radon - what it is, where it comes from, how to measure it, and how to mitigate. The State of Minnesota recently enacted a law requiring licensure for radon measurement professionals, and as a part of that licensure, Christopher has to...
Central Air Unit Maintenance
Hey, guess what? It's hot and humid in Minnesota during the summer! Crazy, right?! Anyway, we know that routine cleaning and maintenance of things that we operate by pushing a magic button on the wall are tasks that slip by us all too easily, so we're here to remind...
Electricity!
Most of what we cover in this episode is: Electricity can kill you. Never hesitate calling a licensed electrician to handle the work for you. Having said that, we do cover some homeowner DIY basics - swapping out lights, switches, and outlets. We also discuss common...
Painting 101
Painting is something most homeowners feel they can tackle on their own. If you've never painted before, or you just want to get some tips from an expert, we'll talk you through tools and technique in this week's episode. Also: Theresa has a revelation that emphasizes...
Patching Holes in Walls
This week we talk patching holes in walls! We cover both drywall and plaster patches, and go into detail about what tools and techniques can help you create seemingly seamless patches. *We are not sponsored by Home Depot - you can also find these items at most major...
Working with kids
This week we talk about doing home improvement projects with young people - your own children, young relatives, any children you mentor who may want to learn some fix-it skills! We address safety, education, and all the benefits that children reap when they start...
Home Owner Repairs vs Contractors
This week we look at what types of repairs are great for homeowners who want to really get into the work of maintaining their home, versus those instances when a contractor might be the best person for the job. We also discuss how to vet a contractor. W.hat...
Mystery Plants and Garden Planning
This week we tackle the perennial question: Do I let the landscaping grow in this first year I own my home, or do I change everything out right away? We cover plant identification, landscaping tips, how to remove dangerous/problem thorny interlopers, and garden...
Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, and Chimneys
This week we dive into all things fire! Fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys all require regular maintenance in order to function properly and SAFELY! Now that the burning season is more or less over, this is the best time to have the fire-heat system in your home...
Get That Deck Ready For Summer!
It's officially spring! After a rather rough winter, we needed a break from Doom & Gloom podcasts. This week we're talking decks - how to ensure they're ready for spring, and how to maintain them. We touch on patios a bit, too! And we discuss our Maintenance...
Emergency Podcast: Spring Thaw Water Management & Basement Flooding
Over the weekend, Central and Southern Minnesota got an additional 6-12" of heavy, wet snow. Now, two days later, it's starting to rain. Temps will be in the 30s with rain for the next 2-3 days. The potential for flooding is extremely high. That's why we've put...
Don’t Lock People In Your Basement
This week we address safe means of egress (the means of entering and exiting a location). We were jacked up on cookie dough and exhaustion, so we cover everything from fire safety to serial killers to tapping maples to make syrup! Resources: My Favorite Murder - one...
Look Ahead to Spring
In this episode we talk about water management (especially in light of the record snowfall we had this month!) and how to ensure the spring thaw doesn't leave your basement flooded. We also take a look at landscaping. Our listener question is about repairing loose...
Listener Questions: Alesha and Nick in Minneapolis
Today we answered several questions from listeners Alesha and Nick who live in an older home in Minneapolis. Topics covered: Hardwood floors, asbestos, paint stripping, and more hardwood floors. They even supplied our W.hat T.he Fail for the week: placing trim around...
The Homes of Our Lives
In this episode Christopher and Theresa walk down memory lane and discuss the homes they've owned, the deferred maintenance issues they faced in each home, and what they learned along the way. Also in this episode: door rot - what might cause it and how to address it!...
All About Ice Dams
In this episode we tackle that seasonal foe, ice dams. We describe what causes ice dams, how to prevent and/or remove them safely, and take a look at the role your attic ventilation and insulation plays in the formation of ice dams. We also discuss Zonolite, an...
Honest Home Podcast – The Launch
After many years of being podcast enthusiasts, Christopher and I are excited to announce the launch of our very own podcast! The Honest Home Podcast is an educational podcast about home maintenance. We cover typical seasonal and preventative maintenance looks like,...