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Hiring a Contractor: Advice from The Homeowners Show

59 episodes on finding, vetting and paying a contractor, with the trades themselves in the room explaining how bids, leads and liens really work.

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The short version

What the show has actually said about hiring somebody

This is the biggest question the show gets and it has the least satisfying answer: there is no list. What there is instead is dozens of conversations with the people who do the work, recorded close enough to the job that they say things a marketing page never would.

The mechanics first. Chris Turner of Turner Home Improvement on collecting three bids and comparing them honestly. Designer Mel Stevens and builder Kristy Dupuy came on twice as one team, and part two is entirely about talking money with a contractor and reading a bid line by line for the items that are missing. Ashley Wade Cline of Monroe Painting walked through a written bid and what a gallon of good paint costs. Jennifer Lopez of Cromeens Law Firm covered construction liens and the deadlines that decide whether one holds.

Then the lead problem. After a hostile sales call, the hosts asked their contractor friends what Angi Leads actually delivers and got answers like 21 leads, 1 was valid. Brett Taylor built The Builder Market as a free directory instead. Sinuhe Montoya of DroneQuote produces three real roof quotes from a drone inspection with nobody sitting at your kitchen table.

And the trades themselves, one at a time. Adrian Rojas of In Home Floors on vinyl plank wear layers and flooring scams. Robert Green of Green Light Movers on damage claims and spotting an inexperienced crew. David Todd and Loren Lyon of Garage Kings on polyaspartic against epoxy. Lewis Vandervalk of Integrity Junk Removal on dump fees and how hauling gets priced. Randolph Rowland of Mr. Welds on why a bad weld shows up long after the invoice clears.

A lot of these were recorded live at networking events around Houston and The Woodlands, which is why the guest list runs so long. Start wherever your project is.

59 episodes

Every Hiring episode

Decoding Home Services: Franchising, Branding, and Trust artwork
Ep 347Mar 31, 20261 hr 20 min

Decoding Home Services: Franchising, Branding, and Trust

In this episode of the Homeowner Show, hosts Kevin Hackett and Craig Williams are joined by Shane Lynch, President of Storm Guard, and Derek Hummel, Director of Marketing for Storm Guard. The conversation begins with observations on the changing seasons, including the influx of insects like June bugs and mosquitoes, and the effects of a mild winter on termite populations.

Live at Sawyer Park with The Net artwork
Ep 324Jul 1, 20252 hr 55 min

Live at Sawyer Park with The Net

Title: Live at Sawyer Park with The Net Host: Craig Williams Sponsors: Lone Star Appliance Repair Contact: 936-647-2364 Overview: Join us for an engaging session live from Sawyer Park, where we delve into a variety of topics ranging from business insights to personal growth strategies. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or looking to hire professionals, this session offers valuable information and options for your home and business.

Blind Trust: The Texas Rat Scam artwork
Ep 321May 13, 202551 min

Blind Trust: The Texas Rat Scam

Blind Trust: The Texas Rat Scam In this episode Craig and Kevin get to the bottom of a ridiculous rodent scam. We have a crazy story that has multiple twists and turns and will leave your jaw wide open.

LIVE show on Location at Sawyer Park Icehouse artwork
Ep 316Apr 3, 20251 hr 45 min

LIVE show on Location at Sawyer Park Icehouse

LIVE at Sawyer Park Icehouse with The Net Networking Group, Craig was able to sit with a huge variety of guests over almost two hours and dig deep into their business and current events for homeowners across the nation. Thank you to ur sponsors!

Rats and Repairs: Tackling Pest Control and Home Maintenance artwork
Ep 313Mar 13, 202540 min

Rats and Repairs: Tackling Pest Control and Home Maintenance

Join hosts Kevin Hackett and Craig William in Episode 313 of The Homeowner Show as they explore the latest trends and practical advice for homeowners. This episode features a lively discussion about the importance of reliable service providers, particularly in the realms of pest control and home maintenance.

Bill Burr SUCKS and We're Live at Moonshine Deck with The Net! artwork
Ep 309Jan 21, 20252 hr 24 min

Bill Burr SUCKS and We're Live at Moonshine Deck with The Net!

EP 299 Show Notes **Show Notes for The Homeowner Show - Live Episode at Moondeck Ice House** **Episode Title:** Homeowner Show Live at Moondeck Ice House **Date:** 1.16.25 **Hosts:** Kevin and Craig Williams **Guests:** - Rick Collins, Owner of Go Financial Solutions - Rachel Drody, Owner of Harper Grayson Communications - Scott Williams, Juggernaut Paper Processing - Adrian Rojas, Owner of In Home Floors - Robert Green, Owner of Greenlight Movers - Jeff McKinney, Merchant Processing Specialist --- **Episode Highlights:** 1. **Introduction:** - Welcome to the Homeowner Show, live from Moondeck Ice House in Magnolia, Texas. - Hosts Kevin and Craig discuss the weather and upcoming cold front predictions. 2. **Guest Segment - Rick Collins:** - Rick discusses his business, Geaux Financial Solutions, focusing on infinite banking and debt elimination strategies. - He explains how his program helps clients pay off their homes faster and save money.

Election Night 2024 artwork
Ep 301Nov 12, 20243 hr 2 min

Election Night 2024

Shownotes for this podcast transcript: - The show is the "Homeowner Show" hosted by Kevin Hackett and Craig Williams, broadcasting live on election night 2024. - The show features several sponsors, including: - True Texas Solar - Provides solar, roofing, and home energy solutions - Walke-Wilson Law Firm - Specializes in family law and divorce/child custody cases - Sanco Services - General contracting for land clearing, home construction, and remodeling - Fisher Family Plumbing - Residential and commercial plumbing services - Faust Landscaping - Provides landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor design services - The hosts discuss the latest election results, with Trump currently leading Kamala Harris in the electoral college. They note several swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin are leaning red. - The guests provide insights into their respective industries, including: - Mickey from True Texas Solar discussing solar panel installation and the pros/cons of solar shingles - Laura from Fisher Family Plumbing recommending homeowners get camera inspections for older home plumbing - Mike from Faust Landscaping sharing how he's streamlined operations and processes in his landscaping business - The hosts emphasize the importance of civility and respect, even among those with differing political views.

LIVE from the Montgomery County Home and Outdoor Living Show artwork
Ep 294Sep 10, 20241 hr 50 min

LIVE from the Montgomery County Home and Outdoor Living Show

LIVE from Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show Please visit our website for more information: https://www.homeownersshow.com/ πŸ””Subscribe now for the best DIY tips and homeowner advice tailored just for you! https://www.youtube.com/@homeownersshow?sub_confirmation=1 πŸ”— Important Links To Follow: πŸ‘‰ Wear Your Support, Show Your Pride: Homeowners Show T-shirt: https://a.co/d/369bWbS βœ… Stay Connected With Us. πŸ‘‰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeownersshow?mibextid=LQQJ4d πŸ‘‰ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/homeownersshow πŸ‘‰ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@craigbwilliams πŸ‘‰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeownersThe πŸ‘‰ Website: https://www.homeownersshow.com/ βœ… For Business Inquiries: info@homeownersshow.com ============================= βœ… Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: πŸ‘‰ Ultimate Theme Park Test! Honest Review of Rocky Boots - Surprisingly Comfortable Work Boots! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BdI_c3ecto πŸ‘‰Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Conspiracy Theory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XheQ9f9iyA πŸ‘‰ National Parks Free Pass Video gets CRAZY Responses! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJnQH-sBuk8 πŸ‘‰ Throw out your kids toys? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqAOtSN3z5E βœ… About Homeowners Show: Welcome to our YouTube channel, the go-to resource for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts!

Speed Interviews with Special Guest Host Dick Schissler from Lone Star Community Radio artwork
Ep 282Apr 23, 20241 hr 53 min

Speed Interviews with Special Guest Host Dick Schissler from Lone Star Community Radio

Craig sits down with multiple guests at The Net live in person networking event at Moonshine Deck in Montgomery Texas Lone Star Appliance Repair - 936-647-2364 – Give them a call for all your appliance repair needs. πŸ””Subscribe now for the best DIY tips and homeowner advice tailored just for you! https://www.youtube.com/@homeownersshow?sub_confirmation=1 πŸ”— Important Links To Follow: πŸ‘‰ Wear Your Support, Show Your Pride: Homeowners Show T-shirt: https://a.co/d/369bWbS βœ… Stay Connected With Us. πŸ‘‰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeownersshow?mibextid=LQQJ4d πŸ‘‰ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/homeownersshow πŸ‘‰ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@craigbwilliams πŸ‘‰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeownersThe πŸ‘‰ Website: https://www.homeownersshow.com/ βœ… For Business Inquiries: info@homeownersshow.com ============================= βœ… Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: πŸ‘‰ Throw out your kids toys? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqAOtSN3z5E πŸ‘‰ Pure Poetry in an amazon 1 star review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6NBmMQvqM8 πŸ‘‰ How to Buy a $1600 Robot Vacuum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ziJo2EjgY πŸ‘‰ What Mold Repair Company Should You Hire? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMuMGrCqDeg βœ… About Homeowners Show: Welcome to our YouTube channel, the go-to resource for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts! Whether rolling up your sleeves for your next DIY project or seeking the best professionals for home improvements, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

The 2024 Montgomery Home & Garden Show with True Texas Solar artwork
Ep 278Mar 12, 20241 hr 34 min

The 2024 Montgomery Home & Garden Show with True Texas Solar

The 2024 Montgomery Home & Garden Show in Conroe, Texas, where we dive into the latest home improvement ideas and outdoor living solutions. Please visit our website for more information: https://www.homeownersshow.com/ Discover innovative remodelling trends, from deck and pergola designs to home spas and lap pools.

Live at Bakers Street Pub with the Net artwork
Ep 261Sep 19, 20232 hr 8 min

Live at Bakers Street Pub with the Net

Welcome to the Homeowner Show, live from Baker Street Pub and Grill in The Woodlands, Texas! Join Kevin Hackett and Craig Williams as they bring the entire studio to the waterway, including the beloved Breggman statue.

Live at MOCO Food Hall with The Net artwork
Ep 250Jun 20, 202357 min

Live at MOCO Food Hall with The Net

We are live at the Net networking event in Conroe, TX with contractors from the Woodlands, North Houston area and beyond! We are here at Moco Food Hall, and it's an awesome place with a coffee shop, burger place, cajun place, and an asian place - all air conditioned and out of the rain.

From Shocking Solutions to Sparkling Spaces: How to Amp Up Your Homeowner Game with Raymond Taylor, Melissa Ann, and Robert Biehle artwork
Ep 245May 9, 202338 min

From Shocking Solutions to Sparkling Spaces: How to Amp Up Your Homeowner Game with Raymond Taylor, Melissa Ann, and Robert Biehle

In this episode of The Homeowners Show, guest host John Havard from The Cowboy Jack Show and Dads Gone Mild Podcast sits down with three business owners who specialize in services that are essential for every homeowner. First up is Raymond Taylor, the founder of Fantail Services, a consulting firm that provides customized solutions to businesses looking to improve their operations.

Picking the right Painter with Ashley Wade Cline from the Monroe Painting Company artwork
Ep 243Apr 18, 202316 min

Picking the right Painter with Ashley Wade Cline from the Monroe Painting Company

Welcome to this week's episode of The Homeowners Show, where we dive deep into the world of home renovation and provide you with expert advice to help you make informed decisions about your next home project. In this episode, we are joined by Ashley Wade Cline, the founder and owner of The Monroe Painter Company, a reputable painting company serving the Montgomery County area.

The Contractors Network Event LIVE artwork
Ep 224Dec 6, 202244 min

The Contractors Network Event LIVE

We interviewed for over 2 hours at the Contractors Network LIVE event in Spring TX and had an absolute blast. We had Special Guest Host John Havard also known as Cowboy Jack!

In Home Floors with Adrian Rojas artwork
Ep 202Jul 26, 20221 hr 30 min

In Home Floors with Adrian Rojas

Buying and having flooring installed can be one of the most stressful and expensive improvements you can make on your home. Finding the person to guide you along the way seems next to impossible.

Landscaping with Michael Faust artwork
Ep 199Jul 5, 20221 hr 16 min

Landscaping with Michael Faust

In this episode Craig and Kevin interview Michael Faust, owner of Faust Landscaping. Hiring a lawn care company is something that many people do.

Personal Organization with Amy Honeycutt artwork
Ep 196Jun 14, 20221 hr 32 min

Personal Organization with Amy Honeycutt

In this episode Craig and Kevin interview Amy Honeycutt, owner of Simplified Spaces by Amy. What she does is simple – she comes into your home and helps you organize it.

Remodeling with Lauren Wilson artwork
Ep 194May 31, 20221 hr 14 min

Remodeling with Lauren Wilson

In this episode Craig and Kevin interview Lauren Wilson with Redefined Remodeling. Lauren does a lot of turnkey remodeling jobs where she goes in before a homeowner takes possession of their home and does a full remodel of the home.

Moving with Robert Green artwork
Ep 188Apr 19, 20221 hr 24 min

Moving with Robert Green

In this episode, Craig and Kevin interview Robert Green, owner of Green Light Movers. Moving can be one of the most stressful things you can do in your life.

Junk Removal with Lewis Vandervalk artwork
Ep 165Nov 9, 20211 hr 6 min

Junk Removal with Lewis Vandervalk

In this episode Craig and Kevin talk with Lewis Vandervalk, owner of Integrity Junk Removal and Demolition. There are many reasons why you might need a company to come and remove junk from your property.

The Builder Market with Brett Taylor artwork
Ep 157Sep 7, 20211 hr 6 min

The Builder Market with Brett Taylor

In this episode Craig visits with the founder of The Builder Market, Brett Taylor; a new online and free directory of contractors and service providers in all 50 states where you can post your projects and get immediate response from local business owners in your area. Check them out!

Lumber and Contractors and Murder Hornets! With special Guest Eric G. artwork
Ep 150Jul 20, 202159 min

Lumber and Contractors and Murder Hornets! With special Guest Eric G.

Craig sits down for a long chat with Eric G from Around the House to talk about Lumber Prices and what the future looks like for your home improvement projects as well as the state of contractors in our respective states and even a little update on the Murder Hornets in the Pacific North West.

Garage Floor Coatings with Garage Kings artwork
Ep 142May 25, 20211 hr 14 min

Garage Floor Coatings with Garage Kings

In this episode Craig and Kevin interview David Todd and Loren Lyon with Garage Kings. Garage floor coatings are a new trend among homeowners because of the amazing durability, ease of cleaning, and overall appearance and functionality they provide.

How An Architect and A Builder Design Together artwork
Ep 127Feb 9, 20211 hr 32 min

How An Architect and A Builder Design Together

In this episode, Craig and Kevin talk with David Applebaum, an architect from California, and Kristy Dupuy of Expressive Builders. David and Kristy have teamed up on a unique build of a home that is in a floodplain and has some very specific requirements.

That Time We Talked About Christmas Lights artwork
Ep 118Dec 8, 20201 hr 0 min

That Time We Talked About Christmas Lights

In this episode, Craig and Kevin talk about lighting up your house with Christmas lights. When it comes to Christmas lights, there are so many options, and so many different ways to get the job done.

That Time We Talked About a Renovation Partnership (Part 2) artwork
Ep 110Oct 6, 202057 min

That Time We Talked About a Renovation Partnership (Part 2)

In this episode Craig and Kevin have a conversation with Mel Stevens with Design on a Dime and Kristy Dupuy with Expressive Builders about a renovation project they are partnering on. Mel is an interior designer and Kristy is a home builder and they work together often.

That Time We Talked About a Renovation Partnership (Part 1) artwork
Ep 109Sep 29, 20201 hr 6 min

That Time We Talked About a Renovation Partnership (Part 1)

In this episode Craig and Kevin have a conversation with Mel Stevens with Design on a Dime and Kristy Dupuy with Expressive Builders about a renovation project they are partnering on. Mel is an interior designer and Kristy is a home builder and they work together often.

That Time We Talked To Tachus Internet Provider artwork
Ep 103Aug 18, 202055 min

That Time We Talked To Tachus Internet Provider

In this episode Craig and Kevin talk with Tachus CEO Hal Brumfield and CFO Carter Old. In the era where life cannot exist without the internet, we are forced to figure out what the best internet service provider (ISP) we should bring into our home to supply our internet connectivity.

That Time We Talked About Cleaning Services artwork
Ep 93Jun 9, 20201 hr 2 min

That Time We Talked About Cleaning Services

In this episode, Craig and Kevin talk with Tonya Manley with J&W Janitorial Services. When you hear the name, you may think primarily of commercial cleaning services, but they do residential as well.

That Time We Talked About Smart Buildings artwork
Ep 68Dec 24, 20191 hr 23 min

That Time We Talked About Smart Buildings

In this episode, Craig and Kevin interview David Carr, owner of Smart Size Buildings. Many people are in need of a shed, storage building, garage, or some sort of small building for their home.

That Time We Talked About DroneQuote artwork
Ep 56Oct 1, 20191 hr 11 min

That Time We Talked About DroneQuote

In this episode, Craig and Kevin talk with Sinuhe Montoya, owner of DroneQuote. DroneQuote is a company that brokers solar and roofing installation, giving you three quotes from reputable companies in a hassle free way.

That Time We Talked About Hoarding artwork
Ep 35May 7, 20191 hr 6 min

That Time We Talked About Hoarding

In this episode, Craig and Kevin talk with Maury Hammond, owner of Freedom Home Services. Maury goes into homes that have been taken over with piles of stuff that has been collected over time, helps remove excess, deep cleans, organizes, and repairs homes back to a manageable and functional state.

There is a lot more where that came from.

The archive runs to hundreds of episodes on foundations, HVAC, pests, hiring, insurance and everything else a house throws at you. New ones every week.

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