Author Archives: Dan Hansen

EP213: To Paint or Not to Paint

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SEGMENT 1: Tick Explosion

Tick populations are exploding in Michigan! Warmer winters and bird migration have contributed to a rise in the tick population in west Michigan. We talk about a few simple ways to help protect your whole family this summer. 

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Where Do You Stop?

 

Is painted trim right for you? We weigh the pros and cons of painting your trim and explain how to tackle this project yourself. We also discuss the growing trend of painting the trim colors other than white! The sky’s the limit for color but if you aren’t painting all the trim where do you start and stop? Tune in for an easy rule of thumb. 

SEGMENT 4: Junk Royalty


Dan is clearing out the barn! We know he’s not the only one with junk to get rid of so we thought we’d discuss all the options. Whether you need to hire a service to haul it away for you or just need to know where to take it, we’ve got you covered!

EP212: Black Gold

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SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Black Gold

Composting is a great way to cut down on the amount of trash filling your garbage can. However, most of us have probably seen or experienced a compost pile that smells and attracts pests. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. Learn how to do composting right!

MATERIALCARBON/NITROGENINFORMATION
Wood Chips/PelletsCarbonHigh carbon levels; use sparingly
Wood AshCarbonOnly use ash from clean materials; sprinkle lightly
Tea LeavesNitrogenLoose or in bags
Table ScrapsNitrogenAdd with dry carbon items
Straw or HayCarbonStraw is best; hay (with seeds) is less ideal
Shrub PruningsCarbonWoody pruning are slow to break down
Shredded PaperCarbonAvoid using glossy paper and colored inks
Seaweed and KelpNitrogenApply in thin layers; good source for trace minerals
Sawdust PelletsCarbonHigh carbon levels; add in layers to avoid clumping
Pine NeedlesCarbonAcidic; use in moderate amounts
NewspaperCarbonAvoid using glossy paper and colored inks
LeavesCarbonLeaves break down faster when shredded
Lawn and Garden WeedsNitrogenOnly use weeds which have not gone to seed
Green Comfrey LeavesNitrogenExcellent compost activator
Grass ClippingsNitrogenAdd in thin layers so they don't mat into clumps
Garden Plants-Use disease-free plants only
Fruit and Vegetable ScrapsNitrogenAdd with dry carbon items
Flowers, CuttingsNitrogenChop up any long woody stems
EggshellsNeutralBest when crushed
Dryer LintCarbonBest if from natural fibers
Corn Cobs, StalksCarbonSlow to decompose; best if chopped up
Coffee GroundsNitrogenFilter may also be included

SEGMENT 3: Meet the Professor

We are joined by Brad Krause, president of Service Professor. We talk about shortages we are seeing across industries and speculate on how long term that may be. Plus, learn all about the services they offer, including a new technology that improves your heating and cooling efficiency.

SEGMENT 4: Curb Appeal on a Budget

Obviously, painting the entire exterior will have the most impact. Fortunately, there are small projects that can improve the curb appeal of your home with less time and money invested. In this segment, color is the name of the game as we point out some overlooked projects….

EP211: The World in Blue and White

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SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Meet Michaela Noelle Designs

This is our third month curating monthly color palettes but the first time a designer has curated the colors for us! Michaela joins us to talk about the services she offers and what inspired this month’s color palette, “Forget-Me-Not”.

SEGMENT 3: Desert Island Paint

We welcome a familiar voice back and learn all about what Dan Altena and the RepcoLite Lab have been cooking up. RepcoLite has a couple of new products that will suit just about any interior paint job . . . . Tune in to learn about a technology you might not know about . . . .

SEGMENT 4: A Maze of Books?

Another Gem of West Michigan Segment! This time we feature Lowry’s Books and More, the second largest used book store in Michigan. You will want to set aside an entire afternoon to give your self plenty of time to get lost in the books!

EP210: An Unlikely Hero

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SEGMENT 1: The Wild Tulip

In honor of Tulip Time here in Holland, MI, we decided to pay tribute to the Tulip; a flower that has inspired great passion throughout history. Find out what exile, pharmaceuticals, mania, famine and Gluten-free bread all have in common…

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Outdoor Living Spotlight

Outdoor living is something we all want more of but few know how to achieve. We interview Kelly Karp a Landscape Designer from Landscape Design Services to bring you a few practical tips!

  • 616-399-1734

 

SEGMENT 4: Not Hazardous Enough?

There is still time to finish up your spring cleaning but how do you throw away your old paint?? We’ve got the answers for all of your Hazardous or… not so Hazardous waste.

  • Stop out at any RepcoLite Location with your unwanted Latex Paint.
  • For $3 we will responsibly dispose of, or recycle your unwanted paint.
  • Paint must be in its original can
  • Oil Based Paint must be treated as Hazardous Waste. We only take back latex products.

Ottawa County Hazardous Waste Disposal

Kent County Hazardous Waste Disposal

Holland
14053 Quincy Holland, MI 49424
Tuesday & Thursday: 8am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
2nd Saturday: 8am-11am

Grand Haven
16850 Comstock Avenue Suite B Grand Haven, MI 49417
Monday & Wednesday: 8am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
4th Saturday: 8am-11am

Coopersville
15600 68th Avenue Coopersville, MI 49404
Monday: 12pm-4pm
Wednesday: 8am-12pm
3rd Saturday: 8am-11am

Georgetown
6693 Roger Drive Jenison, MI 49428
Tuesday: 12pm-4pm
Thursday: 8am-12pm
1st Saturday: 8am-11am

Grand Rapids
1500 Scribner Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Wednesday 7:30- 11:30am

Rockford
2908 Ten Mile Rd Rockford, MI 49341
Monday-Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm

Byron Center
10300 South Kent Dr. Byron Center, MI 49315
Monday-Friday 7:30am-exactly 5:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am-3:30pm

Wyoming
1155 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 495
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 A.M. to 5:00

Muskegon
1300 E Keating Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
The second and fourth Friday each month, May – October 1:00 – 3:00 PM

EP209: Wainscoting . . . the Gateway Project

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SEGMENT 1: Baby Steps

Dan tells a story about stepping out of his comfort zone, which sparks a bigger conversation on the nature of comparison. We all need a reminder once in a while that good things take time. Our DIY dreams cannot happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean you should give up!

SEGMENT 2: Get Inspired!

Wainscoting has a long history and that might be why there’s so much variation in its design! This popular DIY project can have a huge impact and offers a lot of creative freedom. Which style of wainscoting is right for you?

SEGMENT 3: Wainscoting . . . the Gateway Project

In the last segment we listed all the reasons we think this project is so great from a design standpoint. Now we give you some practical advice on how to complete it yourself. This is a great project to build your toolbox and your skillset!

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Nailer
  • Chop Saw
  • Jig Saw
  • Stud Finder
  • Wood Filler
  • Caulk
  • Putty Knife
  • Sand Paper
  • Scuff-X Paint by Benjamin Moore
  • Paint Roller and Brush
  • Tape Measure
  • Level
  • Safety Glasses

 

SEGMENT 4: Mosquitos Beware

We are joined by Russ Plummer and Kyle Remmert from Mosquito Shield. If you fight with pesky mosquitos all summer long and are losing the battle, this could be the solution for you! Tune in to learn how it works and how you can save $50!

EP208: A Little Ghosting Problem

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SEGMENT 1: Is Dirt the New Prozac?

Here’s a segment from last year that’s worth replaying now that the weather’s warming up! If you’ve got flower beds that need work, there’s actually scientific evidence that digging in the dirt can be calming! Here’s one of the articles we reference in the segment….

SEGMENT 2: Which Wood?

Normally, we talk about cleaning and staining your deck for the Spring. But maybe you actually need to build a new deck altogether! If so, here’s an interview with Jason Slenk from Overisel Lumber that might help you decide which material to use.

SEGMENT 3: Goodbye Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains!

Last year, during the lockdowns, Dan stumbled on a bathroom cleaner that really helped clean up some of the trouble spots in one of the bathrooms in his home. It’s CLR: Brilliant Bath and it’s worth checking out!

SEGMENT 4: A Little Ghosting Problem….

Last year, on Memorial Day, Dan pointed out a ghosting (or thermal tracking) problem going on in his parents’ condo. He was happy to dish out the info . . . they were less than thrilled to realize that the things they thought were shadows on their walls were actually something else entirely!