Home with Dean Sharp

Dean lifts the lid on everything roofs—from the six essential components to the hidden details that keep your home safe and sound. He explains rafters, trusses, roof planes, and why proper venting isn’t just smart—it’s required. Plus, Dean and Tina celebrate the return of their backyard bees after years of trying, and Dean breaks down the importance of fireproof vents for added home protection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean tackles the sounds and secrets of your home—starting with a caller hearing a mysterious low-frequency rumble coming from their sliding door. He also helps another homeowner weigh the pros and cons of adding insulation versus upgrading their water heater to fix a chilly house. Then, Dean digs into the buzz about using soybean oil to extend the life of a roof—fact or fiction? Plus, a look at vintage attic designs with no nail holes and how they help protect Spanish tile roofs from moisture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: Dean reminds homeowners that a solid roof starts from the inside—repairing and insulating the attic before tackling the roof itself. He breaks down the world of roof tiles, explains tear-offs, and what it really means to do a “roof over,” including how roof shape can change. With California gearing up for a hot summer and a wet winter thanks to El Niño, Dean shares why now’s the time to get ahead on repairs. Plus, a full recap of roofing essentials to keep your home covered year-round. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6:05am – It’s an all-calls Saturday! Dean opens the phone lines to discuss anything surrounding your home! 6:20am – Dean advices a caller who wants to revamp her composite sink. 6:35 am – Dean talks overhang sinks and replacing sinks. 6:50 am – Dean talks about dealing with an old foundation on a property. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7:05am – Dean provides advice to a listener about a solar lease agreement. 7:20am - Dean talks solar lease rates and works around some loopholes with the electric bill. 7:35am –Dean dives into a leaking heater and what to do to fix it, 7:50am – Dean advices a caller on replacing their roof, and a termite tratment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean shares his ten-step playbook for finding the right contractor, stressing that it’s your responsibility to choose the person who will get the job done. He calls out a common “culture hole” — we rush into projects without considering design — and explains how to vet three or more qualified prospects. Dean’s practical advice starts with checking contractors’ legal credentials online and continues through the consultation: punctuality, appearance, clear communication, and knowing who you’re talking to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean walks you through his ten steps for finding the right contractor, then opens the phone lines to answer listeners’ burning questions. Topics include re-piping, the pros of pea-gravel hardscapes, weatherproof cabinets, spider-cracking concerns, solutions for a wavy roof, and the use (and cautions) of muriatic acid for treating roots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean continues his ten-step guide to hiring the right contractor, recapping key steps and emphasizing crew size and site care. He recommends asking about C.M.S. (construction management software), explains how the app works and what you can track, and urges clients to buy their own materials and expect transparent, no-markup pricing. Dean stresses jobsite courtesy (porta-potties, property protection) and closes with a rapid recap of the ten steps to finding the perfect contractor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6:05am – It’s an All-Call Saturday where Dean takes all types of questions surrounding your home! 6:20am – Dean instructs a caller on how to go about hiring contractors for landscaping and remodeling. 6:35 am – Dean talks sanded grout tile and how to clean countertop tile in the kitchen. 6:50 am – Dean shares the differences between a regular screen and a security screen and the benefits of security screens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7:05am – Dean provides advice to a caller dealing with debris in their insulation. 7:20am - Dean talks pavement replacements and city permits. 7:35am – Dean talks replacing roofs and shingles. 7:50am – Dean dives into re-stuccoing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Bathrooms as modern retreats → how design has shifted from pure function to comfort, privacy, and relaxation • Guest: Jim Zanovik (Nulook Baths, San Diego) → 40+ years in construction and bathroom remodeling • Why specialization matters → focusing on bathrooms leads to better quality, speed, and consistency • Inside a remodel → plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, drywall, lighting, ventilation • In-house crews vs subcontractors → more control, fewer delays, tighter timelines • What homeowners should ask → recent references, process, and realistic scheduling expectations • Common hidden issues → dry rot, water damage, and why experienced builders plan for the unknown • Timeline reality → prep and planning take weeks, but on-site work can be completed in days when done right See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Contractor timelines → why real projects require weeks of prep before a fast on-site build • Red flag: “I can start Monday” → likely delays due to missing materials and poor planning • Custom elements → cabinets, finishes, and especially glass shower doors drive timelines • Shower glass reality → measured after install, built to exact specs, adds ~1–2 week delay • Setting expectations → clear communication upfront prevents frustration mid-project • In-house vs suppliers → most work controlled internally, with select material partners (like glass) • Listener Q: “weep holes” in showers → myth vs reality, proper drainage happens at the drain system, not through wall openings • Listener Q: flooring choices → laminate vs luxury vinyl plank, durability, waterproofing, and sound considerations in multi-unit homes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Laminate vs LVP → waterproof core is the key difference • Where it matters → kitchens/baths need fully waterproof materials • Partial remodels → keep cabinets/counters, update wet areas + floor • Design rule → match exactly or go clearly complementary • Materials → composite walls, quartz, large-format porcelain panels • Benefits → fewer seams, no grout, easier maintenance • Custom fit → every bathroom measured and built to size • Warranties → about service and follow-through, not just years on paper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behold!!! It's an All-Calls Saturday with Dean Sharp, The House Whisperer! Everything sounds more intense if you add "Behold!!!" in front of it. BEHOLD!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean tackles all of you home improvement, design, and repair questions!!! It's an All Calls Saturday with Dean Sharp, The House Whisperer!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and Pests See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and Pests See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has Sprung & we're talking about Pets and Pests See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning’s first caller is installing welcome posts on his front porch — to sandblast, re-stain or paint, what would Dean recommend and what would he aint? Did that rhyme this time? Got an air gap? We’re talking venting for a dish washer. Is there anything bad that can happen from not having one? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there any way to clean the at-home air conditioner condensate drain that runs to the outside of the house? Let’s find out! What’s the best service to use for a clogged gutter on the second story when your regular handyman doesn’t want to touch it? It’s a new house, and his air conditioner and heating unit makes a popping sound when he switches it on and off. What’s up with that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.