Ep 028 – Smarter Remodeling – How Homeowner AI Transforms Project Planning

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle the world of home remodeling — and how Homeowner AI is making it easier, smarter, and far less overwhelming. From upgrading kitchens to redoing landscaping, remodeling is a massive industry filled with major decisions about budget, materials, and scope.

Beth and John break down remodeling projects into four main categories:

  • Big Systems (roofs, windows, HVAC)
  • Lifestyle Upgrades (kitchen and bathroom remodels)
  • Minor Projects (new flooring, painting, appliances)
  • Outdoor Projects (landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens)

They explore the pros and cons of DIY vs hiring a contractor, and why being fully informed about your material and labor costs before starting is absolutely essential. Lack of preparation can easily cause delays, budget overruns, and even resentment over the final results.

Enter HomeZada’s Homeowner AI — a powerful tool that helps homeowners:

  • Build detailed project plans
  • Estimate realistic budgets in minutes
  • Research material types and costs
  • Plan projects smarter to avoid costly surprises

John and Beth show how AI streamlines decision-making, saves time, and helps homeowners have clearer, more productive conversations with contractors — leading to better results and less stress.

Their key takeaway:
When you plan ahead with the right tools, you remodel smarter, stay on budget, and actually enjoy the process.

Learn more about Homeowner AI at www.homezada.com!

Keywords

Homeowner AI, remodeling projects, DIY, contractor, budgeting, home improvement, planning, costs, homeowner education, project management, home remodeling, AI in home improvement, budgeting, contractor relationships, product research, project planning, homeowner efficiency, home renovation, smart budgeting, home improvement technology

Takeaways

  • Home remodeling is a multi-trillion dollar industry.
  • There are different categories of remodeling projects: big systems, lifestyle desires, minor projects, and outdoor landscaping.
  • Deciding between DIY and hiring a contractor depends on skills, tools, safety, and budget.
  • Material costs can vary significantly between projects.
  • Planning is crucial for a successful remodeling project.
  • Homeowner AI can help streamline the budgeting process.
  • Understanding the scope of a project can prevent budget overruns.
  • Homeowners should be educated about the costs associated with remodeling.
  • AI can assist in creating material lists for projects.
  • Effective planning can lead to better project outcomes. The cost of materials can significantly impact project budgets.
  • AI can quickly adjust estimates based on material choices.
  • Preparation is key to successful home remodeling projects.
  • Homeowners should do their research before contacting contractors.
  • AI tools can save time compared to traditional budgeting methods.
  • Informed homeowners can foster better relationships with contractors.
  • Product research through AI helps eliminate overwhelming choices.
  • AI can create custom project budgets based on user input.
  • Understanding material costs is crucial for budget management.
  • AI enhances efficiency in home improvement planning.

 Sound Bites

“It’s a huge business.”
“I had to pull back scope.”
“That’s a huge difference.”
“This is preparation at its best.”
“It’s a huge time saver.”
“This is efficiency.”
“It streamlined everything.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Remodeling Projects
03:39 Categorizing Remodeling Projects
06:38 DIY vs Hiring a Contractor
09:38 Understanding Costs in Home Remodeling
12:45 The Importance of Planning and Budgeting
15:30 How Homeowner AI Streamlines the Remodeling Process
21:29 Understanding Budget Fluctuations in Home Remodeling
23:46 The Power of AI in Home Project Planning
26:34 Enhancing Contractor Relationships through Preparedness
30:51 Product Research: Making Informed Choices
36:03 Creating Custom Projects with AI
39:10 The Future of Home Improvement with AI

DIY Sofa Armrest Table: The Perfect Weekend Project You Didn’t Know You Needed

You know that moment when you’re cozied up on the couch, drink in hand, and there’s just… nowhere to put it? Me too.

After one too many close calls with my coffee, I finally decided to tackle a project I’d been putting off – creating my own sofa armrest table. Believe me, this has made such a huge difference, and I’m excited to share how you can make one too.

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Ep 006 – Managing Home Improvement Projects

SHOW NOTES:


In today’s episode, John and Beth talk about how to manage home improvements. We talk about the culture’s obsession with home improvements and discuss some of the most common problems that homeowners face with home improvement projects. John and Beth talk about budgets, hiring contractors, and how to make a plan for your home projects. At the end of the episode, we share several easy and important action items that will help be more successful with home improvement projects.


IN THIS EPISODE:
● [01:27] Why do people love home improvement projects?
● [6:24] New home builders
● [07:19] Projects that add value to the home
● [09:23] Home improvement problems
● [14:67] DIY vs hiring a contractor
● [18:54] How to hire a contractor and manage your budget
● [22:09] Action Step: Make a plan
● [24:08] Action Step: Create your budget
● [27:05] Action Step: How to hire a contractor
● [28:31] Action Step: Track costs during the project
● [22:50] Close out Phase

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
● Home improvement can pertain to lifestyle aspects to fit a family’s needs or structural aspects like new windows, roof, plumbing, etc.
● Bathroom and kitchen remodels are “money rooms.” They do add value to your home, but they also are very expensive.
● There are small projects that cost little but add value to your home. Like a new front door, painting your front door, making small modifications to your front porch etc.
● When choosing between DIY or hiring a contract it boils down to safety, skills, and time.
● Home improvements add value to your home, but you have to consider your neighborhood and surrounding homes. You don’t want to add so much value that you price yourself out of the market which could make it harder for your home to sell.
● Your contractor does not own your budget. You own your budget.
● Before starting a project, plan for what home improvements you want to do and prioritize them.
● Before hiring a contractor, get multiple quotes from multiple contractors. Don’t forget to check references and licenses.
● Track budget and costs during the project to maintain your budget and the project scope. Also take before and after photos to keep track of the changes.
● The closeout phase includes filing new warranties, checking with your accountant to see how new improvements impact your taxes, and lastly, updating your home insurance.

LINKS MENTIONED:

www.beasmarterhomeowner.com

www.homezada.com

7 Easy DIY Home Improvement Tutorials Everyone Can Do

7 Easy DIY Home Improvement Tutorials Everyone Can Do
Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash

Do you need to make some improvements around the house, but don’t think you have the funds to do so? Renovations and home repairs can be costly, but it is possible to also do some cool things on the cheap. 

Below you’ll find some tutorials that will help you finish projects that will update, improve, and maintain your home on a budget. 

And the best part is they’re quick projects that are perfect for the weekend while also being easy on the budget. 

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