Ep 029 – Home Improvement Shopping AI – Research Brands and Save Money on All Remodels

Summary:
In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the complexities of home improvement projects, focusing on the role of AI in remodeling. They discuss the challenges homeowners face in decision-making, budgeting, and material selection, emphasizing the importance of thorough research. The conversation highlights the potential of Home Zada’s Shopping AI to simplify the shopping process and enhance the overall homeowner experience. In this episode, John Bodrozic and Beth Dodson discuss the transformative impact of AI on home shopping and remodeling processes. They explore how AI can streamline product research, enhance decision-making, and improve relationships with contractors. The conversation highlights the importance of organization and efficiency in managing home improvement projects, ultimately leading to better budgeting and informed choices for homeowners.

Takeaways

Home improvement involves extensive research and shopping.

Larger projects require careful planning and budgeting.

The variety of choices can lead to decision fatigue.

Understanding product specifications is crucial for satisfaction.

AI can assist in managing home improvement projects.

Physical and online resources provide inspiration for projects.

Budget constraints often dictate material choices.

Homeowners should evaluate long-term maintenance of materials.

The shopping process is about gathering data, not just buying.

Home Zada’s AI can streamline the shopping experience. AI shopping tools can save time and enhance efficiency.

Homeowners can aggregate all shopping research in one place.

Product research helps in understanding material options and pricing.

Streamlined processes lead to better contractor relationships.

Organizing choices aids in making informed decisions.

AI can assist in managing budgets effectively.

Home Zada combines photos and spreadsheets for better organization.

Shopping AI can help first-time homeowners navigate choices.

The importance of narrowing down options to avoid decision fatigue.

Using AI tools can lead to a more enjoyable remodeling experience.

 Sound Bites

“Budget constraints often dictate material choices.”

“Making informed choices in home projects.”

“Transforming homeowner experiences with technology.”

“You can now say, I’ve looked at all these sinks.”

“You just created so much efficiency.”

“You just made it a lot easier.”

“This will serve me well.”

“It’s a big endeavor.”

“This is a good one.”

Chapters

0040 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Remodeling

03:35 Navigating Home Improvement Choices

06:31 Researching and Decision-Making in Home Projects

09:46 The Importance of Budgeting and Material Selection

12:34 Understanding the Shopping Process for Home Projects

15:41 Real-Life Experiences with Home Renovations

18:35 Introducing Home Zada’s Shopping AI

21:39 Demonstration of Shopping AI Features

27:48 Revolutionizing Home Shopping with AI

31:20 Streamlining the Remodeling Process

34:01 Understanding Countertop Options

40:18 Enhancing Contractor Relationships

42:48 Balancing Budget and Choices


Ep 012 – How to Hire a Contractor for Remodel Projects

SHOW NOTES:

Interviewing a remodeling contractor for some may seem challenging. But we have some simple tips to help you have a fabulous relationship with your contractor. In today’s episode, we walk through the steps to consider before, during, and after a remodel project. Listen in to learn the tips and tricks on how to start your project off on the right foot and end with on a good note!

Questions to consider when starting a project:

  • What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project? Is it important to compare contractors or quotes before deciding on which contractor to use?
  • What details should be asked prior to signing a contract with a remodeling contractor? How should a homeowner manage their contractor during the construction process?
  • How should you handle a situation with your contractor if something is not working during the project? Who manages or is responsible for the budget of the project?
  • How should change orders be determined when changes do happen to a project? How should money be paid to a contractor? Up front, partial payment, etc
  • What are the risks of certain contracts? What to look for and how to manage the details? What does a close out look like and if there is a problem with the job, how can you manage this process?

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:23] What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project?
  • [09:24] How do you find quality contractors and one of the key questions to ask your contractor?.
  • [12:53] how to ask for client referrals?
  • [18:34] How should money be paid to a contractor?
  • [21:10] Understanding “change orders” and what happens when changes happen during the project.
  • [24:01] How to handle the close out process and gather warranties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • You need a plan before you start looking for a contractor. Do the upfront planning before you try to determine the scope of the project.
  • If you are working on a bigger project, it’s smart to get two to three bids or estimates.
  • When getting customer referrals, don’t ask broad questions like whether the contractor did a good job. Ask detailed questions about the process of the project and demeanor of the contractor.

RESOURCE LINKS

https://www.homezada.com/homeowners/home-improvement

https://www.homezada.com/manage-home-remodels

BIO:

Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.

John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.


Pros and Cons of an Induction Cooktop

Go into any home improvement store, wander into the appliance section, and you’ll see row upon row of stoves without any obvious electric coils or gas burners adorning their tops.

And since manufacturers seek to satisfy the demands of the marketplace, what you’re witnessing is a result of the increasing demand for induction cooktops.

Read More

Easy DIY Kitchen Cabinet Renovating Ideas

Easy DIY Kitchen Cabinet Renovating Ideas
Photo courtesy: Uptodate Interiors

Comparatively speaking new kitchen cabinetry can be very expensive.

That’s why redoing your existing kitchen cabinets is such an attractive alternative…it can cost anywhere from 30% to 50% less than buying and installing new cabinets of comparable quality.

There are different options to change the look of your existing cabinetry, with a wide-ranging scope of complexity. These include:

Read More