The Homeowners Show

Craig Williams and Kevin Hackett

The Homeowners Show is a weekly home improvement podcast hosted by Craig Williams and Kevin Hackett. Whether you're a veteran DIYer, a first-time homeowner, or just want to get more out of your house, Craig and Kevin cover home maintenance advice, home repair tips, DIY projects, and how to hire home improvement professionals without getting burned: vetting contractors, reading bids, and knowing when to call a pro instead of doing it yourself. Broadcasting from the Houston area with listeners around the world, the show brings on roofers, plumbers, electricians, foundation specialists, and other home service pros to answer real homeowner questions. Streamed live and published weekly, with more than 350 episodes in the archive. Full transcripts, topic guides, and episode search at homeownersshow.com.

  1. 6d ago

    Ego Chainsaw and Hedge Trimmer Review

    Kevin had a main fork of a big tree break off and land along his property line, and rather than pay a crew for an awkward job he bought an EGO 18 inch battery chainsaw. This episode is the whole story, from ruling out gas to standing in the aisle at Lowe's comparing specs. The show starts on football. Texas Tech against Abilene Christian, the clock review at Michigan that put one second back on and gave Michigan a second Hail Mary, and Kevin's take after 21 years of officiating, including work in the Great American Conference. He reads the Big Ten statement and explains the rule about a ball needing to touch something out of bounds before the clock stops, then says plainly that officials should not change the outcome of a game. They also talk about the LSU eligibility fight, what NIL has done to team loyalty, and their picks for the season. The tool talk is the meat. Kevin ruled out gas quickly because of the fuel and oil mixture, the carburetor gunk after a season sitting, and the pull start. Craig backs that up with a spray rig that would not start on a job site and cost him two hours and a trip to O'Reilly's to buy tools and pull the carburetor apart. Kevin compared the EGO to the Kobalt and found the Kobalt uses an 80 volt battery and costs a hundred dollars less, but its chain speed is 10.5 against 22 on the EGO. He then compared the EGO to a Stihl at the same 18 inch bar. The Stihl engine is 45.6 cc, the EGO is rated at 50, and Stihl does not publish a chain speed. The EGO was 400 dollars on sale with a 6 amp hour battery, and that battery alone is 389 dollars at Lowe's. Tool only on Amazon is 279. He also notes the one real drawback, a battery saw stops when it bogs down instead of trying to push through. Craig talks about running Ryobi on 40 volts across 6 acres with three batteries, why bar length is not the same as power, and why he still mows with gas. He also shares what he and his son are building, a 6 by 12 test cabin to experiment with solar and water collection, and a reframed outdoor kitchen behind the party barn. Kevin closes on the EGO 26 inch hedge trimmer, dual action blades, a 1.2 inch cutting capacity, and a handle that is a trigger all the way around and swivels into five locking positions, 179 dollars tool only. One local note worth having, Lowe's had no gas chainsaw on the floor. For gas, Tractor Supply and McCoy's both carry Stihl, and Tractor Supply usually has someone on staff who can repair it. You can watch the show live on the homepage, sign up for the newsletter and leave a review at homeownersshow.com. Buy a Homeowners Show T-shirt: homeownersshow.com/merch Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH4BFMNUMhucjky9o9SWjSA?sub_confirmation=1 Every episode with full transcripts: homeownersshow.com/episodes Facebook: facebook.com/homeownersshow Instagram: instagram.com/homeownersshow X: x.com/HomeownersThe Questions or topic ideas: info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions: a lead generation system built specifically for your business, so you never have to search for leads again. sustainedgrowthsolutions.com Termisave: warranty your home against the threat of termites. Email info@termisave.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Sep 1

    Flock Cameras, Property Taxes, and Jessi Cowart for Texas House District 15

    Craig and Kevin have a guest in the studio this week: Jessi Cowart, a lifelong Montgomery County resident from Oak Ridge North who is running for Texas House District 15 as a Libertarian. The seat is open because Steve Toth is running for Congress, and Jessi says that if she wins she would be the first Libertarian ever seated in the Texas House. She came across our radar after our last conversation about Flock cameras, and she has plenty to say about them. First, civil asset forfeiture, which she calls legalized theft. Under the way Texas law is written the property itself becomes the defendant rather than the person, the burden of proof is almost nonexistent, and getting your property back is incredibly difficult even when you are never convicted of anything. Reform bills get filed every single legislative session and die every single session, and she puts that down to law enforcement lobby money rather than any real disagreement, since the Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian platforms in Texas all say they want it ended. Then the cameras. Jessi announced this week that she has drafted the Texas Automatic License Plate Reader Prohibition Act, an outright ban on government use of automatic license plate readers with anti-circumvention language in it. If she is elected on November 3rd, bill filing opens November 9th, and she says this is her first order of business. Her Fourth Amendment argument is not about one license plate seen in public, it is about the aggregate: a searchable database of where you live, where you work, where you worship, and who you associate with. We also get into The Woodlands Township unanimously approving $109,000 for 30 more cameras in December, with roughly $90,000 a year in ongoing cost after that, and the separate $50 million agreement to permanently end the City of Houston's right to annex the community. The longest stretch is property taxes, and she brought the math. Use the state budget surplus, which was running $27 to $28 billion at the start of last session and does not count the rainy day fund, to buy down school district M&O tax debt. Put real spending caps on local government, because Texas has five spending limits on the state and none at all on cities, MUDs, and school districts. Cut things like the $1.5 billion committed over ten years to Hollywood filmmaking in Texas. Then shift what remains toward sales tax without raising it astronomically. She thinks elimination in five years is realistic. Kevin tells the story of buying a house from an older woman who had a 65 and over exemption, and getting handed roughly $5,000 in back taxes two years later. We close on homeowner ground: why the median age of a first time buyer is now 40, why Jessi wants more small starter homes, duplexes, and condos rather than the same single family build on every parcel, her idea for a permit clock so permitting delays stop getting priced into every new house, why developers rather than existing taxpayers should pay for new development, and Craig's 25 year old employee in downtown Conroe who lined up three roommates before he closed on his first house. Jessi Cowart is on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and her campaign site is cowartfortexas.com Every episode with full transcripts: homeownersshow.com/episodes New episodes every week. Rate and review wherever you listen. It genuinely helps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Aug 27

    Brooklyn Bedding & Dolly Parton

    This episode of the Homeowner's Show tackles a tricky refrigerator repair with a surprise twist, sharing valuable lessons about appliance parts and the importance of having the right tools. We also dive into common ice maker problems and the challenges of plumbing repairs, highlighting why proactive home maintenance is key. Plus, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of the one and only Dolly Parton, sharing favorite songs and reflections on her lasting impact. We're thrilled to unveil our completely redesigned website, HomeownersHow.com! Now you can easily find past episodes, search for specific topics, and even interact with us live. Don't miss out on our new newsletter to stay updated on all things Homeowner's Show – sign up today! And if you're in need of a great night's sleep, check out our sponsor, Brooklyn Bedding, for comfortable and affordable mattresses. #HomeownerTips #ApplianceRepair #RefrigeratorRepair #DIYHome #PlumbingTips #DollyParton #HomeImprovement #HomeMaintenance #Podcast #NewWebsite #BrooklynBedding Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Aug 20

    Top 5 Most Abandoned Cities

    This episode of The Homeowner Show dives into a wide array of current events and hot topics. Hosts Kevin Hackett and Craig Williams kick things off by discussing the sweltering heat and its impact on outdoor work. They then transition into a detailed breakdown of the recent Candace Owens and Andrew Wilson debate, analyzing the claims made and the broader implications of such online discussions, particularly concerning their significant viewership and the nature of their content. The conversation then shifts to economic and social trends, including a report on home builders starting to cut prices and offer incentives, a stark look at the average annual cost of home maintenance, and the surprising rise in HOA fees. They also delve into data about the top five cities people are exiting in 2025, with a focus on the reasons behind these population shifts, such as housing costs and quality of life. Finally, they touch upon the literary world, debating the merits of classics and the importance of reading, before wrapping up with a discussion on the growth of certain cities and the changing landscape of homeownership. Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Aug 12

    Will New Laws Actually Lower Home Prices?

    The Homeowner Show kicks off with a lighthearted, albeit slightly gross, discussion about an infestation of flies and a spider web in their studio, a stark contrast to the more serious topics that follow. This initial banter quickly transitions to personal anecdotes about home maintenance and repairs. One host shares his experience fixing an electric golf cart charger by replacing a blown circuit board for a mere $25, highlighting the cost savings and satisfaction derived from DIY repairs, especially when guided by online tutorials. The conversation then shifts to a similar repair experienced by the other host, who fixed a problematic mini-split drain line for the studio. He details how he bypassed an expensive quote by sourcing the parts himself for $25 and completing the repair in about 20 minutes, emphasizing the accessibility of information and parts for common home issues. This leads to a broader discussion about the empowerment of homeowners to tackle repairs themselves, potentially saving money and gaining valuable skills. A significant portion of the discussion delves into the contentious issue of housing affordability and the impact of large institutional investors. A new piece of legislation, the "21st Century Road to Housing Act," is analyzed, which aims to limit the number of single-family homes that large institutional investors can own. While the hosts acknowledge the intent behind the act, they express skepticism about its effectiveness, pointing out loopholes like the ability to create multiple corporations and the exemption for multi-family dwellings, suggesting it may be a superficial fix rather than a solution to the core problems of inflation and interest rates. The episode touches upon various other topics, including a humorous take on a WNBA situation involving an NBA player's controversial "no" vote and a subsequent "white privilege" claim, as well as personal experiences with insect stings and spider bites. The conversation concludes with a return to the theme of housing affordability, with the hosts reiterating that while homes may be expensive, creative solutions and a willingness to compromise on location or size can still make homeownership achievable for many, especially when compared to the drawbacks of apartment living. They also briefly discuss the tax incentives available to business owners, emphasizing that responsible financial planning can mitigate tax burdens. Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Termisave Email – Warranty your home against the threat of termites.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 4

    AirDoctor Review: Is It Worth It? + How I Finally Fixed My GE Refrigerator

    In this episode, the discussion begins with an examination of the recent congressional hearing involving Dr. Fauci. The speakers delve into the complexities surrounding his pardon and the strategic decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment when questioned. They explore the potential legal ramifications and the broader implications of these proceedings, touching upon past controversies involving public health figures. The conversation then shifts to a more personal and practical tone, featuring a review of the Air Doctor 3500 air purifier. The hosts share their experiences with the device, discussing its effectiveness, features, and ease of use. This segment highlights how modern technology can contribute to a healthier home environment. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to appliance repair, specifically focusing on a GE refrigerator that ceased cooling. The speakers detail their step-by-step process of diagnosing and fixing the unit, utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for guidance. They share the challenges and triumphs of replacing various components, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and satisfaction derived from DIY repairs. The episode also includes a brief discussion about vehicle maintenance, touching upon the increasing complexity of automotive systems, such as electronic power steering, and the associated costs of repair. Throughout these practical discussions, the underlying theme is the empowering nature of accessible knowledge and the satisfaction of problem-solving, whether it's fixing an appliance or understanding complex public health issues. Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jul 7

    Beyond the Summit: Deductible Deception, Pastor Pummels, and Biblical Battles in Schools

    This episode chronicles a challenging five-day backpacking trip up Mount Harvard in Colorado, one of the state's highest peaks. The journey involved an arduous off-trail ascent on the backside of the mountain, characterized by steep, unmarked terrain and significant elevation gain over a short distance. The speaker recounts the physical demands of navigating boulder fields and treacherous slopes, emphasizing the resulting exhaustion and the stark contrast between this wilderness approach and more conventional summit hikes. Following the adventure narrative, the conversation briefly explores the practicalities of outdoor gear, specifically focusing on the comfort and necessity of good sleeping pads for overnight trips. This segues into a discussion of current events, covering a range of topics that highlight societal issues and legal matters. These include a lighthearted account of a suburban dispute with a homeowner's association, a more serious incident involving a pastor in Louisiana, and allegations of a city council member acting as an agent for the Chinese government. The episode delves into the legal ramifications of roofing scams, referencing a specific Texas law, House Bill 2102, that prohibits contractors from waiving or absorbing homeowner deductibles. The speakers clarify that this practice is illegal and can result in severe penalties for both the contractors and homeowners involved, particularly for insurance fraud. They stress the importance of homeowners conducting due diligence, obtaining multiple quotes, and avoiding any contractor who offers to circumvent the deductible, as it often indicates other unethical or illegal business practices. The discussion also touches upon broader societal trends, including the role of religion in public education with the mention of a new Texas law mandating the Bible in public schools, and the personal responsibility of parents in educating their children about morals and beliefs. The speakers share their perspectives on these issues, emphasizing the lasting impact of parental guidance and the importance of critical engagement with educational content, regardless of personal beliefs. The episode concludes with a practical tip for homeowners regarding deductible savings and a call to action for listeners to engage with their content. Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jun 19

    Raising the Roof with Jeremy Fain

    This episode features Jeremy Fain, a roofing contractor from Priority Roofing, discussing his decade-long career in construction and his more recent focus on roofing. He shares his personal journey of finding his calling in the roofing industry, emphasizing the importance of proper installation and maintenance for roof longevity. Fain highlights that while hurricanes are a concern, hail damage has been the primary driver for his business, particularly in areas like Texas where roofing is not a licensed trade. Fain elaborates on the prevalence of unqualified contractors in the industry and the lack of licensing in Texas, which necessitates homeowners to be diligent in choosing reputable roofers. He touches upon the critical issue of roof ventilation, noting that a significant percentage of roofs nationwide are not ventilated correctly, which can lead to premature shingle failure. He also discusses the common problems with improperly installed ventilation systems and how they can exacerbate roof damage, stressing the need for qualified professionals who understand these complexities. The conversation also delves into the challenges homeowners face with insurance claims, the differences between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, and the tactics some insurance companies employ to deny claims. Fain stresses the importance of understanding one's insurance policy, specifically concerning deductibles and replacement cost coverage. He also shares anecdotes about the importance of customer service, building trust through referrals, and how his company strives to provide a positive and transparent experience for homeowners throughout the roofing process. Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel The Homeowners Show Website The Homeowners Show Facebook Page Instagram @homeownersshow Twitter @HomeownersThe Info@homeownersshow.com Sustained Growth Solutions – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again! We are a full digital marketing agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4.5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

The Homeowners Show is a weekly home improvement podcast hosted by Craig Williams and Kevin Hackett. Whether you're a veteran DIYer, a first-time homeowner, or just want to get more out of your house, Craig and Kevin cover home maintenance advice, home repair tips, DIY projects, and how to hire home improvement professionals without getting burned: vetting contractors, reading bids, and knowing when to call a pro instead of doing it yourself. Broadcasting from the Houston area with listeners around the world, the show brings on roofers, plumbers, electricians, foundation specialists, and other home service pros to answer real homeowner questions. Streamed live and published weekly, with more than 350 episodes in the archive. Full transcripts, topic guides, and episode search at homeownersshow.com.

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