Under Construction: Renovating A Home, Redeeming An Industry

Erik Dieringer
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Biweekly

Are you a homeowner looking to tackle some DIY renovations, but don't know where to start? Maybe you're looking for a contractor, but struggling to find the right person to hire? Introducing Under Construction: Renovating A Home, Redeeming An Industry, your ultimate guide to DIY renovations and finding the perfect contractor for your home improvement needs. Join hosts Erik Dieringer, the seasoned owner of Big Fish Contracting, and Tanya Weltzin, the office manager at Big Fish Contracting, as they share their wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over their impressive 30-year career in the industry. Every other week, Erik, Tanya (and the occasional guest!) unveil invaluable tips and tricks that cover a wide range of home renovation topics, from roofing and siding to remodeling and beyond. No stone is left unturned as they reveal the best-kept secrets of the trade, empowering you to tackle your own projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or in search of a trustworthy contractor, this podcast is your go-to resource. And it doesn't stop there. Erik and Tanya go the extra mile by divulging their personal recommendations for top-notch home construction products and services. From innovative materials to reliable suppliers, They unveil a treasure trove of insider insights that will revolutionize your renovation journey. What sets Erik and Tanya apart is their unwavering dedication to a people-first approach. They understand navigating the home renovation industry can be overwhelming, which is why they're committed to sharing everything you need to know. Erik, Tanya, and their expert guests are here to unmask the world of home improvement and empower you to transform your living spaces with confidence. Tune in, subscribe, and let the renovation journey begin!

  1. 15h ago

    What's New at Big Fish Contracting: Growth, Family and What's Ahead

    It's just Eric and Tanya this time! We're getting back to where the podcast started and catching up on everything happening at Big Fish and in our lives. From a busy summer and new team members to kids growing up, a new grandbaby, and plenty of weather watching, there's a lot to talk about.   We also share what's ahead for Big Fish, including plans to expand our Hartland headquarters and create a space for our growing team and homeowners. We talk about company growth, the importance of planning ahead for a remodeling project, and why making time to slow down matters. Mostly, though, we're just catching up, telling stories, and sharing what life at Big Fish looks like right now.   Check out The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!      To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.     You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  2. Sep 24

    Why James Hardie Fiber Cement Is The Go-To Choice for Contractors and Homeowners

    Most people know the name James Hardie, but how much do you actually know about the company behind the name? In this episode, we sit down with Jessika Mische, local representative and account manager for James Hardie, and Chad Fredericksen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of James Hardie's fiber cement business in North America, to talk about the company, the people behind it, and what goes into making a product contractors can really stand behind.   We get into the story behind James Hardie, why fiber cement siding has become such a popular choice, and what makes their products different. From Engineered for Climate® siding and ColorPlus®Technology to the training and support they provide contractors, Jessika and Chad give us a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the product long before it ever makes it onto a home. We also talk about the relationship between James Hardie and Big Fish and why having people you can trust and learn from can make such a difference in the construction industry.   And of course, it wouldn't be a Big Fish conversation without talking about culture and community. We get into James Hardie's values, their commitment to giving back, and what it looks like when companies genuinely care about the people they work with and the communities they serve. It's a fun conversation that gives you a better look at the James Hardie name you probably already know, along with the people and ideas behind it.   Check out James Hardie   Check out The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  3. Aug 25

    How Tanya's Husband Ryan Went from Journeyman Plumber to Project Manager

    This week, we welcome Tanya's husband and newest team member, Ryan Weltzin, to talk about his move from a 20-year career as a journeyman plumber into his new role as a project manager at Big Fish Contracting. We get into what went into making that decision, what it's been like learning a whole new side of construction, and why sometimes the best next step in your career is the one that pushes you outside your comfort zone.   Ryan shares what he's brought with him from the trades and how those hands-on years have helped him step into project management. From learning new technology and juggling schedules to working with homeowners, subcontractors, and the Big Fish team, there's been a lot to figure out. And of course, Tanya shares her perspective on what it's like to have your spouse join the family business when you're both fully invested in the same company.   You'll hear what Ryan has learned during the transition, how his experience in the trades still shapes the way he approaches projects, and what makes the Big Fish team feel like more than just a workplace.   Check out The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  4. Aug 11

    What Shapes the Big Fish Culture

    What really makes a company a great place to work? For us at Big Fish, it's the people. In this episode, we are talking about how the culture at Big Fish has grown over the years and what it looks like day-to-day. From surprise baby showers and birthday celebrations to showing up for each other when life gets a little crazy, we've built a team that genuinely cares about one another.   We're getting into what it takes to create that kind of team, why the people you bring into your company matter so much, and how culture really starts with the people at the top. We also talk about giving people the freedom to be themselves, supporting each other outside of work, making time to recharge, and why doing the right thing is always the goal.   So whether you run a business, lead a team, or just want to be part of a workplace where people actually like being around each other, there's plenty to take away from this conversation. You'll hear what we think makes a strong team, why character matters just as much as talent, and how we're continuing to build something we're really proud of at Big Fish.   Check out The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  5. Jun 16

    Supporting Small Businesses: The Story Behind Perfect Touch Chiropractic with Dr. Olivia Healey

    Here at Big Fish, we don't just renovate homes; we also love supporting and highlighting local businesses and the people behind them. In this episode of the Big Fish Contracting Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Olivia Healey of Perfect Touch Chiropractic for a conversation that goes way beyond chiropractic care.   Dr. Olivia shares the story of how one experience as a teenager completely changed the direction of her life and led her to become an upper cervical chiropractor. From growing up in Wisconsin to building her own practice from the ground up, she talks openly about taking risks, navigating the realities of business ownership, creating a team, and staying focused on what matters most.   This episode touches on health, entrepreneurship, community, and caring for people in a real and meaningful way. Check The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  6. May 26

    Listener Questions Answered: Remodeling Tips, Contractor Red Flags & Behind-the-Scenes Stories

    We love listener questions so much that we decided to do another round of them! As always, the conversation goes way beyond just the basics. We talk about what it's really like working together, how we handle disagreements, what hard days look like now compared to the early years, and the types of projects we get most excited about. We also share some insight into hiring contractors, choosing exterior colors, and how our definition of success has changed after years of building a business, raising families, and growing alongside our team.   This episode feels less like a Q&A and more like sitting around catching up with friends. It's full of laughs, real-life moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few unexpectedly heartfelt reflections along the way.   Check The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  7. May 5

    Inside a Basement Remodel: A Real Homeowner Experience

    We're bringing a past client onto the show today to talk about what a remodel really looks like from start to finish. In this episode of the Big Fish Contracting Podcast, we sit down with Brian, along with Kevin from the team, to walk through Brian's recent basement renovation.   Brian shares what sparked the project, what the planning process looked like, and how things shifted along the way when unexpected challenges came up. You'll hear how the team adapted, made smart choices, and created a space that not only looks great but works for everyday life.   By the end of the episode, you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to start a project, what to expect during the process, and how to make decisions that will actually hold up long-term. Whether you're thinking about finishing your basement, renovating another part of your home, or just curious to hear a real-life example of the work we've done, this episode has some great insight!   Check The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

  8. Apr 14

    Home Renovation Horror Stories: Part 2

    If you liked our last episode on renovation horror stories, you're in luck, because we're back with more. And this time, we're diving even deeper into the kinds of things that can go wrong behind the walls, including ice dams, flooded basements, and even DIY electrical gone wrong. We walk through these homeowner scenarios and remind you that while some of these situations feel like a nightmare, most of them are actually fixable.   This episode is a mix of storytelling, practical advice, and a few "you can't make this stuff up" moments. From uncovering hidden issues during renovations to learning why some quick fixes end up costing more in the long run, we break down what's really going on and what you should look out for if you're a homeowner. It's the kind of conversation that makes you feel a little more prepared, because at the end of the day, things might go wrong, but with the right knowledge (and the right team), things can always be made right.   Check The Big Fish Contracting Docuseries! Check it out on our YouTube channel!    To connect with Big Fish Contracting, you can check out our website at www.bigfishcontracting.com.   You can also follow us on our social channels: Big Fish Contracting Instagram Big Fish Contracting Facebook

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Are you a homeowner looking to tackle some DIY renovations, but don't know where to start? Maybe you're looking for a contractor, but struggling to find the right person to hire? Introducing Under Construction: Renovating A Home, Redeeming An Industry, your ultimate guide to DIY renovations and finding the perfect contractor for your home improvement needs. Join hosts Erik Dieringer, the seasoned owner of Big Fish Contracting, and Tanya Weltzin, the office manager at Big Fish Contracting, as they share their wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over their impressive 30-year career in the industry. Every other week, Erik, Tanya (and the occasional guest!) unveil invaluable tips and tricks that cover a wide range of home renovation topics, from roofing and siding to remodeling and beyond. No stone is left unturned as they reveal the best-kept secrets of the trade, empowering you to tackle your own projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or in search of a trustworthy contractor, this podcast is your go-to resource. And it doesn't stop there. Erik and Tanya go the extra mile by divulging their personal recommendations for top-notch home construction products and services. From innovative materials to reliable suppliers, They unveil a treasure trove of insider insights that will revolutionize your renovation journey. What sets Erik and Tanya apart is their unwavering dedication to a people-first approach. They understand navigating the home renovation industry can be overwhelming, which is why they're committed to sharing everything you need to know. Erik, Tanya, and their expert guests are here to unmask the world of home improvement and empower you to transform your living spaces with confidence. Tune in, subscribe, and let the renovation journey begin!

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