Hire It Done

Adam Helfman
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your ultimate guide to finding and selecting the best contractors for your home improvement projects. Hosted by Adam, a 4th-generation contractor with a degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State, the podcast offers expert advice from someone who's truly "the homeowner's best friend." With a rich background in radio, television, and internet media, Adam has hosted numerous shows and served as a featured builder on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where he also acted as the show's construction consultant for over two seasons. Whether you're a home owner, or a first-time renovator, this podcast is your trusted resource for home improvement success.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Stress-Free Remodeling Secret Design-Build Pros Use (Veronica Simmons on Timelines & Costs)

    If you want a remodel that doesn't turn into a months-long headache, the secret is simple: design-build accountability. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Veronica Simmons of Simmons+Co Design — a Metro Detroit interior designer and licensed builder who runs a women-owned design-build firm that handles the entire process under one roof (design, planning, construction, finishes, and all the moving pieces in between). For Southeast Michigan homeowners trying to hire trusted contractors and avoid timeline surprises, budget blowups, and finger-pointing, this conversation is the playbook. Veronica breaks down what actually makes a remodel feel "stress-free": how to pick the right contractor relationship, how pros set expectations on timelines and costs, and why a real process (and a real team) matters when you're investing serious money into your home improvement project.  You'll walk away with practical remodeling tips you can use right now — whether you're planning a kitchen, bath, basement finishing, or a full home renovation in Metro Detroit. Q&A-Style Takeaways What is a design-build remodel, and why do homeowners prefer it? Design-build means one company designs it, manages it, and builds it — so you get one source of accountability instead of multiple vendors blaming each other. When should Metro Detroit homeowners start planning a kitchen remodel? Sooner than you think. Start meeting firms early, find the right "fit," and use those conversations to set a realistic timeline and budget before you commit. How do you compare contractor quotes the right way? Don't just chase the lowest number. Make sure you're comparing "apples to apples," and understand what you're getting for the price — process, staffing, management, and quality control. Why do homeowners get "sticker shock" with remodeling costs in 2026? If you haven't remodeled in 10–20 years, pricing will feel wildly different. Labor, materials, and real operating costs have all changed — so expectations need to catch up. How long do remodeling timelines really take? A realistic baseline can include months of design plus months of product lead times — and that's before real-world variables hit (shipping, damage, weather, availability). Why do appliances matter before ordering cabinets? Because appliance specs can make or break the cabinet layout. Veronica's rule: verify the appliance order first, then lock in cabinetry. How do good contractors prevent remodel stress when problems happen? They stay ahead of issues with steady updates, clear expectations, and quick solutions — before homeowners walk into a surprise on the job site. If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner planning a remodel and you want to hire smarter, avoid the common traps, and get a home you actually enjoy living in — you'll get a ton out of this one. Watch the full episode, and if you need help finding trusted Metro Detroit contractors, head to HiredDone.com and get connected. 🔗 CONNECT WITH Simmons + Co. Design 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/pro/simmons-co-design/  https://www.simmonscodesignremodeling.com/  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simmonscodesign/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SimmonsCoDesign/    🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HomeImprovement #MetroDetroit #RemodelingTips

    50 min

  2. FEB 4

    The Payment and Change Order Rules That Protect Your Sanity (and Your Wallet)

    If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a remodel, the fastest way to lose your mind (and your money) is a sloppy payment schedule and "surprise" change orders.  In this episode, I walk you through the practical payment and change order rules I used for decades—so Southeast Michigan homeowners can hire trusted contractors, stay in control, and keep projects moving without the stress. You'll learn how to structure payments so you're never funding work that hasn't happened yet, what milestones actually matter (permits, demo completion, rough approvals, tile, and "usable completion"), and how to set a clear change order policy before your project starts.  These are real-world remodeling tips that help you avoid payment drama, reduce delays, and get better outcomes from Michigan home services pros. Key Takeaways (FAQ Style) Question: How much deposit should I pay a contractor for a $20,000 bathroom remodel? Answer: Start with 10% ($2,000). A bigger upfront payment can put you at risk before any real work is done. Question: When should the second payment happen on a remodeling job? Answer: Pay the next 10% when permits are approved and posted. That means the job is officially ready to move. Question: What's the smarter way to pay for demolition? Answer: Pay on demolition complete, not demolition start. It's a simple layer of protection for homeowners. Question: When do I release a bigger mid-project payment? Answer: After rough plumbing, rough electrical, and rough HVAC are approved (green sticker). That milestone shows real progress. Question: What does "usable completion" mean for the final payment? Answer: You pay when the bathroom works and you can use it—then you can reasonably hold back a small amount for minor fixes. Question: What counts as a change order—and how should it be handled? Answer: A change order is either a scope change you request or an issue uncovered mid-project (like hidden damage). It should be documented, priced, and approved before extra work happens. Question: How do I prevent surprise bills from change orders? Answer: Set the rule upfront: no approved change order = no payment. And keep communication tight throughout the job. Want more straightforward home renovation advice and help finding trusted contractors in Southeast Michigan?  Hit play, take notes, and then connect with me—because hassle-free home improvement is the goal.   🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone   #HireItDone #MetroDetroit #HomeRenovation

    19 min

  3. FEB 3

    99% of Homeowners Still Don't Get Gutter Guards (Jacob Vanvliet of J&A Exterior Explains)

    Metro Detroit homeowners: gutter guards aren't "set it and forget it." And if you believe that myth, you can end up with overflowing gutters, corner leaks, rotted fascia, and water where you really don't want it—near your siding, landscaping, and foundation. In this episode, I'm joined by Jacob Vanvliet, a 22-year-old entrepreneur and the owner of J&A Exterior LLC (Metro Detroit). His team specializes in gutter installation, gutter cleaning, gutter guards, leaf removal, pressure washing, and more.  Here's what you'll learn: when you truly need new gutters vs. a repair, why seamless gutters beat big-box "sections," how gutter guards really work (and what they don't do), plus how a professional contractor should document the job, handle change orders like fascia rot, and stand behind the work with a real warranty—so you can make confident home improvement decisions. Q&A-Style Takeaways Question: Do I actually need new gutters—or just a repair? Answer: Sometimes you don't need a full replacement. A good contractor should start by asking what you're seeing (leaks, overflow, corner issues) and confirm whether it's a repair or a new system. Question: What should happen during a professional gutter estimate? Answer: You should get a clear process: scheduling, what to expect, product samples, reviews, and a walkthrough of your concerns before any quote is finalized. Question: Should I choose 5-inch or 6-inch gutters for my home? Answer: If your budget allows, 6-inch can be a better system in many cases—but it's not always required. The right answer depends on your roof lines, water volume, and your specific home. Question: What are seamless gutters—and why do they matter? Answer: Seamless gutters are formed on-site to fit your home, reducing mid-run seams that can leak over time. Sectional gutters from big-box stores force joints—and joints are where problems start. Question: Do gutter guards mean I'll never clean my gutters again? Answer: No. Debris still builds up on top of the guard over time. Guards can reduce maintenance, but they don't eliminate it—especially if you have lots of trees. Question: How should a contractor handle surprise fascia rot or added work? Answer: You should be told upfront that rot may be discovered—and if it is, the contractor should communicate clearly, document it, and get you aligned before moving forward. No end-of-job "surprise bill." Question: What warranty should homeowners expect—and how soon can the install happen? Answer: J&A Exterior offers a 3-year labor guarantee and a 25-year material warranty, and typical homeowner installs are often around 1.5–2 weeks, depending on schedule and season. If you're in Southeast Michigan and your gutters are leaking, overflowing, or just plain outdated, listen to the full episode and learn what to ask before you sign anything. And if you want a quote from Jacob and the J&A Exterior team, you can call (248) 403-0281, visit JAExterior.com, or go through HireItDone.com and click "Gutters."   🔗 CONNECT WITH J&A Exterior 💻 Website: https://jaexterior.com/  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JAExterior/  https://www.facebook.com/JAguttercleaning/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaexterior/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/itsjacobvanvliet/  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanvliet-8a166b26b/    🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #MetroDetroit #HomeImprovement #GutterGuards

    53 min

  4. JAN 27

    Do This 1-Minute Reference Question To Save Thousands $$ (From a 42-Year Design-Build Contractor)

    It's -10° in Metro Detroit, and that kind of cold doesn't just make you miserable — it can wreck your house fast.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements — Macomb County's favorite home improvement company — to talk real-world remodeling, how to avoid getting burned by the wrong contractor, and what homeowners should actually expect when they renovate.  If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner trying to hire trusted contractors for a remodel, this conversation will help you make smarter decisions. We get into timelines, design-build, avoiding common homeowner mistakes, and what separates a legit pro from the "sounds good on the phone" crowd — especially in Southeast Michigan home services, where you want the job done right the first time. Brian breaks down how a true design-build contractor makes the process faster, clearer, and less stressful — by designing with you at the table, not disappearing for weeks with "we'll get back to you." We also cover smart choices like floors before cabinets, how to evaluate contractors beyond price, and the simple "reference question" that exposes red flags instantly.  If you're planning home renovation in Michigan — kitchens, baths, basements, additions, or even outdoor living — this one's packed with usable advice. Q&A-Style Takeaways Question: How do I prevent frozen pipes during extreme Michigan cold? Answer: Open sink and vanity cabinets so warm air can circulate. Run a faucet at a pencil-thin stream. If it's dangerously cold, set your furnace fan to ON so heat moves through the home consistently.   Question: What does real fire restoration remodeling involve? Answer: A serious fire job can mean taking the home down to the structure, then rebuilding correctly so it's safe, clean, and livable again. That includes framing, floors, insulation, drywall, and making sure the home doesn't carry lingering smoke odor.   Question: What makes a design-build contractor better for homeowners? Answer: You get planning and construction under one roof, with clear decisions upfront. Instead of vague estimates and delays, the homeowner is involved in layout and design choices early, which usually reduces surprises and miscommunication later.   Question: Should I do flooring before kitchen cabinets? Answer: It depends on the material and the situation. In many remodels, going wall-to-wall can protect you long-term if there's a leak, and it can make future appliance changes easier. The key is installing it the right way for the flooring type.   Question: What projects are most common for Metro Detroit homeowners right now? Answer: Kitchens, bathrooms, finished basements, and additions are always high on the list. More homeowners are also investing in outdoor living spaces because they want their home to feel bigger and more functional.   Question: What questions should I ask before hiring a remodeling contractor? Answer: Ask what they specialize in, how long they've been in business, and whether they're licensed and insured. Request references and photos of similar projects. And make sure they can clearly explain process, timeline, and expectations.   Question: What's the best reference check question to expose red flags fast? Answer: Ask: "Would you use them again?" Then stop talking. If there's hesitation, that pause tells you more than a rehearsed compliment ever will. If you're a homeowner in Metro Detroit / Southeast Michigan and you want hassle-free home improvement with trusted contractors, watch the full episode and take notes. And if you're ready to talk about a kitchen, bath, basement, addition, or insurance restoration, reach out to Brian Lee / Metro Home Improvements at (586) 929-0224.    🔗 CONNECT WITH METRO HOME IMPROVEMENT 💻 Website: https://metrohomeimprovement.com/  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetroHomeImprovement  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroHomeImprovementsLLC  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metrohomeimprovements  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-home-improvements-llc/ Want a free consult? Call (586) 929-0224.   🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HireItDone #HomeImprovement #MetroDetroit

    52 min

  5. JAN 20

    The Brutal Truth About Basement Waterproofing No One Wants to Hear (EverDry's Jeff Schleuning)

    If your basement smells musty, shows cracks, or takes on water after heavy rain, this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with Jeff Schleuning of EverDry Waterproofing to break down what really causes basement leaks—and how Metro Detroit homeowners can fix the problem the right way the first time. Jeff and his team at EverDry have been serving Southeast Michigan homeowners for nearly four decades. They've waterproofed thousands of homes across Metro Detroit using a patented inside-and-out approach designed for permanent results. Water always finds a way in—through the wall, the floor, or the footing. If you only treat part of the problem, it will come back somewhere else. That's why EverDry evaluates the entire foundation and builds a solution based on how you actually use your home, whether you're finishing the basement or just want it clean, dry, and healthy. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why musty smells are often a hidden sign of water intrusion • The three most common ways water enters a basement • Why "patch jobs" usually fail and cost homeowners more long-term • How professional inspections differ from quick sales visits • What a lifetime, transferable waterproofing warranty really means • How basement waterproofing protects home value in Michigan • What Metro Detroit homeowners should watch out for when comparing contractors If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner dealing with basement moisture, mold concerns, or foundation leaks—or you just want to hire the right home improvement expert—this episode will save you time, stress, and money. Watch the full conversation and make smarter decisions for your home.   🔗 CONNECT WITH EverDry Waterproofing 💻 Website: https://everdrymichigan.com/waterproofing-faq-videos/  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverdryWaterproofingofMichigan/  🎥 YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@EverdryMichigan  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everdrymichigan/  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-schleuning-9701247/    🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomes #BasementWaterproofing

    51 min

  6. JAN 13

    Is Your Home's Water Actually Safe? A Water Treatment Expert Explains

    Clean water isn't a luxury. It's a health decision every homeowner makes, whether they realize it or not. In this episode, I sit down with Jerrad Beauchamp of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions, a trusted water expert serving Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan for over 40 years. His family's roots go back to 1976, and today their team brings more than 100 years of combined experience helping homeowners protect their homes, appliances, and health with properly treated water. We break down what's really happening with your water — whether you're on city water or well water — and why Metro Detroit homeowners should be paying closer attention. From PFAS and lead concerns to hard water, rust, and chlorine, this conversation is about making smart, informed home improvement decisions and working with trusted contractors who do it right. We also focus on real solutions. You'll learn how professional water testing works, how systems are designed around your specific home, and why proper filtration protects everything from your plumbing and appliances to your skin and drinking water. Jerrad explains how Southeast Michigan homeowners can eliminate guesswork, avoid overpriced shortcuts, and invest in water treatment systems that actually deliver results. What you'll learn in this episode: How to tell if your home has hard water or hidden contaminants The difference between water softening, filtration, and purification Why PFAS, lead, and microplastics matter for Michigan homeowners How whole-home water systems protect appliances and plumbing What city water vs. well water really means for your home Why reverse osmosis beats bottled water long-term How trusted contractors test, educate, and customize solutions If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner who wants safer water, smarter home improvement choices, and contractors you can actually trust, this episode is for you. Watch the full conversation and learn how to protect your home, your family, and your investment — the right way.   🔗 CONNECT WITH Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/partners/beauchamp-water-treatment-solutions  https://www.beauchampwater.com/  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauchampwater/  🎥 YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcdNJfc8P3J6EipXefbGwA  𝕏 X: https://x.com/beauchampwater  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauchampwatersolutions/  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beauchamp-water-treatment-solutions/    🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors #MetroDetroitHomes #CleanWater #HomeImprovementExperts

    51 min

  7. JAN 6

    49-Year Insulation Pro Reveals The Best Ways To Insulate Your Home

    Most homes in Southeast Michigan are bleeding energy—and homeowners don't even realize it. This is the first Hire It Done episode of 2026, and I'm starting the year with a conversation that can immediately lower your energy bills. I sit down with Tom Mackey of Dana Insulation, Inc., an insulation expert with nearly 49 years in the business.  Dana Insulation has been serving Metro Detroit homeowners since 1977, focusing on one thing—installing insulation the right way. If you care about comfort, efficiency, and hiring trusted home improvement professionals in Southeast Michigan, this episode is a must-watch. Insulation isn't sexy, but it's one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make. We break down where heat actually escapes, why attics, knee walls, rim joists, and crawl spaces are critical, and how bad installation can cancel out even the best materials. Tom explains what really works in Michigan homes, how proper insulation improves comfort year-round, and why most homeowners wait far too long to fix these problems. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why attic insulation delivers the fastest return on investment How improper installation wastes money and energy What R-values really mean for comfort and efficiency When cellulose, fiberglass, or foam makes the most sense Why ventilation and baffling are non-negotiable How insulation upgrades lower heating and cooling costs What separates trusted insulation contractors from the rest If your home is cold in winter, hot in summer, or expensive to heat and cool, this episode will show you why—and how to fix it the right way.  Watch the full conversation, and if you're a Metro Detroit homeowner looking for solution-minded contractors, Hire It Done is here to help.   🔗 CONNECT WITH Dana Insulation 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/partners/dana-insulation  https://danafoaminsulation.com/  👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danainsulation   🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors

    49 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    The Right Way to Hire a Contractor for Your Home (According To A Home Improvement Expert)

    You don't hire a contractor every day—so when you do, the stakes are high. In this episode, I break down exactly how Metro Detroit homeowners can hire smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and protect their investment from day one. This conversation is all about giving Southeast Michigan homeowners clear, practical guidance on home improvement, remodeling, and working with trusted contractors—without the stress, confusion, or surprises. Here's the real issue: most homeowner problems don't start during construction. They start before the contract is even signed. I walk you through how to ask the right questions, how to evaluate communication early, and how to spot red flags before they turn into expensive headaches.  Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, room addition, or major home repair, this episode helps you approach the process with confidence and clarity. Key Takeaways How to evaluate a contractor based on communication, not just price What questions to ask before a contractor steps inside your home Why proposals must clearly list what's not included How smart payment schedules protect homeowners How to discuss budget without hurting your negotiating position Why design-build can simplify complex remodeling projects How Hire It Done helps reduce risk for Metro Detroit homeowners If you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner planning a renovation—or even just thinking about one—this episode gives you the tools to hire the right professional and avoid costly missteps.  Tune in, take notes, and reach out anytime. I'm here to help you get it done the right way.   🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/  🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone  🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/  🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle  #HireItDone #MetroDetroitHomeowners #TrustedContractors

    51 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Your ultimate guide to finding and selecting the best contractors for your home improvement projects. Hosted by Adam, a 4th-generation contractor with a degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State, the podcast offers expert advice from someone who's truly "the homeowner's best friend." With a rich background in radio, television, and internet media, Adam has hosted numerous shows and served as a featured builder on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where he also acted as the show's construction consultant for over two seasons. Whether you're a home owner, or a first-time renovator, this podcast is your trusted resource for home improvement success.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Helfman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Hire It Done