If you're planning a remodel in 2025 or 2026, you'll want to hear this conversation. Today I'm sitting down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, one of the most experienced and trusted design-build experts serving Macomb County, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan homeowners. Brian and I dive into what's really happening in the home improvement world—why some contractors fall behind, how technology is reshaping remodeling, and what homeowners should expect when hiring a pro. If you're looking for trusted contractors, real guidance, and smarter ways to plan your next project, this episode is for you. Brian brings decades of hands-on experience, leading a team that specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, finished basements, and full renovations. Metro Home Improvements focuses on craftsmanship, clear communication, and solution-based planning—something every Southeast Michigan homeowner needs, especially with rising project costs and outdated city processes slowing many projects down. Whether you're dreaming about a new kitchen or dealing with a tricky structural or zoning challenge, you'll walk away knowing how to hire smarter and protect your investment. In this episode, we break down the biggest issues homeowners face today—everything from delays in city permitting, to outdated ordinances, to contractors who refuse to modernize. We also talk about practical solutions: preparation, transparency, new design-build tools like VR planning boards, and what a truly smooth remodeling process should look like. Brian's approach is rooted in real results, real experience, and real accountability—something every Metro Detroit homeowner deserves. Key Takeaways - Why many contractors fall behind—and how to spot the ones who stay ahead. - How Metro Home Improvements uses technology (AI, VR boards, digital planning) to make remodeling easier for homeowners. - What Southeast Michigan homeowners must know about zoning, permitting, and navigating city processes. - How long major projects (like room additions or garages) really take—and how to avoid costly delays. - Why design-build matters and how it helps you get clearer pricing, better planning, and fewer surprises. - What homeowners should prepare before hiring a contractor (wish list, wants vs. needs, budget expectations). - The red flags to watch out for when hiring a home improvement pro. If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a renovation—big or small—this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid the headaches so many homeowners face. And if you need a trusted contractor, you can always find the pros I personally recommend at HireItDone.com. 👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more home improvement advice, expert interviews, and weekly insights to help you hire smarter. 🔗 CONNECT WITH METRO HOME IMPROVEMENTS 💻 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/ 🔗 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 #HomeImprovement #MichiganContractors #MetroDetroitRemodeling