Hire It Done

Adam Helfman

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. 5d ago

    Spring Planting Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Yard

    Spring is when homeowners start thinking about curb appeal, fresh mulch, flowers, trees, and getting the yard ready for summer.   But before you start planting, there are a few mistakes that can cost you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.   In this episode of Hire It Done, I'm joined by Ashley Thomas from Sherwood Forest Garden Center in Rochester, Michigan. Ashley and her family have been helping homeowners choose the right plants, prep their yards, and build better outdoor spaces for decades.   We talk about the spring planting mistakes homeowners make, why you should check your soil before buying plants, how to know whether your yard needs sun or shade plants, what to do about deer, how to avoid overwatering, and why Michigan-grown plants matter.   If you are getting your yard ready for summer, this episode will help you make smarter decisions before you spend money on landscaping.   In This Episode   Why homeowners should clean and prep beds before planting How to check soil before buying plants Why mulch does not fix grass growing into your beds Best low-cost curb appeal plants for spring How to tell if your yard has full sun, shade, or filtered sun Annuals vs. perennials, and when each one makes sense How to protect landscaping from deer Why overwatering and planting too deep can kill trees and bushes Why local Michigan-grown plants can be a better fit for Michigan yards How Sherwood Forest Garden Center helps homeowners with design, delivery, and installation Q&A-Style Takeaways   Question: What should homeowners do before planting in spring? Answer: Clean up the yard and planting beds first. Check the soil, remove old clutter, look for insects or roots, edge the beds, and then add mulch or new plants.   Question: Can mulch fix grass growing into garden beds? Answer: No. Ashley explains that homeowners should edge the beds first. Mulch can make the bed look clean, but it will not solve the problem if grass is already growing into the bed.   Question: How do I know if my yard needs sun or shade plants? Answer: Observe the area where you want to plant. A space may look sunny early in the season, but once trees leaf out, it may become filtered sun instead of full sun.   Question: What are good low-cost plants for curb appeal? Answer: Ashley recommends grasses for height and structure, salvia for long-blooming perennial color, and annuals for strong seasonal color.   Question: How can homeowners protect plants from deer? Answer: Choose deer-resistant plants where possible and consider perimeter-based deer repellent strategies before deer establish their seasonal path through the yard.   Question: Can overwatering kill plants? Answer: Yes. Ashley explains that plants can drown, especially when soil conditions are heavy or clay-based. New trees and annuals may need more water, but homeowners still need to monitor soil and watering frequency.   Question: Why do local plants matter for Michigan homeowners? Answer: Plants grown for the local environment are more likely to match the climate and conditions. Ashley recommends choosing plants that work for Michigan sun, soil, and seasonal changes instead of relying only on online inspiration.   Connect With Sherwood Forest Garden Center   Website: https://www.sherwoodforestgardencenter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-thomas-2636bb62/ X: https://x.com/sherwoodForest4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_thomas1217/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.l.thomas.77/ Phone mentioned in episode: (248) 652-4920 Location mentioned in episode: 4981 Adams Road, Rochester / Oakland Township, Michigan, corner of Adams and Silver Bell   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: https://x.com/helfystyle   #HireItDone #SpringLandscaping #HomeImprovement

    48 min

  2. May 22

    How Contractors Can Use AI Without Getting Left Behind | George Byers of CodeHosted

    AI is moving fast, and contractors can no longer afford to ignore it. In this episode, I sit down with George Byers, founder of CodeHosted.com and the developer behind the Hire It Done website, to talk about how artificial intelligence, websites, SEO, online ordering, and AI agents are changing the home services industry. George breaks down AI in plain English, explains why contractors should start with practical business problems, and shows how tools like Trashed.app can help modernize old-school industries like dumpster rental and junk removal. We also talk about how contractors can upgrade outdated websites, improve their online presence, and use automation without making their business more complicated. If you are a contractor, home service business owner, dumpster rental company, or homeowner trying to understand where AI is going, this conversation is a practical starting point. What We Cover in This Episode What AI actually is in plain English Why AI is a "guessing machine" that uses data and patterns How Trashed.app helps homeowners and contractors find dumpster rentals faster Why outdated contractor websites are costing businesses opportunities How instant storefronts can help dumpster companies take orders online Why contractors should use the AI tools connected to their existing data What AI agents are and why they matter for business automation How CodeHosted helps contractors and service businesses modernize their digital presence Q&A From This Episode Question: What is AI in simple terms? Answer: George explains that AI, at its core, is a guessing machine. It looks at patterns, uses training data, and predicts the next sequence or likely response. Question: How can contractors start using AI? Answer: Start with the tools and data already in front of you. If your business is built around Google, look at Gemini. If your business is built around Microsoft, look at Copilot. The easier it is for AI to access useful data, the more helpful it becomes. Question: What is Trashed.app? Answer: Trashed.app is a platform built to make dumpster rentals and junk removal easier by helping customers find providers, compare availability, and place orders online faster. Question: How does Trashed help dumpster companies? Answer: George explains that Trashed can provide instant storefronts so dumpster rental and junk removal companies can start accepting online orders without needing a full website first. Question: What is an AI agent? Answer: An AI agent is a large language model equipped with tools. It can send emails, send texts, scan the web, collect data, and move information in and out of systems automatically. Question: Why should contractors care about websites and online presence? Answer: Even great contractors can lose opportunities if customers cannot find them, trust them, or take action online. A modern digital presence helps remove friction before the customer ever calls. Connect With George Byers and CodeHosted Website: https://codehosted.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-byers-ii/ Trashed App LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trash-app/ 🔗 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

    31 min

  3. May 19

    NEVER Hire a Contractor Without Asking These Questions

    Hiring the wrong contractor can turn a simple home improvement project into a stressful, expensive mess. In this Hire It Done episode, I break down the questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor, how to vet referrals the right way, what to ask about payment schedules, and how to handle a dispute without making the problem worse. If you are planning a home renovation, remodel, repair, or maintenance project, this episode will help you think like a smarter homeowner. I explain why the lowest price is rarely the safest choice, why contractor communication matters so much, why permits and change orders should be in writing, and why the phrase "what's not included" can protect you from surprises later. Q&A-Style Takeaways Question: What questions should I ask before hiring a contractor? Answer: Ask about licensing, insurance, project management, payment schedule, permits, change orders, warranties, what is not included, and how disputes are handled. Question: How do I vet a contractor referral? Answer: Do not just take the name and run with it. Ask the previous homeowner when the work was done, whether the quoted price matched the final price, how the crew treated the home, and whether they would hire the contractor again. Question: Why is communication so important in home improvement? Answer: Communication is what keeps a project moving and prevents small concerns from turning into fights. A good contractor should clearly explain scope, timing, changes, cleanup, and next steps. Question: What should a contractor proposal include? Answer: A strong proposal should read like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. It should also clearly explain what is included and what is not included. Question: Should homeowners always pull permits? Answer: In my experience, permits are usually worth it because they add another set of eyes and can protect you when you sell your home later. Question: What should I do if a contractor job goes wrong? Answer: Stay calm, document everything, and put the issue in writing. Give a good contractor the opportunity to make it right before escalating. The best way to handle a contractor dispute is to avoid one in the first place. Do your homework on the front end, ask better questions, and protect yourself before the job starts. 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 #TrustedContractors #HireItDone

    47 min

  4. May 18

    Is Your Home's Water Actually Clean? Water Testing, Filters & Softeners Explained

    Clean water starts with knowing what is actually coming through your tap. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Jerrad Beauchamp, President & CEO of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions, to talk about water testing, water softeners, whole-house filtration, reverse osmosis, PFAS, lead, city water, well water, fridge filters, hard water, and the everyday signs homeowners should not ignore. Jerrad's family has been in the water treatment industry since 1976, and his approach is simple: test first, understand the problem, then build the right solution for the home. We talk about why water quality has become a bigger health and home-protection conversation, how hard water affects skin and appliances, why a refrigerator filter is not always a purifier, and how homeowners can make smarter decisions before buying equipment. If you are a homeowner in Southeast Michigan, Metro Detroit, or Philadelphia and you have questions about water quality, this conversation is a practical place to start. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Jerrad recommends testing your water at least once a year The difference between city water and well water concerns Signs of water quality issues: spots, scale, smell, taste, dry skin, dingy laundry, and rusty stains What a water softener actually does Why water treatment systems are modular and should match your water test results The difference between water softeners, conditioners, filters, and purifiers Why refrigerator filters can improve taste but may not fully purify water Reverse osmosis and purified water options How hard water can affect appliances, faucets, skin, soap usage, and long-term cost Why proper installation matters as much as the equipment itself Homeowner Q&A Takeaways Q: How do I know if I have a water problem? A: Look for spots, scale, strange smell or taste, dry skin, dingy laundry, rusty stains, or recurring buildup. The safest first step is to test the water rather than guessing. Q: How often should I test my water? A: Jerrad recommends having your water tested at least once a year, especially if you are on well water, have older plumbing, or notice changes in taste, smell, staining, or buildup. Q: Does a refrigerator filter purify water? A: Not always. Many refrigerator filters are activated carbon filters that can improve taste and reduce certain things like chlorine, but they are not automatically the same as a full purification system. Q: What does a water softener do? A: A water softener removes hardness and low levels of iron. Other problems, such as heavy iron staining, bacteria, odor, chlorine, or drinking-water purification, may need additional treatment. Q: Is it cheaper to keep buying bottled water? A: Jerrad explains that a reverse osmosis system can produce purified water at a much lower cost per gallon than bottled water, while also reducing concerns about microplastics from plastic bottles. 🔗 CONNECT WITH Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions Website: https://www.beauchampwater.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauchampwater/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauchampwatersolutions/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beauchamp-water-treatment-solutions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcdNJfc8P3J6EipXefbGwA Phone: 810-476-2907 🔗 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

    47 min

  5. May 15

    Interior Spring Home Checklist: What To Check Before Summer

    Your home has been closed up all winter. Now it is time to wake up the inside of your house before the busy spring and summer season hits.   In this episode, I walk through a practical interior spring home maintenance checklist for homeowners. We cover the simple things that are easy to forget, including furnace filters, ductwork, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, plumbing checks, sump pumps, water heaters, hose bibs, GFCI outlets, power strips, dryer vents, and deep cleaning tasks that can affect comfort and safety.   These are not complicated projects. They are the small checks that help you catch problems early, protect your home, and know when it is time to call a trusted professional.   In This Episode Why your furnace filter matters after winter When to ask about a 4- or 5-inch media filter Why duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning should not be ignored How to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors What to check under sinks and around your water heater How to test your sump pump before heavy rain Why homeowners should ask about sump pump failure coverage How GFCI outlets help protect your home Why overloaded power strips can become a fire hazard   Episode Chapters 00:00 Interior spring checklist overview 00:20 Furnace filters and air quality 01:28 Duct cleaning and dust buildup 01:50 Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors 03:16 Fresh air inside the house 03:48 Plumbing checks under sinks 04:11 Testing your sump pump 05:03 Inspecting your water heater 05:47 Checking hose bibs after winter 06:13 Running rarely used fixtures 06:37 Electrical safety and GFCI outlets 07:40 Interior deep cleaning 08:28 Dryer vent cleaning 08:58 Final reminders   Homeowner Q&A Q: How often should I change a 1-inch furnace filter? A: Adam recommends treating a 1-inch filter as a monthly maintenance item. If you are getting a furnace tuneup, ask whether a 4- or 5-inch media filter is a better fit for your home. Q: Why should I test my sump pump in spring? A: Spring storms can expose sump pump problems fast. Testing it with a bucket of water helps confirm the float triggers and the pump moves water out properly. Q: What should I ask my insurance agent about sump pumps? A: Ask whether you have sump pump failure coverage or sump pump backup coverage. Some homeowners need a separate rider for that type of water damage. Q: What interior electrical checks should homeowners do? A: Test your GFCI outlets and avoid overloading power strips. These small checks can reduce shock and fire risks around the home.   🔗 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

    9 min

  6. May 8

    What Interior Styling Really Does for Your Home | Julie Coopersmith and Emily Taylor of The Edit

    Interior styling is the final layer that makes a house feel like home. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Coopersmith and Emily Taylor, founders of The Edit, to talk about how homeowners can refresh, organize, style, and rethink their spaces without always starting from scratch.   We talk about the difference between interior styling, staging, organizing, and design, and why The Edit starts by helping homeowners use what they already have before buying more. Julie and Emily explain how they create mood boards, guide homeowners through decisions, avoid design overwhelm, and help spaces feel intentional, personal, and finished.   If you have a room that feels cluttered, unfinished, or just slightly "off," this conversation will help you understand where to start. From editing before purchasing to measuring before ordering, this episode is packed with practical advice for homeowners who want their space to feel better without wasting money on the wrong pieces.   Q&A Takeaways Question: What is interior styling? Answer: Interior styling is the final layer that makes a space feel finished and personal. It focuses on how a room feels, how pieces work together, and how the home reflects the people who live there. Question: How is styling different from staging? Answer: Staging usually prepares a home to sell, while styling helps the people living in the home make the space feel intentional, personal, and complete. Question: What should homeowners do before buying new decor? Answer: Julie and Emily recommend editing the space first. That means looking at what you already have, removing what no longer fits, and finding pieces that can be reused in a smarter way. Question: Why are mood boards helpful? Answer: Mood boards help narrow the direction, reduce decision overload, and keep homeowners from going in too many directions during the project. Question: What is one common styling mistake homeowners make? Answer: A common mistake is buying furniture, rugs, or decor that is the wrong size for the space. Good styling requires measuring and balancing the room before purchasing. Question: How can homeowners contact The Edit? Answer: Homeowners can visit https://www.theeditdet.com/ and connect with Julie Coopersmith and Emily Taylor through their social media and LinkedIn profiles.   Connect With The Edit Website: https://www.theeditdet.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-edit-det/ Emily Taylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhuntertaylor/ Julie Coopersmith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecoopersmith/ Julie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebcoopersmith/ Emily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyphtaylor/   Connect With Adam 🔗 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

    44 min

  7. May 5

    When to Tune Up, Replace, or Upgrade Your AC | Running Right Heating and Cooling

    Spring is the time to get your HVAC system ready before the first real heat wave hits. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Ron Garmo and Gary Shelley from Running Right Heating and Cooling, along with co-host Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, to talk about AC tune-ups, mini splits, equipment replacement, indoor air quality, and what homeowners should know before summer puts their systems to the test.   We cover when to turn your air conditioner on for the first time, why the first hot day always creates a rush of HVAC calls, when a 20-plus-year-old system should be replaced, how mini splits work for additions and problem rooms, and why indoor air quality starts with the right filtration and airflow.   If you are planning a remodel, adding space, finishing a room above a garage, or trying to make your home more comfortable this spring and summer, this episode will help you ask better questions and avoid expensive mistakes. Q&A Question: When should I turn on my AC for the first time in spring? Answer: If you catch a warm day, turn the system on and make sure it seems like it is working properly. The best move is to schedule a spring maintenance check before the first hot day, when HVAC companies get flooded with calls.   Question: When should homeowners think about replacing an AC or furnace? Answer: Once equipment reaches the 20-plus-year range, it is time to start thinking about replacement. A repair may still make sense, but you should weigh the age of the unit, repair cost, efficiency, warranty, and whether that money is better put toward a new system.   Question: What is a mini split? Answer: A mini split is a heating and cooling system with an indoor unit and an outdoor condensing unit. It can be useful for additions, garage spaces, bonus rooms, and areas where traditional ductwork is difficult or not practical.   Question: Can a garage be tied into the home HVAC system? Answer: No. Gary explains that heating a garage cannot be tied into the existing system for the house. It needs a separate solution, which may include insulation, a mini split, or a standalone system depending on the space.   Question: What matters most when choosing a furnace, AC, or mini split? Answer: The installation matters. Ron says the best mini split is the one installed right, and Adam reinforces that the contractor can make or break the product.   Question: How can homeowners improve indoor air quality? Answer: Start with the HVAC filter. Running Right recommends four-to-five-inch media filters as a minimum in many cases, and homeowners can also ask about electronic filtration, UV-style air purification, and other indoor air quality options.   If you are thinking about turning on your AC, replacing old equipment, upgrading your air quality, or planning a remodel that affects heating and cooling, this episode is worth watching before you make decisions. 🔗 CONNECT WITH RUNNING RIGHT HVAC 💻 Website: https://runningrighthvac.com/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Running-Right-Heating-Cooling-More/100063483913563/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningright/ 📞 Phone: 248-884-1704 🛠️ Request a Free Quote: https://runningrighthvac.com/request-a-quote/   🔗 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

    46 min

  8. May 1

    Spring Home Improvement Checklist: What to Check Outside Your House Right Now

    Spring is here, and that means it is time to stop ignoring the outside of your house. In this Hire It Done episode, Adam Helfman walks through a practical exterior spring home improvement checklist to help homeowners catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.   He covers the roof, gutters, downspouts, siding, caulking, foundation cracks, drainage, concrete, decks, mulch, fencing, irrigation, pavers, and even your AC condenser. And the best part is that he tells you what you can realistically do yourself and where it makes more sense to call in a pro.   If you want a smarter spring walkaround for your home, this is a strong place to start.   Questions answered in this episode:   Q: What is the safest first step for checking your roof in spring? A: Adam recommends starting from the street with your smartphone and zooming in before even thinking about climbing a ladder.   Q: Why should homeowners check gutters and downspouts early in spring? A: Because backed-up gutters can push water into the roof, fascia, and exterior areas that become expensive to repair.   Q: What foundation issues should homeowners watch for? A: Look for cracks, settling, staining, water puddling, and poor drainage around the perimeter of the house.   Q: What does positive drainage mean? A: The grade should slope away from the house, with a rough rule of thumb of about six inches down over ten feet.   Q: What should homeowners check around the AC condenser? A: Keep debris and bushes cleared back in a three-foot ring and schedule a spring tune-up before heavy summer use.   Q: Can too much mulch be a problem? A: Yes. Over time, mulch can build up too high against the foundation and increase the risk of water damage.   Q: What should homeowners look for on decks, driveways, and pavers? A: Loose or rotted boards, cracked asphalt, shifted pavers, and washed-out sand or base materials.   If this episode helped you, subscribe to the Hire It Done podcast and channel for more real homeowner guidance.   🔗 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

    12 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
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Hire It Done