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. 5d ago

    How To Fire Your Contractor: What To Do When The Job Goes South

    If a contractor relationship is falling apart, the worst thing you can do is make the next move in anger. In this episode of Hire It Done, I break down how homeowners can handle a contractor dispute with a calm, documented plan, from reading the contract and putting problems in writing to ending the relationship and sorting out the money. This is practical homeowner education, not legal advice. Every contract and state can have different rules. My goal is to help you understand the questions to ask, the records to keep, and the point where a normal home improvement problem may need professional legal guidance. What should you do before firing a contractor? Read the contract first. Look for termination language, notice requirements, and any opportunity to cure the problem before you end the relationship. Should you fire a contractor by phone? A written record is much stronger for clarity. Put the termination in writing, state the effective date, and keep a copy of what you sent. What should you document during a contractor dispute? Save texts and emails, take dated photos and videos, keep a running job log, save receipts, and record the specific problems and promises made. How should you recap a contractor phone call? Send a short email after the conversation explaining what was discussed, what remains unfinished, what each side agreed to do, and the next deadline. What happens to the money after you fire a contractor? You still need to reconcile what has been paid, what work is complete, what materials or labor may already be committed, and whether subcontractors or lien issues are involved. When should a homeowner call a lawyer? Get qualified legal guidance when the dispute involves liens, structural or safety defects, unresolved code or inspection problems, arbitration language, or other legal claims you do not understand. If your home renovation or remodeling project is going sideways, this episode will help you slow the situation down and make a more informed next move. For more trusted contractor and home improvement advice, visit HireItDone.com and follow Hire It Done. #HireItDone #HomeImprovement #ContractorTips

  2. Aug 21

    10 Home Projects You Should Book Before Fall

    Your house gives you warning signs long before a small problem turns into an expensive project. In this Hire It Done episode, I walk through the midsummer home improvements I want homeowners thinking about before fall, from exterior paint, decks, gutters, windows, and weather stripping to garages, basement leaks, kitchens, bathrooms, and contractor planning.   I also get into the homeowner decisions that matter after you decide to do the work. Should resale value control every remodel? What makes one replacement window better than another? What should you ask before signing a contractor proposal? And when is a small maintenance issue telling you to act now instead of later? The goal is simple: help you plan smarter, hire trusted contractors, and get more value from the home you live in every day.   What home projects should you book before fall? Prioritize weather-sensitive exterior work, roof and gutter checks, caulking, weather stripping, deck repairs, concrete issues, and any project that becomes harder once cold or wet weather arrives. Good contractors may already be filling their fall calendars.   Should resale value be the main reason to remodel a kitchen or bathroom? No. Resale value matters, but if you plan to live in the home, daily comfort and usability matter too. A renovation should solve the frustrations you actually live with.   How can you make a garage more useful? Start by clearing what you no longer use. Then consider flooring, storage, insulation, climate control, lighting, security, and garage-door maintenance based on how you want to use the space.   What is the best replacement window? The best window is one that is installed properly. Ask the window contractor about installers, air sealing, caulk, fit, workmanship, and the installation process instead of comparing brand names alone.   What should you ask before signing a contractor proposal? Ask what is not included, how cleanup and preparation are handled, when the job really starts, whether permits are required, and whether the contractor can do better on price, schedule, or another term.   What small home problems can become expensive later? Clogged gutters, air leaks, loose deck boards, cracked concrete, leaks, damaged trim, garage-door problems, and basement moisture are all worth investigating before they grow into larger repairs.   If you are planning a home improvement project and want to hire smarter, watch the full episode and use these questions during your next walk around the house and your next contractor meeting.   🔗 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 #HomeMaintenance

  3. Aug 13

    You're Ignoring Your Yard's Best Planting Season | Sherwood Forest Garden Center

    If your yard looks tired in August, your first instinct may be to wait until spring. I would not be so quick to do that. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Ashley Thomas of Sherwood Forest Garden Center, a family-owned Rochester-area garden center and landscaping business that has served homeowners for more than 50 years. We get into the late-summer and fall decisions that can make landscaping easier to manage and help you avoid problems that show up around the house later. Ashley breaks down the practical side of watering, plant placement, clay soil, deer pressure, mulch, hardscapes, landscape design, and project budgeting. We also talk about why fall can be a smart planting window in Michigan, why the prettiest tree is not always the right tree for your property, and why a good landscaping plan should account for sun, shade, drainage, mature plant size, maintenance, and budget before the work begins. Question: When is the best time to water plants in hot weather? Answer: Ashley recommends consistent watering for recently planted material and says morning or evening is preferable to the hottest part of the afternoon. The goal is to get water to the roots, not simply spray the leaves. Question: How do you choose the right tree for a yard? Answer: Start with the location, not just the appearance. Consider sun, shade, mature size, nearby concrete, the roofline, and how the tree may affect the property as it grows. Question: Can you plant successfully in clay soil? Answer: Yes, but drainage matters. Ashley explains that digging too deep in heavy clay can leave roots sitting in water, so planting depth and how water moves through the area need to be considered. Question: Is fall a good time to plant in Michigan? Answer: In the episode, Ashley explains that late summer and fall can be a useful planting window because homeowners have a shorter active watering period before frost and dormancy. Planting can continue while the ground remains workable. Question: How can homeowners tell if mulch is too thick? Answer: Ashley points to molding or white spores in the mulch as a sign that too much material may have built up. Before adding another layer, inspect what is already in the bed. Question: When should homeowners start planning next year's landscaping? Answer: Start before the spring rush. A landscape designer needs time to understand sun, shade, drainage, existing plants, site conditions, and the overall goals for the property. Question: When should budget come up in a landscape design project? Answer: Right away. A realistic budget helps the designer choose plant sizes, features, and project phases that fit the homeowner instead of creating a plan that has to be rebuilt later. If you are planning landscaping, drainage work, hardscaping, planting, or other home improvement projects, this conversation gives you a better list of questions to ask before spending money. Watch the full episode, connect with Ashley and Sherwood Forest Garden Center, and visit HireItDone.com when you need help finding trusted home improvement professionals. 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/ #HireItDone #LandscapingTips #MichiganHomes

  4. Aug 7

    How to Plan a Remodel Without Costly Surprises | Metro Home Improvements

    A remodel can go sideways before construction even starts if the scope, budget, schedule, and expectations are not clear. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, Macomb County's home improvement company for kitchens, bathrooms, finished basements, dormers, additions, restoration work, and new construction. We talk about what homeowners should do before calling a contractor, why projects cannot always start immediately, and how to tell a normal remodeling hiccup from a real red flag. Brian shares practical advice on setting a realistic scope, preparing for hidden conditions, understanding permits and custom material delays, documenting project progress, and avoiding side deals that can create insurance and liability problems. Question: What should you do before calling a remodeling contractor? Answer: Write down how you want the finished space to work, identify your must-haves, and separate essential features from optional upgrades. Clear expectations help the contractor build an accurate scope. Question: Why can't a remodel start immediately after signing? Answer: Larger projects may require drawings, permits, utility marking, material orders, product selections, and site preparation before construction can begin. Question: How should homeowners discuss the budget? Answer: Treat the budget as a practical planning tool. If the wish list and expected cost are far apart, the contractor can help adjust the scope, selections, or project phases. Question: Why should a remodeling budget include a contingency? Answer: Walls may hide rot, mold, outdated plumbing, damaged framing, unsafe wiring, or incorrect previous work. Ask how hidden conditions will be documented and approved. Question: Why do custom materials delay remodeling projects? Answer: Cabinets, windows, countertops, and specialty products may be made to order. Manufacturer, distributor, shipping, or damage issues can change the schedule. Question: What is the difference between a hiccup and a red flag? Answer: A hiccup has a clear cause and a path forward, such as one missing cabinet. A red flag may stop the entire system or reveal repeated mistakes, silence, or missing documentation. Question: Why should homeowners avoid paying workers directly? Answer: Side payments may bypass the contractor's insurance, written scope, warranty, and responsibility structure. Extra work should be quoted and approved through a written change order. Connect with Brian Lee and 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/ Phone: (586) 929-0224 For trusted home improvement advice and qualified contractor connections, visit HireItDone.com. #HireItDone #HomeRemodeling #MetroHomeImprovements

  5. Jul 30

    7 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before You Hire

    Hiring a contractor should not start and end with three bids and one final number. In this solo episode of Hire It Done, I break down the questions homeowners should ask before signing a home improvement contract. We talk about insurance, licensing, who will actually be in your house, what belongs in a detailed estimate, what is not included, how change orders should work, how payments should be scheduled, and what can delay a project. The goal is simple: help you compare trusted contractors more fairly, avoid surprise costs, and build a better working relationship before the first hammer swings. What should I ask a contractor before hiring? Ask about licensing, insurance, who will perform the work, who manages the site, the written scope, exclusions, change orders, payment milestones, warranties, cleanup, permits, and the project timeline. Why should I avoid choosing only by price? Contractor bids can be wildly different because the scope, supervision, labor, materials, assumptions, and installation quality may be different. The lowest number is not automatically the best value. What insurance proof should a contractor provide? Ask what type of coverage the contractor carries, including general liability and workers' compensation when applicable. Request a current certificate of insurance and verify any trade license required for the work. What should a contractor estimate include? A strong estimate should identify the work, materials, brands or grades, demolition, debris removal, cleanup, permits, responsibilities, payment schedule, and expected timeline. It should also explain what is not included. How should change orders be handled? Extra work should be priced, documented, and approved before the cost is added whenever possible. A text, email, or formal change order can prevent arguments at the end of the job. How much should I pay upfront? There is no single number for every project, but your payment schedule should match real costs and progress. Ask where the deposit goes and what milestone triggers each payment. What should I ask about the timeline? Ask for the expected start date, workdays, estimated duration, inspection schedule, material lead times, and common causes of delay. Clear communication matters when the schedule changes. Watch the full episode, keep this checklist nearby, and visit HireItDone.com when you need help finding a trusted contractor or reviewing an estimate. #HireItDone #HiringAContractor #HomeImprovement

  6. Jul 23

    7 Ways to Keep Your House Cool Without Overworking Your AC

    Extreme heat can make a normal home problem feel like an emergency. In this Hire It Done radio episode, I break down practical ways homeowners can keep the house cooler, protect indoor air quality, and avoid making a rushed HVAC decision when the system is already under pressure. You will learn how filters, thermostat settings, ceiling fans, window coverings, attic heat, appliances, and the outdoor condenser affect comfort. I also explain what to ask an HVAC contractor before buying equipment, including load calculations, efficiency ratings, warranties, and who will actually perform the installation. Later in the episode, I look at popular renovation projects and explain why time may be the most important tool in a homeowner's toolbox. How can homeowners protect indoor air during smoky weather? Close windows, reduce outside air entering the home, check the HVAC filter, and use an appropriately sized portable air cleaner when needed. Make sure any filter is compatible with the system so airflow is not restricted. How often should a one-inch HVAC filter be checked? Check it frequently during heavy cooling seasons, smoky weather, renovations, or periods with more dust. Adam recommends monthly replacement for many one-inch filters, but the right schedule depends on the filter, equipment, pets, and conditions in the home. What should I ask an HVAC contractor before replacing an AC? Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, a proper load calculation such as Manual J, a clear explanation of efficiency options, the names or roles of the people doing the work, warranty details, and a line-by-line scope. Does setting the thermostat to 65 cool the house faster? No. The system cools at its normal rate. A much lower setting usually makes it run longer, while insulation, air leaks, windows, attic heat, and outdoor conditions still affect the result. How can I help my AC work more efficiently? Close sun-facing blinds, use ceiling fans, avoid heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours, keep the filter clean, and maintain open airflow around the outdoor condenser. What home improvement projects are homeowners considering right now? Outdoor living spaces, curb appeal projects, exterior updates, and window replacement remain common choices. The quality of the installation matters as much as the product being installed. Why does Adam call time the most important tool? A homeowner can spend many hours doing the work or spend time carefully hiring the right professional. The better choice depends on the risk, skill required, total cost, and what that time is worth elsewhere. Watch the full episode for the complete homeowner playbook. Subscribe to Hire It Done, follow us on social media, and visit HireItDone.com when you need help finding trusted contractors and making a smarter home improvement decision. #HireItDone #HVACTips #HomeImprovement

  7. Jul 15

    How To Plan A Bathroom Remodel Without Cost Surprises | Jeff Kay of Blissful Baths

    If you are thinking about remodeling a bathroom in South Jersey, the Philadelphia area, or Eastern Pennsylvania, this episode is for you. I sat down with Jeff Kay, President of Blissful Baths and Home, to talk about what homeowners should understand before hiring a bathroom company, especially when the project involves the wet space, tub replacement, shower replacement, or a tub-to-shower conversion. Bathrooms are easy to underestimate because they are not just design projects. They involve plumbing, ventilation, materials, layout, safety, daily disruption, and sometimes hidden issues behind the wall. Jeff explains how Blissful Baths and Home approaches bathroom remodeling with specialized teams, a clear process, detailed proposals, exact pricing, and after-installation support. In this conversation, we cover what South Jersey and Philadelphia-area homeowners should ask before signing anything, why walk-in showers are becoming more popular, how to think about resale value versus daily use, why budget should be discussed early, and what separates a professional bathroom company from a stressful contractor experience. Question: What areas does Blissful Baths and Home serve? Answer: Blissful Baths and Home is located in Berlin, South Jersey, and serves the bottom half of New Jersey and the eastern portion of Pennsylvania, including homeowners in the greater Philadelphia area. Question: Can a bathroom remodel really be done in about a day? Answer: Jeff explains that many wet-space projects, such as tub replacement, shower replacement, and tub-to-shower conversions, can be done in as little as a day because Blissful Baths and Home uses specialized teams and mobile workshop-style crews with the tools and materials needed. Question: What should homeowners ask before hiring a bathroom company? Answer: Homeowners should ask about the company's process, who is doing the installation, whether the company is licensed and insured, what is included in the proposal, what is not included, and what could cost more. Question: Why are walk-in showers becoming more popular? Answer: Many homeowners want bathrooms that fit their current lifestyle. Walk-in showers can improve safety, accessibility, daily comfort, and the overall feel of the bathroom, especially in older homes with traditional tub-and-shower layouts. Question: Why should budget be discussed early? Answer: Jeff says pricing is usually already on the homeowner's mind, so it should be one of the first topics discussed. A clear pricing structure helps homeowners understand how the price is built and reduces uncertainty. Question: What is the difference between an estimate and an exact price? Answer: A loose estimate can leave room for confusion or added costs. A detailed proposal with an exact price gives homeowners a clearer understanding of scope, expectations, and what they are agreeing to before work starts. Question: What should happen after the bathroom installation is complete? Answer: A professional company should walk the homeowner through the finished bathroom, explain how everything works, provide written warranty details, and have a clear service process for any after-installation concerns. If you are planning a bathroom remodel, tub-to-shower conversion, or shower replacement in South Jersey, Philadelphia, or Eastern Pennsylvania, this episode will help you ask better questions and hire smarter. Guest Website: https://blissfulbaths.com/ Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissfulbathsnj Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissfulbathsnj For hassle-free home improvement and trusted contractors, visit hireitdone.com. #BathroomRemodel #SouthJersey #HireItDone

  8. Jul 9

    Storm Damage? Do This Before You Sign Anything

    Severe weather can leave homeowners with roof damage, basement water, power outages, fallen tree limbs, and a lot of pressure from people knocking on the door.   In this episode of Hire It Done, I walk through what I want homeowners to do after a major storm before they sign anything, start a claim, or trust a contractor promising a "free roof."   I cover how to inspect your property safely, what to photograph, why documentation matters for insurance, how to spot common roof and hail damage clues, what mitigation really means, and why storm chasers can create problems for homeowners and the home improvement industry.   If your home was hit by high winds, hail, flooding, power outages, or tree damage, this episode gives you a practical first-step checklist: document everything, stay away from danger, call the right pros, and do not sign under pressure.   Q&A-Style Takeaways   Question: What should homeowners do first after severe weather? Answer: Walk the property safely and document what changed. Take photos from the roofline to the ground, but do not climb ladders or touch dangerous areas.   Question: Why should homeowners photograph their house before and after storms? Answer: Photos can help show what was there before damage happened and what changed after the storm. Emailing those photos to yourself creates a simple saved record.   Question: What roof damage signs should homeowners look for from the ground? Answer: Look for missing, lifted, curled, or dented shingles, dents in roof vents or soft metals, granules in downspouts, damaged gutters, and cracked vents.   Question: What does it mean to mitigate damage? Answer: Mitigation means taking reasonable action to stop damage from getting worse. If water is coming in, document it, call your agent, call the right contractor, and keep receipts.   Question: Should homeowners sign paperwork from a contractor who knocks after a storm? Answer: Not under pressure. Ask who they are, which neighbor they are working with, whether they are licensed and insured, and whether you can review the document with your insurance agent first.   Question: What safety risks should homeowners avoid after a storm? Answer: Stay far away from downed power lines, keep kids and pets away from dangerous areas, and never run a fuel-powered generator inside the house, garage, basement, or near an open window.   Need help finding trusted contractors? Visit hireitdone.com.   #HireItDone #StormDamage #HomeImprovement

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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
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Hire It Done