Lately I’ve been enjoying the ramblings of Ohio blogger DIY Diva, a self-described “power tool wielding badass” in Ohio. When she’s not shredding legal documents or dreaming of owning a mini-lathe, this ripped jeans–wearing woman is busy remodeling her 80-year-old house.

I mention the Diva because she’s the one who turned me on to Handyguys Podcast. If you’re not familiar with podcasting, basically it’s a downloadable audio or video program, like a TV or radio show, that you can watch or listen to on your computer. Handyman’s Podcast is a weekly advice show (posted every Thursday) put together by two guys with ample reno experience.

The show covers questions sent in by listeners, as well as general how-to advice on everything from deck refinishing to spring cleaning your lawnmower to head-to-head tool tests. It’s a great show led by two entertaining and informed DIYers.

Handyman’s Podcast isn’t the only home-reno show in the blogosphere. Podcasting works well with renos because you get to hear from real people about what they went through and how to solve problems in a way that doesn’t always work in books or magazines. Here are some other remodelling podcasts:

Podcast Directory lists several building-related podcasts, including shows on tiling and insulation.

HGTV (Home and Garden Television) offers tons of podcasts covering everything from basement makeovers to home wine storage.

If you read Popular Science magazine, you’re already familiar with The Toolmonger, a guy who tests and reviews tools like a one-man Consumer Reports. The podcasts feature The Toolmonger offering his opinions and advice on buying and comparing tools.

Of course, with all online content, please use caution when deciding who’s an expert and who’s blowing hot air; not everyone’s the expert they claim to be.

It seems every time I flip on the boob tube, there’s another happy couple—well, generally happy, but momentarily disgruntled couple—undergoing a home reno while TV cameras roll. Welcome to prime time, where homeowners and professional renovators flip the ugly, the outdated, the unlivable into a contemporary nest in less time than it takes most of us to re-tile a small bathroom.

If home reno shows have done one thing well, it is to expose the bad guys in the business. But while they have raised the status of a few good men, and women, these shows have also given off the impression that renovation is a card game where you need to call bluffs and gamble your savings.

Money Blue Book, a blog about “smart investing, frugal living and credit card offers” offers up what it considers the best house-flipping and house-hunting TV shows. But it should be noted that “best” here refers to “most entertaining.” For example, here’s Blogger Ray (no last name) on A&E’s Flip This House: “I love the show and found it irresistibly entertaining due to the endless stream of scam and fakery controversies [including] Atlanta “real estate developer” Sam Leccima and his Season 2 housing-flip scam debacle. His on-the-air house flipping prowesses were later exposed and discredited as shams by news investigators when it was revealed that he had duped many investors in an elaborate flipping cover up.” “Ray’s” passionate analysis continues on the site.

But I don’t mean to just focus on the negative. Instructional TV has come a long way since the days of Bob Ross reminiscing about wartime while painting his latest water-colour masterpiece. While we’re inundated with a few too many shows these days, there are at least a few worth your half hour.

Canada’s HGTV carries a wide selection of less glamorous, more realistic reno shows, even if they are slightly sped up—hey, come on, it’s television. Most notable is Holmes on Homes, starring contractor Mike Holmes as the tough-talking, bicep-wielding here-I-come-to-save-the-day pro.

The original reno shows belong to This Old House, the New England program starring everyman Norm Abram. Beginning in 1982, this is probably television’s longest-running reno show.

Of course, we can’t really talk TV without mentioning the Kenny Rogers of DIY, Bob Vila. This guy can sell, and unlike us regular folk, his hair never seems to grey and his golf shirts never seem to fade.

—Jay Somerset

Home improvements can be trying on your and your family. Here are a few simple steps to ease some of the tension.

Getting Started
1. Gather a scrapbook - It should consist of notes, photos, and articles that you have collected that reflect your need and the style you are looking for.
2. Get together with your family and ask them for their input and wish lists.
3. Come up with a budget you can live with.
4. Draw a rough sketch of your floor plan and take measurements (or, if building, get floor plan from architect or builder).
5. If you would like, print and fill out the Kitchen Planning Guide which can be found . http://www.classickitchendesigns.com/Kitchens/planning_guide.htm

Now you will need to find a showroom where they can help bring your needs and wants to life.

The first time you visit a showroom:
1. The well trained associates will be able to answer any questions you may have.
2. Review and/or assist you in establishing a budget.
3. Discuss your scrapbook of ideas - include all the important elements within your budget
4. Discuss your floor plan and go over some design ideas.
5. Discuss your plans for utilizing the room you will be remodeling.
Once you have have decided on your contractor design company:
1. They come to your home and take measurements.
2. Review and make suggestions in your home that will best suite your space and your personal needs

The second time you visit the showroom:
1. Your design team will have created a design, and drafted perspectives, elevations, and a floor plan.
2. When you have decided that everything is perfect, you will provided you with a price. The next meeting is for you to discuss the design and any potential modifications you would like to make.

The Installation Process:
1. If necessary, your design team will make arrangements with your builder, architect, and/or designer to coordinate the installation.
2. If you prefer, they will remove your existing cabinetry and appliances.
3. To ensure a quality installation, your design team will meet the installer at your home to discuss the details of your plan and installation.

For more helpful tips, and to find a Kitchen Renovation expert, call or visit Classic Kitchen Designs at 905.279.6194 or http://www.classickitchendesigns.com. Classic Kitchen Designs has been providing afforable kitchens for homeowners since 1979.

Home makeovers are becoming all the rage in the housing market. It is easy to see why this has become such a big hit. There are several different home makeover shows on television today making the process look so simple that many are trying it themselves.

Interestingly, we really only see the success stories on the home makeover or “quick flip” shows. It would be interesting to see some data on all of the homeowners that have watched these shows, become inspired and purchased their own home project, only to find out that they are not actually professionals and that “flipping a house” is more difficult than it appears.

There are so many factors involved in the remodeling of a home that are often overlooked by the common do-it-yourselfer. Our rule here at HomeRenovationGuide is to plan properly before you renovate. So before you go out there, buy a home and fix it up yourself , plan out all costs, talk to the professionals and work with them to help build your house properly.

Home buyers should also ask many questions prior to buying a house that has just had a makeover. What materials were used in this quick reno? Were corners cut to make sure there was enough profit in the project? Were the proper means put in place so that the renos completed are built to last? Are there warranties and receipts for the products used during the quick turnaround? What fixtures were put in place?

To find contractors in your area visit HomeRenovationGuide.com - The complete guide to home renovation