We join landscape contractor Jenn Nawada as she learns more about building in wetland areas. Jenn meets a landowner who plans on developing their property but needs to go through the right channels due to a wetland classification. With the help of a wetland expert, we learn about the process of identifying, marking, and surveying wetlands, as well as the steps to get building approval on these properties.
Next, we meet contractor Zack Dettmore. Zack’s a carpenter and builder, and his company has a unique way of involving their customers during the layout phase of his projects. He believes in technology and synergy, focusing on the entire team working toward a common goal.
After that, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and home technology expert Ross Trethewey back at the shop to talk about air quality. With today’s homes becoming more airtight, Ross explains it’s important that the air inside the home is safe and healthy. Ross shows Kevin some handy devices to check air quality, allowing homeowners to better evaluate their own living space.
Finally, we meet painting expert Mauro Henrique as he helps a homeowner paint her foundation. Mauro and the homeowner set to work clearing the foundation, covering the ground, and giving the foundation a fresh look with self-priming masonry paint. The result is a beautiful, durable finish that the homeowner can enjoy for years to come.
Understanding Wetlands
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada meets with a landowner and a wetland expert to discuss identifying and building on properties with designated wetland areas.
Where to find it?
Jenn demystifies wetlands for a homeowner by connecting him with a local expert who explains
how wetlands are identified and why they are protected. A soil scientist is the only person with
the professional training who can truly determine if a wetland exists and accurately map its
boundaries.
A soil test uses a hand auger to drill down into the soil. The auger drills down 1-3’ depending on how deep hydric soils are and extracts a sample of soil that can be examined.
Permission must be granted from a local conservation commission to do work on property within a certain radius of any wetland.
Expert assistance was provided by Goddard Consulting, LLC
Celebrating Craftsmanship: Zack Dettmore
In a new series called Celebrating Craftsmanship, we meet contractor Zack Dettmore, a carpenter and builder from New Jersey with a flair for communication, technology, and trade synergy.
Where to find it?
Kevin O’Connor introduces a new segment about highlighting contractors all across the country.
We meet general contractor, Zack Dettmore, and learn about how his organizational skills elevate his work and his team of subs.
Understanding IAQ Testing
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about indoor air quality testing.
How to Paint a Concrete Foundation
Mauro helps a homeowner add to their home’s curb appeal by repainting a cracked and
chipping paint foundation.
Where to find it?
Mauro removes the old chipping paint by scraping it with a 5-in-1 painter’s tool, moving parallel up against the peeling paint edges. To remove any remaining dust or debris, Mauro scrubs the foundation with medium to stiff nylon scrub brushes. To paint the foundation, Mauro uses a medium grey primer and masonry paint and applies 2 coats.
To cut-in the edges, Mauro uses 4” stiff nylon cutting brushes. To apply the rest of the paint, Mauro uses 3/8” to 1” thick paint rollers—because the foundation has a rougher textured finish, 1” rollers will work perfect to get full coverage over the uneven surface. This masonry paint requires 4 hours of drying time between coats.
Original Air Date: Mar 30 2023, Season 21; Ep. 16 23:42
Products and resources
- Expert assistance: Goddard Consulting, LLC
- General contractor: Zack Dettmore