Episodes

  • What 10-15% Contingency Actually Pays For (and When to Set Aside 20%)

    What 10-15% Contingency Actually Pays For (and When to Set Aside 20%)
    May 14 2026
    A renovation contingency isn't a slush fund for upgrades, it's project insurance. Learn what the standard 10-15% actually covers and when a 20% fund is essential for your remodel.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/what-10-15-contingency-actually-pays-for-and-when-to-set-aside-20
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    Less than 1 minute
  • The ADU Build That Pays for Itself in 7 Years (And the One That Never Does)

    The ADU Build That Pays for Itself in 7 Years (And the One That Never Does)
    May 13 2026
    In this episode, we break down the real ADU cost, explaining which projects pay for themselves in seven years and which ones never pencil out. Learn the hidden costs and key questions to ask your contractor.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/the-adu-build-that-pays-for-itself-in-7-years-and-the-one-that-never-does
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    Less than 1 minute
  • What Is Up With HVAC Pricing? The Real Markup

    What Is Up With HVAC Pricing? The Real Markup
    May 12 2026
    In this episode, we pull back the curtain on HVAC replacement costs, breaking down the real numbers, the common misconceptions, and the key questions that will save you thousands.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/what-is-up-with-hvac-pricing-the-real-markup
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Construction Loan vs HELOC vs Cash: How People Actually Afford Big Renovations

    Construction Loan vs HELOC vs Cash: How People Actually Afford Big Renovations
    May 11 2026
    In this episode, we break down how homeowners actually pay for major renovations. We compare the construction loan vs HELOC vs cash, itemizing the true cost of borrowing and outlining the key questions to ask.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/construction-loan-vs-heloc-vs-cash-how-people-actually-afford-big-renovations
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Energy Efficiency Rebates Worth Knowing About in 2026 (IRA + State Stacking)

    Energy Efficiency Rebates Worth Knowing About in 2026 (IRA + State Stacking)
    May 10 2026
    A guide to maximizing your savings on energy efficient home upgrades by stacking federal IRA tax credits with state and local utility rebates in 2026.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/energy-efficiency-rebates-worth-knowing-about-in-2026-ira-state-stacking
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Bumping Out, Going Up, or Building Detached? A Real Cost Comparison for Home Additions

    Bumping Out, Going Up, or Building Detached? A Real Cost Comparison for Home Additions
    May 9 2026
    Is it better to build up, out, or detached? We break down the real home addition cost, exploring the structural realities and hidden expenses that most homeowners miss, from foundation work to permit fees.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/bumping-out-going-up-or-building-detached-a-real-cost-comparison-for-home-additi
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Reading a Contractor Quote Line by Line (What Every Section Should Mean)

    Reading a Contractor Quote Line by Line (What Every Section Should Mean)
    May 8 2026
    A detailed contractor quote is more than a price, it's a blueprint for your renovation. In this episode, we break down how to read a contractor estimate line by line, from the scope of work to allowances.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/reading-a-contractor-quote-line-by-line-what-every-section-should-mean
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Why Plumbers Charge What They Charge (and When to Push Back)

    Why Plumbers Charge What They Charge (and When to Push Back)
    May 7 2026
    Plumbing bills can be a shock, with hourly rates from $75-$250. We break down the real costs behind the bill, explaining the business reasons for plumber cost markup and what you're really paying for.

    Read the full guide: https://www.therenology.com/journal/why-plumbers-charge-what-they-charge-and-when-to-push-back
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    Less than 1 minute