Home In Progress

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan kicks things off with a lighthearted winter story before diving into two practical, surprisingly connected topics: organizing digital memories and choosing the right wood finish.The first half of the show tackles the growing stress of digital photo overload. Dan breaks down why our phones feel so cluttered, explains the critical difference between syncing and backing up photos, and outlines simple, realistic steps for freeing up storage while keeping important memories safe. Along the way, he introduces the “paradox of plenty” — why having...

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the conversation starts with a teaser from the Winter Wood Shop series—then takes a sharp turn into one of the most unexpected topics we’ve covered yet.The show opens with real-world painting questions from new homeowners, including whether dark paint really covers bright pink walls better, how to temporarily paint a tile kitchen backsplash, and what to consider when tackling large trim projects in older homes where lead paint may be present. Along the way, we break down how paint bases and...

In the first full episode of 2026, Home in Progress host Dan Hansen takes a fresh look at New Year’s resolutions—why they so often fail, and how a small shift in thinking can make them far more sustainable. Drawing on personal experience, Dan shares a practical, realistic approach to setting goals that actually stick.From there, the episode pivots to a common winter home concern: mold and mildew. Dan breaks down what mold really is, when it’s a health concern, and when it’s more of a maintenance issue. You’ll hear clear, step-by-step guidance on safely...

In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen blends craftsmanship, practical paint advice, and motivation to kick off your next project with momentum. First, he dives into the story of the legendary H.O. Studley Tool Chest, exploring its remarkable construction and what it can teach us about quality work, organization, and efficiency. From there, Dan shifts into paint know-how—breaking down why dedicated primers still matter, when “paint-and-primer-in-one” products fall short, and how the right prep steps can save time and frustration. The episode wraps with a practical, encouraging segment on setting goals and actual...

In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen shares a handful of favorite segments from the past year—perfect for the holiday stretch when you’re tackling projects, relaxing at home, or doing a little of both.The show opens with some weekend chatter (including a nostalgic roller-skating detour sparked by Back to the Future), then into a paint-heavy segment aimed at a classic homeowner problem: how to make a small room feel bigger without remodeling. He breaks down five practical paint strategies, including smart color choi...

In this special annual Christmas episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen steps away from the usual home improvement topics to celebrate the season—and give back to listeners.This year’s Extravaganza includes a festive giveaway: ten $100 gift certificates, awarded to listeners who share their favorite Christmas songs, memories, or traditions via email.Dan opens the show with a humorous and heartfelt story about a long-ago family Christmas card featuring a screaming toddler—an unexpected reminder of how the most genuine moments often become the most meaningful memori...

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Frank Gehry—the visionary architect behind landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Gehry passed away at 96, leaving behind a body of work that continues to reshape how we think about buildings, space, and the creative process itself.Host Dan Hansen reflects on Gehry’s impact and unpacks what made his approach to creativity so powerful. From embracing the unknown to challenging long-held assu...

In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen sits down with Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Design at Benjamin Moore, for an inside look at the 2026 Color of the Year: Silhouette. Andrea walks us through the behind-the-scenes process of selecting the color, the cultural and design trends that shaped this year’s choice, and why this rich, moody brown feels both fresh and timeless.You’ll hear practical tips on how to use Silhouette throughout your home, how to pair it with the rest of the 2026 palette, and what sets this year’s colors...

In this Thanksgiving special of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen digs into the surprising history of the American dining room and reveals the real science behind what makes a space feel warm, welcoming, and deeply “cozy.” Sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, this episode blends design history, environmental psychology, and practical home advice to help you create holiday spaces people love to linger in.Dan breaks down the elements that truly shape coziness—refuge and prospect, ceiling height, layered lighting, meaningful textures, scent, and even the subtle role of background sound. He also uncovers the unexpe...

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan tackles one of the most common chimney problems—and it has nothing to do with fire. He explains how water finds its way into brick, mortar, and chimney caps, how to spot the signs early, and what homeowners can do to fix and prevent damage.From there, Dan shifts into the “ghost stories” hiding inside older homes: knob-and-tube wiring, cast-iron plumbing, galvanized supply lines, and those enormous gravity furnaces sometimes called “octopus” systems. He breaks down what they are, why they’re still out th...

In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen kicks things off with his first-snowfall story and a few thoughts on the annual fall battle—leaf cleanup. From there, he shifts gears into two seemingly different worlds that have more in common than you’d think: power tools and personal style.Dan breaks down the circular saw—why it’s one of the most versatile tools a homeowner can own, how to choose the right type, which accessories make the biggest difference, and the key safety habits every DIYer should know.Then, in a surprisi...

In this week’s episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen is joined by designer Andy Yates to unpack the biggest ideas and innovations from this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS 2025).Even though Andy didn’t make it to Las Vegas in person, he’s got a sharp eye on what’s next in home design—from tech-integrated kitchens to sustainable materials, personalized design choices, and the return of natural warmth and texture in both kitchens and baths. Together, Dan and Andy explore how these trends are shaping the spaces where we cook, gather, and recharge...

In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen explores the practical side of home ownership and the creative side of color. After a surprise discovery of a basement leak, Dan walks listeners through six simple but often overlooked maintenance checks that can prevent costly roof and water issues down the line.Then, the conversation shifts to design—specifically Benjamin Moore’s newly announced 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette. Dan unpacks the mixed reactions to this bold, moody brown and explains why it’s far from a dull choice. He discusses how browns are making a comeba...

In this special bonus episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen explores one of the most dramatic and transformative moments in architectural history—the 1834 fire that destroyed London’s Palace of Westminster.What began as the simple burning of outdated tally sticks—wooden accounting tools used by the British Treasury—ended with a blaze that consumed centuries of political history. But from the ashes rose a new vision for British architecture.Dan unpacks the story of how two remarkable architects—Charles Barry, the classical designer, and Augustus Pugin, the passionate Gothic revivalist—came together to rebuild Parl...

In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen explores the rich and intricate world of Victorian architecture—a collection of styles that flourished during Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901.Hansen unpacks the key visual hallmarks of the period—turrets, spindles, gingerbread trim, bay windows, and ornate color schemes—and the social and technological forces that made them possible. He traces how the Industrial Revolution transformed craftsmanship, allowing mass production to bring beauty and ornamentation within reach of the middle class.Listeners will hear the dramatic story of the Great Fire of 1834 that destroye...

In this episode of Home In Progress, host Dan Hansen sits down with West Michigan Realtors Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from the Sue Prins Group, 5 Star Real Estate Leaders, for an in-depth look at today’s unpredictable housing market.They unpack the realities behind shifting market conditions, including the much-talked-about “lock-in effect,” fluctuating interest rates, and seasonal changes that influence both buyers and sellers. The conversation also explores how buyer and seller psychology has evolved, what’s driving new home design trends, and why warmer, more inviting colors are replacing stark whites.Sue and Ginger s...

In this episode of Home in Progress, brought to you by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen explores the fascinating world of color theory and design trends.He’s joined by interior designer Andy Yates for an in-depth conversation about the Color of the Year—why it matters, how it’s chosen, and what it reveals about our culture and emotions. Together, they unpack the psychological and marketing forces behind color trends, trace their historical roots, and share practical advice for bringing them into your own home.The discussion also looks ahead to 2026, highli...

In this episode of Home In Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen dives into the smartest, most cost-effective ways to give tired kitchen cabinets a fresh new look. Joining him is Shelly Kuper of Shelly’s Kitchens and Designs, a family business spanning three generations.Together, they unpack the ins and outs of cabinet refinishing and refacing—what the processes involve, how long they take, and what kind of results you can expect. Shelly also shares how her team uses advanced methods like robotic spraying and water-based, low-odor finishes to deliver durable, prof...

In this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen mixes practical advice with a dose of humor to help you get your home ready for the season. Sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the show dives into essential early autumn chores — from gutter cleaning and snowblower prep to chimney care and getting your home winter-ready.Dan also tackles one of the trickiest household issues: pet odors. You’ll hear about simple fixes like carpet rakes for dog hair, plus expert solutions for sealing in persistent cat urine smells that just won’t go away.And th...

In this heartfelt episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan shares a personal story about his father’s recent minor stroke, the challenges of the week, and the flood of childhood memories it brought back. He reflects on the importance of cherishing family moments and encourages listeners to preserve their own stories and memories.From there, the episode shifts into practical home improvement advice—covering everything from bathroom fan adequacy to fixing peeling paint in bathrooms and the most effective stump removal methods. Dan also takes time to clarify earlier stump remo...