Matthew Manke of Hacin joins Sarah and Bruce to discuss what to do after buying a fixer-upper and why the best first step may be to slow down. Rather than rushing into a wish list of renovations, Matthew encourages homeowners to take time to understand the house, assess its condition, and experience how it works for their everyday lives.
Drawing on his own experience renovating a fixer-upper, Matthew shares how living in a home before making major changes can often reshape renovation plans and reveal opportunities homeowners might otherwise overlook. The conversation explores what improvements are worth tackling early, when it makes sense to refresh rather than replace, and why it's important to consider long-term plans, changing family needs, and the way you actually want to live in a space before committing to a renovation. From making strategic updates to knowing what to preserve, it's a thoughtful look at how taking a little more time upfront can lead to better decisions down the road.
Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.
Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters
More episodes from "Builder's Notebook"
Don't miss an episode of “Builder's Notebook” and subscribe to it in the GetPodcast app.
