Picture this: Eric's off gallivanting at Design and Construction Week in sunny Orlando, probably sipping on a piña colada while we’re here holding down the fort. But hey, no worries, because we’ve got a gem of an episode from the vault featuring Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. We dive into the absolutely riveting world of home resilience—yes, we’re talking about how to fortify your castle against those pesky storms that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Fred, with his wealth of knowledge, breaks down the Fortified Home program, which is basically a superhero cape for your house. Who wouldn’t want their home to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it? We chat about the nuts and bolts (pun intended) of building structures that can weather the storm, from the roof to the garage door—yes, even that garage door you thought was just a pretty face. It's shocking how much a little wind can turn it into a pancake if it’s not up to snuff. So, kick back, grab a snack, and get ready to take notes because this episode might just save your home from becoming the latest headline news during storm season. Spoiler alert: you’ll never look at your garage door the same way again!

Takeaways:

Understanding how to fortify your home can save you a fortune in repairs after storms.
Garage doors are often the weakest link in your home's storm defense; don't skimp on quality!
Making simple upgrades like sealing gaps can drastically reduce water damage during heavy rainstorms.
The Fortified program offers valuable resources to help homeowners make informed decisions about resilience.

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Fortified
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Gulf Coast
Florida
IBHS
Wildfire Prepared

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

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Exciting collaboration alert! This playlist documents our joint project renovating Cam Anderson's new farm property on Blacktail Ranch—the home base for his adventures beyond the workshop. Cam (the woodworking wizard behind Blacktail Studio, with millions of fans loving his epoxy tables, live-edge builds, and creative furniture tutorials) is stepping into brand-new territory: his first-ever full home renovation and remodel. From the charming (but dated) farmhouse with its "lead paint chic" vibes to tackling structural updates, layout changes, and modern upgrades, we're transforming this 17-acre property into a functional, beautiful living space. I'm Eric G from Around the House, bringing my remodeling, construction, and design expertise to guide the process—planning layouts, solving real-world renovation challenges, handling the practical home improvement side, and making sure the build is smart, efficient, and homeowner-friendly. Expect step-by-step progress, honest discussions on budgets/timelines/hiccups, tool tips, design decisions, and the fun dynamic of blending Cam's woodworking flair with pro remodeling know-how. Whether you're a Blacktail Studio fan curious about Cam's new chapter, a DIYer tackling your own home reno, or just love watching big transformations, this series is for you! https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricG/playlists

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Around the House Top Products!

Producer Jim shares an insider look at Eric G's hand-curated Top 10 products for 2026. From smart locks and app-controlled garage openers to precision tools and energy-saving water heaters, these are the game-changing items Eric personally recommends to make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient. Head to AroundTheHouseOnline.com/Top-Products to see the full list, click the product links for exclusive Amazon deals, and upgrade your home today!794msFast

Around the House Top Products

Around the House Top Products!

Around the House Top Products