Q: Amy, you're originally from Minnesota. Do you attribute being a Minnesotan with any of your take-charge attitude toward DIY home projects?
Probably, though I've never really thought of it that way. We weather four hearty, temperamental seasons here, and I think that it teaches us to be prepared - be ready for surprises, and deal with what you're dealt!
Q: You've had considerable dramatic training as well as roles in live theater and film. Any thoughts about moving full-time back into that arena?
I'm always trying to work on a project in both the construction and the dramatic arena (film or stage), and I think I always will. I am very passionate about both, and each one allows me to tap into something different within myself. I thrive on that kind of change and challenge.
Q: Your bios are short on personal details. What's your current hometown? Do you own a house that you have renovated? Husband/partner, kids, or plans for any for the above?
I currently I reside in Minneapolis, MN. I lived on the east coast (Boston and New York City) for about nine years and loved it, but a few years back I came home for a visit and never left! I own a house here that I have renovated substantially, from the kitchen, to the basement, to landscaping and curb appeal… it has gotten a serious facelift. I have a golden retriever who ventures with me everywhere. The rest of the personal life I like to keep personal.
Q: You host a program on DIY Network called Bathroom Renovations. The bathroom represents the smallest area of the house both in terms of square footage and time spent. Yet the bathroom is always a white-hot renovation topic. Why do you think this is?
Well, bathrooms and kitchens sell houses. They elicit an emotional response, both from the homeowner who has to use the space everyday and a potential buyer. Most people I worked with on
Bathroom Renovations would say things like, "I hate getting up in the morning and having to take a shower in a 1970s time machine!" Or, they would say, "The entire family is trying to get ready in that little space, and it just doesn't work. It makes our mornings stressful!" A bedroom can easily be changed with décor or paint, but the bathroom, if outdated, can be a huge undertaking both in cost and time. Consider the fixtures, tile work, plumbing and electrical. Most people need some guidance in how to make the most of this highly used space.
Q: In another popular DIY Network show, 10 Things You Must Know, you break down home remodeling topics into 10 helpful hints. Why do you think this brief "10 tips" format helps viewers gain meaningful insight on their projects?
10 Things You Must Know highlights the most important parts of the job and areas that could easily be overlooked by homeowners working on a project for the first time. It's a great way to get the inside scoop on what to prepare for and be aware of when you are tackling a new project. We want to keep you "in the know" and help you from making costly mistakes.
Q: In Sweat Equity, you empower homeowners to take on difficult remodeling tasks themselves. But as a contractor, you've got your foot in another world-the world of qualified professionals. Besides the obvious (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), what projects do you recommend homeowner skip the DIY and go straight to the pros?
That always depends on their skill level and the time and tools available to them. Things like spray foam insulation, large areas of self-leveling or poured concrete, some difficult drywall jobs and even carpet installation are often left to the professionals. Also, some warranties are voided by the manufacturer if it is not installed properly. Do your homework before you start.
Q: Any terrible trends in home renovation you'd like to see go away?
There are only two things that really bother me. The first is when I see a lot of waste. I hate to see things going in the dumpster that could be recycled, reused, donated or even sold! I knew two homeowners who took a moment to put their old pine paneling on Craigslist.org, and within two days someone picked it up. Not only did it save my homeowners a few trips to the city dump or the cost of a larger dumpster, but it didn't end up in a landfill. Secondly, any new product you put in your home affects the indoor air quality that you, your kids and your pets breathe. There are enough product options on the market now that we can choose the ones that not only fit our design but also don't negatively affect our health. Look for quality and sustainability.
Q: Around 2000, home renovation got a huge push with the expanding economy and easy-to-obtain home equity loans. What do you see as the future of home renovation in this world of foreclosures and pink slips?
I think home renovations are continuing to boom, especially in this economy. We are giving homeowners the tools, the know-how, and the confidence to tackle projects, even on a tight budget. And they are seeing the rewards and the "sweat equity" gained. That equity will only increase over time, so most people are continuing the trend of "don't move, improve."
Q: Nowadays, there are shows for every conceivable sub-genre of home remodeling. Do you ever worry about the over-saturation of shelter shows or is this expansion a good thing?
The shows on today vary greatly in their quality and content. I am really proud of the projects I've been a part of. They are not for shock value or drama alone. It's the "before" and "after" and everything in between. It can be shocking, dramatic and entertaining, but at the heart of it is great information that helps people accomplish things, have a better quality of life and saves or even makes them money. I love that.
Q: What's in the future for you, personally and career-wise?
I'm headed to Thailand to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. After the build, I'll take a little adventure down the coast and see what kind of trouble I can get in.
