logo
episode-header-image
Jul 10
13m 45s

Bonus Episode! Aqara Deals and Home Buil...

Eric Goranson
About this episode

Eric G is back with a juicy extra episode where he dives deep into the world of Amazon Prime Day Deals, specifically spotlighting some stellar finds from Aqara. Spoiler alert: you might just be shocked to discover that the Habitat for Humanity homes popping up in his neighborhood are outshining those flashy million-dollar builds. Yep, you heard that right! While those high-end homes are cutting corners on weatherproofing, Habitat is throwing down some serious building science magic. Eric’s got the lowdown on all the cool smart home gadgets that are not only affordable but also top-notch in quality. So, if you’re on the hunt for some sweet deals and a little home-building wisdom, stick around—this episode is packed with insights and a sprinkle of fun!

Amazon Prime Day has once again graced us with its presence, and you know what that means—sizzling deals and must-have gadgets galore! In this bonus episode, Eric G dives headfirst into the world of Amazon Prime Day deals, focusing on the latest and greatest from Aqara. If you ever thought smart home tech was just a passing trend, Eric's here to convince you otherwise. He highlights the Aqara camera G100, designed for both indoor and outdoor use, boasting impressive 2K resolution and night vision capabilities. With a price tag of just $34.99, it's hard to argue against bringing this little slice of tech joy into your home. And let's not forget the Aqara Dimmer Switch H2, which not only makes your lights smarter but does so without breaking the bank—at just $49.99, it’s a steal! Together, these products underscore the idea that you don’t have to spend a fortune to elevate your living space into a modern, tech-savvy haven.

But wait! The episode doesn’t stop there. Eric contrasts the lavish million-dollar home builds in his neighborhood with the solid, yet humble houses being constructed by Habitat for Humanity. It’s a tale of two builders—one focused on aesthetics and price tags, while the other prioritizes durability and community impact. Eric shares his observations about the construction quality (or lack thereof) in those high-end homes, where corners are cut and weatherproofing is an afterthought. Meanwhile, the Habitat team is out there doing it right with full liquid membranes, ensuring these homes stand strong against the elements. It’s a refreshing reminder of how true craftsmanship can outshine flashy price points, and Eric gives a well-deserved shoutout to Habitat for their commitment to building homes that last. So grab your popcorn—this episode is a delightful mix of tech talk and real-world building insights that will have you questioning what really makes a house a home!

Takeaways:

  • Eric dives into some seriously cool Amazon Prime Day deals, especially with Aqara's latest tech.
  • Surprisingly, Habitat for Humanity is building homes that might outlast those million-dollar houses.
  • The new Aqara camera G100 boasts some impressive features, making home security a breeze.
  • Building science is key, and Habitat for Humanity really nails it compared to local builders.
  • The new dimmer switch from Aqara is a game changer for light control, especially in older homes.
  • Eric's insights on local builders reveal a critical gap in quality compared to affordable housing projects.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Monument Grills
  • Aqara
  • Amazon
  • Apple Home
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • Home Assistant
  • Homey
  • Samsung SmartThings
  • Habitat for Humanity...
Up next
Yesterday
Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!
Get ready to sprinkle some serious pizzazz into your pad! This Saturday on Around the House with Eric G, we're diving headfirst into Eric's top 10 tips for adding a splash of luxury to your home without making your wallet weep. Yes, folks, you can have that hotel-chic vibe withou ... Show More
3m 26s
Jul 8
Amazon Prime Day: Unlocking Savings with Eric G's Secret Finds!
We're diving right into some juicy savings on this special midweek episode, where I, Eric G, am spilling the beans on some of the hottest Amazon Prime Day deals I stumbled upon. Trust me, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill markdowns; we’re talking serious cash saved on everything ... Show More
13m 27s
Jul 3
Storm Proof Your Castle: Fun Tips from Eric G and Fred on Surviving Hurricanes and Wildfires
We're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of hurricane and wildfire preparedness this Fourth of July weekend! Eric G is joined by Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and trust me, this chat is a must-listen. We kick things off by tackling the criti ... Show More
44m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
1062: Justin Alpert Restaurant Architect at 42 Architecture
Justin Alpert is the owner of 42 Architecture based in Boston, MA. Justin grew up just outside Boston and enjoyed going to restaurants as a kid with his family. He became an architect after school and designed spaces in the realms of medical and residential. He soon realized he d ... Show More
1h 16m
Feb 2025
617: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: How to Make Your Firm Stand Out with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
How do you truly stand out in the architecture industry? In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into real strategies for differentiation—beyond the usual clichés and overused tactics. If you’ve ever wondered why clients struggle to choose between firms or why pricing pressure ... Show More
48m 30s
May 2018
Working Classics: How Does a Barbecue Chef Work?
For this episode, we visited Slows Bar B-Q to talk with its chef, Mike Metevia. Prior to coming to Slows a decade ago, Metevia had worked in other sectors of the restaurant industry and with other cuisines, but he’d always been a barbecue guy in his private life. “I just like sta ... Show More
54m 54s
Feb 2025
#434 - Matt Risinger, Founder of the Build Show
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Matt Risinger, Founder of the Build Show, and CEO & Chief Builder at Risinger Build. The three discussed the LA Wildfires; disaster prevention strategies; new construction materials; how mat became a builder; ... Show More
1h 28m
Dec 2024
118\\ Expert Advice on Building & Scaling Your Interior Design Firm With Confidence With Michelle Norgren
"Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?" These questions reflect a critical miles ... Show More
20m 46s
Apr 2024
83\\ Design Your Dream Home: DIY Courses and Downloads for Design Enthusiasts
Are you a design enthusiast itching to give your home a makeover but need help figuring out where to start? Do you find yourself captivated by Pinterest boards and HGTV shows, dreaming of creating stunning spaces like a professional interior designer? Look no further! In this epi ... Show More
20m 37s
Feb 2025
614: Listener Questions, Honest Answers: Fixing the Biggest Challenges in Small Architecture Firms with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard tackle some of the most pressing questions from small architecture firm owners. From managing finances to standing out in a competitive market, they share surprising insights that challenge traditional thinking. Along the way, they ex ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2024
Commercial Kitchen Design
The Art and Science of Stainless Steel: Designing Commercial Kitchens and BarsIntroducing Gratte Bros! Mark Kendall and Mark Hazell join Hayley on the sofa for a fantastically educational discussion about commercial kitchens and angry chefs!We discuss the trend of Dekton tops and ... Show More
1h 31m
Jun 6
Don’t Hire Until You Hear This: Architect Hiring Secrets Revealed | EP637
Hiring in architecture is high-stakes. Get it wrong, and you end up with missed deadlines, confused roles, office drama—or worse, talented people who simply can’t work together. This episode dives into the quiet costs of hiring missteps and how to avoid them. Hiring the wrong per ... Show More
55m 36s
Sep 2024
🎙️Episode 10 - Interior Design Meets Architecture.🎙️
🎙️Episode 10 - Interior Design Meets Architecture🎙️In this lively episode, Hayley and Cheryl are joined by architect Pippa Jacobs to explore the intersection of architecture and interior design. Cheryl, with her background as a Part 1 architect turned interior designer, bridges ... Show More
1h 37m