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31
Episodes
Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney is taking your calls and answering questions on home improvements, remodeling, design and building. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional he can help you make sure you have the right tips and tools. Educating you on the latest products, trends and techniques.
Episodes

Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Skinny On The Benefits of the Design - Build - Remodel Movement
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
You may not be surprised to learn that the design - build - remodel movement and process is not like building new construction. But you may be surprised that many construction companies specialize in one or the other, and don’t necessarily handle both. You may also be surprised to learn that the movement has connections to a ski community in Vermont.
So what exactly is the design - build - remodel movement? How does it differ from new construction? And, what is the historic connection between the movement and Prickly Mountain, Vermont? Learn the answer to these questions, and hear about the typical process of a project from start to finish, in this episode of Skinny On The Home with host Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney and Josh Fawcett of J&R Construction Services, Inc.
Listen to learn about:
- How to get rid of moles in your yard. (Time stamp: 01:50)
- The history of the design - build process and the design - build movement. (Time stamp: 02:43)
- Listener Contribution: How to also get rid of the grub worms in your yard that attract moles. (Time stamp: 08:23)
- How a design - build team steps in and takes care of things and coordinates for you. (Time stamp: 10:11)
- The pursuit of “creative, professional and economic freedom in inexpensive land and distance from the country’s urban areas”. (Time stamp: 12:48)
- More on how the design - build movement differs from the traditional steps in home remodeling and construction. (Time stamp: 16:30)
- Why the design - build movement saves some money over traditional methods. (Time stamp: 18:34)
- The definition of design - build. (Time stamp: 19:45)
- Why design drives cost. (Time stamp: 21:00)
- The typical start of a design - build project. (Time stamp: 23:57)
- Why some home improvement shows don’t give viewers an accurate depiction of remodeling costs and time investments. (Time stamp: 24:40)
- Hear a story demonstrating why using local vendors is often superior over buying from out-of-area vendors. (Time stamp: 27:45)
- Next typical steps of a design - build project. (Time stamp: 31:18)
- Why J&R Construction gives their clients a graph of their remodel that includes what to expect emotionally. (Time stamp: 35:20)
- Listener Question: Is the roller that comes with a Zip System critical to use? (Time stamp: 36:47)
- More on why working with a design - build firm is better for most homeowners. (Time stamp: 35:20)
- Final typical steps of a design - build project. (Time stamp: 44:46)
As always, a big thank you to our show sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky!
Don’t put off working toward your journeyman’s license! Skilled trades are as in demand as ever. Through the Building Institute of Central Kentucky, you can get the education and training you need to secure your license. They have courses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry, with courses offered at night.
Skinny On The Home is a live call-in radio show, airing every Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Lifechanging Radio, WJMM, in Central Kentucky. Every week, Skinny shares both the latest trends and designs along with the tried and true tips, techniques and tools you need to make your remodel a success.
Listen to past podcast episodes of Skinny On The Home on Podbean!
Recommended Products and Services and How to Get in Touch:
Josh Fawcett, Production Manager
J & R Construction
WJMM Radio
99.1 FM
Lifechanging Radio!
3950 Lexington Rd
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Studio Telephone: (859) 873-8096
WJMM@ckcradio.com
Skinny On The Home host:
Jimmy McKinney, CGR, CAPS
J & R Construction
youtube.com/user/JnRConstruction
Lexington Office
633 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 225-0162
Owensboro Office
121 East 2nd Street, Suite 151
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 570-2891

Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Skinny On Aging in Place, Independent Living, and Universal Design (Part 2)
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
If you’re planning to age in place, and maintain independent living, how is your home going to adapt? What changes and remodels might you need to plan or begin executing? Concerns such as stairs, bathrooms, doorways and hallways, barrier free entries, cabinetry, lighting and more should be considered. Employ Universal Design to address home improvement for independent living with more comfort, regardless of age. This standardized approach includes a checklist that can make necessary updates easier to tackle.
On this Part 2 of Aging in Place, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney and Josh Fawcett of J&R Construction Services, Inc. continue the discussion about the changes your home may need to be ready to age in place. If you missed Part 1, we recommend listening to that one first, then follow it with this episode!
Listen to learn about:
- How can I make getting in and out of my home easier and safer without having a noticeable ramp? (Time stamp: 01:34)
- A quick recap of Universal Design. (Time stamp: 02:48)
- Remodeling a bathroom to be more accessible. (Time stamp: 05:07)
- Creating reachable light switches, electrical plugs, counters, and other necessities. (Time stamp: 07:48)
- Modern techniques for installing curbless showers, including Schluter systems. (Time stamp: 12:54)
- J&R Construction offers warranties that far exceed industry standards! (Time stamp: 16:07)
- Making bathrooms safer and more accessible, including towel bars and toilet paper holders that double as grab bars. (Time stamp: 16:31)
- A listener shares his positive experience with Universal Design, aging in place remodeling, and a current pole barn project for housing his RV. (Time stamp: 17:44)
- Including Universal Design in an RV for more comfortable travel. (Time stamp: 24:35)
- Eliminating trip hazards. (Time stamp: 28:15)
- Considering a chair lift for accessing upper floors. (Time stamp: 30:29)
- Installing house automation features and leveraging technology. (Time stamp: 31:13)
- Listener Question: Is an on-demand water heater right for my home? If so, what kind should I get? (Time stamp: 35:08)
- Choosing the right flooring for Universal Design. (Time stamp: 41:51)
- Putting your heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) in accessible locations. (Time stamp: 42:41)
Huge thanks once again to our show sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky!
Skilled trades are in demand! At the Building Institute of Central Kentucky, get the education and training you need to secure a skilled trades license. The Building Institute offers courses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Don’t put off working toward your journeyman’s license any longer. Courses are offered at night and employers are looking to hire.
Skinny On The Home is a live call-in radio show, airing every Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Lifechanging Radio, WJMM, in Central Kentucky. Every week, Skinny shares both the latest trends and designs along with the tried and true tips, techniques and tools you need to make your remodel a success.
Recommended Products and Services and How to Get in Touch:
Additional Show Sponsor: Lexington Winnelson Company
winsupplyinc.com/Location/Nicholasville-KY/40356/Plumbing-Supplies
Showroom
211 Industry Pkwy
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Phone: (859) 885-9721
Schluter Curbless Shower System
schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/curbless-showers
Wedi Curbless Shower System
us.wedi.de/product-systems/shower-and-wet-room-systems/shower-systems/fundo-ligno
Josh Fawcett, Production Manager
J & R Construction
WJMM Radio
99.1 FM
Lifechanging Radio!
3950 Lexington Rd
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Studio Telephone: (859) 873-8096
WJMM@ckcradio.com
Skinny On The Home host:
Jimmy McKinney, CGR, CAPS
J & R Construction
youtube.com/user/JnRConstruction
Lexington Office
633 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 225-0162
Owensboro Office
121 East 2nd Street, Suite 151
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 570-2891

Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Skinny On Aging in Place, Independent Living, and Universal Design
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
If you’re planning to age in place, and maintain independent living, how is your home going to adapt? What changes and remodels might you need to plan or begin executing? Concerns such as stairs, bathrooms, doorways and hallways, barrier free entries, cabinetry, lighting and more should be considered. Employ Universal Design to address home improvement for independent living with more comfort, regardless of age. This standardized approach includes a checklist that can make necessary updates easier to tackle.
On this episode, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, radio personality and podcast host Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc., discusses aging in place. Featured on WJMM Radio in Lexington, KY, Skinny On The Home provides listeners with tips, ideas and help in all areas of home improvement, remodeling, design and updating.
Listen to learn about:
- What is Universal Design? An example: achieving no-step entry without a wheelchair ramp. (Time stamp: 02:34)
- What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)? (Time stamp: 03:59)
- Is Universal Design only for remodels? Is it only for older individuals? What about multi-generational families? (Time stamp: 05:16)
- Recommended doorway and hallway sizes to achieve barrier free and wheelchair access. (Time stamp: 07:52)
- Changes to make to lighting and door handles. (Time stamp: 09:41)
- An example of how a CAP Specialist can save you money: a bathroom redesign at half the cost! (Time stamp: 12:00)
- The Universal Design checklist. (Time stamp: 15:25)
- What you can do to make entrances from garages or from outside safer and easier. (Time stamp: 17:31)
- How to make windows more accessible and easier to operate. (Time stamp: 22:11)
- Changes to accommodate wheelchair-accessible vehicles in carports and garages. (Time stamp: 23:20)
- Updating faucets, counters, cabinets and shelves in kitchens and baths for easier access and plenty of space. (Time stamp: 25:25)
- Available advances in appliances. (Time stamp: 29:57)
- How to make doing laundry easier. (Time stamp: 34:20)
- The aging in place remodel checklist for bathrooms. (Time stamp: 35:38)
A big thanks goes out to our sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky!
Start a career that’s in demand with The Building Institute of Central Kentucky. They offer two and four year courses to give you the education and training needed to obtain your skilled trades license. With night courses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry, you can earn your journeyman’s license and be the one employers are fighting over!
Recommended Products and Services and How to Get in Touch:
Universal Design Essentials
https://www.nahb.org/Courses/Universal-Design-Essentials---27105
Decora® Light Switches by Leviton
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/brands/decora
Aging in Place checklist by the National Association of Home Builders
Thermador Brand Appliances
WJMM Radio
99.1 FM
Lifechanging Radio!
3950 Lexington Rd
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Studio Telephone: (859) 873-8096
WJMM@ckcradio.com
Skinny On The Home host:
Jimmy McKinney, CGR, CAPS
J & R Construction
youtube.com/user/JnRConstruction
Lexington Office
633 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 225-0162

Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Skinny On All Things Flooring: laminate, hardwood, carpet, tile or vinyl
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Flooring isn’t only to walk on -- it makes a statement in a home. It can be warm and inviting, cool and sleek, retro or modern. When choosing between laminate, hardwood, carpet, tile or vinyl, consideration should go into how you live, what your floors will endure over time and the vibe you want your flooring to give. Vinyl products, engineered hardwood and stain-resistant carpet have all come a long way. Investigate new trends and technology with Kelly Jenkins, store manager of The Flooring Gallery in Lexington, KY.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer, have a friend or relative helping, or are hiring a professional, radio show and podcast host Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc. can help educate you on all things home improvement. His radio show and podcast, Skinny On The Home, covers all the latest trends and design techniques for building and remodeling your home.
Let’s talk all things flooring, including:
- What flooring is still the most popular. (Time stamp: 02:20)
- How vinyl has changed and improved. What is LVT and LVP? (Time stamp: 03:14)
- You can grout vinyl now? (Time stamp: 05:09)
- How to tell high quality vinyl from cheap vinyl. Understanding wear layers and when it’s to go cheaper. (Time stamp: 05:40)
- Why new vinyl styles can save you a lot of money in the case of a water leak. Vinyl is good for kitchens, baths, basements. (Time stamp: 06:51)
- The technology and design of prefinished or engineered hardwood. How they are made, why they are more durable than traditional wood floors, how the warranties are 25 years or more. (Time stamp: 07:43)
- Restoring hardwood hidden under carpet or vinyl. Wear patterns and feasibility of bringing back old wood floors. (Time stamp: 10:08)
- Why engineered hardwood lasts a long time but not as long as real wood floors. How you can vary floor heights as needed with engineered wood flooring. (Time stamp: 10:53)
- Meet Kelly Jenkins, store manager of The Flooring Gallery in Lexington. (Time stamp: 13:00)
- Some hard vinyl flooring is categorized as pet proof, waterproof, rigid, etc. What does that mean? (Time stamp: 14:49)
- Why vinyl has replaced most laminate. (Time stamp: 16:25)
- How long LVP lasts; investment versus value and considering resale. (Time stamp: 17:28)
- Hardwood floors are still the most popular but engineered wood floors are real wood. (Time stamp: 19:30)
- Why engineered hardwood won’t disrupt your life if it needs repair. (Time stamp: 20:25)
- Grades and types of carpet and pad; latest technology and trends. What is SmartStrand by Mohawk? (Time stamp: 23:55)
- Ceramic tile versus porcelain tile versus natural stone. Backsplashes, floors, showers; using the Schluter System. (Time stamp: 28:09)
- More on Schluter System and edges. (Time stamp: 34:00)
- Many flooring options are a great DIY project for home improvement. (Time stamp: 36:12)
- Adding heated opinions to your floors. How heated floors work. (Time stamp: 38:23)
We appreciate Kelly Jenkins of The Flooring Gallery sharing his expertise with the Skinny On The Home audience. Both a residential and commercial full-service company, The Flooring Gallery has provided regions in Kentucky and Indiana with the top brands and best service for over 21 years. Leveraging their tremendous buying power, you can be assured of the best price for your flooring.
Thank you once more to Skinny On The Home sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky! Construction companies like J&R Construction are always seeking new, talented individuals as trade partners, vendor suppliers, even employees. Students of the Building Institute of Central Kentucky are getting jobs all over the region in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Get started today!
Recommended Products/Services and How to Get in Touch:
The Flooring Gallery
Kelly Jenkins, Store Manager (Lexington location)
https://theflooringgallery.com/
Lexington, KY (Bryant Road): (859) 269-6371
Louisville, KY (Plantside Drive): (502) 964-3301
Louisville, KY (S. Hurstbourne Parkway): (502) 426-2463
Columbus, IN (Cottage Avenue): (812) 372-2501
Madison, IN (E. Cliffty Drive): (812) 273-4666
SmartStrand Carpet by Mohawk
Learn more: mohawkflooring.com/carpet/brand/smartstrand
Schulter Systems for Tile and Stone Installation
Learn more: schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US
Building Institute of Central Kentucky
http://www.biacentralky.com/building-institute-of-central-ky.html
(859) 229-6641
109 W. Loudon Ave
Lexington, KY 40508
Josh Fawcett, Production Manager
J & R Construction
WJMM Radio
99.1 FM
Lifechanging Radio!
3950 Lexington Rd
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Studio Telephone: (859) 873-8096
WJMM@ckcradio.com
Skinny On The Home host:
Jimmy McKinney, CGR, CAPS
J & R Construction
youtube.com/user/JnRConstruction
Lexington Office
633 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 225-0162
Owensboro Office
121 East 2nd Street, Suite 151
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 570-2891

Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Skinny On Home Winterization and Insulation, including what up to 99% of homes lack
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Americans spend millions of dollars a year keeping their homes warm enough, cool enough, comfortable enough. Learn what estimates indicate up to 99% of homes lack when it comes to insulation. Discover what you can do to properly winterize and insulate your home. Get the “skinny” on batt insulation, spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, open cell and closed cell insulation, caulk, weather stripping, and much more.
An expert in the topic of home insulation, home comfort and winterizing, John Galluzzo of ThermaPro Insulation, LLC joins Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney and Josh Fawcett of J&R Construction Services, Inc. to offer listeners advice on this episode of Skinny On The Home.
What You’ll Learn
How to achieve climate comfort in your home through insulation techniques and the right products.
- Listener question: When the city tests the sewer system we always find that air is blown back through our toilets, creating a mess. Is this normal? (Time stamp: 01:46)
- Plastic on windows, spray foam, vapor barriers. Why what you should use depends on your zone of temperature, as well as state and area building codes. (Time stamp: 04:06)
- Simplest and most effective ways and places to caulk cracks. (Time stamp: 06:02)
- Don’t neglect exterior gaps between siding materials. (Time stamp: 08:04)
- Three ways to identify area leaks around window and door frames. (Time stamp: 08:31)
- Why you might need storm windows. (Time stamp: 09:32)
- Meet special guest and home insulation and climate comfort expert, John Galluzzo of ThermaPro Insulation, LLC. (Time stamp: 06:02)
- Estimates say up to 99% of homes don’t have enough of this. (Time stamp: 14:13)
- Where most people lose heat or air conditioning and don’t know it. (Time stamp: 15:22)
- Easy DIY fixes to increase heating and cooling retention. (Time stamp: 18:00)
- Bonus Rooms typically have bad insulation and how to fix it. (Time stamp: 19:10)
- Making use of radiant foil to address radiant heat issues. (Time stamp: 21:50)
- Insulating, winterizing and encapsulating crawl spaces and even unfinished basements. Why conditioned crawls make a huge difference. (Time stamp: 25:16)
- What is the difference between closed cell and open cell spray foam insulation? Where should you use each type and where should you not? (Time stamp: 28:03)
- Understanding performance ratings of insulation products. (Time stamp: 30:44)
- Best acoustic choices for soundproofing with home insulation. (Time stamp: 32:36)
- DIY fix for heating and cooling lost via attic accesses. (Time stamp: 36:41)
- Weather stripping, draft stoppers, electrical outlets, furnace filters and programmable thermostats. (Time stamp: 39:52)
Thanks again to John Galluzzo of ThermaPro Insulation, LLC of Lexington, KY. Contact them for insulation solutions that could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on your home heating and cooling.
A big thanks to our sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky!
Skilled trades are in demand! At the Building Institute of Central Kentucky, get the education and training you need to secure a skilled trades license. The Building Institute offers courses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Don’t put off working toward your journeyman’s license any longer. Courses are offered at night and employers are looking to hire.
Recommended Products/Services and How to Get in Touch:
John Galluzzo, Co-owner
Thermapro Insulation, LLC
facebook.com/ThermaPro-Insulation-LLC-460248951080225/
(859) 227-8677
Lexington, KY
Building Institute of Central Kentucky
http://www.biacentralky.com/building-institute-of-central-ky.html
(859) 229-6641
109 W. Loudon Ave
Lexington, KY 40508
Josh Fawcett, Production Manager
J & R Construction

Thursday Nov 21, 2019
Skinny On Easy Holiday Projects and Design Ideas
Thursday Nov 21, 2019
Thursday Nov 21, 2019
Sprucing up for the holidays is a wonderful way to add warmth. There are numerous small projects and ideas, each of which fit perfectly into time constraints, while still punching up a home’s appeal.
Whether you’re designing, building or remodeling your home, Skinny On The Home has the advice you need. On his weekly, live call-in show, host Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc. tackles listener questions and topics, covering all the latest trends, products and techniques in home improvement.
Skinny and Production Manager, Josh Fawcett, answer questions and offer ideas for simple holiday projects and winter home improvement.
- Listener question: How do I paint an outdoor patio door in the winter? How warm should it be? Does the type of paint matter? (Time stamp: 05:34)
- Can primed fiberglass doors be left without a topcoat of paint during winter? What about wood doors? (Time stamp: 10:06)
Home Design and Interior Decorating for Beautiful and Inviting Holiday Entertaining
- Create warmth with candles and scented waxes. (Time stamp: 13:50)
- Add coziness with chunky textures. (Time stamp: 16:45)
- Cleverly use a snack and drink cart. (Time stamp: 17:28)
- Change up wall decor. Use pallets / create pallet art. (Time stamp: 19:15)
- Decorate a tree for your bedroom. (Time stamp: 23:26)
- Simmer delicious holiday scents. (Time stamp: 24:51)
- Design to invite nature inside. (Time stamp: 25:40)
- Go homey with rustic accents. (Time stamp: 29:08)
- Drape doors and entryways for welcoming effects. (Time stamp: 29:32)
- Add bedding for warmth and charm. (Time stamp: 30:05)
- Create a holiday glow with seasonal lampshades. (Time stamp: 30:43)
- Mix metals for timeless elegance. (Time stamp: 31:24)
- Give height to your tablescape. (Time stamp: 39:47)
Home Remodel Easy and Quick Holiday Projects
- Where to experiment with paint colors. (Time stamp: 31:57)
- How to update the guest bathroom. (Time stamp: 34:02)
- Designs to brighten the kitchen. (Time stamp: 34:50)
- Easy ways to increase storage and counter space in kitchens and baths. (Time stamp: 38:00)
- One simple idea to make a rolling storage cart. (Time stamp: 38:36)

Thursday Nov 14, 2019
Skinny on Decks, Porches and Screened-In Entertaining Options
Thursday Nov 14, 2019
Thursday Nov 14, 2019
Joined this week by J&R Construction Services Production Manager, Josh Fawcett, Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney discusses decks, porches, screened-in porches and more this week on Skinny On The Home.
Featured every Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Lifechanging Radio, WJMM, in Central Kentucky, Skinny On The Home, is sponsored by the Building Institute of Central Kentucky. Hosted by Skinny McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc., Skinny On The Home is a live, weekly call-in and special guest radio show, giving advice and answering questions on home improvement, home remodeling, building and design.
Skinny and Josh take calls and cover...
- Meet Josh Fawcett. (Time stamp: 0:54)
- How you can do outdoor projects in winter. (Time stamp: 6:01)
- Josh describes an award-winning deck/screened-in porch project, using materials from Old World Timber. See photos of this project on Facebook. (Time stamp: 7:12)
- Variations of beadboard and putting it up. (Time stamp: 9:03)
- Waterproofing a project with Trex® RainEscape® Deck Drainage System. (Time stamp: 10:41)
- Code changes for decking. (Time stamp: 12:57)
- Modern choices for screening and screen systems for porches. One system Skinny and Josh recommend for ease of installation and maintenance: SCREENEZE®. (Time stamp: 17:41)
- How to plan screening to cover eventual deck board shrinkage. (Time stamp: 23:46)
- Doors for screened-in porches. (Time stamp: 24:58)
- Designing screened-in porches with pets and kids in mind. (Time stamp: 26:00)
- Regulating heat transfer in a screened-in porch. (Time stamp: 27:09)
- Listener question: How do I deal with nesting squirrels, screens and chewed fascia boards? (Time stamp: 28:03)
- Listener question: How do I properly install a vapor barrier or insulate under my home to make the first floor more comfortable? (Time stamp: 34:09)
- Concrete footers for decks and porches. (Time stamp: 38:21)
- Painting or staining pressure treated lumber. One recommendation: The SuperDeck® Deck Care System line of products.(Time stamp: 42:30)
At the Building Institute of Central Kentucky, you can graduate both with NO debt and the education and training you need to obtain your journeyman’s license. The Building Institute of Central Kentucky offers two and four year courses in the disciplines of carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Reach out to The Building Institute of Central Kentucky today!

Thursday Oct 31, 2019
Skinny on Do’s and Don’ts for Kitchen Remodeling and Design
Thursday Oct 31, 2019
Thursday Oct 31, 2019
Kitchen remodeling is an expensive undertaking, so it’s wise to make smart decisions and avoid common mistakes. Join Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney this week on Skinny On The Home as he shares some “do’s and don’ts” for kitchen remodeling and design.
A live, weekly call-in and special guest radio show, Skinny On The Home, is sponsored by the Building Institute of Central Kentucky. Host Skinny McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc., offers advice and answers questions on home remodeling, building and design. The show is located in central Kentucky, and is featured every Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Lifechanging Radio, WJMM, in Central Kentucky.
This week, Skinny covers kitchen remodeling recommendations, including several do’s and don’ts. Tune in and learn about how to...
- Eliminate steps and increase space in your kitchen (maximize flow). (Time stamp: 3:36)
- Create kid-friendly areas in your kitchen. (Time stamp: 4:56)
- Stay clear of corners. (Time stamp: 5:28)
- Determine island function. (Time stamp: 6:00)
- Design landing spaces. (Time stamp: 6:43)
- Consider all your countertop options. (Time stamp: 7:57)
- Arrange the range. (Time stamp: 9:03)
- Fill it up. (Time stamp: 9:27)
- Be sharp about knives. (Time stamp: 10:17)
- Make recycling easy. (Time stamp: 11:05)
- Make things an easy reach. (Time stamp: 11:36)
- Add a family message center. (Time stamp: 12:23)
- Plug it in, charge it up and let there be more light! (Time stamp: 14:49)
- Cut cleaning time. (Time stamp: 20:27)
- Use design details to break up cabinetry blocks. (Time stamp: 22:37)
- Choose the right colors for a small kitchen. (Time stamp: 23:31)
- Increase natural light with specialized can lights that are skylights. (VELUX Sun Tunnel brand.) (Time stamp: 24:45)
- Find focal points. (Time stamp: 25:59)
- Consider the holidays. (Time stamp: 26:48)
- Position appliances. (Time stamp: 27:37)
- Set your trash location to increase efficiency. (Time stamp: 32:07)
- Choose the right sink for you. (Time stamp: 33:17)
- Install adequate lighting. (Time stamp: 34:44)
- Plan well for storage. (Time stamp: 39:16)
- Include any pet needs. (Time stamp: 41:11)

Thursday Oct 24, 2019
Skinny On Designing Your Kitchen Remodel for Maximum Function
Thursday Oct 24, 2019
Thursday Oct 24, 2019
Wondering where to start with a functional kitchen remodel? Make sure you don’t overlook decisions in your design! Tune into Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney this week on Skinny On The Home as he discusses what to include in your plans.
Skinny takes calls and texts from listeners with a wide range of questions throughout today’s episode, as well as talking kitchen remodels. Tune in to learn how to plan for maximum function in your kitchen!
- Design with the future in mind, for both kitchens and baths. (Time stamp: 2:55)
- Alternatives to replacing your entire bathtub for safer step-in. (Time stamp: 3:23)
- Things to consider when choosing a kitchen layout. (Time stamp: 4:23)
- Walkway widths and appliance clearances. (Time stamp: 6:34)
- Adjust your kitchen layout to maximize safety. (Time stamp: 7:50)
- Listener question: I’m noticing falling insulation and a lot of water coming from ductwork in my crawlspace. Should I be concerned? (Time stamp: 8:49)
- Listener question: We have double-doors leading into our bath that are taking up bedroom wall and floor space. What’s involved in making them smaller? (Time stamp: 14:58)
- Having trouble finding someone to do small handyman type jobs? Contact Skinny at J&R Construction Services for assistance in locating someone. (Time stamp: 20:29)
- Find the right height and location for your microwave. (Time stamp: 26:47)
- Previous listener calls to report: The quick and inexpensive fix he performed on his troublesome toilet. (Time stamp: 27:50)
- Proper clearances for cabinet and appliance doors. (Time stamp: 30:27)
- Design islands with function in mind: Form follows function. (Time stamp: 31:15)
- Plan large enough landing spaces and accessible power outlets. (Time stamp: 32:17)
- Listener question: Do I have enough existing space to install an island? (Time stamp: 33:24)
- Why how much you cook should figure into your design. (Time stamp: 35:06)
- Double-up to increase the welcoming atmosphere of your kitchen. (Time stamp: 36:16)
- Ideas to keep frequently used items handy. (Time stamp: 37:32)
- Alternative solutions to lugging filled pots from sink to range. (Time stamp: 38:23)
- Be sharp about storing knives! (Time stamp: 41:42)
- Make recycling easy. (Time stamp: 43:02)
- Solutions to put kids’ items where they can reach. (Time stamp: 43:37)
- Add a message center. (Time stamp: 44:20)

Thursday Oct 10, 2019
Skinny On What to Plan for Successful Bathroom Remodeling
Thursday Oct 10, 2019
Thursday Oct 10, 2019
Have your mind on a bathroom remodel? Need to know where to begin and pitfalls to avoid? Join Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney this week on Skinny On The Home as he discusses what to do before you even begin and how to proceed once you have a plan.
Skinny On The Home, brought to you by the Building Institute of Central Kentucky is a weekly call-in and special guest radio show answering all your home remodeling, building and design questions.
Hosted by Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc., Skinny On The Home takes your calls and answers your questions live every Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Lifechanging Radio, WJMM, in Central Kentucky. J&R Construction Services, Inc. holds a certified Aging In Place specialist designation through the National Association of Homebuilders.
Skinny takes calls from listeners with bathroom remodeling questions throughout today’s episode. Join them as they discuss:
- Why you should plan before you plan. (How to consider all users of a bathroom space.) (Time stamp: 4:46)
- Why you can’t just “google” the cost of your project. (Time stamp: 6:30)
- Listener question: What considerations should older home owners make in considering home renovations? Does the age of your home matter? What about the cost versus the value? How do you know what’s worth doing? (Time stamp: 7:59)
- Longevity and how to use the tool of the yearly cost versus value report to make smart remodeling decisions. (Time stamp: 10:52)
- Things are bound to change, how do you plan your budget so it doesn’t kill your project? How to figure enough in your budget to cover the (expected) unexpected. (Time stamp: 13:59)
- Why spending a lot of time on the front end (before you begin) will save you time and money in the end. (Time stamp: 15:13)
- Understanding your bathroom layout - aka: What’s behind the walls and/or under the floor and where? And, most importantly, why? (Time stamp: 16:21)
- What are the differences in planning a customized bathroom? What designates a bathroom as custom and how does this affect the remodel planning? (Time stamp: 19:54)
- Ways you want to consider the proximity to bedrooms when constructing an ensuite (or en suite -- that is, attached) bathroom. (Time stamp: 21:06)
- Skinny reveals one trick to saving a good amount of money on a bath remodel! (Time stamp: 22:36)
- What should you consider in your bathroom lighting design? (Time stamp: 22:58)
- Listener question: What can I do if I’ve been told that I need to jackhammer my floor in order to drain better? Is it possible we can do something else to not have to tear up the floor? (Time stamp: 25:24)
- Listener question: If I’m having drainage issues can I consider putting in a standalone tub (like a clawfoot tub) with a shower instead? (Time stamp: 29:10)
- What Skinny recommends for good bathroom ventilation and why you need it. (Skinny talks fans that sense air moisture and/or on timers.) (Time stamp: 32:56)
- Why you might want to add heated floors and even heated shower seats to your bathroom. (Time stamp: 36:41)
- How to pick the right flooring (especially tile) for your bath remodel. (Time stamp: 38:43)
- Listener question: How do I significantly change the layout of a bathroom? Should we consider taking out a wall to an adjoining room? But what about where that places things like the toilet and its drain and venting? What’s involved in moving things around? (Time stamp: 40:23)
Graduate with NO debt and the knowledge of a skilled trade. Check out our Skinny On The Home show sponsor, the Building Institute of Central Kentucky!
The Building Institute of Central Kentucky offers two and four year courses designed with all the education and training you need to earn your journeyman’s license in a skilled trade. You can study at the Building Institute of Central Kentucky at night, around your other commitments, to learn HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Get started on an in-demand career today!
