In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen blends craftsmanship, practical paint advice, and motivation to kick off your next project with momentum. First, he dives into the story of the legendary H.O. Studley Tool Chest, exploring its remarkable construction and what it can teach us about quality work, organization, and efficiency. From there, Dan shifts into paint know-how—breaking down why dedicated primers still matter, when “paint-and-primer-in-one” products fall short, and how the right prep steps can save time and frustration. The episode wraps with a practical, encouraging segment on setting goals and actually sticking with them long after the initial New Year’s motivation fades.

Episode Timeline

00:00 — Introduction and 400th Episode Announcement

00:32 — Reflecting on 400 Episodes

02:56 — Today’s Historical Focus

03:37 — The Story of the Studley Tool Chest

13:07 — Lessons from the Studley Tool Chest

18:59 — Why Primer Still Matters

20:24 — Paint + Primer Combo Products: What They Really Do

23:23 — The Truth About “Paint and Primer in One”

24:20 — When You Need a Dedicated Primer

27:02 — Special Offer on Quicksand Primer

29:44 — Setting Goals That Actually Stick

38:08 — Maintaining Long-Term Success with Goals