Episode 3: The Tyranny of a Lifetime Guarantee
Episode 3: The Tyranny of a Lifetime Guarantee  
Podcast: Abandon House! How to Survive a Home Repair Fiasco
Published On: Fri Oct 31 2025
Description: What begins as a long-awaited home repair turns into a comedy of errors, a masterclass in patience, and a crash course in the perils of “lifetime guarantees.” In this chapter of the Rudolphs’ ongoing home-repair odyssey, Kenny and Shari finally hire a contractor to fix their leaky sky wall (Halleluja! It has a name!!) What follows: multiple failed repair attempts, shattered windows, leaking warranties, and an ever-expanding cast of contractors - each with their own excuses and a new kind of goo. Along the way, life keeps rolling (sometimes literally), from mountain-bike collisions to big career moves and family health scares. Plus, insurance expert Mike Connolly of ClaimsPro Canada offers a sharp, enlightening look at how insurance systems really work North of the border - along with what homeowners should know before disaster strikes, and how to advocate for yourself when the fine print gets slippery.Along the way, Kenny, Shari, and Mike discuss:The “Lifetime Guarantee” Trap: When a company’s promise of perfection turns into years of callbacks and excuses.The Power of Documentation: Why keeping records, photos, and notes matters when repairs go wrong.Insurance Wisdom: Guest expert Mike Connolly of ClaimsPro Canada explains how claims, adjusters, and contractor networks differ in Canada vs. the U.S.—and how to protect yourself as a policyholder.This podcast is the official companion to the book series of the same name Abandon House: How to Survive a Home Repair Fiasco. Book 1 is available wherever you buy books, and at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Abandon-House-Survive-Repair-Fiasco/dp/B0FJYRFYKTNext time: Foreshadowing disaster, this chapter closes just in time for the holidays…and strange whispers of a new virus making news overseas…surely that won’t be a problem, right?Abandon House! is produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/Our editor is Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/The Abandon House! theme song was produced by Jeff Gerke with music and lyrics, vocals and guitar by Kenny Rudolph: https://abandonhousepod.com/Additional music graciously provided by Eden's Journal: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28z4W9e04lGdr0GWL-DK2A