The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: College parents beware, we are about to enter “silly season” when real estate agents press young, inexperienced students to sign leases that are chock full of ridiculous requirements, and stiff fines and fees that anyone renting outside of a college town would find ludicrous. We’ll tell you what to look for to prepare your young renters from these predatory practices. As the end of summer approaches, it'll soon be time to bring the green inside with houseplants. But if you feel like you never had a green thumb, fear not! We can help get you on the path to redemption and forgiveness with our list of the top 5 healthiest and hardest to kill houseplants. Are cracks, holes, and nail pops taking away from your otherwise well-maintained walls? We share DIY Tips to fix them yourself for good. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions including: Caitlin moved into a fabulous old house and would love to resurface a beautiful clawfoot tub. We share her options. Fred in Iowa wants to know how to stop mold odors that are building up in his daughter’s bathroom. Betty wants to know how to stop mold from growing in her closet. We walk her though how to know if she’s really seeing mold or something else. Diane wants to turn her backyard deck into a walk-in closet. We explain why that is a really bad idea! Caulking a bathtub is a job that has to be repeated often – unless you know our tricks of the trade to make it last. We walk Vern though that project. Mary wants to paint her fireplace and needs to know how to get it done right so that the paint doesn’t peel off. Steve wants to know how to fill gaps in his driveway that were cause by expansion joints that have worn away. Mario needs guidance on replacing an old metal window with a glass block replacement style window. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: With fall approaching, and you might be wondering if replacing old or drafty windows is a wise move. We walk you through 7 key questions to ask yourself to determine if this project is right for you. Painting seems like a simple DIY project but that’s exactly why it is even more frustrating than ever when your painting project comes out badly. We’ll share pro painting tips to help. As we head into pandemic season two, many Americans will continue to work from home fueling the need for more home office space. If you are ready to set up a new more organized space for your work life, we’ll share tips on furniture and organizers you can build yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Beverly wants to add vinyl siding to a shed and needs to know the best way to attach it. Tom shares a key trick of the trade to make sure the vinyl is secure but won’t expand and cause the vinyl siding to warp when the sun hits it. Abe needs help solving a plumbing mystery that causes the water in one toilet to gurgle and drain when another toilet is flushed! Anna took down a tree that was full of carpenter ants and wants to know if needs to be worried about the carpenter ants destroying her home! Stuart needs to know how to select the right LED bulb to match the wattage of an old incandescent bulb he’s replacing. Nancy needs to know the easiest way to remove a popcorn celling. Bob is dealing with the aftermath of a really bad laminate floor installation. Brian is building a new house and wants to know if using spray foam insulation will cause his roof shingles to buckle. Laura is remodeling her kitchen in an old house wants to know how to reinforce the floor to support heavy new appliances. Eric’s home is smoke damaged and he needs help getting rid of the smoke odor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Your house is your biggest investment – but how much, exactly, should you set aside for the cost of home maintenance? We share a simple formula to help you determine what that is. Floors need to handle wear and tear and be easy to clean. But when you have pets, that durability raises to a whole new level! We’ll share what you need to know to choose pet friendly floors that can handle that kind of traffic. Painting the exterior of your home is one of the most important types of home maintenance. And while many homeowners choose to hire a painting contractor, new technology in paint sprayers makes this one project you may be able to tackle yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Joe from Iowa isn’t happy with his deck and asks if it should be repaired or replaced with composite decking? We walk him through the pros and cons. Linda from Florida needs a really tough paint for the floor of an airport hangar! We share options for concrete finish that can take the punishment. Don in Illinois needs help fixing a sinking foundation in his very old farmhouse. Bonnie in Pennsylvania has a sagging driveway to repair and wants to know how to fill in the low spots or if she needs to tear it out and start again. Darren from Virginia want to save water by routing rainwater from a barrel to help fill his toilet. Kay in Arkansas wants to know how to make a plain masonry wall look more appealing. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: (Episode Summary, and Links) Have you ever taken a shower and received a blast of water that was freezing cold or scalding hot? That’s what we call shower shock! Tom explains exactly why this happens and how to stop the shower-shock for good. By now, garages are usually a mess of toys, tools and toxins like lawn chemicals and paints – all of which are too close to each other for comfort. We share garage organization solutions that can help. If you’ve ever tried to repair old, worn-out concrete by covering it with new concrete only to find it didn’t last, we’ll share a solution that will, and delivers a beautiful new finish in just a few hours. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: John in Maryland wants to reno a small bathroom that contains the home’s water heater. He’s looking for a recommendation on the smallest possible water heater that will do the job. Phyllis from New Jersey is buying a home built in the 1960’s and want to know what repairs to expect in an older home. Tom taps his 20-year’s worth of experience as a home inspector to share useful tips about homes built in that era. Charlie in Tennessee wants to expand his kitchen and wants to know how to tell if his wall is a load bearing wall before he rips it out! Michelle in Iowa wants to build a firepit out of brick and needs a recommendation for the best type of mortar to use for her project. Charlene from Louisiana has a low slope roof in bad shape and wants to know if she can replace it with a metal roof. Randy from Maryland wants to stain a brand-new deck build from pressure-treated lumber and wants to know if he should do this right away or wait a year. Margaret wants to know how to get rid of popcorn ceilings. Eve in Delaware wants to get rid of a smoke smell from her studio apartment. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the most popular ways to update a kitchen. But can this DIY project deliver the same level of beauty and durability of a factory applied finish? It can - if we get the painting steps right! Tom & Leslie walk you through what you need to know to get Instagram worthy results! If a vacation home is out of reach… you might want to consider GLAMPING instead! Glamping is short for “glamor camping” and we’ll share tips on how to do just that by converting a camper or trailer into a comfortable getaway that comes home with you after every vacation. The laundry room might seem safe enough, but anywhere there’s extreme heat and lots of water, there’s potential for trouble. We’ll walk you through the most common laundry room hazards and tell you how to prevent leaks, fires and breakdowns. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. James from Virginia wants to know how difficult it would be to install a ceiling fan in a house with no lighting fixtures. Laura from Connecticut is wondering how to reinforce her sagging kitchen floor. Steve from Pennsylvania wants to build new steps to his porch and needs to know how to figure out how deep to make the treads. Tammy from Pennsylvania wants to know how to fix uneven hot and cold water in her bathroom shower. Marvin from Rhode Island is asking is it cost effective to use blown-in insulation on for an older home? Kathy from Arkansas has some concerns about how to test for radon in a slab home. Ashwani from Illinois is wondering if there is something he can do to deal with tree roots starting to get exposed on his lawn. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Buying new lawn furniture this summer was a challenge due to the disruption of the pandemic. That's why now may be a good time to build your own. We’ll help by walking you through how to build one of the most iconic pieces of outdoor furniture, the Adirondack chair, including a source for detailed step-by-step plans to build your own Adirondack Chair. If you’ve taken on paint projects, you may know that using a primer is the first step to making sure your paint project comes out exactly as planned. But you may not know that there are key differences between the type of primer you select from your project – especially if it includes painting the kitchen or bath. We’ll fill you in on the best primer for trim and cabinet painting to use and why, just ahead. If you’re planning a painting project like painting a fence, deck, or the outside of your home, you won’t need to hire a pro. New technology in high efficiency airless paint sprayers makes this an easy DIY project. We explain how the sprayers work, and why using one is 3 times faster than using a paint roller. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Sean from Texas is having a problem with his central vacuum system leaking condensation. Norma from Delaware wants to know, how to determine if she has enough water pressure for a multi-head shower in her bathroom. Thomas in Tennessee is asking about how to reduce moisture in a basement. Eva from North Carolina wants to know her options for replacing a water heater located on her third floor and is debating about a tankless one. Vernon from Colorado asks how to re-caulk a bathtub? Thurman from Arkansas wants to learn how to install a window in a load-bearing wall. Lauren from Florida is concerned about lead paint in her house. Doug in Rhode Island wants to know if he can consolidate his kitchen and bathroom exhaust ducts? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Post pandemic, 65 percent of people house hunting demand one feature more than any other. The pandemic has changed a lot about how we buy things and that includes what we look for in a new home! We share the list of new home buyer demands. If you’ve ever taken on a tiling project, you may know that some of the more inconvenient parts of the project are that it’s messy and takes DAYS because you have to wait for the adhesive to set, before you can grout. We’ll show you a trick of the trade to install tile that’s a lot less messy and far faster. If you’re ready for a new floor and have pets, it’s smart to choose the best pet resistant flooring to stand up to the wear and tear our pets can dish out. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Bill in Florida is trying to get rid of a smoker’s stench throughout his house. Pat in Michigan wants to know how to hide water stains on her ceiling without repainting the whole thing. Lee wants to know how to install a koi pond. Stewart wants to know when in your home’s lifetime should you replace insulation? Michelle in Minnesota wants to know deal with moisture coming up from her laminate floor. Carl in Maryland asks what’s causing his toilet to make a high pitch whistling noise? Pat from Arkansas asks, why doesn’t my heat pump dehumidify? Daniel needs to know why his water has a rotten egg smell. Kathy calls asking how to clean grease off a garage floor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Replacing your garage door can be a simple and affordable project that delivers a 94% return on investment when the house is sold. Get tips on the many styles, colors and designs for garage doors and how to choose from and how to a garage door that rights for you. As the saying goes, good fences make great neighbors. But as simple as it seems, adding a fence is something many DIY’rs get wrong. We’ll walk you tips for picking out the best fence so you can get it right, the first time. If you’ve been dealing with expensive cooling bills, stuffy room or a dusty house, the problem may be your duct system. Learn how to check your ducts for leaks and fix them fast. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Tracy in Texas wants to know how to get started with a universally designed bathroom. Tyler asks how to deal with moles that are tearing up his lawn Janet in Georgia is wondering when the best time to stain a wood deck would be. Ian from Vancouver wants to know if there is a tip to nailing hardwood floor when you get close to the wall. Carol in Texas is wondering how to restore her sloped driveway without digging it out completely. Robert in Michigan asks if there is any composite material that can keep from fading. Judy in Florida wants to know how to refurbish her laminate countertop. Ed in Tennessee is trying to refurbish a crawlspace for his pets and wants to know what concerns he should have. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Consumer Reports is out with the Top Toilets for 2021! We will flush out the details – including the very unusual way they test toilets using plastic balls, screws and sponges to simulate the real thing! If you’re buying a new home, you’ll have lots of options to choose from. But many of these don’t really have to be done when the house is being built. We’ll tell you which upgrades make sense to buy from the builder, and which you can get done on your own – and often save a lot of expense in the process. Bathtubs can last a lifetime, but their finishes won’t! The good news is you don’t have to get rid of the whole tub just because of a worn finish. We’ll layout DIY and pro-options to restore the finish and brighten up your bathroom space. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Amanda is asking how to stop floor squeaks in her 100-year-old home. James wants to know how to set an above ground pool into his deck? Terri from Pennsylvania is asking why are her gutters always overflow, even though they are clean? Case from Oklahoma wants to know how to prioritize projects in new home as well as why there is a surge in lumber prices? Rosie wants to know her options for a fogged replacement window with a bad seal. Terry from Tennessee wants to know the best preservative to put on raw wood for a porch? Carol from California asks how to insulate the house from underneath her floor. Dale from Wisconsin needs help figuring out what is causing his metal roof to leak and how to fix it. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Do you need more storage space? Who doesn’t! We’ll explain the many nooks and crannies where storage space hides that you may never have thought of! Breathing fresh clean air inside your home is more important today than ever. But during these hot “dog days” of summer, you don’t have to throw open windows and let in hot humid air to get it! We’ll share easy ways to make sure the air INSIDE your home is as clean as possible. Adding a backyard deck is one sure-fire way to increase your home's living space. But if you’re not careful, there’s easy ways to make costly mistakes. We’ll show you what you’ll need to avoid. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions including: Mike is working on an interesting historic restoration and wants to know how to seal shower walls to prevent rusting. Cindy from Ohio wants tips for restoring the color of original cedar siding. Mike in Pennsylvania to figure out how to replace big, decorative columns on his porch with something more modern and appealing. Patrilla from Louisiana wants to know if she can put flooring over linoleum flooring instead of pulling out the old one. John is asking when is the best time to paint in extreme temperatures? Suzanne from Ohio is wondering the best way to deal with a shower curtain rod that keeps coming out of her drywall. Matt from Ohio wants help solving a mold problem in his bathroom. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Every summer, the #1 danger for children is drowning! Tom & Leslie share a pool safety system you can put in place to help makes sure that tragedy never strikes close to home. It’s National Garage Sales Day and that time of year when millions of folks transform their garages and yards into a storefront to get rid of the junk they no longer want! whether you need to clear garage clutter or maybe make a few bucks, or both, we’ll have tips to help your garage sale go smoothly, including how to protect your privacy and how to price your treasures! If you’ve ever tried to repair cracked, deteriorated concrete like on a sidewalk, driveway or garage floor – you might have found that those repairs have to be made to the same spots over and over again. We’ll share a way to do these once and have them stick. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Justin from VA needs to know the best options for a laundry room floor. Margie in OH needs deep cleaning advice for kitchen cabinets. Judy in Missouri needs help figuring out the source of a roof leak. Courtney in Texas asks how to totally remove the smelly cigarette stink left by a previous homeowner. Taylor In North Dakota wants to know how to seal a leaking duct system that’s driving up her air conditioning costs. Lin in Missouri is needs to know how to stop a pear tree that is breaking through her foundation. Peg from RI wants to redecorate her bathroom but is stuck with an ugly shower insert. We share some designer tricks to work around it. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Want to refresh your home with new décor but aren’t sure if your budget is ready to handle the hit. We’ll share 5 ways to save lots of money decorating your home sweet home. The real estate market is very hot and for first time home buyers, that makes it even tougher to find an affordable house. We’ll share new data on the best and worst markets for first time buyers. Window screens let fresh air into your home, while keeping pesky bugs out! If yours aren’t doing the job, we’ll tell you about new technology options in invisible screening that does just that and a whole lot more. If you’ve ever had to do deal with an uneven concrete walkway that’s causing people to trip, the solution may be easier than you think. We’ll share the best fix. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Sherri from TN needs help with strange dryer problem. Her machine generates moisture when the load is finished. Tim from Michigan has a 2nd floor deck and wants to know how to install fiberglass floor to prevent leaks to the space below. Leah from CA needs a solution for an air conditioner that is constantly leaking Freon Michael from CA wants to know if it’s possible to purchase gutters and leaders from a home center to do the job himself or hire a gutter company to install seamless gutters, which are more expensive. Jim in PA is having difficulty getting rid of hard water calcium deposits out of his water heater asks what’s the best way to clean out a calcium deposit in his water heater? Butch from AK lives downhill from his neighbors and needs help stopping rainwater runoff from getting into his garage. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: During summer’s hottest months, buying a pool may seem like a pretty good idea. But several pool pitfalls that can lead to a real financial soaking. Tom & Leslie share dos and don’ts. If you’ve ever picked up lumber for a project that measure 2 by anything (like 2x4, 2x8 and so on) did you ever notice that the wood actually measures a lot less? We’ll share what happens to all that missing wood you thought you were paying for. Homeowners insurance is an important way to protect yourself from financial disaster. But you might be surprised to learn the most common things that are NOT covered. We share how to make sure your totally covered. One incredibly common home improvement tool sends hundreds of people to emergency rooms every year. Learn what this is and how to stay safe Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Bill is trying to decide between a concrete patio or wood deck and wants to know how much to budget for the project and which one lasts longer? Lorraine needs help getting rid of ants which are attacking her outdoor space. Beverly wants to know how the best way to clean a fence. Robert is ready to take on building a retaining wall - Options for retaining wall blocks and tips for building a successful one. Jenny wants to know how to know how to install a handicap accessible bath chair in a shower. William needs to know how to remove mold that forming in a vacation cabin. Steve wants to know if adding insulation under vinyl siding actually really helps save energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Learn how to keep your lawn green and healthy through the hottest months of the summer, plus how to handle droughts or water restrictions. Drain clogs can be a real hassle – but they don’t have to be complicated to free up. We’ll share quick solutions to get things flowing. If you love to grow herbs in your garden for cooking, many of the most popular also can be used as herbal medicines. We’ll share a few of the most popular If your gas grill needs a mid-season grill cleaning? The same char broiling grill action that flavors ribs, chicken, steaks and burgers all summer long can really cause problems if you don't stop and do a thorough grill cleaning once in a while. We walk you through the steps. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Jeff is looking for the easiest way to clean out the shower drain. Dixie needs a step-by-step walkthrough of how to handle repair of major cracks in a foundation. Spray foam insulation vs. blown-in. Max wants to know if spray foam insulation is more efficient than blown-in insulation Pam asks if it’s worth fixing insulated glass on a door or should you just replace the whole door? Joe is trying to figure out the cause of some pretty big leaks around his chimney. Kathleen would like to know if she can install faux tin ceiling tiles on a vaulted ceiling. Midas is adding new flooring and want to know how to create the transition between floors in two rooms when one floor is higher than the other. Diane is asking where is the best place to add insulation in a house? Mercedes needs advice on repairing a metal roof. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Most kitchen renos are expensive. But there’s actually a lot you can do yourself over a single weekend that can deliver a big impact without a big budget. We share a checklist of low-cost kitchen remodeling projects that deliver the biggest impact. If your patio is worn, weathered or even cracked, we’ll share how to do a makeover using a new type of paver brick designed for remodeling that any DIY’r can accomplish in just a couple of hours. The hottest part of the summer always brings out the most bugs – including disease-carrying tics! We’ll explain the best ways to stop ticks from taking a bite out of your summer fun. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Tom wants to know to clean and paint a pocket door. Marianne wants to know if her floor tile might possibly contain asbestos. Steve is dealing with a leaky water heater. We share a new technology in water heaters that include a water heater that automatic shut offs if a leak is detected. Elanor wants to know how best to remove algae and clean Trex decking. Gordon needs a solution to stop leaks getting into his garage. Beverly wants to know the best way to repair and repaint rotted wood posts. Mike has spotted some cracked roof shingles and wants to know if it’s time to replace the entire roof. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Spaces under outdoor decks can be dark, dirty wastelands! But with a deck ceiling, you can drain the rain and clean up the look below. We walk you through build-from-scratch and manufactured options to create a dry hangout space below an overhead decks. Finding a foundation crack can be quite disturbing, but not all cracks spell disaster! We’ll share how to sort out the minor from the major, and what to do if you find yourself unsure of what you’ve got. You may think of Ivy as a way to make your home look distinguished – but did you know it can also wreak serious havoc on your siding and cause major carpenter ant problems? We’ll have tips on the best way to get rid of ivy and manage those creepy vines. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Courtney wants to know how to get rid of tree roots so she can build a new patio. Larry needs to know how to replace his concrete driveway. Lucille is trying to seal a hole to repair a cracked fiberglass tub. John asks if cleaning solar panels improves their efficiency. Peg wants to know how to repair, restore or replace the spacers between patio sections. Marge is looking for the best way to repair a broken kitchen cabinet shelf. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the porch… until the mosquitoes arrive! We’ve got tips on retractable screens to keep pesky pests away. Some home décor can practically guarantee you’ll lose money selling a home. We share the top 10 worst décor choices to avoid at all costs! The pandemic drove a surge of home buying from millennials, but it turns out that nearly half blew their renovation budgets within the first year! We dig into why this happened and what the home buying economy looks like going forward. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Best options for affordable kitchen countertops How paint your front door and make it last Replacing a 15-year-old roof that should have lasted longer Right way to assess and repair foundation cracks Best way to repair or replace rotted wood trim behind gutters. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Have you made energy saving improvements that upped your home’s “green” factor? Those improvements can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Tom & Leslie explain why and share tips to create your own green home improvement inventory. Kitchen backsplashes are a great way to keep the walls behind your counters clean – but they can also be a fun and affordable project to do yourself! We walk you through how to create your own kitchen backsplash with tile. And you may know what good case of sun burn can do to your skin, but have you ever thought about what those harsh rays can do to your home? Sunlight can fade furniture and floors, raise energy costs. We’ll tell you about a way you can block out just the damaging rays while still enjoying the sunshine. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Is it better to use stain or paint on an outdoor deck? How do you know if it’s worth the cost to upgrade your homes air conditioning and heating system? What are the benefits of a metal roof and is installing one a DIY project? Best way to tile a shower floor so that it is totally leak-proof How to repair loose concrete on a porch Restoring water pressure in a home with a well pump Repairing cracked ceramic tiles that are on top of a concrete floor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Do you feel like your A/C just isn’t doing the job it should? We’ll share a trick of the trade you can use to test your air conditioning, so you’ll know exactly how well it’s performing, or if it’s wasting your cold hard cash. Painting is a project that’s among the most basic of DIY projects, and one most homeowners are happy to tackle themselves. But it’s also a project that can go terribly wrong if you don’t take just three steps before you start. We’ll share important painting tips. Do summertime allergies have you hacking and sneezing on even the sunniest of days? We’ll share five things you can do inside your home to breathe easy all summer long. Does having a solar energy system really improve the value of your home? Solar energy sellers will universally say yes, but we think otherwise and explain why. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: How to deal with high humidity and moisture in your home? What might be the reason why your exterior door isn’t quite sealed? What product to use when resurfacing a concrete driveway? Is it smart to replace an oil-fired water heater with an electric one? How to change your two prong outlets to three prongs? How to apply wood paneling to your wall for a rustic style? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Every summer deck collapses are tragically common. We’ll share the top 5 reasons decks fall down along with tips on how to do a safety check your own deck. If your last electric bill a real shocker you’ll be happy to hear that utility companies are required to offer programs to help you save money and use LESS of their product! We’ll have advice on how to best take advantage of that savings. For family pets, the backyard is a place to relax, burn off some energy, and play with friends, human and furry. We’ll share 4 tips to help improve your outdoor space to keep pets safe in summer and their humans happy. Laundry is always a chore but it’s even worse when your washer and dryer are located a floor below or above the place where those dirty clothes are first dropped! We share how to effectively move your laundry from a floor below and place it right where it needs to go. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Value of adding a whole house fan. How to fix peeling Vinyl flooring? Are perma-boots the best way to fix roof leaks caused by flashing? Who should you call for drain cleaning? How to prevent your septic tank from causing a sinkhole? Can trees have an impact on your foundation and what should you look out for? Why does your fridge keep tripping your circuits? Best way to clean your oven-door glass? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Want to update your kitchen this summer? Updating the layout at the same time can deliver updated functionality and flow. Tom & Leslie share tips for kitchen layouts that bring in some new feng-shui and make the space more functional. Are you bracing for you next big cooling bill of the summer? We’ll highlight new technology that can keep you cool and cut your costs at the same time. A great looking fence can improve your home’s curb appeal and add to your home’s value. But if the fence hasn’t been well maintained, it can have the opposite effect! We walk you through how to stain a fence and make it last! If you enjoy watching hummingbirds in summer, the best way to attract them to your yard is to feed them. Leslie shares the do's and don'ts of making your own delicious sugar water homemade hummingbird food! Plus, we share answers to your home improvement questions about: How to brighten up a dirty and stained garage floor. Options for adding slip resistant paint surfaces. How to choose the best low-maintenance replacement window. How to adjust a door that swells and sticks. Is your roof full of green moss or algae? We share a cool trick to clear the algae using just a single strip of copper flashing! Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: A tree in your landscape can be a thing of beauty. But after it’s gone, the stump left behind - not so much. We show you easy ways to get rid of stumps for very little cost. Planning on painting your home this summer. Choosing the right colors can make a huge impact on its appearance and value. We’ll share tips for picking the perfect paint colors for outside projects. If you’re a renter, you might think there’s not much you can do to cut summer cooling bills and stay comfortable. Not true! There are lots of low cost to no cost things you can do to stay comfortable and stop wasting money. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Best way to remove and replace old tile floor grout. How to paint a popcorn ceiling (including what to do if you’ve removed all those clumps of popcorn!) Best way to restore dead or dying spots in a sod lawn. Most efficient way to insulate an old and drafty house. Advice for replacing a leaking sliding door with a French door. Does noisy plumbing signal a big repair a problem? Sneaky ways to find out how old your house really is. How to pick the most durable outdoor furniture. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Want to outsmart would-be burglars with more than just a fake rock. Tom and Leslie share the sneakiest hiding spots to store house keys outside. Wondering what projects were popular during the pandemic? We highlight the most popular YouTube videos about projects people were making with just a bag of concrete. Have summer storms damage your roof? Find out how to get your insurance company to pay for a complete roof replacement. If you love outdoor cooking, we highlight the best outdoor kitchen features to add on a budget to enjoy all season long. Plus, we answer home improvement questions about. Tips for adding an attic stair access to a garage ceiling. Best way to remove adhesive from a brick surface. Ideas for fixing a drainage problem that’s causing flooding around and under a home. DIY addition? Important steps to take before attempting to build an addition yourself. Paint or aluminum wrap? Best way to finish exterior trim to stop rot and avoid long-term maintenance. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are your kitchen cabinets tired and worn? Tom and Leslie tell you how to choose new cabinets that’ll step up the space and not blow the budget. If you’re thinking about an outdoor project, and love the sound of a babbling brook, we’re going to tell you how to create your very own water feature for your yard Ready to take on an outdoor paint project? We’ll highlight new paint sprayers that makes paint projects quick and easy. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about. Options for adding GFCI’s to bathrooms that don’t have them. How to repair exposed rebar around your pool? Tricks for finding the source of a window leak Tips for humane ways to get rid of squirrels who have made a home in your home! How to reduce condensation in basements How to seal and preserve a brick chimney? Is it less expensive to build or buy wall shelves? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Backyard decks can bring added value to your home but costly mistakes can quickly take that away. Get tips on building the best deck for your yard. Bathrooms renos are one where you need to get the design decisions done right, the first time to stay on schedule and on budget! We’ll walk you through what you need to know. Do you experience tripped circuits a little more often than you’d like? We’ll share FIVE signs you might need an electric panel upgrade to stay safe and keep the lights on! Garden gnomes are making their way from punchlines to potted plants. And they’re not the only surprise trend in the latest enchanted yards and gardens! We share a few ideas to get you started. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: · What are some good basement flooring options? · How and when to use the services of your town’s professional engineers to diagnose a flooding problem under your house. · How to fix unwanted odors from your sump pump? · How effective are low-e (Low-Emittance) Windows? · Can you reglaze ceramic tile? · Best way to stain a new deck? · How to fix walls in a log home? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mosquitoes can really suck the fun out of your summer activities, that’s why we are sharing some tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes for good. Stone countertops are a great addition to any kitchen, but we’ll give you some important factors to consider before installing them. Tip over accidents are an overlooked danger to your children. We have some preventative tips to make sure your kids aren’t put in danger. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: What to look for in window replacements? How to deal with vandalism to your property? How do fix bathtub cracks? Why a fresh painted wall might be peeling? When is the best time to seal your tile? What to do know about comfort height toilets? How to kill and prevent bathroom mold? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Summer sun and storms can cause serious damage to your roof. Find out how to spot and stop leaks before they happen. Ever wonder if you’re overpaying a contractor? Tom and Leslie get smart strategies for hiring pros from leading Economist Meisha Fisher of ANGI. A leaking shower can end up being one of the most expensive pluming leaks to repair. Find out how the right shower drain can prevent this from ever happened to you. Are costly cooling bills cutting into your monthly budget? Find out the easy fix for a common mistake that causes bills to get out of control. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: How to paint fiberglass shutters? What’s the best way to restore damaged concrete? How to stop air conditioners that blow breakers? How to refinish original hardwood flooring? How to pick the best water heater for your family? Exterior trim: paint or wrap with aluminum? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Find out how to step up your outdoor living space with step-by-step tips on how to can build your very own fire pit. Has your patio seen better days? We share easy and exciting ways to breathe new life into those crusty concrete patios. Small spaces can make your home feel cramped, but with the right floor, the space can instantly feel bigger. Find out the best hardwood floor patterns to open up a room. Want to step up the deck around your swimming pool? We share stain that stand up to wet environments. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: What is the best way to replace an asphalt driveway? How to repair contracting siding? How to repair water pressure caused by a shared well? Are wall cracks a serious problem? Easy fix sticky sliding doors How to keep Squirrels from taking over the bird feeder Best way to insulate a garage for a year-round workspace. How to stop basement floor leaks for good. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Security cameras can protect our homes during our vacation but only with the right placement. Tom and Leslie share strategies yo get the best camera coverage of your home. If you want to start your remodeling project on a level playing field, you first need to start from a level floor. Find out the simplest ways to fix up a floor that is out of whack to get your remodeling project off on the right foot. One of the most expensive home repairs is repairing a leaky shower stall. This is one problem you will never have to deal with if your shower is built right to begin with. We walk you through the key to a totally leak-proof bath reno. Are messy pets creating a decorating dilemma? Are you afraid that anything you buy will be ruined by your well-meaning pooch? Leslie has tips to help you get the best of both worlds and stop your pet from taking over your style. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: How to put in new windows into an existing opening? What to do about electrical arcs? How to approach water in a crawl space? How to deal with black mold? Ways to deal with tree roots. What do to prevent leaky vents? Is it worth using a masonry sealer on your chimney? How to get rid of efflorescence? Should you remove your shingles when putting on a metal roof? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Looking for an easy DIY way to spruce up the backyard? Arbors and Pergolas are a great feature to add to any yard -- AND you can build one yourself! Tom and Leslie give some tips and explain the differences between them. Rotted wood on your windows, doors, columns or any exterior surface can be expensive to replace - but you can save money by restoring the wood instead! We’ll walk you through what products to use as well as how to use them. Summer time makes saving water more important than ever. But rather than rely on your kids and family to use less water, we will walk you through some great fixtures that can do the water saving for you. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: How to install crown molding? Fixing windows with sash cords? Can you paint vinyl sidings? When should you use a ridge vent? What are your options when replacing a driveway? Is it possible to restore the gloss on a porcelain bathtub? How to get rid of Moles in your yard? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: If you'd love to have a backyard pool but can't afford it, don't have the time to care for it or you’re just short of backyard space? We have two words for you: Spool Pool! Tom and Leslie share tips on how you can combine the benefits of a pool and spa in one very refreshing backyard feature. Pruning trees and shrubs is one of the top outdoor tasks for spring. We share best ways to encourage lush new growth, improve air circulation and clear away dead branches that are a safety hazard. Ceramic tile showers are usually thought of as waterproof. But the truth is that unless the waterproofing UNDER the tile is correctly installed, that show can develop slow leak is that can go on for years and cause thousands of dollars of damage. We’ll review the best way to build a shower, so it never, ever leaks. If your home has concrete floors, you might think that installing full thickness hardwood flooring is just not possible because moisture from the concrete would cause the flooring to warp. We review a new product that gives you the flooring you want and while saving time and money. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions like: How to deal with water heater exhaust? Tips to trap and release feral cats. Solutions to cracked patios How to deal with discolored water? How to remove water stains on hardwood? How to spot hard-to-find roof leaks? How to patch a cracked porch? What is the best way to stain hardwood flooring? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Summertime is finally here which means more time out on the deck. Tom and Leslie walk you through the step-by-step staining tips for a finish that’ll last you years. Looking to step up your outdoor kitchen? We highlight the latest trends in outdoor cooking, including smokers, wood-fire pizza ovens, cast-iron cookery and outdoor rotisseries to kick up your outdoor cooking and entertaining game. Butterflies are one of the best parts of spring and summer and attracting them means you’ll have an army of pollinators working hard in your garden. We share the top 5 flowers that will encourage butterflies to make your home, their home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions including: Is it better to reseal your deck or convert to composite? How to prevent moisture from rising in your crawl space? What are the benefits to metal roofs? Tips on how to clean your showers. How to remove stains from your driveway? What is the best way to remove carpet glue? What is the best way to improve attic ventilation? How to refinish a really old deck? Is it necessary to replace the anode rod in a hot water heater? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Outdoor kitchens are more popular than ever. We’ll share a system you can use to construct it yourself that’s as easy as stacking blocks. If a new floor is in your project plans for this Spring, LL Flooring has developed digital tools for both DIY'rs and Pros. We talk with CEO Charles Tyson to learn how these new tools and services will help make sure the job comes up exactly as planned Stripping paint off a surface can be a difficult and very messy project. We’ll share a new low-odor, environmentally safe paint and varnish remover designed to remove multiple layers in just one application. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions like, how to deal with skylight leaks, address seller disclosure issues, how to get rid of pesky carpenter bees, how to install chimney liners, offer up some cheap kitchen remodels, and how to clean and seal grout. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Built-in, backyard firepits are really hot right now. With just a bit of planning you can build a firepit yourself. We tell you how. And with spring rainstorms in full swing, now is a good time to evaluate, repair or replace your gutters. If yours are in bad shape, serious structural problems can result. We’ll tell you what to look for when choosing a gutter company. If you’re painting project a fence, deck or the outside of your home, you won’t need to hire a pro. New technology in High Efficiency Airless (HEA) paint sprayers makes this an easy DIY project. We explain how the sprayers work, and why using one is 3 times faster than even using a paint roller. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about best material to build new ventilated soffits around your house, evaluating and repairing cracks in your foundation, best options for painting concrete floors, fast fix for squeaky floors, best way to run a dryer vent, repairing a leaking foundation, how to eliminate termites and repairing leaking underground pool pipes. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: A pizza garden is a fun way to get the whole family involved in gardening. Kids get a kick out of growing their own food and then being able to eat it. This is also a great way for parents to sneak in some veggies. We’ll walk you through exactly what you’ll need to grow your own pizza – right in your backyard. When you pop out of bed in the morning and head for that first shower of the day, there’s nothing nicer than stepping on a heated, warmed tile floor to “soften the blow” of the start of your day! Well, if you are a DIYr or pro, for as little as $525 bucks you can purchase all the components needed to create a warm tile floor. If you’d like to add hardwood floors to your home, there’s a new style of prefinished hardwood flooring collection out where the boards have been shaped using wire brushing, scraping, and cross-hatching surfacing techniques that gives them a classic seaside look to the floors from the moment they’ve been installed. Move over, tomatoes! Growing fruits and herbs for drinks is a fun new approach to backyard gardens…and spring is the perfect time to get it going Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about stopping leaks in flat roofs, best insulation, leveling sagging floors, dealing with carpenter bees, fix for doors that swell, adding 2nd layers of siding, tearing out a deck and how to stop gurgling toilets. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: The Spring real estate market is well underway and more urban dwellers than ever heading to the suburbs for space and tranquility. If you’re ready to sell your home, we’ll share 4 easy projects you can do in a weekend to boost curb appeal and land a buyer quicker than the competition. If you have ever had a major storm hit your house, you know that a home which is usually safe, sound, secure and dry can quickly turn into a leaking mess. That’s why when the storm passes, it’s important to give it a thorough inspection for storm damage. We walk you through. Rot happens, and when it does the longer you wait to repair it, the faster it gets worse. There’s really no need to put it off because products now exist that can restore the strength to weak rotted wood. We’ll share those details, just ahead. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about replacing 1950’s wiring, fixing oven pilot lights, repairing drywall, cleaning concrete, getting rid of mold, painting tips for floors, painting a brick fireplace and refinishing kitchen cabinets. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode notes... There’s a lot of focus on Spring cleaning this time of year but rather than treat this like one big dusty holiday, we’ve found it easier to set yourself up for success with a 12-month cleaning calendar that breaks cleanup shores into small, very actionable projects. And if you love the look of your wood windows, door and trim, but spotted rot that set in over the long-wet winter, we’ll share an easy way you can restore rotted wood that’s quick, easy and a lot less expensive that replacing it. If your family is like most, you probably use the garage as much as your front door for access and security. But if your door is old and worn, it could not only be unsafe, it could also be providing easy access for intruders when you are away. We’ll have tips to update, just ahead. Your outdoor party can be ruined in a flash if guests find themselves constantly swatting away swarms of relentless, little gnats flying around your guests’ heads by the thousands. We reveal how to not get bugged by gnats! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, options for filling in an unwanted swimming pool, fixing faucets, quieting down loud heating system noises, fixing peeling paint, best insulation: batt or blown-in, and removing rust stains. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes... Did you know one dandelion plant can make up to 15,000 weed seeds? If you want to win the battle against these green invaders, we share tips on how to tackle stopping weeds for the entire season. If you’ve ever remodeled a bathroom, one of the most difficult areas to get right is the shower. We’ll share a kit that takes all the guess work out of that project for leak proof showers. Apartment living has its advantages but a yard of your own is not typically one of them. But that’s no reason to give up on the idea of your very own garden. We’ll share tips to help you create a bountiful small space garden. If you are tired of having to cut your lawn all season long, artificial turf may be the solution. We walk you through the pros and cons, including installation and costs. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about how to dehumidify a damp basement, finding a kitchen cabinet paint with low VOC’s, best return on investment for a garage renovation, updating super old wiring and best insulation for converting a small building to a workout space. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes... Have you ever noticed that over the winter, garages always seem to get smaller as stuff piles up? That’s why now is a great time to make the garage your first big Spring-cleaning project! We’ll show you how to get it done in 4 steps! Building a backyard deck is one sure-fire way to increase your home’s living space for the warmer months as well as add to your home’s value. But can it be a DIY project, or one that always needs a pro. We walk you through the pros and cons of a DIY deck build just ahead. Have you ever had a wall or ceiling crack that you’ve fixed, once or twice but just seems to crack all over again? We’ll share an easy DIY tip that will let you repair it once and for all just ahead. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about getting rid of washer/dryer vibrations, installing a closet rod, cleaning bathroom mold, repairing basement floor cracks and how to repair plumbing roof flashing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes... If you’ve been working from home and ready to get out of the spare bedroom, basement or carved-out closet you call an office, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to set up a productive, comfortable outdoor home office OUTSIDE that it’ll keep you close to nature and the comforts of home at the same time. Spring may have sent a lot of rain your way…but if you have a rainwater collection system at your house… you can use those downpours to keep your lawn and garden happily hydrated well into summer’s dry spells. We show you how! If you’re thinking about buying a home this Spring, you might be interested to know that home buyer interests are changing in a very big way. We’ll break it down with tips on how to make sure your home brings the highest value in this new market. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about replacing a shingle roof with a metal roof, how to clean a granite countertop, insulating attic space, best product to paint a dock, eliminating drafty windows, repairing a leaky chimney, rules for updating electrical panels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Earth Day is just about here, and a perfect time to talk about our favorite tricks of the trade for saving water, energy and money at the same time. Painting is a popular spring project and one that can be made a LOT easier if you know just a few painting tricks that pros use every day. We’ll share those trade secrets coming up. Few home improvements bring more beauty and value to a home than adding a hardwood floor. We share tips on advances in hardwood flooring that make this product easier to install. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a porch handrail, stopping water hammer, whether or not you need to remove paneling, converting a deck into a 3 seasons room, water heaters, tankless or conventional? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Nothing signals the start of spring better than those fresh blooms like daffodils and tulips in full color! But if you want to enjoy those beautiful spring blooms, you need to plant bulbs now. We’ll share tips just ahead. With all the rainy, wet Spring weather ahead, repairing rotted wood on your windows, doors or wood columns may be on your to-do list. We’re going to make those projects a lot simpler with tips on how to easily restore damaged wood. Once the weather warms and kids spend more time outside, you may be spending more time INSIDE doing loads and loads of laundry! We’ve got a few tips to help you get your laundry room organized and save money! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about hiring a contractor, eliminating carpenter bees, installing GFI switches, replacing a HVAC system with geothermal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Last year was one of the biggest ever for home gardening and this Spring many are already getting those plants in the ground. If you’re ready to find your inner green thumb, the best way to may not be to dig down but to build up, by constructing a raised bed! We’ll show you how. You probably know improving the energy efficiency of your home means you’ll spend a lot less money heating and cooling your home. But it’s not always easy to know which improvements that give you the best return in your energy saving investments. A home energy audit can help. We explain how – just ahead. A new survey shows that 1 in 4 Americans purchasing a home are experiencing buyer’s remorse. We’ll share tips to help make sure the next home you purchase doesn’t end in disappointment. Ready to pick up a shovel and get digging in your yard for a garden or landscape project? There’s one really important thing to do FIRST. We’ll share that tip. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about removing spray insulation on siding, installing basement flooring, safety when you have a septic field, requirements for safe well water. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: If you think the best way to save time and energy cutting the grass is to set the mower as low as possible so you won’t have to mow that often, you might be surprised to find out that can end up being MORE work in the long run. We’ll share why, just ahead. We all love the look of a freshly painted room, but the getting ready part? Not so much! New paint and primer products promise to save you a big step in the process, but do they really do both? We explain where it works and where it won’t! Who would have thought a year ago that one of the most important considerations for a home office is your zoom background! We’ll share reno tips for home office re-do’s just ahead. Before your pet ventures out to roll around in the grass, we share tips to keep your pets safe and spaces green. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about repairing a rotted door, installing appliances before flooring, installing a mixing valve, best gutter covers for a home, preparing a deck for painting. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Buying a single-family home to rent out has always been a popular approach for investors. Now however, investors are buying homes they plan to split into multiple rental units. We’ll share how to know if this makes economic sense for you. If you love the look of terrazzo floors but not the cost, we’ll share a new product that uses real stone to provides a terrazzo finish for concrete surfaces at a fraction of the price. Plus, if your family is like most, you probably use the garage as much as your front door for access and security. But if your garage door is old and worn, it could not only be unsafe, it could also be providing easy access for intruders when you are away. Replacing it is a big job best done by a pro. We’ll tell you what you need to know. Taking shorts, swimsuits and light jackets out of storage is a great way to start your spring – but it can turn into a huge disappointment if you find that they’ve been ravaged by insects or moths. Leslie’s shares a timeless solution you can build yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, tips on removing a popcorn ceiling, upgrading windows in your home, cleaning and eliminating black mold, installing a bathroom in the basement. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes: Buying a single-family home to rent out has always been a popular approach for investors. Now however, investors are buying homes they plan to split into multiple rental units. We’ll share how to know if this makes economic sense for you. If you love the look of terrazzo floors but not the cost, we’ll share a new product that uses real stone to provides a terrazzo finish for concrete surfaces at a fraction of the price. Plus, if your family is like most, you probably use the garage as much as your front door for access and security. But if your garage door is old and worn, it could not only be unsafe, it could also be providing easy access for intruders when you are away. Replacing it is a big job best done by a pro. We’ll tell you what you need to know. Taking shorts, swimsuits and light jackets out of storage is a great way to start your spring – but it can turn into a huge disappointment if you find that they’ve been ravaged by insects or moths. Leslie’s shares a timeless solution you can build yourself. VURBL Station: https://vurbl.com/station/7J5ymLuI7J1/ Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, tips on removing a popcorn ceiling, upgrading windows in your home, cleaning and eliminating black mold, installing a bathroom in the basement. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Over the winter, garages get pretty gross. Between the stuff that never quite gets put away from last fall -- to the dirt that drips off your car – the floors can be a real mess. We’ll highlight the best garage floor solutions that are easy to clean. Given that over the last year we’re all been we’ve all been eating out a lot less, the kitchen has become an even more important "hub" of the home – and that’s impacting the way we refrigerate food. We’ll highlight new trends in these all-important appliances, just ahead. If you are longing for a new look at home but don’t have the funds to go all out, reupholstering the furniture you have can do the trick. For a fraction of the cost of buying new, you can change the entire look of your room. We’ll share what pieces work best and what fabric can create a lasting new look with this DIY project. Spring is a good season for closet cleaning and but if you have a lot of accessories, it can be hard to find places to keep all of that organized. Did you know that you can use kitchen items to organize your bedroom closet? We’ll share those ideas. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, installing baseboard trim, deck stain options, purchasing new central air units, insulating a cathedral roof, best air filters for eliminating odors. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: You can flush away a pile of cash upgrading your bathroom. Luckily, you don’t have to. We’ve got 4 low-cost ways to spruce up your space for under $200 bucks! Even the cleanest of homes can have mold, and we’re not just talking about what you might find in last week’s leftovers! We share the surprising places mold can hid and what to do you do when you find it. When you move into an apartment, you’ll be expected to pay a damage security deposit. Getting it back, may not be quite so easy. We’ll tell you how to protect yourself from a landlord who wants to use your deposit unfairly. If the kids running upstairs make it tough for you to get any work done downstairs, we’ve got sound proofing tips to restore family harmony. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions on eliminating bio gas odors, stopping woodpeckers from damaging our chimney, repairing cracks in cement siding, removing wallpaper with destroying the walls underneath. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode: Small kitchens can be tough places to work in. But a few modest updates can make small kitchens feel bigger and work better. Tom & Leslie share tips in today’s Smart Spending Tip. If you’re thinking about getting your outdoor furniture out for the warm months ahead, chances are after an entire winter in storage -- it’ll be looking a lot worse for wear! We’ll have tips to get your outdoor furniture clean and spruced up for the season. Today, it’s easier than ever to be eco-friendly. But when it comes to choosing eco-friendly floors for your home, understanding how the product is produced is key. We’ll tell you what to look for. Are you planning to create a relaxing paver brick patio space to enjoy the sunshine as the warm weather approaches? We walk you through how to create an amazing paver patio from scratch – OR by paving over an existing patio. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, roofing material options, wainscoting walls, removing wax from surfaces, tips for installing siding over existing siding, installing a new tub. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode: Building a Shed is a fun DIY project. But did you know that whether the shed is wood, steel or vinyl, just ONE step can mean the difference between a shed that lasts for a season and one that can last decades. We share that tip plus the best options for shed storage. Nothing keeps your home looking updated better than a current kitchen. If you’re thinking about switching out old kitchen countertops for granite, we’ll have design tips to help. In the 20 years Tom spent as a professional home inspector, he often told his clients there are three kinds of houses: Those that HAD a termite problem, those that HAVE a termite problem, and those that WILL GET a termite problem!We’ve got solutions for keeping termites…and their costly damage… away from YOUR home. Before we had walls made of drywall, we had walls made of plaster. Now, many homes have walls made of plaster cracks! We’ll tell you how to fix those plaster flaws – the easy way. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Using your new home warrantee, repairing a cracked garage floor, installing outdoor shutters, repair a tear linoleum flooring, installing smart switches, landscaping over a septic field. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices