The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Show Notes: As we say goodbye to winter, now is a good time to take a look at your driveway to see what winter’s road salt left behind. We walk you through options for driveway sealing, resurfacing or replacement and share a key detail on the type of asphalt that lasts the longest. Are you dreaming of relaxing on your deck in the warm days ahead, but have a deck that looks more like a nightmare? We can fix that with tips for a deck makeover that you’ll be able to get done for LESS than the average refund the IRS may be sending your way this spring - in today’s Tax Refund Project Tip, presented by HART TOOLS, available exclusively at WALMART. And as the first day of spring approaches, we get you ready with room-by-room Spring cleaning tips to make sure your home is spick and span. If you’re still feeling a chill, we share tips for selecting the best type of space heater. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Refinishing furniture, installing a subfloor in basement, installing an under deck ceiling, installing an exhaust fan to 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

DIY’rs are ramping up their projects this Spring with 84% planning to take on even tougher projects in 2021 than last year! We’ll share tips on a tool system that can help you get there, with a reliable battery system that works on DOZENS of power and lawn and garden tools. Do you enjoying hanging out in your yard or patio but would love to have a bit more privacy? We share landscaping tips and tricks to create private backyard hideaways If you have a plumbing project to tackle, one type of pipe is very easy to work with and can save you lots of money. That is, as the mice don’t get to it first! We’ll tell you how to keep mice away from PEX pipe. With Spring storms on the way, adding a whole house surge protector can help prevent against some serious electrical damage. We explain where this fits in your electrical system, how it works and why is not a project you should do yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: sealing granite countertops, installing ducted heating system, patching a concrete driveway, installing ice & water shield to your 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

Are you ready for a new washing machine? We’ll take a look at the most popular features and help you decide which make the best washing machine for your laundry needs. For 55 years, ShopVac has been helping Americans with clean ups that household vacs could never hope to handle. Now this iconic brand has a new owner and some very exciting plans for the future. We hear from the new CEO. And did you know that the average Americans receives a tax refund of about $2,800? We figured, there are a lot of projects you can get done for that kind of money so today we’ll start a new series in partnership with HART Tools called Tax Refund Projects! Do you have a boring bathroom but no bucks to spruce it up? There’s a lot you can do on the cheap with paint. We share tips for stenciling and more. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about energy star rebates, repairing a slow dryer, temporary caulk for windows, repairing a stained tub, eliminating mice from your home, safety options for your 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

Hearing crazy house sounds from your home’s plumbing, water heater or heating systems? We explain the cause of all that racket and teach you which types of sounds spell trouble and which can be ignored. If there’s one thing in our home we want to be pure and fresh every time we reach for it -- it’s our water! But that’s not always the case. We’ll explain how to offset the smelly water odor – and hopefully get rid of it altogether. If your vintage home has some vintage wallpaper that’s peeling, we’ll have some tips on quick fixes to help you preserve the past. Have you ever spotted water droplets of even ice INSIDE your windowpanes? Bad seals can cause that problem. We share options for the easiest window repairs. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about removing weights from older windows, repairing nail pops on drywall, installing soapstone, sealing chimney flashing, repairing a foundation crack, improving water pressure. 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

While most folks focus on how their landscape looks they may not be as focused on their “LIGHT” scape! With the right combination of outdoor low-voltage lighting, there’s a whole new view awaiting you. We’ll walk you through the options. And also, ahead, if you’re a dog lover, getting up at all hours of the day or night to let your pooch out is not always very convenient. Now there’s a new type of automatic pet door on the market that gets built right into your home’s exterior door. We’ll share this new innovation that lets your pooches go in and out whenever they please. We’ll also share some tips on avoiding identify theft - a growing crime that can impact your ability to buy a home, especially if someone pretending to you ruins your credit. There’s a new government resource that can help victims. A disorganized kitchen pantry can make it difficult to find what you are looking for, add to the prep time for meals, and might even lead you to add things to the shopping list you already have! We’ve got easy ways to clear the clutter with pantry designs that deliver spacious and orderly food storage Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a whole house generator, testing for radon, collecting rainwater, repairing and exhaust fan, hiring a home inspector before buying a 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

When it comes to the topic of home improvement, there’s often more bad advice than sage wisdom – and that bad advice spreads like wildfire! We tackle some of the most common tales, share quick how-to tips and help you separate fact from home repair fiction. If you wanted to sell your home today, there are 5 décor elements that will keep buyers from ever pulling up to the curb. We share those and what a survey of the nation’s top real estate agents say you’ll need to do in a post pandemic world to assure a quick sale at the best price. Were you making dumb mistakes about charging your SMART devices? We’ve got tips on how simple changes to how you charge those devices that can save money. If you’d like to do some early spring cleanup of your walks and driveways, we share simple solutions to get rid of rust stains, as well as stains from moss and dirt! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, replacing knob and tube wiring, ventilating a hot tub in a sunroom and bathroom, eliminating grub worms from your lawn, refinishing a wood floor, repairing peeling paint, 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

Picking the perfect paint color is a great way to brighten up any room but finding that wow color really makes the magic happen. We’ve got tips on the best paint colors to spark both a brighter space and a better mood! If you have hot water heat, you know that radiators can be nice and comfy in cold months. But if air gets stuck in that system, radiators can ping, bang and become cold as ice! The fixes are pretty simple –we’ll share tips for fine-tuning your noisy heat. Wood floors are beautiful but they’re not always the best choice in damp locations like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. We’ll have an overview of 100% waterproof floors that look like wood and work no matter how wet the space gets. If you’ve always though that kitchen and bath remodels add the most value to your home – you’ll be surprised to learn the much simpler projects that actually deliver the highest return on investment. We feature the top 5 and a bath reno isn’t even close! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about a clogged dishwasher, repairing a cracked foundation, broken seals on windows, chimney crickets. 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

If you’re a renter, you may think you’re stuck with your kitchen. Not so! We’ll share 5 non-destructive spruce ups for your rental space that can be done without wrecking your security deposit! Filters for your heating and cooling system can help remove dust and make it a bit easier to breath. But with so many to choose from, which type really does the best job? We teach you how to decode the ratings to find the best air filter, just in time for the Spring allergy season. Power outages can strike without warning – especially with winter winds and spring storms. We got a plan for you to power through when your power is down. Filtered pitchers improve water taste and quality but take an effort to keep filled. We explore options in whole house water filter systems that treat all water in the house, right from the tap. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about using Trex decking, removing or painting wallpaper, installing blown in insulation, remove a tub mat, installing a blower on fireplace, steps to building a modular 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

Farmhouse décor is more popular than ever. Tom & Leslie help you get started with ideas for eco-friendly farmhouse fix ups. Is your family growing? Before you hear the pitter patter of little feet – It’s smart to make sure home sweet home is safe as can be for kids. We’ve got everything you need to know about baby proofing your money pit, coming up. While many young adults return home to save money, a basement may be a good choice for a bedroom and a bit of privacy. But building codes demand some special requirements for sleeping spaces below grade. We explain why and help you determine if basement bedroom renovations make sense for your home. ·Want to get rid of popcorn ceilings? If you’re tired of flakes falling on your face, food, and clothes, or just grossed out by the dust and dirt it collects, we explain the easiest ways to make popcorn ceilings disappear. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, replacing older windows, heating your home with a wood stove, floor patching before installing engineered flooring,hiring a home inspector. 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

High-efficiency washers are on the rise, and Energy Star-certified dryers can cut energy by an impressive 25% -- BUT are these more efficient (and more expensive) washers and dryers a smart buy? We could all use a little more sunshine this time of year…spotless windows can help! We’ve got tips on how to clean your windows like a pro, and you won’t even need any paper towels. Has Valentine’s Day got you feeling extra romantic? Wondering what the best quality SHEETS are to cuddle up in? We’ve got pros and cons of every material from Egyptian cotton to bamboo, in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Winter is the most common time of year for house fires. We hear from leading experts on the best way to know if your smoke detectors are really working, and will cover all types of fires, from slow burning smolders to fast flash fires. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, lighting timers, leaking light fixtures, leveling your floor for vinyl installation, installing shelving, adding additional insulation to walls. 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

If there’s one room you’d like to be bright and cheery, it’s the kitchen! We’ll have tips on kitchen lighting to keep that space looking bright – even when it’s dark outside. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine during these long chilly winter days - we’ll share a few simple stain cleaning solutions for any “merlot mishaps” that may happen along the way. And if you’ve been chipping away at a lot of ice this winter, we’ll have a trick of the trade to help make it disappear, especially when it freezes a garage door shut. Spring may still be weeks away but don’t let these dreary days of winter drag you down! We share a few dollar-wise winter home improvement projects can spruce up your home and your spirits! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, a bald spot on a roof, repairing hard water from a well, eliminating pests, mice & rats from entering your home, cleaning mold from walls, stopping ice dams, repairing a noisy countertop. 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

If you’ve ever thought of adding hardwood floors to your home, you might be surprised to know that some hardwoods are, well, not as hard as others! We’ll have tips on how to choose the toughest hardwoods for maximum durability in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Tiles are beautiful and decorative elements for floors and walls but finding replacements when one or two cracks can seem near impossible. We’ll share tips for repairing or replacing hard to find tiles. Did you know that over 350,000 house fires happen each year with a big portion caused by faulty fireplaces and wood burning stoves? We’ll tell you what you need to know to keep safe. Plus, we have a great giveaway today courtesy of our new sponsor Hart Tools!!One listener drawn at random will win a HART 20-Volt Cordless 4-Tool Combo kit to give away worth $178! HART Tools are well made, versatile and available exclusively at Walmart. To qualify, call in your home improvement question to 888-MONEY PIT! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, cleaning wood walls, home odors, decks, removing wallpaper, installing a whole house air filtering system. 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

Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete serve as your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, and gardening to garages, you’ll get expert advice to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence, and have a little fun along the way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2020 millions of us took on projects to INVEST in the NEST! Now that well we’re into the new year, there’s no sign that trend is slowing down. We’ll highlight the next big décor trends for 2021 including the best choices for indoor greenery, in today’s Smart Spending Tip. If you think maintaining YOUR money pit is a hassle… just consider what it takes to keep the PEOPLE’S house running! For starters, just painting the exterior takes 570 gallons of paint. We share a few fun facts about what it takes to maintain the White House and the team of trade pros that get it done. Winter birds can brighten up a dreary outdoor view. We walk you through the best kinds of bird feeders and food, to bring some life and color to your backyard by attracting a variety of winter birds. If there’s one thing that can bring an end to warm fuzzies and fireworks, it’s when a couple tries to agree on home design! Designing for him and her doesn’t have to involve so much sacrifice. We share a few design ideas for marriage harmony, Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about repairing a cracked foundation, removing stains from a corian countertop, installing ice & water shield on your roof, rehang a front door to align, preventing shingles from changing colors. 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 floor heating is one of the best and most comfortable ways to heat a house. We walk you through 3 options to add radiant heating in both new and existing homes. If you rent a house or apartment, there’s an insurance loophole that can cost tenants big if your home was damaged by a flood or fire. We share a simple solution to keep you protected. We get a lot of questions about how to clean tile grout – which always seem to look great the day it’s put in and then quickly turns to dirty and drab! We’ll share a solution that can restore the new-grout brightness. Termites are easy to spot in the spring and summer, but these same house hungry insects get a lot hard to spot when weather turns cold. We’ll share a home inspectors’ trick-of-the-trade for finding termites before they eat you out of house and home, even in winter. If mice have found a home in YOUR home this winter, we share 3 ways to keep mice out year-round Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, adding insulation to an addition, choosing air filters, cleaning rusty grout in a bathroom, venting for a new 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

Would you like to do a better job of taking care of your home but just don’t have the time? We’ve got 30 home repairs you can do in 30 minutes or less! Tile is a timeless and durable choice for a floor but aside from the look, choosing the best TYPE of tile is the only way to make sure that beautiful floor lasts. We’ll share tips to help you choose the best tile and save in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Did you know that with every breath you take, you may be inhaling not only clean fresh air, but also VOC’s that can impact your health. We’ve got tips to help you understand and avoid volatile organic compounds. Good lighting is key to a happy home. We share tips on how to brighten your spaces with the best lighting for every type of activity. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, removing a popcorn ceiling, installing energy efficient windows, idea renovations for a small kitchen, repairing a sagging wood 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

If you’ve been feeling winter drafts whip through your windows, we walk you through a simple checklist to help you figure out if benefits of replacement windows are worth the cost. There’s nothing worse than hanging a heavy picture only to have it come crashing down! We’ll share a tried-and-true way to secure your wall hangings safely. Do some of your meals come out HALF baked? Don’t blame the cook, blame the oven. We’ll explain why all oven temperatures can vary and how to fix the problem. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about replacing a skylight, soundproofing a room, realigning interior doors, tiling a fireplace surround. 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

A little bit on paint goes a long way, especially when you apply the new 2021 Color of the Year! If you are looking to refresh your space, this year’s color can open up a ton of possibilities. We’ll share what it is and décor ideas on where to use it. With a little work, a garage can be a great place to find space for storage, organization, crafts and projects – if it’s warm and heated. We’ll share tips to help you seal up and save. Treating slippery sidewalks with sidewalk salt will cause ice to melt, but the wrong kind of salt can also cause sidewalk surfaces to disintegrate. Listen for a recipe for safe sidewalk salt that won’t damage concrete. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, turning your shower into a steam room, replacing patio doors, best way to unclog a sink drain, garage door repair, laminate floor repair. 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

Does your laundry room feels dark, cluttered and disorganized and maybe even a bit dangerous? We’ve got tips for safe laundry room renos that will brighten your space and put everything in its place! If you’d like to enjoy fresh water from every faucet in your house, a whole house water filter can do that just as it comes into the house – bringing you crisp, clean water from every tap in your home. We’ll share the best options for a fresh water supply. If you live in a home with a fireplace, you’re probably using it a lot during these cold months. But did you know your fireplace your fireplace can drive up your insurance costs? We explain why and how to lower that expense. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about ,applying epoxy to a garage floor, installing your own central air conditioning, cleaning mold off a roof, best way to lay a tile floor, installing a ceiling fan. 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

The right combination of kitchen lighting can beautify your space while improving the functionality of work areas. We highlight the best kitchen lighting options for ambient, task, and accent lighting in today’s Smart Spending Tip. We hear a lot these days about ways to make sure the air inside our homes is clean – but unfortunately a lot of that advice is just plain wrong! We talk with expert Jeff May, author of My House is Killing Me, on what we’re doing right - and what we’re doing wrong to breathe easy inside our homes. We love home improvement hacks that that help us get stuff done and share 4 to save time while fixing up your space. If you’re hit with a big winter storm and don’t have your car tucked away in a garage… it’s always a pain to clear the snow and ice off your car. Get 4 quick tips to remove ice and snow. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing floor registers, fixing cracked drywall and patio gaps, preparing for HVAC installation in a 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

Tired of chilly floors? Adding radiant heat to your home’s floor can provide a for a very comfortable and energy efficient home, not to mention stopping the shock of setting foot on a cold floor first thing in the morning! We highlight two systems that can work for both new and existing homes. Are you tired of feeling, well, tired? For many people, these shorter and colder days can bring on a case of the blues that can impact your mood, focus and energy. We’ve got easy DIY pick-me-ups to beat the blues and raise your spirit! Want to get the most out of the hassle and expense of getting firewood? All that hard work that can be undone all too easily if you don’t store the firewood properly before tossing it into your fireplace. We’ll tell you how. Plus, we ask what is on YOUR to do list for the New Year. Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, we dig in to serve as your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! Plus, we answer your home improvement questions about, replacing flush valve on toilet, installing gutter guards, programming a garage door, replacing a kitchen window. 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

If you are busting at the seams and looking for some getaway space for crafts or projects, a heated garage may do the trick. This was a project Tom took on during the quarantine and he share tips on the easiest ways for you to warm up this workspace at your home. Americans have been taking on home improvement in record numbers. But as we improve our homes, should we also be improving our insurance policies to make sure they’re protected from fires, floods and other disasters? Tom & Leslie talk to an expert attorney who specializes in helping homeowners fight insurance companies that try to avoid paying claims for the very damage you bought insurance for in the first place! Cleaning the counters might be something you do multiple times a day without much thought. We show you how to keep counters clean longer — so you can spend less time wiping them down Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about installing energy star windows, repairing a buckled wood floor, types of insulation to use in your attic. 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

If you have an electric water heater, you probably know all too well it's also the most expensive way to get hot water. Smart home technology has now arrived providing options for water heaters that not only cost less to operate but include built-in leak protection to stop floods. If your roof starts to leak when the snow starts to melt, – you might have a common problem known as an ice dam, we’ll have tips to melt this problem away – and an important tip on how to get your insurance company to pay for the fix. Plus, we’ve got 3 handy hacks to help deal with snow and ice this winter, including a recipe for a homemade deicer you can mix-up whenever it’s needed in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing gutters, using Dricore to help moisture, installing grab bars, installing a tankless 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

Thanks to the pandemic, getting fresh clean air inside your home is more important than ever. But you don’t have to throw open windows in frigid weather. We’ll share ways to makes sure the air INSIDE your home is as clean as possible in today’s Smart Spending Tip. With so many folks spending a lot of time at home these days, it’s a great time to think about how smart home products can make our homes more convenient and safer. We’ll share some new ways to do just that. A leaking water heater can lead to pretty major flood damage. But now there’s a new water heater on the market that detects leaks and automatically shuts off the water supply stopping serious flooding before it even starts. We’ll share the update. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, venting a garage, radiator repairs, heating unused rooms 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

According to a new survey by Travelers, 75% of Americans have been taking on home improvement projects since the quarantine began – and I’d venture a guess that this is more activity than the home improvement industry has seen in decades. We’re going to take a look at the top 5 projects folks are taking on in just a bit. Are outside noises disturbing your sleep or work? You can minimize those sounds. Whether it’s traffic noise, the train, noisy neighbors or loud plumbing, we’ll have tips to help you get back your peace and quiet. The colder it gets the more expensive it is to pick up fresh herbs and veggies. But you can have fresh, healthy foods year-round by growing your own with veggie container gardens! We’ll tell you the plants that grow best in cold weather and more just ahead. Home fires peak in the winter. We’ll highlight a new type of “smart” fire and carbon monoxide detector that’s wireless and interconnected to keep your home safe, even when you are not home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating mice, repairing loose floor tile, cleaning a fireplace hearth, resetting a toilet. 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

· Now is the season for many things and unfortunately one of those is the fire season. There are more smoke and carbon monoxide incidents in these next couple months than any other time of the year. Tom & Leslie highlight new smart home technology that can help keep you safe. Getting ready to refresh your home with some new décor? Not 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 in today’s Smart Spending Tip just ahead. Did you know that according to the CDC, many of us are not cleaning and disinfecting our homes the right way? We’ll share a simple tip that can help make sure you’re getting rid of bacteria and viruses and other all the hard surfaces in your house. It’s pretty well-known that poinsettia flowers, while beautiful, can be dangerous if eaten. But it turns out that other holiday flowers are actually far more toxic. We share tips to keep you and your pets safe. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, tiling over a countertop repairing vinyl flooring, filling in a concrete patio, installing a wood stove properly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A warm fire from a wood stove or fireplace adds comfort and to a chilly winter day. But did you know that not all firewood delivers the same level of heat. We’ll share tips on how to select the best firewood for comfort and safety, coming up. Whether your furnace is shot or you’re ready for a more efficient upgrade, a new furnace should never be an impulse buy. But too often, that’s exactly what does happen – especially if your furnace gives out in the middle of winter! We’ll explain how to shop furnaces the smart way. Tis’the season – the season for selecting a Christmas tree. But if you’re a family who always goes for the real tree, you might be surprised to learn how much a fake tree can also look like the real thing – we’ll share tips from our holiday tree buying guide, including some fun new lighting options. If you own an old house with chilly, drafty walls – adding insulation can seem like a difficult job. We share tricks of the trade to insulate finished walls without damaging walls in the process. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, Installing a new front door, how to replace a leaky shower pan, correct drainage problems, correct way to repaint bathroom 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

Space is at a premium these days and one area not to overlook is UP, the attic! We highlight several ways to take advantage of the attic space overhead, including how to plan for ceiling height, stairs, heating, cooling and décor. If you think back over the years, have you made energy saving or other improvements to your home that upped its “green” factor? Those green home improvements could just help you sell your home more quickly than the competition. Tom & Leslie tell you why, just ahead in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Icicles look very pretty hanging from the edge of your roof this time of year… but did you know they may signal a potential problem with your roof that can cause pretty major leaks? We’ll have tips on how to prevent ice dams (and the leaks they cause!) After spending so much time at home recently, you’d like to change up your décor but your budget is already strained! There are ways to stretch that budget, along with your creative “muscles”, to create a place you’ll be proud to call home – just by repurposing what you have, or perhaps items your collect from friends or family Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing floorboards, preparing walls for painting, replace windows, best way to heat a small cabin. 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

If you’ve been thinking about investing in a home but don’t have the funds to go it alone, buying a home with a partner can be an option. Tom and Leslie walk you through the steps you should consider before making that big purchase. If you are tightening your belt, you may be thinking about slashing your home maintenance budget. That could be a BIG mistake, we’ll explain why. Do you ever feel like you’re always having trouble finding the tool you’re looking for? If your workshop or craft space is cluttered, disorganized, maybe even overflowing, a standard toolbox might not be cutting it for you. We’ll have helpful tips for tool organization coming up. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, options for insulating your attic, installing a marble countertop, how to add speckles to garage epoxy floor, repairing a flat roof, eliminating roaches. 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

Fall is the flooring season and with dozens of products and an infinite number of designs, we’re going to share some tips and new digital tools to help you find the perfect floor choice for your home. We’re all cleaning and disinfecting more than ever before now and with the holidays coming up, that’s only going to get more intense. Well share tips on a really handy Disinfectant that cleans, disinfects and deodorizes in one step and is also effective against the COVID 19 virus on hard non-porous surfaces. If you’re finding you need more storage room in your house, your attic may be an option – but only if it has a solid floor. We’ll share tips on the best way to add floor space without impacting your home structure, or insulation. If your home feels small and your planning to move -- staging the home before potential buyers show up can help to create a positive first impression. But this almost always involves getting rid of a lot of what made your home crowded in the first place. Staging is the key. We explain how Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a railing, finding your roof leak, maintaining a new 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

If your walls are showing cracks, holes or nail pops – we’ve got tips to get them back in shape once and for all. Plus… If you’re tired of shoveling after every storm -- a snow blower can do it for you! But they’re not one-size-fits-all – we’ll tell you how to choose the best snow blower for the job Have you ever been surprised by a big electric bill? We’ll share the most common places energy is wasted – in today’s Smart Spending Tip Thinking about purchasing a home from another era? It’s actually possible to predict what might need work – based only on the age! We’ll share the common repairs by house age. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating hard water, squeaky hardwood floors, repairing trim that has been scraped by animals, venting your appliances. 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 you preparing to deck your halls this holiday season…and maybe even your windows, doors and trees? Make sure your holiday lights are working before you spend hours stringing and hanging them. We’ve got fast, free and easy holiday light fixes Home projects have never been more popular than they have over the last few months of the pandemic. But DIY doesn’t mean you need a full shop full of tools to tackle. We’ll share fun, smaller projects that you can get done with staplers, glue guns and simple materials around the home. Before you set out to travel this holiday season it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure – ESPECIALLY your garage. We’ll share why the garage door can be a vulnerable point of entry for burglars… and what steps to take to secure it, coming up. Toy-making elves are popular during the holidays, so why not give your kids the tools – literally – to make some unique toys and projects of their own? How to keep young hands, brains and imaginations busy with a fun and practical take on building blocks. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, best caulk to use for windows, repairing decorative columns, eliminating bathroom moisture, insulating a cathedral ceiling 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

When it comes to maintaining your home, painting is a project that’s among the most basic of DIY projects, and one which 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. One appliance that you may own and you’ll never want to be without again is your garbage disposer. But during the holidays, disposers get jammed more than any other time in the year. If that happens to you, there’s no need to pay a plumber double time and a half! We’ll tell you about a super easy way to get it back in action. With the holidays upon us, adding a festive touch to your windows is a great way to spread holiday cheer – but you need to make sure you know how to attach those decorations WITHOUT damaging window frames. We’ll share some non-destructive decorating secrets. Fall is the season when stink bugs start really showing up in your house. However, there’s one thing you should never do to get rid of them. We’ll share that tip Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about., installing a laminate floor over concrete, using recap to repair concrete, air filtration systems, paneling options, remove wallpaper,leveling a garage floor, drainage issues. 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

Do you love the look of a classic parkway floor with an intricate Chevron pattern. We’ll share a new way affordable to add that hand-crafted look to your home. For the last few months we’ve all been cleaning our homes a lot more than we had before the pandemic. But with all those cleaning products, did you ever wonder if you were exposing yourself to toxic chemicals in the process? We’ll share a better cleaning option If you are thinking of updating your bedroom with a new mattress or furniture, we’ll have tips to make sure your purchase results in a better night’s sleep. If you’d like to enjoy the warm glow of fireplace this winter, you’d better make sure the screens are clean to start. Leslie has the details. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, installing a whole house fan, texturing a wall, poor drainage issues affecting foundation. 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

Do you love the colorful trees of fall but dread dragging piles of leaves to the curb – maybe not so much? We’ve got a better idea – why not compost those leaves so they can benefit next year’s garden. Tom and Leslie share tips. Now that we are moving into the roughest weather season of the year, it’s a good time to plan for roof repairs or a replacement that might be needed to be done to keep your home nice and dry. But what’s the smartest way to go: repair or replace? We’re going to tell you what you need to know to make that determination. With all the holiday meals happening now, have you noticed that when you run your dishwasher, are dishes coming out dirtier than when they went in? Get tips for keeping your dishwasher working properly. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, choosing a countertop for an undermount sink, toilet blockages, vinyl siding repair process, installing a tankless 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

Did you ever notice that some leftovers seem to last a long time and other turns shades of green is an instant? Tom & Leslie explain why that happens and what you can do to make sure your leftovers last. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. EPISODE SUMMARY: Did you ever notice that some leftovers seem to last a long time and other turns shades of green is an instant? Tom & Leslie explain why that happens and what you can do to make sure your leftovers last. Do you ever feel like you’re always having trouble finding the tool you’re looking for? If your workshop or craft space is cluttered, disorganized, maybe even overflowing, a standard toolbox might not be cutting it for you. Get helpful tips for tool organization. Hardwood floors are great to have but if yours are worn, how do you know if they can be refinished? Well share tips for a floor redo that doesn’t involve hiring pros with massive sanding machines that turn you home into a wooden “dust bowl.” Heating and cooling is one of the biggest expenses of owning a home. We look atone type of system that provides heating, central air conditioning and hot water at over four times the efficiency of any furnace on the market Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about... removing wallpaper and installing wainscotting, repair peeling bathroom paint, steps to installing a tile floor, waterproofing a basement 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

We’re all trying to avoid germs more than ever and motion-activated faucets are good for cutting down the spread of germs in public restrooms – but are they a healthy fit for your home? Tom and Leslie share the options With freezing weather ahead, now is a good time to make sure a frozen, broken water pipe DOES NOT turn the INSIDE of your home into a Winter Wonderland! One very special type of valve can stop this from happen to you. We’ll explain how. What’s the difference between a garage and a home workshop or gym that you can use year-round? Often as little as twenty or thirty degrees! We’ve got tips to help heat your garage so you can find more useable space. If you’d like to paint your kitchen cabinets, there’s one very special primer that can make the difference between paint that sticks and paint that flakes away! We’ll share the solution. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, natural way to clean windows, painting a refrigerator, eliminating geese, repairing a concrete driveway, refinishing brick on a fireplace. 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

If your closet is looking a little messy -- closet organization may be in order, but that’s one project that ranks right up there with dental work as something to look forward to. We’ll have step-by-step, or shall we say “shelf-by shelf” tips to make this job easy to tackle. Have you ever considered adding gutter guards to end clogged gutters once in for all? Well don’t take another step until you hear about the results if a survey done by Ask the Builder which gathered actual costs from consumers across the nation. The numbers will FLOOR you! They range from a few dollars - all the way up to 90 dollars a foot! - in many cases for the exact same product! Tim Carter did the review and joins us with the results. If you’d like to have the best flower garden ever come Spring, Fall is the time to take an important first step – planting bulbs. Well help set you up for success when the weather turns warm again. Did you know that the sheets you sleep on can have a big impact on whether or not you get a full night’s sleep? Leslie has tips on the best bedding for getting some shut-eye. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about insulating a sink, eliminating knob and tube wiring, temporary caulk weatherstripping for windows. 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

Fall is the perfect time for outdoor painting but taking on an entire home is a big project that requires proper planning, preparation and tools. Tom and Leslie share pro tips to help you get the project home. Plus… As the days get shorter and the night gets longer, it’s a good time to think about adding security lighting to your home. And this is a job, surprisingly, that you may be able to do yourself. You might not even realize it, but one of the most common home accidents is a fall. We’ll have tips to help you avoid the slips and falls! Have you ever spotted fuzzy white growth on a basement wall and wondered if it was mold? We share how to tell for sure. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing soffit vents, eliminated squirrels in the attic, repair shower pan and doors, removing adhesive from floors. 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

If you love the look of greenery around the outside your house but seem to have only a black thumb when it comes to getting greenery to flourish inside your home, we have a solution. And, it may not be a homeowner’s favorite thing to do, but if you have a septic tank -- taking care of it is crucial to avoid a very big mess. We’ll have tips on how to keep your septic system happy If you are lucky enough to have a sprinkler system for your lawn, now is the time when that system needs to be winterized. You don’t want to see what happens when it’s NOT -- trust me – it happened to me once and it’s a real mess! We’ll explain what needs to happen to avoid a frozen mess just ahead. Your entryway serves as a perfect place to show off your love of the season, even if you are not going to be hosting big gatherings this year. We’ve got a few ideas to hopefully inspire you. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, adjusting doors, heating a garage, blown in attic insulation, re roofing. 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

There’s a good chance there’s one room in your home that’s eating up your heat – and your heating budget, your garage. Stay tuned for tips on adding energy efficiency to this chilly space. Whether you’re a young Mom with her hands full, or taking care of an aging parent, universally designed products make life so much easier and safer. We share why universal design works for all homes and all ages later on. Plus, have you checked your WINDOWS lately? Listen up for a checklist for you to make sure your windows are still as energy efficient as they were the day there were installed. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a water softener, leveling a floor, eliminating fruit flies, insulating ducts, getting stains out of a cement 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

If you’ve ever stepped into the shower first thing in the morning and received a blast of icy cold water, you know it’s not best way to wake up! New technology in water heaters can prevent this by circulating hot water to bathrooms, BEFORE you need it! We’ll share how to stop this “shower shock” ounce and for all. Plus… If you’re tackling fall clean ups around the house -- getting rid of trash is easy, but getting rid of hazardous trash, not so much. We have tips on the easiest ways to purge your home and garage of things like old paint, pesticides and more just ahead. Fall is the perfect time to get your lawn ready for winter, and a bright green spring and summer next year. We’ll share a handy 4-step checklist to help you do just that. The most common laundry room disaster is a broken washer supply hose and it can cause thousands of gallons of water to flood your home! Learn one simple switch that can stop this from happening to you! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing a leaky skylight, repurposing carpeting, eliminating spiders, hiring an architect in order to age in place. 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 the leaves beginning to pile up around your home, do you dread all the raking and leaf cleanup? We’ve got tips to speed up your leaf removal so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful weather. It’s fireplace season, which means getting your chimney cleaned is a job that’s needed. But unfortunately, it can also lead to chimney contractors offering false advice in the hopes of getting even more money out of your wallet. We’ll sort out the facts from all that SMOKE. If you’ve got a plan for keeping your family safe during extreme weather -- great! But have you thought about how you’ll keep your most important records safe when you may need them most? We’ll share tips on the most disaster proof strong boxes and safes. Would like to step up your bath before the holidays? You can WIN fixtures, faucets and more from Riverbend Home.com in our new “Beautiful Bath Sweepstakes!” We are giving away $3,500 in bath products from brands like American Standard, Grohe and DXV all available RiberbendHome.com. Enter once a day. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing cracks in your basement floor, caulking a tub, installing a back flow preventor, realigning a door. 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

If you’re a home improving weekend warrior, we’ve got tips on easy “all-in-one-weekend” home improvement projects that are so easy on your schedule you can fit them in after your Saturday morning coffee and still have enough time for a leisurely dinner Sunday! Plus… Fall is a great time to get your lawn, garden and landscape ready for winter and a quick comeback next spring. But to do that, you need great quality tools. We’ll introduce you to a line of cordless products -- including blowers, and even chain saws that are affordable and TRULY work just as well as gas-powered tools without the smells and hassles of maintaining them. If you want to give your walls a new look – we’ve got tips on wall coverings that can add interest and color to your décor. Tips on the best type of flooring for every room in the house. We announce a new way to win bathroom faucets and fixtures in the Riverbend Beautiful Bath Giveaway, and we’re giving away sets of sturdy bar clamps from Pony Jorgensen to help with all your home projects. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, leveling a floor, gutter repair, turning a sauna into a shower, repairing HVAC returns. 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

Fall may not be the season for planting a new garden but it is definitely the season for planting new trees and bushes – and that’s a project we’re taking on here at The Money Pit to keep the deer away from the apparently very tasty bushes we have now. We share tips on why this is the best option for a deer-resistant landscape and how to make sure the job is a success. Plus… Do cracks in the walls on your home mean you’re headed toward an expensive repair? We’ll share how to know plus a hack to fix plaster cracks so they won’t open again. As the chilly drafts start to find their way to your home, did you know that one type of window coverings can actually help to “warm up” your windows? We’ll walk you through that toasty option. We’re really excited today to launch a new sweepstakes with the folks at RiverbendHome.com. It’s called the Riverbend Home Beautiful Bath Sweepstakes and we are giving away $3,500 in bath products from brands like American Standard and Grohe, all available Riverbend Home. All this, and answers to your home improvement questions about removing candlewax from a deck, installing trim/baseboard, French drain installation, repair split siding. 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

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the sale of your house. But using right colors can actually help sell your home faster! Tom & Leslie share the most profitable colors for Kitchen and Bath. Plus… Plus, a pressure washer can make short work of that last round of outdoor cleaning. We’ve got advice to consider when buying one. If you’re planning a home improvement project, discovering hidden costs mid-project can really ramp up the stress! We’ll share some of those money-drains and tell you how to prepare. The right lighting can really make a big difference in your bathroom. We share the best bathroom lighting choices for LED bulbs that make you look your best – even first thing in the morning! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, replacing a hot water heater, cleaning shower grout, eliminating squeaks from wood floors. 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

Summer’s come to an end, but your fresh supply of veggies doesn’t have to. In this episode Tom & Leslie tips to how to turn your summer vegetable garden into a fall vegetable garden. Plus… Plus, as the temps go down the cost of heating your home goes up! We’ll share a few simple steps you can take around your home to reduce energy use and save money too! If you are ready for a healthy alternative to the cost and all the waste of bottled water– we’ll review water filters that can be installed in your homes plumbing system that’ll deliver great tasting water at a tiny fraction of the cost of buying bottled. Trying to fit your car in your garage? What a concept! Get handy tips for garage organization that can make it happen. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, hiring a private insurance adjustor, cleaning your washing machine, repairing a popcorn ceiling, how to choose gutters, dryer venting. 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

From single sinks to limited square footage, smaller bathrooms often leave much to be desired. But you don’t have to make a bathroom bigger to make it better. Tom & Leslie share tips expand your bath without emptying your wallet. Plus… Do you ever feel like you spend as much time cleaning your kitchen as cooking in it? Well, we’ve got tips on how you can put all of that to rest by creating a low maintenance kitchen! With the chilly weather setting in, do you have an area in your house that just never seems to get warm? Space heaters may be a solution – IF they’re used safely. We’ll tell you how to shop for a space heater that can supplement your whole home heat and without driving up utility expense. If you are getting ready to rent an apartment, there are many things to consider outside of just the 4 walls. Find out what you need to know before you rent to make the best choice in where you live. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, applying epoxy floor in basement, converting to a wood stove, repairing ceiling cracks. 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

Did you know that Fall is the busiest season of the year for flooring projects? Well, it turns out that flooring is not being used for just floors anymore. Designers are using floor materials in some very unexpected and beautiful ways. Tom & Leslie have tips for this trending project. Plus… Pretty soon it’ll be time to take out your window screens for the season. Before that happens there’s one thing, you’ll need to do to make sure they last though winter storage and are good to go next spring. We’ll share that step, just ahead. Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to care for, but what happens if one breaks and you can’t find a replacement? We’ll share some fast fixups for tile projects. Are you saving half-filled cans of leftover paint from a project? We’ll share step by step tips for storing paintthat’ll make it last TWICE what the manufacturers say it should. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a vapor barrier, choosing a kitchen sink, repairing pool steps, improving driveway drainage. 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

Fall is the season to work on getting your lawn ready for next year but can doing so expose you to toxic chemicals? Tom & Leslie share a better path toward a healthy and green using non-toxic, easy to apply lawn care products. Plus… Fall is also a good time to get your driveway ready for winter. Get DIY tips to fix driveway cracks, patch holes and seal the surface for a fraction of the cost of hiring a pro. Is dust, pollen and other allergens making your life a sneezing, sniffling mess? Does it get worse when you start to seal your home up for the cold weather? Learn the ONE thing you can do to help reduce allergens. Are ready for some healthy home décor? We’ve got all-natural decorating ideas to bring the colors and smells of autumn into your home. Options for homes without gutters to stop erosion and flooding. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing windows in a garden shed, best siding options, removing tile grout, eliminating spiders, how to solve the problem of hot water taking so long to heat up. 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