The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

With cooler weather ahead, now is a great time to get your chimney ready for a roaring fire. Tom and Leslie share tips and ideas to make sure your chimney is clean and safe for a season of toasty fires. Plus… Whether your old furnace is ready for replacement or you want a more efficient upgrade, a new furnace should never be an impulse buy. But too many times, that’s exactly what does happen – especially if your furnace gives out in the middle of winter! We’ll have tips to help you make the smart choice when it comes to a new furnace. Garages are unique places to get organized because they are one of the only spot in your home where tools, toys and toxins, like pesticides, get stored side by side. We’ll share some tips for better garage organization. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, adding electric heating to a basement, best fencing options, 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

If your pancakes are salty and your meatloaf is sweet – you might not be lacking cooking skills but the right lighting in your kitchen! Tom & Leslie share tips for top task lighting. Plus… With U.S. home prices still rising, is buying a home that’s been foreclosed a good deal? We’ll share the pros and cons. If you’d like your home to be more energy efficient you first need to do is to stop wasting the energy you already have. Insulation is the key– IF it’s added to the right spaces. We’ll share key spaces where insulation does the most good. As weather turns cold, mice look for spaces inside your house to keep warm and fed! Learn how to stop mice from moving in for the winter. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, getting rid of mice, collecting rain water, repairing a cracked drywall ceiling, getting paint off a brick façade. 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

New kitchens consistently deliver the best return on your remodeling investment. But how do actually you get started on planning such a major makeover? Tom & Leslie share tips to help you cook up a perfect plan! Plus… Have you ever tried to fix a crack in a concrete step, or porch or sidewalk only to have it open right back up again? We’ll share some easy ways to make these repairs and make them last. Your stove’s exhaust vent hood is there for every cooking adventure, but it rarely gets any attention (except during a smoky kitchen incident!). Learn how simple it is to keep your vent hood in tip-top shape. Have you ever tried to clean a stain on your vinyl floor that seem impossible to get out? It may not be a stain at all! Tom & Leslie share why these mysterious and permanent discolorations occur and what options you have for dealing with them. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, refinishing outdoor rusted furniture, how to clean siding, hiring a home inspector before purchasing a house, repointing a brick façade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Squeaking floors are one of life’s little annoyances, but do they signal a structural problem below? Tom & Leslie have the answer plus step-by-squeaky-step tips to make them go away for good. Plus… You drink it, you cook with it, you bathe in it…but are you sure it’s safe? Tap water can be deceiving, because it looks and tastes harmless even when it’s not – which is why it’s a good idea to test it to find out – we’ll tell you how. 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 what will work. Low water pressure can lead to lousy showers. We walk you through the possible causes including some you can fix yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing plaster ceilings, replacing a bathroom vent fan, getting rid of spiders, best paint for a garage door, removing carpet from a concrete floor, installing a french drain. 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 or Go Pro? If you want to tackle a project yourself, we’ll be the first ones to cheer you on. But how do you know when hiring a pro is the best way to go? We’ll tell you how to think it all through before you pick up a hammer. Plus… When it comes to home improvement, there are a lot of myths that cost DIYrs a lot of money. We’ll tackle 4 common MYTH-STAKES. Cold weather is not far off making now the perfect time to check out your insulation. We’ll tell you how much you really need. Butcher block counters are beautiful but are they safe? We’ll share secrets to finishing butcher block with risking E.coli and other harmful situations. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, hiring an architect for addition project, installing ice & water shield under roofing, realign doors, getting estimates for a painting project, best options for a covered patio 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

Adding flooring to your attic can make it a perfect place for storage. But doing so the wrong way means that you could weaken your structure, squash your insulation, or find yourself with one foot planted firmly through the ceiling below! Tom & Leslie share tips on attic flooring that works well. Wouldn’t it be nice to have home experts available by phone or chat whenever you need them to walk you through a project? We tell you about a new subscription service that puts knowledgeable, impartial experts just a call or click away to give you the answers you need. With all the recent summer storms, did you need to have a tree or two taken down? What about the STUMP? We’ll share 4 easy options to make it disappear. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, removing vinyl tile, installing a new thermostat, foundation moisture, sealing drafts in 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

Kitchens renos can be costly but updating dated, drab and dull cabinets doesn’t have to be. Tom and Leslie walk you through options to replaced, refaced or just refinish kitchen cabinets and save a ton of money! Plus, concrete is a pretty permanent building material but if yours looks pitted or cracked, we’ve got a great solution for resurfacing concrete that you can do yourself with amazing results. Now that we have reached September, it’s a good time to make sure your gutters are ready for the fall season ahead. We’ll walk you through the step by step and to make sure things keep flowing smoothly. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing a leaky toilet, cleaning garage floor of grease, caulking windows, cleaning ceiling mold safely 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

Having a hard time maintaining a lush green lawn in the heat of summer. Tom & Leslie share you need to know to make it past the brown and back to green. Are cooling costs driving up your electric bills? Get tips for low cost to no cost ways to keep you cool during these hottest days of the summer season. If you’d like your home to feel open and airy but don’t have the budget for a major remodel, we’ve got smart tips to help open up the space without emptying your bank account in the process. For all the cutting-edge design ideas out there, most of us still follow unwritten design rules. We’ve got ideas for shaking up status quo and making big design statements. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, painting a fireplace for the first time, striping kitchen cabinets, eliminating mold in a building with sheetrock, painting trim white, hiring a home inspector or engineer to find cause of cracking 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

Now is a good time to plan end of season projects to set you up for the cooler months ahead. We’ve got 4 projects that will save you time, money and help avoid costly repairs when colder weather prevails. Plus, garages get a workout in the Fall and Winter, which is why now is a great time to fix up the garage floor. We’ll have tips on the best way to get this done using epoxy paint. Painting the exterior is a job that needs to get done every 5 to 10 years and if your house is ready for that project, we’ll share a few pro house painting tips help. Can you imagine a breezy summer evening in your backyard, fireflies dancing around, and you’re watching your favorite movie? You can, by building your own backyard movie screen! We’ll tell you how! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, siding installation, replacing a picture window, repair basement walls to eliminate water coming in, 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 enjoying a garden harvest this summer and would like to extend the goodness of all year long, preserving your fresh veggies is the way to do it. We'll walk you through 3 options for preserving your harvest! Plus... It’s a great time of year for outdoor projects and if you want to step up your space, we’ve got tips on the easiest and most affordable way to create grill surrounds, fire pits, benches and more by simply stacking blocks. Sidewalks can get slippery, but not if you treat those sidewalks with a simple coating. Tips on a concrete treatment that protects you and loved ones from falls, coming up. Temperatures are nice now, but in a few months, you’ll want nothing less than to have to bundle up, head outdoors and deal with a home improvement problem in the dead of winter. We’ve got a few easy fix-ups you can take on now that can potentially save you a major repair hassle later. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, hiring an engineer, roof underlayment products, eliminating chipmunks, energy saving windows, installing attic insulation, relocating downspouts to eliminate flooding. 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 you decide to bring home a family pet, there can be lots of changes. Your home decor, however, shouldn’t be one of them! If you’re pondering any decorating or improvement projects, we’ll have tips to help make them pet-friendly. Plus, Whether it's around your sink, between your tub, shower and tile walls – nasty, worn caulk has got to go. We’ve got DIY tips on how to get this job done the easy way. Changing up lighting can give a new look to any room! We’ve got tips on installing energy efficient pendant lights for an easy DIY update. When it comes to outside cleaning, a pressure washer is one tool that gets the job done. We’ll share how to pick the perfect pressure washer for all of your cleaning projects. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, soundproofing a basement, staining a deck, getting rid of carpenter bees, prepping a door before repainting. 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 sitting on a stash of leftover latex paint, you have a gold mine when it comes to home decorating. With a little imagination and creative flair, you can use paint leftovers to give your home extra appeal and have lots of fun in the process. Get the tips. Would you believe that nearly a QUARTER of all residential break-ins happen through a first-floor window? Learn how to keep your home safe from burglaries. Stone countertops are both popular AND expensive. But we’ve got a trick of the trade to share on how to get a granite counter makeover WITHOUT spending a lot. One laundry hazard is responsible for 32,000 calls to poison control. We’ll share how to keep kids safe. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about hiring a public insurance adjuster, installing spray foam insulation, choosing a kitchen sink, repairing a stove that doesn’t heat quickly. 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

Improving your bathroom is one of best ways to add value and appeal to your home. But if you think those improvements have to be costly, think again – there are plenty of ways to give your bathroom a lift without breaking the bank. We share bath updates you can get done for under $100 bucks. If you’re looking for more storage space, finishing an attic is a popular remodeling project that delivers a great ROI - IF it’s done right. We’ll walk you through the options. Entryways like mudrooms and foyers are used by every member of the family, not to mention houseguests. We’ll share cool organization ideas for getting all those shoes, umbrellas and jackets off the floor. Get tips on the least expensive ways to replace a bathroom floor. Find out how to stop a high-efficiency washing machine from vibrating across the floor. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, universal bathroom design, getting rid of carpenter bees, replacement window options, refinishing a tub, roof options for flat 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

If you’re hoping to sell your home, one of the most nerve-racking parts of that process for sellers is the home inspection. Tom & Leslie share tips to set you up for success in that part of the transaction. Hardwood floors are one of the most desirable floors around for both durability and the value they add to a home. But the finishes do wear and hardwood floors then need to be sanded and refinished. We’ll have tips on how to get that project done. And we’re all about helping you find ways to save money, and that includes your homeowner’s insurance. Well, it turns out some small improvements can help cut insurance costs down to size. We’ll share those tips just ahead. Step-by-step tips for refinishing bedroom using lacquer for a high gloss style. Tips on how to find replacement parts for old doorknobs and locks. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing leaky roofs, fixing drywall pops, installing porch carpet, repairing dips in a driveway, basement leaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 & Leslie share tips on how you can combine the benefits of a pool and spa in one very refreshing backyard feature. Plus… Decorative window shutters are an attractive addition to your home’s exterior, but they won’t do a thing to actually protect your windows. For that job, you’ll need STORM shutters. We’ll share the options. Paint offers one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. And it seems so easy, right? Well it is, unless you make one very common painting mistake. Get that secret to painting success just ahead. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about a fix for missing return air ducts, getting stains off composite decks, repairing plaster walls, benefits of an energy audit, rebuilding the “guts” of 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

Do you have kids that are old enough to stay home alone? Just because kids may be at an age to stay home alone, that might not prepare them to handle a home-related emergency. We’ll have a checklist on what they need to know to do, just ahead. Plus In the OLDEN DAYS when you needed to hire a contractor, you use to ask friends or flip through though the phone book. Today it’s a lot easier to find home service pros. We’ll pry open the digital toolbox and share some tips and tricks. Summer is a season when we put a lot of stress on our electrical systems. We’ll share three projects that can help make sure your wiring is safe and up for the job. Are you thinking about updating a room but don’t know where to begin? Interior designers help to facilitate your ideas, making your dream home a reality. We share tips on how to find and hire an interior designer that can really understand what you’re looking for and bring great ideas to the table. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, converting electric line to gas, hiring an electrician for small repairs, attic spray insulation, preparing walls before 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

This time of year, limits on outdoor water use and lead to lawns that look like a dry wasteland! Tom & Leslie tell you what you need to know to conserve water and still have a beautiful lawn during a drought, including the one thing to never do if you want That lawn to come back quickly. Plus… If you are lucky enough to have a built-in pool, you may not feel quite as lucky when you have the pay to pay the bills to heat that pool. We’ll tell you how you can use a FREE energy source to heat your pool and extend the swimming season. If you’re thinking about taking on a tile project this, choosing the right look is only a part of the project. We’ll have tips on how to choose the best TYPE of tile for your project. And we settle a bet on which way ceiling fans should be spinning in summer (they’re reversible!) Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, insulating under a house, eliminating thousand leg spiders, determining foundation cracks, venting an attic, when to stain a new deck. 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 overflowing with yard tools, pool toys, lawn chairs or kid bikes? Then you might ready to build a Shed! Whether you want to store the overflow or create the perfect man cave or a she shed -- Shed projects are more popular than EVER! We’ll have pro tips to help you do it right. Have you ever noticed that summer rainstorms can be really stir up some damage? Between the blackouts and the lightning, electrical damage, leaks and flood are not all that uncommon. We’ll have tips on what you should be doing to make sure your house is storm ready. And after a couple of months of heavy grilling, your gas grill may need an extreme makeover of its own. We will have tips for a simple mid-season grill cleaning to step up the sizzle! With more time at home, finding activities to keep the kids busy and productive can be a challenge. But that makes now an opportune time to teach them a few home improvement skills with home improvement projects kids love being a part of. We’ll share some ideas. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a metal roof, getting rid of bees, cork flooring options, cleaning worn ceramic tile, cleaning a wood deck. 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 home renos, are you a DIY or Go Pro kind of home improver? A new survey reveals how many DIYrs are actually doing home projects vs hiring prosand an interesting trend among the youngest home improvers. Plus… Does your yard double as an all-you-can-eat buffet for deer and wildlife?We’ve got some humane ideas for stopping all the chomping. Motion detector spotlights are a great addition to your home for both convenience and security. Thanks to LED technology, they are easy to install than ever and some don’t even have to be wired. We’ll share the brightest security options All the high-end products in the world can’t undo the effects of hard water on your hair, clothes and dishes.Find out which water softeners can help. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, replacing a flat roof with decking, proper installation of AC window units, eliminating pet odors, installing a pocket door, septic system inspections. 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 feeling like your home could use a boost in its cooling power, adding awindow air conditioner unit may be the solution. We’ve got tips on how to find the right size unit for your house and how to avoid a key installation mistake that can drive up cooling costs. There’s an old saying that good fences make great neighbors – that is if you can get the fence built! We’ll have some fence building tips to make that project a lot easier. Going green can help you save energy, but a new survey shows it can also bring you more green when you sell your home – we’ll share these eco-friendly remodeling tips, just ahead. If you’ve ever bought a custom upholstered headboard you know that they can be pricey but making one on your own doesn’t cost a lot of money and is super easy to tackle in a surprisingly short amount of time. Leslie walks you through the project. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, unclogging a slow tub drain, installing a coy pond, cleaning terrazzo floors, repairing a dishwasher, footings for deck posts. 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

Creating a beautiful living space outdoors doesn’t require walls or a ceiling, just a beautiful floor. We’ve got tips on how to create the perfect patio. Plus… Now that we’re knee deep in the AC season, we’re also knee-deep in high electric bills! We’ve got 5 low-cost and no-cost improvements you can make to lower cooling costs with giving up comfort. Plus, do you know the easiest door to break into for any house? It’s usually the garage door! We’ll tell you why and share the surprisingly simple home securitysteps you can take to secure that entry. Can you ever have too much closet space? If it comes at the expense of a small bedroom – maybe! We work through the numbers and share tips to get the most closet space from tight quarters. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a curtain drain, best composite decking, repairing trim, regulating shower temperature. 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

Remodeling your kitchen is a project that adds value to your home, but it can also get pretty expensive. We’ve got 3 kitchen renos you can get done for under a thousand bucks to add style and convenience without draining your bank account! Plus… Moving into an apartment doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your décor desires. We’ll have simple apartment decorating ideas that will make your apartment feel like home AND still make sure you get that security deposit back at the end of your lease. Saving water becomes more and more important this time of year. But rather than rely on your kids and family to use less water, WaterSense fixtures can actually do the water saving for you! We’ll tell you how to find faucets, toilets, showers and sprinklers that can do the job, without wasting water. Dishwashers make life easier, but could your dishwasher be shortening the life of the dishes it’s cleaning? We share 4 things never to place in that marvelous cleaning machine. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating smoke odors, installing proper drainage behind a retaining wall, eliminating weeds, installing an indoor pool, repair or replace a leaky 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

Porches are the perfect space to enjoy the outdoors, relax and even visit with neighbors from a socially acceptable distance! This may be why front porches are making a big comeback and we’ve got tips on how you can make the most of yours! Plus… With generally blistering heat across the nation, are you wondering how to avoid having your yard turn into a dead, dry wasteland? We’ll have the tips on how you can conserve water, restore dead patches and still have a beautiful lawn in summer including the ONE thing you should never do! Have you ever found a leak after a major rainstorm but just can’t seem to pinpoint where it’s coming from? We’ll share some tricks of the trade to help you find the sources of roof leaks BEFORE they lead to any serious damage. Dishwashers do a great job of cleaning your dishes but dishwashers can turn stinky quickly if they are not properly maintained. We walk you through that project. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about installing a dedicated electrical outlet, making an attic space livable, repairing a popcorn ceiling, getting rid of grubs in your lawn, repairing a sticking 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

Is your to-do list getting longer every day? Get tips for tackling several projects at once and save money at the same time! Plus If you’ve ever installed ceramic tile, you know that one of the hassles is dealing with the adhesive. Now there’s a much simpler way to install tile – and it can be done without glue, and lets you grout immediately. Is this the year you’re ready to replace leaky or drafty windows? With so many competing claims of efficiency, it can be difficult to select windows that work well and save you money. Get tips on the best way to get that project done and be able to enjoy year-round energy savings. if you do a lot of home improving you are likely to have a collection of leftover paint – and with a little imagination and creative flair, we show you uses for leftover paint to give your home extra appeal. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, roof repair, finding the leak, cleaning adhesive off the floor, repairing a tub crack, keeping pesty squirrels out of birdhouses, preparing soil for a 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

With all the humidity, it’s that time of year when doors swell and get stuck in their openings. We’ve got the easy fix for sticking doors. Plus. Before you can add the new you have to get rid of the old – and that can often be a costly part of any home renovation. We’ll share tips to help lighten the load and cut demolition costs And we’ll have the how to on a fun garden project – building a raised landscaping wall that useful for creating a ring around a tree or raised garden wall to dress up the front of your home. Ready to step up your home’s first impression? We walk you through how-to fix up your wood floors with a fresh coat of finish. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about building a firepit, replacing baseboard heating covers, cleaning jacuzzi jets, leveling floors, how prevent basement flooding by correcting surround of 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

This can be a challenging time for many things and that includes selling your house! If you are planning to do that this summer, Tom and Leslie share the key improvements that need to get done first to nail a quick sale at the highest possible price. Plus… This summer, most of us will be spending more time at home and enjoying our outdoor spaces. And for DIY’rs, there’s more interest than ever in updating and maintaining lawns. We get expert tips to help from the team at Troy-Built, a company that’s has been around since 1927 -- when they invented the first gas powered rototiller (and if you are a gardener you are probably sure glad they did!) Wet basements are a problem all across the United States, in every climate and every type of home. But while many people think that fixing leaky or damp basement is expensive and complicated – it’s NOT! The easy fix is just ahead. One fun kitchen project that can deliver a big impact AND get done in a single weekend, is a new kitchen backsplash. We share ideas on how to do that with tile. Plus, we answer your home improvement questions about, replacing shower parts, eliminating basement moisture, determining roof leaks, removing moss from 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

Renting your first apartment is a big step that’s both exciting and terrifying all at the same time! Tom & Leslie share expert tips on what to look for before signing a lease to make sure you get all your security deposits back. Plus.. If you love gardening and landscaping, you might not think there’s much new to know about one of the most common landscaping tools – the shovel. Well, all shovels are not created equal, we’ll explain how they’re made and how to spot a good shovel from a piece of junk. If your concrete sidewalks, steps or patio are showing signs of cracks – now would be a great time to get those sealed up while the weather is warm. We’ll have tips on how to what products really stick meaning you won’t have to make the repair again and again, and which won’t – just ahead. When it comes to choosing materials for home improvements, building materials that need little to ZERO maintenance is definitely the preferred way to go! We share tips for products that virtually take care of themselves. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, about eliminating mold from decks, kitchen cabinets, determining if a bearing wall is holding up your design plans, broken seals on windows, which type of paint is best for which project. 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

With summer thunderstorms, blackouts are becoming more common – which is why now is a good time to think about adding a whole house generator. The costs have come down and the convenience can’t be beat. We’ll share the options and how to find the right size unit for your home just ahead If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to transform the look of your kitchen, applying a decorative stone surface to your countertop can do just that. We talk with an expert that’s spent decades developing these DIY finishes for countertops, floors and even pool decks. Childproof or tamper resistant outlets have come a long way, and they can help keep kids safe in the home – but even adults from a dangerous accident, we’ll explain the updates. Make the most of our outdoor living space by really turning it into a spare room. We walk you through some really easy and fun ways to do just that! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, painting porch posts, basement floor options, getting rid of squirrels, repair or replace wood deck, resurface or rip out asphalt driveway. 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 marks the riskiest time of year for pool drownings, which is actually the leading cause of death to young children! In this episode, expert hosts Tom & Leslie explain the best way to backup parental supervision and keep kids safe. It’s a pool safety approach called layers of protection. Plus… Replacing your front door is a project that can increase your home’s value and increase its curb appeal. We’ll share tips on how to get that project done. If you’re ready for an easy indoor décor project, adding new blinds can be just that. But when you measure your windows to order, there are two mounting options to consider; inside vs outside mount. Both look great but one may be a better choice for you. We’ll tell you how to decide. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, things to consider before purchasing a house, preparing a small garden in your backyard, best flooring for a garage, installing dimmer switches, toilet replacement. 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

Building codes exist to keep your family safe, but only if you or your contractor follow them! Tom & Leslie have tips on how to avoid the THREE most commonly violated codes. Plus, if you’ve noticed that your walks, porches or patios look a bit worn – we’ll tell you how to resurface those at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Do you have a small backyard and looking to make the most of your minimal outdoor living space? One trendy addition can make a huge difference. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, cutting down a tree, installing a handicapped ramp, repairing a shower pan, whether or not to get a home inspection before purchasing 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

Are you ready to buy a bigger and better air conditioner to keep cool this summer? Well, you may be surprised to learn that bigger is not always better for your comfort. We’ll have tips on how to pick the best one for your home. Plus… Smelly water is a common complaint among homeowners, for good reason: No one wants to drink, cook or clean with water that smells like rotten eggs. We highlight the causes and cure. Summer gives us lots of opportunities to display the red, white and blue. Memorial Day just passed, July 4th is ahead and this weekend we celebrate Flag Day! We’ve got some tips to help you hang and display your flag. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about how to install brick pavers, repairing a linoleum floor, getting rid of termites, dryer venting options, is solar energy worth 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

The right deck design can make your home appear larger than it is – which is why adding a backyard deck can actually increase your home’s value. Tom & Leslie have tips on how to choose a deck design that works for you. Plus… Squeaks, creaks, drips, bangs and hisses – are all noises your house makes, but have you ever wondered what’s behind them? We’ll tell you how to sniff out and silence the most common house noises and whether those noises might signal a bigger problem needing a fix. Do you want to contribute to a sustainable environment and maybe even save a few bucks along the way? If your answer to those questions is “Yes,” then reclaimed lumber may be the perfect fit for your next home improvement project! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing molding, which plants are good for shady areas, cleaning rust stains off a patio, shifting foundation, installing a whole house dehumidifier. 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

It’s a great time of year for outdoor living and if you want to step up your space, we’ve got tips on how you can build your very own fire pit! Want a garden that not only looks good, but also serves an important purpose? Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies are all pollinators and play a big role in plant reproduction. Tom & Leslie have tips on how you can create a pollinator garden to give these creatures a place to carry out their good work! Are you ready to fire up your AC to keep cool and comfortable this summer? Well, there are three things you should do FIRST to make sure your system is good to go for the warm season ahead. When summer heat sets in, your lawn may suffer. We have tips on how to keep lawns healthy through summer drought. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, whether or not to replace plumbing supply lines, preparing your roof for a metal roof installation, repair cracking grout, refinishing bar stools, getting rid of feral cats 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 to do one final cleanup of your garage before the summer kicks into full swing? Tom & Leslie share simple garage organization tips, plus: Have you needed to crank your AC yet? If not - great because there are 3 things you should do first - to make sure it’s set to keep you cool and comfortable all Summer long. The pandemic has changed the way we do many things, and that is certainly true when it comes to how we find and choose contractors to take on the projects we don’t want to do ourselves. We’ll share 5 questions to ask your contractor. If you’d like hang some photos or shelves, but prefer to avoid creating holes in your walls – we’ll walk you through how to hang pictures without holes do just that without damaging your walls. Feel like your home improvement headaches are on repeat? We’ve got tips to avoid the how-to déjà vu by doing them right the first time around. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about , cleaning a brick fireplace wall, how to polish marble, eliminating bees, repair or replace a dishwasher, steps for eliminating paint from peeling. 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

This is a big episode for The Money Pit. Its show #2,000 and we can’t thank you enough for allowing us to help you make your home the best they can possibly be! Not all home imp projects require an entire weekend to get done! We’ve got 3 -30-minute home improvement hacks that can help you save time, energy and make your space look great! Do you love your dog -- but not so much having to get up in the middle of the night to let the dog out? We have tips on how to install a pet door that your pet can actually open, close and LOCK themselves – without human intervention or risk of unwanted wildlife using that same entry! New window treatments are a fast way to stepping up the décor in any room. But if that if you’re working in a child’s room, it’s important to choose a design that keep kids safe. We’ll share tips, just ahead. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, hot water heater valve replacement, eliminating ants, peeling paint, tracing electrical wiring, best coating for tile 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

Do you have an old, faded plastic playset in your backyard? By giving it a coat of fresh paint, you can bring it back to life – it’s easy IF you use the right materials. We’ll walk through this project. Plus… With all the time we’re spending at home these days, the wear and tear shows on us, as well as our houses! And when stuff breaks, we need to be able to find the right glue to fix it fast and sometimes, that can be a real challenge. We’ll share tips on a new product that can set you up for an easy, reliable fix. If you need to cut a tree, firewood, or even landscape timbers, a chain saw can make quick work of that project. But while gas chain saws are costly, noisy to use, and require a big commitment every year to keep them clean and running well -- cordless chain saws can deliver just as much power without the hassles. We’ll share tips on what to look for when choosing a cordless chainsaw. Taking your off-season clothing out of storage and turn into a huge disappointment if you find that they have been ravaged by insects or moths. Leslie's got a timeless solution you can build yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, installing central air conditioning, cleaning moss from a roof, replacing a worn roof and installing ridge vents, prepare cement flooring for epoxy. 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

Want to grow your own home remedies, right in your backyard? Well walk you through easy to grow herbs for surprisingly effective herbal medicines. Plus… Backyard honeybee hives are becoming a huge trend. We’ll tell you what all the buzz is about coming up. Over the winter – the combination of road salt and freezing weather, can do some real damage to concrete steps, walks, patios or driveways leaving them looking old, worn and just plain dull. We’ll review a solution to restore cracked concrete surfaces that’s easy to do. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about painting outdoor wood columns, getting rid of carpenter bees, cleaning mold from tubs and sink backsplash, best way to venting an attic, stain options for a cedar deck, and ideas for basement flooring. 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

Have you noticed that your allergies are particularly bad this year? Well it turns out that quarantines can actually make allergies worse! Learn why from one of the nation's best experts on indoor air quality. Plus, learn some places allergens hide we guarantee you never would have thought of! Also in this episode. Want to improve your outdoor space by adding an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, grill enclosure, planters or even a bench? We share a way to do that which is as easy as stacking blocks! If you threw open your windows for fresh air and then choked on the dust that came off…you may have noticed your shades need a bit of attention! When it comes to Spring cleaning, cellular or pleated shades often get ignored because they’re delicate. Tom & Leslie share tricks-of-the-trade to clean shades without damaging them. If you’re moving into a new house soon, painting is one really important thing to do after you buy it and before you move in. Plus, as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t! We share a painting product that manufacturers claimed to last decades – but doesn’t. Plus, a new class of durable deck painting products that come as close to those claims as possible, and can drastically improve the look of old, worn decks and docks. All that along with answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing a sump pump, purchasing chemical free cabinets, installing radiant flooring, plans for garage conversion. 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 sprucing up your landscaping, avoiding high-maintenance plants that require constant pruning or suffer from pest problems is key. We’ve got tips on how to select a reliable, trouble free shrubs to spruce up your outdoor living spaces and your outlook! Plus, going green in your kitchen isn’t limited to veggies -- earth-friendly countertops can lend plenty of green as well. We’ll share which materials are Mother Nature’s favorites, coming up. Painting is one of the most popular projects right now, but painting outside places like walls, garage doors, decks and fences can be particularly challenging. We tested a new line of a new paint sprayers that make those projects easier and will let you know what we found. Have you ever had a cracked wall that needs fixing over and over again? This can be even worse when the cracked wall is made of plaster. We’ll share a neat piece of hardware that cost pennies and can stop those cracks once and for all. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, repairing a cracked foundation wall, insulating a garage ceiling, cleaning cement off a garage floor, replacing a patio door, options for ventilating an attic, restoring a quartz 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

Having a small yard or living in an apartment is no reason to give up on the idea of your very own garden, though. Urban and other small space gardeners are making use of containers and vertical space to grow crops like tomatoes, radishes, lettuce and other greens — we’ll show you how. Plus… · There are many, many things for your home that can be delivered in a box. A beautiful lawn however, is not one of them! But now there’s a service that delivers everything you need to grow a beautiful and earth friendly lawn – in a BOX! We’ll explain. · Have you ever pulled out gross dishes at the end of a dishwasher cycle that remained layered with last night’s dinner? The problem might be the way the machine is loaded. Get tips to end dirty dish do-overs! · Is your dog’s favorite pastime digging holes in the yard? Well, your favorite pastime DOES NOT have to include filling them! Learn how to stop dogs from doing their own form of landscaping. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating flies, repairing tub cracks, installing ice & water shield, building a garage foundation, fixing a squeaky 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

Outdoor living spaces have never been more popular -- and that includes outdoor kitchens. But cooking and dining outside require special recipes of their own. Tom and Leslie have tips for designing an amazing outdoor kitchen. Plus… Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoor rooms. Now is also the time to spruce up a favorite outdoor room—your deck, we’ll have some deck cleaning tips later on in the show. Between bad weather, and more deliberate forms of vandalism, mailboxes can take a real beating! We’ll have tips on how to how to build a mailbox that can stand the test of time. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating odors from wood floors, painting a bathroom, cleaning rust stains from a toilet, creating a decorative wall, gutter guards are they worth it? exterior brick options. 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’d like to take on one home décor project that you can really spruce up a room, new blinds are the ticket. Not only do they make your place look better, they can save you energy in both winter and summer. Tom & Leslie share how you can get this entire project done, without ever leaving home! Also ahead… · While most of us have been hunkered down inside for weeks, the wear and tear on your house may be more evident than ever. New floors can help give you a fresh start and installing most is a DIY project. We’ll highlight the most popular spring flooring trends to inspire your creative spirit. · Spring is officially here…which means bugs are on their way. But you don’t need to fill your home with unhealthy chemicals just to get rid of them. Coming up, natural pest control solutions that are effective, and more importantly, safe. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing spray foam insulation, countertop options, eliminating flies, and tree roots. 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

With the weather finally getting nicer, are you thinking of family-friendly outdoor activities for you and your little ones? Creating a kid-friendly garden is a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun project. Tom & Leslie tell you how to get things growing! Plus, Of all the cleaning questions we get, how to clean a hardwood floor takes the lead. It’s a tough spot to keep clean with all the dirt that gets tracked in, and it’s also one where you can’t use a lot of water without potentially ruining the wood floor itself. We’ll have tips to get those floors squeaky clean. And if you’re taking on a painting project while stuck at home, don’t toss that used paintbrush. We’ll share easy tips to get it clean and save yourself the hassles on buying new one. Bathtub vs Shower Stall: If you're thinking about bath remodeling, we look into which one gives you the best ROI. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about clearing clogged pipes, painting over water stains, filing in log cabin cracks, applying a deck stain that doesn’t fade, skylight options, fixing low water pressure, repairing an asphalt driveway and more! 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’s time to pull out your outdoor furniture, it’s also time to give it a good cleaning! Tom & Leslie have tips on how best to clean and prepare the furniture so it’s ready for a fresh start this Spring, plus.... · There’s nothing that wears out a floor faster than the dirt and grime that everyone drags in on their feet. But cleaning wood floors is a challenge because wood absorbs moisture and can warp or twist or grow mold if it gets too wet. We’ll have tips on how do keep those hardwood floors clean without damaging them. · And if you have been getting just a bit tired of staring at your walls while we’re all stuck at home with this quarantine, painting a room is really the easiest way to spruce things up. There’s a new high-tech paint that makes interior painting easier than ever. We’ll share that tip. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, fix a creaking roof, eliminating carpenter bees, installing yard drainage, insulating a garage, painting vinyl siding, avoid peeling deck 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

Well, the quarantine has not been good for many industries but the Wall Street Journal reports that one is actually doing quite well. Any guesses? It’s the JIGSAW PUZZLE INDUSTRY! If you’ve caught a case of cabin fever, then adding a game room may be the answer you’re searching for stay at home entertainment! Tom & Leslie tell you how to get this project started. Plus… · Building a garden wall is a project that that’s fun to build on a beautiful Spring day—We’ll share tips on how to build a stone wall that will stand the test of time. · If your lawn and garden need a trim around the bed or fence, a string trimmer is a great tool to help you do just that. But if you use it wrong, even more weeds might grow. We’ll have tips. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about preparing wood windows for painting, refinishing engineered wood floors, installing plaster ceilings, removing adhesive from wood flooring, are solar panels safe, repair a foundation that is sinking. 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

Could germs actually be lurking in your laundry? It may seem counterintuitive, but for the health, safety and cleanliness of your family, it’s important to actually wash your washing machine. Tom & Leslie tell you how to deep clean your machines, just ahead. Plus... Summer is only a few weeks away when air conditioning will be a big part of our comfort plan. But when it comes to AC, the refrigerant that we’ve relied on for decades, known as “freon” has now been banned by the EPA! We’ll talk through your options for a cool and comfortable home. It may not be your favorite household chore – but mowing your lawn is an important part of making sure it looks good and stays healthy. But there is a right and wrong way to cut your grass. We’ll share that tip. And can repairing a cracked foundation be a DIY project? The answer is – Maybe! We’ll share what you can do to fix a foundation crack, and let you know when it’s time to call in a pro. Plus get answers to your home improvement questions about, installing a pressure balancing valve, steam clean carpets to eliminate odors, repairing bathroom faucets, clean adhesive from tile 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 one of your favorite foods (or your kid’s favorite!) is pizza, imagine being able to grow all of your favorite pizza toppings right in your backyard? You can if you grow your own Pizza Garden. We’ll share tips on how to do just that. Plus For a home to be healthy, it has to breathe. That’s why ventilation is important! But if your home is energy efficient it - could potentially be too airtight for healthy living? They CAN and often DO require extra ventilation to maintain a healthy indoor air environment. Tom & Leslie share how insert just the right amount of fresh air without driving up energy costs. If one of your favorite foods (or your kid’s favorite!) is pizza, imagine being able to grow all of your favorite pizza toppings right in your backyard? You can if you grow your own Pizza Garden. We’ll share tips on how to do just that. And with all the time we’ve been spending at home these days, there’s lots and lots of cleaning going on. We’ll share tips on earth-friendly cleaning products that are effective and safe. And if you are ready for a redo, we’ll have tips on how to upcycle old furniture and accent pieces you no longer use to create a fresh new décor for any room in your home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, chimney liners, repairing loose shingles, electrical sub panel installation, buying new windows, bath remodeling, new options in LED lighting. 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 have a green thumb or need to hire out the job, sprucing up your landscaping is a great way to step up your landscaping. Tom & Leslie have tips on how you can create a simple landscape plan to for a beautiful exterior to your home. Plus… Flu season is upon us and along with all the concerns we have about viruses, do you know the difference between a cleaner, sanitizer and disinfectant? We’ll tell you what you need to know to make sure your home is safe. Garages are spaces where most of us store everything BUT a car! However, these are also places where toys and toxins are often stored side-by side. We’ll have tips to keep this space cleaned, organized and safe. And for those that don’t have garages, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to build or buy a storage shed and get it set up for maximum efficiency, Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, eliminating carpenter ants, squeaky wood floors, venting dryers, cleaning vinyl 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

Re-tiling a bathroom is a great way to update the look, function and feel of this space. But if you want to make it last, it’s what goes UNDER the tile that counts. Tom & Leslie share what you need to know. Also… Now that it’s Spring cleaning season, the #1 tool you need to work and work well is your vacuum! If yours just doesn’t have the sucking power it used to – we share troubleshooting tips to get it back in action. Did you know that less than half of all households have the recommended number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? We’ll share an update on new detectors that include voice and location alerts for both smoke or carbon monoxide – designed to wake kids better than just alarms, and that have batteries which last for the life of the alarm! Foundation cracks can be a serious problem, but the repair can make it worse if it comes from a contractor instead of a design pro. We’ll walk you through the steps to assess a foundation crack and the steps need to make sure it gets fixed right and doesn’t impact your home’s value. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, rusty water elimination, leveling a cement floor, stains in sinks, venting a bathroom, cleaning bathroom 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

As you start to spend more time outside, it’s a good time make sure your yard is pet-friendly and safe. We’ll share tips on the must have elements to keep your pets happy, plus the surprisingly common plants to avoid because they can make your dog sick! just ahead. Plus, ideas on… How to build a greenhouse to help you get a jump on Spring gardening and assure a steady supply of veggies until Fall. We’ll share some DIY options that you can set up in as little as a couple hours. · Adding a backyard deck is a great way to increase your home's living space and increase its value. We’ll help you get started with a check list to help you plan the perfect project. · If your Spring cleaning includes dirty tile grout, we’ll share secrets to getting back brighter than ever. · Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, electrical fixture replacement, bathroom mold elimination, energy audits, microwave replacement, caulking 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