The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we tackle a trifecta of home improvement challenges! Discover how to make your fireplace a heat-saving hero, peel away layers of old wallpaper, and unclog drains like a pro. Plus, get answers to additional home improvement questions! - Removing Wallpaper: Removing wallpaper is quicker and easier with these tips. - Fireplace Efficiency: Keep warm without burning money through your fireplace. - Unclogging Drains: Weasel your way to clear drains with this handy tool. Q & A: - Bathroom Flooring: Besides tile, what kind of flooring is best for bathrooms? Zelda should consider bamboo flooring that’s durable and works well in moist areas. - Water Heater: Jacob’s water is either too hot or too cold. Installing a pressure balance valve will keep the water temperature regulated. - Kitchen Remodeling: Joan gets advice on how to plan a kitchen remodeling project and working with a kitchen designer. - Dehumidifying: Randy wants to reduce the humidity in the crawlspace. He should put down a vapor barrier, check outside drainage, and install an exhaust fan. - Mold Removal: We offer Debra tips on how to clean mold in her bedroom, but first she needs to fix the leak that’s causing it. - Garage Door: A steel garage door is binding, making noise, and unbalanced. It sounds like the roller bearings are worn on one side of Pete’s garage door. - Insulation Noise: Diane’s hearing odd sounds in the house after having blown-in insulation installed. It’s not the insulation, but she’ll need to do some detective work to find the cause. - Ice Dams: To prevent ice dams, Jeff must have a sufficient ventilation area above the roof soffits and should install an ice and water shield. - Crumbling Chimney: An old brick chimney is falling apart and unsafe to use. Kathy gets advice on disassembling the chimney rather than installing a chimney liner. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Learn the secrets to a fresh and inviting home in this episode, as we address the challenge of sink odors, discuss windows to brighten your rooms, and suggest pet-friendly floors that look great. Tune in for these and lots more home improvement inspirations! - Pet-Friendly Floors: Make furry friends feel at home with paws-itively perfect pet-friendly floors. - Transom Windows: These trending transom windows add light where you need it. - Sink Odors: Try these simple solutions for stinky sinks. Q & A: - Chimney Removal: Steve’s considering removing his brick chimney. It’s a big job, but he gets advice on the steps involved. - Ceiling Repair: Rock lath is discovered under a damaged ceiling. We give Maria tips on how to plaster over it before priming and painting the entire ceiling. - Garage Insulation: Mike wants to warm up his cold garage, but there may not be enough room to add insulation above the ceiling. - Dry Rot: Joan finds what she thinks is dry rot when she pulls up a rug. We explain it may be wet rot that has dried out and decayed, or possibly carpenter ants. - Hard Water: How should hard well water be treated? Greg should first have the water tested for contaminants and then try adding a recommended system to treat hard water. - Countertop Noise: Sudden loud noises from the countertop are making Nadine jump! They may be caused by the expansion and contraction of walls or plumbing. - Replacing Insulation: When should insulation be replaced? If Stewart’s old insulation is flat or saggy instead of fluffy, it’s time to remove and replace it or add more. - Windows: Are triple-pane windows better than double-pane? Double-pane windows should be fine, and Jane Ellen gets tips on ENERGY STAR ratings to look for. - GFCI Outlet: Peter thinks his GFCI outlet has gone bad, but it may actually be tripping because of a short in the circuit that an electrician should investigate. - Garage Doors: The garage door is shimmying and not closing properly. Sounds like the door rollers are failing and we suggest that Nancy replace the door and door opener. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Enjoy some home budget bliss as we discuss how to control maintenance and repair costs, get the look of expensive stone countertops at an affordable price, and do a home remodeling project with the best ROI! Save time, money, and stress as we answer these and other home improvement questions you’ll want to know. - Home Maintenance Costs: Avoid unpleasant surprises by setting a budget for home maintenance and repairs. - Stone Countertops: Get the luxe look of stone countertops at a fraction of the cost. - Remodeling ROI: Find out which home improvement project delivers the highest ROI. Q & A: - Door Replacement: Old French doors have developed wood rot at the bottom and repairing them is a challenge. Fran should look at getting a new fiberglass door. - Removing a Wall: Martin wants to remove a main support wall between rooms. It can be done, but this is a big project that needs a professional to avoid disaster. - Garage Floor: Someone made Kathleen doubtful about installing an epoxy garage floor. We assure her that epoxy flooring is designed to be durable and weather-resistant. - HVAC Vent Ducts: What’s the best way to hide HVAC vents that run across a finished basement ceiling? Jim should look into beautiful new drop ceiling designs that will provide easy access when needed. - Basement Odor: Persistent damp odors are coming from Ann’s basement floor drains. She must figure out where the pipes are going and consider installing a lift pump. - Subflooring: Chris replaced a rotted bathroom subfloor and gets some tips on screwing cement board on top of it, then applying adhesive to install the floor tiles. - Wallpaper Removal: Should Lisa paint or remove old wallpaper and borders? We recommend using a paper tiger tool and a steam wallpaper remover to soften the glue. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we explore the importance of roof inspection, reveal the most stressful home improvement projects, and decide whether to repair or replace that aging appliance. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips for these and other home improvement questions! - Home Improvement Projects: A new survey reveals the most and least stressful home improvement projects. - Roof Inspection: After withstanding winter weather, it’s time to give your roof a checkup. - Appliance Repair: Get a cheat to help decide whether to repair or replace appliances. Q & A: - Surge Protectors: Can Rick save money by connecting appliances and electronics to surge protectors? Not much, and they’re really meant to guard against power surges. - Toilet Condensation: Ilene has condensation on the outside of her toilets. A plumber can run a line to mix in warmer water and she should reduce the humidity in her home. - Spray Foam Insulation: Should Kevin use open- or closed-cell spray foam insulation? They’re both very effective and it depends on the moisture level of the area. - Radon System: Jane has a radon mitigation system but the radon levels upstairs are still high. She should have the system checked to make sure it’s venting properly. - Basement Walls: Ross wants to paint over stains on his concrete block walls. We have tips on cleaning them with a vinegar solution before priming and using masonry paint. - Replacing a Mailbox: Lynn’s mailbox rusted and broke inside a brick enclosure. She gets advice on how to detach and remove it and how to find the right replacement. - Roof Installation: What is the best kind of roof for a cold climate? Phillip learns about installing an ice and water shield, roof shingle options, and warranty information. - Door Adjustment: What is the best way to cut the bottom of a door? Carol gets step-by-step advice on using tape and a circular saw to avoid chipping and splitting the wood. - Bathroom Subfloor: Large bathroom floor tiles are starting to crack. George needs to tear them out and install a solid new subfloor that’s perfectly level before tiling again. - Energy Savings: Devron can’t figure out why the energy bills are so high. We suggest contacting the utility company to do an energy audit and to see if the attic needs more insulation. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Get tips on keeping your home colorful, bright, and warm in today's show as we discuss what to think about before painting, easy pick-me-ups to beat the winter blues, and doing a home energy assessment. Plus, hear helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions! - Winter Blues: Lift your spirits and beat the winter blues with DIY tips to brighten up your home. - Painting Tips: Consider these 6 tips before starting your next painting project. - Energy Audit: Learn how to make your home more energy-efficient with a DIY energy audit. Q & A: - Deck Stain: Jeanie needs advice for staining the new boards on her deck. We recommend using a solvent-based solid stain that will last longer. - Water Pressure: The water pressure is different in Brad’s bathrooms. He gets tips on how to figure out if it’s an obstruction or a problem with the valve or faucet. - Gutter Guards: Risa’s gutters are getting clogged with leaves from nearby trees. We advise her to find a reputable contractor to install mesh gutters that will work best. - Home Construction: Is prefabricated construction a good option? We agree there are lots of advantages to John building a prefab guest home. - Storm Door: Katie’s storm door is trapping so much heat, it’s melting her front door trim. She may not need the storm door at all, or else she can just use the screen panels. - Insulation: Brian is converting his ceiling can lights to LED, but he should check with the manufacturer about how to insulate around the lights in the attic. - Bathroom Wall Cracks: There are spider cracks in the acrylic wall around Stephanie’s shower. If they’re just on the surface, she can try buffing them with car wax. - Basement Flooring: Jay wants to warm up his cold concrete basement floor and gets info about subfloor panels he can place over the concrete before adding new flooring. - Preventing Mice: What is the best way to keep mice out of a seasonal home? Sarah gets tips for storing food, sealing gaps, eliminating nesting areas, and using rodenticide. - Cedar Siding: Is pine a good replacement for worn western red cedar siding? It’s not as durable, so he should stick with cedar siding or consider using HardiePlank instead. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this enlightening episode, we’ll discuss efficient new heat pump technology, learn savvy tips to reclaim your rental security deposit, and discover quick hacks for easy furniture repairs. For answers to these and lots more home improvement questions, your home transformation starts here! - Rental Security Deposit: When your rental lease ends, don’t forget these tips for reclaiming your security deposit. - Heat Pumps: New efficiencies in heat pump technology keep costs down and comfort up. - Furniture Repair: Clean stains and fix dings and dents with these easy furniture repair hacks. Q & A: - Roof Moss and Mold: Mary wants to clean and prevent moss and mold on her asphalt shingle roof. Sunlight is the best solution and we recommend cutting back some trees. - Insulation: Does spray foam insulation pose a mold risk? It’s unlikely that a leak in Luke’s roof would go undetected long enough to cause any concern. - Replacing Windows: Marcia’s old wood kitchen window is hard to open and close. Replacing the window is easier and more efficient than the work involved in repairing it. - Shower Plumbing: Chad’s showers vary from freezing cold to scalding hot. A pressure balance valve will keep the water temperature consistent even when the pressure isn’t. - Garage Doors: Laurie has no remote control for the garage door opener. She can check on the manufacturer’s website for the model number of her unit to learn how to program the keypad and order the right remote control. - Laminate Floor: Does the color of a laminate floor go all the way through and will it hold up to Leroy’s chairs? Good-quality laminate flooring has multiple layers but should be fine for the furniture. - Shower Conversion: Cheryl wants to convert a small tub into a shower and gets tips on finding the right size shower pan to fit the space. - Water Heater: What is the best temperature setting for a gas water heater? Dean should be careful to keep the water no more than 110-120 degrees to avoid burns. - Ceiling Crack: After a wall was removed, it left a crack in the ceiling. Linda should cut out a bigger area of the drywall, then tape and spackle it well before priming the painting the whole ceiling. - Installing a Fence: Vincent is putting up a chain-link fence where there is lots of water. We have advice on digging deep and filling the post holes with cement. - Water Drainage: Shawnee has a problem with drainage and moisture in her yard from an underground spring, but it’s just a small area that doesn’t seem worth doing major work. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll focus on winter wisdom for your home, with tips on how to use space heaters safely, ideas for luring colorful winter birds to your yard, and info on easy and effective spray foam insulation! Join us as we navigate these cold weather challenges and delights, plus answer lots more home improvement questions. - Space Heaters: If you want to enjoy warmth without worry, remember these space heater safety tips. - Winter Birds: Add life and color to your yard by attracting winter birds with the right feeders and food. - Foam Insulation: This innovative spray foam kit boosts insulation, seals drafts, and improves energy efficiency. Q & A: - Tile Grout: Christine wants white grout for her white bathroom tile. Using sand grout for the floor, epoxy grout for the walls, and sealing it well will help keep it clean. - Chimney Repair: Rebecca’s chimney has external cracks and the mantel is chipped and shifting. This sounds like a significant structural project that requires a professional home inspector to determine how to make repairs. - Crown Molding: There are gaps between the ceiling and the top of the crown molding. We suggest that Jason add another thin molding to cover the seam. - Double Fireplace: Danuza has questions about creating one open fireplace instead of two. It may not be a good idea, but a home inspector or chimney contractor may decide. - Solar Panels: Should a roof be replaced before installing solar panels? Lawrence must consider the ROI of investing in solar energy and giving up ten years of roof life. - Heated Floor: Can you install in-floor heating with a Terrazzo floor? It’s a big, expensive project, but Sylvia can run PEX piping under the tile. - Driveway Repair: Water pools in low spots on an asphalt driveway. Scott would have to redo the driveway to correct the base underneath, but in the meantime, he can seal the surface to extend its life as long as possible. - Bathroom Caulk: Mary is having trouble removing the caulk around her bathtub. We offer tips on using a caulk softener and the best way to apply new caulk. - Driveway Stains: After a golf cart leak stains his new driveway, Richard learns about using TSP to remove the stains. - Mold Problem: Cumi found black and green mold in her rental home. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to address this problem, which can pose a serious health risk. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Master your home’s full potential as we explore the allure of pro ranges for residential kitchens, reveal the secrets to stylish home makeovers on a budget, and discuss the craft of setting up a dedicated hobby space. Listen to these and other home improvement questions on today’s podcast episode! - Pro-Style Ranges: Pro-style kitchen ranges offer a wide menu of options for home gourmets. - Thrifty Home Makeover: Learn how to redecorate on a budget with makeover tips that cost little or nothing. - Hobby Space: Create a personalized space at home for your favorite hobbies or crafts. Q & A: - Thermal Windows: Karen wants to allow sun through her windows in the daytime without losing heat at night. Thermal cellular shades are an inexpensive solution. - Ceiling Repair: A ceiling leak made the sheetrock separate. If it’s sagging, Ken can cut out and replace that area, or else just retape, spackle, prime, and paint the seam. - Flooring Gap: Nancy has a gap between the new wood floor and the front door threshold. She can either cover the gap with molding or fill it with a cut piece of flooring. - Garage Heat: Henry’s overhead natural gas heater in the garage is expensive to run, but an electric heater costs even more. We suggest using a compact kerosene heater. - Structural Beam: Jason is worried about a support beam that’s sagging on either end of his house. He needs a structural engineer to determine how to stabilize it. - Driveway Replacement: Can you put blacktop over a concrete driveway? Donna must either replace it entirely or use a patching product to repair the concrete surface. - Siding Installation: What are the pros and cons of hanging vinyl siding vertically instead of horizontally? Greg should have no issues if the siding is rated for vertical installation. - HVAC Maintenance: Carol has heating problems due to air in the lines from her boiler. She should just let out the air through the bleed valves in the radiators. - Crawlspace Vents: Can crawlspace vents be kept closed? They’re needed to control moisture and Chris should leave them open in spring, summer, and fall and closed in winter. - Structural Renovation: Mary has questions about renovating a home to create an open plan. An architect can design the proper specifications to do the work correctly. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got hot tips for chilly season challenges, including how to keep pipes from freezing when the mercury drops, post-holiday decoration cleanup, and unsticking doors to ensure smooth entries and exits. Stay tuned for these and other topics in a jam-packed episode of winter home improvement! - Frozen Pipes: When there’s frost in the forecast, know how to keep your pipes from freezing. - Removing Holiday Decorations: If it’s time to wrap up the holidays, undeck the halls with these quick and easy steps. - Sticking Doors: If you’re feeling stuck, we’ve got solutions for annoying doors that stick. Q & A: - Shower Odors: Heidi can’t get rid of the sour odor coming from the shower drain. We suggest scrubbing the drain carefully with a Borax solution and using a vent fan with a humidistat. - Concrete Countertop: Should Lane build a DIY concrete countertop? It could be a lot of work, but with proper preparation, it’s a beautiful and inexpensive option. - Insulation: The upstairs rooms are always colder or hotter than downstairs. Linda should add blown-in insulation to the attic and cover her whole house fan in winter. - New Home Maintenance: After eight years in a new home, Greg wants advice on what maintenance he should be doing and gets tips on the most important things to watch. - HVAC Cleaning: Jeannie is concerned that the HVAC system is making her friend sick. She should have a professional inspection to check for mold and other possible problems with the ducts and filters that the landlord may need to fix. - Sheetrock Repair: Sheetrock tape keeps separating and lifting the paint, even after it’s been redone. Jeffrey should add a thin layer of new drywall over it and be sure it’s taped, primed, and painted properly. - Worn Woodwork: Paula has worn and damaged woodwork throughout her house. It’s easier and less expensive to replace and repaint some areas than to tear it all out. - Moisture Stains: A moisture problem under the house was fixed but left a powdery residue on the floors. Leta can easily remove the efflorescence with a vinegar solution. - Storm Windows: Are storm windows over single-pane double-hung windows efficient enough? They should be fine and Ron can easily upgrade the storm windows if needed. - Concrete Steps: The concrete mortar in Sandy’s brick steps is starting to deteriorate. It’s a common issue and she just needs to have a mason repoint the mortar. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Join us for a jam-packed episode where we discuss the essential trio for a snug home. Learn the nuances of firewood selection, dive into the secrets of maintaining pristine indoor air quality, and uncover a DIY solution to seal those chilly floor drafts. Your ultimate guide to a comfy abode awaits with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Choosing Firewood: Enjoy cool nights by a warm fire by choosing the best firewood to burn cleanly and safely. - Indoor Air Pollution: Breathe easier by using the right air filters to improve air quality and reduce dust, allergens, and germs. - Sealing Floor Drafts: If upward drafts are giving you the chills, this DIY product seals and insulates gaps in the floor below. Q & A: - Cleaning Carpet: Sue needs to clean algae from the carpet on her concrete front porch. We suggest renting a steam cleaner and using the right chemicals for great results. - Restoration: Kurt wants to be sure he’s taking the right steps for his restoration project and gets tips on beefing up floor joists. - Cracked Ceramic Flooring: Ceramic floor tiles in a new house are already cracking. Debra should have an independent engineer examine the cause, which may be the lack of an isolation membrane between the slab and tile. - Roofing Stains: Tim asks how to remove hard water stains on a painted metal roof. We recommend a good roof cleaning product that he can spray, let sit, and rinse off. - Old Walls: Cynthia’s not sure if she uncovered a firewall while ripping out old plaster walls. We explain it’s likely rock lath that was used in the 1800s, before sheetrock. - Cleaning Asbestos Concrete Siding: Lewis’ asbestos concrete siding has a golden glow from iron in the well water used in the garden. He’ll need to clean it with TSP and repaint the asbestos siding. - Shower Plumbing: An old tile shower on the main floor is leaking into the basement. John should first check the lead shower pan by blocking the drain and filling the pan with water. - Crawlspace Mold: There’s mold in the crawlspace of Rhonda’s condo from a moisture issue. She should document the problem and have it inspected because the HOA may be responsible for addressing any repairs. - Wood Paneling: Jim is considering options for covering up old wood paneling. The easiest cosmetic solution would be to clean, prime, and paint the paneling white. - Weatherstripping: Renea’s apartment is freezing cold in winter! A weatherstripping caulk and shrink film for the windows and sliding doors can keep out the chill but will limit access to open them. - Wainscoting: Can wood pallets be used for wainscoting? We agree they’d be a good, creative way to upcycle materials for Olin’s living room project. - Insulation Options: How does traditional attic insulation compare to the newer MILO insulation? It sounds like a cool concept, but we advise LaHonda to stick with more established insulation products for now. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, learn the secrets to creating a harmonious home as we discuss expert advice on decluttering your space, ensuring your stairs are secure, and embracing the uniqueness of vintage finds, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Home Organization: Conquer clutter chaos by keeping your home organized. - Staircase Safety: Step-by-step tips for staircase safety. - Vintage Design: Add vintage charm to your home with salvaged architectural pieces. Q & A: - Chimney Venting: Gayle needs advice on converting her old fireplace to gas. Lining the chimney with a stainless steel flue would be easier than installing a power vent. - Cracked Drywall: Doug was told his drywall cracks are from a structural problem, but it sounds like the contractor did a bad job installing the drywall. - Flooring Options: Engineered hardwood, laminate, and engineered vinyl planks are all good options for Rebecca to install over her existing ceramic tile floor. - Window Leak Stain: A leak under a cellar window left a stain that looks like mildew. It’s probably just efflorescence that Ross can easily remove and paint over. - Water Heater: Gwen’s water heater was clogged up with hard water mineral deposits that settled to the bottom. Draining it regularly will keep it running efficiently. - Refinishing Countertops: Should a dark Formica countertop be covered or replaced? Mark learns about a great DIY product that will give the surface the look of granite. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Tune in to today’s show for a wealth of essential winter wisdom! We'll guide you through snow preparation tactics, effective methods to eliminate pesky Christmas tree bugs, and insights into handling and preventing common household poisons. Empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your home and family, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Winter Checklist: The best time to prepare for snow is before it starts, with this winter-ready checklist. - Christmas Tree Bugs: Learn what to do when your unwelcome holiday guests are Christmas tree bugs. - Household Poisons: Take these important steps to protect your family from common household poisons. Q & A: - Leaking Roof: Cindy has tried everything to fix a leaky corrugated metal roof. She’ll need to either add another layer of roof with an ice and water shield or replace the whole roof. - Generator: Rich wants a generator to guard against power outages. We recommend a natural gas whole-house generator to keep things running and offer peace of mind. - Window Replacement: Some of Donna’s old windows no longer open or close. After so many years, it’s time to replace them with windows that are more energy-efficient. - Attic Fan Energy Savings: Is it worth having an attic fan? Rob learns why an attic fan can waste energy in the summer and how not to use it in the winter. - Uneven Floor Joists: A dip in Deb’s old home is twisting the staircase. It’s rarely a good idea to try to raise the floor unless it’s a structural issue and would be easier to build new stairs to fit the space. - Concrete Flooring and Walls: What’s the best way to seal concrete walls and floors in a basement? Gary can use standard masonry wall paint and epoxy on the floor. - Countertops: Cheryl needs ideas for resurfacing her plywood countertops. Tile would be a good DIY option that’s quick, affordable, and stylish. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show offers a trifecta of home beautification tips! Unravel the mysteries of proper paint storage so leftover colors remain fresh and usable, then learn the art of securely hanging wall hangings for a picture-perfect gallery. Finally, spruce up your entryway with front door décor ideas to welcome holiday guests. Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions! - Storing Paint: Leftover paint is useful for touchups and other projects, as long as it’s stored the right way. - Securing Wall Hangings: What goes up won’t come down with these tips for securing wall hangings. - Front Door Décor: Make a lasting first impression with festive front door décor to welcome holiday guests. Q & A: - Drainage: How can John improve drainage on a home surrounded on three sides by soil on a steep hill? A curtain drain can intercept and redirect water around the foundation. - Concrete Patio Surface: Jennifer’s concrete patio has gotten pitted from rock salt. She can use a concrete resurfacing product on the entire slab to fill in the pockmarks. - Hardwood Floors: After a contractor did a bad job stripping his hardwood floors, Billy gets advice on how to sand and refinish the surface, plus how to stop the squeaks. - Insulation: Brrr! Both kitchens in Lora’s home are cold due to insufficient heating and insulation. We suggest calling the home inspector and taking steps to warm things up. - Asphalt Driveway: How can you repair a crumbling asphalt driveway? Bruce may be able to patch small holes temporarily, but a latex patching compound would be better. - Accessible Cabinets: Nancy doesn’t like the old soffits in her kitchen but is concerned about reaching high spaces. A certified kitchen and bath designer could offer accessible options with pull-down shelves. - Heating Installation: Virgil is installing an energy-efficient furnace in his old home. The manufacturer can tell him the proper installation and venting for that equipment. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll be looking upward to keep your home safe and comfortable! First, check out tips for adding living space in your attic. Then, beware of the dangers of damaging ice dams on your roof. Finally, keep the cold out and the warmth in with spray foam insulation that’s made easy. Listen in for answers to all this and more of your home improvement questions! - Using Attic Space: If you need some added living space, look up toward your attic for some remodeling ideas. - Icicles and Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging off your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Spray Foam Insulation: Sealing out drafts is made easier and more effective with a new one-part spray foam insulation product. Q & A: - Closet Space: Matt wants to move the entry to a narrow closet from the short end to the wide wall. Building a temporary wall is a good idea in case it needs support. - Laminate Flooring: What is the easiest way to install a laminate floor? Tristan gets step-by-step instructions on how to lay down a new floor. - Sump Pump: Jesse must drain his washing machine into a gray water pump instead of a sump pump. We advise him on how to connect the vent system. - Wallpaper Seams: One big area of Nora’s wallpaper is mysteriously curling at the seams. There are several wallpaper seam repair products she can apply. - Old Window Repair: Someone broke the windows in Mike’s very old house. He’ll need to replace the glazing around the glass and have a carpenter repair the wood. - Kitchen Cabinets: Marilyn loves her oak kitchen cabinets and wants to take them to her new home. It shouldn’t be a problem to carefully disassemble and move them. - Cockroaches: Yuck! Alan moved into a house that’s crawling with cockroaches. Professional pest control is his best option, but it may take time to get rid of the roaches. - Door Above Concrete: The door over a concrete slab porch is chipping away the cement. Christy should use a patching compound and add an adjustable sweep on the bottom of the door. - HVAC: Joan would love to turn a small outbuilding into a usable space. A small wall heater running off a natural gas line would be a great way to make it comfortable. - Garage Floor: A low spot in the garage floor keeps filling with water and freezing. Mona can use a patching compound to level the floor or install a modular tile floor that will drain and provide traction. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we cover the essentials of home safety and comfort! In this show, we discuss whether smoke detectors and CO detectors alone provide complete protection, then explore how to avoid cleaning product hazards. Plus, find a game-changing product that not only bolsters insulation but significantly enhances your home's energy efficiency. All this and much more to answer your latest home improvement questions! - Fire Protection: Are smoke and CO detectors enough to keep your home protected? - Cleaning Products: What to look for and what to do to handle cleaning products safely - Boost Insulation: This new product boosts insulation and increases energy efficiency and comfort. Q & A: - Plumbing Leak: To fix a leak where the copper pipes connect, Kris needs to start by draining the boiler below the point of the leak. - Building a Sunroom: Jay is building a sunroom and gets tips on pouring the concrete foundation and adding insulation to supplement passive solar heat. - House Leveling: A main beam has broken under Diana’s house and now it’s settling unevenly. A good contractor can attach a new beam to reinforce the old one. - Water Softener: How can you tell if your water softener is working and how do you clean it? Ken gets some step-by-step advice. - Security System: Sherry lives in a rural area and wants to install a security system. There are lots of affordable options that offer Wi-Fi connections, power backups, monitoring services, and other features. - Roof Leak: Vincent isn’t sure if a leak is coming from his metal roof or the air conditioner. We tell him how to find the source and what to do to seal the roof. - Noisy Siding: Why is Carolyn’s vinyl siding making noises? It may be wind going through the panels, but they shouldn’t be tightened because the siding will buckle. - Stained Patio: How can David renew a stained, faded patio? We discuss some products he can use to refinish and seal the concrete surface. - Stone Porch: Mindy has lots of questions and we’ve got lots of answers on what products to use on her stone porch. - Faucet Plumbing: Roger’s bathroom sink faucet keeps leaking even after he’s replaced the parts. It may be best to use original parts from the manufacturer that will fit perfectly. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Join us on this week’s podcast as we start by delving into the nitty-gritty of remodeling woes, revealing common mistakes to dodge. Then, from transforming your garage into a DIY haven to ensuring your home's address stands out, we've got you covered with practical insights and expert advice for all your home improvement questions! - Remodeling Mistakes: These 5 common remodeling mistakes can lead to renovation regrets. - DIY Workspace: Create a comfortable and convenient garage workspace for less than $500. - House Numbers: Make your home easier for guests and emergency responders to find with more visible house numbers. Q & A: - Garage Floor: How can you treat a garage floor that’s covered in oil and grease? Laurie gets tips for using TSP and a pressure washer, then applying an epoxy finish. - Snow and Insulation: Ash is worried about attic insulation preventing roof snow from melting. Fast-melting snow actually poses a bigger risk because of added weight. - Hiring Contractors: Rita is frustrated by pushy, uncooperative contractors and gets advice on searching online to get the well-prepared, proper estimates that she needs. - Refinishing Stairs: Should Jason use water-based polyurethane on his wood stairs? It would be better to use a satin, solvent-based polyurethane that is more durable. - Soundproofing: Tony’s noisy upstairs neighbor is a ceiling stomper! Aside from insulating the ceiling or having the neighbor put down rugs, the best he can do is use soft goods to absorb the sound in his apartment. - Wall Tile: Shen wants to put tile over a cement wall in the garage. She’ll need a waterproof uncoupling membrane between the wall and tile to prevent moisture and cracking. - Basement Ceiling: Drop ceiling or exposed ceiling in the basement? Gonzalo could tidy up the wiring and paint it, but he should really look at great new drop ceiling options. - Ventilation and Insulation: Kathy’s Cape Cod home is hard to ventilate to prevent moisture, so we suggest using spray foam insulation to seal it completely. - Toilet Plumbing: The basement toilet gurgles and won’t flush all the way. Rick will need a plumber to clear out the blockage that his standard snake can’t reach. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Lock 'em out, seal 'em in, and pave the way! Join us for tips to fortify your home against break-ins, seal drafts with spray foam wizardry, and wave goodbye to dirty, damaged driveways. Get answers to these and other callers’ home improvement questions on this week’s Money Pit podcast! - Door Defense: Securing your doors is key to protecting your home from burglars. - Sealing Drafts: This great DIY spray foam makes it easy to seal out drafts. - Driveway Repair: Get tips for restoring a stained or cracked driveway. Q & A: - Garage Floors: Tracked-in snow is making a mess in Randy’s garage. A perforated floor tile system and epoxy floor paint can help keep things clean. - Fireplace Drafts: Wind is blowing through a gas fireplace that was improperly installed. Susan should check for gaps and contact the manufacturer for installation instructions. - Painting a Room: In what order should you paint a room? Jake gets tips on how to prep the space and use masking tape to paint baseboards and trim, then the walls. - Metal Roofing: Is a metal roof worth the investment? Sally learns it’s a great but expensive option, so the ROI depends on how long she’ll be staying in the house. - LED Lighting: Scott is converting his home to all LED lighting but can’t find LED tubes to replace the fluorescent ones. We suggest ordering them online and having them shipped. - Paint Stains: Black spray paint leaked onto Tiffany’s laminate floor. She can try carefully rubbing the stain with some nail polish remover. - Old Windows: Don’s old windows date back to 1746! We discuss using a heat gun or a steamer to carefully remove and replace the window glaze without damaging the wood. - Woodpecker Damage: Woodpeckers are damaging the exterior of Denise’s house. Hanging strips of black plastic or shiny tin pie plates will help drive them away. - Faded Wood Floors: When Ty pulls up an area rug, he sees that the wood floor around it has faded. Time will eventually even out the color, or else he must refinish the whole floor. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Tune in for a treasure trove of home improvement tips in this episode, where we discuss blunders to avoid in home heating, dish about top-rated dishwashers, and share the secret to creating attractive and affordable marble surfaces. From cozy warmth to sparkling dishes and elegant countertops, we're here to help you make your house a dream home! - Dishwasher Ratings: A new survey dishes up details about the top-rated dishwashers. - Home Heating: Find out 3 common home heating mistakes that are driving up your energy bills. - Marble Surfaces: Get the beautiful look of marble surfaces easily and without the high cost. Q & A: - Cleaning Grout: To clean tile grout in high-traffic areas that has gotten dark, Lisa will find that a grout stripper is much stronger and works better than a grout cleaner. - Toilet Plumbing: When one toilet flushes, the one in the other bathroom drains! John should check for an obstruction that’s affecting the venting in the pipes. - Countertop Stains: How can you cover a white marble countertop that’s badly stained? We suggest Katherine use a marble resurfacing kit that can be used on existing stone. - Shower Remodel: John is converting a basement sauna into a shower and needs ideas for wall materials. Tile is a good option that can be adhered right onto the terracotta walls. - Painting Doors: Anna’s painter used cans of spray paint on her doors and now they’re all sticking. We offer tips for removing the doors and repainting them the right way. - Bathroom Moisture: Eddie’s done almost everything to reduce the condensation in his bathrooms. Now he should try installing a humidistat timer on the exhaust fans. - Wallpaper Removal: What’s the best way to remove layers of wallpaper? Thomas should use an inexpensive paper tiger tool and wallpaper paste remover, unless he wants to rent a wallpaper steamer. - Damaged Siding: Wade’s steel siding was damaged by a hailstorm and he can’t find new siding to match it. A public adjuster will fight to have all the siding replaced by his insurance company. - Painting Wood Paneling: Dena is tired of the dark brown paneling she has in every room. It’s better to remove it, but it’s possible to clean, sand, prime, and paint over it. - Mice Control: Eek! William is suddenly getting lots of mice in his basement. We offer tips on what he should do to manage his rodent problem. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, we’ve got tips for keeping your home mess-free, stress-free, and mold-free, from creating functional space in cluttered closets to deciphering the significance of foundation cracks to safeguarding against dreaded window mold and rot. Tune in to learn all this and much more from the Money Pit’s home improvement experts! - Foundation Cracks: Crack the code of sorting minor cracks from major foundation issues. - Closet Organization: Get organizing ideas to cure closet chaos and save space. - Shower Windows: Keep mold and rot at bay in old bathroom shower windows. Q & A: - Painting Foundation: Anna needs tips on painting the cement foundation of her home. She should start with a good masonry primer before adding a coat of exterior paint. - Cleaning a Fireplace: What is the best way to clean creosote from a brick fireplace? Bill gets suggestions about using TSP, brick and stone cleaners, and soot removers, plus safety advice. - Painting Stucco: Do stucco exterior walls need to be treated before painting? Jean should lightly pressure wash them before priming and painting the surface. - HVAC Replacement: John is thinking of putting a ductless heating unit in every room, but it’s an expensive idea and we think he really just needs better insulation. - Garage Insulation: Christine has lots of questions about insulating a detached garage and a crawlspace. Spray foam insulation is a great option and very effective. - Cold Showers: Brrrrrrr! It takes too long for the shower water to get hot, but it’s fine everywhere else. Sounds like Daniel should replace a faulty shower valve. - Leaking Roof: The bathroom ceiling in Steve’s cabin is leaking, but the repairs and mold prevention should be covered by insurance since it was caused by storm damage. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll unlock expert secrets on fortifying your space! From installing motion-sensing security lights to preventing frozen pipes and sealing pesky floor drafts, we've got you covered. Tune in for a wealth of home improvement insights with these and other tips to make your home a haven of safety and comfort! - Motion-Sensing Security Lights: Stop burglars in their tracks by easily installing motion-sensing security lights. - Frozen Water Pipes: Get thawed-full advice to keep pipes from freezing when temperatures dip. - Floor Drafts: Learn what to do when drafts coming up from the floor send chills down your spine. Q & A: - Kitchen Plumbing Vent: What happens if a kitchen plumbing vent is left welded shut? Unless Kate’s drains are sluggish, it shouldn’t be a problem; otherwise, she’d need to remove and extend the vent. - HVAC Mold: Brandon is worried about mold by his furnace, but it’s probably just algae from condensation that overflows from the air conditioning coil. - Electrical Outlets: Why do some outlets have two holes and others have three? Lisa learns it’s from different types of wiring and how they’re grounded. - Refinishing Exterior Wood Doors: John wants to be sure he’s properly refinishing his mahogany doors and gets tips on maintaining and protecting them from UV damage. - Flooring Insulation: We offer Janet some advice on sealing drafts and adding insulation between the floor joists under her new side addition. - Foundation Water: Rainwater is coming in through the rock under Keith’s house foundation. He learns all the steps he can take to improve exterior drainage and keep moisture away. - Brick Flooring: Barb is struggling to remove layers of wax from her unique brick floor and gets suggestions for using a wax stripping product. - HVAC Systems: Is it cheaper to run a natural gas or a fuel oil HVAC system? We think it’s smart for Bob to switch to more efficient and cost-effective natural gas. - Textured Countertops: Is there a way to smooth down countertops that have a leather-like texture? Unfortunately, Ann would be better off replacing the countertops instead. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this podcast packed with home improvement wisdom, we reveal the reality of older home repairs, unravel the magic of heat pump technology, and uncover stealthy spots where your home's energy is slipping away. Tune in for a mix of classic craftsmanship and modern energy-saving tips! - Older Home Repairs: The charm of buying an older home comes at the cost of commonly needed repairs. - Heat Pump Technology: New heat pump technology is the hottest buzz in home comfort and energy savings. - Finding Wasted Energy: Discover the hidden hideouts where your home is wasting energy. Q & A: - Basement Walls: Brenda is remodeling her basement and gets info on how to frame new walls and what kind of materials to use. - Water Quality: Steve replaced his water heater and now the water smells bad. Something else must have changed, and he should have his well water tested. - Siding Stains: Rainwater has left stains on the corrugated siding of Patricia’s mobile home. We’ve got tips on mildewcides and cleaning products she can use. - Landscape Lighting: There’s a short somewhere in Patrick’s old low-voltage landscape lighting. After 25 years, it’s time to consider replacing them with a new LED system. - Patio Cover: Janet wants to build a patio cover, but there are lots of reasons why a retractable awning would be a better option. - Building Permits: When do you need to get building permits? They’re usually required for home replacements, not for repairs, but Tyler should check with his local municipality. - Sink Plumbing: When the garbage disposal turns on, the other sink backs up! Eden’s got an obstruction in the main drain line and learns how to clear it out. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: It’s the season for heating up your home improvement hacks! In this episode, we’ll spill the beans on self-cleaning ovens, winter rooftop inspection tips, and the cozy world of spray foam insulation. Listen now to hear what we're cooking up next! - Self-Cleaning Ovens: Find out why the holidays are the worst time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, plus get some oven maintenance tips. - Roof Inspection: Winter weather is rough on roofs, so now’s the time to do a DIY roof check-up. - Spray Foam Insulation: Seal drafts and lower heating bills with this easy spray foam insulation system. Q & A: - Heat Pumps: Do you really need to have a heat pump serviced twice each year? Ruth only needs to have the heating and cooling systems inspected together once annually. - Removing Doors: Brian wants to know the best way to take a door off its hinges and replace it again. We share helpful step-by-step tips on door removal. - Igloo Humidity: Lori is buying a domed, igloo-like concrete home but the indoor dehumidifier isn’t enough. We offer advice on how to manage the moisture. - Window Condensation: There’s suddenly condensation on Eric’s single-pane windows all year long. He gets lots of ideas on possible causes and solutions for reducing the humidity. - Carpet Glue Removal: Sylvia is pulling up carpet and needs to remove the glue. A citrus adhesive remover will help soften and smooth it out before she adds a layer of plywood and new flooring. - Dishwasher Odor: We recommend a product that Stan can use to scrub and disinfect his newly installed dishwasher that’s already giving off some bad odors. - Garage Space: Esther wants to change the structure of her long garage to move the doors to a different side. It’s a big job that requires reframing the load-bearing walls. - Window Mold: Stubborn mold keeps returning around Scott’s windows each winter. Mixing a bleach and water solution and letting it sit should clean the mold away. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Before Jack Frost arrives for the season, learn the cold hard facts about winterizing your sprinkler system, the cost of buying older homes, and common painting mistakes. From chills to bills to drippy spills, we’ve got the answers you need to avoid these and other home improvement headaches in this episode! - Winterizing Sprinkler System: Avoid a frozen fiasco by winterizing your sprinkler system before cold sets in. - Buying Older Homes: A survey shows homeowners are divided on the thought of buying and maintaining another older home. - Painting Tips: Remember these 3 tips to avoid common painting mistakes. Q & A: - Treating a Wood Porch: What is the best way to treat a pine wood porch? Stephen won’t need to seal it if he cleans it well and applies a good solid stain. - Crawlspace Ventilation: After putting down a plastic vapor barrier, Floyd should keep his crawlspace vents open for most of the year, except for the coldest winter months. - Hiring an Architect: Linda is seeking the best advice for remodeling her old farmhouse. An architect would have the right info for structural and design integrity. - Porch Moisture: Recent drainage issues are forcing moisture up through Jim’s porch floor. He gets tips on gutters, downspouts, and curtain drains to redirect the water. - Installing Gutters: Esther needn’t worry about cracking her asphalt shingles when her gutters are replaced if they’re screwed directly to the fascia board. - Bathroom Carpet: Carpeting in a bathroom is a bad idea, but Barry gets tips on installing a door sill, plus suggestions for better flooring that’s moisture-resistant. - Cleaning Moss: Mark’s got lots of shade trees in the front yard and moss covering his pavers. He can use a mildewcide and a power washer to clean and prevent the moss. - Foundation Drainage: A builder is suggesting two drainage systems for Jill’s new home. It sounds like a good idea and we have additional tips she should opt for. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Embrace the cozy vibes as autumn transitions to winter! In this episode, we've got your back with essential tips on navigating stormy insurance queries. Join us for a fascinating exploration of house histories, discover tricks to enhance the air quality in your home, and guess what? We're answering YOUR burning questions, too! Join us for a dose of warmth and wisdom. - Homeowner’s Insurance: Does your homeowner’s insurance policy offer enough coverage? Here’s what to ask. - Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle: Find out the story behind strange old toilets found in some pre-World War II homes. - Furnace Filters: Using the right furnace filter is the easiest way to make your HVAC system more efficient. Q & A: - Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is no longer sold in Laura’s area. Cleaning her ceiling well and using a solvent-based primer and flat latex paint instead should work well. - Deck Lumber: After tearing down a rotted old wood deck, David gets tips about above-ground and ground-contact pressure-treated lumber to build a new deck. - Foggy Windows: The thermal pane seal in Sarah’s windows has failed and now they’re always fogging up. We advise replacing them gradually rather than trying to repair them. - Damaged Siding: Ivy can be lovely but causes a lot of damage! Lauren gets advice on cleaning, staining, and repairing damaged areas of her cedar siding. - Peeling Paint: Paint is peeling from the bathroom walls and ceiling. Sonny needs to scrape off the old paint and use an oil-based primer so new paint will adhere properly. - Locating Plumbing: Mary’s having trouble locating the plumbing to install a whole house water filter. We help her find the main water valve inside her home. - Flooring Over Concrete: Ted wants to install new flooring over his existing concrete floor. Laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood would all be great DIY options. - Insulation Over a Crawlspace: Christine wants to warm up the floors over an unheated crawlspace. Insulating the pipes and the space between the floor joists will make a huge difference. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Clothes Dryer Tips: These 5 clothes dryer tips put a new spin on the best way to do laundry. - Metal Roofing: Learn the latest options in metal roofs that last long and stand up to Mother Nature. - Best Indoor Plants: You don’t need a green thumb to grow these easy indoor plants. Q & A: - Bathroom Ventilation: How can you ventilate a bathroom that has no fan? Diane gets advice on installing a vent fan through an exterior wall or between floor joists above the ceiling. - Warped Hardwood Floor: Kenneth’s new hardwood floor has started to warp. We suggest ways to reduce indoor humidity and trying to sand down the raised areas. - Door Gap: Julianne needs to close the gap under her bottom door sill. She needs to pack some epoxy patching cement into the space to reinforce and seal the space. - Insulation: Is ventilation needed after using open-cell spray foam insulation in the attic? Joe won’t need it and his HVAC system will work even better. - Attaching Shutters: Lisa is considering installing window shutters but isn’t ready to attach them permanently. She could use clips that snap onto the siding until she’s sure. - Cleaning Travertine Tile: Steve wants to clean and restore the gloss on travertine tile. We recommend some DIY products to clean, polish, and seal the surface. - Fireplace Façade: Lynn needs ideas for giving her fireplace a new façade. Marble, granite, and faux stone would be attractive options to adhere right over the brick. - Driveway Repair: Big cracks in an old concrete driveway need repair. George gets tips on how to insert a backer rod to fill wide cracks before sealing them with caulk. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Drop Ceilings: Updated drop ceilings offer trendy new looks for remodeling projects. - Tub and Shower Leaks: Tub and shower leaks are easy to fix once you know where to find the source. - Thermostat Mistakes: Avoid these top three thermostat mistakes to stay comfortable while lowering heating bills. Q & A: - Window Sill Repairs: Should Kaitlyn repair or replace her rotted wooden window sills? Unless they’re totally destroyed, she can fill them with a wood hardener and epoxy. - Sink Insulation: Jim asks about ways to keep standing water in his sink warm. We have suggestions for insulating the area under the sink and using spray foam or a fiberglass blanket. - Kitchen Island Lights: It’s hard to get three square lights above a kitchen island to hang straight. Donna must readjust the twisted rods going into the junction box. - Bubbling Paint: Exterior paint keeps bubbling and chipping. Dana needs to strip off the paint and make sure the area is properly primed before repainting it. - Cleaning Windows: Marie hates cleaning windows! There’s no easy way to clean them without leaving streaks, but we can recommend some good cleaning products. - Metal Roofing: Randy is concerned by roof vents that were closed when he had a metal roof installed. It’s fine as long as he has soffit vents with insulation baffles to make sure the vents aren’t blocked. - Bathroom Flooring: Michelle is updating the bathroom and wants kid-proof flooring. Laminate, vinyl plank, or tile that is sealed and glazed are some good options. - Renovation ROI: How can you calculate the ROI of home renovations? Tom gets some advice about cost vs. value when it comes to renovating and selling a home. - Insulation Fumes: Should James be worried about fumes from spray foam insulation? As long as he uses a name-brand product and a good contractor, he shouldn’t be concerned about off-gases. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Sealing Drafts: Tracking down and sealing drafts is the first step in keeping your home warm. - Stone Countertop Refinishing: Get the look of natural stone countertops with an easy and affordable weekend project. - Textured Surface Repairs: Fix textured walls and ceilings without the fuss and mess. Q & A: - Mailbox Stains: Those stains on Louise’s brick mailbox are probably mineral deposits from water splashes. A vinegar solution will clean the surface easily. - Reversing a Door Swing: Scott wants to reverse the swing of a door that blocks the light switch, but it would be simpler to run the light switch to a different spot. - Sealing Windows: Linda is paying high energy bills but has limited options in her rental apartment. We recommend using shrink film or weatherstripping caulk on her windows. - Replacing HVAC System: Sal needs recommendations for replacing his HVAC unit. He should start by checking references of local contractors and seeking out good brands, energy efficiency ratings, and available rebates. - Uneven Subfloor: New flooring can’t be installed over an uneven subfloor. Diane needs either a carpentry solution or a floor-leveling compound. - Toilet Water System: Darren has questions about converting his toilet to rain barrel water. We have answers about filtering, water pressure, and toilet efficiency. - Log Home Walls: There are cracks in the walls of Nina’s log home. A wood filler could be colored or stained, but she’s better off accepting the rustic log look. - Flooring Over Concrete: What kind of flooring should be installed over concrete? John’s best options include laminate or engineered hardwood. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Power Outages: When the power goes out, you’ll need these blackout survival tips. - Fall Lawn Care: Proper care in the fall keeps your lawn and landscape healthy and green for springtime. - Cutting Heating Costs: Do high heating bills send chills down your spine? Get energy-saving tips to lower costs. Q & A: - Indoor Bugs: Centipedes and crickets have Dorothy’s skin crawling! We have tips on how to seal off any basement and garage openings and eliminate indoor bugs. - Water in Basement: Water in the basement after it rains signals a drainage issue. Scott gets advice on what steps are needed to improve drainage around his home. - Drafty Doors: Weather stripping isn’t stopping the drafts around Wendy’s doors. She may need to adjust the door alignment to seal the gaps better. - Supplemental Heating: Ralph can’t warm up a room next to his garage. He should seal any drafts and consider getting affordable electric baseboard heaters with timers. - Cinderblock Walls: How can you give cinderblock walls a more attractive look? Kay should contact a professional to cover the walls with a smooth layer of plaster. - Low Water Pressure: Sam has great water pressure everywhere in his old home except the bathtub. It may be rust clogging the original steel pipes or a valve that needs replacing. - Dishwasher Odor: Phew! There’s a bad smell coming from Nathan’s dishwasher. We recommend a product that can easily clean out the microbes of decaying food. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Roof Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging from your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Repairing Textured Surfaces: There’s a new way to repair textured ceilings and walls without the hassle and mess. - Planning Home Improvement Projects: Avoid unwelcome home improvement surprises with careful planning. Q & A: - Wall Texture: After stripping the wallpaper, Sandi wants to add texture to her walls. We discuss a number of options for textured paint and techniques. - Water Heater Venting: What is the right way to vent a tankless water heater? John gets tips on running the ducts to vent outside the house. - Removing Roof Moss: Can copper flashing prevent moss buildup? Sue learns how adding copper flashing on the top roof ridge acts as a natural algaecide. - Lawn Seeding: When is the best time of year to reseed a lawn? Early- to mid-fall is the perfect season for Alan to rake and seed, then give the lawn time to take root. - Lead in Ceramic Tiles: Margaret is concerned about lead in her old ceramic tiles. We suggest working with an EPA-certified contractor and recoating the tiles with an epoxy finish. - Whole House Fan: What is the best way to install a whole house fan? Mike gets tips on where to place it and how to operate it most effectively. - Worn Engineered Flooring: Dorothy’s engineered flooring is worn in spots. It’s not designed to be refinished, so she’ll need to remove and replace it. - Water Softeners: Brian needs a conditioning system for his hard water. We recommend using a traditional salt-based water softener rather than a salt-free system. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Garbage Disposal Problems: Letting seasonal leftovers go down the drain causes clog chaos. - Carpet Deodorizer: Mix up an easy DIY deodorizing recipe to take your carpets from funky to fresh. - Fire Prevention: Get tips on fire hazards you may be overlooking and how to prevent them. Q & A: - Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten up the dark brick wall around her fireplace. Painting is one option but she may also consider other creative alternatives. - Smoke Odors: How can James get rid of smoke odors in his new home? We have advice on what he needs to discard, clean, and seal to remove the smell. - Basement Floor Moisture: Dampness is affecting a cracked basement floor. Holly gets information on how to keep moisture away from the foundation of her home. - Electrical Wiring: We’re completely shocked after Bob’s electrician never checked the power after rewiring the entire house and expects to be paid for fixing his mistake. - Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the bathroom tile? It’s not necessary unless you’re using sand-based grout. - Window Condensation: Condensation is forming inside single-pane windows in a historic home. James needs to install a whole-house dehumidifier, improve outside drainage, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce indoor moisture. - Gutters and Downspouts: There are always puddles between two neighboring homes. Allison must manage the water with the right gutters, downspouts, and a French drain. - Installing a Safe: Richard wants to dig into his slab foundation to install a safe. Existing plumbing and wiring are unknown risks and we recommend securely bolting the safe to the floor instead. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Outdoor Projects for Fall: Autumn is the season to fall in love with some favorite outdoor projects for your home. - Door Locks: Home security starts with strong door locks. Find out the best and worst locks for preventing break-ins. - Marble Surfaces: A new DIY product creates beautiful marble surfaces without the expense. Q & A: - Supplemental HVAC: Cathedral ceilings make it hard to cool the house evenly. Ed may add a split ductless system to supplement the central air conditioning. - Caulking Siding: Does Mary need to caulk concrete siding attached to plywood walls? She may only need adhesive, but she can use caulk to touch up any areas where nails break through the painted surface. - Window Leak: Water is leaking into the bay window beneath a skylight. Adam gets tips on sealing gaps with caulk and diverting water from the roof. - Concrete Curb Cracks: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping downward. She’ll either need to rebuild it or use DIY products to repair and resurface the concrete. - Finishing a Dirt Floor: Rob wants to pour concrete over a dirt floor in his hut. It should be easy to tamp down the dirt, then spread and float the concrete smoothly. - Attic Ventilation: How much attic ventilation is needed? Dale only has about half of the recommended amount and adding soffit vents would be most efficient. - Backsplash Adhesive: Audrey gets information about an adhesive backing product for installing a tile backsplash. - Window Condensation: Too much condensation on Steve’s vinyl replacement windows is caused by deficient glass or frames. It’s worth contacting the manufacturer and the installer. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and leaks are all too common. Learn how to keep your family safe. - Upcycled Furniture: Design on a dime with tips on finding the best upcycled furniture to turn trash to treasure. - LED Lighting: Let’s shed some light on how to save money and energy with LED lighting solutions. Q & A: - Hard Water: Colleen is wondering about a solution for treating her hard well water, but we recommend a standard salt-based water softener as her best option. - Condensation on AC Vents: Condensation from the AC vents is staining Stanley’s ceiling. We’ve got tips on insulating the ducts to stop the problem. - Basement Water: Lynn finds water gushing through the hose bib into her basement. Silicone will seal the gap around the pipe and she needs to improve the outside drainage. - Porch Resurfacing: Linda is thinking of restaining her peeling porch, but we suggest a great stone-based product to refinish the surface and give it a whole new look. - Deck Staining: After removing the rotted boards on his wood deck, Casey learns how to properly stain and seal the new pressure-treated lumber. - Fireplace Drafts: A big draft is coming from the fireplace. Linda needs to install a good damper or use glass doors in front of the hearth to block the wind. - Roof Drainage: Rainwater is running behind the downspout against the fascia board and may rot the wood. John should see if the gutters and the downspouts were connected properly and consider getting a larger downspout. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Getting Rid of Leaves: Rake in some tips on the best ways to get rid of fallen leaves to help next year’s garden. - Concrete Repair and Resurfacing: Learn the easy way to restore cracked and damaged concrete surfaces. - Energy-Efficient Windows: Keep drafts out and heat in by choosing the best energy-efficient windows. Q & A: - Peeling Linoleum Floor: Mindy has a peeling linoleum floor with even more layers underneath. It will take some work, but we recommend pulling it all up before installing a new floor. - Uneven Heating and Cooling: It’s hard to regulate temperatures in a split-level home. Brent should check the registers and returns and consider adding supplemental heating. - Crumbling Concrete: The concrete basement floor is crumbling from water damage. Mary should address any drainage issues first, then use a patching compound and epoxy floor paint. - Retaining Wall Runoff: Water from a retaining wall is seeping into Richard’s walkout basement. He gets tips on how to intercept and redirect the water. - Sealing Siding: Peggy’s siding is flush against a concrete slab where rainwater pools. She must remove some of the bottom siding and install flashing. - Paint vs. Stain for a Deck: Half of Teresa’s wood deck is painted and the other half is unfinished. She can paint over stain, but she can’t stain over paint. She’ll need to choose one or have a two-tone deck. - Glue Removal: Charlotte needs to remove glue that got on the new floor after it was installed, but she should use an adhesive remover carefully to avoid damaging the surface. - Pet Stains on Wood Floor: Oops! The dog had an accident on the wood floor that Mike plans to refinish. Sanding should cut through the stain before he adds coats of polyurethane. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Pressure Washers: Blast away dirt and doubts with tips for buying the right pressure washer. - Textured Surface Repair: Learn how to make hassle-free repairs to textured walls and ceilings. - Water Filters: Find out why water filters are a healthy and low-cost alternative to bottled water. Q & A: - Driveway Drainage: Susan’s asphalt driveway was resurfaced but wasn’t pitched properly. She’ll need to install a curtain drain to keep water from collecting and backing up into the house. - Staining a Fence: Mark gets advice about the best methods and materials for staining a cedar wood fence at his condo association. - Radiant Heated Floor: Can you install a radiant heated floor yourself, will it increase electrical costs, and what materials should you use? We’ve got answers to all of Jeanette’s questions. - Tree Stumps and Roots: Bruce is worried about the stumps and roots from trees that were removed near his home. They shouldn’t impact his foundation but he gets tips on how to remove the stumps. - Wallpaper: Wallpaper is tough to remove, but Lisa gets info on tools she can use to make the process a bit easier. - Glass Block Windows: Mario gets suggestions on how to secure a new glass block window when mortar won’t adhere to the existing metal frame. - Terrazzo Floor Repair: Moisture is coming up through a crack in the terrazzo floor. Judith should check the drainage around the house and seal the crack with silicone. - Electrical Socket Failure: The ceiling fan and light work, but not the wall sockets. Joseph should check the light switches first, then call an electrician to inspect the wiring. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Paver Patio Projects: New step stone options add style to paver patio projects. - Adding Insulation: Insulation tips to keep your home warm and your energy costs down. - Water-Saving Dishwashers: Learn how your dishwasher saves water, time, and money. Q & A: - Old Vinyl Windows: Natalie’s vinyl windows won’t stay open anymore. Unless she can find parts for the broken springs, it may be time to replace the windows. - Wood Fence Posts: Should Sam treat his cedar fence posts? The best way to prevent the wood from rotting is to add stone around the fence post base to allow drainage. - Soundproofing Walls: To muffle the sound from the neighbors next door, Donna gets tips on adding a second layer of noise-resistant drywall and sealing any openings. - Removing Paint from Brick: Arthur is worried about stripping paint from old brick. He can test the product he’s using in an inconspicuous area to be sure it won’t damage the brick surface. - Fruit Flies: Lorna thinks the fruit flies in her kitchen are coming from the garbage disposal. We suggest putting tape over the drain to see if they stick underneath, then using bleach to pour down the drain. - Crawlspace Moisture: Hezakaiah has a moisture problem coming from his crawlspace. We tell him how to lay down a vapor barrier and improve his outside drainage. - Siding Nail Rust: Will the galvanized nails stop rusting the siding if Laura paints over them? Unfortunately, she should really use stainless steel nails instead and the rust is hard to cover up. - Refinishing a Deck: Jim needs to refinish a wood deck that wasn’t maintained. We recommend gentle pressure washing and using a paint sprayer to apply a solid stain. - Wood Countertops: Anne likes the look of wood countertops around her under-mount sink, but it’s not the best material to use and there are better low-maintenance options. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Small Bathrooms: Size doesn’t matter with these space-saving tips for small bathrooms. - Painting Over Mold: Find out how to clean and repaint surfaces the right way to keep mold from coming back. - Buying an Efficient Dryer: Choosing an efficient dryer will consume less energy and lower your electric bills. Q & A: - Adding an HVAC System: How hard is it to add air conditioning? The ductwork is not that difficult and Courtney should certainly not remove her hot water baseboard heating to change the HVAC system. - Flooring Adhesive: Vito wants to install upcycled bathroom flooring, but it won’t stick. He should clean the subfloor well and use a grooved trowel to apply floor adhesive. - Worms: Lillian doesn’t like the garden worms coming into her patio after a rainfall, but they’re beneficial to the soil and we don’t recommend trying to get rid of them. - Foundation Drainage: After removing a large tree near his foundation, Mike is concerned about drainage. We offer tips on overfilling the area with clean fill dirt and diverting water away from the house. - Sealing Marble: Gary cleaned the stain from a marble tabletop and wants to know how to seal the surface. We suggest products that can polish and seal the marble. - Old Wood Walls: Remodeling an old home revealed beautiful American chestnut wood walls. It’s a rare find and James gets advice on sanding and refinishing the wood. - Tankless Water Heater: Sharon hopes a tankless water heater will heat the water faster. She will get an unlimited supply of hot water but may still need to add a bypass valve to recirculate hot water on a timer. - Matching Flooring: Char wants new bedroom flooring to complement the golden oak laminate in the other rooms. It’s a hard color to match and she should consider installing tile or carpet instead for a different look. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Fireplace and Chimney Safety: Stop playing with fire and get tips on maintaining your fireplace and chimney. - Driveway Repair: Fall is a great time to fix and seal your cracked or worn driveway. - Indoor Air Quality: Learn the best way to breathe easier and clear the air of dust, pollen, and other allergens. Q & A: - Chimney Repair: Someone suggested using roof cement to cover cracks in a chimney crown, but Bill should use a good silicone caulk sealant instead. - Flower Beds: Michelle wants to know how to place her flower bed. We recommend grading the soil away from the house before planting and not adding any borders that may impede drainage. - Deck Cleaning: A chemical reaction with a deck cleaning product left Andrew’s wood deck with a splotchy white film. He could use a spare piece of lumber to test a solid stain and see how well it will cover the filmy residue on the rest of the deck. - Crawlspace Odor: There’s a musty odor coming from the dirt crawlspace that opens into Bridget’s basement. She needs to lay down a plastic vapor barrier, check the outside drainage, and build a hatch to close the opening. - Air Conditioning Systems: What’s the cost of a new air conditioning unit? Steve should get estimates from a number of contractors because the price can vary widely. - Epoxy Flooring: Cindy wants to add speckles to her existing epoxy floor. As long as the first layer is adhering well, she can simply apply a second layer and add them. - Basement Moisture: Randall had a flooded basement and needs to reduce moisture. He doesn’t need vents but he should improve the drainage around his foundation and install a dehumidifier. - Electrical Openings: Catherine changed her mind about basement lighting and has holes where the outlets and fixtures were supposed to be. We offer advice about disconnecting the electrical wiring and how to cover the openings. - Sinking Porch: One side of Charles’ concrete porch has sunken in. He’ll need to break up the slab and redo the foundation before pouring a new cement porch. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: - Garage Organization Tips: Fall is the perfect time to get your garage organized and make room for off season storage. Tom & Leslie share tips to get your garage ready bikes, bats, lawnmowers and more. - Smart Tips for Purchasing a New Furnace. Whether your old furnace is shot, or you want a more efficient upgrade, buying a new furnace should never be an impulse buy. We’ll have tips for making smart choice to restore heat without burning a hole in your finances. - Ingenious Trick for Replacing Broken Ceramic Tiles. Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to care for, but what happens if one ceramic tile breaks, and you can’t find a replacement? We’ll share a trick-of-the-trade for a fast fix up. Plus, answers to home improvement questions about: - Deck Stain Won’t Stick. Get tips on how to restore deck stain that peels off shortly after its applied. - Bees Buzzing Your Food. If you’re frustrated by bees that buzz your outdoor meals or those of your pets, Tom shares a neat trick for keep them away from the food. - To Fix or Not to Fix a House You’re Selling. Find out why it may or may not make sense for you make repairs of improvement to your home before putting it on the market. - Crawlspace Ventilation. We help one listener sort though some potentially bad advice from a contractor with a conflict of interest. - Roof Repair Costs. We walk Rochelle though the process of figuring out if an estimate she received for repairs to her roof makes sense and share a resource where you can search for the average cost for hundreds of projects as a guide to determining if your estimate is in line. - LP Siding: John has a house with a siding that’s been the subject of a major class-action lawsuit. Toms explains the issues with deteriorating LP Siding, and a strategy on how to deal with it in a real estate transaction. - Hot Water Delays: Find out why it can take a long time for hot water to arrive when the tap is turned on. - Best Floor for an RV: Learn why today’s luxury and ridged vinyl plank floor products may be a perfect choice for an RV. - Spider Infestation: Johnin Delaware needs help dealing with a sever infestation of spiders in every room of his house! Tom walks him through the best options to make them bug out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Buying a Foreclosed Home: Is it a deal or a disaster to buy a foreclosed home? - DIY Stone Countertops: Get the expensive look of a natural stone countertop at a fraction of the cost with a DIY refinishing kit. - Installing Attic Flooring: Learn how installing attic flooring can add to your storage or weaken your structure. Q & A: - Bad Odors: Jim can’t find the source of a strange odor in his new home. It may be bio-gases in the plumbing, but there are ways to clean out the bacteria. - Dishwasher Stops Working: The dishwasher fills but then suddenly stops. Darlene should check the float in the bottom of the dishwasher to see if it’s clogged. - Property Lines: How can you find your property line markers? Daniel’s home survey will show the boundaries, but it may be difficult to locate the metal corner pins. - Broken Sewage Pipe: A cracked sewage pipe ruined Helen’s basement. She’ll need a remediation company but the damage should be covered by her insurance policy. - Insulation: Marion’s old home has no insulation or vapor barriers. We’ve got tips on the best ways to insulate her house. - Damaged Hardwood Floor: A water leak left a soft spot in the hardwood floor. We suggest that Heather use a piece of hidden flooring to replace the damaged boards. - Leaking Toilet: An old-fashioned toilet tank keeps leaking. Fred should try using silicone to seal each connection and make his own gaskets. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Planning a Kitchen Makeover: Having the right plans for a kitchen makeover is the recipe for success. - Concrete Crack Repair: Get tips on how to fix cracked concrete and make the repairs last. - Cleaning Range Vent Hoods: Gross grease can also be a hazard. Find out the best way to clean the vent hood over a stove. Q & A: - Insect Pests: Karen has questions about a bug zapper for her problem with flies. We recommend an insect trap that works well to eliminate flying pests. - Driveway Drainage: Water that flows alongside the driveway is removing the sand and soil. Randy can dig out the dirt and fill the space with gravel that won’t wash away. - Installing a Fence: Hope wants suggestions on materials to use for building a fence. She gets tips on attractive black fencing and how to build the footings. - Garage Insulation: Is it a good idea to insulate a garage that will be air-conditioned? Yes, it is, and will help David save on heating and cooling costs. - Adding a Bathroom: Where is the best place to add a second bathroom in your home? A second-floor bathroom will give Keri better value than a bathroom in the basement. - Coal Fireplace: Is it safe to burn coal in a wood-burning fireplace? Ed learns that it’s definitely a fire hazard and that coal fireplaces are built differently. - Musty Odors: Georgia smells musty odors in the room over her crawlspace. We suggest installing a vapor barrier and vent fans, plus checking for drainage issues and dead animals. - Painting Wood Eaves: Paint is peeling from the wood eaves in Kelly’s old home. We have tips on how to strip, prime, and repaint the wood. - Brick Repair: Brick and mortar is crumbling on the corner of Katherine’s home. She gets advice on how to dye and patch the brick and repair the mortar. - Repairing Door Panels: Jeff wonders if he should repair a broken wood door panel or get a whole new door. A carpenter can easily replace the panel. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - DIY or Hire a Pro?: Do you have the DIY skills or should you pay for a professional contractor? How to decide. - Tap Water Safety: Tests can determine how safe your water is for cooking, drinking, and bathing. - Insulation: Cooler weather is a great time to find out if your home has enough insulation. YOUR QUESTIONS: - Rusty Washing Machine: Sherry’s washing machine dispenser is rusting. If it’s not that old, it’s worth getting a replacement part and having it repaired. - Insulation: Ed wants to insulate the gap between the drywall and masonry. It would be more effective to seal any drafts and add insulation to the attic. - Popcorn Ceiling: Can you clean a popcorn ceiling? Margaret won’t be able to clean it, but gets tips on how to remove the popcorn texture or repaint it. - Retaining Wall Materials: Should Robert use blocks or poured cement to build a retaining wall? Blocks are more attractive and less work but need to be installed properly for the retaining wall to last. - Weed Removal: Kim is fighting a weed problem and gets info about using plastic sheets, weed block, and spray products for her lawn. - Leaning Wall: A brick retaining wall is leaning forward from the soil that’s expanding and pushing against it. Howard gets options for replacing the wall. - Leaking Windows: Rain and bugs are coming inside Georgia’s leaking windows. They should be sealed with better flashing under the exterior siding. - Cracked Drywall: Drywall cracks are a common problem, but Patrick gets tips on using fiberglass tape and how to spackle over it to stop the cracks. - Woodpeckers: Knock, knock. Who’s there? Barb gets advice on how to scare away woodpeckers that keep tapping at her house. - DIY Fire Pit: James wants to build a DIY fire pit. We recommend a fire pit kit that includes all the materials he needs. - Cracks in Brick: A crack going up a brick wall may have many causes. Unless it’s an active crack, Judith can use silicone sealant to keep out damaging moisture. ASK A QUESTION: - Need answers to your own home improvement or decor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Stump Removal: Get to the root of the problem of stump removal with these tips. - Squeaky Floors: Step quietly by fixing those annoying squeaky floors. - Buying Gutters: Installing the right gutters defends your home against water damage. Q & A: - Ceiling Stains: After fixing a roof leak, Sarah has ceiling stains. Using a good primer before painting will stop the stains from coming through. - Cement Caulk: Is there a caulk you can use to match a cement stamped patio? Tom will probably need to just use a clear caulk to seal the cracks. - Bathroom Tile: Is there an alternative for bathroom wall tile? Janet should consider a premade bathtub surround as an inexpensive and effective option. - Crawlspace: Bowen had better have a good reason for removing dirt from his crawlspace because exposing the footing could cause structural issues. - Cracked Concrete Floor: Lori has cracks in her concrete flooring. We recommend using a patching compound to make it look like new. - Uneven Floor: The uneven floor in John’s home addition is a problem. We offer suggestions for using a floor-leveling compound or a transition strip. - Installing a Flagpole: Linda is having trouble installing a flagpole to an aluminum column and gets info on using longer screws and a block for support. - Stained Countertops: How do you clean stains on a Corian countertop? Sharon should try making a cleaning paste and letting it sit to bleach the stains. ASK A QUESTION: - Need answers to your own home improvement or decor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Open Floor Concept: Create an open design in an older home with a pass-through project. Smart Home Security: State-of-the-art home security systems defend your domain and grow with your family. Choosing a Paintbrush: Make DIY painting projects easier by choosing the right paintbrush for the job. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Building a Deck: Cheryl wants to build a deck over a concrete pad. We explain why that’s not a good foundation and how to build a proper footing. Plumbing Leaks: What should you do about pinpoint leaks in copper pipes? Mike should monitor the situation and replace the pipes as needed rather than remove the whole plumbing system. Cleaning a Vinyl Fence: Beverly wants to clean black marks off her white vinyl fence. She needs to find the source of the stains and use an abrasive pad with the right cleaner. Flooring Over Concrete: Wally gets advice on sealing cracks in his concrete floor to prevent moisture before installing a new floating floor over it. Installing Vinyl Siding: Should you use nails or screws to install vinyl siding? Beverly learns why to definitely use nails and how to allow the siding to expand. Water Sensors: Doug wants to know if a water sensor is a worthwhile investment. We agree that water sensors and leak detectors have smart technology that works well. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Lightning Protection: When lightning strikes, find out how to protect your home from storm damage. Stuck Windows: Get tips for opening and closing stubborn old windows that have you stuck. Buying a Grill: Here’s what to look for when shopping hot deals for a new grill. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Uneven Air Conditioning: One room is much warmer than the rest of the house. Stephanie can check the airflow at the registers and returns, add insulation, and install supplemental cooling to balance the heating and cooling. Attic Ventilation: Jim is worried about mold he found after insulating his attic. He needs to increase the attic ventilation by adding ridge and soffit vents. Bathtub Refinishing: The bathtub finish is starting to erode and can’t be touched up. Peggy gets info about an epoxy refinishing kit to do the whole tub. Metal Roof: Patrick is considering installing a metal roof. It’s a good investment that offers new technology, insurance savings, and energy rebates. Painting Fireplace: Should you paint a brick fireplace? Mary gets advice about using a good primer, having to repaint, and ideas to decorate around the brick. Cleaning a Covered Deck: Ed wants to clean his covered wood deck. We recommend a wood cleaner, but he’ll need to cover his tools so they don’t get wet. Adding a Deck Step: It’s a high step from Steve’s deck into his cabin. Adding a step will be helpful and he finds out the right size tread to build. Garage Floor Stains: How do you clean grease stains from a garage floor? Kathy gets tips on cleaning the stains with TSP and using an epoxy floor paint. Driveway Repair: An old asphalt driveway is worn and has big dips. It sounds like it’s time for Bonnie to tear it out and replace the 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. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: End-of-Summer House Projects: Get info on 5 end-of-summer house projects to do now that will save time, money, and repairs later. Cooling a Home on a Budget: Learn low-cost to no-cost ways to reduce the heat in your home. Exterior House Painting: If you spray it, you can slay it with a paint sprayer that makes exterior house painting projects quicker and easier. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Central Vacuum: Condensation on the central vacuum pipes is ruining Sean’s walls. We suggest insulating the whole pipe to stop the drip. Shelving: Ellie needs tips on how to hang wall shelves. We have tips on how to properly anchor shelves to offer the right support. Radon Mitigation: Bob has questions about adding a radon fan. He should get a separate radon mitigation system that will pull the gas from under the entire slab of his home. HVAC Mold: Fluctuating temperatures cause mold in Betty’s ceiling vents. It may be only condensation that’s depositing dirt particles, but she should have an HVAC inspection to see about cleaning the duct system and replacing the filters. Tree Roots: Ashwani is concerned about the roots of big backyard trees near his home. There’s low risk if the trees are healthy, but he should consider thinning them out if the trees are crowded together. Cracked Ceramic Tiles: Can cracked ceramic floor tiles be fixed? They can’t, but Valerie can remove the damaged tiles and replace them with complementary ones. Vinyl Flooring: Angela wants to cover her old vinyl kitchen floor with paint. It’s not a good idea, but we offer options that are durable, affordable, and stylish. Bathroom Odors: Phew! There’s a sewer odor in Ted’s bathroom. He should check if the trap is properly vented and use bleach to eliminate bio-gases. Pool Deck Coating: Howard asks about paint for his concrete pool deck that won’t be slippery. We have tips for applying an anti-slip coating. Butcher Block Countertop: Eliza likes the look of a butcher block countertop, but we warn her that it’s a lot of work to maintain and guard against bacteria. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Home Maintenance: When the American dream is a DIY disaster: homeowners get failing grades for home maintenance skills. Dormant Lawn Care: Brown grass may be dormant, not doomed, with proper lawn care. Concrete Repair: Old, worn-out concrete comes back stronger than ever with a DIY concrete resurfacing product. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Kitchen Range: Cindy must protect her wood cabinets next to a large six-burner gas stove. We suggest getting installation specs from the manufacturer. Metal Roofing: How do you install a metal roof? It’s not an easy DIY project, but Perry gets tips on installing a metal roof that will last a lifetime. Septic System: What is the best way to maintain a septic system? We advise Emily to have it inspected and pumped regularly, avoid chemicals, and protect the septic field. Roots in Plumbing Lines: Roots under Larry’s home are growing into the sewer lines and separating the pipes. He should look into relining the pipe rather than breaking up the floor inside the house. Deck Paint: Oops! Emily used porch paint on her new deck. It’s actually not a problem as long as the paint is adhering well. Heating Flooring: What kind of floor should go over a heated concrete slab? Russ needs to use a radiant heat-compliant product, such as stone-based flooring. Wood Paneling: Ashley has wood paneling with no drywall underneath. We tell her how to remove it, replace the insulation, and install moisture-proof drywall. House Flies: Yuck! Mike’s got fly poop all over his siding that won’t come off. We suggest a cleaning product to use and getting a pest control professional to control the problem with flies. Wet Basement: Beverly needs help with her wet basement and finds out how to improve the outside drainage with better grading, gutters, and downspouts. Cracked Brick Wall: There’s a long, wide crack in the brick wall behind Jim’s garage. He needs a structural engineer to find out if it’s an active crack. Smoke Odors: After the previous homeowner left smoke odors behind, Lois should use an oil-based primer on the walls, subfloors, and ceiling to seal in the smell before painting the 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

SHOW NOTES: Storm Shutters: Besides adding style, find out how real storm shutters protect your home from the elements. Front Door: Attractive front doors make lasting first impressions that add curb appeal and value to your home. Awnings: Learn how updated awnings extend your outdoor living space and offer energy savings to your home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Toilet Noises: Kathy’s toilet squeals when the washing machine runs. It could be caused by a blockage or a bad fill valve. Sidewalk Gaps: Robert has gaps between the slabs of his concrete walkway. He gets tips on using a backer rod and a caulk sealant to close up the spaces. Brick Patio: The attractive brick edge of a concrete patio needs to be restored. Grace gets advice on re-mortaring the bricks and options for refinishing the patio surface. Wood Furniture: Faux leather cushions have stained a beautiful wood couch. James can sand and seal the slats and cover the cushions with a fabric that won’t stick to the wood. Toilet Stain: A dirty residue keeps returning to Cindy’s toilet. We suggest using a different commercial cleaner or installing a self-cleaning toilet. Water Heater: One end of the house is getting less hot water than the other. Stewart can either install a second water heater or a hot water recirculating system. Roof Rejuvenation: Debbie is curious about a company that claims to extend the life of an old roof. We confirm that it’s an effective option to treat dried-out shingles and save you money. Brick Foundation: Areas of the brick foundation in a Victorian home are starting to bow out. Ed should consult with a structural engineer about repair 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

SHOW NOTES: Bathroom Upgrades: Upgrade your bathroom on a budget with easy projects that cost less than $500. Silencing Water Hammer: Get tips for fixing water hammer to stop noisy plumbing pipes and the risk of damage and leaks. Stone-Based Liquid Flooring: Give indoor and outdoor floors and other surfaces the look of granite with a DIY product that’s easy to apply. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Converting an Old Tub: Caitlyn wants to preserve an old clawfoot bathtub and add a shower head. We advise having it professionally re-enameled, but installing a shower kit should be easy to do herself. Hardwood Flooring: How much space should John leave between new hardwood flooring and the drywall? We suggest about a half inch and offer tips for acclimating the new flooring to the room. Metal Roof: Charlene is deciding between asphalt and metal for her shallow roof. She doesn’t have the right pitch for shingles and a metal roof is a great investment. Porch Decking: Ray’s wraparound porch decking was not maintained, but we have info on applying a solid color stain that is durable and long-lasting. Deck Ceiling Paint: After power washing her deck, Blair needs to repaint the wood deck ceiling. She should prime it first and then apply a latex paint or solid stain. Attic Insulation: Jeff wonders what kind of insulation to add to his unfinished attic. We’ll explain how he should lay insulation batts over the joists and existing material. Mold Stains: A bathroom leak left a ceiling stain that looks like mold. Wendy can test the area to be sure, then use a bleach solution to clean it before priming and painting it again. Nail Stains on Siding: Rust from inferior galvanized nails is staining Brian’s wood siding. He can try sanding down the areas and using a better primer before repainting. Wood Paneling: Rebecca wants to change the look of old wood paneling. She can either sand, prime, and paint it or add a layer of drywall over it. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Makeovers: Cook up some quick and easy kitchen makeovers that can be done over a weekend. Roof Inspections: Find roof leaks before they find you with a thorough roof inspection. Gas Grills: If you’re savoring the thought of a new gas grill, get tips on the features worth having. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Chipmunks: Chipmunks are much cuter outdoors, so Linda gets tips on how to seal up the gaps in her metal buildings to keep them from getting inside. Limescale Buildup: Greg’s having trouble cleaning the limescale buildup on his glass shower doors. Vinegar should remove it unless it’s really another stain or scratches. Floor Joists: Laura wants to add support to the kitchen floor under an appliance. We offer info about installing girder beams to reduce the bounce of the floor. Converting to Gas: Abram wants to replace an electric dryer with a gas dryer. It should be easy for a plumber to tap into the gas line and make sure it’s safe. Industrial Floor: Linda needs suggestions for flooring in an industrial building. She’ll need to remove loose paint from the old cement floor and then apply two-part epoxy paint for a durable surface. Uneven Deck: A floating deck that’s covering a cistern is heaving and uneven. Steve should take the deck apart, reframe it with better footings, and consider using composite materials with an access panel for the cistern. Concrete Basement Floor: The concrete basement floor is crumbling and flaking. Mary should improve her outside drainage first, then use a cement patching compound and some epoxy floor paint to seal the surface. Leaking Roof: Rain is leaking through the roof where it connects to the wall of an addition. We tell Steve how to remove the siding and improve the flashing to seal the space. Radiant Heated Floor: Jeanette has questions about installing radiant heated flooring in her bathroom and kitchen. It can be expensive to install and to run, but we have tips on using a timer and getting a contractor to do it right. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Centipedes: Get a leg up on banishing fast and freaky thousand-legger centipedes inside your home. Micro-Irrigation: Tiny drops produce big blooms with micro-irrigation for your garden. Paint Sprayers: New paint sprayer technology gets DIY paint projects done faster, easier, and with less waste. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. HVAC Blockage: Barely any air blows through one room in Leroy’s home. He gets tips on how to look for a duct blockage or a closed damper. Firepit Mortar: Michelle is building a fieldstone firepit but the mortar is dry and cracking. We suggest putting plastic over the surface to slow down the drying time and recommend some good products and videos. Lead Paint: Lauren is worried about lead in the paint that’s chipping and flaking in her old home. She needs to work with a painter who’s certified in lead paint containment to make sure her kids are safe. Water Heater: What is the slight leak coming from the PVC tube at the top of the water heater? Michael learns it’s just a pressure relief valve, but his old water heater should still be replaced. Converting a Deck: Diane wants to turn her deck into a closet and laundry room. It’s a good idea, but she should consult with an architect since it can be a complicated addition. Plumbing Noises: There’s a clicking noise behind the bathroom and closet. It’s probably pipes or metal siding expanding and contracting against Damian’s walls. Floor Moisture: Water is coming up from the concrete slab under Michelle’s laminate floor. She should check the drainage outside the house and use an exhaust fan with a humidistat to reduce condensation. Split Outlet: Why does the bottom plug work in an outlet but the top one doesn’t? Chris may have a split outlet that’s partly controlled by a switch. Popping Nails: Nails are popping out of the sheetrock near the ceiling and corners. We advise Bob to either replace the nails with drywall screws or overlap the existing nail heads with the heads of new nails. 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