The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Problem Neighbors: If you think your neighbors are annoying, you’re not alone! Find out the most common neighbor complaints. Cooling Your Home: Cooling your home starts with keeping the heat outside. We’ve got tips on how to adjust the temperature. Foundation Cracks: Cracks in your home are common, but when are they serious? Learn what causes them and when to worry. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Ceiling Cracks: What should Jamie do to fix cracks in the ceiling that keep returning? Tom offers step-by-step advice. Metal Roofing: Patrick is ready to change his roof but wants to know if metal roofing is worth the cost. There are advantages that can make it worthwhile. Old Bathtubs: What’s the best way to restore an old bathtub and add a showerhead? Caitlin learns how to get it re-enameled and plumb up the piping. Preserving a Porch: Ray likes his big wraparound porch but it wasn’t previously maintained. Tom gives him some info on how to preserve it with stain. HVAC Issues: The air conditioning cools every room in Stephanie’s house except the master bedroom. We have suggestions on how to make the HVAC more efficient. Well System: What is causing air pockets in David’s well water system? Problems with the pressure tank may be causing his explosive faucets. Rodents: Chipmunks may be cute, but not when they and other pests are getting into Linda’s steel shed. Here’s how to fill the gaps to keep wildlife out. Pet Hair: Man’s best friend is constantly shedding and David needs advice on how to keep the floors and carpeting clean. We’ve got suggestions on how to keep the dog hair under control. 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 Ventilation: Is your energy-efficient so airtight, it’s unhealthy? Proper ventilation will keep the fresh air flowing so you can breathe easier. Concrete Repair: Trying to repair old concrete by covering it with a new layer doesn’t work. We’ll let you know the best way to resurface worn-out concrete. Painting Your Shed: Does your backyard shed need sprucing up? Painting your shed is an easy DIY project you can do before storing summer stuff away. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Home Insulation: Carol’s raised house is hot in summer and cold in winter, but adding insulation may be all that’s needed. Tom explains how to keep things comfortable. Pest Control: When a surplus of spiders sets up camp around the yard, things can get creepy. Tom advises Ben on how to eliminate the nests and control the pests. Universal Bath Design: Having a bathroom that’s accessible for everyone is important for homeowners of all ages and abilities. We share info with Tracy on designing a bathroom to assist with special needs and where to find recommendations and resources. Linoleum Flooring: Chad wants to know if it’s worth trying to patch an old and damaged linoleum floor. Find out why flooring replacement may be a better option. Patio Cover: Annette is ready to finally get the patio cover she’s always wanted, but it may require some modifications to her low-pitch roof. We suggest who to speak with to get the architectural specs she needs. Pool Decking: Cool deck coating is easier on your bare feet when walking around the pool on a hot day, but Gloria says it can be hard to clean. We let her know what product to look for. Electrical Upgrade: Is it really necessary to install a new electrical panel to power up appliances in an older home? Jason gets good news about adding the new circuits that he needs. Water Conditioner: Do you need a water softener or a water conditioner for your home? Howard learns about the right product to treat the lime and scale in his water. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Storage Sheds: Need a new shed to gain some outside storage? Get ideas to suit your style and budget. Concrete Crafts: Who knew you could be creative with concrete? We’ve got info about fun and easy craft projects you can create with concrete. Removing Ivy: Ivy may look lovely, but it can damage your home’s exterior and attract pests. Here’s how to remove ivy and prevent it from taking root again. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Underground Roofs: Replacing the large roof on a unique underground home may be a challenge. Stan finds out which professionals he should speak with to design specs for the job. Basement Flooring: Should Mary install new carpeting in her basement or are there other flooring products she should use instead? We offer tips on better options for basement flooring. Garage Door Openers: When Bob’s garage door opener stops working, he wants to know if he should get a surge protector for the circuit board. Tom thinks it’s unusual but trusts the brand he’s considering. Floor Joists: Does an old kitchen floor need to be reinforced to support the weight of appliances? Tom tells Laura how to prevent sagging floors. Converting to a Gas Dryer: How hard is it to run a gas line to convert from an electric dryer to a gas model? Abram finds out it’s not difficult but should be done by a professional to avoid dangerous risks. Home Addition: When is a deck renovation really a home addition? Tom answers Diane’s questions about adding a closet and laundry room off her bedroom. Cedar Deck: After Tom builds a new cedar deck, we offer steps on how to preserve it. Shallow Roofs: What materials should you use on a shallow roof? Charlene finds out what she should use to replace the existing asphalt shingles on her roof with a shallow pitch. 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: Conserving Water in Your Yard: Can you have a healthy yard while conserving water? Here’s how to keep it growing through dry conditions. Decorative Ceilings: When adding architectural details to a room, don’t forget to look up! We’ve got tips on creating an eye-catching decorative ceiling. Terrazzo Flooring: Love traditional Terrazzo flooring but can’t afford the cost? Find out about an affordable alternative that offers the same beautiful look. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Toilet Noises: Why is Kathy’s toilet squealing when she runs her washing machine? Tom has ideas about what’s causing the noisy plumbing. Concrete Walkway Gaps: Are the spacers in your concrete walkway starting to deteriorate? Here’s what Robert found out about filling the gaps. Smoke Smells: Did the former homeowners leave behind the stench of smoke? William learns how to clear the air and get rid of smoke smells. HVAC Odors: When the air conditioning comes on, Jeff’s wife detects strange odors in their house. Cleaning ducts and replacing filters may do the trick. Refinishing a Patio: Portions of Grace’s beautiful concrete and brick patio are starting to pop up and turn colors. We’ve got tips on restoring her patio and preserving the pattern. Bathroom Walls: Besides tile, what are some other options for finishing a bathroom wall? Janet may want to consider a bathroom surround. Chimney Repair: After having her chimneys repaired, Lisa is advised to get them resealed, too. But Tom’s not so sure it’s necessary. 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: Energy-Efficient Windows: South-facing windows feel toasty in winter but can make you swelter in summer. Here’s how to feel comfy all year. Composite Decking Materials: Your existing deck may be solid but still need resurfacing. We’ve got info about composite decking materials that are easy to install and maintain. Protection from Ticks: Summer is the peak season for disease-carrying ticks. Find out how to protect yourself before they bite. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Caring for a Wood Swing Set: Do you have a wood playground or swing that’s getting dark and dingey? Tom has info for Erin on how to clean and brighten the surface of her pressure-treated wood. Installing a Koi Pond: Lee has questions about creating a custom koi pond. We’ve got answers on how to build it and what kind of forms and liners to use. Covering Ceiling Tiles: What are the options for covering a stained tile ceiling in a three-season porch? Kathleen learns more about how to use the faux tin ceiling she wants. PEX Piping: Is there a risk of rodents chewing through newly installed PEX piping? Dave finds out how likely it is. Painting a Deck Ceiling: After power washing the wood ceiling on her deck, Blair wants to know whether it’s better to repaint it with oil or latex paint. Find out which is the better choice. Moisture in a Laminate Floor: What causes water to seep up through laminate flooring over a concrete slab? We advise Michelle on how to improve drainage and reduce moisture that may damage the floor. Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Bob has sturdy old kitchen cabinets that he wants to strip and refinish. We have tips on what products and tools to use and how to do it. Heat Pumps: Is a heat pump the best way to reduce humidity in your home? Pat learns some better options and what the ideal indoor humidity should be. Condensation on Brick Surfaces: When Bruce finds white frost on his home’s bricks, he gets tips on sealing the chimney to prevent moisture and condensation. Cast Iron Tub Sounds: What’s the loud snapping sound that Sherry hears after using her cast iron tub? Tom calms her fears. 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: Child-Proofing Your Home: Are you overlooking ways to child-proof your home? Remember these important DIY tips for keeping your kids safe in every room. Energy-Efficient Windows: If you’ve got drafty old windows, there are ways to make them more energy-efficient without replacing them. Find out the best options for restoring windows in an older home. Upgrading Your Front Door: Making a good first impression begins with having a great front door. Here’s what to consider when choosing a new front door that will add value and style to your home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Musty Odors in a Vacant Home: Mary wants to know what could cause musty odors in a vacant home she’s purchasing that is built on a slab foundation. We’ve got ideas on how to clear the air once she moves in. Installing Flooring Over a Heated Concrete Slab: What kind of flooring should be used in a home with radiant heat? Tom gives some advice to Russ about radiant heat-compliant flooring products. Cleaning Brick Stains: Removing mortar stains on exterior brick requires careful cleaning. We have suggestions for Gail on how to clean brick surfaces without damaging them. Home Construction: What should you look out for when buying a home built in the 1960s? Tom talks with Phyllis about the quality of home construction in the ‘60s. Removing Smoke Odors: Beautiful exposed brick walls inside a home are holding onto the smell of smoke. We let Jeff know what to do when cleaning fails to solve the stinky problem. Replacing a Hot Water Heater: Eva is concerned about replacing the hot water heater that’s installed on an upper floor in her home. Tom has suggestions on how to affordably replace it with the best type of hot water heater. Caulking a Bathtub: Is there a trick to recaulking a bathtub? We confirm a great suggestion that Vernon remembers about the best way to apply bathroom caulk. Concrete Driveway and Pressure-Treated Deck: Bill wants to know if his new concrete driveway needs to be sealed and what to do about the sap coming out of his new pressure-treated wood deck. Tom offers tips on how to care for both. 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: Tired of watching water and money go down the drain to keep your lawn lush? Find out about drought-resistant grass to make your side of the fence greener. Love the look but can’t afford the cost of granite countertops? We’ve got info about an amazing product that applies easily and gives outstanding, realistic results on any surface. Thinking of redecorating your home but don’t know where to begin? It may be time to consult with an interior designer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Problems with Contractors: What should you do when a contractor does poor work or leaves a job unfinished? Tom offers advice to Oralee about next steps after she loses money on an incompetent brick mason. Clogged Pipes: After installing a new water heater, Louis still has low water pressure and suspects a broken or blocked pipe. Tom discusses the best replacement for galvanized pipes that tend to clog. Tree Roots and Foundations: Can pear trees do damage if they’re planted near a home? We ease Lynn’s concerns about her concrete foundation. Window Mold and Mildew: Condensation in vinyl double-paned windows can cause problems with mold and mildew. Don may need to maintain or replace some windows and reduce the humidity in his home. Granite Countertops: What are some good options for refinishing an old laminate countertop in Frankie’s kitchen? Check out this amazing DIY product that provides the look and feel of granite. Bathroom Cleaning Products: Charles wants to know what cleaning product he should use for his bathroom tile and other surfaces. 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: Stylish Lighting Updates: If you want to create a new look in any room, pendant lights are a bright idea! We’ve got tips on installing energy-efficient pendant lighting as an easy DIY design solution. Best Irrigation for Hot Weather Gardening: Micro Irrigation can help with the big problem of helping plants thrive in hot weather. Here’s what to know about directing water right where you need it most. How to Prep for a Storm: Are you prepared if unexpected severe weather strikes? Get tips on what to have to keep your home, car, and workplace ready for any emergency. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Removing Carpet Glue: Removing exterior carpet that’s been glued down is a sticky situation. Maria gets advice from Tom about pulling up carpeting on an outside step and refinishing the surface. Leaky Storm Shelter: Storm shelters are meant to offer protection from the elements. Jack finds out what to do about a shelter roof that’s leaking. Tile Fireplace: Susan wants to remove tile around her fireplace hearth and paint the bricks. We’ve got info about painting over the tile instead. Cracked Tile Floor: If floor tiles crack and you can’t find the same kind, should they be repaired or replaced? We offer Dan some suggestions on why tiles crack and how to get creative when replacing them. Building a Deck Step: Steve wants to add a step to make it easier to enter his cabin from the deck. Tom has advice on how large the step should be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Pets enjoy outdoor living, too, and need a safe space to have fun. Here are four suggestions on ways to protect your pets and give you peace of mind while enjoying your yard with your furry friends. Building a deck is one of the best ways to expand your outdoor living space. This DIY project is made even easier with a great deck kit on the market. Are hungry deer destroying your garden? We’ve got tips on how to prevent deer from turning your yard into a buffet. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Kitchen Flooring: It may be better to replace a worn-out kitchen floor that’s past it’s prime instead of trying to restore it. Tom has suggestions about durable new flooring products for Harry in Delaware. Ceiling Stains: Long after a leak stops, you may still have ugly water stains on your ceiling. Pat gets advice on how to cover up the water damage on her drywall ceiling. Rotted Wood Under a New Roof: What happens when a new roof is installed over rotted wood? Dave needs info on addressing structural repairs that were neglected when his new roof was installed. Treating an Outdoor Wood Playset: Erin’s pressure-treated wood playset is turning black and starting to crack. Tom offers details about wood cleaning products and stains to help protect and restore it again. Flagstone Walkways: Can you install a flagstone walkway on top of a concrete slab? We give Will some tips on how to do it and what to use. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: If your outdoor concrete patio is old, worn, or cracked, there’s an easy way to give it a new look with pavers that can be installed right over the existing surface. We’ll give you the info you need for this DIY project. Cleaning bathroom mold and mildew is a chore you can avoid with a few easy preventive steps. Find out how to keep mold away with these smart bathroom ventilation tips. Leftover paint can be great for touchups and new projects, but how can you tell if it’s still good to use? We’ve got tips on how to properly store leftover paint so it will last. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Painting Vinyl Siding: Is there a good way to paint vinyl siding? David learns what kind of exterior paint to use and how to apply it so he can change the color of his home. Foggy Glass Doors: Condensation between the panes of an insulated glass door can ruin the view. We’ve got advice for Pam on how to clear things up. Site-Built vs. Modular Home Construction: Michael wants to know which is the better home building option. We share the pros and cons of both traditional site-built construction and modular homes. Silencing a Squeaky Door: Squeaky doors can be annoying, especially when oil and new hinges don’t do the trick. Sandy finds out another way to silence a persistent problem with upgraded hinges. Solar Panel Installation: Rick is looking for advice on installing solar panels on his property instead of on his roof. Tom shares some concerns about the true savings of solar panels and what to be aware of when researching different companies. Basement Foundation Cracks: Significant cracks in basement walls have Dixie concerned, and for good reason. Tom offers info on when a structural engineer is needed and what to do next. 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: Above ground pools can be a fun addition to your backyard space. But the site of a 4-foot tall, 24-foot-wide bathtub in the middle of your entertaining space doesn’t always add to the outdoor décor! We share tips to make above ground pools an attractive and affordable addition to your backyard space. We love sitting around the fire pit on a cool summer evening. But if you don’t have a fire pit, building one is now as easy as stacking blocks. We’ll tell you about a system of modular rustic building blocks that can be assembled to create firepits, plants and more. Vinyl fencing has become more and more popular as an alternative to traditional wood fencing. But is it really worth the extra cost? We’ll walk you thought the pros and the cons of vinyl vs wood fences. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Retaining Walls: Tom, helps Alex figure out the easiest way to build a retaining wall by using interlocking blocks instead of wood. Replacement Windows: Elie wants to know the most energy efficient materials for a replacement window. Rust Stains: Doug needs help to prevent rust stains from forming on his pool and patio areas. Getting Rid of Woodchucks: Darlene is dealing with a major population of wood chicks that are destroying her garden. Best Soft Floor: Casey needs help choosing the best floor for her special needs son. Find out why we recommend cork flooring. Cleaning Wood Floors: Margaret wants our recommendation for the best floor cleaners for wood floors. Bad Electrical Outlets: Steve needs a solution for a number of ungrounded electrical outlets in his home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Summer vacations can be fun and relaxing experience, but they can also be fun for burglars who love hitting vacant houses! We share a few tips to keep intruders away and make sure the home you come back to is exactly like you left it. Do you consider energy efficiency when buying appliances, like refrigerators or televisions? You might be surprised to learn that your homes biggest energy waster may live in the laundry room. It’s your dryer! We explain why and how to get the most out of this mission critical machine. Need to set a post for a fence or flagpole, but don’t want to go through the trouble of mixing and pour concrete to keep it in place? We share a trick of the trade to do that in minutes! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Smoke Odor: Reno’ing a home occupied by smokers? Yuck! We share how to get rid of smoke smells and help you breathe easy once again. Leaking Shower: Max has a leaking Carrara marble shower. Tom shares two options for repairing a shower leak, one super simple and another that’s not! Building a Porch: Is adding a brand-new porch possible for a DIY’r? We help Darlene avoid a potential DIY disaster. Fixing a Foundation Leak: Leaking foundation walls are easier to fix than you can imagine. We walk Jeffrey through the solution. Getting Rid of Moles: Leslie explains how to get rid of a mole problem, by eliminating their food source. Restoring a Concrete Patio: We help Carrie with the best paver product to recover a concrete patio that looks worn. Fixing Rotted Wood: Joe wants to know why his newly painted wood is rotting after only two years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: We’ve got 3 low-cost kitchen renos you can get done for well under a thousand bucks to add style and convenience without draining your bank account! Creating an outdoor living space is a popular home improvement project. But what’s best for your home: a deck or a patio? We’ll walk you through the options. You don’t think too much about your roof until it leaks. Then its ALL you can think about. We’ll share tips to spot small problems before they become big ones. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cedar may be rot resistant but its not rot proof. We help Beverly select the best stain for her cedar covered patio. Taking on home improvement project can lead to lots of surprises, but Nils discovered a huge snakeskin when taking on his, along with a whole host of insects. Tom offers tips to avoid infestations, and the best pesticides to use. Mercedes needs help dealing with roof leaks caused by nail holes that were mistaken made inside metal flashing. We share the best way to repair a roof for a permanent fix. John needs tips to increase the output of solar panels, that have become dirty due to pollen and tree droppings. Popcorn ceilings may have been popular a long time ago but now they’re a big pain! Leslie shares tips on how to remove a popcorn ceiling. Brian needs help with a septic system that seems to be creating a sink hole! Tom quickly nails down the problem and provides the solution. Mil needs a solution for repairing a cracked shower pan. Tom shares a trick of the trade to set a shower pan and make sure it never cracks again. 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: Now is a great time to make sure your home’s cooling plan is set to deliver both comfort and energy efficiency. We share low-cost to no-cost cooling tips that will do just that. Between the splinters and the staining, a wood deck can take a fun out of summer weekends. We highlight a better option available at Lowes called a Trex Deck Kit which makes updating or replacing your deck with beautiful new composite decking a breeze. Do you need a new roof and want to save on air-conditioning costs? You can actually do both. We’ll tell you about some very cool roofing technology that can help keep you comfortable and save you money. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Brick foundation walls have lasted over a century but mortar repair and repointing is needed to cover the next 100 years! Tom shares the best recipe to mix your own mortar from cement, sand and lime. Jenny says she needs a floor finish that can stand up to three dogs and a man! We walk her through how to refinish a floor. Have you ever noticed vinyl siding that’s buckled on one or more sides of your house? We help Earl understand why this is happening and what it’ll take to iron out those ruffles! Flagstone patios are a great start to an outdoor living space but not when the stones are loose and buckled. Darlene needs help restoring her patio for long term stability. If you are remodeling a house with plaster walls, should you remove the old plaster or cover the walls with new drywall? We help Earl avoid a valuable lesson Tom learned when taking this project on for the first time. Noisy pipes can be annoying. Tom helps listener Damian understand the hidden source of clicking and ticking sound inside the walls and floors of his house. Lauren is taking on a paint project in an old house and is worried about exposing her young kids to lead paint. Leslie shares her own experience and how to avoid exposure. Water heaters can drip, but it doesn’t always mean the tank is bad. Tom shares tips from his years of home inspection experience to help Michael track down the source of a leaking water heater and possibly even fix it himself. Firepits are a popular project. Tom and Leslie help Michele with tips on how to build your own including the best mix of mortar. Marty wants to know the best way to repair a crack in brick without seeing the crack. Get tips on how to find and mix a color dye to match the brick. 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: Taking on a paint project this summer? We’ve got six things to remember before you pick up the paintbrush. Concrete is one of the most durable building products ever invented but even concrete needs repair to fix cracks or worn surfaces. We share easy fixes to make without replacing the original concrete. Is your outdoor furniture looking like it’s at the end of its days? Painting can bring it back to life. We’ll share tips on the easiest way to get that done. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Barbara from South Dakota has loose tile flooring in her recently renovated bathroom. Howard in Texas wants to know how to fix a retaining wall that is starting to lean. Judy from Minnesota want help getting rid of moisture in her below grade space. Michael in Tennessee wants to know if he can use a foam spray to support a fiberglass showers stall. Alison from New York needs a humane way to get rid of squirrels in her yard. Craig in Rhode Island wants to replace a shut off valve but can’t easily access it without ripping apart his bathroom. Alicia from North Carolina has a cracked patio slab that keeps getting bigger and doesn’t know what to do about it. Jim in Delaware is wondering what part of his dryer vent he needs to replace. 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: Are you getting ready to take a vacation this summer? From burglars to break downs, we’ve got tips to help take care of your house while your away! If your lawn is full of weeds, don’t just pull them before you pay attention to what’s causing the problem. We’ll share how to “read” your weeds just ahead. As we move into the “dog days” of summer, we’ve got tips to help keep your AC chugging along through the hottest days of summer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Helen in Arizona is having an issue with bubbling paint on her wall. Mike from Arkansas has a leaky upstairs window when it rains and thinks it’s due to the soffit. Debbie in Ontario needs to know how to fill cracks on a cement patio. Randy from Texas has a deck that has wood that is starting to shrink due to moisture. Susan in California wants to know if she has to resurface her driveway or just replace it entirely. Ken from Texas want to know if he should add a ductless air conditioning system to his home. Sharon in Ohio has a furnace that is pulling sewer gas from her sump pump. Pat from Nebraska has a 5 year old dishwasher that won’t work anymore. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: The summer season with its intense heat can be really rough on your roof. We share a way to protect, restore flexibility and extend your roof life by 5 years. Hurricane season is here and researchers predict 19 big storms! We’ll help you make sure your house is ready. Having trouble with allergies? It’s important you have a filter that can truly catch the dust, dirt and pollen that makes its way onto your lungs! We’ll share a new type of HVAC filter that is so effective, it’ll last for an entire year. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Catherine from Arizona needs help laying new sod and making sure is survives the super-hot climate. Steve in Tennessee is running out of hot water! We help nail down why his electric water heater may be failing after only 5 years. Angelo from Florida wants to know how to prep fiberglass window shutters that have faded for a new paint job. Mary in Alaska has is considering going to tankless water heater and wants to learn more about them. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you’ve ever taken on a tiling project, you may know that it’s messy and can take DAYS to wait for the adhesive to set, before you can grout. We’ll show you a trick of the trade to install tile that’s a lot less messy and far faster. Do you think the best way to save time and energy cutting the grass is to set the mower as low as possible so you won’t have to mow that often? Well, you might be surprised to find out that can actually end up being MORE work in the long run! Find out why and what length to cut the lawn in Spring, Summer and Fall (and yes, it changes for each season!) If you’d love build a firepit, patio or outdoor kitchen, we show you really easy ways to get those projects done by stacking precast, concrete blocks. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Cheryl in Virginia has a concrete porch that is starting to come apart and wants to know the easiest way to repair. We’ve got a great solution for Dan from Tennessee who is having carpenter bees eat his way through his fascia board. Norma in Delaware wants to update her bath by adding a one-piece shower panel. Marty from Mississippi is looking for the best product is to match and seal his brick and mortar wall. We help Eleanor in Virginia with easy ways to clean algae off her composite decking Stewart from Rhode Island wants to know the best replacement for an oil-fired water heater. Sheila in Oklahoma is looking for recommendations on countertop paints and whether they work well. Ben from Illinois wants to know how to painting a popcorn ceiling. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Staining a wood deck is a popular summer project. We share how to get that project done in a weekend, plus we review new high efficiency airless paint sprayers that can cut project time by as much as a third. Summer marks the riskiest time of year for pool drownings, the leading cause of death to young children! We share a pool safety approach called layers of protection, the best way to backup parental supervision and keep kids safe. Now that the AC season is in full swing, have you thought about changing your air filter? If you have a forced air system, that filter plays an important role in keeping your cooling system operational. We’ll explain why and highlight a new type of filter that can keep your system clean for a full year. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Pam from Missouri wants to install an automatic sensor onto her dimmer light. Dan wants to know how to deflect heat from his tin roof. Heather in Texas needs help getting rid of black mold in her bathroom. Max called in asking, what the best joist size for composite decking? Lorrain from Vermont has an ant invasion in her home. Brandon in California is having water hammer issues with his shower. Pat from Iowa wants to know the best way to paint aluminum siding. Bob in Tennessee wants to know if cell service is impacted by a metal roof. Mary from Wisconsin wants to know an alternative to rubber back carpeting for her basement. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Are you a do-it-yourselfer but need a better do-it-yourself workspace? We show you how to create a productive and efficient garage workspace to handle projects big and small. If your AC is going to go on the fritz… it’s going to happen on the hottest day of the year. We review the top reasons AC systems decide to quit and what you can do to restore the cool. Replacing your front door is a project that can increase both your home’s value and its curb appeal. Find out how best to get that project done. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Anthony in New York wants to know how to repair a chimney that is losing its stucco. Mia from Iowa is looking for the best way to remove glued outdoor carpeting from her deck. Kevin in Georgia needs help getting rid of carpenter bees that are destroying his screened-in porch. Sally wants know if there is a fix for double pane windows that are fogging up between the panes. John from Maryland is looking for a side venting gas water to reduce the space his current one takes up. Fonda in South Dakota needs ideas on how to makeover her patio while she is redoing her backyard space. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: You may be ready for summer, but is your outdoor living space ready, too? We’ve got a pre-summer checklist to make sure your house is good to go for the season ahead! Heavy spring rains can find their way through your roof. That’s why now is the perfect time for a roof inspection. We’ll share how to do just that, without climbing a ladder! And now that we have windows open more often, are you noticing that yours are not easy to GET open and closed? It could be a sign that they weren’t installed right. We explain the fix. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Shirley from Nebraska hard water has caused her to replace her water heater four times in twenty eight years and wants to know what the solution is. Jason has noisy plumbing that only happens in his master bathroom tub. Shirley in Oregon has some concerns about fire safety with solar panels on her roof. Mike from Wisconsin wants to know how to restore a field stone foundation. Carol in Arkansas has a commode that isn’t draining properly. Mary from Maryland has wood bees destroying her porch. Russell in Texas has pre-hung doors that aren’t lining up with the frame. Jan from Texas wants to swap her shower drain with her toilet drain. Randy in Idaho has a cracked foundation that is an inch and a half wide and needs advice on how to repair it. Jenni from North Dakota wants to know how to move a lilac bush. 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: Skylights let in lots of light but some let in leaks leak more than others. We’ll tell which ones leak the most and share a tip the easiest way to add a skylight to your home in just 2-hours or less. If you’ve got any furry family members, it’s smart to think about which flooring types might hold up best in the face of scratchy paws, accidents and excessive shedding! We review the best options. They say good fences make good neighbors but how exactly do you build a good fence? We’ve got the solution for fences that stand the test of time. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Holly from Kansas has a banging noise coming from her new washing machine. Bill in Florida needs some tips on removing cigarette smell from a house. Nancy from Michigan needs the recipe for deck cleaning soap. Michael in Florida has a pool deck that is starting to crack. Daniel form California is concerned about using the proper sealer on his new travertine flooring. Pat in Hawaii is curious about prepping her roof for fibrous aluminum paint. Rob from Iowa need help getting rid bed bugs they picked up on vacation. Michelle in California spilled glue on her floor and needs help getting it up. Brian from Ohio is dealing with a settling house and wants to know if he should re-square it. Erica in Illinois has peeling walls and ceiling paint that is starting to wreck havoc in her home. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: According to the new survey, over 60% of homebuyers experience "Buyer’s Remorse" after the sale! We'll share the most common regrets and how to avoid them. If your roof is more than 10 or 15 years old, you might be thinking that it’ll need replacement soon. Maybe not, we’ll share a new product that can add 5 years of life to your roof with a single treatment. Also ahead, buying green is all the rage today but did you ever wonder what makes a product truly green? There are actually a lot of factors and just as many false claims of “greenness.” We will help sort the ones that count. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Mary in Massachusetts is wonder if she can close her ridge vent. Mathew from Texas has an issue with his sink flange. Debra in Pennsylvania wants to know why she needs to replace her rubber flashing? Tim from New York wants an easier fix to repair sink cracks. Donna needs help cleaning showers. Vincent in Delaware is concerned about the cracking in his home. Carolyn from Iowa wants to know how to brighten up quartz flooring? Randy in Ohio needs the best stain for a freshly built deck. Sharon from Tennessee wants to how to choose the right water heater. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: This is a great time of year to give wood decks, trim or fencing a spruce up. We’ll give you tips on how to pick the perfect stain or brightener to have it fixed up for the season ahead. When kids hit the playground, safety is the last thing on their minds – but it really needs to be the first thing on our minds when we are creating these spaces. We’ve got guidelines to help. Do you have areas around your house that are just ridiculously difficult to clean? We share tips for cleaning some of the most difficult spaces. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Luke from Illinois wants to know if he can put a metal roof on top of shingles. Sabrina in Washington has newly poured grout that is already cracking. Mark from South Carolina wants to know the pros and cons of close cell vs. open cell insulation. Clyde from Missouri wants to know if an electric tankless water heater exist? Elvis in Texas needs help replacing Kitec plumbing. Donna from North Carolina needs to fix squeaky floors. Frank in Massachusetts has paint coming off his cedar siding. Carol from Texas wants to know if you can put a stain on pressure treated wood? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Have you been sneezing a lot lately? The allergy season is in full bloom and may last longer than usual. We share the best filters to keep allergens away. We love to celebrate the DIY spirit but as your DIY coaches we want to make sure you’re always careful when taking on those projects! Find out about a new study that details which home improving tools cause the most injuries - and here’s a hint - they’re NOT power tools! Are you ready to take on a big painting project this holiday weekend, like maybe painting the entire exterior of your house? As challenging as that may sound, its actually totally doable. We’ll share tips on tools that make the job a lot easier. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Sherlynn From Delaware has a leaky water pipe for her pool pipe. Sam in Louisiana is concerned about knob and tube wiring and how it might affect his insulation. Ella from Arkansas wants to know if putting new roofing layer over mold will have an affect on her allergies. Barb in Illinois is having a problem with hot water stopping mid-usage. Charlotte from Louisiana wants to expand her patio to divert water from pooling in her yard. Bryce in North Carolina needs to repair the ceiling in his bathroom with sheet plastic. Krista from Vermont has low water pressure from her shared well. Tim in Arizona is curious if it’s worth it to insulate a garage. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you’d love to have a backyard swimming spot, we share a cool option over traditional chlorine pools; natural in-ground pools that are pond-like, gorgeous and earth-friendly options. Looking for a new floor that’s beautiful, durable and totally waterproof? We found it! It’s called Duravana and made using stone hybrid technology. We’ll share more about this affordable new flooring technology. Memorial Day Weekend is here. And along with barbecues and pool openings, we honor the service and sacrifices of our troops. That’s why now is a good time to display your patriotism by flying the flag. We’ll share tips, including how to attach flagpole brackets to a wide variety of siding materials. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Roy wants to know the best way to put in a walkway for his yard and if it’s a DIY project? Michelle in Alabama is having a mold issue just above her baseboard. Sage from New York is having a minute long delay for his outside faucet to turn on. Selena in Tennessee wants to know if she needs to replace her supply price if she is replacing all of her drainpipes. Moshe from Ohio wants to know if there is a caulking silicone that will last longer than a year. Andrea in Ontario has black mold behind her sink that she can’t get rid of. Anthony from New York has a stucco chimney that is starting to break off. Heidi in North Carolina wants to know if she can move the fuse box inside and how to find someone to finish converting a sub panel. Carol from Oregon has rusty well water corroding her toilets. Margaret in Virginia has a rusty cast iron tub she would like to restore. 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: Building an outdoor kitchen may be on your “someday” list. But someday could be today thanks to a new type of very affordable modular brick. Find out how building a complete outdoor kitchen could be as easy as stacking blocks. It’s always nice to hear the sounds of birds around your home - unless it’s he sound of a bird crashing into your window! Bird strikes are surprisingly common. We’ll share tips on how to protect your feathered friends. If your Spring Cleaning includes power washing stained concrete surfaces, we’ll share a sealer you can use to protect against a wide variety of stains and more. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Mike in Vermont needs advice to deal with his deck stain that is starting to peel. Dana has picture windows where the glazing is starting to come undone. John from Virginia wants to know what he can do to hide the rust on his standing seam metal roof. Joan in Montana is looking to make an enclosed addition to her home and wants tips for building it. Jeff from South Carolina has a feral cat problem terrorizing his backyard. Renee in Delaware has a sump pump that’s making some worrisome noises and wants to know what the cause might be. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in your backyard but keep OUT of the public eye? Tom and Leslie share the best ways to plant privacy screens as a natural option over fencing. Building a new deck is a great way to start really enjoying your outdoor spaces, but what exactly is the right TYPE of wood to use? We walk you through the four most common options to help you chose the best decking at a great price. By the time most of us spot a roof leak, the water is usually dripping through a ceiling somewhere. But roof leaks actually start forming a LOT earlier than that. Find out how to catch leaks-in-the-making. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Justina needs help identifying whether she has carpenter ants or termites. Paul from Hawaii needs help getting rid of a strong mildew smell under a granite countertop sink. Eloise in North Carolina has a problem with squirrels eating away on her home. Ken from North Dakota needs advice on how to choose the best attic vents for his house. Debbie in Arkansas wants to know how to remove liquid nails from exposed brick walls. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Butterflies are one of the best parts of spring and summer and attracting them to your means you’ll have an army of pollinators working hard in your garden. We share the top 5 flowers that will encourage them to make your home, their home. Are you ready to take on a big paint project this Spring like a deck, a fence or even the entire exterior of your house? It’s become a lot easier to do. We walk you through new high-efficiency airless paint sprayers. Right about now we are in the middle of the Spring flooring season, a time when new products, patterns and colors emerge and establish trends for years to come. We'll share insight on what’s new, what’s next and what’s trending in flooring for the season. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Alan from Tennessee has a cracked driveway he needs to patch. Jane in Washington DC needs a eco-friendly, non-toxic rug. Tonya from North Carolina has a door sill and jamb that is starting to rot. Kirk in California wants to know how to preserve an older patio. Kimberly from Texas needs to repair a leak in her metal roof. John in Florida wants to know the best product for weatherstripping fiberglass double doors. Pat from Iowa is wondering if it’s possible to paint aluminum siding? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Outdoor kitchens have never been more popular -- but cooking and dining outside require special recipes of their own. We’ll have tips for easiest way to build an amazing outdoor kitchen. Spring storms can turn everyday objects into projectiles that can-do serious damage to your home. Learn how a DIY inspection that can help you spot small repairs before they grow into big problems. Did you know that slips and falls cause more than 1 million visits to the emergency room each year? We’ll share a super durable new anti-slip products that can make both indoor and outdoor surfaces safer and more attractive. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Kelly from Texas wants to know how to properly vent his attic. Dawn in Florida is curious how to retexture her ceiling. Charles from Ohio needs durable landscaping that can handle his dogs. Cynthia in New York wants to know what the correct price should be for waterproofing. Olen from North Carolina is wondering if PEX or ONIX piping is better for his radiant flooring. Judy in Florida has wants to restore her laminate countertop. David from Texas has rotting wood siding towards the bottom of his house and needs a replacement. Gayla in Washington is looking for cooling solutions for her home. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Are you green with envy over your neighbor’s lush lawn? We’ll share tips to help you catch up and get started on a healthy green lawn. In their first ever State of the Pro Report, Lowes polled their pros to learn which projects are in demand for 2022, shifts in projects being completed by DIY vs. Pros. The result offer a great roadmap for both pros and the consumers who are planning projects this year Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoor rooms. Now is also the time to spruce up a favorite outdoor room—your deck, we share deck cleaning tips. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Rob in Iowa has a cedar trim deck that he is trying to paint and is considered about the boards not matching the rest of the deck. Sandy from Pennsylvania is trying to figure out which is the best type of garage to build with her colonial. Steven in Texas is looking for a formaldehyde and VOC free kitchen cabinets. Merilyn from Louisiana found pet stains under her carpeting and needs advice cleaning them. Gary in Hawaii wants to split electricity between two fixtures. Hugo wants to know the best HVAC to replace his 30 year old one. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If your roof is more than 10 or 15 years old, we share a new product that can add 5 years of life to your roof with a single treatment. Are you planning a project to improve your outdoor living but want to be sure the project makes your home more valuable? We’ll share the details on a project that can deliver years of enjoyment along with great ROI when it comes time to sell. If you’ve lost heat this past winter and thinking about installing a backup system, we’ve got recommendations for the best backup heat options – especially when the power goes out. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Dave in Kansas needs a recommendation on a good kitchen floor. Marie needs design advice about slab kitchen cabinet doors. Scott in Iowa wants to know what he needs to do before painting over loose plaster. Anne has a crack on her front porch she needs help fixing. Robert from Washington has rust spots forming on his stainless steel appliances. Teddie in Oregon is dealing with a wet crawlspace and foundation. Jeff in Iowa needs a solution for a toilet that empties bowls in two bathrooms when flushed. Deb from Wyoming has one patch of grass that doesn’t grow properly like the rest of her lawn. Bill and Gene from Missouri wants to know how thick to make a new concrete floor and what the best finish is. 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: Winter's harsh winds, snow, and ice can weaken your roof, allowing heavy spring rains to seep through. That’s why now is the perfect time for a roof inspection. We show you how! Just last month, the average national price for regular gas reached its highest price EVER!!! That strain is impacting the costs of home improvement. We’ll share tips on how to work with contractors during these unusual times. The laundry room might seem safe enough, but anywhere there’s extreme heat and lots of water, there’s potential for trouble. We’ll walk you through the most common trouble spots and tell you how to prevent leaks, fires and breakdowns. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: George in Iowa needs advice on making sealing a deck a one-time job. Tina from Tennessee is considering a install a metal roof on top of asphalt shingles. Mark in Oregon has an old hardwood floor he wants to restore. Margie from Delaware wants to know if she should lay plastic vapor barrier underneath her house to reduce moisture. Chuck in Rhode Island needs advice to get rid of blood stain from carpeting. Louise from Texas is having a hard time removing and cleaning a vine from her wall. Allen in Idaho has a cracked foundation that is still cracking after being filled with epoxy. Dan from Pennsylvania needs a way to clear out clogs in his cast iron plumbing. 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: Are you looking forward to having a colorful Spring flower garden? We share tips on the quickest way to get those bright colors blooming, no matter where you live. If you find that your cakes are salty and your meatloaf is sweet –you might need better lighting in your kitchen! We’ll share tips to brighten the space – and maybe even make you a better cook! We highlight some of our favorite earth-friendly home improvement ideas this hour, to help you save energy, water and money! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Lee has cement board siding that needs repairs after getting scratched up by a new puppy. Laura in Mississippi needs tips to keep moisture levels to a minimum in her home. Lester from Tennessee wants to deal with squeaky carpeted floor. Diane in Tennessee wants to know how she should apply Venetian Plaster to her entertainment space. Dottie from Oregon wants to know what the best concrete stain to use. Dean in Pennsylvania needs help insulating a basement. Colleen from Texas wants a product recommendation for resurfacing a dock. Ralph in Missouri needs advice installing cathedral ceilings. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you're hoping for a lush, green lawn, now is the perfect time to set up your sprinkler system for success. We’ll explain how to dial it in for water efficiency and effectiveness. Building a fence is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, home value and keep out the wildlife. Whether it’s a project you want to do yourself – or one you’d plan to hire out for – we’ll share 5 tips to help make sure your fence project is a success! Mulch is an important element to any spring garden or landscape plans, but how much mulch is too much mulch? We’ll share tips, including an important caution about one popular type of mulch to avoid - because can grow fungus that sticks to your house and your car and be almost impossible to get rid of! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Heidi in North Carolina wants to know if she should move her main fuse panel inside. Mike from Minnesota is trying to vent his dryer more efficiently. Donna in Washington needs to clean cedar siding that is starting to chip. Dennis from Wyoming asks if he can install green board behind a thermoplastic shower wall. Judy in Tennessee wants to know the best way to care for hardwood flooring. Doug from Virginia needs to clean spray foam insulation off Vinyl Siding. Ted has a musty smell in his finished basement. Joyce in Missouri wants to know what product to use to refinish hardwood floor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: How’s that Spring cleaning going? A cluttered home can definitely leave you feeling stressed. But clearing the deck of clutter is not something that has to take a huge commitment of time. We’ve got 5 clutter busting tips that can help Are you green with envy over your neighbor’s lush lawn? We’ll help you catch up with Spring lawn care tips to get started on a healthy green lawn. Got Rot? Or is that Termites! Damaged wood can detract from your home’s value. But to make the fix, you first have to know the cause. Learn how to tell what’s been eating your home and make it go away for good. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Peter from Maryland needs a solution for cracks in hardwood floors. Pam in Missouri has recessed lighting and wants to know if it’s smart to stock up on lightbulbs needed for these fixers, or just replace them. John from Wisconsin is move a washer and dryer in his spare bedroom and wants to know install the venting. Lynne in Colorado wants to know how to repair a leaking shower. Tim from Virginia how to fix painted windows that stick. Joyce in Rhode Island needs to know how remove a smoke odor from her apartment. Mark from West Virginia is wondering if he can install a metal roof over asphalt shingles or does he need to remove the old roof first. Amy in Iowa wants to know if she should test for radon before installing a basement floor. Scott from Michigan has a garage door that keeps freezing to the ground. Ellie in Florida wants to know if it’s worth it to keep her water softener. Jim from Ohio has a high water table even though he has a subsurface draining system. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Looking for family-friendly outdoor activities for you and your little ones? Creating a kid-friendly garden is a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun project! We share some ideas to get started. Spring is a great time to evaluate your roof before big storms happen. If it looks like it’s ready for replacement, don’t plan on that big expense just yet. Tom & Leslie share a much less expensive way to extend its life. Are messy pets creating a decorating dilemma? Are you afraid that anything you buy will be ruined by your well-meaning pooch? We’ll have tips to help you get the best of both worlds. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Karen in Pennsylvania has mold behind wallpaper and needs to get rid of it. Mark from Nevada has radiant heat in his house that has been poorly installed. Kristine in Washington has a leaky opening in her chimney. Glen wants to know how to properly put in a dryer duct. Dewey wants to know how to get rid of a sewage leak smell in his basement apartment. Judy wants to know the best way to clean hardwood floors. Gary from Virginia has an odor coming from his bathroom plumbing after he takes a shower. 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: Are you ready to add a deck to your backyard for the warmer weather ahead? One simple yet surprisingly simple deck design mistake can lead to a disastrous deck collapse! Find out what’s needed to stay safe and secure. Spring cleaning is not the most popular project but did you there’s now a Top 10 List for the Most Hated Cleaning Jobs? We’ll share the chores most people would like to avoid. If you’re ready to shop for new appliances, did you know there are actually TWO price tags you need to consider? We’ll share what second less obvious price tag is all about. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: James from Delaware has a whistling sound coming from his 4-year-old water heater. Helen in Massachusetts had a plumbing leak in her basement and now wants to know what kind of flooring to use to replace the carpeting. Andres from Tennessee is trying to relocate his air intake and thermostat from a bedroom. Kelly needs to get rid of insects and rodents in her basement. Rich in Illinois is calling about the best way to treat his older cedar siding. Esther from South Dakota wants to buy a new furnace and is wondering if she can use her existing chimney as a way to get the vent pipe up through the roof? Dan has white powder forming on his 3-year-old brick home. Janet in South Carolina needs a suggestion for a rustic wooden look on her kitchen walls. Joel from Arkansas wants to move a beam that has become an eye soar in his home. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you'd love to have a backyard pool but are short of backyard space, I have two words for you: Spool Pool! Learn how to combine the benefits of a pool and spa in one very refreshing backyard feature. Breathing allergy-free air inside your home is more important than ever this time of year. We’ll share ways to make sure the air INSIDE your home is as clean as possible to avoid all that allergy misery! Is your driveway worn, chipped or suffer from nasty oil stains? Tom & Leslie walk you through a low-cost driveway makeover to clean up stains and restore the surface in a single weekend for a fresh start this Spring! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Pat from New Hampshire wants to know how to restore foundation cracks along with floor cracks in his garage wall. Todd in Utah needs tips insulating his workspace in the garage with a spray foam insulation. Karen from Pennsylvania has mold behind her wallpaper wants to know what the best way to remove mold. Greg in Arizona needs help to extending a metal roof. Dorothy from Tennessee wants to know how she can repurpose an inground pool. 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: Refreshing your home with new décor for the season is fun – but sometimes the costs add up! If you’re not sure if your budget is ready to handle the hit, we’ve got 5 hacks to help save lots of money decorating your home sweet home. Backyard fire pits are a popular project for Spring – and build one is a project you can do yourself! We walk you through, step-by-step and block-by-block! Adding a backyard deck is one sure-fire way to increase your home's living space. But is building a deck a DIY project or one you should hire out? We sort out the pros and cons and help you make the best choice. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: John wants to know if Spray Foam insulation is the right choice for his Florida home. Ruth in Delaware wants to know why her electric water heater that doesn’t last even after replacing the elements. Woodpeckers are attacking Bruce’s home in Arizona! We share an amazingly simple hack that will keep woodpeckers away for good! Bobbie in Ohio cut down a tree and wants to know how to install a sidewalk over the roots. Mike has a home with two fireplaces that are not drafting out properly. Freida has a microwave under light that keeps burning out regularly and wants to know the cause. Jim from Illinois has drafty original windows in his 100-year-old home and wants to stop drafts without replacing the windows. Marleen in Montana wants to restore her faded garage doors. Louise from Delaware has a deck on her backdoor that is under attack by carpenter bees. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you’ve you made energy saving improvements to your home, those improvements could just help you sell your home even more quickly than the competition. We’ll explain how to capture this added value. Throughout the pandemic, smart home products have become more popular as more people than ever are working from home and using their living spaces in new ways. We'll share the latest innovations. There is nothing worse than stepping foot on a cold icy floor! We share the best ways to add heat to those floors and never feel frozen feet again. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Kyle in Iowa wants to upgrade his base board molding but needs a better tool for the job. Sandy from Texas needs remove hot wax off an upholstered chair. David in Arkansas needs more info about geothermal water heater into his electric home. Sandra wants to know if she should have a radon test and what to do if the levels are high? George from Pennsylvania wants to know if he should replace the compressor of his water heater or the whole unit? Rose Marie in New Jersey wants to know the best lightbulb for a garage door. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Adding a beautiful new granite top is a great way to add a little luxury to your kitchen, but granite or stone tops are expensive! We’ll share a less costly alternative that looks just as good. If you love the look of real hardwood but don’t have the budget to manage it, Engineered Hardwood may be a perfect solution. We’ll explain the options. When you take on a painting project, latex paint is the way to go most of the time – but not always. We explain when oil-based paint is the best choice and why - even though the clean-up is a little harder. Plus, get answers to your home improvement questions: Debra from Tennessee asks if using dry lock in the basement is the best way to stop leaks. Murray in Illinois needs advice replacing his natural gas water heater. Stacey from Minnesota wants to know if she can use mortar and limewash to fill in the gaps on her brick fireplace. Phillip in Rhode Island wants to know how to get red cedar shingles to age darker. Marty is asking why she isn’t getting hot water fast enough to her bathroom. Jan in South Dakota wants to know how to level a concrete floor. Vincent from Texas wants to know how to fix a collapsing chain link fence in an area that floods easily. Debbie in Delaware is looking for the best way to repair a popcorn ceiling that is not adhering properly. Jacob from Arizona needs help repairing a crack on the garage ceiling. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Planning on selling your home this spring while the market is still hot? Some home features are pretty much guaranteed to turn-off buyers. We’ll share what to avoid or to change before the first potential buyer shows up. Did you know that your appliances may be quietly draining electricity - all day, every day - even when they are turned off? We’ll share solutions to save all that wasted money. Plus, can’t wait for all those spring flowers to bloom? We help, with tips on how to get a color-filled garden going immediately, no matter where you live Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Jeff in Iowa needs help improving his water pressure after installing a low flow shower head. Kelly from South Dakota needs help removing wallpaper that is removing some of the drywall behind her. Wayne in Iowa has an odor in his bathroom and wants to know how to get rid of it. Melanie from California wants to know if untreated pine wood will hold up in the bathroom. Aaron in South Dakota wants to seal off a second fireplace chimney in his home. Lynn from North Carolina wants to know if reducing the moisture in her partially finished basement is a DIY project. Geddie in Arkansas wants to know how to prevent mice from getting into his home and how to deal with them humanely. Josh wants to know what the cause of a bathroom water stain might be. Patrice likes the look of LED lights but not the cords that come with them, is there a way for her to hide them. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: With Spring just ahead, is your deck ready? Sun, rain and even insects can damage your deck’s surface, but a good finish can help keep Mother Nature from ruining your deck surface. Tom & Leslie walk you through the project. These days, we spend more time than ever in home offices. We’ll share a couple simple and affordable updates to make your home office space comfortable and productive. It’s almost tax time again – while we’re not tax experts we DO have a pretty good handle on which improvements are tax deductible and will share suggestions. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Karen in Nebraska has bathroom tile that is has grout falling out of it. Dave from Arizona has a kitchen sink that was installed into his countertop that is starting to fall into the countertop. Nicole needs a solution for returning her grout to its bright white color. Brian from Iowa has a crack in his bedroom wall that’s keeps coming back and needs a permanent solution. Ruth in Michigan wants to know if she can put shutters over her vinyl siding and if so how to do it. Tom from Missouri has a garage that was pulled away from his house and wants to know restore it to the way it was. Trish in New Jersey wants to know if it’s worth it to move a load bearing wall. Donna from Tennessee has an odor in her guest home that won’t go away and needs a solution. Steve in Arizona has a gas firepit that is lacking in heat, what can he do to make the fire a little stronger. Dot from Wisconsin wants to know how to put a trench into and drain her driveway. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Spring is the season of big rainstorms. We’ll have tips on how to make sure your roof is ready for the deluge! Prevent sneezing by replacing air condition filters before allergy season kicks in! Before allergy season kicks in, it’s a good idea to replace the air filter in your heating and cooling system. We’ll share a nifty little device that costs about a dollar and reminds you exactly when that needs to happen. When it comes to floors, it’s easier than ever to be eco-friendly. We’ll share options for beautiful, durable and earth-friendly floors. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Gerry in Massachusetts has a bang that randomly occurring in her house’s plumbing. Mike from Louisiana noticed a crack on his floor the needs to be repaired. Theresa in South Carolina has a basement that floods after a heavy rain. David from Arkansas wants some more information about geothermal water heaters. Carol in Mississippi has a kitchen floor that is sinking into her crawl space and needs to figure out why and how to solve it. Cody from Texas wants to know if it’s worth it to buy an insulated door or put in foam sheets between his garage door. Margaret in Virginia has a rusty cast iron tub and wants to know what she would have to do to restore it. Jim from Pennsylvania wants to know the advantages of metal roof over typical shingle roofs. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you’d like to step up the look of your home’s exterior, a good lighting design can help. We’ll share tips on what you need to know to get that project done. Spaces under decks can be dark, dirty wastelands. But if your deck is a 2nd story, there are lots of ways to add an underdeck ceiling that drains rainwater passing through and really cleans up the look below. If you live in an old house, finding out when your house was built, who lived there, and what changes happened over the years can be a fun and fascinating journey. We’ll share tips on how you can do just that. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Dreema from West Virginia has a crack in her load-bearing center wall that is spreading to other rooms and wants to know if she should call a contractor or an engineer for advice on how to fix it. Robert in North Carolina is having a dryer that is not drying even after two or three loads. Betty from Texas needs a permanent solution to cracks in her door frame. Joe in Illinois is having condensation on his central air system and needs to know how to prevent this. Cindy from Delaware has dual sinks that occasional give off a strong sewage smell. Bud in Oregon needs to how to replace a lighting fixture. Pauline from New Jersey needs to clean a mineral deposit from a granite countertop. Mike in Pennsylvania has a steel tub that is rusting out and wants to know if he should refinish it or just rip it out. Tammy from Missouri gets a buzzing from her breaker every time she turns on her new furnace. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: The Spring real estate market is heating up with buyers eager to upgrade to a new home. But the features they’re looking for have changed – a lot! We’ll share what today’s home buyers are hot on. Is your family growing? BEFORE you hear the pitter patter of little feet – It’s smart to make sure home sweet home is safe as can be. We share the 9 best ways to baby-proof your money pit. If you’re thinking about taking on a tile project, choosing the right look is only a part of the project. We’ll have tips on how to choose the best TYPE of tile for your project. Plus, answer your home improvement questions: Marla in Louisiana wants to know how to convert her porch into enclosed living space. Perry wants to know the proper way to put a metal roof on his house. Christina from Montana wants to know the most cost-effective solution for bringing natural light into a bathroom. Michael in North Carolina is a new homeowner who wants to know if cracks in his foundation are a big problem. Tara from Pennsylvania need a solution to get rid of with earwigs and crickets. Barry spilled caustic drain cleaners on his tub and wants to know if he needs to replace the tub now. Tammy in Tennessee wants to know they best fasteners to use when installing new gutters so they don’t fall off. Joe from Kentucky has spots on her porcelain tub and wants to know how to fix and cover them up. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Are ready to update your windows? You may find that it is one pretty confusing experience! We’ll share a simple trick that makes it easy to compare windows and pick the best ones for your home. A garbage disposer is one of those products that - once you own it - you’ll never want to be without it again! We’ll share a few key features that can make all the difference. A dryer exhaust duct has to be properly installed to avoid lint build up that can lead to a fire. But sometimes this is easier said than done! We have some tricks of the trade that can help and share an ingenious tool to help keep your ducts clean. Plus, we share answers to lots of home improvement questions like:. Marilyn needs a soundproofing solution for a condominium. Mike from Arkansas wants to know if house is considered newly remodeled or not? Cindy in California wants to know how to make her stovetop more fire safe. Jim from Arkansas wants advice on remove a chimney that’s no longer needed. Laurel in Pennsylvania needs a solution to smelly sink drains. James from Illinois wants to know how to convert his two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets. 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: One of the biggest security holes in any home is the garage door. Find out how to make sure your garage door is set up to keep your home safe from intruders, and safe for kid going in and out too! Your house is your biggest investment. But how much should you set aside for home repair and maintenance? Learn a simple formula to help you know what to budget. Stainless steel appliances can be beautiful but costly. We share a DIY trick to get that same stainless steel look for less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Kelly in South Dakota is having trouble getting an oil stain off cement floor. Mike from Iowa has a problem with how his bathroom vents into his attic. Jane in Pennsylvania needs help finding covers for base board heating Dave from Ohio has uninsulated drywall seams that pop and crack in the winter. Robin in Oregon is having a lot of moisture and mold build up in her bathroom. Nicole from Illinois has a crack caused by earthquake damage. Don in Pennsylvania has a question about LED lighting in his kitchen. Maria from Delaware wants to know how to paint over paneling. Anthony in Tennessee needs a DIY solution for putting a bunk bed in his RV. J.W. From Georgia wants to put a wood burning stove into his coal burning stove. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: If you’d love to add more light to your kitchen, we share a new window trend that aims to do just that, in a very unusual way. Have you ever been surprised by a big electric bill? Find out the most common places energy is wasted. If your bathtub has a worn-out finish, replacing the tub could require a major renovation of your entire bath. We highlight far less costly options to consider. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Rich from West Virginia wants to know if he can spackle over the tape on his drywall. Britt in California needs tips on installing a skylight. Mark from South Carolina wants to know how to determine if he has hard water in his house. Cecily in Iowa needs to know how to paint over water stains on wallpaper. Hugh from North Carolina has a beach house that he wants to soundproof. Anne wants to know who to call to install a tin ceiling. Michael in North Carolina has a noisy water heater. Debby from Texas needs to know the best prep for painting a carpeted cement floor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices