The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to another great show here on The Money Pit, where we're always here to remind you that you can do it yourself, but you don't have to do it alone! If you're a DIYer, join us for this week's top home improvement tips, including: - Home Improvement ROI: We unveil the top five home improvement projects that deliver the best return on your investment, perfect for boosting equity and impressing buyers. Learn why fall is a great time to start these projects due to cooler weather and more flexible contractor schedules. - DIY Pavestone Fire Pit: Get a step-by-step guide to building a modern square fire pit using Ladera Wall Block from Pavestone. This DIY-friendly project requires no cutting or special caps, making it a perfect weekend upgrade to transform your outdoor space with a rock-solid, heat-safe feature. - Color Trends for 2026: We explore the latest trends in color strategy for 2026, focusing on warm, earthy color palettes like terracotta, ochre, and olive, as well as soft textural neutrals and restorative darks. - Preventing Frozen Pipes: As the fall chill arrives, we offer crucial advice on preventing frozen pipes by disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off exterior spigots, and insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas.   Q & A: - Robert from Michigan wonders if an air heat pump would be a more efficient heating solution for his older house with electric baseboard heat. A mini-split system is very efficient, but it's best to set the thermostat and leave it, using baseboard heat only as a backup for extra chilly days. - Mary from Delaware is replacing her 25-year-old shingles and asks about a replacement attic fan versus a ridge vent. We recommend a continuous ridge vent paired with soffit vents instead, since attic fans can pull air-conditioned air from the house into the attic and increase cooling costs. - Thurman from Arkansas has a blank wall and wants to know what's needed to install a new window. While it's a DIY-doable project for a smaller window, we suggest hiring a pro if he's not comfortable with disassembling and reassembling a load-bearing wall. - Steve needs guidance on repairing crumbling grout on his front stoop. We advise chiseling out the old grout and vacuuming loose debris, then using a Type M mortar that's recommended for its strength and applied with a piping bag.   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: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your go-to for home improvement how-tos, hacks, tips, tricks, and advice! We've covered a ton of ground this hour, making good homes better with cleaning, decluttering, and restoration advice. On today's show, you'll hear: - Kitchen Cabinet Intervention: We share smart tips to declutter, deep clean, and reorganize your kitchen storage, turning that "black hole of mismatched Tupperware" into an efficient and enjoyable space. - Roof Restoration with Roof Maxx: That gritty, sand-like debris in your gutters is a distress signal from your roof, indicating aging asphalt shingles shedding granules. A Roof Maxx treatment can restore flexibility, protect against leaks, and add up to 15 years of life to your existing roof! - Entryway Command Center: Combat back-to-school chaos with clever ideas for creating a smart and stylish command center right by your door, perfect for organizing gear, taming paper piles, and setting your family up for a stress-free fall. - Screen Maintenance Checklist: Make sure your window screens are ready for cooler days by vacuuming or hosing them off, patching holes and tears, and fixing warped frames on screen doors.   Q & A: - Sean from Texas had a question about his central vacuuming system, with lots of condensation and muddy water buildup in one of his inlet pipes. The solution is to insulate the central vac pipe to prevent temperature changes and subsequent condensation. - Linda from Florida called in about her flaking cement floor. We advise pressure washing the floor to remove all loose material, ensuring it's fully dry, and then applying a durable, industrial-grade two-part epoxy coating. - Thomas from Tennessee was dealing with terrible moisture and mildew in his basement. We recommend addressing exterior drainage first by extending downspouts away from the foundation, ensuring proper gutter capacity, and sloping the soil away from the house. - Steve called about replacing green shag carpet in his 1975 RV by installing a laminate floor. The key is to ensure a very sturdy subfloor with no flex, as the material can snap if the subfloor is uneven or has movement. - Sheena wrote in about dripping water on the ceiling next to her bathroom exhaust fan. This is likely condensation caused by warm, moist air hitting cold ductwork. We advise checking that the exhaust ducting is properly connected and insulated. - David was concerned about cracking walls and nail pops in his home after only two years, despite a clear home inspection. We reassure him that this is normal movement as homes expand and contract.   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: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to turning your house into a home! We've been busy laboring away so you can have the home of your dreams, answering your how-to questions and diving into smart seasonal transitions to get yourself ready for fall. Here are some of the main points and caller questions covered this hour: - Furnaces and Fireplaces: It's crucial to prepare your home for cooler temperatures, which includes maintaining your furnace and fireplace by changing filters, scheduling professional tune-ups, and ensuring fireplace safety and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. - Floor Surface Protection: It's important to deep clean and protect wood, tile, and stone floors before they face the wear and tear of muddy boots and wet paws. Get tips for sealing stone, silencing squeaks, and tackling loose tiles. - HVAC Filters: A small but impactful task is changing your HVAC air filter every 30 to 90 days (or more often with pets/allergies) to improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent costly breakdowns.    Q & A: - Laura in Connecticut called about strengthening the kitchen floor in her 100-plus-year-old house to support a new appliance where a beam is missing. We suggest adding a girder to provide a neutral base and prevent decay. - Dennis in Florida inquired about using Trex composite decking for a lake dock, despite his contractor's reservations. We affirm that Trex and other composite decking are excellent, durable choices, cautioning only that they can get hot in direct sunlight. - Heather in California was concerned about her 1937 home's crumbling foundation, damaged by water, and the high quotes she received for replacement. We strongly advise her to seek an independent structural engineer's assessment to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the recommended repairs are truly necessary. - Mike called regarding recurring pinhole leaks in his 36-year-old home's copper plumbing. We recommend immediately repairing the leaking sections and nearby areas of the pipe to address the immediate issue and prevent further damage. - Jim discussed mold growth in his attic after adding insulation. Inadequate ventilation combined with insulation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and mold. He should increase attic ventilation and treat the mold with a bleach solution. - Martin asked about installing engineered wood flooring, specifically the choice between glue-down and floating methods, and the use of underlayment. We recommend floating floors as the best modern option due to their ability to expand and contract, and advise consulting the flooring manufacturer for the ideal underlayment product.   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: Hello there, Money Pit fans, and welcome back to the show where we help you make your good homes even better! Whether it's inside or outside, from your floorboards to your shingles, we are on your side! So give us a call at 888-Money-Pit to be part of the show. This hour, we cover a wide array of topics to help you protect your home, boost curb appeal, and even save you money. - Fall Cleanup Checklist: Check off your “to-do” list with essential fall cleanup tasks to get your home ready before the cold weather sets in, from gutters and gardens to garages and gear. - DIY Fire Pit: Turn up the heat in your backyard by easily building a beautiful and durable fire pit in minutes using Pavestone products. - Shower Mold: If you're dealing with a "fuzzy" shower, we'll walk you through the steps to safely remove old moldy caulk, prep the area, and reapply a fresh bead that will resist mold and mildew for years.   Q & A: - Michelle in Minnesota has moisture coming up through her laminate bathroom floor on a concrete slab. We advise checking exterior drainage and adding a bathroom vent fan or humidistat to address the issue. - Glenn in Florida asks about borax-treated cellulose attic insulation to control Formosan termites. While the idea isn't new, its overall effectiveness for whole-house Formosan termites is less common. - Grace has concerns about her 40-year-old concrete patio, which is discolored, raised, and dangerous. We suggest restoring the loose bricks and applying a finish, such as a stone veneer, thin pavers, or an acid stain, terrazzo, or slate treatment to the surface. - Wally is redoing his sunroom and is worried about the unevenness of the old, cracked concrete floor. We recommend using luxury vinyl plank or hybrid stone flooring, which can float over existing cracks, and sealing those cracks. - Pat in Arkansas discovered that her new heat pump was not effectively removing humidity from her home. We explain that a whole-house dehumidifier integrated into the HVAC system is the most effective solution for maintaining ideal home humidity levels. - Greg in Delaware needed help removing lime scale buildup on his shower door that resisted standard cleaners. We suggested a simple test with white vinegar to see if it's true lime scale or if the door's surface might be etched. - David has questions about his crawl space insulation that's falling down, insulating the walls, and the use of old foundation vents. We recommend supporting the existing insulation with wires and keeping foundation vents open for about nine months of the year to allow moisture to vent.   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: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We're covering a lot of ground today, so here's a quick rundown of what we're talking about and the incredible callers we're helping with expert home improvement advice:  - Bathroom Design Ideas: We offer a range of modern design ideas for bathrooms, from cozy powder rooms to luxurious spa spaces, drawing inspiration from Wallpaper Magazine to elevate your space and style. - Patio Furniture Care: Get valuable tips for cleaning and storing patio furniture made from various materials, including wicker, metal, wood, and cushions, to ensure they stay in great shape for seasons to come. - Concrete Post Footings: We discuss the value of Quikrete's fast-setting concrete as an easy way to set posts for fences, mailboxes, or basketball hoops, producing strong, stable results in under an hour without mixing or mess! - Kids' Room Décor: Learn about the art of redecorating kids' rooms, including the importance of budget planning, material selection, safety, and thinking about how the space will evolve with the child's age.   Q & A: - Teresa called in about changing the finish of her wood deck, which is half new pre-treated lumber and half old painted lumber. The paint must be removed before staining because stain won't soak into paint, and the new pre-treated lumber will need to season until next spring before being stained. - Ted from Mississippi has a sewage odor in his bathroom. We suggest checking for a missing or non-functional plumbing trap or a bio-gas situation in the sink drain. - Janet from South Carolina inquires about options other than tile for her bathroom walls, due to staining issues. We recommend looking into pre-made tub surrounds as a durable and virtually leakproof alternative that can even mimic tile. - Jerry from West Virginia wants to soundproof a second-floor master bedroom he's converting into a movie room. We suggest applying a second layer of soundproofing drywall and using carpeting and upholstered furniture to absorb sound. - Kathy from Ohio reports a squealing noise from her upstairs toilet when the washer was running on the utility floor. Squeals are typically from the toilet's fill valve on the supply side, though a blockage or vent issue could also be a possibility. - Dan from Nebraska has a widespread mold situation in his three-year-old pole building, despite no previous issues. We identify the cause as high humidity due to a lack of conditioning in the space. Solutions include heating or cooling the space, using a dehumidifier, and potentially installing a fan with a humidistat.   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: Alright, home improvement enthusiasts, welcome back to the Money Pit! We're here to lend a hand with all your indoor and outdoor projects, because remember: Inside, outside, we're on your side! Here are some of the key themes we'll be talking about today, plus solutions we offer for callers' questions: - Cleaning Gutters: Before autumn leaves begin to fall, we're going to share simple steps and smart tools to help you clean and maintain your gutters the safe and easy way, because clogged gutters can lead to major water damage. - Roof Care: We'll tell you how you can catch roof problems early with a free professional inspection from Roof Maxx, the company that restores aging roofs and saves homeowners up to 80% over replacement. - Reducing Clutter: We'll also offer tips on getting organized at home for the fall season, helping you reclaim cluttered spaces like entryways and mudrooms before the school and holiday craziness takes over. - Deep Cleaning Tips: And finally, we'll discuss fall deep cleaning strategies to refresh your home in areas often skipped during summer, like baseboards, ceiling fans, and inside appliances.   Q & A: - Beverly in Ohio called about black marks on her white vinyl fence. We suggest trying a light abrasive like a green Scotch pad first, or for solvent-based marks like tar, a product like WD-40 to lift them off. - Andrew in Wisconsin is dealing with standing water in his backyard that's causing basement wall penetration. We advise implementing a total water management system, including building a French drain, ensuring gutters are properly sized, and downspouts to direct water 4 to 6 feet away from the house. - Anna in South Dakota recently had a hollow tree with a large carpenter ant nest removed and is concerned about infestation. We reassure her that carpenter ants prefer dead or decaying wood and are not typically motivated to infest sound houses, so she's not at an increased risk. - Louise called in about salt mineral deposits leaking through the outside of her brick mailbox. We suggest cleaning the deposits with a white vinegar and water solution, then applying a vapor-permeable silicone-based masonry sealer to prevent their return. - Debbie from Great Falls, Montana, asked about preparing and painting over metal siding. We advise a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer, ensuring the siding is completely dry, and then using an oil-based bonding primer with a scratch test before applying the topcoat, staying within the same brand family for best adhesion.   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 Money Pit show, we discuss selling in a shifting real estate market, installing solar panels on metal roofs, and reorganizing your garage space. Plus, we'll answer a range of home improvement questions from callers to help solve their DIY dilemmas! - Navigating the Shifting Real Estate Market: Home sales this spring hit their lowest pace since 2012! This means that for sellers, prepping, staging, and timing your home's sale are more critical than ever, as price alone isn't enough to close a deal. - The Power of Metal Roofs for Solar: If you're considering going solar, your roof is just as important as the panels. Metal roofs are the ultimate foundation for solar installations, offering long-term savings, energy efficiency, and unbeatable durability. - Garage Organization and Maintenance: As summer wraps up, it's the perfect time for a garage reset. We recommend clearing everything out, cleaning the space thoroughly, and then organizing by season, using labeled bins and storage systems like wall-mounted units or overhead racks to keep floors clear.   Q & A: - Michelle from Michigan has moles tearing up her yard. We advised her that moles are after grubs, their food source, so the solution is to eliminate the grubs using a product like GrubEx, which will slowly cause the moles to move elsewhere. - Leroy from Texas was getting barely any air from a bedroom AC vent, despite its proximity to the unit. We suggested checking for a kink or blockage in the ductwork with a flashlight and mirror or identifying if a damper on the line is partially closed. - Margaret wants to know what to do about her dirty, 20-year-old popcorn ceilings that she no longer likes. For removal, she should spray and saturate the ceiling with water, then gently scrape it off. If she chooses to keep it, she could paint it over with a specialized roller designed for textured surfaces. - Larry has tree roots growing into his sewer lines. We suggest a pipe lining system, which involves inserting a flexible material into the old pipe that hardens to form a new, permanent interior structure, saving him from breaking up the floor. - Ken had a broken seam on his quartz countertop over the dishwasher. This is typically not a DIY project due to specialized materials and tools, so he'll need a professional to reseal it and reinforce the underlying support to prevent future issues. We also recommended resealing the entire countertop surface. - Howard called about his leaning landscaping brick retaining walls. This is a common issue caused by soil expansion and freezing. The solution is to tear down and rebuild the wall or consider pre-cast concrete block walls that are designed to lean back as they stack.   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 Money Pit show, whether you're winterizing plumbing, upgrading a patio, or stocking your first apartment toolbox, we've got the seasonal checklist and savvy tips to keep your home running smoothly from fall onward. Check out these topics, plus home improvement questions from our DIY callers: - Home Checklist for Fall: Prepare for cooler temperatures with our ultimate fall home prep checklist, covering essential tasks like sealing drafts, servicing your furnace, and prepping your lawn. - Setting Up Your First Home or Apartment: For students heading off to dorms or first apartments, we provide an essential tool checklist and pro tips for setting up and maintaining a new space. - Leak-Proof Plumbing for Cold Weather: Get crucial steps to leak-proof your home's plumbing before cold weather hits, including disconnecting and draining outdoor hose bibs, insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces, and inspecting your water heater. - Outdoor Space Upgrades: We also discuss enhancing your outdoor spaces, with everything from porches and patios to landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits.   Q & A: - Sandy in Nebraska called about her porous ceramic tile floors that just won't come clean. The glaze might be worn off, and while re-glazing isn't really an option, she could consider laminate flooring for an inexpensive, moisture-resistant option that floats over the old floor. - Larry in Texas has a question about replacing his hail-damaged roof and an insurance estimate that missed a few items. We advise getting the insurance adjuster to revise the estimate in writing immediately to include all missed components, like skylights and roof jacks. - Eve in Delaware is battling a stubborn cigarette smoke smell in a newly purchased row home, even after removing tiles and painting. The key solution is to use a good-quality oil-based primer on all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and even exposed plywood subfloors, to effectively seal in the odors. - Ron in Oregon is looking for the best way to clean his seven-year-old Brazilian cherry floor. We suggest starting with a thorough cleaning to remove existing residue, then renting a buffer to apply a floor wax for a beautiful, natural glow that can last for years. - Ivonne in Arizona had a stinky bathroom sink drain. The foul odor is likely being caused by bacterial decay forming bio-gas in the drain. The fix involves taking apart the U-shaped trap under the sink and scrubbing the inside with an oxygenated bleach solution and a stiff-bristle brush to eliminate the bacteria.   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: Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts, to The Money Pit! We're here to guide you through another hour of tackling those household challenges and making your home sweet home even better. Here's what we'll be diving into this hour: - Top Late Summer Home Improvement Projects: Although summer is winding down, there's still time to tackle key projects, such as painting, sealing driveways, and late-season landscaping, to get your home ready to shine through the fall and beyond. - Revitalizing Your Lawn After Summer Stress: We'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Koch, R&D Research Fellow for Lawns at Scott's Miracle-Gro, who will share smart, easy-to-follow tips to help your lawn bounce back from the heat, heavy foot traffic, and backyard fun. - Restoring Your Roof with Roof Maxx: Learn how a simple treatment from Roof Maxx can restore your shingles, extend your roof's life by up to 15 years, and potentially save you up to 80% compared to a full roof replacement. - Smart Home Safety for Kids: We'll share three practical ways to make your home safer for little ones without turning it into a padded cell, focusing on window cords, furniture tipping, and stair safety.   Q & A: - Larry from Arkansas called about his landlord running an extension cord from his home to an attached shed, raising concerns about electrical support. We advised him that an extension cord is not a permanent solution and recommended running a proper underground circuit. - Michelle in Minnesota shared her issue with moisture seeping up through her laminate bathroom floor. We suggested she check the grading and drainage around her house, ensuregutters and downspouts direct water away, and consider a bathroom fan with a built-in humidistat to keep the floor dry. - Eunice in Arkansas noticed her retaining wall was turning white and powdery-looking, a phenomenon known as efflorescence. She should contact the manufacturer's technical experts to inquire about the issue, especially the drying process before coating and the consistency of paint batches. - Lewis had no hot water pressure after a new water heater installation and suspects clogged galvanized pipes in his old home. We inform him that galvanized pipes cannot be unclogged and advise replacing them with PEX piping for better durability and ease of installation. - Sherry in Oregon was worried about a loud snapping noise coming from her cast iron tub as it cooled down. We reassure her that this is likely "oil canning," a normal sound of metal expanding and contracting with temperature changes, and not a cause for concern. - Jack in Arkansas is dealing with a leaky steel storm shelter that has leaked since installation. We advise against welding and suggest sealing seams with silicone or potentially re-roofing the shelter with EPDM, a rubberized oofing product, to maintain structural integrity.   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: Welcome back, Money Pit listeners! This hour, we cover everything from porches and patios to landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. And of course, we're taking your calls and tackling your home improvement dilemmas. Here's a look at some of the questions we'll be answering and the solutions we'll provide: - Getting Your Home Fall Ready: As fall approaches, it's the perfect time to give your home a thorough energy checkup. We'll share quick tips to seal drafts around windows and doors, properly service your HVAC system, and optimize your ceiling fans to help you save on energy bills year-round. - Protecting Your Concrete Surfaces: Before winter unleashes its worst, we'll guide you on how to safeguard your concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Learn how Quikrete Cure and Seal Satin Finish can protect both new and existing concrete from cracks, salt damage, stains, and freeze-thaw deterioration. - Creating Productive Home Office & Study Spaces: With back-to-school season in full swing, we'll offer simple ways to design functional and comfortable home offices or study areas. Discover how to choose the right spot, ensure proper lighting, and implement effective organization strategies to boost productivity and maintain sanity.   Q & A: - Janette from Colorado wants to know if she can DIY her radiant floor heating. We'll discuss why electric radiant heat is generally expensive to run and why hiring a professional is recommended. - Steve from North Carolina is dealing with a leaking flat roof on his bathroom addition. Flat roofs aren't our favorite for residences, and we advise him to file an insurance claim for storm damage while exploring better roofing materials. - Mary from North Dakota has crumbling basement concrete after water problems and wants to know about sealants before painting. She should address external drainage issues first before using Quikrete's concrete patching compound to stabilize the surface. - Dan from Arizona has a home with cracked tile flooring and can't find replacement tiles. This is likely due to a missing uncoupling membrane during installation, and we suggest creative temporary fixes until a proper re-installation can be done. - Charlie is looking to switch from an oil-based to a solid latex stain on his cedar siding, which has darkened over time. We'll emphasize the importance of proper surface preparation and why it's often best to stain the entire house for a uniform look. - Michael from Florida is curious about the pros and cons of stick-built versus modular homes. We'll share insights into the cost savings and timely construction advantages of modular homes while advising him to consult with local specialists to compare 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: Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. It's been quite the summer here at the Segrete household, with unexpected repairs, so we know exactly what it's like to navigate your own "money pit" moments. Here's a recap of the main themes and calls for this hour: - Optimizing Outdoor Living & Landscaping: We delve into smart maintenance tips for your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water and keep your lawn healthy. We also introduce the innovative Ladera stackable stone system for easy outdoor upgrades like fire pits and garden beds, eliminating the need for traditional stonework. - Navigating Home Renovation Costs: We discuss how recent tariffs on lumber, appliances, and fixtures are impacting renovation budgets, sharing crucial tips for smart homeowners to protect their bottom line. - Boosting Home Value & ROI: We reveal the top home improvement projects that offer the best return on investment, helping you prioritize where to spend your renovation dollars.   Q & A: - Dave from Maryland discovered his new roof was installed directly over significantly rotted roof rafters, causing the section to sag and leak. We advise him to pay only a partial amount of the bill, formally disputing the quality of the incomplete work in writing. - Courtney in Texas is struggling with a persistent cigarette odor in her home despite extensive renovations. When carpet was replaced, the plywood subfloor should have been sealed with a primer/sealer, and we suggest upgrading her HVAC system to effectively scrub residual odors from the air. - Frankie called about her old, gray kitchen countertop that she wants to replace or paint. We recommend DIY countertop finishing kits from Daich Coatings for a durable and attractive restoration. - Rick from Illinois is seeking a reputable company to install solar panels on his large lot. We caution him to conduct thorough research on all available government incentives and to carefully vet any solar companies to avoid rushing into a significant long-term investment. - Tony emailed about an elaborate method he devised using a shop vac to remove calcium deposits from his water heater's bottom element. His method was unnecessary and could be risky. The water heater's internal drain valve is designed for this task, requiring only a garden hose to flush out the deposits.   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: Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. Here's a preview of what's coming up this hour: - Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning: We'll share crucial advice on tackling tough kitchen grease and residue on cabinets, making them look new again. - Roof Replacement: Considering a new roof? We'll explore the pros and cons of metal roofs versus asphalt shingles and discuss whether a roof replacement is a DIY project for you. - Cracked Foundation: Got a cracked foundation or a dipping floor? We'll explain the serious signs to look out for and who to call for proper diagnosis. - Exterior Painting: Discover the perfect timing and techniques for exterior house painting to ensure a long-lasting, pro-level finish. - Energy Efficiency: Plus, get smart tips on upgrading your home's efficiency, from swapping out old light bulbs to understanding when it's time to replace your water heater.   Q & A: - We'll hear from Margie in Ohio, who's asking for the best product to remove grit and grease from her maple kitchen cabinets above the hood area without causing damage. - Joey from Illinois is on the line with a question about replacing his 22-year-old roof and wondering if he can install a metal roof himself. - Maria just bought a house and is dealing with a rather unusual situation: a carpeted front step that's hard to remove, and she's asking for suggestions to improve its curb appeal and texture. - Butch from Texas is calling because his home inspector noted that his bathroom fan vents directly into the attic, and he wants to know the proper way to vent it to the outside. - Later, we'll help Charles from Texas, who's searching for a specific, highly effective, three-letter product for cleaning showers. - And from our email bag, Julie in Nebraska, a new first-time homeowner, is asking about different interior paint finishes and which ones are easiest to clean, especially with kids.   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 been a hot one out there, and some of us have been battling our own home issues, like Leslie's air conditioning woes. But we're here to lend a hand, no matter what you're tackling this summer! We've got a fantastic show lined up for you today, packed with expert advice and practical solutions for your biggest home challenges. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming up on The Money Pit: - Landscape Heatwave Survival: We'll dive into smart ways to help your lawn and garden survive scorching temperatures with essential watering tips, clever mowing tricks, and how to protect your sensitive potted plants from baking in the sun. - Roof Maxx Roof Rejuvenation: We're joined by Mike Feazel, CEO and co-founder of Roof Maxx, who will share how this innovative treatment can protect your roof from blistering heat, pounding storms, sun damage, thermal shock, and hail, extending roof life and helping you avoid costly replacements. - Concrete Resurfacing Solutions: Discover how to give your cracked, pitted, or weatherworn concrete surfaces a second life with products like Quickrete's Recap Trowel Grade Resurfacer. We'll explain how these solutions can dramatically improve your curb appeal at a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing old concrete, plus provide a durable, long-lasting finish.   Q & A: - Karen from Texas is seeking a solution for her cracked driveway that won't involve tearing out all the concrete from her 1970s home. Quikrete's Re-Cap Resurfacer product is an excellent option for this repair and can be used over the existing concrete. - Jeff in Pennsylvania is curious about economically moving chilly basement air upstairs to cool the rest of his home. This isn't a great idea, and he should instead rely on his central HVAC system, possibly with a return duct in the finished basement. - Dave from Iowa calls about a persistent rotten egg smell in his farmhouse, noting he has well water and a water softener. We think the hot water heater's anode may be causing the smell. - Susan from Alaska wants advice on removing tile from her fireplace hearth and successfully painting the brick underneath. This repair has some challenges, and she should be prepared to remove adhesive. Also, once brick is painted, it's nearly impossible to change. - Lauren, who sent an email, has acquired a neglected property with overgrown ivy, gaps, and cracks in the siding. The best way to assess the house's current condition is to get a full home inspection, with a report that will identify the best places to start.   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: Coming up this hour, we've got a show packed with tips to make your home look and feel better and safer. We'll also be tackling home improvement questions from across the country, including calls from DIYers just like you! Here's what's ahead on The Money Pit: - Late Summer Clean and Refresh: We'll bring you smart tips to tidy up your spaces, freshen the air, and reset your home before the autumn back-to-school buzz and pumpkin spice takeover. - Protecting Your Home from Water Damage: With flash floods and heavy rain making headlines, we'll share smart, simple steps to protect your house from water damage and ensure you stay informed with weather alerts. - Fast, Smart Fire Safety Checks: We'll walk you through essential fire safety checks, from your backyard grills to your garden gear, so you can relax and safely enjoy the season. - SpreadStone Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Kit Giveaway: One lucky caller will win this DIY dream, valued at $150, which transforms plain concrete into a stunning stone finish.   Q & A: - Brian in Arkansas is dealing with a mysterious musty odor in his crawlspace that only appears in the summertime when he's away from home. An exhaust fan might just be what he needs to improve air quality - Linda in Maryland needs advice on how to repair and conceal cracks in the concrete slabs on her brick porches. We advise her to caulk the area and sprinkle with dust and chips to match the current concrete color. - Keith in Georgia has a problem with bats in his attic, specifically bat droppings, and needs to know the best way to evict them safely. - Leah in California says her dad's AC system has been leaking Freon for years! Instead of just refilling the refrigerant, we recommend finding out the root cause of the leak and addressing that. - Courtney in New Jersey has a raised garden bed with several tree stumps that need to be removed, and she's looking for suggestions on how to tackle them when a grinder might be difficult to use. - Judy in Texas is experiencing significant problems with deer eating all her plants and is seeking solutions to keep them away from her garden. We recommend a variety of solutions to keep those hungry deer 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: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We're here every week, ready to take your calls and tackle your home improvement dilemmas, whether you have questions about painting, plumbing, home safety, security, your roof and gutters, electrical work, energy efficiency, or even curb appeal ideas. Coming up, we'll cover some essential topics to keep your home in top shape, including: - Smart Summer Lawn Care Tips: Learn how to water wisely, mow like a pro, and keep your yard green without wasting time or money, making it easier than you think to win the battle against the summer heat. - Metal Roofs: If you're thinking about replacing your roof, find out why metal roofs aren't just for barns anymore. We'll discuss their styles, incredible storm protection, and the surprising ways they can save you money, energy, and maintenance for decades. - Storm-Proofing Your Home: Get simple steps to prepare your home and yard for storms, plus how to build an emergency kit so you're not caught off guard when the thunder rolls. - Summer Heat Safety: We'll also cover crucial tips to keep your home cool and safe during dangerous heat waves.   Q & A: - Alex from West Virginia has a question about grading the lot of his 1926 American Four Square home, which has a significant 10-foot drop. He wants to level out his front and back yards, so we recommend building a retaining wall, but emphasize the need for proper engineering due to the project's size and scope. - Helen from Montana was on the line with a bubbling paint question. We suggested the paint might not have adhered because the wood was too wet or the correct primer wasn't used, and advised her to contact the painter to resolve the issue. - Kevin from Rhode Island asked about keeping his basement dry after replacing a 3-foot downspout extension with a 2-foot cement one and noticing his basement became damp. To keep his basement drier, he needs to move excess moisture away from the foundation, extending downspouts at least 3 feet away, and consider a dehumidifier for the space. - Debbie from Ontario called with a question about cracks in her concrete patio that appeared shortly after it was poured. We identified that there's no structural repair needed, so she can cosmetically seal the cracks with a suitable product. - Doug in Florida inquired about rust stains on his concrete pool deck from patio furniture and pool ladders. We explained that the rust is likely from iron deposits in his water, and there's likely not much he can do to stop it long-term. - Gail from Massachusetts suspected mold in her den because it smelled after it rained. She should focus on ventilation and dehumidification, plus addressing external drainage issues like clogged gutters, downspout placement, and sloping soil around the house to reduce overall moisture.   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: Hello, home improvement enthusiasts! We're so glad you're with us, especially as July is almost over and the year is just flying by. Life changes, but The Money Pit is here to be your constant guide through all your home improvement adventures. Coming up, we've got tips to keep your home thriving all summer long! - Staycation Tips: We share easy, affordable ways to turn your home into an ultimate staycation spot, from creating spa vibes in your bathroom to resort-worthy backyard spaces. - Saving Water: Water usage often spikes in the summer, so we'll dive into irrigation checks, sump pump tests, searching out those slow leaks, and even some water-saving tips to keep everything in tip-top shape and save you some money. - Summer Home Maintenance: Now that we're halfway through summer, we've got your midsummer home maintenance checklist. These quick, proactive projects will help you avoid breakdowns, catch hidden issues, and keep your home running smoothly all season long without the panic of a mid-August surprise repair.   Q & A: We're also going to hear from some of our listeners about their burning home improvement questions, including: - Darlene from West Virginia asked about putting a metal roof on her home. We advised that it's generally best to take the roof down to the sheathing for a durable, long-lasting investment like a metal roof, which can last 50+ years. - Jules called in about dealing with cracked plaster walls in an old home, wondering whether to rip it out or patch it. We discussed how to determine if the plaster is repairable or if it's time to put in some drywall. - Sharon from Ohio has an issue with her furnace pulling sewer gas from her sump pump. This is likely due to a missing or dried-out P-trap in the drain line, which prevents sewer gases from entering the home. - Bill in Illinois had a question about cracks in his 28-year-old shower tub after a fall. While a fiberglass repair kit can offer a temporary, emergency fix, a more permanent and economical solution might be a bath fitter-type shower insert that covers the existing tub. - Buck from New England wrote in about adding vinyl siding to his summer home. We recommended he remove the old siding, add a new weather barrier like Tyvek paper, and then install the vinyl siding for a better look around windows and doors. Plus, we'll touch on other quick tips like how to maintain your fridge to keep it cool in the summer heat by vacuuming condenser coils and checking door seals.   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: This hour, we'll tackle a variety of common homeowner issues and share valuable advice to keep your home comfortable, safe, and looking its best. Here are some of the main topics we covered, along with the specific home projects our callers are working on: - Cool Tips for Heat Wave Home Comfort: We share several strategies to help your home stay cool during a heat wave without escalating energy bills. - Backyard Pool Considerations: We weigh the pros and cons of installing a pool, noting that while pools offer entertainment and can add value in hot climates, they come with significant initial costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. - Home Safety While Traveling: We offer essential tips to keep your home safe while on vacation, emphasizing making it appear occupied. - Smart Roofing Upgrades for Cooling: We discuss how your roof impacts your home's temperature and energy bills, highlighting cool roof designs that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. - Grill Cleaning & Maintenance: We've got practical tips on cleaning and maintaining your grill to ensure better flavor, extend its lifespan, and provide a safer cooking experience.   Q & A: - Allison from New York needs advice on humanely trapping a squirrel running between her drop ceiling and basement. - Gary calls about a stubborn barbecue grease stain on the deck that household soap couldn't remove. We suggest using a commercial deck cleaner or stain stripper. - Nancy from Arkansas asks for the best way to remove cobwebs and clean her mom's popcorn ceiling. - John from Missouri is puzzled why his pressure-treated wood is rotting within two years despite being sealed with a solid stain. - Judy from Minnesota observed moisture halfway down the paneling in her 40-year-old home, suspecting condensation and the need to reduce humidity. - Earl called about buckling vinyl siding, likely due to being installed too tightly. Doing so prevented proper expansion and contraction, or not enough “breathing room.” - Robin from New Jersey says her ceiling fan light comes on by itself at weird times. Flickering lights often indicate a loose wire or short circuit, and we recommend calling an electrician for investigation.   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: This hour, we're focusing on eco-friendly home improvements and design tips to help your money pit and Mother Nature, especially as we've just experienced a significant heatwave across the US. We're exploring how to save some green while going green this summer, with easy, affordable projects that can shrink your energy bills, cut back on waste, and help the planet. Here's a look at the topics and calls we'll cover: - Attic Upgrades: Your attic can either work for you or against you in the summer. We're sharing smart attic upgrades to keep your home cooler, cut energy costs, and protect your home from summer's worst side effects. - Strategic Landscaping for Cooling: You can cool your home without touching the thermostat by letting nature do the work. We discuss how strategic landscaping, such as planting shade trees, can naturally reduce heat and energy bills while giving your yard a green upgrade. - Eco-Friendly Design and DIY Projects: We're all about eco-friendly home upgrades that benefit both the planet and your wallet.   Q & A: - Mike from Alaska called in with a question about an upstairs window that leaks when it rains, noting drips from the soffits. We discussed potential causes, including backed-up gutters, failed sealant, or improper flashing. - Susan from California asked about options for her 38-year-old asphalt driveway that needs to be redone, but she doesn't want to resurface with blacktop. - Mark has a beautiful log cabin home that hasn't been stained in 8 years and is fading. We advise him on the process of cleaning the raw lumber, letting it dry, and then choosing a stain that includes UV protection. - Ed is dealing with a serious issue with his 1880s Victorian home's brick foundation, where the bottom layer of bricks is starting to bow out. For such a critical structural concern, we strongly recommend consulting a structural engineer to diagnose the problem. - Darlene from Texas has a flagstone patio with uneven stones and nothing between the cracks. - Carl from Massachusetts emailed us about a foul odor coming from his newly installed dishwasher. This is often due to bio-gas buildup, and we have tips on how to clean those trouble spots.   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: We've got a great show planned this hour, with great tips to help you achieve your design dreams and enjoy your money pit, both indoors and out! Coming up, join us for home improvement topics that include: - Making a Small Room Feel Bigger with simple paint color tricks to make your indoor spaces feel more inviting. - We celebrate 85 Years of QUIKRETE Innovation with Jeff Russell, who's been with the company for more than 30 years, to help with DIY concrete repairs! - Getting Your Grill Ready for Summer and Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen with the right fuel types, must-have gas grill features, and design tips your guests will love.   Q & A: Let's turn your to-do list into a done list with answers to these and other home improvement questions from today's callers: - Carolyn in Pennsylvania is dealing with a persistent musty odor from mold in her kitchen lazy Susan cabinet. - Jason in New Jersey is looking for an affordable countertop refinishing solution for his kitchen renovation that offers a durable coating. - Marie in Ontario, Canada, asked about the efficiency of using ceiling fans or her furnace fan versus the air conditioner as options for cooling her ranch house. - Kevin in Georgia struggles with a carpenter bee infestation around his screen porch and privacy fence, despite using various extermination methods. - Pat in Arkansas has a new heat pump that is not reducing humidity like she was hoping it would. - Caitlyn from New York asks what to look out for when repairing water damage in a home that was built in 1820.   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: This hour, we've given you permission to relax on your long holiday weekend, although it's also totally cool to use the time to tackle some projects around your money pit! We'll be covering some fantastic topics, including: - Five easy ways to upgrade your space on a budget, making your home feel fresh, stylish, and totally “you” without spending a bundle. - The importance of a quick summer roof check and how a simple treatment can help you avoid costly repairs and extend your roof's life by years. - An easy DIY project that adds style, seating, and serious summer vibes all in one weekend: how to build a backyard bench that's simple, budget-friendly, and totally custom.   Q & A: And speaking of calls, we heard from quite a few of you with your pressing home improvement questions! Here's a quick recap of who called in: - Robin in Missouri called about disgusting mold in her Jacuzzi tub's internal plumbing system and the fading finish of her previously restored tub. - Larry in Louisiana is dealing with a significant issue: a sinking addition on his pier house, causing a noticeable bow in his kitchen floor. - Taylor asked for advice on how to fix annoying swelling doors that stick! - Kevin from Wisconsin messaged us, seeking guidance on choosing between a metal roof and asphalt shingles for a new 1,700-square-foot home. - Reena in Massachusetts was undertaking a painting project after removing old vinyl wallpaper and asked for advice on preparing the walls and priming. - David in Texas has concerns about water leakage when replacing a sliding glass door on his patio. - Martha sent an email to ask how to remove paint from a brick fireplace. - Mark, via email, needed to ensure his plywood subfloor was flat before installing new engineered wood flooring.   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: You've tuned into "The Money Pit," your weekly guide to making your home sweet home the best it can be without turning it into a bottomless money pit! This week, we share helpful tips on: - Getting rid of those stubborn tree stumps without breaking the bank. - Boosting your home's curb appeal and efficiency with gorgeous Therma-Tru fiberglass doors that look just like wood, but without the upkeep. - Rocking your outdoor space with a new stackable stone to build great-looking patios and fire pits more easily than ever. Plus, tips on everything from cleaning your dishwasher to keeping your smoke detectors in tip-top shape, and even how to invite some high-speed sparkle to your yard with hummingbirds.   Q & A: We also have our incredible callers who reached out to us with their home improvement questions! Here's a quick rundown of who we heard from and what they're tackling: - Eleanor in Virginia has a question about dark, mold-like spots on her gray Trex decking that are difficult to remove with a power washer or bleach. - Tommy in Alaska is battling an "ice-cold water issue,” with super low cold water pressure at just one kitchen faucet in his duplex. - Pat called in with a painting question, wondering if it's possible to paint aluminum siding without it peeling, especially on the sunny south side of her home. - Anthony in Upstate New York is dealing with a chimney losing its stucco on his 80-year-old house. - Jeremy in Pennsylvania is contending with a leaky finished basement that's causing moisture problems and a musty smell. - Beverly in Missouri has concerns about painting the cedar posts on her covered patio and whether it will cause them to rot. - Max is working on a decking project and wants to know the best floor joist spacing for installing Trex composite decking. - Carrie reached out by email to ask if she could use leftover indoor floor tile on her porch and sidewalk, and if it's too slippery for outdoor use.   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: Coming up this hour, we'll have some terrific, timely discussions to help you with more indoor and outdoor projects as the season heats up! Join us as we delve into: - How to avoid costly mistakes when building the deck of your dreams. - An affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly asphalt roof replacement that can extend the life of your shingles with Roof Maxx. - Tips to help you keep the power on during summer storms and outages, including backup power sources and surge protection. - Quick and affordable ways to refresh your home's decor for the summer season, using breezy fabrics and fresh colors.   Q & A: And we're taking your calls, hearing from listeners just like you about their home dilemmas! On the line, we've heard from: - Linda from Washington is asking about painting over dark Formica kitchen countertops. - Michael from Rhode Island is dealing with uneven heating and cooling in his split-level home. - Mary in Wisconsin wonders about the best flooring options for her basement concrete after removing old carpet. - Paul from Illinois faces roofing issues with old box gutters that are backing up and are difficult to clean due to the roof's height. - Katherine from Delaware inquires about building a homemade stone fire pit versus buying a metal one. - Victoria from Arkansas is having issues with small areas of shower grout falling out. - Greg from Louisiana needs advice on fixing a broken shut-off valve handle for his toilet. - Lisa sends an email seeking non-pesticide solutions for moles showing up in her vegetable garden. - Ken emails us to ask about the difference between replacement windows and other kinds of new windows.   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: Coming up this hour, we've got some incredible discussions to help you tackle those summer projects! We're also taking your calls, hearing from listeners just like you about their home improvement dilemmas! Stayed tuned to learn about: - Pool Safety: If you've got a pool, you know safety is paramount, and we'll be breaking down the unique requirements for pool fencing to keep everyone safe this summer. - Roof Rejuvenation: We're joined by Mike Feazel from Roof Maxx to talk about an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly roof replacements that can extend the life of your shingles. - Drywall Repairs: Those pesky wall cracks, nail pops, and splitting seams? We've got tips to make sure your drywall fixes are "one and done." - Pet-Friendly Decorating: Leslie's Last Word will help you design a beautiful, pet-friendly home that stands up to your well-meaning furry friends.   Q & A: - Martha from Ohio is dealing with a leaky window due to improper installation and a saturated flower bed. - Terry from Kansas seeks advice on the proper time and method to paint a stucco exterior after a previous peeling issue. - Katherine from Arizona is struggling with failed sod and exposed mesh netting on her lawn in a cold mountain climate. - Kim from Tennessee is looking for solutions to get rid of moles causing damage in her yard. - Albert from Massachusetts inquires about upgrading the minimal insulation in his 50-year-old home's attic. - Tim from New York wonders if he needs to put anything on the wall before installing a glass tile backsplash in his kitchen.   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: This episode is packed with fantastic ideas and solutions to tackle those nagging projects! We're talking about everything from making your outdoor space your favorite place with porches, patios, landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. We'll also cover crucial indoor home improvement topics, because inside or outside, we're on your side! Here's a sneak peek at what we've been chatting about and who's been calling in: - Natural Stone Countertops: We're exploring the pros and cons of caring for those gorgeous natural stone countertops in your kitchen and bathroom spaces. While they're beautiful and durable, they're not entirely maintenance-free, folks! - The Top Five Filters in Your Home: As summer heats up and we close our windows to keep the air conditioning in, it's super important to maintain healthy indoor air. We're sharing the top five most crucial filters in your home that you need to be checking and cleaning. You might be surprised you have so many! - Summer Design Trends of 2025: Summer is the perfect time for home design projects, from small updates to major overhauls. We'll dive into the top eight summer design trends for 2025, including "color drenching," metallic accents, beverage stations, fun zones, "wood drenching," French country decor, and water conservation in landscaping.   OUR CALLERS: - Carol in Texas wanted to know if she could pressure wash and re-stain weathered treated lumber on her porches with a transparent stain, much like her new porch. - Brian in Massachusetts called in about painting his honey oak kitchen cabinets white and asked about the necessary preparation, especially for filling in the deep grain. - Bonnie faced a dilemma with sealing concrete after flood damage, seeking a less toxic alternative to a strong-smelling basement sealer. - Byron successfully removed his popcorn ceiling and wanted to know the proper next steps for prepping and painting the now-flat surface. - Steve in Arizona inquired about the necessity and benefits of having his air ducts cleaned. - Jonas in Washington was looking to add a fascia-mounted railing to his balcony for more space, but was concerned about a gutter that was currently in the way. - Alex in Florida reached out because his four-year-old central air conditioning system works well, except for one front room that's consistently about five degrees hotter than the rest of the house.   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: Hey Money Pit fans! Get ready for another exciting episode focused on making your home safer, quieter, and more functional, especially with summer approaching. And we hope all the dads out there had a very happy Father's Day! Coming up: - Find out the most effective ways to curb the mosquito population around your house, mainly by eliminating all sources of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. - We'll welcome Dave Kyle, CEO of Trex RainEscape, to explain how their under-deck drainage system creates a dry, usable space beneath an elevated deck, protecting the structure from moisture and allowing for the addition of electrical and gas lines for various outdoor amenities. - Learn crucial ladder safety tips such as keeping the ladder stationary, leveling its feet on various surfaces, proper positioning at a 75-degree angle, looking for overhead wires, and avoiding resting it against rounded objects like trees.   Q & A: - Darlene from Baltimore is dealing with noise issues between the upstairs and downstairs apartments. The best soundproofing solution involves opening up the wall to install mineral wool insulation and potentially sound-deadening drywall. - Tim from Michigan has a vinyl linoleum floor with wrinkles and an uneven subfloor. We advise using a floor leveling compound and consider replacing the floor with a waterproof engineered vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank product. - Britney from Michigan must repair a crumbling cobblestone foundation in her old farmhouse. This load-bearing wall issue requires a specialized technique called needle beaming to temporarily support the house while the foundation is disassembled and rebuilt, ideally overseen by a structural engineer or architect. - Maya from Iowa needs help removing outdoor carpet glued to concrete steps. It's a tough job best tackled with a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue, followed by options like thin pavers or outdoor-rated ceramic tile for resurfacing. - Marcy in Nebraska has a 15,000 BTU window AC unit that keeps tripping her breaker in the heat of the afternoon. An overloaded or low-amperage circuit can be identified using a "fox and hound" circuit tracker and may ultimately require an electrical system check-up or upgrade by a professional electrician. - Marcus in New Jersey is installing a new exterior door and wonders if he still needs a storm door. They're generally not necessary for energy efficiency with modern doors, but can be added for airflow, keeping in mind that direct sun can cause heat buildup and potentially melt trim.  We're here every week, and you can call us 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or you can always post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Hey Money Pit fans! We're kicking things off with a special Happy Father's Day shout-out to all the dads and dad figures out there! Then, listen in as we dive into the essentials of designing an amazing outdoor kitchen for your backyard gatherings and discuss how metal roofs can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Plus, learn how to safely clean up and repair broken windows, and get helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions to make your home better, inside and out! Learn comprehensive tips on designing outdoor kitchens, emphasizing the need for ground fault protected (GFCI) electrical outlets, plumbing that can be drained, and outdoor-rated appliances, ideally located on an existing patio. Discover how metal roofing can significantly boost your home's energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs, thanks to its low thermal mass, heat-reflective coatings, and integral air space. With summer storm season upon us, get crucial tips on cleaning up broken window glass safely using wet paper towels for tiny pieces and preventing future damage by securing potential projectiles around your home. Q & A: Sally is battling foggy double-pane windows. A failed thermopane seal is allowing the insulative gas to escape, impacting energy efficiency and requiring replacement. Jason is dealing with noisy plumbing when filling his master bathroom tub and spitting cold water from other sinks. A bad washer in the faucet or high water pressure can be fixed by replacing or cleaning the washer. Thomas from Louisiana has a portable AC unit that keeps tripping breakers and causing the extension cord to heat up from an under-rated 100-foot extension cord. He needs an electrician to properly label circuits and verify wire sizes. Leslie provides a tip of the day on smoke detectors, advising to check if they are over 5 years old and highlighting new models with photoelectric sensors for better protection against slow smoldering fires. For the dads in your life, consider upgrading their favorite spaces like garages or man caves with LED lighting or shelving, and Leslie raves about the convenience and security of installing a keyless entry system. Donna has a disgusting problem at a fitness facility shower with slimy, brown mold that bleach hasn't fixed. We recommend controlling humidity and using a commercial cleaner like Zep Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner. Michael's got a cracking pool deck, a common issue due to ground movement. We suggest Quikrete's Crack Seal, a latex emulsion product designed to flow into and solidify those cracks for a lasting fix, unlike mortar or concrete. Finally, we'll help Abby, a DIY novice, with her project of refinishing a sun-damaged front door, recommending taking it off its hinges, using a vibrating sander, and choosing a door finish with high UV protection.  ASK A QUESTION: We're here every week, and you can always call us at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Looking for privacy? Today, we'll explore natural landscaping screens over traditional fencing. Plus, discover the benefits of metal roofing for summer replacements and learn how to easily renovate your stairs for a fresh interior look. Listen in for info to create your best home ever, with tips for projects both big and small! - Stairs: Stepping up the style of your outdated stairs is a great DIY project for home design. - Privacy Screen: Landscaped privacy screens are a natural alternative to building a fence. - Metal Roofs: If you're thinking about roof replacement, find out the unique benefits of installing a metal roof.   Q & A: - Plumbing: Mary would like to install a tankless water heater, but since she has electric heat, she should switch to a high-efficiency heat pump water heater instead. - Grading: Vinnie needs suggestions for leveling his hilly backyard. He gets info about sloping away from the foundation, raising the soil level and how to retain it, and installing a curtain drain to redirect water from the wettest areas. - Garden: How can you get plants to grow in shady areas? Hostas, copper plants, and begonias are a few options, but Janna should speak with pros at a local garden center. - Pool Repair: Barb has an older pool that's used a lot, but it has cracks, exposed rebar, and tile that needs replacing. It's all repairable, and we discuss some ideas for fixing the pool.   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're diving into the benefits of natural swimming pools, taking a peek at the latest kitchen and bath design trends, and sharing smart maintenance tips to keep your wood fence in top shape this summer. Plus, we've got answers to more DIY home improvement questions! - Swimming Pools: Create a backyard oasis and discover the joys of natural swimming pools. - Kitchen & Bath: A new survey highlights the latest trends in kitchen and bath design. - Wood Fence: Make sure your wood fence looks great and lasts for years to come with these simple maintenance tips.   Q & A: - Plumbing: Holly's new washing machine is making terrible banging noises. She gets tips for making sure the appliance is level and installing a water hammer arrestor. - Solar Panels: Should Albert install solar panels on the roof or in an area behind his house? There are pros and cons to putting it over the roof vs. in an open area with full sun exposure. - Deck Cleaning: Nancy wants to clean her deck and finds out how to apply a mix of water and bleach detergent without any ammonia. - Electrical: Steve is concerned that none of the outlets in the kitchen are grounded. It's possible to use GFCI outlets with two wires, but he should have an electrician do an evaluation. - Sandbox: Laurie has her questions answered about whether it's a good idea to build a backyard sandbox for her grandchildren. - Patio: Alicia's deck sits on a cement slab patio where a crack is getting bigger. We've got suggestions for sealing the crack and installing a layer of pavers over the surface.   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, learn how to play it safe on the playground, keep your cool with better insulation, and build a fence that stands the test of time. All that and more home improvement advice in today's episode! - Playground Safety: Keep kids safe by taking the proper precautions with backyard playgrounds. - Insulation: Learn why summer is the perfect time to assess your home's insulation and sealing. - Fences: Find out how to be a good neighbor with tips for building a good fence.   Q & A: - Drainage: Kevin has water coming up around the pipes in his concrete slab when it rains. He must check for drainage issues outside the home to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. - HVAC: The upstairs loft gets much warmer than the rest of the house all year long. Amber gets advice on using the ceiling fan more efficiently and installing a mini-split ductless system. - Foundation: Barry added a section to his concrete slab and water is seeping between the seams. An advanced polymer crack sealer may solve the problem. - Stains: The banister with metal rails left rust stains on the pavers. Tamara can try scrubbing the surface with lemon juice and vinegar using a wire brush. - Driveway: Scott's stone aggregate driveway is starting to crumble. It would be hard to repair if it continues to deteriorate, so it may be time to replace the driveway instead. - Flooring: There's condensation on Annette's ceramic tile floor, caused by the cold tile meeting warm inside air. A whole-house dehumidifier would be very effective and make things more comfortable. - Renovations: How can Kaye estimate the costs of renovating a home that's been vacant for 7 years? She should start with a home inspector to assess what needs to be done.   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, learn about stylish and affordable backyard deck trends, why starting your renovation with an architect like SketchHaus can save time and money, and essential safety reminders before using lawn equipment this season. Plus, we got expert home improvement advice for DIY callers just like you! - Deck Space: Spruce up your backyard deck space with these trends that can deliver style without a big expense. - Architecture: Get valuable architectural advice from our discussion with an expert at SketchHaus Architects. - Outdoor Safety: Remember these essential safety reminders before using outdoor equipment this season.   Q & A: - Brick: The brick wall behind the fireplace is covered with glue. It's hard to remove without ruining the brick, so Debbie should consider adding a new layer of drywall or faux brick or stone. - HVAC: Paul needs to heat the mudroom that he's converting into a bathroom. Options include an electric heater, a mini-split ductless system, or radiant heating under the floor. - Porch Columns: It seems carpenter ants or termites are damaging the porch column bases. Justina gets tips for determining if it's insects or decay, and how to treat the area. - Caulking: Can Richard paint over silicone caulk that he accidentally used on cedar siding? It shouldn't be painted and he's better off softening and scraping out the caulk 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 show, we explore why factory-built homes can outshine traditional builds in quality and energy efficiency, discuss essential A/C servicing tips to keep your system summer-ready, and share expert advice for a flawless exterior paint job. Plus, we've got answers for more home improvement questions! - Factory-Built Homes: Learn why a home built in a factory can be better built than one constructed onsite. - Air Conditioning: Be ready to beat the summer heat by testing your air conditioning system. - Exterior Painting: Follow these steps to make your exterior painting project last for years to come.   Q & A: - Flooring: The polyurethane finish is bubbling on Peggy's old Saltillo tile floor. She gets tips for scraping and refinishing the surface or installing a new floor over the tile. - Porch: An addition to Charlie's concrete porch is rising above the adjacent slab. It may be caused by expansive clay soil that requires careful preparation. - Addition: Joan wants to enclose a patio space for her cats. She should consult a professional to do a layout and specs because it would be a big project. - Water Damage: Raccoons busted the pipes under Brian's raised house and it's starting to sink. His insurance company should cover the damage from the sudden dispersal of water. - Low Water Pressure: Krista's home has low water pressure from the shared well. She should test the water pressure at different points to detect where there may be a restriction.   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, discover a faster and easier way to build decks and patios, get the buzz on backyard beekeeping, and learn how to stage your home for a successful open house. Plus, listen in for answers to more home improvement questions to make your next DIY project a success! - Building a Deck: Build a deck faster and easier with a new system that saves time, labor, and money. - Backyard Beehives: Get the buzz on backyard beekeeping and the sweet benefits of homegrown honey. - Selling Your Home: Attract more buyers with tips for staging your home for a successful open house.   Q & A: - Countertops: Carolyn was surprised to see dull spots on her quartz kitchen countertops. Quartz surfaces do require maintenance and should be polished and sealed every few years. - Roofing: There's condensation on the bathroom vent and stains on the ceiling. Kent should check if the flashing around the roof vent needs to be replaced, and then bleach, prime, and paint the ceiling. - Deck Stain: The stain on Mike's decks is already peeling and discolored again. He'll need to strip it again and use an oil-based primer and a solid stain to last longer, or else consider installing composite boards. - Window Repair: The glazing is coming out of Dana's fixed pane picture windows. She gets tips on how to remove the window trim and replace the glazing with silicone caulk. - Solar Panels: Joe is upset by false promises made about the expensive solar panels he had installed. We discuss options to pay off or transfer the contract, updates In solar technology, and contacting an attorney for issues with a misleading contract.   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 uncover how to find and eliminate hidden germs in your home. Then, learn about a home improvement company dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. And if your landscaping is giving you a headache, we've got tips on choosing hassle-free shrubs. We're here to help with all your DIY projects, so listen in for more answers to your home improvement questions! - House Cleaning: Keep your home healthy and clean by finding germs that are hiding in plain sight. - Easy-Care Shrubs: Sprucing up your outdoor space is easy with low-maintenance shrubs.   Q & A: - Deck Stain: Pauline wants advice on how to preserve the surface of her covered deck. She should apply an oil-based primer first, then use a latex solid color stain to make it last. - Structural: The wood header above Dave's garage door is rotted. He needs to build a temporary wall to support the rafters while replacing the header. - Bathroom: Diane's vent fan is not removing the steam from the bathroom. She or her landlord has to make sure that the exhaust is going outside her apartment. - Siding: Wind blew pieces of siding off the house, and other areas are disconnected. Pete gets tips on using a zip tool to reattach any loose siding and still allow movement - Roofing: Melting ice leaked into the sliding glass door tracks, and Norma was told she needs a new roof. She can file an insurance claim for any damage caused by ice dams. - Crawlspace: Peter says the dehumidifier in his crawlspace is always running. We have advice for checking the exterior grading, gutters, and downspouts to reduce moisture around the house. - Flooring: Part of Heather's hardwood floor was damaged by spilled water. She can take a section of matching floor from a hidden area and use it to replace that spot. - New Deck: When should Tony stain the new deck he had built? He should wait for the first year, then use a good quality clear finish if he wants to see the wood grain.   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 ready for summer with water-saving solutions and outdoor living tips! Discover new plumbing fixtures to effortlessly reduce water usage, hear the NAR and NARI 2025 Remodeling report, and get top picks for lawnmowers. Whatever your home improvement project may be, listen in for all the advice you need! - Saving Water: Saving water is made easier with water-saving plumbing fixtures. - Remodeling: Find out which remodeling projects bring homeowners the greatest joy. - Lawn Mowers: New rankings reveal the best lawnmowers that make the cut with Consumer Reports.   Q & A: - Windows: Brad likes the look of his old windows, but he needs advice for either having them repaired or installing replacement windows. - Pool: Dorothy finds out the steps involved in having an inground pool removed and getting the space filled in. - Ceiling: What material should Bryce use to replace the damaged wallboard in his bathroom ceiling? He can put water-resistant greenboard right over the existing drywall. - Skylights: Will the light from a tubular skylight interfere with viewing TV in the daytime? Ginny shouldn't have any problems from the diffused overhead light. - Roofing: The old tar is cracking around the outside edges of Pete's patio roof. It doesn't seem like a good idea to patch the tar, and we recommend replacing the roof. - Flooring: Robin is scraping up old carpet glue and wants to install vinyl plank flooring. If the flooring planks are rigid enough, they shouldn't show any remaining lumps. - Ventilation: Conrad is thinking of putting a solar-powered attic fan over the garage, but an attic fan is not a good idea if it will pull air from any living space and out through the attic.   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 is all about making the most of your home's spaces! First, we'll discuss choosing durable, low-maintenance kitchen countertops. Then, we'll explore making use of the area under your second-story deck with under-deck drainage systems. And if your asphalt driveway is worn out, we have expert replacement tips. Save time, money, and effort with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Countertops: Busy kitchens require the most durable countertop materials that are easy to maintain. - Driveway Repair: Get tips on replacing an asphalt driveway that's showing wear and tear.   Q & A: - Water Heater: Will a tankless water heater get hot water to the shower faster? Sharon will have endless hot water on demand, but it still needs to travel to the farthest spot in the home. - Painting Ceiling: Bill removed the popcorn ceiling in his bathroom, and gets tips for sealing the surface with a quality primer before applying a top coat of flat paint. - Mold: How can Judy clean mold off the outside brick without damaging the mortar? We recommend applying a slow-working mildewcide product that washes off the mold. - Plumbing: Doug learns that it's a great idea to use SharkBite fittings instead of soldering to create a watertight seal while changing the outside faucets. - Lighting: Bill replaced the incandescent lighting with an LED lighting fixture and notices a delay before the light comes on. It's often normal for it to take some time. - Bathroom Leak: Kirsten has water spots on the ceiling under the upstairs bathroom. She gets advice on how to test for leaks in the shower pan, caulk, and grout. - Flooring: What would be a good vinyl flooring product to replace Carson's carpet? There are lots of options, but we need more details to know what works best for that area. - Electrical: Carol is replacing old electrical outlets and has questions about the correct wiring. This isn't a DIY project and she should call a professional electrician. 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 shines a spotlight on home safety! First, learn what to check to prevent deck collapses, and then discover how to protect your home's water quality. Finally, find out why metal roofs are your best bet against severe weather. Get answers to these and other home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode! - Deck Collapse: Safeguard your outdoor fun with a five-step DIY checkup to avoid a deck collapse. - Water Quality: Learn how to maintain high-quality water that's clean, safe, and tastes great. - Metal Roofs: Ride out the storm with a metal roof that stands up to severe weather.   Q & A: - Concrete Repair: Annie's concrete porch is crumbling, but it's easy to repair with Quikrete products that can restore the concrete surface. - Flooring: What kind of flooring can be installed over a radiant heating system? Steve can use just about any kind of flooring, but should be careful not to nail into the heating elements. - Cleaning: Lucy gets tips for cleaning dirty outdoor furniture, using the right methods and cleaning products for different types of furniture materials. - Handrails: Should Fred install single or double handrails for egress steps from his basement? We suggest checking his local building codes, but two handrails would be a safe option. - Pests: Pesky cluster flies are coming from the HVAC floor register. It's a pretty common problem, but Karen should call a professional that will use the right kind of pesticide. - Concrete Floor: The garage floor is not level and water is running toward low spots near the house. Bill learns about using a self-leveling compound on the concrete 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: In this home improvement episode, find out what defines a truly green product, get tips on designing a room that grows with your child, and discover how to create a stunning countertop in a weekend without breaking the bank. Plus, get answers to questions from homeowners just like you for more DIY projects! - Green Products: Go beyond the labels and learn what defines truly green products for your home. - Advice from Angie: The founder of Angie.com offers DIY advice. - Kids' Rooms: Design space-saving rooms that can adapt to your growing kids.   Q & A: - Painting: Dan wants to paint his vinyl siding. He'd be setting himself up for years of repainting it, so we suggest changing the color of his door, trim, or shutters instead. - Plumbing: Barbara's toilet makes a bubbling sound and doesn't fully flush. A partial obstruction may be causing a venting issue that needs to be unblocked with an auger. - HVAC: Carl is concerned about a new refrigerant that replaced Freon in 2023, but it's more efficient and environmentally friendly. - Bath Remodel: Who should you use for bathroom remodeling? Macey should determine exactly what she wants done and then get bids on the specs from experienced bathroom contractors. - Epoxy Flooring: Applying a durable epoxy coating is a DIY project that Greg can do to make a concrete floor more attractive. - Foundation: Brenda's poured concrete basement walls are starting to crumble. She needs a structural engineer to determine how to make the proper repairs.   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, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, finding the right shovel for your outdoor landscaping needs, and cleaning delicate window shades without risking damage. Plus, stay tuned for answers to more home improvement questions to create your best home ever! - Window Shades: Get tips on how to clean delicate window shades without damaging them. - Shovels: Having the right shovel helps to get outdoor projects done more easily. - Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget.   Q & A: - Foundation: A crack in the concrete slab foundation has gotten wider and there's a dip in the floor. Rachel should call a structural engineer to determine the issue and repairs. - Bees: Carpenter bees are boring holes all over Jim's log cabin. The right pesticide should work to get rid of them, and then he can replace some of the wood with composite material. - Siding: Lynne wants to protect the cedar siding on her old house. Options include applying boiled linseed oil to protect the surface or using a primer and a solid stain. - Lighting: Pete wants to install recessed can lights on the first floor of his home. It's not a DIY job because wiring must be properly fished through the finished ceiling. - Flooring: After pulling up the carpet, Nancy has a squeaky subfloor. She learns how to find the floor joists and use screws to tighten the wood before installing a new floor over it.   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, we've got tips for creating an outdoor escape, continue our chat with George Olipant of “George to the Rescue,” and offer advice on testing your soil to grow a lusher lawn. Plus, listen in for more home improvement answers to your DIY questions! - TREX RAIN Escape: Learn more about this outdoor product integration. - George Oliphant: Join us for interview #2 with the host of George to the Rescue. - Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.   Q & A: - Ceiling: There's no way to completely avoid the mess of removing a popcorn ceiling, but Laurie gets helpful tips for using the wet scrape method to make it easier. - Cleaning: How can Dennis remove roofing cement that spilled on the cement garage floor? He'll need to use a wire brush and some solvent to scrape it off, then refinish the surface. - Plumbing: A cracked sewer pipe flooded Helen's basement. Her homeowner's insurance should cover having a remediation company clean and repair the damage. - Lightning Rod: Jason gets advice on preventing lightning damage to his metal roof and how a lightning rod works. - Moisture: Laura has moisture on her walls and gets lots of information about improving outside drainage, running the AC, using vent fans, and installing a whole house dehumidifier. - Chimney: Richard gets guidance on applying masonry sealer on the porous brick behind his chimney.   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 you covered from garden to garage! We'll share tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, speak with NBC's George Oliphant from George to the Rescue, and help you safely store flammable liquids to avoid garage fire hazards. Tune in for essential advice to upgrade and safeguard your home! - Flammable Liquids: Storing flammable liquids safely is key to avoiding fire hazards in your garage. - George to the Rescue: Listen in for our chat with NBC's George Oliphant. - Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts.   Q & A: - Handrail: Karen wants to add a sturdy railing to her porch steps. Locating the proper attachment points and using the right kind of screws are important. - Siding: Rich's cedar siding is looking weathered, but cleaning it well and then applying an oil-based primer and an exterior color stain will give it a new and lasting look. - Electrical: Do GFCI outlets need their own circuit breakers? Belinda learns that the outlets themselves are circuit breakers and gets tips on how to test them. - Flooring: George wants to replace the family room carpet with a wood floor. He should secure the subfloor before adding prefinished hardwood that's durable and easy to install. - Plumbing: We have plumbing advice for Jackie, who's replacing an old tub with a tile shower and needs to install a new shower diverter valve. - Odors: A tenant's cigarette smoke left behind odors and discoloration. John gets info on how to clean, seal, or remove the walls, floors, carpets, drapes, and upholstery.   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: Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then chat with HGTV's Clint Robertson. Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors, and hear answers to more home improvement questions! - Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors. - HGTV's Clint Robertson of the “Boise Boys” - Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.   Q & A: - Crown Molding: Tracy wants to install crown molding and learns that high-density foam trim is an easy DIY solution. - Repairing Windows: Cameron has two options for accessing and restringing the counterweights inside his old windows without damaging the trim. - Closet Rod: The weight of heavy clothes has bowed the closet rod and pulled it away from the wall. Bea gets tips for installing sturdy brackets to support the shelf and rod. - HVAC: We have advice for Gail on installing a mixing valve to regulate the water temperature without lowering the heat in her home. - Water Infiltration: Dewey needs to find and remediate the underlying cause of bad odors in his basement after a past sewage backup. - Plumbing: There's a loud banging in the basement whenever Nicole uses the toilet, shower, or washing machine. It may be water hammer or her well pump going on and off. - Pests: How can Kelly can rid of the bugs, slugs and rodents in her garden? We recommend calling a pest control professional to treat the specific problems.   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 cover a trio of crucial home improvement topics. First, we share top painting tips to achieve a flawless finish. Next, we discuss how to maintain healthy indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Finally, learn about installing a front door that looks great and increases your home's value and security. Tune in for these and other answers to questions from homeowners like you! - Painting Tips: Avoid painting predicaments by brushing up on these tips to paint like a pro. - Ventilation: Energy efficiency is great, but can your home be too airtight for healthy living? - Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home.   Q & A: - Windows: What's the discoloration on Amy's windows? Normal oxidation may have faded areas that need to be refinished, and mineral salts can be cleaned away with vinegar. - Floor Leveling: One corner of an addition is unlevel with the home slab. John gets tips on using a floor leveling compound or creating a transition between the two areas. - Patio: Linda needs advice for building the base for a combo patio and carport. Concrete would be the most durable and permanent as long as it's reinforced properly. - Bathroom Renovation: Scott learns why flipping the locations of a toilet and shower is a huge bathroom renovation project that's not worth the work. - Insulation: Mike knows there's no insulation in the walls of his old brick home. His only option is to remove the inside drywall and apply rigid foam insulation, plus seal drafts. Pressure Washer: What is the best PSI to choose when buying a pressure washer? 1,800 PSI is good for general cleaning, but there are other things David should consider.   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 episode, we debunk a popular but misguided lawn care strategy for mowing your grass. We'll also discuss why metal roofs are winning over homeowners by promising protection for decades, then delve into advancements in hardwood flooring. Tune in for insights on tackling your home improvement projects with expert guidance! - Lawn Care: Follow these mowing tips to ensure a healthy lawn that's a cut above the rest. - DIY Queen: Listen in for an interview with home improvement expert Cara Newhart. - Hardwood Floors: Easy-to-install hardwood flooring brings beauty and value to a home.   Q & A: - Kitchen Renovation: Mark needs some ideas for renovating his kitchen on a budget. Cabinets from IKEA are a good option worth considering. - Porch Design: Marla wants to screen in her porch that has lots of columns. She should consult with an architect because it would definitely change the style of her home. - Tiling: What kind of prep work is needed to tile over a textured wall? David can simply rough up the surface with sandpaper to make the tile adhere properly. - Wet Basement: Debra has questions about dry locking her basement. She shouldn't be concerned about odors harming her pets and we have tips about improving drainage. - Grout: Nicole is having a hard time getting her bathroom grout white again. We suggest using a professional grout cleaning or grout stripping product, and then a sealer. - Home Value: How should Mike list his home to indicate the home improvements he's done? Creating a list of projects he's done in recent years would be appealing to home buyers. - Mortar: Can Stacey use mortar to fill the spaces in her brick fireplace? Adding tile or stone around the fireplace are better options for creating a smooth finish to the surface.   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 one-stop shop for all things home improvement, we'll tackle the war against bathroom germs, explore the art of building a paver patio that lasts, reveal expert tips for restoring rotted wood, and answer more questions from callers. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this episode has something for everyone! - Bathroom Germs: Experts are flush with ideas on the best way to stop the spread of bathroom germs. - Paver Patio: Get some tricks of the trade on building a paver patio that will last for years to come. - Rotted Wood: When wet weather leads to rotted wood, learn how to restore and rebuild the damaged areas.   Q & A: - Air Conditioning: A contractor tried to upsell Mike on cleaning his HVAC system. Better options are using good air filters and a coil cleaner to loosen dust and spores. - Roof Leak: Mary's roof started leaking after a cold spell formed ice dams. We explain the damage they cause and the repairs that should be covered by her insurance policy. - Water Heater: Marty's tankless water heater keeps the water hot but doesn't deliver it any faster. Installing a hot water recirculating pump may speed things up. - Wall Finish: Should a Venetian plaster effect be used on the whole room or just an accent wall? Diane really likes the look and we suggest trying it on one wall first. - Basement HVAC: Mark gets advice on repairing the drywall ceiling in his basement without damaging the radiant heating system. - Insulation: John's remodeling his house and considering adding spray foam insulation. We agree it would provide a lot more efficiency and answer his ventilation concerns.   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 the practical advice you need in this episode, with tips on constructing a raised garden bed, optimizing garage space, and troubleshooting vacuum issues. From gardening to storage to cleaning, we've got tips to help homeowners with these and other home improvement questions! - Raised Garden Bed: Get tips on building a raised garden bed for the perfect DIY project. - Garage Space: A new survey reveals how homeowners are optimizing garage space in creative ways. - Vacuum Repairs: Find out what to do when your vacuum cleaner's suction sucks.   Q & A: - Crack Over Stairs: Anne is worried that cracks above her stairs are caused by her house shifting. She needs a home inspector who specializes in structural issues. - Drain Pipe: The cast iron drain pipe under Dan's basement floor keeps clogging. He can get it relined with a fiberglass sleeve without having to remove the pipe. - Rusty Bathtub: Can an old rusty cast iron tub be restored? Margaret could have it reglazed by a professional, but it may be better to just replace the tub. - Window Replacement: What should be included in the cost of window replacement? Michael gets advice on quality indicators, measurements, and more. - Basement HVAC: Mark has questions about the radiant heating above his basement ceiling. We've got suggestions about drop ceilings and disconnecting the heating. - Shower Plumbing: Jackie is replacing an old tub with a tile shower. She'll need to have a plumber reroute a new diverter valve. - Garage Door: Scott's garage doors freeze when snow melts off the cars. New rubber gaskets that won't stick to ice and installing garage floor tiles that drain will help the problem. - Hardwood Floors: What is the best way to maintain new hardwood floors? We've got concerns about steam cleaning and suggest checking the manufacturer's instructions.   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 has tips for crafting your perfect outdoor living space, asking key questions before hiring a contractor, and choosing the best tile for your next project. Whether your DIY project is indoors or outdoors, we've got the answers you need for all your home improvement questions! - Outdoor Living: Follow these 5 tips for creating the perfect outdoor living space. - Hiring Contractors: Choose wisely by asking these 5 key questions before hiring a home improvement professional. - Centurion Garden & Outdoor Living Product Feature – 3-in-1 Wild Bird Feeder   Q & A: - HVAC Water: Gail's boiler provides both the heat and the hot water. She needs to find out how to set the mixing valve so the shower water won't be too hot. - Bathroom Vent: Mike wonders about connecting his bathroom fan vent to the plumbing vent. He can't do that, but we've got tips on how to run the exhaust vent to the outside. - Plumbing: A cracked waste pipe flooded the basement. Helen should file an insurance claim and hire a remediation company to clean up the sewage damage. - Foundation Cracks: Pat has multiple big cracks in his foundation walls. He'll need a structural engineer to address the problem and design the proper repairs. - Odors: Mason can't find the source of odors in his home. We have a few ideas and give him tips on steam-cleaning the carpets and priming and painting the walls to seal them. - Textured Wall Prep: Dave wants to tile over a textured bathroom wall. Sanding the surface will give him better adhesion to glue the tile right over it. - Kitchen Cabinet Lazy Susan: The top shelf of an old kitchen cabinet carousel has dropped. Marge gets advice on how to find parts and try to repair it.   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, learn how to conquer clutter with a storage shed, decide between window repair versus replacement, and get expert advice and resources from a DIY guru and a leading retailer. Plus, we've got answers to lots more questions for all your home improvement projects! Storage Shed: Shed your outdoor clutter by building a backyard storage shed. Window Repair: This checklist helps you see clearly on whether to repair or replace your windows. DIY Expert Advice: HGTV star and home improvement retailer offer advice for DIY projects.   Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Mold: Karen has gotten some bad advice about mold on the basement walls. She must have samples tested to discover the correct mitigation plan to treat the mold. Water Heater: What's the best kind of water heater for a large family? Mike should consider a tankless water heater to save energy and provide hot water instantly. Drafty Windows: Cold wind is blowing through Joyce's apartment windows. She can seal the drafts by using shrink film or a temporary caulk. Jacuzzi Drain: A caustic cleaner burned the tub surface when Barry tried to clear the clogged drain. We have suggestions for different products that are better to use. Front Door: Rick just wants to replace his front door rather than the entire transom. We discuss the challenges and carpentry needed for the exact entry door replacement. Foundation Repair: Brenda's poured cement basement walls are starting to crumble. She should hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation and determine the best repair specification.   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

Get budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas, add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips, and avoid the risks of hiring uninsured contractors with inspiration and information on today's home improvement episode! Plus, listen in for answers to additional caller questions on a range of DIY projects. Apartment Décor: Get affordable apartment décor ideas to fit your budget and save your security deposit. Front Yard Landscaping: Create a welcome entry and add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips. Uninsured Contractors: If you're hiring a contractor, protect yourself from liability by confirming they're insured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we've got tips for planting bulbs for a beautiful garden, breaking free of stuck windows to let the fresh air in, and protecting trees and shrubs with proper mulching. Spring forward and get home improvement advice to last all year as we answer your timely questions! Spring Bulbs: Think flower power and plan ahead for spring by planting bulbs now. Stuck Windows: Break free of stuck windows with these easy tips. Mulch: Learn the right way to use mulch for insulating trees and shrubs.   Q & A: Sliding Doors: Nancy's sliding doors are hard to open. It's possible to replace the rollers, but we recommend replacing them with new, more efficient doors instead. Crawlspace: The dehumidifier runs constantly in Peter's crawlspace. He should check his gutters, downspouts, and grading to keep water away from the foundation. Roofing: Should Ella add a third layer of roofing? It's a bad idea because it can shorten the life of the new roof, but we have some suggestions. Structural: Vincent is worried about cracks inside his home and exterior bricks that seem to be pulling away. A certified home inspector or structural engineer can specify the proper repairs. Fireplace: Whistling and howling noises are coming from Sharon's gas fireplace. It sounds like an issue with the roof venting that she should discuss with the manufacturer.   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'll share ways to keep animals from feasting on your garden, how to store leftover paint to make it last, and tips for inspecting your gutters to prevent leaks and water damage. Plus, we've got answers for DIY callers on more home improvement questions! - Wildlife: Wildlife-proof your garden to keep animals from damaging your plants. - Storing Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint with smart storage tips. - Gutters: Prevent leaks and floods by prepping your gutters for spring rains.   Q & A: - Heating: Ralph says the heat just isn't reaching upstairs in his home. We suggest installing registers in the floor to redirect the heat or adding a mini-split ductless system. - Mold: Contractors have given Karen different advice about mold on the basement walls. She needs a professional mold mitigator to test it and recommend the best plan. - Siding: What are the pros and cons of Hardie board siding? Steve learns about the durability and update of that and other good options for siding. - HVAC: Is it worth having your air ducts cleaned? Sherry should start by getting good-quality filters and changing them regularly. - Countertops: John wants to update his Formica countertops. Good budget options are either adding a new layer of laminate or using paint to refinish the countertop surface.   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, we're talking about how to avoid fence fiascos, home renovation updates from the host of Renee Renovates, and easy ways to slash your laundry costs. Plus, we've got expert answers to questions from DIY callers, so tune in for more improvement advice! - Fences: Get advice on building a fence that's stylish, sturdy, and neighbor-friendly. - Home Renovation: The host of Renee Renovates shares info about her Craftsman house renovation. - Laundry: Spin and save with simple laundry hacks to cut costs.   Q & A: - Insulation: What do you call a 12-sided house and how do you insulate it? We think that spray foam insulation would be Lloyd's best option that needs no ventilation. - HVAC: Converting a three-unit building from oil heat to electric baseboard heat would cost Amber a fortune! We suggest separating the zones for each unit instead. - Adding Bathroom: Phillip wants to install a half bathroom in the basement. He can either install a lift pump to run the plumbing through the ceiling or jackhammer through the cement floor. - Kitchen Function: Steam from the coffee maker is fading the finish on the upper cabinets. Without extra counter space, Susan will just have to pull the appliance forward while using it.   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