The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2493 - DIY Queens: Women Redefine Home Improvement | Choosing Hardwood Floors | New Front Doors Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, learn which hardwood floors hold up best, how female DIYers are shaking up home improvement trends, and why replacing your front door is one of the best projects for boosting home value. Plus, we’re taking your questions and tackling your biggest home project challenges on this episode of The Money Pit!

- Women DIYers: Who needs a handyman when women DIYers are redefining home improvement?

- Hardwood Floor: Choose the hardest hardwood floors for maximum durability.

- Front Doors: Adding value and curb appeal is an open-and-shut case with a new front entry door.

Q & A:

- Insulation: Claudia’s old attic insulation is falling down in some spots. It’s not hard to replace, but she should consider installing spray foam insulation that’s more efficient.

- Plumbing: Jim has questions about installing a recirculating pump to get more hot water to the kitchen and bath. We have recommendations for a good system to use.

- Flooring: LuAnn’s pets keep ruining the carpet and now she’s thinking of installing hardwood. We have tips for priming and sealing the subfloor first.

- Siding: Icicles are running down the vinyl siding on one side of Don’s house. Ice dams may be getting water behind the siding.

- Basement Chimneys: Old, unused brick chimneys are turning to dust in Kathy’s basement, but it would not compromise the structure of the house to disassemble them.

- Windows: Charlotte is always wiping away moisture and mold in her double-pane windows. We recommend replacing them, along with steps to reduce indoor humidity.

- Bathroom Odor: There’s a sulfur smell coming from the bathroom. Justin gets tips for cleaning out biogases from the drains and checking the water heater anode rod.

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.

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#2492 - Suspended Style: New Drop Ceiling Trends | Using Drywall Anchors | Optimizing Window Warmth Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we’ll explore surprising new options in drop ceilings, the right way to drill into drywall when there’s no stud, and a quick hack to keep your home warm using free heat. Plus, we’re

answering your top home improvement questions from DIY callers like you!

- Drop Ceilings: Stylish designs and smart new options are raising the bar on drop ceilings.

- Drywall Anchors: Drywall anchors make it easy to hang something on a wall without studs.

- Window Warmth: Take advantage of free heat generated by sunshine streaming through your windows.

Q & A:

- New Driveway: Can Donna put an asphalt driveway over her crumbling concrete driveway? It can’t be done and she’ll need to replace the concrete with layers of asphalt.

- Insulation: Luke is concerned about the risk of mold with spray foam insulation in the attic. We assure him it would need to be a sustained leak and he would see evidence of it.

- Toilet Moisture: Condensation on the outside of the toilet keeps dripping on Ilene’s floor. We have tips for making the toilet water warmer and the house less humid.

- Leaks: Tim gets advice on what to do about horizontal cracks in the walls of a concrete pit and how to improve the outside grading and drainage.

- HVAC: Carol has air in the lines from her hot water boiler system. She should open the bleed valves at the radiators to let the air out.

- Icy Sidewalk: The concrete sidewalk and driveway are retaining moisture and freezing. His best option is to use non-corrosive potassium chloride to thaw the ice.

- Radon: A radon monitor is reading higher levels upstairs than downstairs. That’s unusual, and Jane should have the radon mitigation system checked.

- Heating: Steve removed his old steam heat radiators and is considering a new HVAC system. If he doesn’t want to restore the radiators, he has some other options.

- Elevator: Can you install an elevator in a two-story house? Rosalie learns it’s becoming more common and is very possible to do in a small space.

- Driveway Stains: Can rubber marks be removed from an asphalt driveway? We don’t think so, and Ryan will have to reseal the driveway to cover the marks.

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.

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#2491 - Toxic-Free Cooking: Buying Safer Pots and Pans | Picking Paint Colors | Heating Fuel Options Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we’re sharing what you need to know about potentially harmful cookware, clever tricks to pick the perfect paint color, and how to choose the most efficient heating fuel for your

home. Got a DIY project on your list? Listen in for answers to more home improvement questions.

- Cookware: Enjoy toxic-free cooking by buying safer nonstick pots and pans.

- Painting: Say goodbye to color confusion by picking the perfect shades of paint.

- Home Heating: Stay warm and spend less by picking the most efficient heating fuel.

Q & A:

- HVAC: William wants to heat an addition to his house. Adding insulation is a good start and he should consider installing a split ductless system.

- Kitchen Remodel: Where should Joan start when remodeling her kitchen? A home center or kitchen and bath designer can help her lay out options and ideas.

- Flooring: What kind of underlayment should be used with a luxury vinyl plank floor? Pete should check with the manufacturer for recommendations for comfort and moisture protection.

- Dehumidifier: Kayla’s dehumidifier keeps tripping the circuit breaker and stopping the condensate pump. Simply adding a new circuit should solve the problem.

- Latex Paint: Is latex paint that’s been frozen still good to use? Ronnie should bring it to room temperature and stir the paint to make sure it’s creamy rather than lumpy.

- Mold: Derek can’t see any mold but thinks he can smell it. A licensed mold inspector or public health official can determine if there is any mold to worry about.

- Gutters: Lulu’s brick steps are breaking down from water coming under the gutters. We’ve got tips for properly extending the roof shingles so rain flows into the gutters.

- Shutters: Can Ruth install shutters on vinyl siding? It’s a DIY project using special fasteners to

avoid leaks and taking care not to crush the siding.

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.

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#2490 - Hot Tips for Thawing Frozen Pipes | New Life for Tired Tile Floors | Reupholstering Furniture Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we’re sharing easy ways to keep your pipes from freezing, budget-friendly tricks to refresh old tile floors, and a smart way to give your furniture a whole new look with DIY

reupholstering. Ready to transform your space? We’re here to help, so listen in for more home improvement advice!

- Frozen Pipes: Get hot tips for thawing frozen pipes and avoiding costly damage.

- Tile Floors: These budget-friendly ideas can give outdated tile floors a fresh new look.

- Furniture: Reupholster your furniture for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Q & A:

- Mold: Paint just won’t stick in one corner of Judy’s wall where there may be mold. She can use a bleach solution to clean the surface, then prime and paint it over.

- Tile Flooring: Roger wants to install large floor tiles over the existing mosaic tile and grout. He can tile right over the existing surface by using the right type of adhesive.

- Insulation: Blown-in insulation is blowing back through Laura’s stove vent. It may be a commercial fan that’s too strong, and she should consult an appliance or HVAC expert.

- Foundation: TheDrylok sealer on Jodi’s foundation is cracked and bubbling. She can either remove it or have a mason attach a woven wire mesh and apply new stucco.

- Garage Doors: Nancy’s old garage doors are shimmying and not opening or closing properly. It would be better to replace the doors and openers instead of repairing them.

- HVAC: The heat pump is making horrible noises and switching to defrost without shutting off the compressor first. It could be caused by several things, but we advise Conrad to replace the old unit.

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.

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#2489 - Added Safety on Tap: Home Fire Sprinkler Systems | 6 Painting Tips | Furnace Filters Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, learn the lifesaving benefits of home fire sprinkler systems, six must-know painting tips to help you get pro results, and how changing your furnace filter can make a big impact on your

heating bill. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to callers’ home improvement questions!

- Fire Safety: Get added safety on tap by installing a home fire sprinkler system.

- Painting: These 6 simple tips will save you time and money on your next painting project.

- Filters: Improve your HVAC system’s efficiency by using the right furnace filters.

Q & A:

- Storm Door: The trim on Katie’s entry door is melting from heat trapped behind the storm door. We explain why storm doors aren’t needed and how to ventilate the space.

- Window Leak: Water is leaking inside the top of Dan’s window from a rotted gutter. He should fix the gutter and fascia board first and monitor the leak.

- Roofing: Mary is getting confused by all the choices for replacing her roof. It sounds like the tiles need repair, not replacement, and she needs to clarify options with other roofing professionals.

- Water Heater: Fred’s old gas water heater is vibrating. It’s not worth fixing, and we recommend installing a tankless water heater that’s more efficient.

- Chimney: An external chimney has cracked and the mantle inside has shifted. Rebecca needs to find a professional home inspector or structural engineer, not a contractor.

- Cleaning: Old bathroom tiles have lost their luster. A matte finish won’t get shiny, but Cheri gets tips for the best way to clean the tile surface and what to 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.

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#2488 - Are Natural Stone Countertops Worth It? | Wallpaper Removal | Quick Home Improvement Tasks Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In today’s episode, learn the fastest way to remove old wallpaper, find out if natural stone countertops are worth the upkeep, and discover five easy home improvement hacks you can complete in 30 minutes or less. Plus, we’ll help turn your dream project into a reality, with answers to more home improvement questions!

- Stone Countertops: Natural stone countertops require ongoing maintenance, but are they worth the hassle?

- Wallpaper Removal: Removing wallpaper is always a challenge, but these tips can make it easier and faster.

- Quick Home Improvement: You can get these home improvement tasks done in 30 minutes or less.

Q & A:

- Tile Grout: Is it a bad idea to use white grout with white bathroom tile? It’s a fine choice, but Christine should use silicone grout that’s easy to clean or properly seal sand grout.

- Roofing: Joe’s roof shingles don’t extend far enough over the gutters. There should be a drip edge and we have tips for extending the shingles and installing flashing.

- Siding Gap: Jennifer wants to seal a gap between the wood siding and brick to keep out pests. Options include steel wool or foam insulation that must be primed and painted.

- Window Wells: The metal window wells near the driveway are getting rusted. James gets advice on replacing them with plastic wells that won’t corrode from weather and salt.

- Driveway Stains: How can Richard remove oil and rust stains from his new driveway? He should mix TSP into a paste and let it sit before scrubbing the surface.

- Shower Leak: Maria’s shower is leaking into the subfloor. We have tips for finding and sealing a leak in the shower pan or the grout around 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.

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#2487 - Rest Assured: How to Detox Your Mattress | Stop Energy Leaks to Save Money | Smoke Detectors Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, we’ve got advice to save on heating costs, detox your mattress for better sleep, and ensure your home is fire-safe with the right smoke detectors. Plus, we’re here to answer more home improvement questions, so be sure to listen in for DIY tips!

- Mattress Cleaning: Rest assured and get a healthy sleep with cleaning tips to detox your mattress.

- Heating Costs: Cut your heating bills by finding and sealing energy leaks around your home.

- Smoke Detectors: Get the right kind of smoke detectors to protect against every type of fire.

Q & A:

- Clogged Plumbing: Nicole doesn’t want to use harsh chemicals on her clogged shower drain. A drain snake is cheap and effective, but she may need to call a professional drain cleaner.

- Attic Vent: John’s roof vent sometimes leaks. It may be from wind-driven rain, so we suggest installing a ridge vent that runs down the peak of the roof.

- Painting Bathroom: Can Chris paint over her outdated bathroom tiles? It can be done but may not last, so she may want to decorate around the old tile colors for now.

- Cement Board: Jeffrey gets tips for using colored silicone caulk that expands and contracts to fix his cracked cement board siding.

- Appliance Stains: It’s frustrating to keep stainless steel appliances clean! We recommend some products Tom can use to maintain his appliance surfaces.

- House Noises: What is that humming and buzzing sound in Diane’s house? It will take some detective work to track down house noises from drafts or plumbing vibrations.

- Doors: Al’s prehung metal door rotted around the door jamb. It’s not worth repairing, so he should replace the door with a fiberglass model that doesn’t rust and is more efficient.

- Countertops: What kind of countertop is best for a remodeled kitchen? Lori learns the pros

and cons of granite, marble, quartz, laminate, and tile countertops.

- Insulation: How should Kenny insulate his tin roof? We discuss two types of insulation options, depending on how the roof is put together and the structure of the house.

- Mailbox: How can Lynn replace a rusted mailbox in a brick enclosure? She finds out steps for cutting off the inside bolts and finding a new mailbox that fits the space.

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.

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#2486 - Pane Points: Knowing When to Replace Your Windows | Saving Garage Space | Home Energy Audit Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

On this show, tackle top home improvement challenges by learning how to tell if your windows need replacing, conquering garage clutter to make space for your car, and uncovering the benefits of a home energy audit. Plus, listen in for more expert advice for DIY callers like you!

- Replacing Windows: These 7 key pane points will tell you when it’s time to replace your windows.

- Garage Space: Take back that parking space with tips for organizing your garage.

- Energy Audit: Learn how to improve your energy efficiency with a home energy audit.

Q & A:

- Plumbing: Are faucets from a big box store just as good as those from a plumbing supply store? Joni shouldn’t worry about quality if she’s still buying a good brand.

- Garage Doors: Frank’s garage door opener won’t close them. He can try doing a factory reset, but they may need to be replaced if they’re too old.

- Groundwater: It’s not worth the work involved for Shawnee to redirect an underground spring that keeps a small area of her yard wet.

- Water Heater: James noticed moisture inside the fiberglass insulation on his water heater. He gets tips for finding leaks, regulating the water heater, and installing a timer.

- Mold: Broken pipes inside the walls have caused a lot of mold. Sharaine needs to call a professional to safely remove the mold and avoid contaminating the rest of the house.

- Concrete: One area of Roy’s concrete driveway is tilting toward the garage. Mudjacking can lift and stabilize it as long as it’s done evenly and doesn’t crack the slab.

- Toilet: Patty’s toilet runs a few times each day and the water bill is going up. It’s an easy fix to replace the worn-out fill and flush valves inside the tank.

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.

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#2485 - Home Organization to Conquer Clutter | Roof and Plumbing Leaks | Replacing Ceramic Tiles Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Got roof leaks, too much clutter, or chipped ceramic tiles? This episode offers simple steps to manage leaks, expert advice to declutter your home, and creative solutions for repairing damaged tiles. Tune in for your home improvement fix and more DIY advice!

- Home Organization: Clear your mind and your space with home organization tips to conquer clutter.

- Leaks: Learn how to minimize damage from a roof or plumbing leak.

- Ceramic Tiles: Try these handy hacks when you can’t find a replacement for broken ceramic tiles.

Q & A:

- Driveway Repair: Ed’s concrete driveway is starting to separate at the expansion joint. He gets tips on using a backer rod and urethane caulk to seal the gap.

- Structural Support: Mary wants to open up her ceiling rafters, but she should consult an engineer or architect to design a structural plan for this risky project.

- Insulation: The furnace can’t heat an old house with poor insulation. Andy should install two layers of criss-crossed insulation in the attic.

- Floor Gap: There’s a gap between the new wood floor and the front door threshold. We advise Nancy to use a piece of molding for a thin gap or cut a piece of flooring for a wide gap and tap it into place.

- Windows: How can Karen let the heat in but keep the cold out of her windows? Cellular shades can be left open during the day and closed at night to keep things comfortable.

- Siding: Should Mike replace Western red cedar siding with pine? Pine is not insect- or weather-resistant, so we suggest looking at Hardie Plank siding instead.

- Painting Garage Doors: Carolyn needs to refinish her metal garage doors. She gets tips for sanding, priming, and painting the doors with the right products.

- Sink Surface: There’s an ugly black ring around the bathroom drain. Debra can try cleaning it with oxygenated bleach, abrading the surface, or covering the area with a wide drain.

- Painting Siding: Paint just won’t stick to David’s redwood siding. It’s a smart idea to apply Kilz primer first, then use good quality paint over it as soon as possible.

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.

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#2484 - Big Updates for Small Kitchens | 5 Ways to Stop Mold | Water Filter Options Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we’ll share five easy ways to prevent mold from taking over your indoor space this winter, clever updates to make your small kitchen feel more spacious and functional, and a guide to installing water filters that provide fresh, tasty water while saving you money. Plus, we’re ready to hear what’s on your home improvement to-do list, so listen in for answers to more DIY questions!

- Small Kitchens: Gain space and improve functionality with big, easy updates for small kitchens.

- Mold Prevention: Learn 5 ways to stop mold before it starts and keep your home healthy.

- Water Filters: Choose from two types of water filters for drinking water that tastes better and costs less.

Q & A:

- Appliances: Charmagne’s washing machine is shaking and making loud noises. We suggest adjusting the feet to make sure it’s level and using anti-vibration blocks.

- Ceiling Leak: Water leaked through the kitchen light from the apartment upstairs. If the ceiling bows, Kevin should poke a hole to release any water, but a single leak that dried won’t be a mold problem.

- Flooring: Chunks are coming out of Dina’s laminate floor that she can’t find anywhere. She

may be able to get a patching compound that matches from the manufacturer.

- Mold: David can feel moisture in the back of cabinets and closets in his cinderblock house. He gets tips for cleaning with bleach and ventilating the closets to dry them out.

- Soundproofing: Catherine can hear her neighbors through the beam running through her basement. We discuss using soundproofing drywall to frame in the beam.

- Pet Odors: A tenant’s puppy left stains and odors on Carol’s floors. She gets tips for stain and odor removal products, priming and painting surfaces, and installing pet-friendly carpeting.

- Painting: Ross has residual stains on his concrete cellar walls. He can clean the mineral deposits with a vinegar solution, then apply an oil-based primer and masonry paint.

- Power Surge: Can Rick save on his utility bills by connecting everything to a surge protector or power strip? Maybe, but not much.

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.

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