The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2463 – Cozy Curtain Call: Warm Window Coverings | 10 Tips to Fight Mold | DIY Foam to Seal Drafts Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, get tips for a warmer, healthier home by spotting and stopping mold, using a spray foam product to seal drafts and save on heating, and choosing the right window coverings to keep cozy. Got questions? We’ve got all your home improvement answers!

- Window Coverings: Stay toasty with the right window coverings for winter warmth.

- Mold Prevention: Fight the fungus with 10 tips for spotting and stopping mold in your home.

- Sealing Drafts: Seal drafts and cut heating bills with an easy and effective DIY spray foam product.

Q & A:

- Flower Bed: Michelle wonders if her flower bed will affect her foundation. She should slope the grade away from the house and avoid edging that will impede drainage.

- Plumbing: After turning the water back on, Doug has lots of sediment in the plumbing. He should remove and clean out the faucet aerators, then empty and wipe out the toilet tank.

- Concrete Repair: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping down. She has options for products to easily fix the concrete, unless it’s settling and needs to be replaced.

- HVAC Options: Should James replace the baseboard heat with an electric furnace? We recommend installing a natural gas furnace that will be less expensive to run.

- Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten a dark corner by painting the brick fireplace and wall. Some better options would be using mirrors or different kinds of lighting.

- Deck Stain: Can you apply solid stain over semi-transparent stain on a deck? Justin should clean the surface well and let it dry before applying the solid stain right over it.

- Flooring Repair: Lynette’s floor is worn and soft in some areas from wood rot and mold. She needs a home inspector to determine the cause and the best solution.

- Floor Gap: After installing new luxury vinyl plank flooring, Mike has a gap under the door casing. He can add architectural plinth blocks to cover 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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#2462 – Soot Happens: Chimney Cleaning Tips | Why to Service Your Heating System | Fix Leaky Toilets Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, as temperatures cool, learn the importance of servicing your heating system and having your chimney cleaned. You’ll also hear an easy way to stop leaky toilet flushes, plus lots of expert advice for DIY homeowners just like you to get projects done the right way!

- Chimney Cleaning: Soot happens, but cleaning your chimney will keep your home safe and smoke-free.

- Heating System: Avoid winter woes by having your heating system professionally serviced.

- Leaky Toilets: Flush out the problem with this innovative fix for a leaky toilet flush valve.

Q & A:

- Soundproofing: Noisy neighbors can be heard through a duplex wall. Donna can muffle the sound by adding a second layer of drywall or a noise-proofing compound.

- Pool Water: Mac’s pool is green when he uncovers it each spring. Leaving the filter running while it’s covered may strain the equipment, so he should use chemicals to shock the water.

- Concrete Repair: Seeping water has cracked a corner of Audrey’s concrete porch. It’s a common problem that’s easily fixed with products that will adhere to the old cement.

- Fencing: How should Sam treat the cedar fence posts he’s installing? He should tamp down gravel stone around the posts to allow drainage instead of pouring cement, which will hold moisture.

- Windows: Natalie’s old vinyl windows won’t stay up. The springs in the window jams have broken down and are hard to fix, so it may be time to replace the windows.

- Basement Water: Water came into the basement after a big storm. Scott gets tips for improving the outside drainage first, then addressing the grading and retaining wall.

- Electrical Wiring: Sandra’s very old house has knob and tubing wiring in some areas. It’s very dangerous and should be deactivated and updated as soon as possible.

- Bathroom Vanity: How can Nick attach a marble bathroom vanity top to the cabinet base? After doing a dry fit for plumbing, he should apply adhesive to the top edge of the base and caulk against the wall.

- Backsplash: Audrey is curious about a product used for backsplashes. It’s a two-sided adhesive material she can stick on the wall first, and then stick tiles to the material.

- Deck Stain: How soon can Randy stain a new pressure-treated lumber deck? We recommend waiting till spring to expose it to the elements and let it dry 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.

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#2461 – Gutter Guard Installation Made Easy | 5 Essential Homeowner Tips | DIY Marble Countertops Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, learn how to install gutter guards yourself and avoid costly pro services, hear expert advice on key homeowner knowledge, and get inspired with ideas for an affordable countertop upgrade in just one weekend. Tune in for tips, tricks, and products that make homeownership a breeze!

- Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards is easy and affordable with step-by-step DIY tips.

- Home Maintenance: Find out 5 essential things to know about home maintenance.

- Marble Countertops: Countertops get a new look in a weekend with a kit that makes marble dreams come true.

Q & A:

- Pests: Fruit flies are invading Lorna’s kitchen. She can seal the drain with tape to see if that’s where they’re coming from and if so, pour oxygenated bleach down the drain.

- Insulation: Should Michael install closed-cell or open-cell spray foam insulation? Spray foam is a great choice, and closed-cell works better in a moist environment.

- Flooring: What kind of flooring is best for a beach house? Loretta’s options include attractive and durable engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank.

- Siding: Wade can’t find replacements that match his siding damaged in a hailstorm. A public adjuster will make sure the insurance company completely replaces all 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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#2460 – Avoid Plumbing Disaster Season | Paint Sheen That Shines | Custom Outdoor Stone Features Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, discover how to protect your pipes during the busy holiday season, get expert advice on choosing the perfect paint sheen for your project, and learn how to quickly upgrade your outdoor space with custom stone features. Plus, we’re answering your questions on all things home improvement, from minor fixes to major makeovers!

- Plumbing: Don’t make these common mistakes during the holiday plumbing disaster season.

- Paint: Besides picking the perfect paint color, you need to choose the right sheen that shines.

- Stone Features: Customize your outdoor space with easy DIY building block kits.

Q & A:

- Lighting: Donna can’t get the lights over her kitchen island to hang straight. She’ll need to readjust the rods that go into the junction box in the ceiling.

- Safe Installation: Richard wants to install a safe in the concrete foundation floor. Bolting the safe to the concrete instead avoids the risk of any electrical or plumbing damage.

- Vent Fan: There is no vent fan in the bathroom, mold on the ceiling, and the window is painted shut. Diane gets advice on running a duct through the wall and installing a humidistat.

- HVAC: Robert has electric baseboard heat and good insulation, but high energy bills. Installing a heat pump would be challenging but less expensive to run.

- Roof Moss: What size copper flashing would prevent moss on a roof? Sunlight is the best mildewcide, but Sue could use 8” copper flashing on each side of the roof ridge.

- Insulation: What is the best way to insulate a new house? Chandler can install spray foam insulation in the entire attic without any risk of shortening the roof shingle life.

- Window Repair: Should rotted window sills be repaired or replaced? Kaitlyn can fill the rotted areas with wood epoxy, but replacing exterior sills is not that hard to do.

- Electrical: Russ has an LED light fixture that flickers when the hot water comes on. The water heater is pulling electricity from the system and making the light voltage drop.

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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#2459 – Finding Hidden Storm Damage | 8 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters | Weekend House Projects Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we dive into hidden storm damage that may threaten your home and share eight reasons why keeping your gutters clean is crucial. For weekend warriors, we’ve got quick home improvement projects you can complete in a couple of days. Plus, hear expert answers to callers’ DIY dilemmas.

- Storm Damage: After the skies clear, get tips for finding storm damage to your home, both visible and hidden.

- Gutter Cleaning: Learn 8 essential reasons to put gutter cleaning on your to-do list.

- Weekend Projects: Spruce up your space with quick DIY projects that can be done in a weekend.

Q & A:

- Concrete: Peggy’s concrete slab porch is contacting the vinyl siding. She should remove the bottom siding and install rubberized flashing.

- Attic Ventilation: Dale wants to ensure adequate ventilation in the attic. He has ridge vents but needs soffit vents to make the attic the same as the outside temperature.

- Refinishing Door: Mary’s walnut front doors are peeling from the sun. It will take some time to strip off the finish, sand the doors, add stain, and apply a marine varnish for UV protection.

- Saving Electricity: How can you save on high electric bills? Dane gets tips about LED lighting, types of heating, smart thermostats, and installing drapes and blinds.

- Cinderblock Walls: Is there a way to make cinderblock walls more attractive? It’s not a DIY project, but Kay can have the wall surface covered with a layer of plaster.-

- Home Inspection: Scott bought a rental property that’s in bad shape. He needs to hire a home inspector to create a punch list of repairs.

- Brick Stains: There are mineral deposit stains on Louise’s brick mailbox. She can clean the surface with a vinegar and water solution, then apply a masonry sealant.

- Painted Brick: Arthur is concerned about damaging an old brick surface while stripping off paint. He should proceed carefully in an inconspicuous area.

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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#2458 – Managing Moisture: Dry Basement Tips | Buying Pressure Washers | One-Stop DIY Supplies Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

On today’s show, we’re drying out damp basements with solutions for moisture problems. We’ll also share advice on choosing the best pressure washer. Plus, find out how to get all your DIY supplies in one place and save big! We’ll also answer calls on DIY projects, both big and small, so listen in!

- Wet Basements: Manage moisture with 3 key strategies to prevent wet basements before they start.

- Pressure Washers: Spray smart with tips for buying the best pressure washer.

- DIY Shopping: Nail your next project with this one-stop source for all your DIY supplies.

Q & A:

- Outdoor Furniture: The paint on Revella’s outdoor furniture is chipping and fading. We recommend cleaning with a wire brush, sanding the surface, and applying a quality outdoor paint.

- Backup Heat: What is the safest source of heat if the power goes out? Mike should get a standby generator that can power the whole house or a portion of it.

- Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the bathroom tiles? Only sand grout needs to be sealed, but she can use vinegar to remove mineral stains.

- Cement Floor: Dave has a damaged cement floor that was poured over plywood. We think it’s actually fire-retardant GypCrete and explain how to remove and repair it.

- Wood Porch: Stephen gets advice on applying solid color stain to seal the surface of his pine wood porch and make it more attractive.

- Concrete Slab: Rain is damaging the surface of a concrete slab. It’s not structural to the foundation and Tim can just seal the cracks.

- Adhesive Removal: Michelle pulled up the vinyl flooring but the glue is still stuck to the slab underneath. If it’s smooth and well-adhered, she can put new tile right on top of it.

- Basement Remodel: John wants to convert a basement sauna to a shower. We discuss lots of options for what materials to use and how to install them.

- Outdoor A/C Unit: How should Linda shut down her outdoor air conditioning unit for winter? She needs to turn off the power and cover the top, not the sides, to avoid condensation and corrosion.

- Shower Pan: Brett’s shower pan is starting to crack. We’ve got tips for patching the surface without having to rip out the pan and the tile around it.

- Door Drafts: Weatherstripping isn’t stopping drafts around Wendy’s doors. If the doors are out of alignment, she’ll need to adjust them to seal the gaps.

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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#2457 – Prepping Windows for Winter | How to Find a Good Contractor | Beware CO, the Silent Killer Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we’re talking about carbon monoxide safety tips for the heating season, how to track down a reliable contractor, and prepping your windows for winter. We’re also giving expert advice to DIY callers seeking home improvement success!

- Window Care: Winter-proof your windows with these simple tips for cleaning, storing, and sealing.

- Hiring Contractors: Get your next project done right by choosing the best contractor for the job.

- Carbon Monoxide: Learn how to detect and protect against the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

Q & A:

- Bathroom Tile: Dawn is retiling her bathroom and gets tips for installing a shower pan and tiling around it to keep water from running out of the shower.

- Water Pressure: Sam has low water pressure in just one bathtub. The problem may be clogged steel pipes, a valve issue, or a bad faucet.

- Deck Finish: Half of Teresa’s wood deck is new pretreated lumber and the other half is painted. She needs to scrape off the old paint before staining the entire surface.

- Fire Pit: What is the best way to build a fire pit? James gets recommendations for an easy DIY fire pit kit from RumbleStone.

- Wood Flooring: Diane is having trouble installing a wood floor over an uneven subfloor. She needs either a carpentry fix or a floor-leveling compound.

- Window Condensation: There is condensation around the edges of Steve’s new windows. He should contact the manufacturer and the installer to have them fixed.

- Moisture Odor: Odors are coming from moisture in the crawlspace. Bridget should lay down a plastic vapor barrier and install a door to close the crawlspace from the basement.

- Log Home: The inside of the exterior log cabin walls have unsightly cracks. Nina can try using a wood filler but it will keep happening, so she should embrace the rustic look.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

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#2456 – Mold or Mildew? Key Clues to Stay Safe | Invasive Plant Danger | Seal Gaps with Spray Foam Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we’re talking about mold vs. mildew and why knowing the difference matters. We’ll also cover an invasive plant that’s threatening property values. Plus, discover how spray foam can help you seal gaps and save on heating costs like never before. Listen in for all this and more expert advice for all your home improvement questions!

- Mold vs. Mildew: Is it mold or mildew? Get key clues to know the difference and keep your home safe.

- Invasive Plants: This invasive plant species is causing serious problems for homes and properties across the U.S.

- Spray Foam: A DIY spray foam kit offers an effective solution for sealing drafty gaps and saving energy.

Q & A:

- Cleaning: Can you clean grease stains from a garage floor? We advise Kathy to clean the floor with a TSP paste, then apply an epoxy paint finish that’s durable and easy to maintain.

- Heating: Can Nathan use a wood-fired stove for in-floor heating? It can be done but will require more work to maintain, so an oil-fired boiler may be a better choice.

- Painting Doors: A worker used canned spray paint to paint Anna’s doors and now they’re sticking! She gets tips on how to remove, strip, prime, and paint the doors again.

- HVAC: Ed is concerned about a client who’s using cheap HVAC filters. We confirm that better filters are needed and dispel myths about any HVAC damage they may cause.

- Deck Stain: Sue’s deck is peeling after she mistakenly applied latex stain over the oil-based stain. She’ll need to scrape the surface before using an oil-based primer and stain.

- Fire Safety: Dave has questions about the danger of using reflective foil-faced insulation tape behind his heater. It’s an off-label use, so he should keep an eye out for potential risks.

- Siding: Should Mary be using caulk on the nail holes and seams when installing concrete siding? She only needs to touch up any nail holes that have broken through.

- Door Swing: Scott’s bathroom door blocks the light switch, but it would be easier to relocate the switch than to change the direction of the door swing.

- Gutters: Esther needs to replace the gutters but is afraid of cracking the asphalt shingles. We recommend attaching the gutters directly to the fascia with gutter screws.

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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#2455 – You Do Hue: Picking the Right Paint Colors | Modular Outdoor Kitchens | Unsalvageable Rooms Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

This week, we’ll show you how to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams with simple modular blocks, reveal insider secrets to picking paint colors like a pro, and tackle the challenge of transforming rooms that feel beyond repair. Plus, get answers to home improvement questions to make your next DIY home improvement project a success!

Painting: New hue? Make your project pop with pro tips for choosing the right paint colors.

Outdoor Kitchens: Stack and sizzle by building an outdoor kitchen with DIY modular blocks.

Saving Space: Take space-saving steps to make hopeless rooms salvageable.

Q & A:

Adding Bathroom: Where is the best place to add a second bathroom? Keri would get more ROI with a bathroom on the second floor instead of the basement.

Basement Water: Randall’s basement got flooded and still gets damp. He gets advice about having vents in the crawlspace and improving drainage outside the house.

Worms: Lillian is bothered by all the worms that keep getting into the indoor patio after it rains. We wouldn’t try to eliminate them because they’re beneficial to the soil.

Ceiling Leak: Vincent’s not sure where the metal roof is leaking through the ceiling. He gets tips on finding the roof leak, using a sealant, and priming and painting the ceiling.

HVAC: How hard is it to install air conditioning? Courtney should keep the very efficient baseboard heating, and adding A/C ductwork is not terribly difficult.

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

#2454 – Cooking Light: Kitchen Lighting Tips | Insulate Against Energy Loss | Reducing Pet Odors Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this home improvement episode, get bright ideas for kitchen lighting, learn how to stop energy loss with efficient insulation, and find ways to reduce pet odors in your home. Plus, hear expert answers to lots more DIY questions to create your best home ever!

- Kitchen Lighting: Brighten up your cooking and dining with attractive and efficient kitchen lighting.

- Insulation: Stop wasting energy by choosing the right insulation for your home.

- Pet Odors: Enjoy tail-wagging snuggles that pass that sniff test with 7 tips for reducing pet odors.

Q & A:

- Deck Stain: The stain on Bella’s deck is already chipping off, probably because the surface was still damp. We suggest scraping off the loose spots and touching up those areas.

- Foundation: Randy’s house foundation was jacked up and he’s not sure what should be sealed. He gets tips for reducing moisture in the crawlspace and basement.

- Crack Moisture: Oily moisture is oozing through hairline cracks in a Terrazzo floor. Judith gets advice for drainage outside the house and sealing the crack with silicone.

- Water Heater: Water takes a long time to get hot on the far end of Stewart’s house. He can install a second water heater that’s closer or a hot water recirculation system.

- Dirty Toilet: Cindy gets persistent dirty residue around the water line in her toilets. She can try using commercial cleaners or installing a self-cleaning toilet.

- Cracked Wall: There’s a big, long crack in the wall behind Jim’s garage. He needs to hire a structural engineer to see if it’s an active crack and how to fix it properly.

- Flooring: Char wants advice on how to match new flooring with the laminate in other rooms. We discuss some color options and getting samples of different products.

- Roof Restoration: Debbie asks if Roof Maxx is a legitimate product. We confirm it can add years to the life of a roof while saving money and explain how the process works.

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

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