The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2443 – UV Defense: Benefits of Window Films | Home Exterior Upgrades | RumbleStone Building Blocks Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, learn how to lower cooling costs and protect furnishings from UV damage with window films, and get inspired with DIY ideas for upgrading your home’s curb appeal. Plus, we’ll share how to customize outdoor features with creative building blocks. Listen in for all this and answers to more home improvement questions from callers!

- Window Films: Window films are an effective defense against heat, glare, and UV damage inside your home.

- Home Exteriors: Add beauty and value to your home exterior with DIY upgrades to add curb appeal.

- RumbleStone Building Blocks: DIY building blocks make it easy to create custom outdoor features.

Q & A:

- Hanging Shelves: Wall shelves are a great DIY project to save space! Ellie learns about choosing the right shelf size, style, and anchoring options.

- Vintage Walls: James discovered beautiful old solid chestnut boards when the wallpaper was removed. It’s a rare find that can be preserved and matched to the home décor.

- Cracked Floor Tiles: Can hairline cracks in ceramic floor tiles be repaired? Unfortunately not, but Valerie gets creative ideas for removing and replacing the tiles.

- Patio Roof and Floor: We have answers to Bob’s questions about extending a roof over an enclosed deck and installing tile flooring on the patio.

- Bathtub Liner: Peg wonders about refinishing an outdated fiberglass bathtub surround. Paint and reglazing aren’t the best options, so it may be better to tear it out and start over.

- Sealing a Deck: What is the best way to prep and seal a wood deck? Tom should clean it thoroughly, remove any loose finish, and apply a solid stain to seal and protect 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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#2442 – Ups and Downs of Safe Deck Steps | Secret Storage Solutions | Spray Paint Projects Made Easy Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, explore clever storage solutions in overlooked areas of your home, learn how to build deck steps the right way to ensure safety and durability, and get the scoop on why tackling large paint projects is simpler than you might think. Plus, listen in as we answer more home improvement questions from DIYers just like you!

- Deck Steps: Learn the ups and downs of building safe and solid steps for your deck.

- Storage: Find hidden storage areas in your home by knowing where to look.

- Paint Projects: Big paint projects are made easier with a high-efficiency paint sprayer.

Q & A:

- Wet Foundation: Lynn has water gushing around the pipe in her basement wall. She should use silicone to seal gaps around the pipe inside and outside, then improve the outdoor drainage in that area.

- Vent Fan Draft: Cold wind blows in through the vent fan over David’s range. He should check the gasket and the door springs, or try surrounding the outside port with a frame to block the wind.

- Painting Vinyl: Maureen’s vinyl window frames are faded and chalky, but she can paint them by using vinyl-safe paint colors after prepping the surface.

- Windows and Insulation: A lot of energy is lost through Darryl’s big old single-pane windows. He definitely needs more attic insulation and can either replace the windows or install solar shades to redirect the heat.

- Pavestone Patio: Jean asks how to put pavers over her concrete patio. Using the right product makes it easy to do by gluing down the pavers and sweeping sand into the joints.

- Baseboard Covers: Steve gets tips on removing and refinishing his worn baseboard heating covers, and why it’s a better option than replacing them.

- HVAC Mold: Betty is finding mold in all different places. If it’s really mold and not condensation, she should have the HVAC system inspected to see if it’s in the ducts.

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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#2441 – Seal the Deal with Curb Appeal | Solar Systems on Metal Roofs | Kitchen Counter Intelligence Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, get curb appeal tips to boost your home’s value and sell it faster. Then, learn a common pitfall with roof-mounted solar systems and how to avoid it. Finally, find out clever ways to make your kitchen countertops more functional and efficient. Plus, hear answers to callers’ questions to make DIY home improvement projects simple and successful!

- Curb Appeal: Boosting curb appeal can seal the deal when selling your home.

- Solar Systems: Find out why metal roofs are a great option for roof-mounted solar systems.

- Kitchen Counters: Work smarter by making your kitchen counters more functional.

Q & A:

- Floor Support: Laura needs more support under her old kitchen floor for heavy appliances. Installing a girder beam will add strength and prevent floor bounce.

- Natural Gas: Abram wants to run a gas line for his dryer. He’ll need a plumber to tap into the existing gas line to ensure it’s done safely.

- Shower Pan: A tub converted to a handicap-accessible shower needs extra support. Mel learns how to mix cement under the fiberglass shower pan to provide a solid base.

- Foundation: To add a garage or carport to a house on a slope, Andrew should have an architect spec out how to excavate around the supporting wall and run steel beams while the work is being done.

- Vinyl Siding: Should Beverly use screws or nails to install vinyl siding? We explain why it’s important to use nails and install them properly to allow for expansion of the siding.

- Concrete Repair: Joe wants to repair a painted concrete surface. We suggest cleaning it well, then using a crack repair product and adding a layer of epoxy paint.

- Freon Leak: Freon keeps leaking from Leah’s HVAC unit. She needs to focus on finding and fixing the leak, or else changing to a different refrigerant.

- Plumbing Odor: What is causing the sewer odor in Ted’s bathroom? He should check to see if the traps are properly installed and vented, and use oxygenated bleach to eliminate bio-gases in the drain.

- Smoke Odors: The previous homeowner left stinky cigarette smoke odors behind. Lois must use an oil-based primer on the walls and subfloors to seal the surfaces before painting them.

- Heated Flooring: What kind of flooring can you install over a heated concrete floor? We recommend that Russ check manufacturers’ specifications for flooring products designed for heat.

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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#2440 – Rover’s Retreat: Design a Dog-Friendly Yard | BBQ Grill Shopping | Easy-Care Epoxy Floors Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Join us today for tips on transforming your yard into a dog-friendly paradise and choosing the perfect BBQ grill as summer sales heat up. We’ll also discuss an easy-to-clean Epoxy Floor Coating Kit for your concrete floors and share expert home improvement advice with other DIY callers just like you!

- Pet-Friendly Spaces: Get some fetching ideas on how to design a dog-friendly yard.

- BBQ Grills: Check these hot tips on what to look for when buying a new BBQ grill.

- Epoxy Floors: Discover the beauty of easy-to-clean epoxy floor finishes.

Q & A:

- Painting Siding: Can you paint vinyl siding? Michael learns specific steps to properly clean, prime, and paint his vinyl siding, plus recommendations for colors and applications.

- Wood Playground: Erin’s wood swingset is cracking and turning black. Pressure-treated wood is not the best option, but she can scrub the surface and use a solid color stain.

- French Drain: Standing rainwater is affecting the walls of Andrew’s home on a hill. He needs to build a French drain to divert water around the house.

- Ceiling Paint: Can Blair use water-based paint over the oil-based paint on her deck ceiling? We recommend priming it first and then using a solid stain or a flat paint.

- Mold Control: Dan gets advice on how to reduce moisture and prevent mold by ventilating and dehumidifying his unheated pole building.

- Floor Moisture: Water is coming up from the concrete slab under the laminate floor. Michelle should check the outside drainage and install a fan with a humidistat.

- Soundproofing: Jerry wants to convert an upstairs bedroom into a movie room and gets tips on adding soundproofing drywall or Green Glue noise-proofing sealant to the ceiling.

- Fascia Board: Martin wants to fix the fascia board that’s separating between her porch ceiling and the overhang. It’s easy to resecure it with screws instead of nails.

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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#2439 – Cabinet Couture: Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers | Designer Air Vents | Textured Surface Repairs Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Join us today to hear tips on giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look without spending a fortune, learn about innovative air vents that double as design elements, and uncover a fast solution for fixing textured walls and ceilings. And as always, we’re here with answers to your latest home improvement questions to help get your DIY projects done!

- Kitchen Cabinets: Cook up a new look for your kitchen cabinets with these budget-friendly options.

- Air Vents: Function meets fashion when HVAC air vents become beautiful design features.

- Textured Surfaces: Get a smooth solution for rough repairs of textured walls and ceilings with this DIY product.

Q & A:

- Linoleum Flooring: What kind of kitchen flooring can be used over old sheet linoleum? Patrilla has lots of options, including engineered vinyl plank and laminate flooring.

- Concrete Repair: Robert gets how-to advice on how to remove and repair a spacer that washed away on his concrete walkway.

- Cedar Siding: Cindy’s cedar shingle siding was stained but is now fading. Priming the siding and applying a new coat of solid color stain will last longer than paint.

- Porch Columns: Mike wants to change the look of the tall columns on his porch but can’t find replacements. He should consult an architect for a new design that will still offer structural support.

- Carpenter Ants: A big tree infested with carpenter ants was taken down close to Anna’s house. We reassure her that they’re not likely to start coming into her home.

- Water Odor: There’s a rotten egg smell in Dave’s house and the bathroom fixtures are all rusty. He should have the well water tested and check the water heater anode rod.

- Kitchen Sink: Kathy is used to having a double sink in the kitchen, but learns about the advantages of having a single bowl sink that provides more room for washing large items.

- Insulation: Is it necessary to have a vapor barrier for a second-story drop ceiling with insulation above it? We agree it’s not something Norm needs.

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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#2438 – Home Improvement Myths | Drywall Repairs Done Right | Programs to Cut Utility Bills Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

On today’s show, we dispel common home improvement myths, provide easy fixes for wall imperfections, and discuss ways to cut down your energy bills with utility company programs. Are you struggling to keep up with your home’s demands? We’ve got your back, so tune in to hear expert help and advice!

- Home Improvement Advice: Separate fact from fix-tion by debunking these home improvement myths.

- Drywall Repairs: Master the art of making drywall repairs the right way with these easy steps.

- Energy Savings: Save money and energy with programs to help reduce your utility bills.

Q & A:

- HVAC Vents: Leroy notices that one of the air conditioning vents blows less air. He should check for a blockage or partially closed damper inside the duct.

- Concrete Patio: Portions of Grace’s concrete patio are raised and discolored. We suggest replacing the mortar around loose bricks and refinishing the concrete surface.

- Deck Pool: James has questions about cutting a hole in the deck to insert an inflated pool on a sloped yard. There are lots of reasons why it would not be a good idea.

- Garage Floor: What is the best way to resurface two different areas of a garage floor? Margie can easily apply a durable epoxy floor coating to give it an attractive finish.

- Toilet Plumbing: Kathy’s toilet makes a squealing noise when the washing machine runs! It sounds like a venting problem or a bad fill valve that’s causing a blockage.

- Flooring Adhesive: Vito is installing upcycled plank flooring but it won’t stick. He should clean the subfloor well and use a grooved trowel to apply a flooring adhesive.

- Bathroom Tile: What are good options besides tile for bathroom walls? Janet should look into bathtub surrounds that are smooth, seamless, and come in a variety of colors and styles.

- Smoking Odor: Jeff can’t get rid of the smoke odor from the exposed brick walls. Brick is very absorbent, so he should use a clear oil-based primer to seal 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.

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#2437 – Ideas to Revamp Your Rental Kitchen | Choosing HVAC Filters | DIY Backyard Block Projects Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we reveal some renter-friendly kitchen upgrades that won't jeopardize your security deposit. Then, we discuss HVAC filters, guiding you on the best choices for cleaner air. Plus, learn about easy, mortar-free backyard projects to elevate your outdoor space. Listen to all this and more home improvement advice on today’s show!

- Kitchen Makeover: Revamp your rental kitchen without risking your security deposit.

- HVAC Filters: Breathe easier by choosing the best HVAC filters for your home.

- Backyard Projects: Craft custom backyard features with DIY building blocks.

Q & A:

- Cleaning Deck: Joseph’s composite decks have a white film and the color is fading. We suggest a good cleaning to remove algae and applying a solid color deck stain.

- Bathroom Pipes: What size pipes are needed for a shower panel? It’s fine for Norma to keep the same size pipes, but multiple showerheads may reduce the water pressure.

- Ants: Lorraine wants to get rid of ants in her garden and lawn. Precise new insecticides are very effective when they’re brought back to the nest and eliminate the ant colonies.

- Wall Removal: Can Charlie remove a load-bearing wall between his kitchen and dining room? He’ll need a professional to build a temporary support wall and do the project properly.

- Basement Walls: Poor drainage has caused the basement walls to bow in. Rob should hire a structural engineer to inspect the issue and specify how to make the repairs.

- Cement Cracks: Cheryl’s cement porch is cracking along the edges. Repairing the cement is easy and affordable with the right products to patch and adhere to the concrete.

- Light Switches: Pam gets advice on how to install and program an occupancy sensor light in a room with two light switches.

- Well System Plumbing: How to eliminate air pockets in the plumbing? David should check for a problem with the pressure tank that’s getting air in the lines.

- 1960s Home: What should Phyllis look for when buying a home built in the 1960s? It was a good era for home construction, but she should check the appliances and radiant heat for issues.

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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#2436 – Happy Hues: Colors to Brighten Moods | Guard Against Ticks | Power Through Power Outages Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we’re gearing up for power outages with a plan to keep you powered through summer storms. We’ll also reveal how to safeguard against ticks and explore paint colors that can transform your space and elevate your mood. Join us as we answer these and other home improvement questions for all your DIY dilemmas!

- Paint Tips: Learn how to brighten your mood and your home with the right paint colors.

- Tick Bites: Protect yourself outdoors with tactics to prevent tick bites.

- Power Outages: Navigate your way safely through a power outage with these blackout basics.

Q & A:

- Structural Cracks: Cracks in the foundation and basement are getting bigger and the walls are bending. Dixie must immediately contact a structural engineer to make sure repairs are done correctly.

- Asbestos: Jason’s basement ductwork has crumbling asbestos. He should have the material tested and have any asbestos removed by a professional.

- Door Glass: Should a door with milky glass be repaired or replaced? It’s a cosmetic issue caused when the insulation seal fails, but it would be simpler for Pam to replace the door.

- Deck Stain: Ray wants to seal his wraparound wood deck. We recommend using a solid color deck stain that will be more durable and last longer.

- Water Heater: Eva is concerned about possible damage from an upstairs water heater. We suggest turning off the main water valve when she’s away so she won’t worry, and saving up for a tankless water heater.

- Indoor Pool: How to reduce humidity from an indoor pool? Leslie should isolate the pool room from the rest of the house and use a dehumidifier and mold-resistant materials.

- Drop Ceiling: Kathleen wants a faux tin ceiling in her sunroom. Drop ceilings offer great options as long as they’re attached properly.

- Buckling Floor: Engineered hardwood floor installed on a concrete slab is starting to buckle. It needs to be replaced, but Todd should contact the floor manufacturer.

- Roof Pitch: Charlene wants to replace the shingles on her low-pitch roof. She shouldn’t have asphalt shingles, but a metal roof would be a great investment.

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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#2435 – Glass Act: Window Shopping Advice | Portable Power Backup System | Micro-Irrigation Tips Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Join us as we uncover tips for navigating the often-confusing process of window shopping. Then, we discuss a versatile portable battery system for both travel and home integration. Finally, learn about micro-irrigation, an efficient watering method that can save your garden. Plus, we’ve got more home improvement answers to inspire your DIY projects!

- Buying Windows: Expert advice makes shopping for replacement windows a transparent process.

- Battery Backup: Stay charged with a portable power backup system to use at home or on the go.

- Micro-Irrigation: Transform your garden with micro-irrigation that’s rooted in efficiency.

Q & A:

- HVAC and Fans: Marie wonders if fans will improve her air conditioning. Ceiling and furnace fans won’t help very much, but we recommend installing a whole-house fan to pull air through the house.

- Pest Control: Daddy longlegs are a problem in Will’s garage. Sticky traps, spraying white vinegar and vanilla extract, cleaning, and vacuuming will control the spiders.

- Jacuzzi Mold: Robin has issues with moldy pipes and a fading finish on her Jacuzzi bathtub. It’s hard to refinish the fixtures, but a bleach solution will sanitize the pipes.

- Fire Pit: Katherine has questions about fire pits. Options include buying a metal model that can last 5 to 8 years or a DIY kit to build a fire pit with bricks or pavers.

- Insulation: What kind of insulation should Albert add to his attic? Spray foam insulation is an excellent choice that expands, seals, is more efficient, and needs no ventilation.

- Ceramic Floor: Sandy can’t get her old ceramic tile floor clean. It sounds like the glaze has worn off, so we recommend installing laminate flooring or a second layer of tile.

- Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the basement floor and seepage through the wall seams have Tom worried. He gets tips on sealing the cracks and improving drainage.

- Oven Cleaning: Gail can’t clean the glass on her self-cleaning electric oven door. It’s a tough area to reach and she’ll need to disassemble the door.

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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#2434 – Safe and Secure: Choosing the Best Garage Door | ENERGY STAR Ratings | Spotting Roof Leaks Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, we reveal how to choose a new garage door that boosts both safety and security. Then, we break down the benefits of buying ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and give tips on early detection of roof leaks to prevent costly repairs. Plus, we answer your top home improvement questions to get your DIY projects done right!

- Garage Doors: Protect your home by choosing a safe and secure garage door.

- ENERGY STAR Ratings: Find out why ratings matter when buying appliances that are energy-efficient, reliable, and affordable.

- Roof Leaks: Stop leaks before they happen by knowing what to look for on your roof.

Q & A:

- Patio Deck: Steve’s floating deck is getting uneven and covers a cistern. He gets tips on taking the deck apart, reframing it with better footings, and adding an access panel.

- Ceiling Stains: Pat had the roof leak repaired but wants to cover the ceiling stains. Insurance should cover the cost of priming and painting the whole ceiling.

- Plumbing Pressure: When the shower runs on one floor, the water gets cold on the upper floor. Tammy should check the pipes for corrosion and the water pressure from the street.

- Garage Insulation: Todd’s garage workspace is getting chilly! Adding spray foam insulation and weatherstripping is a great way to seal and warm up the garage.

- Stump Removal: A raised garden bed is surrounded by tree stumps. Courtney gets options for removing the stumps with a chainsaw, with chemicals, by burning, or with a small stump grinder.

- Lighting: When Darrell turns on his kitchen lights, they cause static on his stereo speaker. We don’t have a solution for this odd issue, but we may find answers online.

- Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees keep coming back even after the area was treated. Louise needs a pest control professional with the right tools and pesticides to guarantee success.

- Dryer Vent: Cody noticed that the dryer vent in the attic got disconnected. He must find the gap and direct the vent outside because it’s a fire hazard and could cause moisture in his insulation.

ASK A QUESTION:

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

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