The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2413 – Solid Choices for Most Durable Countertops | Useable Underdeck Space | Asphalt Driveway Tips May 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

- Underdeck Space: Make the most of unused living space under your second-story deck.

- Driveway Repair: Get tips on replacing an asphalt driveway that’s showing wear and tear.

Q & A:

- Deck Stain: Pauline’s stained deck is already looking worn again. She should apply an oil-based primer and a solid deck stain with more pigmentation that will last longer.

- Garage Door: There’s dry rot around the garage door’s wood header. Dave needs to build a temporary wall to hold up the roof while replacing the header.

- Skylight: Will installing a skylight interfere with viewing the TV screen clearly? Ginny’s tubular fixtures will point light downward, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

- Driveway Repair: Scott’s old aggregate stone driveway is starting to crumble. It would be hard to repair that rough surface and we suggest replacing the driveway instead.

- Patio Furniture: Lucy needs to clean the patio furniture that was left outside. She gets tips on the best way to clean different surfaces and materials.

- Windows: Edwin is renovating his 1875 post and beam house and needs advice on keeping the aesthetics of the old windows with energy-efficient replacement windows.

- Ridge Vents: Are ridge vents really necessary? Mary doesn’t like them, but learns they’re doing what’s needed to provide ventilation and prevent moisture in the attic.

- Water Heater: Mary can’t replace the electric water heater with a tankless model, but she can switch to an electric heat pump water heater instead.

- French Doors: Is there a way to seal the bottom of French doors to keep rainwater out? David should concentrate on solving his drainage problems to divert water away.

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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#2412 – Deck Check: Tips to Avoid a Deck Collapse | Water Quality and Taste | Stormproof Metal Roofs May 09, 2024

Show notes

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:

- Crown Molding: Tracy has questions on how to install crown molding. It’s a difficult carpentry job but using DIY foam molding makes it easy to cut, install, and paint over.

- Foundation Moisture: Glen found water in his crawlspace and gets tips to improve the grading, gutters, and downspouts to keep water away from the foundation.

- Water Heater: It takes too long for the water to get hot because of the distance between the water heater and Loretta’s bathroom. We suggest installing a hot water recirculating system with a timer.

- Chimney: Nothing has solved a persistent damp spot on the bedroom wall next to Richard’s chimney. He should try using a vapor-permeable masonry sealer on the brick.

- Renovating Tips: Kay needs advice on what to check in a home that’s been vacant. She should start by hiring a home inspector to give an overall assessment of what’s needed.

- Smoke Odors: John’s tenant smoked and the smell permeates everything! We’ve got advice for deep cleaning and sealing all the surfaces to get rid of the smoke odor.

- Patio Surface: What kind of base should Linda use for a combination patio and carport? A reinforced poured concrete slab would be the most permanent and durable.

- Pool Deck: What’s the best way to repair cracks around a concrete pool deck? We recommend that Michael use a DIY crack seal product from Quikrete.

- Mold on Brick: Is there an easy way to remove mold from brick without damaging the mortar? Judy can spray on a slow-working mildewcide and let it sit to clean the mold.

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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#2411 – Green Standard: Choosing Green Products | Rooms for Growing Kids | DIY Marble Countertops May 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

- Kids’ Rooms: Design space-saving rooms that can adapt to your growing kids.

- Countertops: Create a marvelous marble countertop in a weekend.

Q & A:

- Basement Flooring: Colin’s basement concrete floor is uneven. He could use a floor leveling compound but it’s possible to compensate slight unevenness with new flooring.

- Hot Water: It takes a while for the water to get hot. There are advantages to a tankless water heater, but Sharon should consider a bypass valve to recirculate hot water through the pipes.

- Exterior Crawlspace: Chad needs to seal the crawlspace under his modular home against animals. We’ve got tips for securely installing PVC lattice to a frame structure.

- Squeaky Floor: Nancy learns how to stop squeaks in the floor by using long drywall screws alongside nails in the subfloor to prevent movement.

- Roof Leaks: Ice dams under the roof shingles caused leaks in Mary’s home. The damage should be covered by insurance and she needs to contact a public adjuster to be sure the repairs are done right.

- Water Heater: Mike needs to keep draining residue from his water heater. He gets tips on how to speed up the process and buying an affordable water softener.

- Bathroom Leak: There’s water on the ceiling from the upstairs bathroom. Kirsten should check the shower pan and wall tiles for cracks or gaps in the seams or grout.

- Crawlspace: How should the surface of a crawlspace be sealed? Keith should overlap plastic sheeting on the dirt and up the walls to prevent moisture from seeping up.

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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#2410 – Shady Business: Cleaning Window Shades | Underdeck Drainage Systems | Simple Landscape Plans May 02, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, maximizing your deck's potential by installing an under-deck drainage system, 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.

Underdeck Drainage: Add dry, usable outdoor space with an underdeck drainage system.

Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Q & A:

Driveway Repair: Water is pooling in sunken areas of the driveway. Joe can use a blacktop patching product and then reseal the whole surface.

Moisture: To reduce moisture building up on interior walls, Laura should run the A/C consistently, direct bathroom and kitchen vents outside, improve exterior drainage, and install a whole-house dehumidifier.

Creaky Floor: Kevin’s floor is creaking under the tiles. He gets info on how to find the movement from the basement and use shims to tap into the floor gaps from underneath.

Noisy Pipes: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever the water is used. Nicole learns it may be water hammer or the well pump going on and off.

Electrical Wiring: Jay’s electrician said he could just split the circuits and use an arc fault breaker instead of replacing all the old wiring. We confirm that’s excellent advice.

Roofing: Should Tina remove the old roof shingles before installing a metal roof? We agree it’s a bad idea to leave the shingles because of the heat factor.

Concrete Stains: Is there a way for Garland to remove battery acid stains on his garage floor? We recommend covering the garage floor with epoxy paint.

Wall Paint: Diane wants advice on applying a Venetian plaster effect to her walls. It’s a unique look that may take practice and we suggest using it on a focal wall.

Sump Pump: Bob has questions about a sump pump that runs through the carport. He should install a check valve so water can’t back up and a curtain drain to direct the water.

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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#2409 – Glass Garden: Building a Greenhouse | Types of Cleaning Products | Soil Tests for Lush Lawns Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today, get ready to level up your home and garden game as we discuss the advantages of building a greenhouse for year-round gardening and understanding the distinctions between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants to keep your home clean and germ-free. You’ll also get advice on testing and adjusting your soil for a lush, green lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Don't miss out on these and lots more essential home improvement solutions!

- Greenhouse: Get tips for building a backyard greenhouse for a year-round crop of fresh vegetables.

- Cleaning Products: Clean, sanitize, deodorize: which cleaning product does what?

- Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.

Q & A:

- Well Water: Susan’s not sure if she needs a water softener or a filter for her well water. Getting a complete water test done will show what kind of treatment is needed.

- House Beams: Joel wants to remove the center load-bearing beam so he can lower the ceiling, but it’s one of the most difficult projects to do so the roof won’t collapse.

- Chimney Vent: Esther’s new furnace was vented outside instead of through the chimney. She gets advice on how to have a direct duct outside for her water heater, too.

- Basement Smells: There’s a persistent musty smell in Ted’s finished basement. We recommend installing a whole-house dehumidifier and improving the outside drainage.

- Wood Kitchen Walls: Janet gets some ideas on how to give her kitchen a rustic country style with beadboard, wood plank, or vinyl plank flooring adhered to the walls.

- Water Heater: Some strange sounds are coming from James’ water heater! We discuss why pipes make noise as the water heats up and how to look for potential leaks.

- Old Electrical Wiring: Judy was told that her old knob and tube wiring is not a concern. It’s actually unsafe and can’t be grounded, so it should be disabled and replaced.

- Installing a Bathroom: Phillip has a poured concrete house and wants to install a bathroom. There are two ways it can be done because of the solid walls and floors.

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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#2408 – Handle with Care: Storing Flammable Liquids | Build a Stone Garden Wall | Retiling Bathrooms Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll guide you through tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, ensuring your bathroom re-tiling lasts with proper underlayment, and safely storing 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.

- Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts.

- Bathroom Tiles: Learn essential steps for waterproofing bathroom tiles to avoid damage and moisture.

Q & A:

- Shower Doors: Is there a way to repel water and prevent spots on glass shower doors? We recommend a product Randy can use, plus a squeegee to wipe down the surface.

- House Odors: A funky odor in the house is getting worse. Donna already cleaned everything and took up the carpets, but priming and painting the walls may help.

- Toilet Stains: Axel has been trying to remove a stubborn ring stain in the toilet. A gentle pumice stone can remove it, along with a hydrochloric acid cleaner.

- Firepit: The flame on Steve’s new natural gas firepit isn’t very high. Modifying the gas burner can be dangerous, so he should have a plumber check the gas pressure and contact the manufacturer.

- Lighting: Laura’s compact fluorescent bulbs keep blowing out. They should last a long time, so they may be defective and she should consider buying LED bulbs instead.

- Backsplash: Bills is looking for the best material for a backsplash behind his stove. A solid stone surface that’s cut around the exhaust fan would be easy to install and clean.

- Shower Plumbing: Lynne’s shower is leaking through the ceiling below. We share tips on checking for a crack in the shower pan and caulking all the seams and fixtures.

- Insulation: Does Mark need to ventilate his attic after adding spray foam insulation? We’ll explain why he doesn’t need additional ventilation.

- Basement Floor: Amy’s not sure how to cover the dirt basement floor in her farmhouse. She should test for radon first before deciding what comes next.

- Pool Deck: Will a concrete pool deck crack under the weight of an aquaponic garden tank? It weighs about as much as several people, so Patrick’s deck should be okay.

- Electrical Panel: We have answers for Heidi, who has questions about a new electrical panel that was installed outside, with a subpanel inside.

- Garage Doors: Is there a way to restore the finish of faded aluminum garage doors? Marlene can paint them after sanding the surface and applying a metal primer.

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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#2407 – A New Spin: How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine | Grow a Pizza Garden | Garage Workspace Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

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 serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. 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.

- Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden.

- Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.

Q & A:

- Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it.

- Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, and install rigid insulation board and new drywall inside.

- Popcorn Ceiling: Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a mess, but Laurie gets suggestions on how to wet and scrape the surface without damaging the ceiling.

- Water Softener: Ellie seeks advice on replacing her water softener that’s outside the home. We recommend testing the water and getting a model that’s rated for exterior use.

- Landscaping: There are hills and sinkholes in the lawn above the septic tank. Heavy equipment may crush the pipes, so Chris should use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil and level out the lawn.

- Windows: The original windows in a historic home are very drafty. Jim can add weatherstripping or temporary caulk, or find a company that makes replacement windows to match the old style.

- Microwave: The light under Frieda’s old microwave above the stove keeps burning out. We discuss several possible causes, but it may be time to replace the appliance.

- Plumbing Odors: Sewer odors are coming from the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. Gary gets tips on how to scrub the drains with oxygenated bleach to clean out the biogases and bacteria.

- Hardwood Floor: Jennifer is installing hardwood flooring and gets information on placing it parallel to the longest walls and measuring the room to avoid narrow cuts.

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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#2406 – Brush Up on Tips to Paint Like a Pro | Is Your Home Too Airtight? | Front Doors Add Value Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

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 maintaining 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 airtightfor healthy living?

- Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home.

Q & A:

- Garage Trim: Mice and water are coming in through gaps in the corners of Dawn’s garage doors. We recommend replacing the vertical pieces of weatherstripping to seal the spaces.

- Bathroom Renovation: Is it a good idea to flip the toilet and the shower on a cement slab? Scott learns it’s a massive renovation job that’s not worth the expense and effort.

- Water Quality: The cold water from only one faucet has a sickening taste. Nancy should report it to the water company and have the water tested.

- Ceiling Drywall: Kenny can see the outline of the studs behind his ceiling. It’s called ghosting and he gets tips on what causes it and how to hide it.

- Wood Flooring: George gets advice on installing hardwood flooring in his family room, including how to prep the subfloor and paying attention to the pattern of the boards.

- Electrical Outlets: When Belinda installs new GFCI outlets, do they need their own circuit breakers? We explain why it’s not necessary and how to use an outlet tester.

- HVAC: It would be a shame for Steve to remove his efficient and comfortable steam heat radiators, but he can still add a ducted air conditioning system.

- Granite Countertops: How often should granite countertops be sealed? Every two or three years is recommended, but Dave can use some recommended DIY products.

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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#2405 – A Cut Above the Rest: Lawn Mowing Tips | Long-Lasting Metal Roofs | Better Hardwood Flooring Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

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 is a cut above the rest.

- Metal Roofs: Steel the show by installing a metal roof for durability, style, and energy efficiency.

- Hardwood Floors: Easy-to-install hardwood flooring brings beauty and value to a home.

Q & A:

- Brick Adhesive: Debbie is struggling to remove glue around her brick fireplace. There’s no way to do it without ruining the surface, so we suggest installing new plasterboard over the brick.

- Attic Ventilation: Paul has a tile roof with gable vents and a roof-mounted AC unit. We discuss his best options for attic ventilation.

- Hardwood Floors: What’s the best way to refinish a worn hardwood floor? Joyce gets tips on lightly sanding the surface and applying an oil-based polyurethane.

- Plywood Siding: Dennis has T1-11 siding and wants to change it. He can simply install Tyvek and HardiePlank siding right over the old siding.

- Exterior Paint: The paint is peeling and flaking off Donna’s cedar shingles. She must pressure wash and scrape off the old layers of paint, then use an oil-based primer for good adhesion before repainting the cedar siding.

- Sink Finish: Matthew has one sink flange that corrodes every time it’s replaced. It’s an odd problem that may be caused by the water acidity and the quality of the flange finish.

- Insect Screening: Flies are coming in under the edges of a barn roof. Diane should install screening over any vent openings and have a professional apply pesticide for flies.

- Heated Tile Floor: How should electric heating be installed under a tile bathroom floor? Tim gets advice on subfloor options and piping for the heated floor system.

- Roof Vents: Debra has ceiling stains directly under the roof vent pipes. It’s easy to replace any flashing and rubber boots that are deteriorated and cracked.

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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#2404 – Flush Out Bathroom Germs | Patio Paver Perfection That Lasts | How to Restore Rotted Wood Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

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:

- Windows: Amy thinks her windows are discolored from water damage, but it’s probably normal fading from sun and rain. Sanding and exterior polyurethane can restore the finish.

- Shower Plumbing: The shower temperature changes whenever the toilet flushes. Brad needs to install a pressure balance valve to regulate the mix of hot and cold water.

- Pest Control: Ick! Kelly wants to get rid of bugs, slugs, and rodents. She must seal any gaps, remove any food that may attract rodents, and hire a professional for general pesticide treatment.

- Mortar Repair: The mortar is breaking apart between the doorframes and limestone of Steve’s home. He gets tips on removing the loose mortar and how to repoint those areas.

- Tree Roots: Large tree roots in Kevin’s yard are a problem. We suggest covering them with natural landscaping solutions like mulch, soil, or groundcover plants.

- Electrical Outlets: Pat has questions about installing GFCI outlets in his kitchen. They’re good to have and we explain how they work and how he can do it.

- Sealing Concrete: Past flooding left cracks in Bonnie’s basement floor. She can use silicone caulk to seal them and add a two-part epoxy product over the surface.

- Plumbing Noise: Robert’s new faucet is making a trumpet sound! He get tips on checking the washer and aerator for obstructions before having to replace the faucet.

- Ventilation: After reshingling his roof, Ken gets advice about removing the power vent, adding ridge vents, and completely opening the soffits to improve ventilation.

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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