The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2403 – Green Thumbs Up: DIY Raised Garden Beds | Maximize Garage Potential | Vacuum Troubleshooting Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Get the practical advice you need in this episode, with tips on constructing a raised garden bed, optimizing garage space, and troubleshooting vacuum issues. From gardening to storage to cleaning, we’ve got tips to help homeowners with these and other home improvement questions!

- Raised Garden Bed: Get tips on building a raised garden bed for the perfect DIY project.

- Garage Space: A new survey reveals how homeowners are optimizing garage space in creative ways.

- Vacuum Repairs: Find out what to do when your vacuum cleaner’s suction sucks.

Q & A:

- Crack Over Stairs: Anne is worried that cracks above her stairs are caused by her house shifting. She needs a home inspector who specializes in structural issues.

- Drain Pipe: The cast iron drain pipe under Dan’s basement floor keeps clogging. He can get it relined with a fiberglass sleeve without having to remove the pipe.

- Rusty Bathtub: Can an old rusty cast iron tub be restored? Margaret could have it reglazed by a professional, but it may be better to just replace the tub.

- Window Replacement: What should be included in the cost of window replacement? Michael gets advice on quality indicators, measurements, and more.

- Basement HVAC: Mark has questions about the radiant heating above his basement ceiling. We’ve got suggestions about drop ceilings and disconnecting the heating.

- Shower Plumbing: Jackie is replacing an old tub with a tile shower. She’ll need to have a plumber reroute a new diverter valve.

- Garage Door: Scott’s garage doors freeze when snow melts off the cars. New rubber gaskets that won’t stick to ice and installing garage floor tiles that drain will help the problem.

- Hardwood Floors: What is the best way to maintain new hardwood floors? We’ve got concerns about steam cleaning and suggest checking the manufacturer’s instructions.

ASK A QUESTION:

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

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#2402 – Outside Oasis: 5 Tips for Outdoor Living Space | What to Ask Contractors | Choosing Tile Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today’s show has tips for crafting your perfect outdoor living space, asking key questions before hiring a contractor, and choosing the best tile for your next project. Whether your DIY project is indoors or outdoors, we’ve got the answers you need for all your home improvement questions!

- Outdoor Living: Follow these 5 tips for creating the perfect outdoor living space.

- Hiring Contractors: Choose wisely by asking these 5 key questions before hiring a home improvement professional.

- Choosing Tile: Learn how to pick the best type of tile for your project.

Q & A:

- HVAC Water: Gail’s boiler provides both the heat and the hot water. She needs to find out how to set the mixing valve so the shower water won’t be too hot.

- Bathroom Vent: Mike wonders about connecting his bathroom fan vent to the plumbing vent. He can’t do that, but we’ve got tips on how to run the exhaust vent to the outside.

- Plumbing: A cracked waste pipe flooded the basement. Helen should file an insurance claim and hire a remediation company to clean up the sewage damage.

- Foundation Cracks: Pat has multiple big cracks in his foundation walls. He’ll need a structural engineer to address the problem and design the proper repairs.

- Odors: Mason can’t find the source of odors in his home. We have a few ideas and give him tips on steam cleaning the carpets and priming and painting the walls to seal them.

- Textured Wall Prep: Dave wants to tile over a textured bathroom wall. Sanding the surface will give him better adhesion to glue the tile right over it.

- Kitchen Cabinet Lazy Susan: The top shelf of an old kitchen cabinet carousel has dropped. Marge gets advice on how to find parts and try to repair it.

ASK A QUESTION:

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

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#2401 – Shed the Clutter with a Backyard Storage Shed | Window Repair Checklist | Retailer’s DIY Day Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, learn how to conquer clutter with a storage shed, decide between window repair versus replacement, and get expert advice and resources from a DIY guru and a leading retailer. Plus, we’ve got answers to lots more questions for all your home improvement projects!

- Storage Shed: Shed your outdoor clutter by building a backyard storage shed.

- Window Repair: This checklist helps you see clearly whether to repair or replace your windows.

- DIY Expert Advice: HGTV star and home improvement retailer offer advice for DIY projects.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

- Mold: Karen has gotten some bad advice about mold on the basement walls. She must have samples tested to discover the correct mitigation plan to treat the mold.

- Water Heater: What’s the best kind of water heater for a large family? Mike should consider a tankless water heater to save energy and provide hot water instantly.

- Drafty Windows: Cold wind is blowing through Joyce’s apartment windows. She can seal the drafts by using shrink film or a temporary caulk.

- Jacuzzi Drain: A caustic cleaner burned the tub surface when Barry tried to clear the clogged drain. We have suggestions for different products that are better to use.

- Front Door: Rick just wants to replace his front door rather than the entire transom. We discuss the challenges and carpentry needed for the exact entry door replacement.

- Foundation Repair: Brenda’s poured cement basement walls are starting to crumble. She should hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation and determine the best repair specifications.

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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#2400 – Cheap Chic: Affordable Apartment Décor | Front Yard Landscaping | Uninsured Contractor Risks Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Get budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas, add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips, and avoid the risks of hiring uninsured contractors with inspiration and information on today’s home improvement episode! Plus, listen in for answers to additional caller questions on a range of DIY projects.

- Apartment Décor: Get affordable apartment décor ideas to fit your budget and save your security deposit.

- Front Yard Landscaping: Create a welcome entry and add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips.

- Uninsured Contractors: If you’re hiring a contractor, protect yourself from liability by confirming they’re insured.

Q & A:

- Floor Tile Grout: Grout keeps chipping out from one area of Karen’s tile floor. She needs to remove it again and check to see if the surface is unstable.

- Red Cedar Roof: Phillip loves the way red cedar shingles age on other houses, but there’s no way to be sure how his own cedar shingles will darken over time unless he stains them.

- Structural Support: Trish wants to open up her kitchen, but it’s a big project to remove the load-bearing wall. We offer ideas on other ways to make the rooms look larger.

- Drywall Cracks: It’s not uncommon to have drywall cracks over doorways, but Brian needs advice on how to sand, tape, and spackle the wall so the cracks won’t return.

- Pouring Concrete: After cutting down a tree and grinding the stump, Bobbie wants to extend her sidewalk. She should rake out the sawdust and reinforce the hole with stone before pouring cement so it won’t crack.

- Fireplace: Two fireplaces and two chimneys are bringing smoke into Mike’s house. He should ask a chimney expert about improving the chimney draft.

- Wood Bathroom Décor: Should Melanie extend her untreated rustic knotty pine walls into her bathroom? It’s not a good idea, but there are better options that look like wood.

- Garbage Disposer: What size garbage disposer should Brandon get? We recommend a 1/2 to 3/4 HP model that he can install with basic plumbing and electrical skills.

- Radon: Should Sandra have her home tested for radon? We discuss using a DIY test, how to read the results, and guidelines for remediation if it’s needed.

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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#2399 – Flower Power: Planting Spring Bulbs | Freeing Stuck Windows | Best Mulch Practices Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

We’re sharing springtime secrets in this show, with tips for planting bulbs for a beautiful garden, breaking free of stuck windows to let the fresh air in, and protecting trees and shrubs with proper mulching. Spring forward and get home improvement info to last all year as we answer your timely questions!

- Spring Bulbs: Think flower power and plan ahead for spring by planting bulbs now.

- Stuck Windows: Break free of stuck windows with these easy tips.

- Mulch: Learn the right way to use mulch for insulating trees and shrubs.

Q & A:

- New Deck: Does Theresa really need to wait before staining her new wood deck? We explain why it’s necessary to allow fresh lumber to dry out and season before staining.

- Flooring: What kind of flooring can David use over his concrete slab? Engineered hardwood, engineered vinyl plans, and laminate are all good floating floor options.

- Cleaning Corian: Sharon’s porous Corian countertop is getting stained from water from the sink. We recommend some soft cleansers that she can try for this common problem.

- Water Heater: An old electric water heater is starting to leak and David is thinking about a tankless model. He should consider getting more efficient natural gas installed or using an electric heat pump water heater.

- Concrete Repair: Annie’s concrete front porch is crumbling, but there are Quikrete products that can adhere to the old concrete and provide a smooth and durable surface.

- Sewer Pipe: Linda is worried about replacing a cast iron sewer pipe that’s corroded and cracked. We assure her that any cracks can be easily sealed with silicone caulk.

- Grout Cleaning: How can Joe clean the ceramic tile kitchen grout? He gets tips on using grout cleaners and grout strippers.

- Floor Nails: Tammy has one floor nail that keeps popping up! It’s a common problem but easy to solve by removing the nail and replacing it with a trim screw.

- Water Heater: Are stains coming from Kim’s old water heater or from the water line? It does need to be replaced, and we give her some efficient options to choose from.

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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#2398 – Critter Control: Preventing Wildlife Damage | Storing Unused Paint | How to Check Gutters Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Get tips on safeguarding your yard against wildlife damage, preserving your leftover paint for future projects, and avoiding water damage by checking your gutters in today’s featured topics! Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions for your next DIY adventures!

- Wildlife Damage: Get critter control tips to prevent wildlife damage to your yard and garden.

- Unused Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint by storing it the right way.

- Checking Gutters: Avoid water damage by checking gutters to ensure they’re flowing freely.

Q & A:

- Insects: With earwigs under the siding and crickets in the basement, Tara needs to call a pest control professional to apply pesticides to solve both problems.

- Countertops: Dave gets tips on removing his kitchen sink and reinforcing the wood supports under the countertop.

- Driveway Drainage: Water is pooling in Dot’s driveway. We have advice on installing a curtain drain along the side of the driveway to redirect the water.

- Painting: Joyce wants to cover smoke damage from a propane fireplace. She should first clean the surfaces well with TSP, then use an oil-based primer and latex paint.

- HVAC Water: There’s no hot water coming through Frank’s baseboard heating. An HVAC contractor should check the temperature sensor and the circulator controls.

- Basement Moisture: The concrete block walls in Nick’s basement continue to absorb moisture, but improving the drainage around the foundation will solve the problem.

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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#2397 – Pour Judgement: Is Your Drinking Water Safe? | Planning a Fence | Smart Laundry Tips Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this show, homeowners get advice on how to ensure their drinking water is safe, how to plan the right kind of fence, and how to save money on laundry day! With tips on everything from repairs to renovations and everything in between, we’re here to answer all your home improvement questions!

- Water Quality: Determining whether your drinking water is safe is a matter of pour judgement.

- Planning a Fence: Good fences make good neighbors as long as you plan them properly.

- Laundry Tips: Learn how to clean up on savings with efficient laundry tips.

Q & A:

- Gardening: Where should you locate a raised garden bed? Cynthia should plant her garden in full sun, on the side of the house with southern exposure.

- Hardwood Floor Damage: There’s a swollen area where water leaked onto Heather’s hardwood floor. It would be hard to match the stain, but she can use some of the original flooring from a hidden area to replace the damaged piece.

- Cedar Walls: Cedar walls in Brian’s home have darkened around his pictures. He can sand and stain the walls or simply hide the discoloration with similar wall hangings.

- Flies: Ick! Karen has cluster flies coming from the heat registers in her floor. They’re common, but we suggest hiring a pest control professional who can use the right pesticides.

- Roof Replacement: Mark gets tips about installing metal roofing on his low-slope roof.

- HVAC Duct Cleaning: Is it worth having your HVAC ducts cleaned? We explain why it’s more important for Sherry to invest in good-quality filters and replace them regularly.

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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#2396 – Decked Out: Build a Backyard Deck | Rainwater Collection Systems | Most Overlooked Appliance Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

How can you extend your outdoor space, upgrade yard hydration, and improve indoor air quality? Learn about building a backyard deck, installing a rainwater collection system, and making the most of your vent fans in today’s home improvement episode, plus more tips to create your best home ever!

- Backyard Deck: Get your outdoor living space all decked out by building a backyard deck.

- Rainwater Collection: Make every drop count with a rainwater collection system to hydrate your yard and garden.

- Vent Fans: Find out why vent fans are your most overlooked appliances that control moisture and improve air quality.

Q & A:

- Floor Drain: Patricia’s garage floor drain is clogged but she can’t remove the grate. We suggest running a drain snake through the side yard access and using a vacuum to clear the grate.

- Water Heater: Will an electric heat pump water heater affect the indoor climate? Karl is making the most efficient choice and shouldn’t worry about any negative impact.

- Cleaning Grout: Nicole wants to get her bathroom grout white again. She’ll need to use a professional grout cleaner or grout stripper to get it as clean as possible.

- Bathtub Remodel: Randy is removing his old tub and installing a handicap-accessible shower. We recommend a line of bathroom systems that can be easily customized.

- Popcorn Ceiling: Should you repair or remove a popcorn ceiling that’s pulling away at the edges? Debbie has a few options to choose from.

- Composite Decking: If you’re tired of replacing wood deck boards, is composite decking a good alternative? Carl learns why it’s a great, durable choice and easy to do.

- Quartz Countertops: Iris gets information about changing her granite countertops to quartz, which costs about the same but is more durable, stain resistant, and easier to maintain.

- Emergency Exit: A basement egress window will be too high above the floor. James learns about a line of products that can be installed to adapt to the exterior space.

- Bathroom Vent: The bathroom exhaust fan isn’t removing the humidity well. Diane should make sure it clearly vents outside the building and install a humidistat.

ASK A QUESTION:

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

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#2395 – The Room You Hate to Clean | Sow Smart: Best Soil for Your Lawn | Exterior Lighting Design Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Today’s show is about cleaning quirks, lush lawns, and illuminating insights. Listen as we discuss the one room we all dread cleaning, dig deep into the secrets of soil, and shed light on exterior lighting. Tune in for expert advice and ideas for all your home improvement questions!

- Bathroom Cleaning: It may be spring cleaning season, but this is the one room people most hate to clean.

- Lawn Care: Grow a lush lawn by using superior soil.

- Exterior Lighting: Add safety, security, and style with a great exterior lightscaping design.

Q & A:

- Deck Stain: Should Dawn use a sealant over her solid deck stain? There’s no need to seal the wood surface if she uses a good-quality deck stain.

- Replacement Windows: Steve has gotten a wide range of price quotes for replacement windows. We offer tips on choosing the best windows and getting reliable estimates on Angi.com.

- Sliding Doors: Moisture and ice are forming in the bottom rail of sliding doors. Sherry gets advice on how to check and adjust the door alignment to seal any gaps.

- Patio Addition: Mike has lots of reasons to be concerned about a sunroom that was built over a concrete patio slab. He needs advice from a structural engineer or architect.

- Cleaning Countertops: What’s the best way to clean a granite countertop? Janet learns that granite requires regular maintenance and gets suggestions on products to use.

- Roof Leak: Josh wants to paint over a water stain in his bathroom ceiling. First, he should replace the rubber gasket and flashing around the roof vent pipe.

- Lighting Cords: How can you hide the cords from LED lighting in the bathroom? Patrice has some options for lighting fixtures or can have an electrician run the wires behind the trim work.

- Basement Flooring: Is engineered wood flooring alright to install in a basement? Jack can use engineered wood that’s rated for basements or consider laminate flooring.

- HVAC Noise: Tammy’s new furnace makes a buzzing noise when it turns on. It could be a bad sign that the breaker box is deteriorating and should be checked by an electrician.

ASK A QUESTION:

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

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#2394 – Seeds of Success: Early Spring Gardening | Garbage Disposal Tips | Safe Garage Storage Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, get helpful tips about early spring gardening, efficient garbage disposals, and safe garage storage solutions. From plants to trash to avoiding toxins and clutter, we’ve got answers to these and other questions from homeowners like you!

- Spring Gardening: Get ready to spring forward with tips for making your garden grow early in the season.

- Garbage Disposals: Cut down on food waste with these garbage disposal options.

- Safe Garage Storage: Keep toys and tools away from toxins with safe garage storage.

Q & A:

- Kitchen Range: Cindy has a small house with a big stove that burned the kitchen cabinet. She should contact the manufacturer for the proper installation specifications.

- House Listing: When selling a house that’s been remodeled, how can you describe the upgrades? Mike gets advice on how to list his home and provide an inventory of improvements.

- Electrical and Plumbing: Karen gets tips on how often to check the circuit breakers and how to check for plumbing leaks in her home.

- Insulation: What is the best way to insulate a basement? We suggest that Jeff first check the exterior drainage to control moisture and give him three options for insulation.

- Bathroom Window: Christina is remodeling and has questions about what to do with a window above her tub. She’s got options for installing a privacy window.

- Heated Flooring: How should Kirk install heated flooring for a new house addition? Running it through the fireplace is inefficient, but we have tips on how to do it better.

- Drafts: Anne needs to seal the drafts through her windows, floors, and cabinets. Weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation in the floor box beams will stop the drafts.

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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