The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#2363 – Aging Gracefully: Older Home Repairs | New Heat Pump Technology | Hidden Home Energy Waste Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

In this podcast packed with home improvement wisdom, we reveal the reality of older home repairs, unravel the magic of heat pump technology, and uncover stealthy spots where your home's energy is slipping away. Tune in for a mix of classic craftsmanship and modern energy-saving tips!

- Older Home Repairs: The charm of buying an older home comes at the cost of commonly needed repairs.

- Heat Pump Technology: New heat pump technology is the hottest buzz in home comfort and energy savings.

- Finding Wasted Energy: Discover the hidden hideouts where your home is wasting energy.

Q & A:

- Basement Walls: Brenda is remodeling her basement and gets info on how to frame new walls and what kind of materials to use.

- Water Quality: Steve replaced his water heater and now the water smells bad. Something else must have changed, and he should have his well water tested.

- Siding Stains: Rainwater has left stains on the corrugated siding of Patricia’s mobile home. We’ve got tips on mildewcides and cleaning products she can use.

- Landscape Lighting: There’s a short somewhere in Patrick’s old low-voltage landscape lighting. After 25 years, it’s time to consider replacing them with a new LED system.

- Patio Cover: Janet wants to build a patio cover, but there are lots of reasons why a retractable awning would be a better option.

- Building Permits: When do you need to get building permits? They’re usually required for home replacements, not for repairs, but Tyler should check with his local municipality.

- Sink Plumbing: When the garbage disposal turns on, the other sink backs up! Eden’s got an obstruction in the main drain line and learns how to clear it 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#2362 – Holiday Havoc with Self-Cleaning Ovens | DIY Winter Roof Check | Easy Spray Foam Insulation Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

It’s the season for heating up your home improvement hacks! In this episode, we’ll spill the beans on self-cleaning ovens, winter rooftop inspection tips, and the cozy world of spray foam insulation. Listen now to hear what we're cooking up next!

- Self-Cleaning Ovens: Find out why the holidays are the worst time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, plus get some oven maintenance tips.

- Roof Inspection: Winter weather is rough on roofs, so now’s the time to do a DIY roof check-up.

- Spray Foam Insulation: Seal drafts and lower heating bills with this easy spray foam insulation system.

Q & A:

- Heat Pumps: Do you really need to have a heat pump serviced twice each year? Ruth only needs to have the heating and cooling systems inspected together once annually.

- Removing Doors: Brian wants to know the best way to take a door off its hinges and replace it again. We share helpful step-by-step tips on door removal.

- Igloo Humidity: Lori is buying a domed, igloo-like concrete home but the indoor dehumidifier isn’t enough. We offer advice on how to manage the moisture.

- Window Condensation: There’s suddenly condensation on Eric’s single-pane windows all year long. He gets lots of ideas on possible causes and solutions for reducing the humidity.

- Carpet Glue Removal: Sylvia is pulling up carpet and needs to remove the glue. A citrus adhesive remover will help soften and smooth it out before she adds a layer of plywood and new flooring.

- Dishwasher Odor: We recommend a product that Stan can use to scrub and disinfect his newly installed dishwasher that’s already giving off some bad odors.

- Garage Space: Esther wants to change the structure of her long garage to move the doors to a different side. It’s a big job that requires reframing the load-bearing walls.

- Window Mold: Stubborn mold keeps returning around Scott’s windows each winter. Mixing a bleach and water solution and letting it sit should clean the mold 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#2361 – Ice Advice: Winterizing Sprinklers | Would You Buy an Old Home? | 3 Steps Before Painting Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Before Jack Frost arrives for the season, learn the cold hard facts about winterizing your sprinkler system, the cost of buying older homes, and common painting mistakes. From chills to bills to drippy spills, we’ve got the answers you need to avoid these and other home improvement headaches in this episode!

- Winterizing Sprinkler System: Avoid a frozen fiasco by winterizing your sprinkler system before cold sets in.

- Buying Older Homes: A survey shows homeowners are divided on the thought of buying and maintaining another older home.

- Painting Tips: Remember these 3 tips to avoid common painting mistakes.

Q & A:

- Treating a Wood Porch: What is the best way to treat a pine wood porch? Stephen won’t need to seal it if he cleans it well and applies a good solid stain.

- Crawlspace Ventilation: After putting down a plastic vapor barrier, Floyd should keep his crawlspace vents open for most of the year, except for the coldest winter months.

- Hiring an Architect: Linda is seeking the best advice for remodeling her old farmhouse. An architect would have the right info for structural and design integrity.

- Porch Moisture: Recent drainage issues are forcing moisture up through Jim’s porch floor. He gets tips on gutters, downspouts, and curtain drains to redirect the water.

- Installing Gutters: Esther needn’t worry about cracking her asphalt shingles when her gutters are replaced if they’re screwed directly to the fascia board.

- Bathroom Carpet: Carpeting in a bathroom is a bad idea, but Barry gets tips on installing a door sill, plus suggestions for better flooring that’s moisture-resistant.

- Cleaning Moss: Mark’s got lots of shade trees in the front yard and moss covering his pavers. He can use a mildewcide and a power washer to clean and prevent the moss.

- Foundation Drainage: A builder is suggesting two drainage systems for Jill’s new home. It sounds like a good idea and we have additional tips she should opt for.

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

#2360 – Insurance IQ: Is Your Home Truly Protected? | Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle | Best Furnace Filters Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Embrace the cozy vibes as autumn transitions to winter! In this episode, we've got your back with essential tips on navigating stormy insurance queries. Join us for a fascinating exploration of house histories, discover tricks to enhance the air quality in your home, and guess what? We're answering YOUR burning questions, too! Join us for a dose of warmth and wisdom.

- Homeowner’s Insurance: Does your homeowner’s insurance policy offer enough coverage? Here’s what to ask.

- Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle: Find out the story behind strange old toilets found in some pre-World War II homes.

- Furnace Filters: Using the right furnace filter is the easiest way to make your HVAC system more efficient.

Q & A:

- Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is no longer sold in Laura’s area. Cleaning her ceiling well and using a solvent-based primer and flat latex paint instead should work well.

- Deck Lumber: After tearing down a rotted old wood deck, David gets tips about above-ground and ground-contact pressure-treated lumber to build a new deck.

- Foggy Windows: The thermal pane seal in Sarah’s windows has failed and now they’re always fogging up. We advise replacing them gradually rather than trying to repair them.

- Damaged Siding: Ivy can be lovely but causes a lot of damage! Lauren gets advice on cleaning, staining, and repairing damaged areas of her cedar siding.

- Peeling Paint: Paint is peeling from the bathroom walls and ceiling. Sonny needs to scrape off the old paint and use an oil-based primer so new paint will adhere properly.

- Locating Plumbing: Mary’s having trouble locating the plumbing to install a whole house water filter. We help her find the main water valve inside her home.

- Flooring Over Concrete: Ted wants to install new flooring over his existing concrete floor. Laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood would all be great DIY options.

- Insulation Over a Crawlspace: Christine wants to warm up the floors over an unheated crawlspace. Insulating the pipes and the space between the floor joists will make a huge difference.

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

#2359 – Dry Wit: 5 Clothes Drying Hacks | New Options for Metal Roofs | Best Indoor House Plants Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Clothes Dryer Tips: These 5 clothes dryer tips put a new spin on the best way to do laundry.

- Metal Roofing: Learn the latest options in metal roofs that last long and stand up to Mother Nature.

- Best Indoor Plants: You don’t need a green thumb to grow these easy indoor plants.

Q & A:

- Bathroom Ventilation: How can you ventilate a bathroom that has no fan? Diane gets advice on installing a vent fan through an exterior wall or between floor joists above the ceiling.

- Warped Hardwood Floor: Kenneth’s new hardwood floor has started to warp. We suggest ways to reduce indoor humidity and trying to sand down the raised areas.

- Door Gap: Julianne needs to close the gap under her bottom door sill. She needs to pack some epoxy patching cement into the space to reinforce and seal the space.

- Insulation: Is ventilation needed after using open-cell spray foam insulation in the attic? Joe won’t need it and his HVAC system will work even better.

- Attaching Shutters: Lisa is considering installing window shutters but isn’t ready to attach them permanently. She could use clips that snap onto the siding until she’s sure.

- Cleaning Travertine Tile: Steve wants to clean and restore the gloss on travertine tile. We recommend some DIY products to clean, polish, and seal the surface.

- Fireplace Façade: Lynn needs ideas for giving her fireplace a new façade. Marble, granite, and faux stone would be attractive options to adhere right over the brick.

- Driveway Repair: Big cracks in an old concrete driveway need repair. George gets tips on how to insert a backer rod to fill wide cracks before sealing them with caulk.

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

#2358 – Ceiling the Deal: Trendy Drop Ceilings | Tub and Shower Leaks | Top 3 Thermostat Mistakes Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Drop Ceilings: Updated drop ceilings offer trendy new looks for remodeling projects.

- Tub and Shower Leaks: Tub and shower leaks are easy to fix once you know where to find the source.

- Thermostat Mistakes: Avoid these top three thermostat mistakes to stay comfortable while lowering heating bills.

Q & A:

- Window Sill Repairs: Should Kaitlyn repair or replace her rotted wooden window sills? Unless they’re totally destroyed, she can fill them with a wood hardener and epoxy.

- Sink Insulation: Jim asks about ways to keep standing water in his sink warm. We have suggestions for insulating the area under the sink and using spray foam or a fiberglass blanket.

- Kitchen Island Lights: It’s hard to get three square lights above a kitchen island to hang straight. Donna must readjust the twisted rods going into the junction box.

- Bubbling Paint: Exterior paint keeps bubbling and chipping. Dana needs to strip off the paint and make sure the area is properly primed before repainting it.

- Cleaning Windows: Marie hates cleaning windows! There’s no easy way to clean them without leaving streaks, but we can recommend some good cleaning products.

- Metal Roofing: Randy is concerned by roof vents that were closed when he had a metal roof installed. It’s fine as long as he has soffit vents with insulation baffles to make sure the vents aren’t blocked.

- Bathroom Flooring: Michelle is updating the bathroom and wants kid-proof flooring. Laminate, vinyl plank, or tile that is sealed and glazed are some good options.

- Renovation ROI: How can you calculate the ROI of home renovations? Tom gets some advice about cost vs. value when it comes to renovating and selling a home.

- Insulation Fumes: Should James be worried about fumes from spray foam insulation? As long as he uses a name-brand product and a good contractor, he shouldn’t be concerned about off-gases.

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. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#2357 – Draft Dodgers: Find and Seal House Drafts | DIY Stone Refinishing | Textured Surface Repairs Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Sealing Drafts: Tracking down and sealing drafts is the first step in keeping your home warm.

- Stone Countertop Refinishing: Get the look of natural stone countertops with an easy and affordable weekend project.

- Textured Surface Repairs: Fix textured walls and ceilings without the fuss and mess.

Q & A:

- Mailbox Stains: Those stains on Louise’s brick mailbox are probably mineral deposits from water splashes. A vinegar solution will clean the surface easily.

- Reversing a Door Swing: Scott wants to reverse the swing of a door that blocks the light switch, but it would be simpler to run the light switch to a different spot.

- Sealing Windows: Linda is paying high energy bills but has limited options in her rental apartment. We recommend using shrink film or weatherstripping caulk on her windows.

- Replacing HVAC System: Sal needs recommendations for replacing his HVAC unit. He should start by checking references of local contractors and seeking out good brands, energy efficiency ratings, and available rebates.

- Uneven Subfloor: New flooring can’t be installed over an uneven subfloor. Diane needs either a carpentry solution or a floor-leveling compound.

- Toilet Water System: Darren has questions about converting his toilet to rain barrel water. We have answers about filtering, water pressure, and toilet efficiency.

- Log Home Walls: There are cracks in the walls of Nina’s log home. A wood filler could be colored or stained, but she’s better off accepting the rustic log look.

- Flooring Over Concrete: What kind of flooring should be installed over concrete? John’s best options include laminate or engineered hardwood.

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

#2356 – Watt’s Your Plan? Blackout Survival Tips | Fall Lawn and Landscape Care | Cut Heating Costs Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Power Outages: When the power goes out, you’ll need these blackout survival tips.

- Fall Lawn Care: Proper care in the fall keeps your lawn and landscape healthy and green for springtime.

- Cutting Heating Costs: Do high heating bills send chills down your spine? Get energy-saving tips to lower costs.

Q & A:

- Indoor Bugs: Centipedes and crickets have Dorothy’s skin crawling! We have tips on how to seal off any basement and garage openings and eliminate indoor bugs.

- Water in Basement: Water in the basement after it rains signals a drainage issue. Scott gets advice on what steps are needed to improve drainage around his home.

- Drafty Doors: Weather stripping isn’t stopping the drafts around Wendy’s doors. She may need to adjust the door alignment to seal the gaps better.

- Supplemental Heating: Ralph can’t warm up a room next to his garage. He should seal any drafts and consider getting affordable electric baseboard heaters with timers.

- Cinderblock Walls: How can you give cinderblock walls a more attractive look? Kay should contact a professional to cover the walls with a smooth layer of plaster.

- Low Water Pressure: Sam has great water pressure everywhere in his old home except the bathtub. It may be rust clogging the original steel pipes or a valve that needs replacing.

- Dishwasher Odor: Phew! There’s a bad smell coming from Nathan’s dishwasher. We recommend a product that can easily clean out the microbes of decaying food.

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

#2355 – Chillin’ Villains: Roof Ice Dam Perils | Textured Surface Repairs | Hidden Surprises of Remodeling Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Roof Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging from your roof may signal damaging ice dams.

- Repairing Textured Surfaces: There’s a new way to repair textured ceilings and walls without the hassle and mess.

- Planning Home Improvement Projects: Avoid unwelcome home improvement surprises with careful planning.

Q & A:

- Wall Texture: After stripping the wallpaper, Sandi wants to add texture to her walls. We discuss a number of options for textured paint and techniques.

- Water Heater Venting: What is the right way to vent a tankless water heater? John gets tips on running the ducts to vent outside the house.

- Removing Roof Moss: Can copper flashing prevent moss buildup? Sue learns how adding copper flashing on the top roof ridge acts as a natural algaecide.

- Lawn Seeding: When is the best time of year to reseed a lawn? Early- to mid-fall is the perfect season for Alan to rake and seed, then give the lawn time to take root.

- Lead in Ceramic Tiles: Margaret is concerned about lead in her old ceramic tiles. We suggest working with an EPA-certified contractor and recoating the tiles with an epoxy finish.

- Whole House Fan: What is the best way to install a whole house fan? Mike gets tips on where to place it and how to operate it most effectively.

- Worn Engineered Flooring: Dorothy’s engineered flooring is worn in spots. It’s not designed to be refinished, so she’ll need to remove and replace it.

- Water Softeners: Brian needs a conditioning system for his hard water. We recommend using a traditional salt-based water softener rather than a salt-free system.

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

#2354 – Scary Scraps: Avoid Garbage Disposal Disasters | Fire Prevention | DIY Carpet Deodorizer Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

- Garbage Disposal Problems: Letting seasonal leftovers go down the drain causes clog chaos.

- Carpet Deodorizer: Mix up an easy DIY deodorizing recipe to take your carpets from funky to fresh.

- Fire Prevention: Get tips on fire hazards you may be overlooking and how to prevent them.

Q & A:

- Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten up the dark brick wall around her fireplace. Painting is one option but she may also consider other creative alternatives.

- Smoke Odors: How can James get rid of smoke odors in his new home? We have advice on what he needs to discard, clean, and seal to remove the smell.

- Basement Floor Moisture: Dampness is affecting a cracked basement floor. Holly gets information on how to keep moisture away from the foundation of her home.

- Electrical Wiring: We’re completely shocked after Bob’s electrician never checked the power after rewiring the entire house and expects to be paid for fixing his mistake.

- Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the bathroom tile? It’s not necessary unless you’re using sand-based grout.

- Window Condensation: Condensation is forming inside single-pane windows in a historic home. James needs to install a whole-house dehumidifier, improve outside drainage, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce indoor moisture.

- Gutters and Downspouts: There are always puddles between two neighboring homes. Allison must manage the water with the right gutters, downspouts, and a French drain.

- Installing a Safe: Richard wants to dig into his slab foundation to install a safe. Existing plumbing and wiring are unknown risks and we recommend securely bolting the safe to the floor instead.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected