The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Paving the Way to a DIY Patio Makeover | Ventilation Victory: Win the War Against Bathroom Mold | Garage Glam: Garage Door Styles Add Curb Appeal | Ep #2333 Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Patio Makeover: Old, worn concrete patios get new life with an easy DIY paver makeover.
Preventing Bathroom Mold: Keep bathroom mold and mildew at bay by reducing moisture with these ventilation tips.
Garage Door Styles: Attractive garage doors add immediate curb appeal with updated styles to complement your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Cleaning Brick: Mortar stains are hard to remove, but Gail gets tips on how to safely use a stiff wire brush or drill attachment without damaging the brick.
Cracked Tile Floor: Dan’s tile floor is probably cracking because it wasn’t installed properly. He can replace them as needed or replace the tile floor after installing a flexible uncoupling membrane underneath.
Faulty Closet Light: Ming has a closet door light that doesn’t come on and sometimes arcs. That’s a fire hazard that needs to be replaced immediately.
Leaking Windows: Water is leaking through the top of the windows under a rotting gutter. After fixing the gutter and fascia, Dan should monitor the leak to see if he needs to remove the siding and replace the flashing.
Updating a Bathroom: The dated green tiles around Peg’s bathtub have got to go! A whole bathroom renovation may be a better option than painting, reglazing, or adding a fiberglass insert.
Plumbing Noises: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever someone uses the toilet, shower, or laundry. Nicole may need to secure the pipes, install a water hammer arrestor, and check the well pump.
Replacing Soffits: Mike is thinking of replacing the soffits on his garage with Hardie plank, but we advise him to use a different material in a color that complements the siding.
GFCI Outlets: Do GFCI outlets need their own circuit breakers? The circuit breaker is actually built into the outlet and Belinda can use an outlet tester to be sure they’re grounded.
Bathroom Mold: Bathroom mold keeps coming back, no matter what Matt does to remove it. He gets tips on improving the ventilation and using caulk with mildewcide.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Breaking Point: 5 Causes of Deck Collapses | Unused Paint Preservation | Mesh Makeover: New Options for Window Screens | Ep #2332 Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Deck Safety: Avoid outdoor disasters by recognizing the 5 causes of dangerous deck collapses.
Storing Paint: Leftover paint can be useful, but only if it’s stored properly. Find out when it’s time to can those paint cans.
Window Screens: Let fresh air in and keep insects out with updated options for window screens.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Driveway and Deck Sealants: Bill wants to know if he needs to seal his new concrete driveway or his pressure-treated deck. We’ve got tips for both.
Musty Odors: There’s a musty odor coming from the slab foundation in a home that was vacant. We advise Mary to pull up the carpet, improve the outside drainage, and start using the HVAC and a dehumidifier to clear the air.
Fascia Board: Should Martin repair or replace a fascia board that’s separating under his porch roof? He just needs to resecure it with screws instead of nails.
Popcorn Ceilings: Ben needs to repair damaged areas of his popcorn ceiling. We explain how to replace some of the texture and repaint the ceiling.
HVAC Odors: There’s an odor when the air conditioning comes on. Jeff can start with duct cleaning, but should also use a good-quality HVAC filter with activated charcoal.
Wood Playground: A pressure-treated wood playground is cracking and turning black. Erin gets tips on a product to clean the wood, using a solid stain, and safe surfaces.
Wet Drywall: After an under-sink water filter bursts, Richard’s not sure if he needs to replace the drywall. It’s not necessary if it’s dried out and not warped.
Converting a Tub to a Shower: Mil needs to convert a tub to a shower but can’t find a fiberglass unit that’s rated for the proper weight. Adding a mortar mix underneath the shower pan will provide a rock-solid base.
Flood Repair: A flash flood left a foot of water in Gary’s basement. We go through the steps to get rid of the water, remove damaged items, clean the surfaces, and dry out the space before starting over.
Painting a Fireplace: Susan would like to paint her brick fireplace but there’s tile on top of it. She should consider using a special primer and painting the tile, too.
Restoring Old Flooring: Is it possible to restore a dingy old kitchen floor? After 20 years, it sounds like it’s time for Harry to update the floor with new materials.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com.

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Bark-yard Bliss: Create a Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space | Shady Business: Protect Floors and Furniture from UV Sun Damage | Fence Staining Secrets for Curb Appeal | Ep #2331 Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Pet-Friendly Backyard: Enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends by creating a pet-friendly backyard.
UV Sun Damage: Find out how to defend your floors and furnishings against damaging sunlight.
Staining a Fence: Learn the best way to spruce up your fence for maximum curb appeal.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Installing a Ceiling Fan: James wants to add ceiling fans in rooms with no overhead lighting. It’s not hard, but it’s an easier job for an electrician to do.
Kitchen Flooring: Patrilla would like new kitchen flooring to install over sheet linoleum. Engineered vinyl plank or laminate are beautiful and durable options.
Insulation: An attic with minimal fiberglass insulation needs more. Albert finds out spray foam insulation is an excellent choice that expands, seals, and has a much better R-value.
Old Plumbing: When one shower is used, another one goes cold. Tammy needs a plumber to check the old steel pipes and the water pressure from the street.
Wood Floor Care: Old pine and oak wood floors are hard to clean and protect. We advise Margaret to use a natural cleaner that won’t damage the wood.
Matching Paint Colors: Dante hasn’t been able to match the color of a repainted area in a small room. It’s easier to prime and repaint the whole wall.
Leaking HVAC System: Leah’s split ductless HVAC system is leaking freon. She needs to find the source of the leak instead of adding more refrigerant.
Water in Garage: Water running downhill is coming into Butch’s garage. He should build a curtain drain and pitch it away from the garage to divert the water.
Leaking Roof: A roof leak is probably coming through a pipe from Judy’s bathroom. Replacing the flashing around the pipe should be an easy fix.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Décor on a Dime: 5 Money-Saving Home Decorating Ideas | Make a Splash with a Backyard Water Feature | Trash or Treasure? Tips for a Successful Garage Sale | Ep #2330 Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Decorating on a Budget: Get 5 money-saving ideas for sprucing up your home without spending a fortune.
Backyard Water Features: Make a splash by creating your own backyard water feature.
Garage Sales: One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure, so get ready for a successful garage sale.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Dehumidifiers: A heat pump is not designed to remove humidity, but Pat may consider using a whole-house dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air.
Drainage: Vince has water coming through the concrete floor in his three-season room. He should install a curtain drain to intercept and discharge the water.
Pool Repairs: An old pool has deck cracks and some exposed rebar. There are products Barb can use to repair and refinish the problem areas.
Garage Door Opener: Bob wants advice on getting a surge protector for a faulty garage door opener. It’s an unusual problem but we recommend a good brand to look into.
Kitchen Sink Styles: Kathy is considering replacing her double kitchen sink with a single sink. It’s a personal preference, but a single bowl offers more space and convenience.
Soundproofing: What’s the best way to soundproof an upstairs movie room? Jerry gets tips on using soundproofing drywall and sealing gaps to muffle the sounds.
HVAC Upgrade: Is it worth upgrading a radiant heating system in an old home? A heat pump is more affordable and efficient, but it may not be necessary if Janey is about to sell the house.
Kitchen Range Vent: Cold wind blows through the vent over David’s kitchen range. He needs to check the gasket, seal, flashing, and vent door springs.
Asbestos: Maryann is worried about finding asbestos when pulling up an old linoleum floor. It should not be an issue, but she can have it tested for asbestos to be sure.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Concrete Countertops Offer Rock Solid Style | Rent Relief: 7 Ways to Make Rent More Affordable | Cut the Clutter of Summer Stuff | Ep #2329 Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Concrete Countertops: Learn why durable and versatile concrete countertops are a popular trend.
Rental Costs: As rent prices skyrocket, find out 7 ways to make your rent more affordable.
Summer Storage: More summer fun means more summer stuff! Get tips for cutting the clutter.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Musty Porch Odors: There’s a musty smell in Anna’s unheated closed-in porch. We advise pulling out the unneeded insulation, then cleaning and airing out the walls.
Electrical Outlet: Steve discovers one outlet that has no current in the wiring. He needs to call an electrician to trace the source of the outage.
Retaining Walls: A significant slope in the yard makes it hard to mow and use the space. A landscape architect can help Alex plan the right kind of retaining wall.
Synthetic Brick: What are the pros and cons of synthetic brick for a home’s exterior? We agree it’s a good idea and recommend some products to Alice.
Cleaning Stainless Steel: Phillip has tried everything to clean his stainless steel sink, but it may be a chemical reaction discoloration that cleaning won’t help.
Squeaky Door: When oil, WD-40, and new hinges don’t help, Sandy should look for upgraded ball-bearing hinges to quiet her squeaky door.
Japanese Beetles: When Japanese beetles infest his trees and bushes, Hugh needs a pest control professional who can properly and safely apply pesticides.
Porch Screens: Pam’s vinyl porch screens keep blowing out in the wind. We recommend installing smaller sections of a heavier gauge metal screen.
Cleaning Exterior Mold: Mold under the soffit may really be moss or algae. Tim can use a cleaning product that he can spray and forget to clean it away.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Tick Talk: Guarding Against Dangerous Ticks | Big Solutions for Small Bathroom Space | Adding Life to an Aging Roof | Ep #2328 Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Tick Prevention: Get important tips for staying safe from tick-borne diseases.
Small Bathroom Space: If you have a small bathroom, find out how to maximize every inch of space.
Roof Rejuvenation: Summer heat and sunshine dry out roof shingles, but there’s a way to give new life to an old roof.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Sink Odors: Yvonne learns how to clean out the bacteria that are causing a foul odor in her bathroom sink.
Low-E Windows: How effective are Low-E windows? We assure Bruce that being able to reflect the sun’s UV rays will reduce heat and save on cooling costs.
Ceramic Tile Flooring: Sandy’s finding it hard to clean her old ceramic floor with worn-out glaze. We have ideas on how to cover it.
Leaking Roof: Mike is dealing with a leaking roof and gets advice on how to find the leak and figure out repairs.
Bathtub Cracks: Bill’s old bathtub is cracked. We discuss options for a bathtub repair kit, a bathtub cover, or replacing the tub.
Oven Cleaning: Gail wants to know how to clean the space inside the glass on her oven door. She may need to disassemble it.
Clogged Bathtub Drain: Mary’s plumber can’t figure out why her bathtub is draining slowly. We recommend calling a professional who specializes in clearing drains.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Porch Revival Adds Space and Relaxation | Beat the Heat with Tips for Installing a Window Air Conditioner | Roof Rx: How to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan | Ep #2327 Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Front Porches: Learn how porches are making a comeback for year-round living space and outdoor relaxation.
Window Air Conditioners: Find out the right way to install a window air conditioner to cool your home quicker and more efficiently.
Extending Roof Life: Instead of replacing them, there’s a way to restore dried-out asphalt roof shingles and extend the life of your roof.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Firepits: Katherine wants a homemade fire pit. We discuss options for portable metal fire pits and DIY kits to build a fire pit with bricks or pavers.
Getting Rid of Spiders: Daddy long-leg spiders have taken over Will’s garage. We suggest natural repellents, sticky traps, and vacuuming up the spiders and nests.
Whole House Fans: Instead of relying on ceiling fans and the AC fan, Marie gets information on installing a whole house fan to keep her house cool.
Bathroom Venting: Butch needs to redirect a bathroom vent in his attic so that it goes outside the house. We’ve got tips on where to locate it.
Jacuzzi Bathtub: Robin’s got multiple issues with her jacuzzi bathtub about mold in the pipes and faded fixtures. We have some answers to help.
Rotten Egg Smell: Dave has a rotten egg smell in his house. It may be coming from a bad anode rod in his water heater or high sulfur content in the water.
Moldy Odors: A den over the garage smells moldy after it rains. Gail needs to reduce moisture with better drainage and ventilation, plus a whole-house dehumidifier.
Water Treatment: Recurring rust stains on a concrete pool deck may be coming from iron in the groundwater that pools on the surface. Doug should put an iron filter in his sprinkler system to reduce the deposits and stains.
Replacement Windows: What type of window is best: vinyl, wood, or composite? Ellie’s first priority should be finding the most energy-efficient windows before choosing the material.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Pipe Dreams Come True: Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures | Tread Lightly with a DIY Gravel Garden Path | Exterior House Painting Made Easy | Ep #2326 Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Saving Water: Conserving water and lowering costs is made simple with water-saving fixtures and faucets.
Gravel Garden Path: Great gardens deserve perfect pathways around them. Get tips on creating a DIY gravel garden path.
Exterior House Painting: It’s a big job, but you can paint your home’s exterior a lot faster and easier with an airless paint sprayer.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Banishing Bats: Pests in Keith’s attic are driving him batty! We’ve got tips on creating bat doors with screen flaps to let the bats out and keep them out.
Cracked Foundation: The concrete slab foundation has cracks and the kitchen floor is starting to dip. Rochelle should hire a structural engineer or home inspector to determine whether it’s serious and how to fix it.
Refinishing Hardwood Floor: Is a French polish a good option for a hardwood floor? Theresa gets advice on a better, more durable way to refinish her floor.
Buckling Vinyl Siding: Earl’s vinyl siding is buckling and bending because it was installed too tightly to allow it to expand and contract, but he can redo it.
Flagstone Patio: Stones in a flagstone patio are sticking up. Darlene should tamp down the base under them and add crushed gravel between the pavers.
Chimney Stucco: Anthony’s chimney is losing stucco and bricks are coming loose. We suggest a product that adheres well to old concrete and brick.
Laminate Countertops: Frankie wants to refinish her old laminate countertop and learns about a coating product that easily provides a whole new look.
Bad Contractors: After a brick mason contractor does a bad job and takes her money, Oralee gets info about pressing charges for theft and fraud.
Carpenter Bees: When carpenter bees keep coming back, Kevin needs to hire a pest control professional and replace areas of wood with composite materials.
Washing Machine Noise: What’s that banging noise in the new washing machine? Holly should either level the machine and use anti-vibration blocks or install a water hammer arrestor.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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The Dirty Truth About Cleaning Your Washing Machine | Upgrade Your Windows to Cut Cooling Costs | Don’t Invite Burglars by Making This Mistake | Ep #2325 Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Cleaning Your Washing Machine: Laundry looking lackluster? Find out how to get cleaner clothes by cleaning your washing machine.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Air conditioning is lost through drafty windows. Upgrade your windows to cut cooling costs.
Home Security: Don’t make this common DIY mistake that puts your home at risk for break-ins.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Tree Roots: Tree roots are making it hard to mow. If Harris doesn’t want to remove the tree, he can create a mulch bed or an attractive bench around it.
Smoke Odors: Lingering smoke odors were left behind by the former owner. Eve needs a good primer to seal all the walls and floors after cleaning everything.
Wood Gutters: George can’t find replacement sections for his old wood gutters. We recommend a company that makes beautiful, maintenance-free wood-style fiberglass gutters.
Cracked Cement Patio: Alicia is concerned about the cracked cement patio. She can clean out the old caulk and reseal it or install attractive pavers over the concrete.
Basement Flooring: Justin wants ideas for a basement floor that has layers of paint. We suggest luxury vinyl planks that are waterproof, durable, inexpensive, and easy to install over the existing floor.
Cleaning Cabinets: Wood cabinets above the stove hood are covered in residue. We advise Margie to use a grease remover or citrus cleaner.
Painting Doors: Paint is peeling off Tom’s wood doors and baseboard. He needs to strip off the old paint and use an oil-based primer to get proper adhesion for a fresh coat.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Poolside Protection: 6 Crucial Steps to Prevent Child Drownings | Stinky Water Solutions | Roof Review Tips to Detect Potential Leaks | Ep #2324 Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Pool Safety for Kids: Pool safety always begins with supervision, plus these crucial measures help prevent child drownings.
Water Odors: Why does your water smell like rotten eggs? We’ve got solutions for stinky water.
Preventing Roof Leaks: Detecting roof leaks before they happen heads off bigger problems. Here’s what to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Painting Kitchen Countertops: Sheila is considering painting her kitchen countertops. We agree it’s an affordable, attractive, and durable option.
Water Heater Replacement: Steve’s electric water heater leaks. He can replace it with a standard unit or a heat pump water heater that is more efficient.
Squirrels: Sneaky squirrels are chewing holes in the bird feeder. Priscilla needs to make the bird feeder unappealing or unreachable to keep squirrels away.
Dryer Vent: A disconnected dryer vent is a fire hazard and creates moisture that makes attic insulation less efficient. Cody must fix and redirect the dryer vent ASAP.
Concrete Stains: June has metal bench stains on the porch and car stains in the garage. We give her tips on using TSP to lighten the concrete stains.
Wood Deck Boards: Should deck boards be replaced or refinished? Rob can turn some of them over, replace the worst ones, and use a good solid stain.
Bathtub Repair: Best remedy for a chipping fiberglass bathtub? Jan can use a fiberglass tub and tile repair kit.
Shifting Floor Tiles: Tiles are shifting and grout is coming out in Barbara’s heated bathroom floor. She can either repair them as needed with floor adhesive or replace the entire floor and heating coils.
Efflorescence: Efflorescence caused by mineral salt deposits is making Ted’s cinderblock basement walls crumble and flake. He should improve the drainage outside the house first and then use vinegar to clean the walls before repainting.
Cleaning a Popcorn Ceiling: How can you refresh a popcorn ceiling? Nancy needs a dry feather duster to remove any cobwebs and a special roller to repaint the ceiling.
Septic System: A sinkhole is developing near Brian’s septic system. A septic system inspector can tell him if it’s a potential failure of the septic field.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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