The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Hashtag Home Improvement: Do Social Media Hacks Help? | Caulk Talk: Discover a New Line of Caulk Products | Stop Losing Your Cool with Summertime Insulation | Ep #2323 Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Improvement Advice: Are social media hacks for home improvement really helping? Find out what one survey says.
New Caulk Products: Learn about a new line of caulk that’s easy to use and as good as silicone.
Summer Insulation: Effective insulation can seal summertime drafts that increase air conditioning costs.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Circuit Breakers: Why does the air conditioner keep tripping the circuit breaker? Marcie may need a dedicated circuit if the appliance is pulling too much power.
HVAC: Michael’s roof-mounted HVAC system wasn’t properly insulated. We’ve got tips on insulating the ducts to reflect UV radiation and lower energy costs.
Kitchen Cabinet Odors: Carolyn cleaned mold from inside her cabinet but it still smells. She should look for hidden mold she may have missed and apply a clear finish or primer to seal the surface.
Laminate Countertops: Are laminate kitchen cabinets a good choice? We agree that Terry can find a laminate surface that looks great at a fraction of the cost.
Trees and Foundations: Lynn is worried about nearby trees damaging her home foundation. She can watch for cracks, but it shouldn’t be a problem.
Mold In Windows: Lots of condensation is causing mold in the channels of the windows. It will take regular maintenance to keep them clean and dry, and Don may need to replace the windows eventually.

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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Chill on a Budget: Free Ways to Cool Your Home | Stress-Free, Mess-Free Tiling Tip | Painter Smarter, Not Harder with an Airless Paint Sprayer | Ep #2322 Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Cooling Your Home: Beat the heat and save money with free ways to cool your home.
Installing Tile: Get your tiling project done faster and cleaner with this trick of the trade.
Paint Sprayer: New airless paint sprayer technology lets you paint smarter without working harder.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Soundproofing: Darlene wants to block out noise between the apartment walls. Mineral wool insulation and sound-deadening drywall will help keep things quiet.
Loose Tiles: When floor tiles come loose, Tony finds out how to remove them, replace the grout, and use mastic adhesive to reset the tiles again.
Brick Steps: How can Mia remove worn carpet that’s glued to her brick steps? It would be much easier to install pavers or outdoor ceramic tile over the steps.
Tin Roof: It’s getting hot under the tin roof on Dan’s screened porch! We suggest applying radiant barrier paint to the top of the roof to reflect the heat.
Window Condensation: The picture windows are all fogged up from trapped moisture. There’s no remedy for thermal pane seals that fail, so Sally will have to live with the foggy view or replace the windows.
Peeling Vinyl Floor: Areas of the sheet vinyl flooring are peeling up and glue’s not working. Anna should consider replacing the floor with luxury vinyl planking.
Whole House Fan: The spray foam is working great in Phil’s house but there are times he’d like to use the whole house fan. He should construct a duct from the fan to a gable vent to bypass the attic.
Tree Roots Under a Patio: Should Courtney build a brick patio near damaging tree roots? She needs to either get rid of the roots or build a deck above grade.
Concrete Driveway Repair: What’s the right way to replace a sunken area of a concrete driveway? It’s most important for Larry to compact crushed gravel well enough to make a solid base before pouring new concrete over it.
Metal Roof: Should you install a metal roof over existing shingles? Darlene learns why it’s a very bad idea that could damage her investment.
Deck Stain: Why does the stain on horizontal deck surfaces wear out so fast? John should replace the semi-transparent stain with longer-lasting solid stain.

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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Sprinkle Smarts: Growing a Lush Lawn Without Wasting Water | Seal the Deal by Choosing the Right Caulk | Kid-Friendly Chic for Your Child’s Room | Ep #2321 Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Saving Water Costs: Greener grass doesn’t have to waste water. Learn how to get a lusher lawn without paying bigger bills.
Choosing Caulk: Latex or silicone? Find out how to choose the right caulk for your project.
Kids’ Rooms: Fun furnishings lend organization, style, and safety to a child’s room. Get some kid-friendly redecorating ideas.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Moles: The moles under the patio are drawn to the grubs they love to eat. Michelle learns how to get rid of the grubs so she can get rid of the moles.
Deck Refinishing: A restoration product on Joe’s wood deck is peeling off instead. Installing composite replacement boards is a great option.
Clogged Drain: Where is the clog that’s making Mary’s bathtub drain so slowly? She needs to get a plumber that specializes in drain cleaning.
Hard Water: It’s a challenge to clean out all the calcium deposits left by hard water at Jim’s house. He may need to install a water filtration system.
Metal Roofing: Installers improperly nailed a new metal roof into the valleys instead of the ridges, causing leaks. Mercedes can either replace the flashing around the valleys or caulk the holes for a temporary fix.
Pest Control: Nils is finding all kinds of pests in and around his historic home. He needs a pest control professional for the right solutions for multiple issues.
Painting Wood Posts: Beverly wants to paint her cedar porch posts white to match the house trim. Oil-based primer and a solid color stain will work fine.
Garage Floor: Gordon has a wet garage floor. He can reduce the moisture by improving the drainage around the foundation and using an epoxy paint sealant.
Sticking Doors: Is sanding the only option for a sticking door? Taylor gets tips on figuring out where it’s uneven and adjusting screws and hinges to fix it.

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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Shed the Stress: 4 Pro Tips for Building a Shed | Beware These 4 Factors That Drive Up Energy Bills | Get a Grip: Anti-Slip Coating Prevents Slips and Falls |Ep #2320 Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Building a Shed: If you need outdoor storage solutions, get 4 pro tips for building a backyard shed.
Energy Bills: Seeing your energy bills go up? Watch out for these 4 factors that drive up costs.
Anti-Slip Surfaces: Using an anti-slip coating can prevent dangerous slips and falls on indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Reclaimed Wood Floor: Tim needs a clear finish for his reclaimed wood floor. We suggest a durable oil-based polyurethane with a finish that hides scratches.
Patio Makeover: After removing a deck, Fonda wants to redesign the remaining cement pad. We have ideas on using brick pavers for a patio makeover.
Basement Walls: Bowing basement walls can be a severe problem affecting the structure and value of Rob’s home. He needs to call a structural engineer.
Shower Grout: Replacing grout is a headache, but Victoria finds out she can just try to match the area that’s falling out instead of regrouting the entire shower.
Efflorescence: Jerry’s basement is dried out but he still has efflorescence on the cement walls. A mix of hot water and vinegar will remove the mineral deposits.
Replacing Sod: After the sod failed, Catherine wants to reseed the lawn. She should get the soil tested first to find out what kind of fertilizer she needs.
Plumbing: How can defective Kitec plumbing be replaced? The only solution is for Elvis to replace any pipes that are accessible before they get worse.
Patio Doors: If your sliding doors or windows are sticking, Steve is a master carpenter with a suggestion on what to use instead of white lithium grease.

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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Ignite Your Outdoor Living with a DIY Fire Pit | Curb Appeal Meets Social Appeal: Create an Inviting Front Yard | High-Efficiency Paint Sprayer Cuts Time and Waste | Ep #2319 Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Building a Fire Pit: Relaxing around a backyard campfire is made easy with a DIY fire pit.
Social Front Yards: Curb appeal meets social appeal when you create an inviting social front yard that’s functional and attractive.
Paint Sprayers: Reduce waste and cut painting time by a third with high-efficiency paint sprayers that make paint projects easier.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Window Leaks: Installers should have used concrete block to stop water from getting trapped under Martha’s new picture window. We have tips on improving the drainage to prevent leaks.
Plumbing Odors: Phew! Gary has a bad odor coming from his bathroom drains and learns what to do to eliminate the bio-gases that are causing it.
Driveway Replacement: Susan is considering options for her 38-year-old driveway. It’s time to tear it up and pour a new asphalt driveway.
Deck Upgrades: Should you replace just the boards or the whole frame on an old deck? Mike needs to replace the entire structure but can use composite decking materials for the surface.
Wet Basement: Paul wants to finish the basement but it leaks at times after a heavy rain. We’ll tell him how to improve the drainage outside the house.
Squirrels: Squirrels making you nuts? We give Alison advice on how to humanely trap and relocate the squirrel that’s living in her basement ceiling.
Wood Fencing: John’s pressure-treated wood fence is already getting soft and rotted. We suspect the pressure treatment was not done well or he got poor-quality wood.
Condensation on Walls: Judy noticed moisture halfway down the basement walls she’s repainting. She should check the outside drainage and install a dehumidifier.
Moles: Moles are damaging the yard at Kim’s house. If she gets rid of the grubs that are their food source, she’ll get rid of the moles.

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.

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

4 Easy Ways to Summer-ize Your Home | One Step at a Time: Tips for a Perfect Stepping Stone Pathway | Raindrop Radar: Early Detection of Roof Leaks | Ep #2318 Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Summertime Home Checklist: Get your home ready for summer with 4 easy projects for your outdoor living.
Stepping Stone Pathway: We’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect stepping stone pathway.
Roof Leaks: The best way to fix a roof leak is to detect them before they happen. Here’s what to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Painting Wood Siding: What’s the best way to paint T1-11 siding? Sean learns that a quality primer is important and a paint sprayer can make the job easier.
Sliding Door Tracks: Tracy’s got hardened grit in her sliding door tracks. We suggest a stiff brush and a vacuum to remove the gunk and using some white lithium grease on the tracks.
Deck Stain: Scott wants to use a transparent stain on his cedar deck. He should consider a solid deck stain that will last longer and cover the lumber mill stamps.
Sealing Tile: Do you need to seal glazed ceramic floor tiles? Laurel should only need to use silicone-based grout sealant as soon as the tile is installed.
Types of Insulation: How do choose between open-cell and closed-cell insulation? Mark finds out the advantages of each.
Metal Roofing: Russ wants to install a metal roof on his big old barn. A professional roofer can attach it to the existing furring strips and deal with the steep pitch of the roof.
Motion Sensor Light Switch: Can you add a motion sensor on two-way room switches? We explain how Pam can do it and what mode to use.
Flies: Nels is getting pestered by flies coming from the furnace return ducts. He should ask a pest expert about a possible nest in the house.
Bathroom Mold: Those black spots on the bathroom wall look like mold. Heather gets tips on using a bleach solution, a bath exhaust fan, and mildewcide.
Cracking Concrete: The edges of the cement porch are cracking and crumbling. Cheryl can either resurface the entire porch or use a cement patching product.

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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Roof Inspections for Peak Performance | Unleashing Ideas for Pet-Friendly Home Improvements | Hybrid Sealant Solutions for Every Project | Ep #2317 Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Roof Inspection: Find out what’s included in a roof inspection to ensure peak performance.
Pet-Friendly Home Improvements: From “ruff” to remarkable, get ideas for pet-friendly home improvements.
Hybrid Sealants and Caulks: Choosing the right caulk is easy with hybrid sealants that work for every project.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Gardening: What kind of plants will grow best in shady areas? We tell Janna a few common shade-friendly plants and a nursery may have more options.
Painting Cabinets: What preparation is needed to paint wood cabinets? Brian gets step-by-step advice on how to smooth, prime, and paint the surface.
Carpenter Ants: Anna had a tree removed that was infested with carpenter ants and is worried they’ll now enter her home. We assure her it’s not likely to happen.
Iron Railings: David needs to pour a cement footing for a new wrought iron rail. We offer an idea for an easy way to do it.
Electrical Upgrades: Is it worth replacing a 150-amp electrical system with 200 amps? We tell Alice it’s unnecessary unless she’s using a lot more power.
Building a Sandbox: Laurie wonders if she should be using something other than sand in her grandkids’ sandbox. All she needs is a cover to keep the sand clean and dry.
Cleaning Garage Floor: Oops! Dennis dropped a container of roofing cement in his garage. It will take some work to scrape it off and he’ll probably need to restain the cement floor.
Water Heaters: Mary is considering getting a tankless water heater, but we explain why she should switch to a heat pump water heater with a timer instead.

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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Patio Perfection vs. Deck Delight: How to Choose | Turn Down the Volume with Noise-Reducing Landscaping | Termite Troubles? How to Tell and What to Do | Ep #2316 Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Patio vs. Deck: Should you build a deck or a patio to expand your outdoor living space? How to decide.
Noise-Reducing Landscaping: Shush your surroundings with strategic landscaping to block outside noises.
Termites: Are those termites eating away at your home? How to identify them and keep your house off the menu.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Portable Air Conditioner: Thomas’ portable air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breakers. He needs a dedicated 20-amp circuit to power it up.
Sealing Concrete: A flood left cracks in the basement cement floor. Bonnie gets advice on using silicone and a two-part epoxy product to repair the cracks.
Glue Removal: Adhesive tiles over the wood floor left glue residue. Greg may need a professional floor refinisher to remove the glue with the right tools.
Basement Flooring: Mary wants suggestions on replacing the carpeting in her basement. Laminate or engineered hardwood flooring would be good options.
Porch Ceiling: Richard wants to waterproof the porch under an upper deck. He can use an underdeck drain system or fiberglass decking to keep things dry.
Shower Mold: Donna has tried everything to get rid of the mold in a shower. Better ventilation and a commercial cleaner to cut the soap scum should help.
Crown Molding: Is there an easy way to attach crown molding in the space above cabinets? Brian gets tips on attaching a wood screwing strip to hold the molding in place.

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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Unlock the Paw-sibilities with Pet Doors | Product Makes Concrete Repairs a Solid Success | No Time to Waste: 3 Home Improvement Hacks in 30 Minutes or Less | Ep #2315 Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Pet Doors: Who let the dogs out? Tips for installing the best and most convenient pet doors.
Concrete Repairs: This product makes it easy to repair holes, cracks, and pitted areas of concrete surfaces.
Quick Home Improvement Projects: No time to waste? These 3 home improvement hacks take a half hour or less.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Cracked Cement Patio: Part of Debbie’s new cement patio cracked right away. She can make some cosmetic repairs or have it torn out and repoured with better surface preparation underneath.
Tripped Circuits: Richard’s antique soda machine trips the circuit every time it’s plugged in. He needs to install a dedicated circuit for that big draw of electrical current.
Home Addition: Joan has big plans for an enclosed space for her cats. We recommend hiring a professional to design the proper specs for the addition.
Pipe Fittings: Is there a way to avoid having to solder the pipes when relocating some faucets? Doug can use a convenient product that’s the perfect solution for challenging spaces.
Plumbing: We’re not sure why Selena had all her drainpipes replaced and now she’s been told to replace the main supply line. She should get a second opinion.
Roof Leak: Kent thinks his bathroom ceiling stain is from the vent fan, but we advise him it’s probably caused by a gap in the rubber boot around the plumbing vent through the roof.

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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Ditch the Chlorine and Dive into a Natural Pool | Cozy Up and Cash In with Insulation Tax Credits | Size Matters: Wide-Plank Floors for Small Rooms | Ep #2314 Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Natural Pools: Learn how natural pools offer a pond-like, eco-friendly oasis with no chemicals and low energy costs.
Insulation Tax Credits: Keep your home cozy and your wallet happy with generous tax rebates for insulation upgrades.
Wide-Plank Flooring: Make your small rooms look bigger instantly with wide-plank flooring.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Drainage Problems: Kevin thinks groundwater is coming through an opening in his concrete slab, but he really needs to correct the drainage outside the house.
Window Glazing: The wet glazing is starting to deteriorate in Dana’s fixed pane windows. She gets tips on removing the trim and adding silicone caulk.
Solar Panels: Solar panels have made Joseph’s energy bills go way up instead of saving him money. He needs an attorney after performance claims were not delivered.
Crown Molding: Traditional crown molding looks great but is one of the hardest carpentry jobs to do. Tracy gets info on installing easy DIY foam molding instead.
Porch Lattice: Darrell needs tips on improving his wraparound porch. We suggest adding composite lattice around the sides that will be easy to maintain.
Renovation Projects: Deciding what renovations to do and how much to budget? Kay should hire a professional home inspector and an architect to identify what needs to be done in the vacant home she bought.
Painting Cedar Shingles: What’s the right way to repaint old cedar shingles? Paul must scrape off all the loose paint, then prime before painting over again.
Bubbling Paint: A new exterior paint job is already starting to bubble! Helen’s painter must properly clean and prime the surface so the new paint will adhere.

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.

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

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