The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Apartment Gardening: Grow Big in Small Spaces | Caught in the Act: Where to Place Home Security Cameras | Seal and Shield Concrete Surfaces | Ep #2313 May 29, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Apartment Gardens: Love to garden but don’t have outdoor yard space? Get tips on growing an apartment garden.
Home Security: Effective home security cameras need to be positioned properly. Find out where to place cameras to keep your home safe.
Sealing Concrete Surfaces: Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks take a lot of wear and tear. This product will keep concrete looking like new.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Joyce wants to know the best way to refinish her hardwood floors. We share the steps on what to use and how to do it.
Cleaning Vinyl Siding: Doug needs to clean spray foam residue from his vinyl siding. He’ll need some WD-40 and a putty knife to soften and scrape it away.
Sump Pump: The sump pump wasn’t turning on and now it’s making a gurgling sound! Renee gets info on what may be affecting her sump pump and how to improve drainage.
Hot Water Pressure: Steve is not getting good hot water pressure. He should check the valves all along the line to see where the flow is being restricted.
Popcorn Ceiling: A popcorn ceiling in a bathroom is a terrible idea! Bill scraped it off and now he should use primer to seal it and then use a flat paint.
Leaking Pool Pipes: Sherilynn has a steel pool with a leak somewhere in the pipes. We suggest disabling the existing pipe and running a new line to replace it.
Garage Floor: The garage floor is not level and water is going towards the wall of the house. Bill can use a floor-leveling compound to even out the concrete.
Roof Replacement: The roofer wants to add a third layer to Ella’s roof. It’s a bad idea because it will retain heat and accelerate the deterioration of the top layer.
Kitchen Flooring: William likes the look of bamboo flooring for his kitchen. It’s a good, durable choice if that’s his style, and we offer some additional options.
Rust Stains: Metal banister rails left rust stains on Tamra’s pavers. She can try using chemical or natural acid rust removers to clean the stains.

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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Weed Warfare: Tactics for Fighting Weeds | Stone Cold Facts about Natural Stone Countertops | Embrace Efficiency with an Airless Paint Sprayer | Ep #2312 May 25, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Eliminating Weeds: Weeds are the enemy of lush, healthy lawns. Get tips on fighting backyard weeds all season long.
Natural Stone Countertops: Stone countertops are a rock-solid choice for kitchens but require care. Find out the pros and cons.
Airless Paint Sprayers: If you’d like to get a smooth and speedy finish on your next painting project, check out a high-efficiency airless paint sprayer.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Dock Restoration: Colleen is seeking a product to restore dock surfaces. We suggest using an established, name-brand product and testing a small area first.
Plaster Walls: Plaster is falling off the walls in Scott’s house. We recommend installing new drywall over it to secure the plaster and provide a smooth surface.
Staining Concrete: Can you color a concrete patio to cover up repaired cracks? Dottie can choose from a range of concrete stain colors before sealing the patio.
Hardwood Floors: Mark likes the old-fashioned look but wants to clean and protect his hardwood floors. A light sanding and a flat or satin finish will work.
Crawlspace Vapor Barrier: Is plastic needed on the ground under an exposed crawlspace? Margie can add a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from wicking up through the soil.
Toilet Flushing: When Jeff flushes one of his high-efficiency toilets, it sucks water out of the other one. He needs a plumber to check for a venting issue or an obstruction that’s blocking the air to create suction.
Vines: Invasive vines managed to grow through a window and across the room. After cutting them down, Louise must sand, prime, and paint the walls and be sure to kill the vine at the roots outside the house.
Deck Maintenance: George is tired of resealing the deck each time it peels. He can either strip the wood and start over or replace the boards with a composite material.
Carpet Stain Removal: Chuck is trying to remove some old blood stains from carpeting. We have tips on using either water and salt or hydrogen peroxide to lift the stain.
Preventing Mold: Mold keeps returning around the sink and bathtub. Andrea learns how to use bleach, a mildewcide caulk, and moisture control to prevent mild from coming back.
Wood Siding: Dennis wants to change the siding on his home. He’ll be able to install the new siding right over the T1-11 wood siding he currently has.

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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Modular Magic: DIY Outdoor Kitchens Made Easy | Curbside Charm: 4 Ways to Attract Homebuyers | 5 Flowering Butterfly Magnets | Ep #2311 May 22, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Modular Outdoor Kitchens: Building a customized outdoor kitchen is made easy with modular bricks.
Curb Appeal: Stand out from the competition with 4 simple curb appeal upgrades to attract homebuyers.
Attracting Butterflies: Find out how flower power can create a butterfly oasis in your garden.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Window Leaks: Is a leaking window caused by the soffits, the roof, or the window itself? Mike gets advice on how to find and fix the source of the leak.
Ceramic Tile Flooring: There’s condensation on the ceramic tile floor. Using a dehumidifier and checking drainage around the home can help with Annette’s cold floor in a warm, humid house.
Roof Leak: Norma has a leak caused by an ice dam on her roof after a past storm. She learns the damage should be covered by her insurance policy.
Electrical Fuses: A short circuit keeps blowing the fuse every time Gary tries to turn it on. He needs an electrician to check the wiring and avoid danger.
Driveway Repair: Scott’s aggregate driveway is starting to crumble. It’s hard to repair a rough stone surface and he might consider replacing the driveway.
Staining a Deck: Pauline’s wood deck is looking worn again. We suggest applying an oil-based primer and a solid stain that will last longer.
Concrete Stains: What to do after battery acid spills in a concrete carport? Garland should try using epoxy paint to cover the concrete floor.
Vinyl Plank Flooring: Can vinyl plank flooring be installed over an old floor that has areas of glue? Robin should have no problem if the planks are rigid enough.
Water Odor: Phew! Wilson’s water smells like rotten eggs, even after replacing the water heater. We suggest having the water tested and using a charcoal filter.

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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Fix Now, Pay Later: Mortgage Programs for Fixer-Uppers | Roof Rejuvenation Adds Years to Your Roof | Concrete Revival: How to Restore Concrete Surfaces | Ep #2310 May 18, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Paying for Home Repairs: Want to buy a fixer-upper and still have funds for making repairs? New mortgage programs offer assistance.
Extending Roof Life: Old, dried-out roof shingles can be rejuvenated with a treatment that adds years to the life of your life.
Concrete Restoration: If you’ve got cracks, holes, or worn areas in concrete surfaces, there’s a way to fix the flaws and smooth things out.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Hot Water Delay: Tired of waiting for the water to get hot? Loretta can either install a tankless water heater or a less expensive hot water recirculating system.
Uneven Concrete: Part of the concrete porch slab is rising up. We give Charlie tips on preparing a new base to keep things level or creating a tapered ramp.
HVAC System: There’s a big difference in the upstairs and downstairs temperatures in Amber’s home. Ceiling fans, a split ductless system, or additional ducting and vents can help.
Dryer Vents: Should a broken dryer vent be repaired or replaced? We think Jim should replace the dryer vent and part of the duct that goes through his wall.
Water Pressure: Krista has very low water pressure. She needs to test the pressure at different points to find any restrictions and see if it’s the well system.
Foundation: After doing an addition, Larry’s house is starting to sink and the floor is bowing. He must get a structural engineer to evaluate what to do.
Quartz Countertops: Why are there dull spots on the quartz countertops? Carolyn should be polishing the quartz surface regularly.

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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Painting Made Easy with High-Efficiency Paint Sprayers | Multipurpose Marvels: Multi-Use Tools for DIY Projects | Bargain or Burden? Buying a Foreclosed Home | Ep #2309 May 15, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Paint Sprayers: Planning a painting project? High-efficiency airless paint sprayers make the job easier and faster so you can paint like a pro.
Multi-Use Tools: Get info on finishing DIY home projects quicker and easier with corded, cordless, and manual multi-use tools.
Buying a Foreclosed Home: Bargain or burden? Learn the pros and cons of buying a home in foreclosure.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Cracked Bathtub: Tim’s new bathroom came complete with a cracked bathtub! It will be hard to repair, but he may get a temporary fix with a fiberglass repair product.
Staining a Deck: Why should you wait before staining a new pressure-treated deck? We explain that Theresa should let the lumber dry out for a year so the stain will apply properly.
HVAC System: Luke wonders if he really needs two natural gas HVAC units. A two-zone system is definitely more efficient, along with an upgraded thermostat.
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture: How should Lucy clean her outdoor furniture? We’ve got advice on how to clean different materials.
Upgrading Electrical Wiring: Is it safe to keep old knob and tube electrical wiring? It’s not grounded and can be dangerous, so we recommend that Judy should get her wiring replaced.
Garage Door Repair: Dave has dry rot above his old wood garage door. We tell him how to support the rafters while replacing the garage door header.

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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Cool Solutions to Heat-Proof Your Home | Landscape Planning for an Outdoor Oasis | Draft Detectives: Is Your Home Insulated Enough? |Ep #2308 May 11, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Reducing Heat Indoors: Feel like you’re living in a hothouse? Get cool solutions for reducing the heat in your home.
Landscape Planning: You don’t need to be a pro to plan a lovely landscape. Find out simple tips on how to start.
Proper Insulation: Is your home insulated well enough? Learn what it takes to stay comfortable and save on energy bills.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Exterior Painting: Blowing pollen has stuck to Beth’s newly painted columns. She should sand the surface smooth again and surround the area with tarps to protect it until a new coat of paint dries.
Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Randy wants to match the colors on his painted kitchen cabinets. We’ve got tips on how to stain, repaint, or reface them.
Lawn Care: Why won’t one area of the lawn grow? We tell Deb to get a soil sample tested to see if it needs a different treatment than the rest of the lawn.
Wall Insulation: Do you need a thermal barrier on cinderblock walls? We give Rick info on using Tyvek and how to insulate walls to prevent moisture and mold.
Door Weatherstripping: The insulation is wearing out on John’s double storm doors. He can look for similar weatherstripping to replace it.
Squeaky Floors: Donna’s concerned about her squeaky kitchen floor. It’s annoying, but not a structural problem, and we tell her how to find the cause.
Light Fixtures: How hard is it to split the electrical wiring to install two bathroom light fixtures? It’s fairly easy to do, but Gary should call an electrician for the job.
Ridge Vent: Mary just doesn’t like the ridge vent that was installed with her new roof. We explain that it’s doing exactly what it should for proper ventilation.
Painting Cedar Siding: Paint is flaking off the cedar siding on Frank’s home. He should use a wire brush to clean it off and then use an oil-based primer before painting it again.

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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Cost-Conscious Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers | Roof Rejuvenation: New Life from the Top Down | Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off | Ep #2307 May 08, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Cabinets: Should you replace, reface, or refinish your kitchen cabinets? Find out budget-friendly options.
Roof Restoration: Dried-out shingles? This rejuvenation treatment can extend the life of your old roof.
Mosquitoes: Avoid unwelcome backyard barbecue bites and get mosquitoes to buzz off with these easy steps.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Inground Pool: Dorothy doesn’t want her inground pool anymore. We discuss what’s involved in having it filled and how to use the space.
Bathroom Ventilation: Milt has no ventilation in his bathrooms. We have info on installing bathroom exhaust fans and humidistat controls.
Shower Leaks: Water leaks are coming from the upstairs shower. Kirsten should follow these steps to track down where the leak is coming from and fill the gaps.
Carpenter Bees: Thousands of carpenter bees are drilling into Jim’s log cabin! He needs a new pest control professional who will use the right product to keep bees away.
Cleaning Brick: What’s the easiest way to clean mold and mildew from brick without damaging the mortar? We recommend that Judy use a slow-acting mildewcide product and perhaps a gentle pressure wash.
Driveway Cracks: Todd wants to repair his cracked driveway. We tell him which product will adhere to the concrete so he can easily refinish the driveway surface.
Brick Walls: Debbie discovered brick behind the drywall, but it was attached with glue. Heat guns and adhesive softeners will probably damage the brick, so she may need to add furring strips and a new layer of drywall to cover it up again.

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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From Driveway to Doorstep: Bright Ideas for Lightscaping | Peel Away the Past: 4 DIY Steps for Removing Wallpaper | Replacement Window Labels Decoded | Ep #2306 May 04, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Lightscaping Ideas: Get bright ideas for lightscaping to add safety, security, and style to your home’s exterior.
Wallpaper Removal: Peeling off old wallpaper is an unappealing task. Find out four steps to make wallpaper removal easier.
Buying Windows: Window shopping? Learn how to decode window labels and certifications for energy efficiency.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Reducing Moisture: How to reduce moisture and prevent mildew on walls? Laura gets tips on running her AC, using fans that vent outside, checking drainage, and installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
Replacing Flooring: David wants to replace his old kitchen linoleum floor. We suggest luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s durable and offers a variety of styles.
Wall Designs: Diane likes the look of Venetian plaster walls. She may want to practice the technique before making it a focal accent wall in her room.
HVAC System: Is Trane a good brand of furnace? We assure Hugo it’s a fine choice for replacing his 30-year-old furnace.
Pest Control: Bugs and slugs and mice – oh my! Kelly needs some general pest control treatment from a professional exterminator to get rid of bugs and rodents.
Cedar Siding Repair: It’s not so cute when a teething puppy gnaws the cedar siding. Lee can either use a wood epoxy putty to repair the corners or replace the damaged shingles.
Discolored Windows: Is water damage staining the bottom and sides of Amy’s windows? We think it’s normal oxidation and offer advice on some DIY fixes.
Bathroom Mold: Edward is cleaning and repainting his bathroom to eliminate mold. We have advice on protecting his family from product fumes.
Roofing: Can a metal roof be installed over existing roof shingles? Tina learns it’s a bad idea that can trap heat and increase energy costs.
Building a Patio: What is the best surface for building a patio and carport? A solid, level concrete slab would be Linda’s best option.

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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Grill Prep 101: Get Your BBQ Ready | Wind-Resistant Roofing That Won’t Budge | Pillow Talk: Trending Bedroom Designs on Pinterest | Ep #2305 May 01, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Preparing Your Grill: Getting fired up for BBQ season? Take these steps to prep your grill.
Wind-Resistant Roofing: Roof shingles can get blown away by strong winds. Check out wind-resistant roofing that will stay put in the storm.
Bedroom Designs: If you suffer from pin-somnia, these trending bedroom designs on Pinterest may be the cure.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Shower Valve: Oops! David cut the drywall for his shower valve a bit too wide, but using a goof plate for oversized holes will help him cover the space.
Mold Removal: Karen discovered mold from floor to ceiling behind the wallpaper in her basement. We suggest having the mold tested before deciding on a mitigation plan.
Bats: Tommy has bats in his belfry – or at least in his attic! The most humane solution is to find where they’re getting in and install a one-way bat door to keep the bats out.
Log Cabin: Deborah’s renovating a log house and needs to refill the chinking. She’ll have to experiment to find the best binding ingredients.
Attic Ventilation: Can Conrad install a solar attic fan over his garage and leave the ridge vent on the rest of the house? We’ll discuss the pros and cons.
Painting Over Stains: What prep work is needed before painting a ceiling with smoke damage? Joyce can use TSP to remove the soot stains, then use an oil-based primer before covering with latex paint.
Rust in Water: Carol is searching for a product to help with the rust in her water. We advise her to use CLR to clean the rust stains from her bath fixtures.

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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Safe Cleaning without Toxic Chemicals | Picture-Perfect Photos to Sell Your Home | Flower Power: Add Instant Color to Your Garden | Ep #2304 Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Safer Cleaning Solutions: Avoid spring cleaning chemical hazards by using healthier and safer cleaning products.
Selling Your Home: Web appeal has become the new curb appeal when listing your home online, so use photos that home buyers want to see.
Planting Flowers: Don’t have the patience for seeds to sprout? Add instant color to your garden with the right live flowering plants.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

HVAC Cleaning: Mike got some questionable suggestions for cleaning his HVAC vents. All he needs are good, efficient filters and a DIY coil cleaner.
Fuse Box: Heidi wanted her electrical system upgraded but it wasn’t done right. Another electrician should finish the job and move the electrical panel indoors.
Water Leak Detector: Is installing a water leak detector in a vacation home worth it? It can definitely prevent damage and Jay should look for a model that works with a well water system.
Cleaning Wood Floors: Should you steam clean hardwood flooring? We advise Judy to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Roof Repair: The home seller made fraudulent claims about the condition of Patrick’s roof and should be held liable for replacing it.
Carpenter Bees: An exterminator did nothing to prevent carpenter bees from returning to Louise’s back deck. We suggest looking for a new professional that offers better treatment and a reasonable guarantee.
LED Lighting: Darrell can’t figure out why his new LED lights are causing static on his radio speakers. We’re puzzled, too, but we’ll try to find a solution.
Chimney Leak: How in the world could cardboard and duct tape stop an unused chimney from leaking? They can’t! Kristine must either remove the chimney and patch the roof or install proper flashing.
Concrete Floor: Craig is enclosing an exterior porch and wants to add flooring, but should first use a patching compound to repair the cracked areas of the concrete.
Well Water: Does Susan need a water softener or a carbon filter for her well water? She must get the water tested to find out what kind of treatment to use.

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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