The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Rock Your Garden with a Stone Wall | Batten Down the Hatches with Storm Shutters | Prime Time: The #1 Painting Tip | Ep #2303 Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Stone Garden Wall: Learn how to beautify your garden with a strong and stylish stone wall.
Storm Shutters: Find out how storm shutters can protect your home from strong sun and wild winds.
Painting Prep: Any successful paint job starts with one important step. We’ll share this painting primer.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Carpenter Bees: Busy carpenter bees are drilling lots of holes in Steve’s house. We suggest covering or replacing the wood with synthetic materials.
Microwave Oven: The light in Freida’s old microwave oven keeps burning out. It may be a loose connection, a voltage problem, or time to replace the microwave.
Aquaponic Garden: Patrick is concerned about the weight of his aquaponic garden on the concrete slab near his pool. We do the math and it should be fine.
Structural Cracks: Are the ceiling cracks in an old home a structural issue? Anne is worried that her house is shifting, so she should have it checked by a home inspector.
Water Damage: A destructive raccoon busted the water line and now part of the house is sinking. Brian needs to hire a public adjuster and file an insurance claim.
Painting Cedar Shingles: Old paint is peeling off the cedar shingles. We tell Donna how to scrape, sand, and prime the surface before repainting.
Noisy Plumbing: It sounds like a trumpet going off every time Robert turns on the hot water! It could be a faulty washer or a blocked aerator in the faucet.

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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Tiny Pool, Big Fun: Trending Spool Pools | Make Every Drop Count with a Rain Barrel | The Pane Game: Choosing the Right Windows | Ep #2302 Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Spool Pools: Find out how trending spool pools offer the benefits of a pool and a spa in one compact space.
Rain Barrels: Take advantage of spring showers by using a rain barrel to keep your garden happily hydrated through summer dry spells.
Choosing Windows: Going window shopping? Learn how to choose between single-, double-, and triple-pane windows.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Textured Walls: Dave wonders how to prep his textured bathroom walls so he can add tile. Some sanding will allow better adhesion as long as the tiles lay flat.
Sewer Pipes: Does a corroded sewer pipe need repair? Cast iron is very durable and Linda should just seal any common cracks with silicone caulk.
Moisture Barriers: Does Jim need to add a moisture barrier inside his remodeled walls? Typical insulation already includes it, so he’s all set.
Concrete Sidewalk: After having a tree removed, Bobbie wants to extend the sidewalk. She needs to rake out the area and add stone before pouring the concrete.
Woodpeckers: Persistent woodpeckers are pecking holes in Terry’s chimney. We’ve got DIY tips on using pie plates and plastic strips to keep them away.
Florescent Bulbs: Why do Laura’s compact florescent bulbs keep burning out? They may just be a bad batch, but LED bulbs would work even better.
Window Installation: It looks like Steve’s contractor didn’t measure and install his new windows properly. He’ll need to file a complaint to get them done right.
Water Softener: Does Ellie need a water softener and can it be installed outside? First, she should check her water source and have it tested, then look into getting a model that’s rated for exterior use and keep it sheltered.
Landscaping: Sinkholes and hills have formed over a new septic tank. Chris must be careful not to crush the pipes with any heavy equipment, so he should fill and reseed the lawn by hand.
Repainting Garage Doors: Marlene’s metal garage doors are starting to fade. Sanding, using a metal primer, and adding a topcoat of paint will restore them.
Slab Foundation: Cracks are forming in various places around Erin’s home, which is on a slab foundation. We suggest having a structural engineer diagnose the issue to see if the cracks are structural.

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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Uncover Hidden Savings with an Energy Audit | Don’t Get Blown Away: Wind-Resistant Roof Shingles | Dust Bunnies Beware: Spring Cleaning Tips | Ep #2301 Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Energy Audit: Learn how an energy audit finds ways to make your home more energy-efficient and save money on utility bills.
Roof Shingles: Strong winds can cause serious roof damage. Find out about wind-resistant roof shingles that can protect your home from storms.
House Cleaning: Does it seem like the dust in your home never goes away? Get tips for how to easily clean better and sneeze less.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Home Foundation: Brenda’s concrete basement walls are starting to crumble. She needs a structural engineer to determine what a contractor must do to repair the foundation.
Pet-Proof Flooring: Pet ferrets have taken a toll on Bruce’s carpeting. We recommend engineered vinyl plank flooring that’s waterproof and durable.
Concrete Repair: Can you repair a piece of broken brick and mortar? Bob should use concrete adhesive and cover the crack to re-stucco the area.
Woodpeckers: Knock, knock! Woodpeckers are drilling for insects outside Bruce’s house. We’ve got DIY tips to treat for bugs and keep woodpeckers away.
Popcorn Ceilings: What is the best way to remove popcorn ceilings? It can be a messy project, but Laura learns a wet scraping method to make it easier.
Clogged Toilet: The toilet is making a bubbling sound and has to be flushed twice. Barbara should try using a toilet auger to clear the obstruction.
Skylights: Will a skylight make the room too bright and cause glare? It shouldn’t be a problem since Ginny’s tubular skylights will direct sunlight straight down.

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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Hammering Down Gender Bias in Home Improvement | Wood You Believe It? How to Choose Deck Lumber | Solutions for a Damp-Free Bathroom | Ep #2300 Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Women in Home Improvement: Women are taking on more DIY home improvement projects than ever before, so why does gender bias persist?
Deck Materials: Wood is the most popular choice for decks, but what type of lumber should you use? We’ll discuss several kinds of wood for decking.
Bathroom Moisture: Tired of dealing with a damp and moldy bathroom? Get tips on how to get rid of bathroom moisture.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Soundproofing: Marilyn doesn’t want to listen in on her neighbors’ conversations! We’ve got tips for soundproofing the walls, outlets, and other openings.
Home Remodeling Value: How can you market improvements you’ve done when selling your home? Mike can say it’s newly remodeled and offer an inventory of the updates he’s done.
Floor Nails: One nail keeps popping up from the wood floor. Tammy needs to use a trim screw that won’t move as the floor expands and contracts.
Water Heater: It’s time for David to replace his old electric water heater. Switching to natural gas would be best, but he can also consider a standard electric heater with a timer or an efficient heat pump water heater.
Squeaky Floors: Nancy wants to fix a squeaky subfloor before installing new hardwood flooring. We tell her how to find the floor joists and stop the squeak.
Painting Siding: Should you paint vinyl siding if you hate the color? We tell Van it’s not a good idea because it won’t last long and offer suggestions to improve the look.

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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Termite Terminator: Keep Your House Off the Menu | 4 Hot Design Trends for Spring | 5 Ways to Save on Painting Projects | Ep #2299 Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Termites: Termite damage doesn’t have to be inevitable. Learn how to keep your home off the menu.
Design Trends: Spring into the new season with these 4 interior design trends for a fresh, new look.
Painting Tips: There’s more to painting than just picking the color. Here are 5 things to save time and money on your next painting project.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Removing Stains: Spilled candle wax on the carpet and upholstery can be a sticky situation. Sandy learns a simple trick for removing wax stains.
Installing a Bathroom: Phillip wants to add a half bathroom in a space with concrete floors and walls. He’ll need a jackhammer to dig things out.
Duct Cleaning: Is it worth having your HVAC ducts cleaned? We tell Sherry she’s better off using good quality filters and changing them more often.
Insulation: Pros and cons of 2x6s vs. 2x4s for exterior walls? Ron will save money by using 2x4s and adding spray foam insulation that’s more efficient.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Why is the bathroom still steamed up? Diane needs to check that the exhaust fan is venting outside and consider installing a fan with a humidistat.
Water Heaters: Mike has questions about draining sediment from his water heater. We have tips on doing it faster and recommend getting an electronic water softener.
Metal Roofing: Is a long-lasting metal roof worth the expense? It can add value to a home, but Debbie may not get a full ROI if she’s moving anytime soon.
Property Vandalism: Tenants caused intentional damage to Bonnie’s rental property. We advise her to press criminal charges and make an insurance claim.

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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Cooking Up an Outdoor Kitchen | Get the Dirt on Garden Prep | No Pain, No Grain: Refinishing Hardwood Floors | Ep #2298 Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Outdoor Kitchens: Cooking up plans for an outdoor kitchen? Get the recipe for successfully designing a great outdoor dining space.
Spring Gardening: The best soil produces the best gardens in bloom. We’ve got all the dirt on how to prep for springtime gardening.
Hardwood Floors: Refinishing hardwood floors can be worth the effort. Learn how to restore the shine.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Exterior Painting: Barry keeps repainting the arbor outside his house. He should make sure the surface is scraped clean and use an oil-based primer and paint.
Radon Testing: Are radon tests necessary? We agree it’s a good idea and tell Sandra how radon testing and remediation are done.
Shower Floor: The floor under a fiberglass tub squeaks whenever Jeff showers. The tub probably wasn’t installed correctly, but the problem is more annoying than structural.
Heating System: Should Amber convert from hot water baseboard heat to electric baseboard heat? We warn her it will be very expensive and suggest getting a new oil unit with zoned heating and controllable thermostats instead.
Laminate Flooring: Do you need special underlayment for laminate flooring? Joe should see what type of underlayment is recommended by the manufacturer.
Garden Beds: Where is the best location for a raised garden bed? Courtney should look for a wide open space with no obstructions and full sun.

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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Top Spring Home Projects | How Are Your HOA Fees Being Used? | Keeping Paper Towels in Your Fridge | Ep #2297 Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Spring Home Projects: Is your home ready for spring? Find out the essential home projects to tackle first.
HOA Fees: Are you sure that the HOA fees you pay are being used as they should? Learn the tough questions you need to ask your homeowners association.
Refrigerator Tips: Do you know why it’s helpful to keep paper towels in your fridge? We’ve got tips on how to use them.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Sliding Doors: Why is there moisture and ice in the bottom track of sliding doors? We have tips for Sherry on checking the door alignment and looking for gaps that may need weatherstripping.
Concrete Basement Floor: What is the best way to level a concrete basement floor? Depending on how uneven it is, Colin can use a floor-leveling compound.
Cleaning Granite Countertops: Janet wants to know how to clean and maintain her new granite countertops. She’ll need to use a cleaning product that’s safe for granite and be sure to reseal and polish the countertops regularly.
Painting Cement: It seems like Eddie’s cement stairs are always peeling and need to be repainted. We advise him to strip off the old paint and use long-lasting epoxy-based masonry paint instead.
Bathroom Windows: Christine needs ideas for the window in the bathroom she’s remodeling. We suggest some options for installing a new privacy window.
Tub Refinishing: Is it better to refinish, reline, or replace an old tub that’s rusting? Mike may be better off installing a new bathtub unless he wants to do a tub insert.
Leaking Ridge Vent: When the rain blows sideways, the ridge vent leaks on Ted’s roof. We recommend installing a new ridge vent that has built-in weather protection.

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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Mold's Secret Hiding Spaces | Backyard Decks: DIY or Hire a Pro? | Shocking Truths about Circuit Breakers | Ep #2296 Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Mold Removal: Even the cleanest of homes can have hidden mold. Here’s what to do if you find it.
Building a Deck: Is building a deck a DIY project or should you hire a pro? Find out how to decide.
Circuit Breakers: How do circuit breakers keep you safe and what should you do if they keep tripping? We’ll explain how they work.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Radon Mitigation System: There’s water outside Benjamin’s radon system pipe. It’s probably pulling up moisture along with the gases, so he needs to improve the drainage outside his house.
Plumbing: Jackie has questions about diverting the plumbing when replacing an old tub with a tile shower. She should install a pressure-balanced shower valve to reroute the pipes.
Cleaning Grout: What’s the best product to clean the grout in a ceramic tile floor? We suggest that Joe use a stripper instead of a cleaner and then apply a grout sealer.
Laminate Flooring: Robin wants to install laminate flooring without having to remove the cabinets and appliances. We remind her to raise the feet on the appliances to avoid locking them in place and give suggestions on transitioning between spaces.
Water Heater: Rust from an old oil-fired water heater is making the hot water discolored. It’s time for Kim to consider a new heat pump water heater that will be more efficient.
Cedar Planking Walls: When Brian moves pictures that hang on his cedar planking walls, he sees how faded the wall is around them. He can either sand and stain the cedar or stop moving the pictures to hide the color.

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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Dry Up Your Soggy Yard | Native Plants to Attract Birds | The Best Time to Water Houseplants | Ep #2295 Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Yard Drainage: When melting snow and spring showers leave a soggy mess, here’s how to dry up your yard.
Attracting Birds: If you like to hear the sound of chirping birds, find out how to attract birds to your yard with these native plants.
Houseplant Care: The best way to keep your houseplants healthy is to water them properly. Get tips on knowing when it’s time to water those plants.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Clogged Toilet: When Beth flushes the toilet, the water rises up to the rim and then empties slowly. Sounds like she needs a plumber to drain a partial clog.
Basement Floor Crack: Mike is worried about a crack across one end of the floor. It’s not the foundation and we’ll tell him about a DIY concrete repair.
House Sounds: What is that mysterious banging sound? Depending on the cause, Gerry learns she may need to tune up her boiler or get a water hammer arrestor.
Buckled Floor: Should a new engineered hardwood floor be buckling? We tell Matthew it’s not acceptable and advise him to report it to his home builder and home warranty company while it’s still covered.
Window Shutters: Can you install window shutters over vinyl siding? Ruth finds out it’s a common DIY project using special fasteners.

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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Can You Guess the Germiest Place in Your Kitchen? | Seed vs. Sod for a Lush Lawn | Filthy Screen Cleaning | Ep #2294 Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Cleaning: Are you sure your kitchen is really clean? You’ll never guess where the most germs are hiding!
Seed vs. Sod: Should you use seed or sod to get the lush, green lawn you want? We share the pros and cons of each.
Screen Cleaning: Before opening your windows, follow these tips to clean those dirty screens and let the fresh air in.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Kitchen Remodeling: Mark wants advice on buying budget kitchen cabinets for a DIY kitchen remodeling project. We share info on where he can find quality cabinets that are affordable and easy to install.
Tile Floor Grout: The grout is chipping around the bathroom floor tiles and may have been mixed incorrectly. Karen should have it removed and regrouted again.
Repairing Wall Cracks: Brian keeps trying to cover a crack in the bedroom wall, but we tell him the right way to sand, tape, and spackle the area so the crack won’t return.
Water Heater: Hot water from the electric water heater doesn’t last very long. It’s probably one of the heating elements that’s not working and Ruth should check the continuity on both coils.
Insect Control: Ick! Tara’s got earwigs under the siding and crickets in the basement. She needs to have a pest control service do a general spraying to solve both problems.
Window Replacement: Is it better to use new construction windows or replacement windows? Nick learns that replacement windows are a more economical and practical option and how to check for energy efficiency.
New Flooring: Can luxury vinyl plank flooring be installed over a laminate floor that’s glued down? Bob can do that as long as the surface is flat and solid and should be mindful of transition areas.
Tub Reglazing: What is the best way to refinish an old cast iron tub that’s rusted? Reglazing it can be a messy job and Margaret should consider having it removed.
Heat Pump Water Heater: Will an energy-efficient heat pump water heater affect the air temperature in the house? It won’t impact the air in Karl’s basement, but it will have a big impact on reducing his utility bills.

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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