The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Millennial Home Buying Report | Multitasking with an HGTV Expert | Babyproofing Basics You Need to Know | Ep #2293 Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Buying: Find out how millennials are buying their first homes in a tough real estate market.
Home Improvement Advice: If you think tackling one home improvement project is tough, join our conversation with a popular HGTV expert about doing multiple projects at once.
Babyproofing: If you’ve got a baby on the way, it’s time to start babyproofing your home! Here are important steps to keep babies safe.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Water Use: With no condensate pump draining from his tankless water heater, Sergio is collecting the water in a bucket and wonders about reusing it for his garden. We agree there’s no reason not to.
Basement Mold: Is it really mold in the basement? Judy is thinking of using a service that claims she needs to have mold removed, but she’s being misled.
Bathroom Vent: When the bathroom vent stopped working, Mike discovered it was not vented through the roof and is thinking of redirecting it. We tell him how to vent it properly.
Deck Stain: Paula wants a combination deck stain and sealer to match the house trim. She’s got lots of choices with a good quality solid color stain that will last longer.

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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Does Your Vacuum Really Suck? | Fences Even the Neighbors Love | Deck Danger Alert | Ep #2292 Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Super Power Your Vac: Is your vacuum just not doing the job, and just when you need it for spring cleaning? We’ve got tips for DIY vacuum repairs.
Building a Fence: Good fences make good neighbors, but only if it’s done well. Find out how to put up a fence even the neighbors will love.
Deck Safety: Is your deck safe for outdoor entertaining? Now is the time to look for signs of potential dangers.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Heating an Old Home: Beverly is freezing on the first floor of her historic home. With no easy way to access the crawlspace and poorly placed heating ducts, we suggest adding supplemental heat by adding electric baseboard heating.
Smart Thermostats: Jeff’s bedroom gets a lot warmer than the other rooms in his condo, where the thermostat is located. Installing a smart thermostat with separate sensors should even things out.
Sealing Drafts: What is the best way to stop drafts coming through windows, doors, and cabinets? We give Anne advice on how to seal and insulate the gaps.
Driveway Replacement: Can you pour a concrete driveway on top of an existing asphalt driveway? It’s not a good idea, and Ray will have to excavate the old driveway and build up the surface before pouring concrete.
Electrical and Plumbing: Karen has lots of questions on how she should be checking her circuit breakers and water meter. We agree it’s good to check them regularly and tell her how to do it.
Vapor Barriers: Do you need to add a vapor barrier on the interior walls of a new garage? The vapor barrier Jessie has on the exterior is enough and extra layers may trap moisture inside the walls.

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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Does Your Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? | Keep Cozy with an Amazing Smart HVAC System | 4 Best Washing Machine Features | Ep #2291 Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Water Odors: Does your water smell like rotten eggs? Learn the reasons why and how to stop the stink.
HVAC System: A smart new system can monitor HVAC maintenance and much more. We’ve got all the details on this great smart home option.
Washing Machines: When shopping for a new washing machine, you get what you pay for. Find out the four best features to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Thermostat: Should you be replacing your old thermostat? Carl must be sure he gets the right thermostat for a heat pump and have it installed correctly.
Window Drafts: Brrrrr! Belinda is freezing from the drafts through her apartment windows. We suggest easy ways to use shrink film or interior caulk weatherstripping to keep out the wind.
Cedar Shingles: Phillip loves the look of red cedar shingles that darken over time, but it’s up to Mother Nature to get the look he wants.
Flooring: How should you retile an unlevel floor? Jan can use a floor-leveling compound or just level the appliances and other items in uneven areas.
Energy Savings: What is a home energy audit and how much does it cost? We advise Rob to start with his local utility company or someone not connected with a repair service, and tell him some of the tests that can be done.
Bathroom Walls: Can untreated knotty pine be used for bathroom walls and ceilings? We explain to Melanie why it’s a bad idea but suggest products that can give her a similar look.
Metal Roof: The metal roof on the sunroom gets so noisy when it rains! Bela can make things quieter by adding plywood decking, an ice and water shield, and asphalt shingles.

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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Is Solar Energy Worth It? | Stop Waiting for Hot Showers! | The Draftiest Spot You’re Forgetting to Seal | Ep #2290 Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Solar Energy: Is solar energy right for your home? Learn 5 reasons why it’s worth going solar.
Hot Water: Tired of waiting for the shower to get hot enough? Here’s how to get hot water faster and with less waste.
Sealing Drafts: Are you still feeling a draft, no matter how much weatherstripping and insulation you’ve used? There’s a spot you probably missed.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Flooring: Ann wants to install ceramic tile flooring that looks like wood. It’s a popular choice with lots of good options for style, color, and texture.
Structural Issues: In his rush to buy a home, Jason overlooked a hump in the main beam that’s making the floor sag. He needs a structural engineer to examine the problem and determine the right way to fix it.
Drywall Cracks: A random earthquake caused a long crack across the wall and ceiling. Nicole gets tips on using perforated drywall tape and spackle to repair it.
Chimney: What is the best way to seal a chimney to prevent drafts? It can be done, but we suggest that Jim install a removable damper on top of the chimney liner.
Squeaky Floors: Can you fix a squeaky floor without removing the carpeting? We tell Kenneth how to find the floor joists and use galvanized nails to stop the squeak.
Sink Odors: What’s that stinky odor coming from the bathroom sink? Cindy should use a bottle brush to scrub scummy buildup inside the pipes.
Driveway Repairs: How should you repair pitted areas of a concrete driveway? We recommend an epoxy-based concrete patching product that Rich can use.
Granite Countertops: Pauline is seeing white mineral deposits on her granite countertops. We’ve got a recipe for a homemade granite cleaner to use before having them resealed.
Shower Mold: John has tried everything he can think of to prevent mold around the shower door. We give him a few more steps to take to keep mildew 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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Kitchen Staging That Sells | Top Reasons for Home Improvement | Light Scaping Offers New Night Views | Ep #2289 Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Staging: Selling your home? These kitchen staging tips will help close the deal.
Home Improvement Projects: Lifestyle needs are the leading reason for home improvement. Find out more from a recent survey.
Landscape Lighting: The best light scaping offers safety and security around your home. Here’s how landscape lighting will improve your nighttime view.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Lawn Maintenance: What is the best way to reseed your lawn? After Adrian’s lawn was destroyed by pests, he should kill off the weeds and old grass, then use the best type of seed for his area to plant new growth.
Sealing a Deck: Should you seal a deck after staining it? If Dawn used a good quality solid stain, it should last a few years without being sealed.
Heating Efficiency: Chris wants to know whether a pellet stove or heat pump is more efficient. We discuss the pros and cons of each and how it’s used.
Heated Tile Flooring: The in-floor heating caused cracks in a bathroom tile floor. We recommend a membrane with a built-in heating system that June should use instead.
Heat Pump: Jim had two different heat pumps fail, and expensive repairs were poorly done. He’d be better off getting a newer, more efficient model of heat pump or a gas furnace.
Adjusting a Boiler: Gail needs to adjust her boiler so the water won’t get too hot, but then it reduces the heat in her home. She needs a mixing valve to add cold water to the hot water without affecting her heating.

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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Laundry Day Made Easier | Refurbishing Old Radiators | Get Your Rental Security Deposit Back | Ep #2288 Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Laundry Room: Doing the laundry is less of a chore with a well-designed laundry room. Here are things to consider when planning that place.
Cast Iron Radiators: You can't beatcast iron radiators for adding both comfort and charm to old homes. We’ve got ideas for refurbishing old radiators.
Rental Deposit: When your lease ends, how can you be sure to get your security deposit back? Make your rental look its best with these 5 tips.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Refinishing Old Wood: Susan wants to refinish the old wood that was behind the sheetrock of her walls. She’ll need to sand, seal, and stain the wood pieces before adding varnish.
Installing a Steam Room: Can you convert a shower into a steam room? It’s a great idea that will add value to Victor’s home and we offer info about a steam shower generator.
Insulating a Roof: After a peaked roof is installed over a flat roof, should you add insulation? We agree Monica can add insulation and remind her to have enough ventilation, too.
Structural Support: Brendan bought a home that’s raised on piers and was made level after sagging in the middle. Should he add sand to prevent further erosion? He’d be better off installing gutters to direct water away from the foundation.
Electrical Wiring: Does electrical wiring need to be replaced when a new electrical box, outlets, and switches are installed? As long as it’s not old knob and tube wiring and it’s been wired correctly, Christine can leave it alone.
Laminate Flooring: Frazier is putting laminate flooring over terracotta Mexican pavers. Floating floors with foam underlayment attached should be easy to install and keep things level.
Crawlspace: Is it a good idea to dig out a crawlspace to make more room? We warn Sara it’s a bad move because the soil can shift and undermine the house foundation.
Light Switches: Russ says his three-way light switch has stopped working correctly. The failure can be at any point and it’s a good idea to have an electrician trace the wiring.

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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Cool Tips to Organize Your Freezer | Stop Shoveling Your Driveway! | Easy Fixes for Squeaky Stairs and Rickety Railings | Ep #2287 Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Freezer Storage: Find the foods you want and stop food waste with these freezer organizing tips.
Snow Removal: Tired of shoveling snow off your driveway? Find out the pros and cons of heated driveways.
Stairs and Railings: Squeaky stairs and rickety railings are easy to fix with these DIY steps.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Water Heater Repairs: Joe’s tankless water heater is still under warranty but he’s having trouble getting it repaired. He should contact the manufacturer directly to find a contractor in his area.
Wall Cracks: Leslie thinks her home is settling after a wall was torn down from an adjacent house. We have info about making sure the surrounding soil is solid and how to repair common wall cracks.
Roof Leaks: David can’t find the leak that’s coming from under the old solar water heating system on his roof. We’ve got tips on locating the path of the roof leak and suggest installing a new tankless heater.
Circuit Breakers: A newly installed dehumidifier stops working and floods the basement after tripping the circuit breaker. Kayla can easily install an additional circuit to boost her 100-amp service.
Installing a Fence: What is the best way to pour a cement foundation for a fence when there’s water in the ground? We explain to Vincent how far down he should dig and how to displace the groundwater with cement.
Drain Odors: There’s a strange odor coming from the drains in Barbara’s kitchen and bathroom. It’s probably biogases from decaying debris, but a bleach solution can make things fresh again.
Soundproofing: Ian wants to build a recording studio and needs soundproofing suggestions. The easiest and cheapest option is to add a layer of sound-resistant drywall all around the room.
Floor Tiles: Ellen says her bathroom floor tiles are moving and the grout is falling apart. That means the tiles were not adhered properly and she’ll either need to remove and replace them or install a layer of laminate flooring over them.

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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7 Home Upgrades for Under $1,000 | The Right Way to Fix Cracked Plaster Walls | Is Your Garage Door Frozen Shut? | Ep #2286 Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Affordable Home Projects: Home upgrades can be expensive, but we’ve got 7 affordable home improvement projects that cost less than $1,000.
Plaster Walls: Older homes have plaster walls instead of drywall, and cracks are common. Learn the right way to repair cracks in plaster walls.
Garage Doors: Parking your car in the garage keeps snow and ice off the vehicle, but what happens if your garage door is frozen shut? Try these tips.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Frozen Pipes: Would a recirculating hot water system prevent pipes from freezing inside Julie’s old home? A better solution would be to blow insulation inside the walls to insulate the pipes.
Tile Grout: Rust is seeping through the grout in a tile shower. The simplest thing Bill can do is replace it with some epoxy grout.
Cleaning Laminate Flooring: Debra wants to know how to remove dried nail polish that spilled without damaging the laminate floor. Carefully using a small amount of nail polish remover should be fine.
Wet Basement: Moisture in the basement is causing a bad odor throughout the house. Ed needs to improve the outside drainage, install a dehumidifier, and remove any paneling and carpet where bacteria may be lingering.
Drain Odors: Joyce has a bad smell coming from her bathroom sink. She can kill bacteria by filling the sink with a bleach solution to run into the overflow holes or taking the trap apart and cleaning it well.
Deck Tiles: The anti-slip coating on the deck is starting to wear off. Laura should check out the attractive composite tiles she can use to cover the deck instead.
Clogged Toilet: Beth says the water in the toilet bowl is filling all the way to the top and emptying slowly. Sounds like a partial clog that needs to be cleared by a plumber.
Sump Pump: Louis wants to know if his sump pump should be routed outside his house rather than into the sewer line. He’s correct and we recommend draining it at least 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation.
Toilet Bowl Ring: A mysterious persistent black ring keeps returning in just one of Sparky’s toilets. We suspect there may be something different about the porcelain finish of that bowl and he might have to replace the toilet.

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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Power Up with the Right Generator | DIY Furniture Repair Tips | Fight the Cold in Your Apartment | Ep #2285 Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Generators: Lost power? When storms make the lights go out, power up by choosing the right generator for your home.
Furniture Repair: Dings, dents, scratches, and stains are easy to fix with these DIY furniture repair tips.
Heating Costs: Even if you’re a renter and not a homeowner, there are ways to heat your apartment more efficiently and save on energy bills.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Countertop Materials: Iris wants to upgrade her kitchen countertops. Quartz needs less maintenance than marble or granite and offers more options.
Egress Windows: Can a basement egress window be too high from the floor? We give James advice on finding safe and convenient egress window products.
Fireplace Noise: Why are howling and whistling noises coming from a new gas fireplace? We think Sharon should contact the manufacturer about issues with the venting through the roof.
Dishwasher Repairs: The dishes aren’t drying in Jackie’s dishwasher and mold is building up in the machine. The heating element probably failed and it may be cheaper to replace the dishwasher rather than repair it.
Bathroom Addition: Adam wants to install a second bathroom and has questions about the plumbing. We offer ideas on how to run the water supply.
Radon: Is radon a potential hazard for a house on a slab foundation? Only if the radon level is very high in the soil, and we explain to Kathy how to have the home tested for radon.

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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Bright Ideas for Kitchen Lighting | Should You Be Using a Heat Pump? | Home Improvement in Under 30 Minutes | Ep #2284 Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Lighting: Get some bright ideas for the 3 types of lighting you need in your kitchen.
Heat Pumps: Heat pumps can be a popular, energy-efficient choice, but are they right for your home?
DIY Home Improvements: Don’t have enough time for home improvements? Here are some quick DIY home projects you can do in less than 30 minutes.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Radon: Are there any DIY radon mitigation systems available to save on costs? Adam learns that radon levels can vary, how a radon mitigation system works, and why it’s hard to install it yourself.
Wall Primer: Rust stains are leeching through the plaster after a rusty tool was used. Laura should use an oil-based primer to cover and seal it before using a topcoat of paint.
Construction: Is it better to use wood framing or ICF blocks to construct a new house? We tell Tim about the advantages of insulating concrete forms that make them a better choice.
Heating: Michelle wants to close off unused rooms in a big house to save on heating. We recommend installing a DIY smart thermostat with wireless sensors to control the temperature in separate rooms.
Attic Ventilation: Will installing an attic ventilator help to cool the attic by circulating air correctly? As long as Scott has the right kind of ridge vents and the soffit vents are unobstructed, he won’t need it for good ventilation.
Water Heater: When is a long, hot bath too hot? Dean should be careful not to set the temperature of his gas water heater any higher than 110-120 degrees and consider installing a tankless water heater.
Insulation: Carol wonders what type of insulation to use for the living space in a pole building. Her best option would be spray foam insulation to fill the gaps and seal out drafts.
Plumbing: Brad has different water temperatures coming from different bathroom faucets. Since the water pressure is fine, it sounds like some valves are clogged or only partially open and he has to figure out where.

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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