The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Education
**The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast**

Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?” It doesn’t have to be that way! As host of The Money Pit Podcast, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider me your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, I’ll share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear – but I promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join me for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

Latest Episodes:

DIY Drywall Repairs | Light Up a Dark Closet | Hot Water Efficiency | Ep #2283 Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Drywall Repairs: Learn how to fix drywall cracks, holes, and nail pops with these DIY tips.
Closet Lighting: Upgraded closet lighting makes it easier to find things and stay organized. Here’s how to brighten up dark closets.
Hot Water: Hot water is convenient but comes at a cost. Find out how to keep your hot water flowing more efficiently.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Garbage Disposal: What is the best size garbage disposal and how hard is it to install? We recommend that Brandon gets a ½ to ¾ HP unit for better performance, which can be installed with basic plumbing and electrical skills.
Drain Odors: Terry has a bad odor coming from one bathroom sink. She needs to take apart the drain and use a bleach solution to thoroughly clean the drain and sink.
Stuck Windows: Why are otherwise good windows so hard to open? Mayer should open up the window trim to check if they’ve been installed too tightly.
Ventilation: Lisa wonders if she should leave her bathroom exhaust fan running all the time. We suggest installing a humidistat timer or an air-to-air heat exchanger to improve the ventilation.
Clogged Drain: A caustic drain cleaner burned the surface of Barry’s jacuzzi tub. We have info on a better product to clear clogged drain lines.
Ceiling Leak: Pat has a ceiling leak coming from a dryer roof vent. Her contractor should install a different type of roof vent and check the flashing around it.
Bathroom Heater: Should you repair or replace a bathroom heater when the fan stops working? The unit can overheat, so it’s safer for Darrell to replace the whole thing and make sure it vents outside rather than into the attic.
Drafty Windows: Joyce hasn’t been able to stop drafts coming through her windows. We explain how to use shrink-film or temporary sealant caulk to keep out the cold.
HVAC Systems: After removing his steam heat radiators, Steve wants to install a ducted HVAC system. We suggest restoring the steam heat and using a high-velocity, low-volume duct system for air conditioning.

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

Outdoor Spaces Buyers Want | How to Paint Tough Surfaces | 5 DIY Plumbing Projects | Ep #2282 Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Outdoor Living Spaces: Planning a backyard project? Check out the outdoor living spaces that buyers want most.
Painting Tips: Paint is an easy way to create a new look, but how do you get paint to stick to tough surfaces? We’ve got some tips.
DIY Plumbing: Unless it’s an emergency, you may not need to call a plumber. Here are 5 DIY plumbing projects you should know.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Roofing: Can roof sheathing be installed right on top of old barn boards? Catherine may need to add an underlayment, but if the boards are solid, that should be fine.
Driveway Mold: Mold keeps coming back on a shaded area of David’s driveway. We recommend using a mildewcide product that has a lasting residual effect.
Floor Beams: Wendy is tearing up an old floor right down to the beams. We have advice on installing additional beams and plywood to lend more support.
Door Replacement: When replacing a front door, do you have to replace the entire transom around it? Rick learns why it’s harder to only change the door.
Flooring: Laura is worried that her shaking appliances will ruin the new laminate flooring. We’ve got tips on leveling the machines and using special padding.
Water Heater: Should you replace an electric water heater with a tankless model? A 240-volt timer would be better at helping Ken save on his water heating bills.
HVAC Condensation: Condensation from an HVAC system is dripping into Gail’s crawlspace. She needs to have the contractor install it properly with a condensate pump to direct the moisture outside.
Insulation: Can you ever have too much insulation? We help Brad figure out how to finish and insulate the attic in a Cape Cod-style home.

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

Best Insulation Options | Save by Living Simply | Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures | Ep #2281 Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Types of Insulation: Find out how to identify the best insulation options for your house to cut costs and improve comfort.
Saving Space: You don’t need to downsize to save space. We’ve got tips on living more simply and affordably.
Saving Water: Installing the right plumbing fixtures makes it easy to save water and money. Here’s what to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Replacement Windows: Are triple-pane windows better than double-pane? ENERGY STAR-rated double-pane replacement windows should be efficient enough for Jane Ellen’s home.
Structural Issues: The front wall of Richard’s home has been bowed for decades. It hasn’t been a problem, but he needs a structural engineer to assess it before he ever tries to sell the house.
Garage Doors: The garage door is not operating properly and shimmies when it opens and closes. The ball-bearing door rollers are failing and it would be best for Nancy to replace the garage door and opener.
Subflooring: A leaky toilet rotted the bathroom subfloor in Chris’ home. We’ve got tips on the best way to replace the subfloor and adhere new flooring.
Kitchen Renovation: Joan wants to know where to begin with a kitchen renovation. Planning makes perfect and we suggest visiting a home center or speaking with a kitchen and bath designer to get ideas.
Foundation Walls: The paint on Jodi’s cement block foundation is starting to peel because of the surrounding moisture. She must either strip off the paint or have a mason attach wire mesh and re-stucco the foundation.
Gas Connection: Should Ken hook up a gas stove by using the same gas regulators as the water heater and furnace? That’s not a good idea because the pressures could be different, and he should call a professional to do the job.
Painting Tile: Can you paint over outdated bathroom tile? Christine can, but it’s an extensive process that requires an oil-based primer. She might try decorating around the tile colors 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.

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

Space-Saving Kitchen Islands | Eye-Catching Driveway Markers | Easy DYI De-Icer Recipe | Ep #2280 Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Island Design: Add extra food prep space with a versatile kitchen island that’s affordable and user-friendly.
Driveway Markers: Get ideas for eye-catching driveway markers to add curb appeal and increase home safety.
De-Icing Tips: Find out how to quickly thaw a frozen windshield with this easy DIY solution.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Home Addition ROI: Finished basement or second-floor addition: which one offers a better ROI? We think Matthew’s home will gain more value by adding bedrooms and bathrooms on a second floor.
Rodents: Kathryn wonders if an ultrasonic device would help control the mice in her basement. Along with baits and poison, it would be more effective to eliminate nesting areas, plug up any openings, and avoid leaving any food or water in the house or garage that could attract pests.
Gutters: Joe’s roof shingles don’t extend far enough to direct water into the gutters. We suggest using a flat bar to pry up the edges and insert flashing under the shingles to create a bridge to the gutters.
Countertops: Is there a way to remove scratches in a Corian countertop? Gayla can try a deep cleaning product to make them less obvious or have a professional lightly sand and repolish the surface.
Deck Cleaning: What’s the best way to clean algae and mold from a pressure-treated wood deck and a stone patio? Bill needs a pressure washer with a bleach solution to remove the stains.
Wallpaper Removal: Jan wants to remove a layer of wallpaper liner without damaging the drywall. If it’s adhered well, she should be able to add a textured surface right over it.
Fascia Board: Is it possible to remove a rotted fascia board without removing the spacer and gutter? It will all need to come off, but then Derwin can replace the wood fascia with a cellular PVC board that will last without rotting.
Dry Rot: What causes dry rot and how to tell if you have it? Joan learns there’s no such thing as dry rot, only wet wood that dries out and starts to decay.
Shower Renovation: Is flashing needed around a prefabricated shower stall base to prevent moisture issues? Randy should be fine installing the pan over the backer board and adhering tile directly onto the board.

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

Take a Virtual Tour to Find Wasted Energy | Dangerous Furniture Puts Kids at Risk | Setting a Household Repair Budget | Ep #2279 Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Energy Savings: This virtual tool can identify wasted energy in your home and provide info on ways to save.
Child Safety: Unstable furniture injures or kills thousands of kids each year. This law is aimed at protecting children’s lives.
Household Budget: How much do you need for annual home repairs and maintenance? Get tips on planning a home improvement budget.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Grout: Is it a good idea to use white grout? Christine was told it’s not, but it depends on the type of grout and how grout is sealed and maintained.
Electrical Fuses: Strings of Christmas lights blew the fuses in Dan’s historic house. LED lights would be brighter and more cost-effective, plus allow him to hang multiple strands.
Kitchen Remodel: Dot checks in with us to give an update on how well her kitchen remodeling project turned out.
Asbestos Tiles: Are asbestos tile floors a health hazard? We assure Justin that it’s fine to leave the intact tiles alone, level needed areas with a self-leveling compound, and install new vinyl or laminate flooring over them.
Porch Renovation: Marla wants to screen in the porch of her old house. But working around the 22 supporting columns makes it a huge project that will modify the architectural style.
Prefabricated Construction: John wants to know if prefabricated construction is the best option for building a guest house. We agree it offers lots of advantages, including faster turnaround and better quality control.
Gutter Guards: What are the best kind of gutter guards for keeping out leaves? We suggest that Risa look into gutter guards with a thin mesh and do her research on contractors.
HVAC Condensation: Is that ceiling stain coming from a leaky roof or an air-conditioning unit in the attic? It’s probably HVAC condensation during the humid months, so Mike just needs to prime and repaint the stain to see if it returns.
Staining a Deck: Jeanie is trying to find a deck stain that doesn’t need to be redone every year. We recommend using a solid color, solvent-based 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.

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

Cleaning Hacks for Busy Parents | Money-Saving Dishwashers | Sneaky Wall Drafts | Ep #2278 Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

House Cleaning: Keeping things clean with a house full of kids is a challenge. We’ve got helpful tips for busy parents.
Dishwashers: Are ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers worth it? Find out how to save money and energy by installing the right dishwasher.
Wall Drafts: Where is that draft coming from? Besides windows, sneaky openings in walls can be letting cold air through.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Crawlspace Vents: Are crawlspace vents really necessary and should you close them? They’re mandated by building code and Chris gets tips on when to keep crawlspace vents open or closed to control moisture.
Kitchen Renovation: Elaine wants to renovate her mid-century kitchen. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of opening up some walls and updating the cabinets.
Attic Ventilation: Should a flat roof have more ventilation? It can be harder to circulate air with a flat roof, but the vents Ken already has should be enough.
Windows: Amy gets condensation inside the windows every winter. She can start by taking steps to reduce the humidity inside her house, but she’ll eventually need to install better-insulated windows.
Bathroom Subfloor: Large tiles on the bathroom floor are starting to crack and crumble because they’re less flexible over the uneven subfloor. George has to tear out the tiles and install a new subfloor or mud underlayment before adding new tiles.
Cleaning Old Walls: Susan wants to know how to clean, restore, and maintain her unfinished hardwood pine walls. We suggest sanding them by hand to even out the color, then adding an oil-based stain before sealing the surface.
Basement Flooring: What kind of basement flooring should be used to replace the moldy carpet? Richard’s best options are to install laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring over a vapor barrier.
Wallpaper Removal: Sue is tired of the wallpaper in every room of her house. We’ve got hints on using fabric softener or laundry starch to loosen the wallpaper glue before pulling it off and scraping 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.

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

Top 10 Dream Kitchen Features | Better TV Viewing | Avoiding Electric Sticker Shock | Ep #2277 Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Features: Designing a dream kitchen? Find out the top 10 kitchen features that homeowners want.
Television Tips: Make TV time more enjoyable by using the best settings for picture and sound quality. Here’s how to adjust your TV.
Energy Savings: Avoid electric bill sticker shock by following these tips to save energy and money each month.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Insulation: Should Andy be adding insulation to keep his home warmer? Old insulation can start to settle and sag, so he could add two overlapping layers to insulate better.
Settling Home: Renee is worried that a cracked support beam will shift her walls and chimney. Releveling a settling house can impact wires and plumbing, too, and she needs to contact her HOA for structural repairs.
Drywall: Why is the drywall separating at the seams and how can it be repaired? The cause is probably shrinking and movement, but Mike gets some easy DIY tips on how to patch, prime, and paint the seams.
Plumbing: The hot water in just one of the faucets is suddenly turning cold. It sounds like a bad valve, so Susan can replace that faucet set and see about installing a pressure-balancing valve to keep the water temperature even.
Driveway Cracks: Jim keeps patching cracks in his concrete driveway every winter. Instead of adding more concrete, he should use an epoxy patching compound that will adhere properly.
Mold: Laurie thinks mold in the basement drywall and insulation is causing allergies and other issues. She needs to replace the carpeting with tile or laminate flooring, check drainage around the house, and add an air filtration system or air cleaner to breathe easier.
Water Sediment: Well water is leaving clay residue in the kitchen and bathroom faucets. It shouldn’t be too hard for Paul to install a whole-house sediment filter to clear up the water.
Wall Cracks: It’s common to have cracked walls in an old house. We give Jan some step-by-step instructions on the right way to repair the cracks in her 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.

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

Stop Loading Your Dishwasher the Wrong Way! | Top Pro Painting Secrets | Snow Survival Checklist | Ep #2276 Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Loading Your Dishwasher: Are you loading your dishwasher the wrong way? Here’s how to make sure your dishwasher is cleaning as efficiently as possible.
Painting Tips: Painting professionals know how to save paint, time, and effort while getting the best results. We’ll share some helpful painting secrets.
Snowstorm Preparation: Are you prepared for snowstorms this season? Find out tips and tools for clearing away snow and ice.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Ceiling Renovation: Mary wants to remove the ceiling joists to create a cathedral ceiling in her seasonal home. A project like this may have structural effects, so she needs an architect or structural engineer to spec it out safely.
Retaining Wall: Drainage pipes by Terry’s retaining wall are sending mud down his driveway. He has to decide whether to regrade the area and rebuild the retaining wall, redirect the downspouts, or keep cleaning the driveway.
Pet Stains and Odors: A tenant’s puppy has left stains and odors in the carpet of Carol’s rental home. She can try neutralizing the area with an odor-removal product or replace the flooring with tile, laminate, or stain-resistant carpeting.
Ceiling Leaks: A flood in the upstairs apartment leaked through Kevin’s kitchen light fixture and the ceiling is stained and bowed. Mold won’t be a problem if the leak is fixed, but we’ve got advice on what to do if the ceiling gets wet again.
Soundproofing: Catherine can actually hear her neighbors two houses down through an I-beam in her basement! Framing the beam and attaching soundproofing drywall should keep things private again.
Toilet Stains: What’s the best way to clean stubborn lime deposit stains in the toilet? Pete gets tips on how to carefully try abrasives, muriatic acid, or a paste of vinegar and baking soda.
Dryer Vents: Clara wonders how to clean the lint from a long dryer duct vent. We recommend a handy tool to easily remove the lint buildup and prevent a fire hazard.
Concrete Patio Stains: A new concrete patio wasn’t sealed and now has leaf stains. It’s not too late for Jeff to scrub, dry, and use a vapor-permeable concrete sealer to keep the patio clean.
Pest Control: Squirrels chewing through the roof are making Kathy nuts! She needs to use a humane cage to trap and release any that have gotten inside, then fill the holes and spread mothballs along the eaves to keep squirrels 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.

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

New Year, New Hue: Trending Colors for 2023 | Hiring a Cleaning Service on a Budget | DIY Tips to Beat the Winter Blues | Ep #2275 Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Paint Colors: If you’re starting the new year with a new look for your home, find out how to choose the best paint colors for every room.
House Cleaning: Are you ready to get help cleaning the house? Here’s how to hire a cleaning service while saving money and effort.
Winter Blues: When dreary winter days get you down, these tips can lift your spirits and brighten things up throughout your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Leaking Shower: A leaking shower is soaking the bathroom subflooring. We’ve got tips on whether Maria needs to replace the shower pan or reseal gaps in the grout.
Composite Decking: Is it worth replacing an old wood deck with composite decking? Carl learns the advantages of using durable composite materials that are easy to install and maintain.
Refinishing Furniture: Ruth has a beautiful custom solid oak table, but she may need a professional for the work involved in refinishing the wood furniture.
Cold Floors: That concrete basement floor is too cold, but Jay can install an insulated subfloor to put over it to warm things up.
Home Warranties: After just one year, problems keep popping up in a newly constructed home. Tina should hire a home inspector, document the issues, and contact the home warranty company to ensure coverage.
House Foundation: Solid concrete vs. cinderblock foundation? Moisture can penetrate any type of foundation, but Steve can keep things dry by improving drainage outside the house.
Cracked Bath Liner: Stephanie’s noticing small cracks in her acrylic bathtub liner. Superficial cracks in the surface of the glaze can be hidden by applying a layer of car wax.

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

Breaking Down Walls | Stop Sending Heat Up the Chimney! | Simplify to Save Space | Ep #2274 Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Removing Walls: Open up your floor plan by removing walls – even load-bearing ones – without bringing the house down.
Gas Fireplaces: Stop sending heat up the chimney! We’ve got the advantages of installing a direct vent gas fireplace.
Space Organization: Not ready to downsize? Simplifying your home allows you to save more and stress less without sacrificing space.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Toilet Condensation: Cold water in the toilet plus warm and humid indoor air is causing condensation on the outside of the toilet. Ilene can get a toilet insulating kit or have a plumber add a hot water line to warm the water.
Vertical Siding: Greg is curious about hanging vinyl siding vertically instead of horizontally. It’s a viable option as long as the siding is rated for vertical installation and the correct backing is used.
Adding Insulation: It’s time to add attic insulation to Barb’s older home. We explain how standards have changed and why insulation that settles and sags is less efficient.
Concrete Driveway Repair: A triangular area of Tim’s concrete driveway has cracked and dropped. If it can’t be removed, he can use an epoxy concrete repair product to create a patch.
How to Choose Siding: When an unused garage is turned into an addition, what siding material should be used to match the brick and cedar exterior? We have suggestions on using plank shingles and how to choose a siding color.
Plumbing: What should you look for when turning on water that’s been turned off for a long time? Keith gets step-by-step tips on how to get the water running again and how to check for leaks.
Flooring: After her pets ruined the carpet and floor, LuAnn is ready to install new flooring. She’ll want to use an oil-based product to prime and seal the subfloor before installing a new wood floor over it.
Blown-In Insulation: Dave needs to insulate his brick balloon frame home. The ceiling space under the attic is most important, and then the walls. Blown-in insulation with an infrared camera is the best way to insulate the cavities.
Preventing Mice: How can you keep mice away from a seasonal home? Sarah should be sure to leave out no food, seal all holes and cracks, avoid nesting areas, and apply rodenticide to eliminate mice.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected