The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Top 5 Houseplants on TikTok | Trendy Kitchen Backsplashes | How to Find Termite Damage in Cold Weather | Ep #2273 Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Houseplants: TikTok users reveal their top 5 favorite houseplants. Find out what they are and why they’re so popular.
Kitchen Backsplashes: Kitchen trends come and go. Here are the kitchen backsplashes that are currently making a splash of their own.
Termites: Termite damage can be hard to identify in cold weather. We’ll tell you what to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Roofing: There’s one bald spot on the roof after it snows and Kathy is concerned about heat loss. It’s probably caused by warm air from the dryer exhaust duct or a gap in the insulation.
HVAC: Tom’s heat pump system is running constantly and can’t heat the house enough. He needs a professional to do a heat loss analysis and see if the ductwork is designed and installed properly.
Bathroom Caulk: Mary is trying to remove the caulk around her bathtub. We offer tips on how to soften the caulk to scrape it out and the best way to apply new bathtub caulk.
Solar Panels: Should solar panels be installed on an older roof? We suggest that Lawrence consider the ROI of solar panels and if it’s worth replacing the roof before it’s necessary.
Garage Door Openers: Laura doesn’t have the garage door openers for her garage or the code for the keypad. If she finds the model number, she can contact the manufacturer to get programming instructions and new remote controls.
Popcorn Ceilings: The popcorn ceiling in the bathroom got wet and now it’s flaking off. If Trent wants to remove the popcorn ceiling, that’s the way to go, or else he can use a brush to clean it off and spray on textured patching material before repainting the surface.
Energy Savings: Are solar panels or windmills a good way to lower electric bills? We advise Cindy to get info about government or utility company rebate programs that could make energy efficiency more cost-effective.
Electrical: The three-way switches are not working properly in some of Mark’s rooms. He should have an electrician trace the wiring to make sure it was hooked up correctly.

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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Keep Your Car from Getting Snowbound | Best Whole-House Humidifiers | Power Outage Survival Tips | Ep #2272 Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Winter Car Care: Learn how to keep your car from getting snowbound when winter weather sets in.
Humidifiers: If the dry air in your home has you waking up parched, here’s how to choose the best whole-house humidifier to keep things comfortable.
Power Outages: What should you do when the lights unexpectedly go out? We’ve got tips on surviving a power outage.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Replacing a Driveway: You can’t put an asphalt driveway over a concrete driveway, so Donna will need to either remove the old driveway and add layers of new blacktop asphalt or use a product to resurface the existing concrete driveway.
House Settling: Wall cracks, sticking doors, and popping nails are common, but it could be an issue if they’re happening all at once. AJ should have a home inspector or structural engineer check to see if it’s an active problem.
Stuck Window: The wood window over the kitchen sink is getting harder to open and close. There are ways to repair the window but it would be a lot easier for Marcia to install a replacement window instead.
Heating a Garage: Henry says it’s expensive to heat the garage with a natural gas heater, but an electric heater would be less efficient and cost even more. We suggest improving the insulation and using a kerosene heater when he needs it.
Countertops: What’s that loud banging noise coming from Nadine’s kitchen countertop? The expansion and contraction of the walls and plumbing may be the cause if the countertop was installed too tightly.
Insulation: Should you use open-cell or closed-cell spray foam insulation? They’re both equally effective, but Kevin should use closed-cell insulation in areas exposed to moisture.
Drainage: Downspouts and drainage pipes in Shawnee’s yard are working fine, except for one small spot that stays wet. We don’t think it’s enough of a problem to be worth doing major repairs.
Driveway Seams: The expansion joint is separating between sections of Ed’s concrete driveway. We’ve got a simple solution to fill and seal the gap.
Shower Installation: With four sons, Cheryl wants to convert the bathtub into a shower. If standard prefabricated shower pans are too big for the small space, she could try shopping for the compact shower pans sold for RVs.

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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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home | Are Your Rental Possessions Protected? | Get Your Sticky Doors Unstuck | Ep #2271 Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Improvement: New Year’s resolutions are for home improvement as well as self-improvement! Find out the best resolutions that are worth keeping.
Renter’s Insurance: If disaster strikes, are the contents of your rental home protected? The right renter’s insurance offers some peace of mind.
Sticking Doors: If your doors need an extra push to open and close, you need these simple sticky door solutions.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Kitchen Cabinets: Soffits over the kitchen cabinets look outdated, but opening the space attracts dust and taller cabinets are inconvenient! Nancy can either paint the soffits to blend with the cabinets or install a convenient pull-down system to make her cabinet storage more accessible.
Driveway Repair: When driveway blacktop starts to crumble, should the driveway be patched or resurfaced? Bruce needs a latex patching compound that will adhere properly to fill the holes, then a topcoat to cover it.
Countertop Stains: Corian countertops in the bathroom are turning yellow around the faucets and drainers. When sanding and cleansing don’t work. Sharon gets tips on making a paste to bleach and lighten the stains.
Doorway Cracks: Ralph wants to know what’s causing cracks in the corners of the doorways and how to fix them. It’s common for cracks to appear when there is movement around openings, but some fiberglass tape and spackle should repair them before he primes and repaints.
HVAC Filters: Jeannie is worried that filthy filters and ducts are making her friend sick. An inspector should check for mold and other issues that the landlord may need to address to improve the air quality.
Roofing: Should the edges of tar paper be covering the roof ridge vents? Jeff learns that it was overlooked and he needs to cut the tar paper to provide proper ventilation in the attic.
Painting: The new layer of paint is starting to bubble and Catherine’s contractor just wants to paint over it again. She’ll want him to pull off the paint instead and prep the surface the right way before adding a new coat of latex paint.

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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Grow Fresh Winter Veggies in a Container Garden | Quiet Down Annoying Outside Noises | Add New Pizzazz with an Old Fireplace Mantel | Ep #2270 Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Container Gardens: Craving fresh veggies in winter? Save money and eat healthy all year by growing vegetables in a container garden.
Soundproofing: Find out how to avoid sleepless nights and distractions at home by blocking out all those annoying outside noises.
Decorating Ideas: Repurposing an old fireplace mantel can add a great focal point to your home décor, even if you don’t have a real fireplace.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Bathroom Remodeling: What are the best materials for remodeling a bathroom? Jim can either use a simple and affordable DIY shower liner or gut and renovate the bathroom with a waterproof shower kit that can be customized.
Bathroom Flooring: Bathroom flooring can take a beating with young boys at home. Michelle should look into tile, laminate, or water-resistant fabricated flooring that’s durable, cleanable, and won’t absorb moisture and stains.
Fireplace Cleaning: Do you really need to have your fireplace cleaned annually? It depends on how much John is using it, since fireplaces should be cleaned once for each cord of wood that’s burned.
Water Heaters: Should Colleen replace her old conventional water heaters with tankless models? Electric tankless water heaters aren’t very efficient, so we suggest either a heat pump or a great new water heater with outstanding features.
Window Replacement: The seals in old dual-pane tinted windows are starting to fail. George should replace them with ENERGY STAR-rated windows that have the right glass and the right coating to reduce his air conditioning costs.
Sagging Floor: A broken beam under the house is making the kitchen floor sag. Diana learns about installing a new beam next to the existing one to shore it up instead of trying to raise the house.
Faded Wood Floors: After pulling up an area rug, Ty saw the sun damage that faded the wood floor around it. If he’s patient, time will fade the darker flooring to match and he won’t have to strip and refinish the whole floor.
Cold Floors: How can you warm up the flooring above an unheated crawlspace? By adding insulation to the pipes and the floor joists, Christine will see an amazing difference.

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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5 Ways to Redecorate on a Budget | Clear Cabinet Clutter | Slippery Sidewalk Solutions | Ep #2269 Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Redecorating: Get tips on how to save money while redecorating your home on a budget.
Organizing Cabinets: Having an organized pantry makes it easier to find things, saving you time, space, and money. Get tips on clearing storage clutter.
Slippery Sidewalks: Learn the best ways to avoid slipping on icy sidewalks and prevent damage to walkways and steps.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Patio Covers: Janet wants to build a patio cover but isn’t sure how to attach it to the house. We suggest installing a removable patio awning instead, which offers more advantages.
Brick Siding: Is there an alternative to extending the brick siding when raising the upper floor of a house? We give Joe some options for siding materials he can use instead that will complement the brick.
Contractor Issues: When a gutter installation job wasn’t done right, Eve’s not sure how to handle the problem with the contractor. We’ve got tips on how to divert the water from the roof and options for next steps.
Heating: Joan has a small outbuilding that she wants to heat and use as a craft space. It should be easy to run a gas line for a small furnace and add insulation to the shed.
Sagging Floor: Moisture and humidity are making the wood flooring in a crawlspace buckle. Luke finds out about using a vapor barrier, venting, and proper drainage to keep things dry, plus other things to look for.
Efflorescence: After stopping the water from pooling under her home’s foundation, Leta still has a powdery grey film on her wood floors. It’s simple to clean up those mineral salt deposits with a vinegar solution.
Drainage: How are you supposed to drain water away from your house when it’s built at the bottom of a steeply sloped property? John will need to intercept the water with a curtain drain in the soil to redirect it down the hill.

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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Are You Using the Wrong Firewood? | Avoiding Expensive Ice Damage | Get Rid of Hidden Viruses in Your Home | Ep #2268 Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Firewood: Find out how to choose the right kind of firewood for comfort and safety before lighting up that fireplace.
Ice Dams: Melting ice on your roof can cause expensive damage. Learn how to prevent ice dams and how to get your insurance to pay for repairs.
Disinfecting Your Home: ‘Tis the season for all kinds of nasty germs and viruses! We’ve got the best ways to clean and disinfect your home effectively.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Refinishing Wood Floors: Is there an easy way to refinish hardwood floors that are dull but not damaged? Jamie just needs to do a light sanding with a floor buffer to remove some old finish before applying a new coat of urethane.
Wood Stove: Melana is installing a wood stove but wants to be sure it won’t damage the new electrical behind it. She must make sure the stove is placed far enough from the walls and add a heat shield behind it.
Heated Driveway: Installing a heated driveway would be a big help when there’s lots of snow! Dylan gets info about outdoor radiant heating systems that are available, but they can also be expensive to operate.
Wood Trim: There is worn and damaged woodwork throughout the home Paula is selling. It will be easier and less expensive to fill, prime, and repaint the damaged areas of molding than to replace it all.
Cold Floors: John’s getting cold feet in the small room over a cinderblock crawlspace. He can either break through the wall to add access for insulation or add a layer of insulated subfloor in the room.
Garbage Disposal: Every time Eden turns on the garbage disposal, it backs up gunk into the other drain of her double sink. She needs to clear the obstruction in the main drain line by blocking the disposal drain while plunging the other one.

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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The Important Window Label You Need to Read | Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home | Is Vampire Power Sucking Your Energy? | Ep #2267 Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Window Shopping: If you’re shopping for new windows, you need to know how to read this important label.
Home-Selling Mistakes: When selling your home, avoid these kitchen trends that will scare off buyers.
Saving Energy: Some appliances can run on standby power even when they’re off, wasting energy and costing you money. Here’s what to do.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Fireplace Drafts: There are drafts blowing in all around Susan’s manufactured fireplace. We’ll tell her how to see if it’s installed correctly and how to stop some of the drafts.
Metal Siding Repair: Wade is fighting the insurance company to have his storm-damaged steel siding replaced appropriately. We explain why he should get a public adjuster to make sure the job is done right.
Shower Odors: Phew! There’s a foul odor coming from the shower in Heidi’s basement. We suggest using a Borax solution to scrub inside the drain and installing a humidistat timer to make sure the fans are venting long enough.
Driveway Drainage: When it rains, it pours…right down the driveway and flooding the front of Rob’s shop. We’ve got step-by-step instructions on adding a culvert across the driveway to intercept and drain the water runoff.
Home Maintenance: Greg wants to be sure he’s keeping up with maintenance on his new home. We talk about the most important systems to check.
Roof Leaks: Cindy’s corrugated metal roof keeps leaking around the screws and gaskets. Her best options are to add another layer of roof with an ice and water shield in between or to remove the original roof and start over.
Home Heating: Will installing a drop ceiling help with heating a home with high ceilings? We agree that it will and encourage Kerry to add insulation on top of the ceiling, too.
Uneven Floor: A dip in the floor of an old house is starting to twist the stairs. Deb finds out it would be easier to change the staircase than to raise the floor.

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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Affordable Ways to Take Kitchen Cabinets from Drab to Fab | Keep Santa Safe with a Chimney Liner! | How to Remove the Top 6 Stubborn Tile Stains | Ep #2266 Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Find out affordable DIY options to refinish drab kitchen cabinets.
Chimney Safety: Before starting a cozy fire this season, see if you need a chimney liner to keep things safe.
Tile Stain Removal: Cleaning tile floors can be challenging, but we’ve got tips on how to remove the most stubborn tile stains.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Attic Space: Limited access to the attic makes it impossible to install insulation. We’ll tell Mark how to cut the drywall to make the attic openings bigger.
Air Cleaners: Too much dust? Ann learns an electronic air cleaner for her HVAC system will be more effective than fiberglass filters for reducing the dust and pollen in her home.
Driveway Stains: Tom’s truck left oil stains on his unsealed concrete driveway. He can use TSP to clean the driveway stains without having to pressure wash.
Hot Water Pressure: Brrrrr! Elsie gets a jolt each time her hot water turns cold in the shower. She needs a new pressure-balanced valve to maintain the water temperature.
Bathroom Condensation: There’s lots of moisture in the bathrooms, even with vented exhaust fans and dampers. We advise Eddie to install a humidistat timer to keep the air moving long enough to dry things out.
Carpet Cleaning: Yuck! It looks like mold is growing on the carpeting on Sue’s concrete slab porch. We think it’s just algae that can be cleared up by using a steam cleaner.
Asbestos Siding: Iron in the well water has left an unappealing golden glow on the asbestos concrete siding. Using TSP to clean it won’t be enough and Louis will have to paint the siding to cover the stains.
Plaster Walls: Cynthia’s got questions about the plaster walls in her old house from 1896. We explain the history of wall materials through the years.
Painting Cabinets: What’s the best way to paint wood bathroom cabinets that have been stained? Carol gets step-by-step tips on refinishing the cabinets and what products 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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9 Rules That Tenants Break | Water Heater Emergencies | Why Smart Thermostats are a Brilliant Idea | Ep #2265 Dec 12, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Tenant Rules: Do you know the 9 rules that tenants are most likely to break? Here’s what both landlords and renters need to know.
Water Heaters: When that old water heater starts to leak, it could lead to expensive emergency repairs. Know when it’s time for a new water heater.
Smart Thermostats: Keeping warm, saving energy, and reducing heating bills is made easy by installing a smart thermostat.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Water Pressure: The hot water pressure in Sam’s old house is fine everywhere except in the bathtub. Those old steel pipes could be clogged with rust or he may just need a new faucet or valve.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Drafty windows are driving up the utility bills in Linda’s rental home. We’ll tell her how to use shrink film and weatherstripping caulk to make the windows more energy-efficient.
Toilet Water: Darren is installing a 265-gallon rain barrel for his toilet water and has questions about filtering and water pressure. We’ve got some helpful answers.
Wood Flooring: How can you level a subfloor to install hardwood flooring over it? We give Diane some info on carpentry solutions and applying a liquid floor leveling compound.
Roofing Tools: After working on a number of roofs, Mark has some interesting ideas for innovative tools that can make it easier to remove roofing shingles.
Concrete Repair: A concrete keeps cracking on Leah’s entryway and porch. There are plenty of products that will adhere and repair the concrete.
Stone Walls: Dennis needs to know what kind of mortar to use for old stone walls that are two feet thick. We’ll tell him about the right mortar mix for stonework.

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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Best Way to Warm Up a Chilly Room | 4 Terrific Tub Tune-ups | The Dangers of Gutters Gone Bad | Ep #2264 Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Gutter Maintenance: Faulty gutters can cause expensive damage all around your home. Learn how to keep your gutters in shape.
Space Heaters: Want to warm up that chilly room? These space-age space heaters offer the perfect solution.
Bathtub Refinishing: Tired of seeing that ring around the bathtub? We’ve got 4 refinishing ideas for a tub that needs a good scrub.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Contractors: Is there a way to handle pushy contractors with bad attitudes? We offer Rita a suggestion on how to find the best home improvement contractors.
Pavers: George wants to know the best way to lock concrete pavers in place. He gets tips on how much space he needs and using a flexible patio border edging.
Wood Paneling: There’s dark wood paneling throughout Dena’s house. We tell her how to clean, sand, and prime the paneling before painting it over.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Condensation drips down the bathroom walls every time Brian uses the shower. He should get a more powerful exhaust fan that vents outside the house and be sure it runs long enough.
Window Drafts: It’s freezing in Renea’s apartment! We’ve got tips on using weatherstripping caulk and shrink film to seal the drafts around windows and sliding doors.
Hard Water: Even with a water softener system, mineral deposits are causing spots when Clair washes the cars. It’s time to have the water softener checked and serviced again.
Wallpaper Removal: Is there an easy way to remove layers of wallpaper? We tell Thomas how to cut, moisten, and loosen the paste or rent a wallpaper steamer.
Cleaning Garage Floors: Laurie’s garage floor is coated with layers of oil and grease. Her best bet is to power wash it with a TSP solution, then add an epoxy finish.
Stone Countertops: Is there a maintenance-free natural stone countertop? Quartz and concrete are good alternatives to granite, but Ross will still need to give them some amount of care.

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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