The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Are Your Pipes in Danger of Freezing? | Sleep Soundly with a Better Mattress | Remodel Your Bathroom in Time for Holiday Guests | Ep #2263 Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes that break are a winter worry that can cause expensive damage. Find out how to keep your pipes from freezing.
Choosing a Mattress: The right mattress can help you sleep soundly and avoid an aching back. Learn what to look for when mattress shopping.
DIY Bathroom Remodel: Want to remodel your bathroom in time for the holidays? It can be done with these DIY tips.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

New Flooring: Do you need to strip a stained concrete floor before installing a new floor over it? Ted’s got lots of DIY options for floating flooring that doesn’t require any prep work.
Old Wiring: Sandra’s house has very old knob and tube wiring and she’s starting to update her kitchen. Brittle, ungrounded wiring can be dangerous, so it’s time to update the electrical system.
Fireplace Cleaning: How do you clean the creosote in a wood-burning fireplace? Bill gets suggestions on what to use depending on how much soot there is, plus safety advice on proper venting.
Sealing Concrete: The vinyl siding on Peggy’s home goes all the way down to the concrete slab and traps moisture. It’s nearly impossible to seal, so she’ll need to remove some of the bottom siding and install rubberized flashing.
Storm Windows: Should single-pane double-hung windows be replaced with insulated windows? Upgrading his storm windows may be all that Ron needs to do.
Garage Flooring: There’s a low spot in the garage floor where water pools and freezes. Mona can try a patching compound to level the floor or modular garage flooring tiles to provide drainage and traction.
Painting Doors: The layers of paint on Mark’s exterior metal door keep curling. He’ll have to remove the door, then strip, sand, and prime it so a new coat of paint can adhere properly.
Cement Repair: An area of the porch that’s been cemented over keeps breaking off. Denise should use a patching product for better adhesion instead of adding cement on top of cement.

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 Way to Budget Home Projects | Hassle-Free Wallpaper Removal | Easy Compost Tips for Leaves | Ep #2262 Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Improvement Costs: What are the most popular home renovation projects and what do they cost? How to budget for remodels and repairs.
Wallpaper Removal: Getting rid of outdated wallpaper can be a chore, but we’ve got tips on making wallpaper removal less of a hassle.
Composting Leaves: Once all those fall leaves have been raked up, don’t just drag them to the curb. Find out how to compost leaves for next year’s garden.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Electrical Wiring: An old home has a mix of old and new outlets and wiring. Lisa learns why it’s always safer to update electrical wiring and outlets and keep things grounded.
Updating Formica: Mark needs to make his dark Formica countertop lighter. We offer info on a great product that gives the beautiful look of granite.
Wood Countertop: Anne wants to install an undermount sink with a hardwood kitchen countertop. We caution her that wood is hard to maintain and suggest some easier alternatives.
Exterior Paint: Why does exterior paint keep bubbling and chipping even after the siding was primed? The previous paint job may not have been done properly, so Dana will have to strip the surface and use a bonding primer, then repaint.
Cleaning Windows: Is there a lazy way to clean windows? Marie will still need some effort to avoid streaking and clouding on the windows.
Metal Roofing: Where can you find information about the different grades of metal roofing? Joe learns about a helpful website with lots of details on why metal roofs are a good investment.
Plumbing: Mary will be installing a whole house water filter but doesn’t know where the underground lines are. We tell her where to look for the location of the main water valve inside her home, where the filter will be attached.
Sink Insulation: Is there a way to insulate a kitchen sink to keep standing water warm? Jim may need to get creative with spray foam insulation or an insulating blanket.
Wet Basement: After a long drought, Cindy is suddenly getting moisture in her basement when it rains. She’ll need to check the drainage in her gutters, downspouts, and grading around the house to solve the problem.
Cabinet Hardware: The selection of doorknobs and cabinet hardware that Russell has found is disappointing. We’ve got tips on finding more variety through cabinet hardware websites to update his kitchen.

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

Improve Your Driveway Approach | Heat Up Those Chilly Spaces | Trash Talk: DIY Garbage Disposal Fixes | Ep #2261 Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Driveway Stains: Tired of coming home to a worn-out driveway? Get ways to clean and seal driveway surfaces.
Space Heaters: Chilly rooms are an age-old problem, but space-age space heaters offer the perfect solution.
Garbage Disposals: Has your garbage disposal gotten its fill of holiday leftovers? We’ve got DIY tips on how to clear the jam safely and get it running again.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Repairing Stone and Brick: Mindy has multiple areas in her porch, steps, and brick that need repair. We have recommendations on what to use to restore the surfaces.
Wood Siding: Can faded Western Red Cedar siding be restored or should it be replaced with pine siding? Mike will need to use solid stain either way, but unless it’s deteriorated, keeping the cedar siding is the more durable option.
Tile Grout: The grout around the ceramic tiles looks dull and chalky. We give Joyce DIY tips on how to easily carve out the top layer of the old grout, then apply and seal new grout in its place.
Weather Stripping: Jim is trying to get his doors to fit more tightly against the weather stripping. The easiest solution may be to adjust the lock strike plate to press the door in more firmly.
Drainage Systems: The builder of Jill’s new home recommends installing a double set of drainage systems, but is it overkill? We agree it’s the right thing to do, and offer tips on grading, downspouts, and gutters.
Painting: What is the proper order to paint the walls and baseboards in a room? Using masking tape to protect the edges, Jake should paint the trim first and then the walls.
Insulation: Why is it always hotter or colder upstairs than in the rest of the house? Linda should add some blown-in insulation and cover her whole house fan in winter.
Crawl Space: Why should you install a plastic vapor barrier and close the vents in a basement crawl space? Floyd learns how they help in preventing basement moisture.

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

Leaky Roof? Know When to Repair or Replace It | Washers and Dryers Can Be a Dangerous Duo | Heat Pumps for Frigid Weather | Ep #2260 Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Roofing: Find out whether it’s time to repair or replace that old, leaky roof and how to make roof shingles last.
Washers and Dryers: Washers and dryers can cause leaks and fires if they’re not properly maintained. Here’s what to do.
Heat Pumps: When temperatures plummet, you’ll want an energy-efficient heat pump system to improve comfort and air quality in your home. Know what to look for.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Soundproofing: Is your upstairs neighbor a ceiling stomper? Hopefully the noisy neighbor will agree to add soundproofing to the flooring while Tony uses soft goods to absorb the echo in his own apartment.
HVAC: Gina has been advised to upgrade to a high-efficiency boiler with a direct vent system. We agree it’s worth the higher cost, which will be offset by rebates and energy savings, plus added home value.
Concrete Repair: Need to fix cracks in a stamped concrete patio? Scott gets tips on how to color silicone caulk to match the existing concrete.
Garage Insulation: Is it a good idea to insulate a detached garage? It’s worth adding spray foam insulation and fiberglass wallboard in case Christine decides to heat the garage in the future.
Concrete Block Stains: The leaky cellar windows have been replaced and the problem stopped, but Ross still has stains on the concrete block wall. It should be easy to remove the efflorescence with a wire brush and apply concrete paint.
Water Heater: Yuck! Lots of gunk came out of the old water heater when it was emptied. Gwen gets advice on draining the new water heater regularly to keep hard water mineral deposits from settling at the bottom.
Refinishing Concrete: David’s concrete patio has gotten faded from the sun. We suggest some products for cleaning, staining, and refinishing the patio to make it attractive and durable.
Sealing Gaps: There’s a recurring gap between the bottom doorsill and the concrete walkway behind Julianne’s house. We’ll tell her how to apply epoxy repair cement that will work better than the silicone caulking she’s been using.

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

Hard-to-Kill House Plants | Self-Storing Window Screens that Disappear | Cut Hot Water Heating Costs | Ep #2259 Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Hard-to-Kill House Plants: Find out the easiest to care for indoor house plants to bring live greenery inside your home and keep them thriving all winter long!
Disappearing Window Screens: Storing your window screens is a lot easier with an innovative new product from Pella Windows that offers convenience and a beautiful view.
Hot Water Heating: High energy costs got you down? We’ve got 5 ways to save energy and reduce your hot water heating bills

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Soundproofing: Want to block out the sounds of those noisy upstairs neighbors? We have two suggestions for Gloria on how to soundproof her ceiling to muffle those loud footsteps.
Patching Concrete: What’s the best way to patch the concrete driveway near a garage? John gets a recommendation on a product that makes it fast, easy, and durable.
Cleaning Siding: Water runoff from the narrow gutters is staining the aluminum siding of Patricia’s home. Cleaning products may help, but it might really be an erosion of the siding finish that needs painting instead.
Insulation: Blown-in insulation around the ceiling AC ducts has gotten compressed over time. Robert gets tips on whether to remove the old insulation and start over or add more insulation to supplement what’s there.
Windows: Old steel-framed windows that are screwed into brick walls are hard to repair. Deanne is better off hiring a professional who can measure and install replacement windows that will fit just right.
Basement Walls: Brenda wants to know the best wall materials to use when renovating her basement. She should leave space between the concrete block wall and the framing to allow moisture to evaporate and use fiberglass-faced drywall.
Propane Stove: How can Glen replace a wood-burning stove with a propane heat stove? He gets info on installing a propane burner and converting from natural gas.
Sinking Concrete: A poured concrete slab for a porch is sinking because the sand wasn’t packed properly. Charles will have to break up the slab and fill the space before pouring new concrete.
Countertops: Sam’s Formica kitchen countertop expands and contracts, pulling away from the wall. We offer tips on adding a foam backer rod to fill the gap and using caulk so she can install a backsplash.

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

Fireplace Safety | Energy-Saving Window Treatments | Winterize Your Sprinkler System | Ep #2258 Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Fireplace Safety: Fireplaces are a common cause of home heating fires. Learn how to maintain your fireplace to stay safe and warm.
Window Treatments: The right window treatments can save you money on energy bills while adding style to your home. Find out the best options.
Sprinkler Systems: Winterizing your sprinkler system now can prevent big repairs when spring arrives. We’ll discuss three ways to winterize your system.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Insulation: Dan converted his back porch and wants to insulate the floor but has limited access to the tight space underneath. His only options may be having someone spray foam insulation or digging out a crawlspace.
Painting: A contractor did a poor job spray painting Anna’s doors with the wrong kind of paint. She’ll need to start over by using a citrus-based product to remove the paint, then using an oil-based primer and good-quality paint to do it right.
Wood Paneling: What’s the best way to cover up dark wood paneling in a 1970s-era home? David can either try to remove the paneling without damaging the drywall or paint the paneling with a matte finish to brighten it up.
Glue Removal: The carpet in Sylvia’s old kitchen is glued to the subfloor and she wants to replace it with hardwood flooring. A citrus adhesive remover will soften the glue so she can even it out and then she can add a new layer of subfloor.
Bathroom Floor: Alfred would like to install a commercial-style floor covering that rises up a few inches of his bathroom walls. It may be costly, but he would need to have a shower pan built for the entire bathroom and then cover it with tile.
Windows: The tall, narrow windows in Marlise’s house aren’t supposed to open, but they’ve slid down into the frame and left big gaps at the top. She’ll have to find a way to slide the windows back up and secure them in place.
Columns: The porch columns in front of an old house are starting to rot again after being replaced once before. We tell Carol how to protect the columns from water damage and what to know about reinforcing the support.
Water Pressure: It’s not that funny when Brad’s son flushes the toilet and the water in the shower gets cold. He’ll want to install a pressure balance valve in the shower to regulate the water temperature.

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

Environmentally-Friendly Concrete | High Tech Space Heaters | Stopping Stink Bugs | Ep #2257 Nov 14, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Environmentally-Friendly Concrete: A new carbon-eating concrete will make truly green buildings possible.We’ll discuss this new earth-friendly construction material.
Space Heaters: Would you like to warm up a chilly area of your home? We share innovations in space heaters that can increase your comfort like never before.
Stink Bugs: It’s stink bug season, when these creepy pests try to head indoors. We’ll share tips on how to keep stink bugs from invading your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Hard Water: What is the best system to use if you’ve got hard water in your home? We’ll tell Brian why a traditional salt-based water conditioner is better than a salt-free type to treat his whole house.
Cement Stains: The uncovered portion of Linda’s cement porch is peeling and looks terrible. We suggest a product she can use that’s quick, easy, durable, and much more attractive than repainting the cement surface.
Roofing: Randy wants to know if his metal roof is ventilated well enough after the contractor removed some vents. We reassure him that it should be fine with the proper insulation and venting already in place.
Countertops: Is it possible to smooth down the surface of a countertop with a leathered texture? Ann finds out that a granite countertop would be easier to replace, but she may be able to refinish a laminate surface.
Home Improvement ROI: Tom wants to know how to calculate the return on investment of home improvements. We discuss the cost vs. value analysis to determine ROI.
Water Heaters: Is a tankless water heater a good option? Pete finds out that tankless water heaters are dependable, affordable, and offer high energy efficiency.
Windows: Should you try to repair old double-pane windows that won’t open or close properly anymore? Donna would be better off replacing her 20-year-old windows instead of trying costly or ineffective repairs.
Heating: Bob is trying to decide between natural gas heat or oil heat. With oil prices rising, natural gas heat is a good optionthat’s more efficient and more affordable, with rebates and free utility installation often available.
Pocket Doors: The sliding pocket doors in James’ bathroom are starting to wear out. We’ll share tips on how to lubricate the rollers or remove the doors to replace the mechanisms.
Concrete Stains: Trees are dropping acorns that are staining the concrete driveway. Gail will need a bleach solution and a scrub brush to stay ahead of the dark 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.

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

Hot Water from Your Garden Hose | Snow Removal Options | DIY Attic Insulation | Ep #2256 Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Hot Water Outdoors: The convenience of hot water from your hose is now an option. Learn more about a great new product that makes it possible.
Snow Removal Options: Do you need a snow blower or a snow thrower? Here’s what to know before winter snow starts falling.
Attic Insulation: Blown-in insulation for your attic can now be a DIY project with an easy-to-use machine that gets the job done fast.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Accessible Bathrooms: Randy wants to remove an old bathtub and make his bathroom handicapped accessible. We tell him about design kits that offer customized components that seal out water and can meet various needs.
Foggy Windows: Why do those old windows keep fogging over? The thermal pane windows in Sarah’s home have lost their insulation seal and there’s moisture trapped inside. Her best option is to replace them.
Pressure Washing: What is the best, pet-safe way to pressure wash mildew from your siding? We’ve got info for Randy about a green product that’s specifically made for pressure washers and is safe for pets.
Elevators: Is it possible to install an elevator in an existing two-story home? Rosalie learns that new technology is making it more common.
Pipe Insulation: When contractors moved Caesar’s washer and dryer up against a cold outside wall, they didn’t properly insulate the drain pipe. We’ve got instructions on how to cut open the drywall and correct the problem.
Kitchen Range: The commercial stove in Cindy’s kitchen is a fire risk next to her wood cabinets. Her best option is to contact the manufacturer to find out the specs for proper installation to keep things safe.
Retaining Wall: A retaining wall in Howard’s yard is starting to lean over because of expansion caused by moisture. We’ve got advice on taking apart the landscaping blocks and adding stone for drainage, then rebuilding the retaining wall at a better angle.
Lighting: Patrice loves the look of LED lighting for her bathroom but hates exposed wires. We offer ideas on ways to hide the cords instead of having to use battery-powered light 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.

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

Drafty Windows | Standby Generators | Hiring a Home Improvement Professional | Ep #2255 Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Drafty Windows: When cold weather sets in, you’ll want to find and seal up any drafts in your windows. Here’s what to do.
Standby Generators: If your home loses power, having a reliable standby generator can be crucial. We’ve got recommendations.
Hiring a Home Improvement Professional: Not all home projects can be done by DIY-ers. We’ve got info on hiring the right professional for the job.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Damp Basement: Holly’s basement floor is cracked and changes color after it rains because it’s absorbing moisture from around the perimeter of her home. We’ll explain how to improve the drainage and keep things dry.
Insulation: What is the difference between closed-cell and open-cell foam insulation? Michael learns about comparing the total R values, which one is best for moist areas, and the need for correct installation.
Musty Odors: That persistent musty smell means Sandy has excessive moisture and humidity in her basement. We’ll discuss gutters, downspouts, grading, sealing the walls, and using the right size dehumidifier.
Air Conditioner Vents: Condensation on the AC vents keeps dripping and staining the ceiling in Stanley’s Florida home. Because it’s so humid, he needs to insulate the air conditioning ducts
Marble Surface: Gary removed the stain from his marble table and now wants to seal the surface. There are products he can use to seal and polish the glaze.
Light Switches: The light switches in Ken’s home need to be in a certain position to control two locations. It seems like he has a three-way switch that wasn’t wired correctly.
Water Quality: Colleen’s well water is high in sodium and calcium and her water softener needs to be replaced. We suggest a salt-based water conditioner for her 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

Most-Purchased Home Improvement Products | Garage Doors Add Value | Carbon Monoxide Danger | Ep #2254 Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Improvement Products: What home improvement products are most in demand? We find out what items are purchased most often.
Garage Doors: New garage doors provide the best ROI on your home. Here’s what to look for when installing new ones.
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide poses a real danger and can come from various sources. Learn what you can do to keep your family safe.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Wood Decks: After tearing down an old deck made of untreated lumber, David wants to know how to choose the wood for a new deck. We explain how to compare the ratings of pressure-treated wood depending on how it’s used.
Cedar Shingles: Ivy may look lovely on exterior walls, but it causes lots of problems. We have advice for Lauren about restoring or replacing her cedar siding after removing the overgrown ivy.
Floors: Is that dip in the bathroom floor caused by decay or a structural defect? Daniel finds out the most common cause and how to repair the floor to make it level again.
Plumbing: Kate just discovered that her kitchen plumbing vent is sealed. It may have been overlooked when the vent was pressure-tested, but it should be okay to leave it alone if it’s not causing any problems.
Insulation: What is the best way to upgrade insulation that’s blown into an attic? It’s a DIY project, but Doug needs to remove the old insulation first before adding new blown-in insulation that will provide a solid, targeted application.
Molding: The nice bullnose corner molding in Natasha’s house has gotten dented over the years. We’ve got instructions on how to repair and repaint the molding without having to remove it.
Window Leaks: The way Adam’s bay window and skylight line up seems to be causing some leaks. We’ll tell him how to add a diverter on the roof to redirect the water and put caulk around the windows to seal them better.

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