The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Repairs for Every Age Home | 4 Steps to Prep Your Lawn for Next Year | Air Cleaners vs. Air Purifiers | Ep #2253 Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Repairs: Knowing the age of your home can help you plan for expected repairs. Here’s how to determine when your home was built.
Lawn Care: Find out 4 steps to take now to get your lawn ready for winter and next year’s spring season.
Air Quality: Do you want to cover up odors in your home or actually eliminate them? Learn the difference between air cleaners and air purifiers.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Wet Basement: Beverly’s done all the right things to try and keep her basement dry, but the moisture persists. We’ll tell her how to find out if the problem is a leaky underground pipe that’s attached to the leaders and if she needs more downspouts.
Heating: Cathedral ceilings are keeping half of Ed’s house cooler than the rest. A split ductless HVAC system is an easy and efficient way to supplement the central air system.
Concrete Siding: Mary wants to know if she should caulk her newly installed concrete siding. Adhesive is all she needs, except for caulk she can use on nails that have broken through the siding.
Cement Floor: The dirt floor in a small hut needs to be finished. We’ve got instructions for Rob on how to tamp it down and pour cement to smooth it out.
Windows: When old vinyl windows won’t stay raised, it means the springs in the window jam have broken down. If replacement parts aren’t available, Natalie will need to replace the windows.
Floor Stains: Mike needs to get rid of pet urine stains on his wood floor. We’ve got advice on sanding and refinishing the floor, then sealing it with polyurethane.
Exterior Painting: We’ve got advice for Anna about painting over the masonry foundation of her house. The first step is to use a good primer so the exterior paint will stick.

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

Insulating an Old Home | Indoor Container Gardens | Chimney Cleaning | Ep #2252 Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Insulation: Insulating an older home can be complicated, but we’ve got info on the best way to get it done.
Indoor Gardening: When outdoor gardening season ends, you can keep things growing with an indoor container garden.
Chimney Cleaning: Before you light a fire for those chilly nights, have your chimney properly cleaned by a professional to keep things safe and warm.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Split Ductless Systems: Is there a way to compare the costs and efficiency of a split ductless system vs. a central HVAC system? Dave should start with a heat loss analysis and consider a system with smaller ducts that’s easier to install.
Carpeting: Sarah’s having a hard time scraping off old carpeting glue without damaging her subfloor. She’s better off pulling up the carpet and adding a new layer of plywood to create a smooth surface.
Permits: How can Tyler know when a permit is needed for a home project? It’s usually required for a home improvement or replacement, but not for a repair.
Asbestos: Nancy’s concerned that the ceiling tiles she wants to remove may have asbestos. It’s not likely, but there’s an easy way to get a tile sample tested for asbestos to be sure.
Bathtub Repair: Oops! After the kids dropped a can in the bathtub, it caused a crack that’s leaking. We tell Chuck about a repair kit he can use to create a fiberglass patch.
Screens: Florida winds keep blowing out sections of Pam’s screened porch. She’ll need to replace the soft vinyl screens with heavier metal screens that are sturdier and have more attachment points.
Heating: James is thinking of replacing his baseboard heat with an electric furnace. Installing a high-efficiency natural gas furnace is a better option.
Exterior Walls: An exterior retaining wall has a powdery white coating that’s spreading. Eunice learns that it’s efflorescence caused by absorbed moisture and is easy to clean off with a vinegar and water mixture.
Flooring: When laminate flooring boards start to separate, they can't be repaired. Rick will have to replace the floor instead, but has some affordable choices.

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

5 Inexpensive Kitchen Updates | 4 Water Heater Options | Hands-Free Faucets | Ep #2251 Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Kitchen Updates: Kitchen renovations can be costly, but we’ve got ideas on budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen.
Water Heaters: Is it time to replace your water heater? Find out about four options to fit your lifestyle, budget, and energy efficiency needs.
Hands-Free Faucets: When your hands are full, hands-free faucets are really convenient and have other advantages to offer, too.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Woodpeckers: That woodpecker tapping outside the house is damaging the siding. Denise learns some ways to discourage the woodpeckers from returning, plus options to replace her siding.
Restoring Concrete: Gary’s concrete porch is flaking, but we can suggest a DIY product to easily repair the concrete surface.
Glue Removal: There’s glue residue on the linoleum floor that Charlotte just had installed. There are products she can use to remove the glue, but she’ll need to be careful to avoid damaging the floor.
Metal Roofing: John’s been getting different opinions on what to put under his metal roof. We think plywood will be stronger, quieter, and easier to insulate than using lathe.
Flowerbeds: A flowerbed can look lovely, but how far from the house should it be? We give Michelle some advice on how to avoid drainage problems by grading it properly and not using edging that will retain water.
Plumbing Noises: Why is the sump pump in the basement making gurgling noises? Jack needs to check the venting in the pipes to make sure there’s enough airflow.
Rusty Siding: Galvanized nails are causing rust stains on Laura’s siding, but covering them with polyurethane won’t help. If they can’t be replaced with stainless steel nails, she can try using paint or solid stain to cover them up.
Roof Vents: Should Eric install more roof soffit vents? Replacing them with ventilated soffit material is a better option for keeping the house well-insulated.
Mold and Mildew: Is there an easier way to clean mold and mildew from exterior brick without damaging the mortar? There are a number of mildewcide products that Judy can use along with a gentle pressure washer.
Pests: Lorna doesn’t know where the fruit flies invading her kitchen are coming from. We’ve got a simple idea to clean and cover the garbage disposal drain to trap and eliminate the pests.
Solar Water Heater: Mark’s considering installing a solar water system. We agree it’s a good cost-effective choice for saving energy and discuss some options and resources.

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

Pro-Style Kitchen Ranges | Investing in a Home Standby Generator | Finding Hidden Storage Space | Ep #2250 Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Pro-Style Kitchen Ranges: Learn how a pro-style kitchen range improves your cooking power and adds value to your home.
Home Standby Generators: If your home loses power, having a standby generator is not just a convenience but also a good investment.
Storage Space: When it comes to storage space, every inch counts. Find out where to look for hidden storage options in your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Brick Walls: The dark brick wall in Cathy’s house needs some brightening up. We offer some ideas that may be better alternatives to painting the brick.
Smoke Odors: Lingering smoke odors are a persistent challenge in the house James just bought. We’ll tell him how to get rid of the smell that’s embedded in the carpeting, flooring, walls, and window treatments.
Painting: How should you paint over a ceiling that currently has oil-based paint that’s not sold anymore? Laura will need to clean the surface well and use latex-based paint with less sheen to hide imperfections.
Wet Basement: Bobby thinks the water in his basement is coming from a rising water table, but we’ll explain why the problem is really poor grading and drainage outside his house.
Insulation: Gonzalo is determined to seal any air leaks to make his home as energy efficient as possible. We have info about ways to test how well it’s insulated and why things shouldn’t be too airtight.
Household Pests: Pesky fruit flies are a nuisance. Karen finds out about an effective product that helps to trap flies and mosquitoes, too.
Portable Generator: Is there a convenient way to power up a portable generator since it’s unsafe to run it inside a house or garage? Tony can use a transfer switch instead of trying a DIY project to create a new socket through the wall.

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

Sound Proof Insulation | 3 Steps for Energy Efficiency | Infrared Heaters that Work | Ep #2249 Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Easy Energy Efficiency: Fall is not too late to make your home energy-efficient and comfortable with these 3 easy steps.
Insulation: New, easy to install, Thermafiber Fire & Sound Guard insulation but offers both sound resistance and fire protection.
Portable Infrared Heaters: Need some extra warmth in your room? Portable infrared heaters can keep things cozy while turning down the furnace to save money.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Driveway Repairs: What’s the best way to repair cracks in a concrete driveway? George learns the products to use to fill the gaps and seal his driveway.
Phone Lines: Donna is frustrated by phones that aren’t working when connected to the lines inside her home. We’ve got a suggestion on how to tell if the problem is her phones or the wiring.
Plumbing: What is causing a basement drain to back up when the washer and upstairs sink are used? We’ll explain to Kevin about using a lift pump to send the water into the main waste line.
Window Shutters: How can Lisa decide what color and style of shutters will look best on her house? Siding clips can be used to hold up the shutters temporarily without drilling holes before making a commitment.
Foundation Cracks: Tom’s got cracks in his basement floor and water seeping through the wall seams. We advise how to seal the cracks with epoxy and improve the outside drainage to keep the walls dry.
Backsplash Tiles: Putting up backsplash tiles is made easy with adhesive contact paper. We know the product that Audrey can use.
Electrical: Bob is shocked when he realizes the electrician he hired installed wiring throughout his house that’s not connected and is now covered up behind walls. We confirm it’s the contractor’s responsibility to fix it.
Brick Floor: A brick floor in an old farmhouse kitchen and dining room has layers of discolored wax that must be removed. Barb can try a wax stripping product before refinishing the floor and adding a new solvent-based wax polish.
Door Swing: The light switch is awkwardly located behind the door in Scott’s bathroom. It will be easier for him to move the switch to the other side rather than flip the swing of the door.

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

Heating Your Garage | Hidden Storm Damage | Storing Window Screens | Ep #2248 Oct 13, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Heating Your Garage: Find out how to heat your garage so you can comfortably do DIY projects all year.
Hidden Storm Damage: The impact of storms isn’t always obvious. Here are some things to look for around your home.
Storing Window Screens: The change of seasons is a great time to clean and store your window screens. Learn the best methods to keep them in good shape.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Gutters: A narrow area of space between neighboring homes keeps filling with water. We tell Allison how to improve drainage and waterproof her basement.
Bathroom Vanity: Nick needs to know how to attach the top of his bathroom vanity to the base. We’ll share tips about keeping it secure with plumbing, adhesive, and caulk.
Wall Tile: Can you cover garage cement walls with tile? Shen finds out it can be done and how to reduce moisture with a waterproof membrane under the tile.
Decking: Andrew wants to install a hot tub on top of a deck. We’ll share info about building a wood frame with extra support and using durable Trex decking for the surface.
Insulation: Janet’s home addition isn’t insulated, but the open area underneath may provide the easiest access to install insulation where it’s needed.
Drop Ceilings: A basement renovation includes updating the ceiling, too. Gonzalo gets advice on putting up drywall, leaving the ceiling exposed, or installing a new drop ceiling.
Ceramic Tile Floor: Replacing carpet with ceramic tile flooring left gaps under the door trim. We explain how Mike can add plinth block to close the gap.
Security Systems: Sherry wants to install a security system in her rural home. With a Wi-Fi connection, she’s got plenty of affordable DIY options to keep her home safe.
Travertine Tile: The travertine tile in Steve’s kitchen has spots where things were spilled and dulled the glossy finish. We’ll suggest some products to help clean, seal, and polish the tile surface.
Fireplaces: Lynne wants to reface her brick fireplace that’s surrounded by library paneling. Adhering tile is a great option that can give it a beautiful new look.
Vinyl Flooring: Is it necessary to add a sound barrier to a vinyl floor that’s installed over a cement slab? We tell Tim that the included floor padding should be enough to muffle sounds.

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

Power Generators | Exterior Home Improvements with Best ROI | Leaf Disposal | Ep #2247 Oct 10, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Power Generators: When the power goes out, should you have a portable generator or a standby generator? We’ll discuss both.
Exterior Home Improvements: What are the best exterior projects to improve curb appeal and provide a return on your investment? Find out from an expert.
Leaf Disposal: How can you get rid of all those autumn leaves that are covering your yard? We’ll talk about a few easy options.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Refinishing a Deck: Half of Teresa’s deck is made of new pressure-treated lumber and the other half is painted. We suggest she waits a while before prepping and painting the whole deck.
Energy Efficiency: How can Dane save money on his rising energy bills? Simple DIY tips like buying LED bulbs, installing a smart thermostat, and using drapes and blinds to block the sun are some solutions.
Log Home: Is there a way to fill cracks on the inside walls of Nina’s log home? Wood fillers may help for a while, but the cracks are common for a log home’s rustic look.
Asphalt Driveway: Nelson wants to seal his new asphalt driveway, but it’s too soon. Using a latex-based sealant next year is a better idea.
Crawlspace Moisture: There’s just dirt, a layer of cardboard, and a musty smell in Bridget’s crawlspace. She needs to remove the cardboard to prevent mold and termites, cover the soil, and make sure there’s enough ventilation.
Whole House Fans: What is the best location to install a whole house fan? Mike gets advice on where to place it to ventilate his house properly.
Plaster Walls: The sturdy cinderblock walls on Kay’s home are covered with brick on the outside but unsightly inside. We’ll discuss using a layer of plaster to create a smooth new surface.

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

Easy Ways to Cut Heating Bills | Choosing the Right Patio Heater | Improving Indoor Air Quality |Ep #2246 Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Heating Costs: If high heating bills are making your blood boil, you need these easy tips for cutting energy costs.
Patio Heaters: The right patio heater can extend your outdoor living well into fall. Find out how to choose the best one.
Air Quality: Eliminating odors is always better than just covering them up! We’ve got info about an air purifier that will have you breathing easily.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Wood Doors: Restoring solid walnut doors is worth the time and effort to get beautiful results. We’ll talk Mary through how to strip, sand, and refinish her wood doors to resist UV rays and last for years.
Fire Pits: James needs advice about installing a fire pit. We suggest an easy DIY fire pit kit that comes with everything he needs.
Stone Veneers: Can stone veneers be used to cover the walls of an old glazed block building? Greg learns it can be done with the right type of veneer adhesive.
Indoor Pests: What’s the best way to catch indoor pests if you don’t want to kill them? Leslie offers Dorothy some ideas about how to relocate centipedes and crickets and prevent them from returning to her basement.
Gravel Driveway: How should you maintain a gravel driveway? Keith gets info about using crushed gravel that will stay compact and costs less than asphalt.
Outdoor Shower: Elizabeth says that the water pressure has suddenly dropped, only in her outdoor shower. She may just need to disassemble the shower head and clean out any debris that’s clogging it up.
Brick Stains: The stains on a brick mailbox may be salt deposits. We give Louise some tips on using a vinegar solution to clean the stains and applying masonry sealant to protect the surface.
Deck Stain: Justin’s wood deck currently has a semi-transparent stain. It’s easy to apply a solid stain over it with the proper preparation.

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

Fantastic In-Floor Heating Systems | Best Air Purifiers | Low-Cost Solutions for Drafts | Ep #2245 Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Floor Heating Systems: If stepping onto a cold floor gives you the chills, find out about floor heating systems with smart new technology.
Air Purifiers: Trying to get rid of persistent odors from cooking, pets, smoking, and more? You’ll want to learn about these effective air purifiers.
Sealing Drafts: Renters may have limited options when it comes to eliminating drafts in their homes, but we’ve got some easy, low-cost solutions.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Kitchen Sinks: Trying to decide between a single sink or a double sink? We give Kathy some info on the advantages of large kitchen sinks that make them so popular.
Noisy Plumbing: Robert wants to reduce the noise from his drainage pipes. We’ve got tips to help muffle the sounds of the plumbing behind his walls.
Brick Steps: You don’t need to replace brick steps that are starting to separate and crumble. We tell Sandy how to repoint the concrete mortar instead.
Removing Moss: If you have unsightly moss on your asphalt shingle roof, there’s a solution. Roger gets suggestions on increasing sunlight, dissolving the moss, and adding copper flashing to prevent it from returning.
Restoring Old Furniture: Removing the paint and adding stain to an old wooden dresser can be a rewarding DIY project. Sherry gets step-by-step advice on how to do it.
Refinishing Wood Floors: After sanding his oak wood flooring, what product should Andrew use to refinish it? We’ll discuss clear varnishes and the prep work that’s needed.
Garage Floor Stains: Cleaning grease stains on a garage floor is a common DIY project. We’ll let Kathy know what product to use and how to paint the floor so it will be easy to clean.

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

Building a Greenhouse | How to Refinish Hardwood Floors | Hidden Costs of Home Improvements | Ep #2244 Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Greenhouses: Learn how to extend your gardening season by building a DIY greenhouse in your yard.
Hardwood Floors: Refinishing hardwood floors can be a time-consuming project with great results. Find out how to restore the beauty of old wood floors.
Home Improvement Costs: You may be overlooking a few items when you budget for that home improvement project. We’ll tell you about some hidden costs.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Carpenter Ants: When you take down a tree that’s infested with carpenter ants, where will they head next? Tom calms Anna’s worries about the pests going into her house.
Outdoor Steps: The railroad ties on Matt’s long flight of landscaping stairs are rotted out. We’ve got advice on an affordable alternative for rebuilding the steps that’s durable and easy to shovel.
Mold in Attic: Will adding blown-in insulation prevent mold in the attic? Tom explains why Kathy needs more ventilation, not more insulation, in her Cape Cod-style home.
Electrical: If you’ve changed your electrical wiring plans in your basement, what’s the best way to patch up the holes and start over? Katherine learns about disconnecting wires at the electrical panel and ways to cover the outlet holes.
Moisture Barriers: Moisture under Jonathan’s hardwood floor is causing it to swell and buckle. We’ve got suggestions about vapor barriers, drainage, and dehumidifiers.
Home Warranties: Diane wants to keep up with the maintenance on her newly built home. Tom tells her about a useful home maintenance checklist and the importance of her homebuyer warranty coverage.
Metal Roofing: The screened-in porch at Dan’s house gets way too hot because of the metal roof. He can deflect the sun’s UV rays and reduce the heat by applying a radiant coating to the roof.
Soundproofing: What’s the best way to block out the sounds of noisy neighbors next door? Adding a second layer of drywall and a green glue noise-proofing sealant may quiet things down a bit for Donna’s son.
Cracked Ceramic Tile: Should ceramic tile flooring with hairline cracks be repaired or replaced? Valerie’s best option is to remove the cracked pieces and replace them with tiles that are the same or something complementary.

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