The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

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**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:

Upgraded Gutters | Healthier Insulation | Waterproofing Shower Windows | Ep #2243 Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Upgraded Gutters: Find out how installing and maintaining better gutters help manage water drainage and prevent damage inside and outside your home.
Healthier Insulation: Indoor air quality begins with healthy products inside your walls. We share info on safe, reliable, and convenient fiberglass insulation.
Shower Windows: Old homes often have shower windows. Learn how to keep bathroom window interiors dry to avoid the spread of moisture and mold.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Vinyl Flooring: Angela is tempted to paint her old vinyl floor that’s gotten yellow, but we explain why it’s not a good idea and suggest some affordable flooring options.
HVAC Systems: How can you reduce excessive indoor dust? We’ve got tips for Joe on upgrading his HVAC filters and installing a whole-house electronic air cleaner.
Shower Inserts: That lime green fiberglass shower insert has got to go, but Peg’s not sure if it should be reglazed or removed. We’ll tell her the better option to update her bathroom.
Flagpoles: What’s the best way to fly your flag if you’re having trouble attaching a flagpole? Tom explains what Linda should do to reinforce a flagpole bracket outside her door.
Wildlife Pests: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck? Al’s not sure, but they’re digging deep holes that are destroying his property. We’ve got a suggestion on how to humanely remove and relocate some wildlife pests.
Contractor Problems: After a home fire, Beth has been scammed by a contractor she hired and wants to know what to do. This may be a situation that requires legal action.
Water Sensors: Do water sensors really work? Doug learns why they’re worth the investment to detect leaks and frozen pipes.

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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Preparing for Storm Season | Hard-to-Paint Surfaces | Composting Tips | Ep #2242 Sep 22, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Storm Preparation: Is your home prepared for storm season? Take some important steps to avoid damage and power failure when severe weather strikes.
Painting Challenges: Some surfaces, such as vinyl siding and cast-iron tubs, can be hard to paint. We’ve got advice on refinishing difficult surfaces.
Composting Tips: Fall is a great time to use all those grass clippings and leaves to start a compost pile. Find out what’s needed and how to do it.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Fire Pits: Is a homemade fire pit better than a metal version that may get rusty? Katherine is deciding between buying a metal fire pit that’s convenient and can last for several years or building a fire pit with bricks or pavers using DIY kits.
Roofing: Should you remove existing roof shingles before installing a metal roof? Metal roofs are a great investment, but we’ve got advice for Craig about the advantages of removing the existing layers first.
Tree Roots: Massive tree roots are making it hard to build a backyard deck. We have two suggestions for Nancy on how to design her deck or remove the roots.
Spiders: Will can’t get rid of the daddy long-leg spiders in his garage. Tom has a few ideas on natural insecticides, cleaning out nests, and using traps to keep spiders away.
Jacuzzi Bathtub: What can be done with a jacuzzi bathtub that has mold in the pipes and a fading finish? Robin learns some simple DIY solutions to clean out the plumbing and jets, but reglazing the tub won’t be that easy.
Insulation: How effective are radiant barriers in deflecting heat? We discuss insulation and ridge venting tips with Steve to help him save energy.
Heated Flooring: Donna is looking for the best heated flooring for her home. We have helpful info about the conveniences of radiant floor heating systems.
Exhaust Fans: What causes mold around a bathroom exhaust fan? Eric finds out how to prevent this common problem with better ways to control moisture and humidity in the room.

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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DIY or Hire a Pro? | House Insulation | Time Spent on Home Maintenance | Ep #2241 Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Hiring a Contractor: Should you DIY or hire a pro for your home project? Learn how to decide whether doing it yourself is a good idea.
House Insulation: Adding insulation is the best way to save on home heating and cooling costs. Find out new options to make it an easier DIY project.
Home Maintenance: Do all those home maintenance projects seem like they never end? Here’s how much time most homeowners spend doing them each year.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Mold and Mildew: There’s a musty odor in Gail’s house after it rains and she’s not sure how to detect mold. We’ll tell her how to prevent moisture with better ventilation, dehumidification, and drainage.
Windows: Can old casement windows be replaced with double-hung windows? Russ finds out the challenges of what’s involved.
Driveway: What are the best options for fixing a driveway with cracks? We’ve got advice for Karen on what to use to repair most of her driveway and how to replace the sagging apron.
Water Heater: A tankless water heater and a hot water recirculation system can be just what Charlie needs for his large home that is sometimes vacant. Find out the advantages of replacing his two existing water heaters.

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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Trex Transcend Deck Kit Tips | Hot Water Recirculating Pumps | Air Purifiers | Ep #2240 Sep 15, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Building a Deck: If you’re planning to build a new composite deck this fall, we’ve got tips on the Trex Transcend Deck Kit to make it an easy DIY project.
Hot Water Recirculating Pumps: Tired of waiting for the water to heat up for your morning shower? Learn how to save time, money, and water with a hot water recirculating pump.
Air Purifiers: When it comes to odors in your home, you want to eliminate them rather than just cover them up. Find out the advantages of using an effective air purifier.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Shelving: Shelving provides stylish space for storing and displaying things, but what’s the best way to hang shelves? We’ve got tips for Ellie on how to properly anchor shelves for the weight they’re supporting.
Insulation: Do radiant barriers used with insulation in the attic really help to reduce temperatures? Marcus learns that they can be a good option that does work but must be installed properly.
Cracked Concrete Floor: Lori has some fairly minor cracks in her concrete flooring and finds out how to easily patch them with some DIY products.
Central Vacuum System: What can cause condensation and water to build up in the pipes of a central vacuum system? We explain to Sean where the moisture is coming from and how to insulate the vacuum pipes.
Garage Floor Stains: Winston has stains on his cement garage floor that won’t come out. Tom has a suggestion on how to resurface the porous floor with an epoxy coating.
Gardening: The grapevines in George’s garden are turning brown and the grapes are falling off. A fungal disease is probably the culprit but can be treated with a fungicide.
Vinyl Siding: Installing vinyl siding on a shed is Beverly’s next DIY project, but she’s not sure whether to use screws or nails. We tell her the best type of fastener and how to make sure the vinyl siding doesn’t buckle.
Laminate Flooring: Can you close the seams on laminate flooring that’s starting to separate? When a floating floor isn’t installed right, Rich’s only option will be to take it apart and replace it.

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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DIY Childproofing Tips | Paying for Home Renovations | How to Repair Concrete | Ep #2239 Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Childproofing: Are you overlooking ways to keep your child safe at home? We’ve got some important and easy childproofing tips.
Home Renovation Costs: It may be easier to renovate an old home rather than buy a new one, but home renovation costs can be expensive. Hear some advice on how to pay for your home projects.
Concrete Repair: Chipped, cracked, or worn-out concrete is a common problem that often needs repeated repairs. We’ll tell you how to fix concrete the right way the first time so you won’t have to do it over again.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Fencing: Hope needs a fenced-in yard for her dogs but wonders what fence material is best for ground that’s near a creek. We suggest an attractive choice and how to set the fence posts so water won’t be a problem.
Heating: Would a heat pump in Robert’s home that already has electric baseboard heat, good insulation, and thermal windows be even more efficient in keeping things warm? We’ll discuss the best use of a heat pump and how to coordinate it with other options.
Wet Basement: After a torrential rainstorm, Lynn discovers water gushing around the pipe into her basement. We’ve got DIY advice on how to seal the weak area of the wall and ways to divert water away from the house.
Windows: A large old single-pane window isn’t very energy-efficient. Darryl finds out some window improvement options, including installing a new double-pane window, using solar shades or UV coating, and adding insulation.
Wasps: Of all the outdoor pests at Gail’s house, the wasps are the worst and keep building nests on her home siding. Sticky traps and natural repellents can help keep the wasps under control.

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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Insulating Your Attic | Patio Heater Options | Buying a Foreclosed Home | Ep #2238 Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Attic Insulation: Did you know attic insulation is the single most cost-effective way to keep your home comfy and cut energy costs? Find out how to insulate your house from the top down.
Patio Heaters: Would you like to enjoy your outdoor living space even after the weather turns chillier? Learn about some great patio heater options to extend your outdoor entertainment season.
Foreclosed Homes: With home prices so expensive, you may be tempted to buy a foreclosed home to get a deal. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of buying foreclosed properties.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Building a Dock: Composite decking materials are durable and long-lasting, but are they the best choice for building a dock at a Florida waterfront home? We’ve got some advice for Dennis on the benefits and downsides to consider.
Roofing: Will a tarp help prevent heavy snow buildup on a log cabin roof in winter weather? LaDonna learns how effective a tarp may be and what other options to consider for removing snow from her roof.
Insulation: Chandler wants to use spray foam insulation in his attic but is worried about overheating and shortening the life of his roof shingles. We address his concerns and explain why it shouldn’t pose a problem.
Cedar Siding: Is it better to paint or stain cedar shingle siding that’s starting to fade? Cindy finds out why a solid stain may look better and last longer than paint, with less maintenance.
Light Fixtures: What’s causing the bulbs in a light fixture to flicker when the hot water is turned on? We enlighten Russ on why this odd issue may be happening when his hot water heater kicks in.
Squeaky Floors: An old house with wood floors has its charms, but Amanda’s squeaking floor isn’t one of them. We offer step-by-step DIY tips on how to find the source of the noise and tighten those floor joists.
Leaking Faucets: When old spigots outside the house start to leak, should they be repaired or replaced? We’ve got info for Tom about some DIY plumbing repair kits that can help with this common problem.
Damp Clothes Dryer: Sherry has noticed that clothes left in the dryer are coming out damp, even after they’ve been completely dried. Condensation may be the issue and we tell her some ways to try dehumidifying the area.
Termites: Termites in Glen’s Florida home are becoming pesky pests. We discuss whether the pest control company’s recommendation for Borax insulation in the attic will be effective in controlling them.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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Smart Homes Made Easy | Improved Insulation | Optimizing Small Home Office Space | Ep #2237 Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Smart Home Devices: How hard is it to create a smart home? We’ll look at popular new devices to make your home smarter, safer, more convenient, more energy-efficient, and more fun!
Improved Insulation: Installing fiberglass insulation is now easier and less itchy with a new product that’s strong, yet soft as cotton. Find out what it is, just in time to insulate your home for fall and winter.
Home Office Space: Working from home in a small space can be a challenge. We’ve got ideas on how to organize and optimize any area for a home office.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Wet Basement: Beverly’s wet basement doesn’t need a French drain; it just requires an easy fix with improved outside drainage to keep the water away. We’ll tell her what to try to keep the basement dry.
Insect Stains: The swarm of flies outside Mike’s house is leaving stains all over the siding that are hard to clean off. We’ve got suggestions on a treatment to apply to help clean the siding and how to keep on top of the fly problem.
Flooring Options: Finding bedroom flooring to match the flooring in other rooms of Char’s home is a challenging design issue. Comparing floor samples might help her decide.
Water Heater Problem: Is one water heater enough to direct hot water to the far side of a large home? Stewart may want to decide between installing a second water heater or a hot water recirculating system.
Painting Over a Stain: After Sarah’s roof leak was fixed, it left a ceiling stain that paint won’t cover. Priming it first will help her get the yellow ceiling white again.
Brick Wall Cracks: What’s causing the long, wide vertical crack in a brick wall behind Jim’s garage? He’ll need a structural engineer to see if it’s an active or inactive crack and a contractor to make the right repairs.
Popcorn Ceiling: Dirty popcorn ceilings can’t really be cleaned; they must be repainted or removed instead. We’ve got step-by-step advice for Margaret on how to update her old ceiling.

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

Planning a Bathroom Remodel | Disposal of Used Building Materials | DIY Paint Spraying | Ep #2236 Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Bathroom Remodel: Are you planning a bathroom remodel? We’ve got important tips to stay on schedule and on budget while reducing stress.
Disposal of Used Building Materials: Once you’ve finished that renovation project, how do you get rid of old appliances and used materials? Here are some helpful suggestions.
Paint Spraying: If you’re tackling a big painting project, an airless paint sprayer can help you get the job done in a third of the time. Find out our recommendations to make your next DIY painting project easier.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Paneling: The 1970s called and they want their wood paneling back! Ashley finds out how to remove old paneling from her walls, insulate the space behind it, and install moisture-resistant drywall in its place.
Composite Decking: Can you replace old decking with Trex materials installed on an existing deck frame? Mike learns it can easily be done, but what to check for when ripping up the current deck.
Roof Preservation: How reliable is a product that claims to seal and rejuvenate roof shingles so that they’ll last longer? Debbie finds out about a cost-saving way to extend the life of her roof and how it works.
Cracked Patio: When you need to repair cracks on a cement stamped patio, are you able to match the color of the cement? We explain to Tom that it’s important to fill the cracks but why clear caulk may be his best option.
Toilet Stains: What’s causing the dirty ring to keep reappearing in Cindy’s toilets, no matter how often she cleans them? We’ve got tips on some products that help eliminate toilet stains.
Flooring Adhesive: Vito has some used flooring that he wants to install in his bathroom, but it won’t stick. We have advice on flooring adhesive and how to apply it.
Crawlspace: Is there an easier way to remove excess dirt under the crawlspace of a house? Bowen’s considering a tough job that must be done by hand and finds out some concerns about exposing too much of the home’s footings.

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

Planning a Home Addition | Standby Generators | Worst Mold-Causing Household Item | Ep #2235 Aug 29, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Home Additions: If you need a bigger home for your growing family, a home addition may be your best option. Here’s how to plan a home expansion.
Standby Generators: Losing power is a common headache after seasonal storms, but a reliable standby generator will keep the lights on and ensure your HVAC and appliances are up and running. We’ve got recommendations.
Preventing Mold: This common household item is one of the biggest causes of mold. Find out what it is and how to keep mold at bay.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Water Heater: What’s that leak under the hot water heater in Michael’s garage? It’s probably just the pressure relief valve, but it may still be time to replace the old water heater.
Termite Trouble: Heather’s about to buy a home, but a termite tunnel was found in the garage. We’ve got advice about termite inspection and who should pay for any termite damage and treatment.
Indoor/Outdoor Carpet: Does indoor/outdoor carpeting in a screened-in porch require an underlayer to prevent moisture? Tom has a unique suggestion on a product that Kendall could use.
Deck Stain: Phyllis asks if she really needs to wait six months before staining the deck she just replaced. Find out why treated lumber needs some time before stain is applied.
Lightbulbs: Fluorescent vs. LED and watts vs. lumens: Stuart wants to know the pros, cons, and differences when choosing among different types of lightbulbs.
Cooling the Attic: When Mary replaces her old shingles with an architectural roof, should she remove the attic fan? Tom recommends cooling the attic with a ridge vent instead.
Sliding Patio Doors: Hardened grit in the sliding door is making it difficult for Tracy to open and close. We’ve got tips on the best ways to clean out the gunk and keep things moving smoothly.
Houseflies: There’s more than just air coming from the ducts in Nels’ house; the furnace is blowing out flies, too. He needs to find and eliminate the nest.

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

Designing a Social Front Yard | Easy Deck Makeover | Tree Stump Removal | Ep #2234 Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Social Front Yard: Want to expand your outdoor living space? Try designing an inviting social front yard where you can relax and entertain.
Deck Makeover: If your deck is ready to be replaced or updated, you’ll want to check out a great composite deck kit that makes it an easy DIY project.
Tree Stump Removal: Taking down trees means dealing with the stumps that are left behind. Find out your options for removing tree stumps.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

Removing a Wall: Can tearing down a wall between two rooms be a DIY project or do you need a contractor? Tom gives Sharon some advice on what to consider and how much of the work she can do herself.
Staining a Deck: When prepping a deck to be stained, should it only be cleaned or should you sand it, too? Howard finds out what to do to make his deck stain last longer.
HVAC Problems: Rose is having trouble heating and cooling a room addition, but learns about a ductless HVAC system that offers the perfect solution to keep things comfortable.
Mold Issues: Why is mold taking over Dan’s pole building? We explain what is causing the mold to grow, how to properly treat it, and ways to prevent it.
Home Humidity: A new heat pump isn’t removing the humidity in Pat’s home, but what she really needs is a dehumidifier. We’ve got tips on the types of home dehumidifiers she can consider.
Damp Basement: After replacing an outside downspout with a cement splash block, Kevin’s having problems with moisture in his basement. Tom advises him on how to move the water away by extending the downspout or using underground piping.
Garage Flooring: Are there good flooring products that can be used in a garage and will stay in place? Dan learns about some great floating tile systems that are designed for garage floors.

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

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