The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Stop These Drowning Dangers for Kids | Be Great at Garage Sales | You Q & A on Kitchens, Laundry Rooms, Baths & More | EP #2123 Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Show notes:

Every summer, the #1 danger for children is drowning! Tom & Leslie share a pool safety system you can put in place to help makes sure that tragedy never strikes close to home.
It’s National Garage Sales Day and that time of year when millions of folks transform their garages and yards into a storefront to get rid of the junk they no longer want! whether you need to clear garage clutter or maybe make a few bucks, or both, we’ll have tips to help your garage sale go smoothly, including how to protect your privacy and how to price your treasures!
If you’ve ever tried to repair cracked, deteriorated concrete like on a sidewalk, driveway or garage floor – you might have found that those repairs have to be made to the same spots over and over again. We’ll share a way to do these once and have them stick.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions:

Justin from VA needs to know the best options for a laundry room floor.
Margie in OH needs deep cleaning advice for kitchen cabinets.
Judy in Missouri needs help figuring out the source of a roof leak.
Courtney in Texas asks how to totally remove the smelly cigarette stink left by a previous homeowner.
Taylor In North Dakota wants to know how to seal a leaking duct system that’s driving up her air conditioning costs.
Lin in Missouri is needs to know how to stop a pear tree that is breaking through her foundation.
Peg from RI wants to redecorate her bathroom but is stuck with an ugly shower insert. We share some designer tricks to work around 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.

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

5 Budget Friendly Décor Do-Overs | Best & Worst Markets for 1st Time Homebuyers | Transparent Window Screens | Episode #2122 Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Want to refresh your home with new décor but aren’t sure if your budget is ready to handle the hit. We’ll share 5 ways to save lots of money decorating your home sweet home.
The real estate market is very hot and for first time home buyers, that makes it even tougher to find an affordable house. We’ll share new data on the best and worst markets for first time buyers.
Window screens let fresh air into your home, while keeping pesky bugs out! If yours aren’t doing the job, we’ll tell you about new technology options in invisible screening that does just that and a whole lot more.
If you’ve ever had to do deal with an uneven concrete walkway that’s causing people to trip, the solution may be easier than you think. We’ll share the best fix.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about:

Sherri from TN needs help with strange dryer problem. Her machine generates moisture when the load is finished.
Tim from Michigan has a 2nd floor deck and wants to know how to install fiberglass floor to prevent leaks to the space below.
Leah from CA needs a solution for an air conditioner that is constantly leaking Freon
Michael from CA wants to know if it’s possible to purchase gutters and leaders from a home center to do the job himself or hire a gutter company to install seamless gutters, which are more expensive.
Jim in PA is having difficulty getting rid of hard water calcium deposits out of his water heater asks what’s the best way to clean out a calcium deposit in his water heater?
Butch from AK lives downhill from his neighbors and needs help stopping rainwater runoff from getting into his garage.

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

Pool Buying Pitfalls to Avoid | What You Must Know Before Buying Lumber | Disasters NOT Covered by Home Insurance | Ep #2122 Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

During summer’s hottest months, buying a pool may seem like a pretty good idea. But several pool pitfalls that can lead to a real financial soaking. Tom & Leslie share dos and don’ts.
If you’ve ever picked up lumber for a project that measure 2 by anything (like 2x4, 2x8 and so on) did you ever notice that the wood actually measures a lot less? We’ll share what happens to all that missing wood you thought you were paying for.
Homeowners insurance is an important way to protect yourself from financial disaster. But you might be surprised to learn the most common things that are NOT covered. We share how to make sure your totally covered.
One incredibly common home improvement tool sends hundreds of people to emergency rooms every year. Learn what this is and how to stay safe

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions:

Bill is trying to decide between a concrete patio or wood deck and wants to know how much to budget for the project and which one lasts longer?
Lorraine needs help getting rid of ants which are attacking her outdoor space.
Beverly wants to know how the best way to clean a fence.
Robert is ready to take on building a retaining wall - Options for retaining wall blocks and tips for building a successful one.
Jenny wants to know how to know how to install a handicap accessible bath chair in a shower.
William needs to know how to remove mold that forming in a vacation cabin.
Steve wants to know if adding insulation under vinyl siding actually really helps save energy.

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

Keep Lawns Healthy in Extreme Heat | Fast Fix for Clogged Drains| Herbs with Healing Power | Grill Cleaning Secrets | Episode #2120 Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Learn how to keep your lawn green and healthy through the hottest months of the summer, plus how to handle droughts or water restrictions.
Drain clogs can be a real hassle – but they don’t have to be complicated to free up. We’ll share quick solutions to get things flowing.
If you love to grow herbs in your garden for cooking, many of the most popular also can be used as herbal medicines. We’ll share a few of the most popular
If your gas grill needsa mid-season grill cleaning? The same char broiling grill action that flavors ribs, chicken, steaks and burgers all summer long can really cause problems if you don't stop and do a thorough grill cleaning once in a while. We walk you through the steps.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions:

Jeff is looking for the easiest way to clean out the shower drain.
Dixie needs a step-by-step walkthrough of how to handle repair of major cracks in a foundation.
Spray foam insulation vs. blown-in. Max wants to know if spray foam insulation is more efficient than blown-in insulation
Pam asks if it’s worth fixing insulated glass on a door or should you just replace the whole door?
Joe is trying to figure out the cause of some pretty big leaks around his chimney.
Kathleen would like to know if she can install faux tin ceiling tiles on a vaulted ceiling.
Midas is adding new flooring and want to know how to create the transition between floors in two rooms when one floor is higher than the other.
Diane is asking where is the best place to add insulation in a house?
Mercedes needs advice on repairing a metal roof.

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

Cheap Kitchen Makeovers | Paver Brick Patio Makeovers | Getting Rid of Ticks | Ep #2119 Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Most kitchen renos are expensive. But there’s actually a lot you can do yourself over a single weekend that can deliver a big impact without a big budget. We share a checklist of low-cost kitchen remodeling projects that deliver the biggest impact.
If yourpatio is worn, weathered or even cracked, we’ll share how to do a makeover using a new type of paver brick designed for remodeling that any DIY’r can accomplish in just a couple of hours.
The hottest part of the summer always brings out the most bugs – including disease-carrying tics! We’ll explain the best ways to stop ticks from taking a bite out of your summer fun.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions:

Tom wants to know to clean and paint a pocket door.
Marianne wants to know if her floor tile might possibly contain asbestos.
Steve is dealing with a leaky water heater. We share a new technology in water heaters that include a water heater that automatic shut offs if a leak is detected.
Elanor wants to know how best to remove algae and clean Trex decking.
Gordon needs a solution to stop leaks getting into his garage.
Beverly wants to know the best way to repair and repaint rotted wood posts.
Mike has spotted some cracked roof shingles and wants to know if it’s time to replace the entire roof.

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 Deck Ceilings | How to Get Rid of Ivy | Foundation Cracks: Major or Minor? | Ep #2118 Jul 15, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Spaces under outdoor decks can be dark, dirty wastelands! But with a deck ceiling, you can drain the rain and clean up the look below. We walk you through build-from-scratch and manufactured options to create a dry hangout space below an overhead decks.
Finding a foundation crack can be quite disturbing, but not all cracks spell disaster! We’ll share how to sort out the minor from the major, and what to do if you find yourself unsure of what you’ve got.
You may think of Ivy as a way to make your home look distinguished – but did you know it can also wreak serious havoc on your siding and cause major carpenter ant problems? We’ll have tips on the best way to get rid of ivy and manage those creepy vines.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions:

Courtney wants to know how to get rid of tree roots so she can build a new patio.
Larry needs to know how to replace his concrete driveway.
Lucille is trying to seal a hole to repair a cracked fiberglass tub.
John asks if cleaning solar panels improves their efficiency.
Peg wants to know how to repair, restore or replace the spacers between patio sections.
Marge is looking for the best way to repair a broken kitchen cabinet shelf.

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

Affordable Kitchen Countertops | Keep Mosquitos Away | 10 Terrible Décor Choices | Millennials Blowing Their Reno Budgets | Ep #2117 Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

Show notes:

On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the porch… until the mosquitoes arrive! We’ve got tips on retractable screens to keep pesky pests away.

Some home décor can practically guarantee you’ll lose money selling a home. We share the top 10 worst décor choices to avoid at all costs!

The pandemic drove a surge of home buying from millennials, but it turns out that nearly half blew their renovation budgets within the first year! We dig into why this happened and what the home buying economy looks like going forward.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about:

Best options for affordable kitchen countertops
How paint your front door and make it last
Replacing a 15-year-old roof that should have lasted longer
Right way to assess and repair foundation cracks
Best way to repair or replace rotted wood trim behind gutters.

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

Green Home Upgrades that Add Value | Tile Backsplashes You Can DIY | Does Solar Really Save Money? | Ep #2116 Jul 08, 2021

Show notes

Show notes:

Have you made energy saving improvements that upped your home’s “green” factor? Those improvements can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Tom & Leslie explain why and share tips to create your own green home improvement inventory.

Kitchen backsplashes are a great way to keep the walls behind your counters clean – but they can also be a fun and affordable project to do yourself! We walk you through how to create your own kitchen backsplash with tile.

And you may know what good case of sun burn can do to your skin, but have you ever thought about what those harsh rays can do to your home? Sunlight can fade furniture and floors, raise energy costs. We’ll tell you about a way you can block out just the damaging rays while still enjoying the sunshine.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about:

Is it better to use stain or paint on an outdoor deck?
How do you know if it’s worth the cost to upgrade your homes air conditioning and heating system?
What are the benefits of a metal roof and is installing one a DIY project?
Best way to tile a shower floor so that it is totally leak-proof
How to repair loose concrete on a porch
Restoring water pressure in a home with a well pump
Repairing cracked ceramic tiles that are on top of a concrete 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!

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

Air Conditioning Trick Delivers Instant Savings | Top DIY Painting Mistakes | Stopping Summer Allergies | Ep #2115 Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Do you feel like your A/C just isn’t doing the job it should? We’ll share a trick of the trade you can use to test your air conditioning, so you’ll know exactly how well it’s performing, or if it’s wasting your cold hard cash.

Painting is a project that’s among the most basic of DIY projects, and one most homeowners are happy to tackle themselves. But it’s also a project that can go terribly wrong if you don’t take just three steps before you start. We’ll share important painting tips.

Do summertime allergies have you hacking and sneezing on even the sunniest of days? We’ll share five things you can do inside your home to breathe easy all summer long.

Does having a solar energy system really improve the value of your home? Solar energy sellers will universally say yes, but we think otherwise and explain why.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about:

How to deal with high humidity and moisture in your home?
What might be the reason why your exterior door isn’t quite sealed?
What product to use when resurfacing a concrete driveway?
Is it smart to replace an oil-fired water heater with an electric one?
How to change your two prong out lets to three prongs?
How to apply wood paneling to your wall for a rustic style?

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

Stopping a Deck Collapse | Summer Pet Safety | Utility Incentives that Cut Energy Costs | Ep #2114 Jul 01, 2021

Show notes

SHOW NOTES:

Every summer deck collapses are tragically common. We’ll share the top 5 reasons decks fall down along with tips on how to do a safety check your own deck.

If your last electric bill a real shocker you’ll be happy to hear that utility companies are required to offer programs to help you save money and use LESS of their product! We’ll have advice on how to best take advantage of that savings.

For family pets, the backyard is a place to relax, burn off some energy, and play with friends, human and furry. We’ll share 4 tips to help improve your outdoor space to keep pets safe in summer and their humans happy.

Laundry is always a chore but it’s even worse when your washer and dryer are located a floor below or above the place where those dirty clothes are first dropped! We share how to effectively move your laundry from a floor below and place it right where it needs to go.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about:

Value of adding a whole house fan.
How to fix peeling Vinyl flooring?
Are perma-boots the best way to fix roof leaks caused by flashing?
Who should you call for drain cleaning?
How to prevent your septic tank from causing a sinkhole?
Can trees have an impact on your foundation and what should you look out for?
Why does your fridge keep tripping your circuits?
Best way to clean your oven-door glass?

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