The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Today, we have an action-packed show designed to help you tackle those crucial fall projects, regain control over clutter, and navigate the shifting landscape of housing. Join us as we discuss topics and caller questions that include: - Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Hardscaping: We’ll share projects perfect for this time of year, including how products like Ladera and RumbleStone from Pavestone can transform forgotten yards with gorgeous patios, fire pits, and useful garden walls, adding curb appeal that lasts. - Understanding Home Organization and Clutter: A new national survey reveals that women are far more likely to take charge of tidiness and feel better when their homes are organized. We’ll discuss what motivates Americans to get things under control, the tools they prefer, and the biggest challenges to staying organized. - The Evolving Townhome Market: Townhomes used to be the go-to for affordable home ownership, but we are looking at how rising construction costs, stricter regulations, and tougher master insurance rules are making this dream harder to build. - Essential Fall Floor Protection: As the weather cools, we spend more time indoors – bringing mud and other grime inside, too. We're sharing easy ways to care for your floors, including using doormats, switching to microfiber mops, and deep cleaning high-traffic areas.   Q & A: - Courtney in Pennsylvania calls about adding air conditioning to her Cape Cod house and asks whether she should remove her existing baseboard heating system for an all-in-one unit. We strongly advise against removing that wonderful, clean baseboard heat, suggesting Courtney seek a second opinion on ductwork. - David in Kansas City had foundation repairs done and was told by the contractors to seal the entire foundation and close off all the crawl space vents. We give David basic steps to reduce moisture, including installing a thick plastic vapor barrier on his dirt floor, ensuring his downspouts are clean and extended, and checking the soil grading. - Carrie is deciding where to put a second bathroom in her 1912 house, choosing between a vacant basement area or a partially finished attic space. We recommend the second-floor (attic) location, since adding a bathroom upstairs is more attractive for future buyers and improves the overall resale value of the home. - Greg in Ohio wonders if he can apply stone veneer over his old exterior glazed block building to improve curb appeal. We advise him that this project is possible, especially with a thin veneer, provided that he researches the proper strong veneer adhesive and ensures the underlying glazed stone is in good shape. - John in Bedford, New York, emailed us because his circuit breaker keeps tripping immediately every time he resets it, even though everything is unplugged. We stress that this means there is a short, and he needs to call a professional electrician who can quickly and safely resolve the issue.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: This is the Money Pit! Fall is officially here, and we've got a lot of exciting projects to tackle today, both indoors and out. Give us a call with your questions at 888-MONEYPIT, but first, here are the home improvement topics we’ll be sharing in this show: - Preparing Your Trees for Winter: Fall is the perfect time to prep your trees before winter rolls in. We’ll share the best ways to trim, tidy up, or even take down a troubled tree. - Tapping into Home Equity: Many longtime homeowners are sitting on a gold mine of equity, sometimes totaling six figures of untapped value. We’ll break down how to put that equity to good use, whether through a refinance, a home equity line of credit to fund renovations, or by strategically downsizing. - Hottest Fall 2025 Design Trends: If you want to give your home a fresh fall feel without a full-blown renovation, we’re breaking down the hottest Pinterest design trends. - Seasonal Home Safety and Efficiency: As we head into the heating season, we offer quick tips to keep you safe all winter long.   Q & A: - Beth in Pennsylvania shared a story about a home fire where the insurance-recommended contractor ruined her home and took materials she paid for. We advise her that since the theft of materials is a criminal matter, she should file a theft complaint with her local police department! - Randall in West Virginia has a half-underground basement that felt damp after flooding, and he asked if he needed to vent the space. We explain that venting is not needed for a full basement, and the dampness is likely a drainage issue that can be solved by cleaning gutters, extending downspouts, and installing a heavy-duty dehumidifier. - Linda in Tennessee noticed black particles coming out of the water in her toilets and bathroom sink in her 100-year-old rental home. The solution is twofold: installing a whole-house water filter after the main supply and cleaning the aerators at the base of the faucets, where black particles may be trapped. - Jerry in Vermont said his furnace serviceman recommended switching from his old oil system to a heat pump due to discounts, but Jerry worried whether heat pumps could handle cold Vermont winters. We confirm that modern heat pumps are very efficient and suitable for cold climates, but he must weigh the full costs of the new system, permanently abandoning the old oil tank, and leak testing before making the investment. - Rich in Florida wants to know how to break up his concrete slab foundation floor to install a safe inside a closet. We advise against cutting the slab, suggesting instead that he secure the safe by bolting it directly onto the concrete. - Lori (via email) asked for an inexpensive band-aid fix for a rotting wood window frame in her tub surround before a planned tear-out next year. We suggest scraping out the rotted wood and filling it with a wood replacement compound.   ASK A QUESTION: 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

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit Home Improvement Show! Today, we've got a jam-packed hour filled with expert advice and practical DIY solutions for all your home improvement projects. Here’s a rundown of the main topics and caller questions we’ll be tackling today: - Instant Hot Water Solutions: We'll explore smart fixes like hot water recirculation pumps that deliver hot water instantly and can save you up to 17,000 gallons of water annually, including how they work, their cost, and DIY-friendly options. - Building Your Dream Patio: Thinking about a new patio for fall? We'll guide you through building a poured concrete patio from scratch using crack-resistant concrete, covering prep, pouring, and finishing techniques. - The Power of Composite Flooring: Discover why this next-generation flooring material is becoming a favorite for its stylish, affordable, durable, and waterproof qualities, perfect for any room, along with installation tips. - Fall Fireplace Safety: Before you light that first cozy fire, we'll discuss essential steps to prep your fireplace for safe use, including inspections, cleaning, and detector checks.   Q & A: - Nancy from Illinois is trying to build a deck but is battling massive tree roots. We advise her to consider designing the deck to require fewer supports or potentially having a tree company grind sections of the roots. - Colin is building a secure safe room and looking for a vault door. We suggest repurposing an old safe door or using a heavy-duty commercial steel door with multiple deadbolts, with an added tip on reinforcing cinder block walls with rebar and concrete. - Katherine has changed her lighting design for her basement and wants to know how to patch up old fixture holes. We recommend disconnecting any live wires, using ceiling plates if wires remain, or patching with drywall if the wiring is completely removed and dead. - Amanda from Pennsylvania just bought a 100-year-old home with beautiful original hardwood floors that squeak, especially on the stairs. We suggest locating and tightening the loose boards using specialized trim screws that won't back out like nails. - Sandy spilled hot wax on her carpet and upholstered chair and needs to know how to clean it. We gave her a clever trick: use a brown paper bag and a hot, non-steam iron to melt the wax, which then sticks to the bag for easy removal. - Jim (via email) asked if his new crawl space door needs to be weatherproofed like other exterior doors. We affirm that it absolutely does, recommending a drip edge, silicone caulk, and a solid coat of exterior paint to protect against moisture and damage.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! It's mid-September, and with so much happening, it's easy to get sidetracked from your home projects. But don't worry, we're here to help you keep things working and organized. We've got a great show lined up for you today, with topics that include: - Extending Outdoor Fun with Patio Heaters: Just because it's fall doesn't mean your outdoor enjoyment has to stop! We'll explore how patio heaters can keep you entertaining, dining, and relaxing outside even as temperatures drop. - Decoding Spooky Home Sounds: With Halloween just around the corner, you might be hearing some mysterious bangs, pops, scratches, or whistles around the house. We'll decode these top mystery noises of the season, explain what they really mean, and show you how to fix them before they give you the creeps! - Saving Money on Your Water Heater: Your water heater might be silently draining your wallet. We'll share smart ways to cut energy costs, reduce water waste, and keep your hot water flowing efficiently, plus tell you how to score up to $600 in tax credits for making a smart upgrade.   Q & A: - Marcus in Louisiana asks about thermal barriers for his attic. We confirm that these radiant barriers do work by reflecting heat, but require proper perpendicular and clean installation to be effective. - Ellie in Wisconsin is celebrating a new home and wants to install wall shelving in her bathrooms. We encourage her DIY spirit, with advice on suitable anchors for lighter items in drywall and the importance of matching anchor ratings to the shelf's weight. - Matt in Ohio is struggling with recurring mold in his shower. We identify improper ventilation and persistent moisture as the likely culprits, recommending a humidistat and antimicrobial caulk after managing the moisture issue. - Dan in Maryland has greasy kitchen cabinets above his stove and asks for cleaning recommendations. We recommend using Murphy's Oil Soap with warm water and microfiber cloths, along with a gentle abrasive pad for tougher spots. - Brad emailed us about building a large patio roof and asked about overlapping it with his existing house roof without connecting. We strongly advise against overlapping as a standalone structure, instead recommending securely tying the patio roof into the house for structural integrity. - Andrew, also via email, reported thunder-like vibrating sounds from the copper pipes in his basement after a new water heater was installed. We attributed this to loose pipes causing a "water hammer" effect and suggested securing them with brackets.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, where this week’s topics include the housing market forecast for buyers and sellers, bright ideas for outdoor lighting upgrades, and the revival of wallpaper to style your home. Plus, we’ve got expert answers for all your home improvement questions. - 2026 Housing Market Forecast: We'll break down the latest projections on easing mortgage rates, slowing home price growth, and what this means for home buyers, sellers, and those planning to stay put. - Weekend Outdoor Lighting Upgrades: Discover smart, stylish, and affordable lighting solutions, from solar path lights to dramatic uplighting, that you can tackle in a single weekend to boost curb appeal and home safety after dark. - Wallpaper's Grand Comeback: Think again if you believe wallpaper is old-school! We're exploring fall's biggest interior design trends, including bold colors, cozy patterns, and easy peel-and-stick styles, to help you fall in love with wallpaper all over again.   Q & A: - Ryan from California called in with a problem with yellow jackets around his cat food. We suggest using Rescue TrapStiks to depopulate the area, plus increasing airflow with landscaping changes or an oscillating fan, as bees struggle to fly in the wind. - Lorie from Tennessee had questions about repairing cracks in her concrete floor. We explain that concrete cracks are typical and recommend specific concrete repair products like Quickrete Recap for larger areas or fillers for smaller cracks. - Chandler in Kentucky asked for advice on insulating a new home with total spray foam encapsulation without damaging roof shingles. We reassure him that spray foam will not significantly shorten shingle life and is an excellent insulation choice for attics. - Valerie from Arkansas was looking for a way to repair hairline cracks in her ceramic floor tiles. Unfortunately, cracked ceramic tiles can't truly be repaired and usually need to be replaced; we advise checking for subfloor movement and offer tips for finding replacement tiles or creating a new design. - Tom emailed us about leaky outdoor spigots that are over 20 years old. We suggest using PEX kits to replace old hose bibs and stress the critical importance of turning off and draining exterior faucets in winter to prevent freezing and bursting.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit and another episode of home improvement tips, with everything from wood care to landscape borders to fall planting in your garden. Plus, we’ve got expert advice for DIYers who reach out with their calls and emails. - Seasonal Wood Care: We'll walk you through simple steps to inspect, clean, and seal your deck, outdoor stairs, and wood trim, preparing them for the harsh fall and winter weather to ensure their longevity. - DIY Concrete Landscape Borders: Discover how to create stylish and functional decorative borders for your flower beds, driveways, and walkways using Quikrete products, adding instant curb appeal to your yard. - Fall Planting for a Spring Garden: Learn the secrets to a vibrant spring garden by planting now, including choosing bulbs like tulips and daffodils, and how to best prepare your garden beds for success.   Q & A: - Russ from West Virginia called about flickering dining room lights when his electric water heater activates. We explained that this is likely due to the water heater's high current draw causing a voltage drop, which can make finicky LED bulbs flicker. - Cindy from Ohio asked if she could paint her cedar shingle siding. We advised that painting is a permanent commitment and suggested a solid color stain as an alternative for adding color while still allowing the wood to be seen. - Patrilla from Louisiana inquired about installing new flooring over existing sheet linoleum in her kitchen. We shared that many new floating products can be installed directly over the existing floor, often with a thin underlayment. - James from Mississippi wanted to cut a hole in his deck for an inflatable pool on a slope. We discussed the importance of ensuring the deck's structural integrity by adjusting supports and addressing the ground's grading to create a flat base for the pool. - David emailed about wall cracks and nail pops appearing two years after his home inspection. We reassured him that these are typically normal cosmetic signs of house movement and offered simple DIY fixes like spackling and re-nailing.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to another great show here on The Money Pit, where we’re always here to remind you that you can do it yourself, but you don't have to do it alone! If you’re a DIYer, join us for this week’s top home improvement tips, including: - Home Improvement ROI: We unveil the top five home improvement projects that deliver the best return on your investment, perfect for boosting equity and impressing buyers. Learn why fall is a great time to start these projects due to cooler weather and more flexible contractor schedules. - DIY Pavestone Fire Pit: Get a step-by-step guide to building a modern square fire pit using Ladera Wall Block from Pavestone. This DIY-friendly project requires no cutting or special caps, making it a perfect weekend upgrade to transform your outdoor space with a rock-solid, heat-safe feature. - Color Trends for 2026: We explore the latest trends in color strategy for 2026, focusing on warm, earthy color palettes like terracotta, ochre, and olive, as well as soft textural neutrals and restorative darks. - Preventing Frozen Pipes: As the fall chill arrives, we offer crucial advice on preventing frozen pipes by disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off exterior spigots, and insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas.   Q & A: - Robert from Michigan wonders if an air heat pump would be a more efficient heating solution for his older house with electric baseboard heat. A mini-split system is very efficient, but it's best to set the thermostat and leave it, using baseboard heat only as a backup for extra chilly days. - Mary from Delaware is replacing her 25-year-old shingles and asks about a replacement attic fan versus a ridge vent. We recommend a continuous ridge vent paired with soffit vents instead, since attic fans can pull air-conditioned air from the house into the attic and increase cooling costs. - Thurman from Arkansas has a blank wall and wants to know what’s needed to install a new window. While it's a DIY-doable project for a smaller window, we suggest hiring a pro if he's not comfortable with disassembling and reassembling a load-bearing wall. - Steve needs guidance on repairing crumbling grout on his front stoop. We advise chiseling out the old grout and vacuuming loose debris, then using a Type M mortar that’s recommended for its strength and applied with a piping bag.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your go-to for home improvement how-tos, hacks, tips, tricks, and advice! We've covered a ton of ground this hour, making good homes better with cleaning, decluttering, and restoration advice. On today’s show, you’ll hear: - Kitchen Cabinet Intervention: We share smart tips to declutter, deep clean, and reorganize your kitchen storage, turning that "black hole of mismatched Tupperware" into an efficient and enjoyable space. - Roof Restoration with Roof Maxx: That gritty, sand-like debris in your gutters is a distress signal from your roof, indicating aging asphalt shingles shedding granules. A Roof Maxx treatment can restore flexibility, protect against leaks, and add up to 15 years of life to your existing roof! - Entryway Command Center: Combat back-to-school chaos with clever ideas for creating a smart and stylish command center right by your door, perfect for organizing gear, taming paper piles, and setting your family up for a stress-free fall. - Screen Maintenance Checklist: Make sure your window screens are ready for cooler days by vacuuming or hosing them off, patching holes and tears, and fixing warped frames on screen doors.   Q & A: - Sean from Texas had a question about his central vacuuming system, with lots of condensation and muddy water buildup in one of his inlet pipes. The solution is to insulate the central vac pipe to prevent temperature changes and subsequent condensation. - Linda from Florida called in about her flaking cement floor. We advise pressure washing the floor to remove all loose material, ensuring it's fully dry, and then applying a durable, industrial-grade two-part epoxy coating. - Thomas from Tennessee was dealing with terrible moisture and mildew in his basement. We recommend addressing exterior drainage first by extending downspouts away from the foundation, ensuring proper gutter capacity, and sloping the soil away from the house. - Steve called about replacing green shag carpet in his 1975 RV by installing a laminate floor. The key is to ensure a very sturdy subfloor with no flex, as the material can snap if the subfloor is uneven or has movement. - Sheena wrote in about dripping water on the ceiling next to her bathroom exhaust fan. This is likely condensation caused by warm, moist air hitting cold ductwork. We advise checking that the exhaust ducting is properly connected and insulated. - David was concerned about cracking walls and nail pops in his home after only two years, despite a clear home inspection. We reassure him that this is normal movement as homes expand and contract.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to turning your house into a home! We've been busy laboring away so you can have the home of your dreams, answering your how-to questions and diving into smart seasonal transitions to get yourself ready for fall. Here are some of the main points and caller questions covered this hour: - Furnaces and Fireplaces: It's crucial to prepare your home for cooler temperatures, which includes maintaining your furnace and fireplace by changing filters, scheduling professional tune-ups, and ensuring fireplace safety and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. - Floor Surface Protection: It’s important to deep clean and protect wood, tile, and stone floors before they face the wear and tear of muddy boots and wet paws. Get tips for sealing stone, silencing squeaks, and tackling loose tiles. - HVAC Filters: A small but impactful task is changing your HVAC air filter every 30 to 90 days (or more often with pets/allergies) to improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent costly breakdowns.    Q & A: - Laura in Connecticut called about strengthening the kitchen floor in her 100-plus-year-old house to support a new appliance where a beam is missing. We suggest adding a girder to provide a neutral base and prevent decay. - Dennis in Florida inquired about using Trex composite decking for a lake dock, despite his contractor's reservations. We affirm that Trex and other composite decking are excellent, durable choices, cautioning only that they can get hot in direct sunlight. - Heather in California was concerned about her 1937 home's crumbling foundation, damaged by water, and the high quotes she received for replacement. We strongly advise her to seek an independent structural engineer's assessment to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the recommended repairs are truly necessary. - Mike called regarding recurring pinhole leaks in his 36-year-old home's copper plumbing. We recommend immediately repairing the leaking sections and nearby areas of the pipe to address the immediate issue and prevent further damage. - Jim discussed mold growth in his attic after adding insulation. Inadequate ventilation combined with insulation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and mold. He should increase attic ventilation and treat the mold with a bleach solution. - Martin asked about installing engineered wood flooring, specifically the choice between glue-down and floating methods, and the use of underlayment. We recommend floating floors as the best modern option due to their ability to expand and contract, and advise consulting the flooring manufacturer for the ideal underlayment product.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Hello there, Money Pit fans, and welcome back to the show where we help you make your good homes even better! Whether it's inside or outside, from your floorboards to your shingles, we are on your side! So give us a call at 888-Money-Pit to be part of the show. This hour, we cover a wide array of topics to help you protect your home, boost curb appeal, and even save you money. - Fall Cleanup Checklist: Check off your “to-do” list with essential fall cleanup tasks to get your home ready before the cold weather sets in, from gutters and gardens to garages and gear. - DIY Fire Pit: Turn up the heat in your backyard by easily building a beautiful and durable fire pit in minutes using Pavestone products. - Shower Mold: If you’re dealing with a "fuzzy" shower, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely remove old moldy caulk, prep the area, and reapply a fresh bead that will resist mold and mildew for years.   Q & A: - Michelle in Minnesota has moisture coming up through her laminate bathroom floor on a concrete slab. We advise checking exterior drainage and adding a bathroom vent fan or humidistat to address the issue. - Glenn in Florida asks about borax-treated cellulose attic insulation to control Formosan termites. While the idea isn't new, its overall effectiveness for whole-house Formosan termites is less common. - Grace has concerns about her 40-year-old concrete patio, which is discolored, raised, and dangerous. We suggest restoring the loose bricks and applying a finish, such as a stone veneer, thin pavers, or an acid stain, terrazzo, or slate treatment to the surface. - Wally is redoing his sunroom and is worried about the unevenness of the old, cracked concrete floor. We recommend using luxury vinyl plank or hybrid stone flooring, which can float over existing cracks, and sealing those cracks. - Pat in Arkansas discovered that her new heat pump was not effectively removing humidity from her home. We explain that a whole-house dehumidifier integrated into the HVAC system is the most effective solution for maintaining ideal home humidity levels. - Greg in Delaware needed help removing lime scale buildup on his shower door that resisted standard cleaners. We suggested a simple test with white vinegar to see if it's true lime scale or if the door's surface might be etched. - David has questions about his crawl space insulation that’s falling down, insulating the walls, and the use of old foundation vents. We recommend supporting the existing insulation with wires and keeping foundation vents open for about nine months of the year to allow moisture to vent.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We’re covering a lot of ground today, so here's a quick rundown of what we're talking about and the incredible callers we're helping with expert home improvement advice:  - Bathroom Design Ideas: We offer a range of modern design ideas for bathrooms, from cozy powder rooms to luxurious spa spaces, drawing inspiration from Wallpaper Magazine to elevate your space and style. - Patio Furniture Care: Get valuable tips for cleaning and storing patio furniture made from various materials, including wicker, metal, wood, and cushions, to ensure they stay in great shape for seasons to come. - Concrete Post Footings: We discuss the value of Quikrete’s fast-setting concrete as an easy way to set posts for fences, mailboxes, or basketball hoops, producing strong, stable results in under an hour without mixing or mess! - Kids’ Room Décor: Learn about the art of redecorating kids' rooms, including the importance of budget planning, material selection, safety, and thinking about how the space will evolve with the child's age.   Q & A: - Teresa called in about changing the finish of her wood deck, which is half new pre-treated lumber and half old painted lumber. The paint must be removed before staining because stain won't soak into paint, and the new pre-treated lumber will need to season until next spring before being stained. - Ted from Mississippi has a sewage odor in his bathroom. We suggest checking for a missing or non-functional plumbing trap or a bio-gas situation in the sink drain. - Janet from South Carolina inquires about options other than tile for her bathroom walls, due to staining issues. We recommend looking into pre-made tub surrounds as a durable and virtually leakproof alternative that can even mimic tile. - Jerry from West Virginia wants to soundproof a second-floor master bedroom he's converting into a movie room. We suggest applying a second layer of soundproofing drywall and using carpeting and upholstered furniture to absorb sound. - Kathy from Ohio reports a squealing noise from her upstairs toilet when the washer was running on the utility floor. Squeals are typically from the toilet's fill valve on the supply side, though a blockage or vent issue could also be a possibility. - Dan from Nebraska has a widespread mold situation in his three-year-old pole building, despite no previous issues. We identify the cause as high humidity due to a lack of conditioning in the space. Solutions include heating or cooling the space, using a dehumidifier, and potentially installing a fan with a humidistat.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Alright, home improvement enthusiasts, welcome back to the Money Pit! We're here to lend a hand with all your indoor and outdoor projects, because remember: Inside, outside, we're on your side! Here are some of the key themes we'll be talking about today, plus solutions we offer for callers’ questions: - Cleaning Gutters: Before autumn leaves begin to fall, we're going to share simple steps and smart tools to help you clean and maintain your gutters the safe and easy way, because clogged gutters can lead to major water damage. - Roof Care: We'll tell you how you can catch roof problems early with a free professional inspection from Roof Maxx, the company that restores aging roofs and saves homeowners up to 80% over replacement. - Reducing Clutter: We'll also offer tips on getting organized at home for the fall season, helping you reclaim cluttered spaces like entryways and mudrooms before the school and holiday craziness takes over. - Deep Cleaning Tips: And finally, we’ll discuss fall deep cleaning strategies to refresh your home in areas often skipped during summer, like baseboards, ceiling fans, and inside appliances.   Q & A: - Beverly in Ohio called about black marks on her white vinyl fence. We suggest trying a light abrasive like a green Scotch pad first, or for solvent-based marks like tar, a product like WD-40 to lift them off. - Andrew in Wisconsin is dealing with standing water in his backyard that's causing basement wall penetration. We advise implementing a total water management system, including building a French drain, ensuring gutters are properly sized, and downspouts to direct water 4 to 6 feet away from the house. - Anna in South Dakota recently had a hollow tree with a large carpenter ant nest removed and is concerned about infestation. We reassure her that carpenter ants prefer dead or decaying wood and are not typically motivated to infest sound houses, so she's not at an increased risk. - Louise called in about salt mineral deposits leaking through the outside of her brick mailbox. We suggest cleaning the deposits with a white vinegar and water solution, then applying a vapor-permeable silicone-based masonry sealer to prevent their return. - Debbie from Great Falls, Montana, asked about preparing and painting over metal siding. We advise a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer, ensuring the siding is completely dry, and then using an oil-based bonding primer with a scratch test before applying the topcoat, staying within the same brand family for best adhesion.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s Money Pit show, we discuss selling in a shifting real estate market, installing solar panels on metal roofs, and reorganizing your garage space. Plus, we’ll answer a range of home improvement questions from callers to help solve their DIY dilemmas! - Navigating the Shifting Real Estate Market: Home sales this spring hit their lowest pace since 2012! This means that for sellers, prepping, staging, and timing your home's sale are more critical than ever, as price alone isn't enough to close a deal. - The Power of Metal Roofs for Solar: If you're considering going solar, your roof is just as important as the panels. Metal roofs are the ultimate foundation for solar installations, offering long-term savings, energy efficiency, and unbeatable durability. - Garage Organization and Maintenance: As summer wraps up, it's the perfect time for a garage reset. We recommend clearing everything out, cleaning the space thoroughly, and then organizing by season, using labeled bins and storage systems like wall-mounted units or overhead racks to keep floors clear.   Q & A: - Michelle from Michigan has moles tearing up her yard. We advised her that moles are after grubs, their food source, so the solution is to eliminate the grubs using a product like GrubEx, which will slowly cause the moles to move elsewhere. - Leroy from Texas was getting barely any air from a bedroom AC vent, despite its proximity to the unit. We suggested checking for a kink or blockage in the ductwork with a flashlight and mirror or identifying if a damper on the line is partially closed. - Margaret wants to know what to do about her dirty, 20-year-old popcorn ceilings that she no longer likes. For removal, she should spray and saturate the ceiling with water, then gently scrape it off. If she chooses to keep it, she could paint it over with a specialized roller designed for textured surfaces. - Larry has tree roots growing into his sewer lines. We suggest a pipe lining system, which involves inserting a flexible material into the old pipe that hardens to form a new, permanent interior structure, saving him from breaking up the floor. - Ken had a broken seam on his quartz countertop over the dishwasher. This is typically not a DIY project due to specialized materials and tools, so he’ll need a professional to reseal it and reinforce the underlying support to prevent future issues. We also recommended resealing the entire countertop surface. - Howard called about his leaning landscaping brick retaining walls. This is a common issue caused by soil expansion and freezing. The solution is to tear down and rebuild the wall or consider pre-cast concrete block walls that are designed to lean back as they stack.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s Money Pit show, whether you’re winterizing plumbing, upgrading a patio, or stocking your first apartment toolbox, we’ve got the seasonal checklist and savvy tips to keep your home running smoothly from fall onward. Check out these topics, plus home improvement questions from our DIY callers: - Home Checklist for Fall: Prepare for cooler temperatures with our ultimate fall home prep checklist, covering essential tasks like sealing drafts, servicing your furnace, and prepping your lawn. - Setting Up Your First Home or Apartment: For students heading off to dorms or first apartments, we provide an essential tool checklist and pro tips for setting up and maintaining a new space. - Leak-Proof Plumbing for Cold Weather: Get crucial steps to leak-proof your home's plumbing before cold weather hits, including disconnecting and draining outdoor hose bibs, insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces, and inspecting your water heater. - Outdoor Space Upgrades: We also discuss enhancing your outdoor spaces, with everything from porches and patios to landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits.   Q & A: - Sandy in Nebraska called about her porous ceramic tile floors that just won't come clean. The glaze might be worn off, and while re-glazing isn't really an option, she could consider laminate flooring for an inexpensive, moisture-resistant option that floats over the old floor. - Larry in Texas has a question about replacing his hail-damaged roof and an insurance estimate that missed a few items. We advise getting the insurance adjuster to revise the estimate in writing immediately to include all missed components, like skylights and roof jacks. - Eve in Delaware is battling a stubborn cigarette smoke smell in a newly purchased row home, even after removing tiles and painting. The key solution is to use a good-quality oil-based primer on all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and even exposed plywood subfloors, to effectively seal in the odors. - Ron in Oregon is looking for the best way to clean his seven-year-old Brazilian cherry floor. We suggest starting with a thorough cleaning to remove existing residue, then renting a buffer to apply a floor wax for a beautiful, natural glow that can last for years. - Ivonne in Arizona had a stinky bathroom sink drain. The foul odor is likely being caused by bacterial decay forming bio-gas in the drain. The fix involves taking apart the U-shaped trap under the sink and scrubbing the inside with an oxygenated bleach solution and a stiff-bristle brush to eliminate the bacteria.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts, to The Money Pit! We’re here to guide you through another hour of tackling those household challenges and making your home sweet home even better. Here's what we'll be diving into this hour: - Top Late Summer Home Improvement Projects: Although summer is winding down, there's still time to tackle key projects, such as painting, sealing driveways, and late-season landscaping, to get your home ready to shine through the fall and beyond. - Revitalizing Your Lawn After Summer Stress: We'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Koch, R&D Research Fellow for Lawns at Scott's Miracle-Gro, who will share smart, easy-to-follow tips to help your lawn bounce back from the heat, heavy foot traffic, and backyard fun. - Restoring Your Roof with Roof Maxx: Learn how a simple treatment from Roof Maxx can restore your shingles, extend your roof's life by up to 15 years, and potentially save you up to 80% compared to a full roof replacement. - Smart Home Safety for Kids: We'll share three practical ways to make your home safer for little ones without turning it into a padded cell, focusing on window cords, furniture tipping, and stair safety.   Q & A: - Larry from Arkansas called about his landlord running an extension cord from his home to an attached shed, raising concerns about electrical support. We advised him that an extension cord is not a permanent solution and recommended running a proper underground circuit. - Michelle in Minnesota shared her issue with moisture seeping up through her laminate bathroom floor. We suggested she check the grading and drainage around her house, ensuregutters and downspouts direct water away, and consider a bathroom fan with a built-in humidistat to keep the floor dry. - Eunice in Arkansas noticed her retaining wall was turning white and powdery-looking, a phenomenon known as efflorescence. She should contact the manufacturer's technical experts to inquire about the issue, especially the drying process before coating and the consistency of paint batches. - Lewis had no hot water pressure after a new water heater installation and suspects clogged galvanized pipes in his old home. We inform him that galvanized pipes cannot be unclogged and advise replacing them with PEX piping for better durability and ease of installation. - Sherry in Oregon was worried about a loud snapping noise coming from her cast iron tub as it cooled down. We reassure her that this is likely "oil canning," a normal sound of metal expanding and contracting with temperature changes, and not a cause for concern. - Jack in Arkansas is dealing with a leaky steel storm shelter that has leaked since installation. We advise against welding and suggest sealing seams with silicone or potentially re-roofing the shelter with EPDM, a rubberized oofing product, to maintain structural integrity.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back, Money Pit listeners! This hour, we cover everything from porches and patios to landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. And of course, we're taking your calls and tackling your home improvement dilemmas. Here's a look at some of the questions we'll be answering and the solutions we'll provide: - Getting Your Home Fall Ready: As fall approaches, it's the perfect time to give your home a thorough energy checkup. We'll share quick tips to seal drafts around windows and doors, properly service your HVAC system, and optimize your ceiling fans to help you save on energy bills year-round. - Protecting Your Concrete Surfaces: Before winter unleashes its worst, we'll guide you on how to safeguard your concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Learn how Quikrete Cure and Seal Satin Finish can protect both new and existing concrete from cracks, salt damage, stains, and freeze-thaw deterioration. - Creating Productive Home Office & Study Spaces: With back-to-school season in full swing, we'll offer simple ways to design functional and comfortable home offices or study areas. Discover how to choose the right spot, ensure proper lighting, and implement effective organization strategies to boost productivity and maintain sanity.   Q & A: - Janette from Colorado wants to know if she can DIY her radiant floor heating. We’ll discuss why electric radiant heat is generally expensive to run and why hiring a professional is recommended. - Steve from North Carolina is dealing with a leaking flat roof on his bathroom addition. Flat roofs aren’t our favorite for residences, and we advise him to file an insurance claim for storm damage while exploring better roofing materials. - Mary from North Dakota has crumbling basement concrete after water problems and wants to know about sealants before painting. She should address external drainage issues first before using Quikrete’s concrete patching compound to stabilize the surface. - Dan from Arizona has a home with cracked tile flooring and can't find replacement tiles. This is likely due to a missing uncoupling membrane during installation, and we suggest creative temporary fixes until a proper re-installation can be done. - Charlie is looking to switch from an oil-based to a solid latex stain on his cedar siding, which has darkened over time. We’ll emphasize the importance of proper surface preparation and why it’s often best to stain the entire house for a uniform look. - Michael from Florida is curious about the pros and cons of stick-built versus modular homes. We’ll share insights into the cost savings and timely construction advantages of modular homes while advising him to consult with local specialists to compare options.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. It's been quite the summer here at the Segrete household, with unexpected repairs, so we know exactly what it’s like to navigate your own "money pit" moments. Here's a recap of the main themes and calls for this hour: - Optimizing Outdoor Living & Landscaping: We delve into smart maintenance tips for your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water and keep your lawn healthy. We also introduce the innovative Ladera stackable stone system for easy outdoor upgrades like fire pits and garden beds, eliminating the need for traditional stonework. - Navigating Home Renovation Costs: We discuss how recent tariffs on lumber, appliances, and fixtures are impacting renovation budgets, sharing crucial tips for smart homeowners to protect their bottom line. - Boosting Home Value & ROI: We reveal the top home improvement projects that offer the best return on investment, helping you prioritize where to spend your renovation dollars.   Q & A: - Dave from Maryland discovered his new roof was installed directly over significantly rotted roof rafters, causing the section to sag and leak. We advise him to pay only a partial amount of the bill, formally disputing the quality of the incomplete work in writing. - Courtney in Texas is struggling with a persistent cigarette odor in her home despite extensive renovations. When carpet was replaced, the plywood subfloor should have been sealed with a primer/sealer, and we suggest upgrading her HVAC system to effectively scrub residual odors from the air. - Frankie called about her old, gray kitchen countertop that she wants to replace or paint. We recommend DIY countertop finishing kits from Daich Coatings for a durable and attractive restoration. - Rick from Illinois is seeking a reputable company to install solar panels on his large lot. We caution him to conduct thorough research on all available government incentives and to carefully vet any solar companies to avoid rushing into a significant long-term investment. - Tony emailed about an elaborate method he devised using a shop vac to remove calcium deposits from his water heater's bottom element. His method was unnecessary and could be risky. The water heater's internal drain valve is designed for this task, requiring only a garden hose to flush out the deposits.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. Here's a preview of what's coming up this hour: - Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning: We'll share crucial advice on tackling tough kitchen grease and residue on cabinets, making them look new again. - Roof Replacement: Considering a new roof? We'll explore the pros and cons of metal roofs versus asphalt shingles and discuss whether a roof replacement is a DIY project for you. - Cracked Foundation: Got a cracked foundation or a dipping floor? We'll explain the serious signs to look out for and who to call for proper diagnosis. - Exterior Painting: Discover the perfect timing and techniques for exterior house painting to ensure a long-lasting, pro-level finish. - Energy Efficiency: Plus, get smart tips on upgrading your home's efficiency, from swapping out old light bulbs to understanding when it's time to replace your water heater.   Q & A: - We'll hear from Margie in Ohio, who's asking for the best product to remove grit and grease from her maple kitchen cabinets above the hood area without causing damage. - Joey from Illinois is on the line with a question about replacing his 22-year-old roof and wondering if he can install a metal roof himself. - Maria just bought a house and is dealing with a rather unusual situation: a carpeted front step that's hard to remove, and she's asking for suggestions to improve its curb appeal and texture. - Butch from Texas is calling because his home inspector noted that his bathroom fan vents directly into the attic, and he wants to know the proper way to vent it to the outside. - Later, we'll help Charles from Texas, who's searching for a specific, highly effective, three-letter product for cleaning showers. - And from our email bag, Julie in Nebraska, a new first-time homeowner, is asking about different interior paint finishes and which ones are easiest to clean, especially with kids.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: It’s been a hot one out there, and some of us have been battling our own home issues, like Leslie’s air conditioning woes. But we’re here to lend a hand, no matter what you're tackling this summer! We’ve got a fantastic show lined up for you today, packed with expert advice and practical solutions for your biggest home challenges. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up on The Money Pit: - Landscape Heatwave Survival: We’ll dive into smart ways to help your lawn and garden survive scorching temperatures with essential watering tips, clever mowing tricks, and how to protect your sensitive potted plants from baking in the sun. - Roof Maxx Roof Rejuvenation: We’re joined by Mike Feazel, CEO and co-founder of Roof Maxx, who will share how this innovative treatment can protect your roof from blistering heat, pounding storms, sun damage, thermal shock, and hail, extending roof life and helping you avoid costly replacements. - Concrete Resurfacing Solutions: Discover how to give your cracked, pitted, or weatherworn concrete surfaces a second life with products like Quickrete’s Recap Trowel Grade Resurfacer. We’ll explain how these solutions can dramatically improve your curb appeal at a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing old concrete, plus provide a durable, long-lasting finish.   Q & A: - Karen from Texas is seeking a solution for her cracked driveway that won’t involve tearing out all the concrete from her 1970s home. Quikrete’s Re-Cap Resurfacer product is an excellent option for this repair and can be used over the existing concrete. - Jeff in Pennsylvania is curious about economically moving chilly basement air upstairs to cool the rest of his home. This isn’t a great idea, and he should instead rely on his central HVAC system, possibly with a return duct in the finished basement. - Dave from Iowa calls about a persistent rotten egg smell in his farmhouse, noting he has well water and a water softener. We think the hot water heater’s anode may be causing the smell. - Susan from Alaska wants advice on removing tile from her fireplace hearth and successfully painting the brick underneath. This repair has some challenges, and she should be prepared to remove adhesive. Also, once brick is painted, it’s nearly impossible to change. - Lauren, who sent an email, has acquired a neglected property with overgrown ivy, gaps, and cracks in the siding. The best way to assess the house’s current condition is to get a full home inspection, with a report that will identify the best places to start.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Coming up this hour, we've got a show packed with tips to make your home look and feel better and safer. We'll also be tackling home improvement questions from across the country, including calls from DIYers just like you! Here's what's ahead on The Money Pit: - Late Summer Clean and Refresh: We'll bring you smart tips to tidy up your spaces, freshen the air, and reset your home before the autumn back-to-school buzz and pumpkin spice takeover. - Protecting Your Home from Water Damage: With flash floods and heavy rain making headlines, we'll share smart, simple steps to protect your house from water damage and ensure you stay informed with weather alerts. - Fast, Smart Fire Safety Checks: We'll walk you through essential fire safety checks, from your backyard grills to your garden gear, so you can relax and safely enjoy the season. - SpreadStone Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Kit Giveaway: One lucky caller will win this DIY dream, valued at $150, which transforms plain concrete into a stunning stone finish.   Q & A: - Brian in Arkansas is dealing with a mysterious musty odor in his crawlspace that only appears in the summertime when he's away from home. An exhaust fan might just be what he needs to improve air quality - Linda in Maryland needs advice on how to repair and conceal cracks in the concrete slabs on her brick porches. We advise her to caulk the area and sprinkle with dust and chips to match the current concrete color. - Keith in Georgia has a problem with bats in his attic, specifically bat droppings, and needs to know the best way to evict them safely. - Leah in California says her dad's AC system has been leaking Freon for years! Instead of just refilling the refrigerant, we recommend finding out the root cause of the leak and addressing that. - Courtney in New Jersey has a raised garden bed with several tree stumps that need to be removed, and she's looking for suggestions on how to tackle them when a grinder might be difficult to use. - Judy in Texas is experiencing significant problems with deer eating all her plants and is seeking solutions to keep them away from her garden. We recommend a variety of solutions to keep those hungry deer out.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices