The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Happy Thanksgiving weekend, everyone! We are here to help you tackle your home improvement challenges – from safety tips to planning projects to finding the best deals this busy holiday season. Check out these hot topics, plus listeners’ calls and solutions: - Safe and Stress-Free Babyproofing: We offer smart, stress-free tips to quickly baby-proof your space before hosting family and friends with little ones this holiday season. - Smart Shopping Secrets: We share secrets for smart holiday shopping, noting that the best deals for tools and DIY gear appear around Black Friday and into early December, while appliances see deep discounts in November and January before new models arrive. - Planning Ahead for Home Projects: Learn why winter is actually the best time to plan your spring home improvements, as starting early helps secure quality contractors who get booked months in advance. - Cleaning Range Hood Filters: We discuss a simple 10-minute maintenance job: cleaning your kitchen range hood filter by soaking a metal filter in hot soapy water mixed with baking soda.   Q & A: - Lynn in New Hampshire needed advice on protecting her old cedar siding. Since natural cedar is resistant to insects but not UV light, we proposed two options: applying boiled linseed oil for natural protection without changing the color or applying a solid color stain over an oil-based primer for maximum longevity. - Carol in Maine was replacing older outlets and was unsure how to connect them to the new receptacle. Due to the serious risks involved with electrical work, we strongly advised her to hire a professional electrician. - Bill in Michigan has an unlevel floor in his attached garage, causing water from his car to pool in low spots and run toward the house wall. The recommended solution was to apply a self-leveling compound just over the areas of unevenness to correct the runoff. - Doug in Rhode Island was installing frost-free hose bibs and wanted our opinion on using SharkBite push-to-connect fasteners. We affirmed that SharkBite connectors are the perfect product for this application, as they create a permanent, watertight, solder-free connection, which is ideal for tight spots. - Heather in Tennessee had a 6x8-inch area of hardwood floor that buckled after a water filter leaked, and she sought a repair method that avoided the hassle of sanding and refinishing the entire floor. The solution was to hire a professional carpenter to discreetly cut out matching floor boards from a less visible area, such as a closet or pantry, and use them to replace the damaged section.   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! Even with Leslie sporting a "brand new voice" (thanks, cold!), we're here this holiday weekend ready to help you fix up your home sweet home. Listen in as we offer tips on a range of home improvement topics and DIY dilemmas! - Choosing the Right Christmas Tree: We help you decide between a real or artificial Christmas tree, breaking down the pros and cons for each option, from the sturdy branches and fragrance of the Fraser Fir to the convenience and energy efficiency of pre-lit LED artificial trees. - Best Tool Gifts for DIYers: We share our favorite tool gifts for DIY enthusiasts from the Popular Mechanics holiday gift guide, featuring practical finds as well as fun gadgets that still get the job done. - Winterization Tips: We offer essential winterization tips, including shutting off and draining all outdoor faucets and hose bibs to prevent burst pipes. We also demonstrate how to find and seal drafts around windows and doors to help maintain heat and cut energy costs. - Healthier Indoor Air Quality: The show also featured tips for keeping indoor air healthier by filtering the air, keeping the humidity level between 35 and 40%, and installing and using exhaust fans in bathrooms.   Q & A: - Greg called in with a flooring quandary, attempting to cover 6,000 square feet of concrete with an epoxy coating. The proposed solution is to prepare the concrete first by leveling uneven areas, then choosing a quality epoxy product and following the multi-step curing process carefully. - Macy was seeking advice for starting a bathroom remodel and deciding whether to use a construction company or a remodeling business. We advise her to prioritize experienced contractors and first select all desired fixtures and materials so that all companies can bid on the exact same items. - Bryce was considering using a polyethylene panel/sheet to repair his bathroom ceiling and wanted to know if it was a good substitute for wallboard. We recommend he use water-resistant drywall (green board) instead for a seamless repair. - Marian reached out regarding a leak near her chimney and needed a product to coat it to stop water from entering. We suggest applying a vapor-permeable masonry sealer to the chimney structure, which seals out water while still allowing any internal moisture to escape.   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! As the holiday season kicks into full swing, our homes start working overtime, whether we're hosting guests, cooking festive meals, or just trying to keep the utility bills manageable. This week, we're here to help you get your biggest investment running smoothly – from laundry room prep and crucial plumbing repairs to dealing with smoke damage and rescuing your holiday budget. - Laundry Room Maintenance: We discuss preparing your laundry room for the influx of guest linens and cozy sweaters by sharing smart maintenance tips for washers and dryers. - Safe and Effective Cleaning Solutions: Bruce Yako, the CEO of Jaws International, joined us to explain how their Just Add Water system uses reusable bottles and concentrated, EPA Safer Choice-certified pods to provide streak-free cleaning while reducing plastic waste. - Holiday Budget Plan: We offer a Holiday Budget Rescue Plan, suggesting simple actions like lowering your thermostat by a degree or two to save on heating costs and switching traditional holiday lights to LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy. - Water Valve Precautions: As a crucial safety measure, homeowners should locate and test the main water valve to ensure it works properly, and always remember to turn off the water supply valves to the washing machine when leaving home for an extended period to prevent burst hoses.   Q & A: - Jackie from Michigan is converting an old tub into a tile shower and needs to know how to handle the pipe that previously went to the tub faucet. We advise that she cannot just cap the pipe; she must install a shower valve to get water to the shower head, and should also include a pressure balance valve to maintain constant water temperature. - Richard from Illinois has dealt with a damp spot in his brick chimney for 50 years, despite having previously replaced the flashing and chimney liner. We suggest that the highly porous brick is likely absorbing heavy rainfall, and he should apply a vapor-permeable masonry sealer to slow absorption. - Brenda’s 1908 Kansas home has crumbling poured concrete basement walls, and she cannot lift the heavy block house to replace them. We stress that because this is a significant structural issue, she must hire a structural engineer who will design the precise fix, create specifications for contractors, and inspect the repair upon completion. - Jack emailed us about copper pipes in his apartment buildings that are developing pin holes and leaking. This deterioration is caused by highly acidic water, so he should consider replacing the damaged copper sections with PEX piping, which better resists acidity.   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! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we’re here to help you rush through your home improvement to-dos and provide fast, stress-free ways to get your house in tip-top shape before the holiday hits. We’ve got tips on everything from lightning protection to tackling holiday spills and getting your home ready for winter. - Stain Removal: We offer tried-and-true stain-busting tricks using pantry staples to manage inevitable holiday spills like red wine, greasy gravy, and cranberry sauce. - Proper Home Insulation: We detail how to check if your home has enough insulation. Options for insulation include affordable fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose or fiberglass, or professional spray foam. - Saving Energy in Winter: Energy-saving winter tips include checking weather stripping and installing a door sweep to block cold air, using a smart thermostat to automate heating schedules, and wrapping older water heaters with an insulation blanket. - Improving Indoor Air Quality: We offer tips for maintaining healthier indoor air quality, such as using an air purifier, keeping the humidity between 35-40%, and ensuring proper air circulation by leaving doors open and using exhaust fans in bathrooms.   Q & A: - Jason in Arkansas was concerned about lightning control after installing a metal roof, especially since lightning recently destroyed his heat and air unit. We advise him to look into installing a proper lightning rod system, which typically involves a heavy copper cable running down the exterior wall to a 4- to 6-foot grounding rod. - Nancy in Georgia was dealing with a squeaky top-floor doorway after removing carpet. The solution is to locate the floor joists by finding the nailing pattern and then using long drywall screws to tightly screw down the subfloor across the entire area. - Dan in Georgia asked for advice on painting his vinyl siding because his wife disliked the current color. We strongly advise against painting the vinyl siding because paint layers will peel and require re-painting every five to six years. - Dave in Ontario, Canada, discovered that the wooden header was dry-rotted above his detached cement block garage door. We explain that he needs to build a temporary support wall inside the garage to hold the roof rafters while he disassembles and replaces the deteriorated header. - Emily (via email) wrote in about a fuzzy white growth on her basement walls that she feared was mold. We identify the growth as likely efflorescence, a mineral deposit left after moisture evaporates, and recommend that she manage exterior moisture by cleaning gutters and sloping the soil away from the foundation.   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! Home sweet home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make, but it doesn't have to be a bottomless money pit. We know you’re busy at this time of year with holidays and projects, but we’re here every week to help you handle those improvements, whether you have questions about painting, plumbing, home safety, security, or curb appeal! - Smart, Damage-Free Ways to Decorate for the Holidays: We emphasize the importance of using plastic light clips instead of nails or staples to prevent damage to your siding or roof. We also stress power safety, recommending outdoor-rated lights, weatherproof extension cords, GFCI outlets, and smart plugs or timers to control usage. - Simple Strategies to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling: Make your house look lived in by using varied timers on lights and having trusted neighbors check on packages and park in the driveway. Key safety measures include locking all doors and windows and setting the thermostat to 55-60 degrees to prevent pipe freezing. - Must-Have Winter Checklist: We run through a must-have checklist of essential items to stock up on now, such as ice melt that’s safe for concrete and pets, snow tools, furnace filters, and emergency items like batteries, flashlights, and extra phone chargers. - Hide Messy Wires: Finally, we cover smart and simple ways to hide messy TV wires for a clean, modern media setup.   Q & A: - Karen in Pennsylvania needs a sturdy way to install a railing post into a prefabbed hollow concrete porch step. We advise using blue Tapcon screws specifically designed for masonry surfaces. - Pete in Ohio and his wife want to install canned lights in their finished, two-story home ceiling. We caution that this is an advanced electrical project requiring special tools, making it a job best handled by a professional electrician. - Lori in Missouri asks about a less messy way to remove her popcorn ceiling to achieve a flat surface. We suggest she first test for asbestos, then use the "wet scrape" method by spraying the ceiling lightly with a garden sprayer, letting it soak for 10–15 minutes, and scraping it off carefully with a wide spackle knife. - Robin in Wisconsin was refinishing her basement floor and has areas of carpet glue residue that resist sanding. We explain that sanding warms up adhesives and makes them stickier, advising her to choose a more rigid vinyl plank with an underlayment to bridge the small areas of uneven glue instead of trying to scrape or sand further. - Rich in Illinois has cedar siding that is weathered and untreated, and he seeks advice on how to secure and treat it. We recommend applying an oil-based anti-tannin primer first to prevent the natural oils from leaking, followed by a latex-based exterior stain to achieve a durable finish that could last around 15 years. - Ronnie emailed from New York City, asking if he should close off the five HVAC vents in his unused basement to save money. We advise against shutting off a large portion of the system, as it may strain the 15-year-old HVAC unit by forcing it to work harder.   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: Hey, everyone! With the seasonal craziness upon us, it feels like we're cramming more stuff into the same schedule. Join us this week as we share how to get your house in order, keep it in tip-top shape through the winter, and prepare for spring with these time-saving tips: - Caulking for Winter Protection: We share why checking and sealing your exterior caulking now is crucial to prevent energy leaks, energy loss, and sky-high heating bills this winter. - Transforming Your Garage into a Workshop: Learn how to convert that chilly, cluttered garage into a warm, usable workspace by winterizing appropriately and making specific upgrades. - Understanding the Housing Market Crunch: We dig into the current real estate affordability crisis and discuss the “golden handcuffs effect.” While high rates and surging prices make affordability a challenge, buyers are gaining slightly more negotiating power. - Preparing Your Appliances and Fireplace for the Holidays: Before Thanksgiving, we give tips on how to give your dishwasher a deep clean. For your fireplace, ensure your chimney has been professionally inspected and swept, and check for debris like nests before starting it up for the season.   Q & A: - Scott in Florida wants to swap the location of the shower and toilet in his first-floor master bathroom, but we advise against it since moving plumbing drains in a concrete slab requires massive construction. The better solution is to make the existing shower smaller and convert that wasted space into a storage closet. - Amy in South Dakota observed grayish discoloration on the wood parts of her windows and on the metal frames. We recommend sanding the oxidized gray wood and refinishing it with an exterior-grade, oil-based urethane. - George in Connecticut was planning to install natural wood flooring over the carpet in his family room, above a dry basement. He was advised to choose prefinished hardwood for its durability and easier installation. - Belinda is adding GFCI outlets to her older home and asked if they require their own circuit breaker. We confirm they do not, and an electrician can splice the GFCI into existing wiring to protect that outlet and others downstream if needed. - Dennis in Michigan was trying to remove powdered roofing cement that had gotten wet, cured, and hardened onto his stained concrete garage floor. He should first scrape off as much cured material as possible and then use a solvent like mineral spirits or acetone, working it in with a wire brush to break down the remaining material. - Dave in Houston, Texas, sought advice on whether to glue down or float the engineered wood flooring he is installing in his second-floor bedrooms. We prefer floating floors because they are easier to install, lock together, and allow for expansion and contraction.   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: Coast to coast and floorboards to shingles, this is The Money Pit! As we enter this wonderful, thankful time of year, we are focused on making sure your home is prepped to look nice and stay safe before the holiday guests and cooking sprees begin. Listen in for this week’s home improvement topics and calls, including: - Refreshing Your Home's Exterior: Fall provides crisp, dry weather that is perfect for refreshing your exterior paint. We’ll give you some tips on how to boost curb appeal and better protect your home. - Preventing Holiday Plumbing Disasters: Before guests arrive, take steps to avoid kitchen clogs and toilet backups, such as avoiding putting grease, potato peels, or bones down the garbage disposal. - Essential Fire Safety for the Season: Holiday lights and decorations can increase fire risks, so use surge protectors and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, which can overload wires. Also, always remember that unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. - Quick Clean-Up Preparation: Since spills are inevitable during big meals, prep a quick grab-and-go stain-fighting kit with essentials like paper towels, a carpet-safe stain remover, white vinegar, and a scrub brush.   Q & A: - Cameron has a 100-year-old home with counterweighted windows, and he needs to restring the weights. To fix this, he needs to carefully remove the interior trim/casing to gain access to the cavity behind the sash, making sure to use a utility knife to cut the paint seam first to avoid damage while repairing the window. - Nicole is dealing with loud banging pipes in the basement every time water is run. The noise is either "water hammer" from loose pipes shaking against the wood framing, or the well pump turning on and off too frequently. - Linda wants to build a single concrete structure that can serve as a patio in the summer and a covered carport for her collectible car in the winter. To get a solid, permanent base, we recommend consulting with a professional. - Bill installed a new LED light fixture and noticed there is a 1.5 to 2-second delay before the light actually comes on when flipped. This behavior is actually normal due to the complex internal circuitry required to bring the light up and maintain the correct level. - Gail emailed to say she recently moved and asked how to stop the stains left by falling acorns on her concrete driveway. The recommended solution is to stay on top of maintenance by scrubbing the stains with a strong solution of oxygenated bleach.   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! As the days grow shorter and we settle into the realities of daylight savings time, it's the perfect time to tackle those crucial home improvement projects and winter preparations. We’re here every week with home improvement how-tos, hacks, tips, tricks, and advice to help you fix up your home sweet home! Today’s featured home improvement topics and calls include: - Home Improvement ROI: We break down the top five home improvement projects that will deliver the biggest bang for your buck. - Hiring Contractors: We share our insider checklist for hiring the right contractor, emphasizing the critical steps you need to avoid getting scammed this holiday season. - Outdoor Chore List: We detail the essential last outdoor chores you need to complete before winter settles in. - Refreshing a Backyard Garden Bed: For those with an unused space, we discuss how to rejuvenate a tired backyard garden bed in the fall.   Q & A: - Tracy in Florida was considering installing high-density styrofoam crown molding instead of traditional wood because she isn't handy. Foam trim is an excellent DIY choice, as it is easy to cut and install and once painted, it is indistinguishable from wood. - John in Arkansas has a height difference where a new addition meets his house's slab foundation, complicating the connection of LVP flooring, especially near an exterior door. We think John should install a transition strip (saddle) to safely navigate this height difference. - Dewey owns a three-unit building where a basement unit has a bad odor coming from the drywall due to a previous sewage flood. To address this, he needs to hire a remediation company to tear out the impacted drywall and wiring. - Gail in Virginia has an oil boiler that is delivering water that is too hot, and she cannot turn the boiler temperature down without impacting the heating performance. She needs to have a technician locate and correctly set the mixing valve built into her tankless coil system to automatically add the proper amount of cold water.   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 getting chilly out, so we’re focused on preparing a cozier home for the colder season ahead. Give us a call now at 888 Money Pit, but first, listen in for this week’s topics and DIY caller questions! - Fireplace Safety Check: Before striking that first match for a cozy fire, pay attention to our quick fireplace safety checklist. We’ll walk you through tips to tackle before lighting your first log. - Pre-Winter Power Washing: Before winter wraps your home in a snowy blanket, it’s a great time to give your exterior a deep clean. Coming up, we’re talking about the power of power washing! From removing grime and mildew to making your walkways safer and your house sparkle for the holidays, we’ll share why this quick weekend project is the ultimate pre-winter refresh. - Smoke Detector & Cold Prep Reminders: Changing the clocks is a perfect reminder to replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and to swap out any units that are more than 10 years old. Other quick prep tasks include reversing ceiling fan direction, inspecting weather stripping, and cleaning the HVAC filter. - Wallpaper Accents: In Leslie's Last Word, we discuss how wallpaper is having a serious design moment and can be used sparingly and stylishly as an accent in small spaces like powder rooms or inside decorative molding for instant impact.   Q & A: - Mara in Louisiana wanted to screen in or convert part of her two-story porch on her 1910 home, which has 22 large Corinthian columns. We explain that trying to work around or box in the unique columns would severely change the architectural style of her beautiful home, and recommend consulting with an architect for a major redesign. - David in Anchorage, Alaska, was preparing to tile a bathroom wall that featured a "knockdown" texture, and he needed to know what prep work was necessary. We suggest that he lightly sand the raised spots or score them with a knife to provide a clean, flatter surface for the tile adhesive. - Stacy in Minnesota wanted to update her 1968 fireplace by filling in the mortar between the bricks and then applying a lime wash. We explain that a lime wash won't absorb correctly into brick as it does with wood grain, and she should instead consider alternatives like tiling, using faux stone fascia, or applying stucco. - John in Florida stripped his entire house down to the studs and asked if "cocooning" his home with spray foam insulation was a good idea. We affirm that spray foam is an excellent method for achieving energy efficiency, especially since the walls were open, and we note that breathability issues are rare in existing homes.   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: Happy Halloween weekend! Once spooky season is officially behind us, it’s time to turn things over and get ready for the real holiday hustle. We are sharing easy ways to prep your kitchen and dining areas for all the extra cooking, baking, entertaining, and guests you’ll have. Plus, we’re tackling exterior maintenance tips before the deep freeze sets in. Stay tuned to hear all this and more! - Holiday Kitchen Prep: We offer easy tips to prep your kitchen for the holidays, emphasizing deep cleaning the oven well in advance of a major feast and clearing out expired items from the fridge and freezer to make space for groceries and leftovers. - Refresh Your Dining Room: We provide quick and affordable ways to refresh your dining room, focusing on simple centerpieces and cozy lighting upgrades. - Making Space for Guests: If you’re hosting holiday guests but don’t have a spare room, find out how to create a warm overnight space using visual separation, high-quality air mattresses, and thoughtful bedside basics. - Winterizing Pipes: To prevent costly water damage from burst pipes, we discuss important winterizing tips for your outdoor space.   Q & A: - Mike from Little Rock, AR, is listing his house for sale after three years of piecemeal remodeling and wants to know the best way to advertise the improvements. He should create an inventory list of all that was done, including dates for things like energy-saving updates, as this detail is very appealing to buyers. - Marty in Cape May, NJ, has a tankless water heater and is frustrated that it takes almost five minutes for hot water to reach her kitchen sink. We explain that the issue is the physical distance the water must travel through the pipes, not the type of water heater. - Mark in Ohio is attempting a budget kitchen remodel and is considering IKEA cabinets, but is concerned about their durability. We confirm that our experience with IKEA kitchen cabinets suggests they are good quality, very well priced, and are notably easy to install. - Mike in Florida recently moved and had an AC technician recommend installing a UV light. We suggest that the technician was likely trying to upsell and give Mike some other useful tips besides relying on an expensive UV light. - Larry in Connecticut needs to replace two aging water heaters in his attic and asked whether a recirculating pump or a tankless heater is the better solution. We caution against adding a recirculating pump to the old units and note that while a tankless heater is small and efficient, Larry should consider whether one small unit could meet all his hot water needs.   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! Home sweet home doesn't have to be a bottomless money pit, and we are here every week to take your calls and offer expert advice. This week, we’re getting festive with last-minute Halloween treats and tackling your scariest home improvement dilemmas! Topics this week include: - Last-Minute DIY Halloween Decor: If Halloween snuck up on you, there is still time to haunt your house with easy decor ideas like using cheesecloth or gauze draped over balloons to create floating ghosts, cutting black trash bags into spiderwebs, or creating spooky silhouettes from paper and cardboard. - Budget-Friendly Yard Frights: We share quick and clever DIY lighting effects to transform your yard into a haunted masterpiece, including using toilet paper rolls with cellophane and LED lights tucked into bushes to create glowing eyes, or setting up a glowing, smoky cauldron with a fog machine or dry ice. - The Best Way to Store Decorations: Once the spooky season is over, you should sort and label indoor decor, wrap string lights around cardboard to prevent tangles, and ensure all outdoor items (like inflatables and lights) are completely dry before boxing them up to prevent mold and damage. - Fall Home Maintenance Wins: Leslie’s Last Word offers easy projects to ready your home for winter, including draining off sediment from your tank-style water heater and swapping out the furnace filter to ensure warmer air and lower heating bills.   Q & A: - John in Texas was questioning whether to install a metal roof over just 1x3 wood lath strips or over solid plywood sheathing on his new small home. Our recommendation is to use solid decking because it provides greater structural strength, reduces the loud noise caused by rain, and allows for better insulation. - Janet was looking for the best way to insulate a side entrance floor, debating whether to insulate from underneath or pull up the linoleum and plywood from the top. If she has access to the crawlspace, we advise inserting insulation between the joists from underneath, but note that the ceiling/attic should be insulated first. - Lauren asked if her neglected, ivy-damaged cedar siding was worth salvaging and what type of contractor to hire for the job. Our advice is to restore the siding by hiring a good painter to prep the surface and caulk seams, using a solid color stain for durability, and potentially hiring a carpenter to replace severely damaged boards. - Bosley emailed to say he wanted to remove a large bathroom mirror glued to the wall without breaking it and needed safety advice. The solution requires wearing protective gear and using a thin, strong wire, like piano wire or a guitar string, to carefully saw back and forth behind the mirror and cut through the adhesive.   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! You can make your outdoor space your favorite place, and we can help. Whether you’re tackling projects inside or outside, we are on your side, and we’re discussing some awesome autumn topics today and answering DIY questions from callers like you! - Smarter Fall Leaf Cleanup: We share a better, faster, and more eco-friendly way to clean up the yard this fall. You'll learn why not raking every leaf is the best thing you can do for your lawn and the planet. - Preparing the Garden for Winter: Fall is the time to prep your flower beds and vegetable gardens to ensure a vibrant, healthy, bountiful spring. This includes clearing out old or diseased plants, enriching the soil with organic matter, and giving perennials a necessary trim. - Tool Tune-up and Winterization: Before you stash that mower and hang up the rake, we walk you through a simple tool tune-up that will save you time, money, and headaches next season. Q & A: - Mark was seeking options for adding an attractive and affordable solar boiler kit to his current water heater system. We explain that solar water heaters are cost-effective in any climate because their fuel is free sunshine, and he should consult the Energy Saver website for resources on active or passive systems. - Laura in Illinois needs to paint a ceiling covered in oil-based paint, but lives in Illinois, where oil-based paints are restricted. We recommend thoroughly cleaning the ceiling and then using a quality water-cleanup primer (latex or alkyd-based) before applying a low-gloss topcoat like eggshell. - Living in a rural area, Sherry asked for advice on choosing a burglar alarm or security system. We share that the first step is ensuring she has a solid internet connection, preferably with a cell phone dialer backup, and then choosing a system that provides 24/7 monitoring by an actual person. - Lee’s puppy chewed triangular corners off four pieces of his cement board siding. We suggest using a two-part epoxy putty product called Wood Epox to reform and shape the corners, which can then be sanded and painted once cured. - David was shopping for a power washer and wanted to know the ideal PSI. We recommend that he look at the gallons per minute and motor type (gas vs. electric), noting that an electric model around 1,800 PSI is generally great for standard house cleaning.   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: Your home is the biggest investment you'll ever make, and we're here every week to make sure it doesn't have to be a bottomless Money Pit! Today, we’re tackling the projects you need to get done before winter arrives, from refreshing your home with a perfect fall paint job to reclaiming your basement space, plus lots more DIY ideas. - Fall Painting for the Perfect Finish: Fall is the perfect time to refresh your home with a fresh coat of paint, because cooler temperatures and lower humidity help the paint cure evenly and prevent streaking. We discuss trending colors and how to prep for a professional-looking result. - Transforming the Basement into a Bonus Room: If your home is shrinking or your basement is currently just a storage unit, we share creative tips for turning that blank slate into your home's best bonus room, which is one of the smartest ways to add square footage. - Durable Flooring for High-Traffic Entryways: Since the front entry is the hardest-working floor in the home, we break down the best durable and water-resistant flooring options to stand up to mud and foot traffic.   Q & A: - Kim from New York reported discolored hot water coming from her old, oil-fired water heater. We think her unit is probably rusting and advise her to replace it with a much more efficient electric heat pump water heater. - Robin in Maryland was planning to install laminate flooring in her condo, but was worried about installing it over existing luan. She must first lift the feet on the dishwasher or remove the appliances to prevent them from being blocked by the higher new floor, and install a wide transition piece for stability in the high-traffic doorway. - Barry in Texas has an exterior wooden arbor where the paint keeps wearing off, and he is concerned about wood rot. We stress that the issue is poor adherence and give tips to prepare the arbor for painting. - Mirabel, via email, asked for suggestions on waterproof or damp-proof basement flooring options for a new home office. We suggest the best, most durable option is luxury vinyl plank or rigid vinyl plank that is 100% waterproof and can be layered with an area rug for a cozier feel.   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 spooky season and cozy season, which means the weather is outstanding for tackling home improvement projects, both inside and out. Coming up, we're sharing a quick heating system checkup, life-saving fire safety tips, and creative ideas for decorating your yard safely for Halloween! Let's get to it! - Heating System Seasonal Checkup: Don't wait until the first frost to discover your heating system isn't working! We will walk you through the steps for furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps to keep your home warm, safe, and energy efficient all winter long. - Fire Safety and Prevention: Since October is Fire Safety Month, we share practical, life-saving tips that every household should know, including the importance of developing and practicing a home escape plan. - Safe Halloween Decorating: We provide creative tips for decorating your outdoor space for Halloween safely, whether you're adding a few eerie touches or going for a full haunted house vibe. - Interior Lighting Tips: Since the days are getting darker earlier, consider swapping out cool-toned bulbs for warm white LEDs to make cozy corners more inviting. You can also add personality and light using beautiful plug-in sconces, which require no complex electrical work.   Q & A: - Vincent from Delaware was concerned about recent cracking in his cousin's 1930s brick home. We recommend hiring an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified professional home inspector for diagnostic advice, or, if the problem is severe, a structural engineer who can specify the required repair. - Mike from Chicago found that his walls likely had no insulation and asked for safe options to insulate the brick while avoiding moisture issues. We advise that his primary option is the disruptive project of removing the interior drywall to install rigid foam insulation sheets. He can also focus on cutting down drafts by caulking around windows and trim, plus maximizing attic insulation. - Sue noticed moss growing on her roof and wanted to know more about using copper flashing to prevent buildup. We confirm that copper flashing is effective because the metal naturally fights moss and mildew as rain washes over it. - Tim planned to install luxury vinyl flooring and asked if an additional sound barrier was necessary. We feel that no additional sound deadener is needed because the flooring is going directly over concrete. - Sherry from Iowa asked if it was worthwhile to have her air ducts or furnace ducts cleaned in her 50-year-old home. We believe that duct cleaning is typically not needed unless there's an existing problem, and the best preventative measure is to invest in a high-quality air filter and replace it regularly.   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! We're here every week to help you protect your biggest investment – your home sweet home – and make sure it doesn't become a bottomless money pit. We've got a busy hour planned, diving into seasonal home maintenance musts. Join us for today’s topics, including: - Reclaiming Your Yard with Hardscapes: Learn how Pavestone products can help you ditch constant mowing, weeding, and watering while boosting your curb appeal. We’ll discuss ideas for creating stunning, smart, and sustainable outdoor spaces. - Essential Garage Door Maintenance: The garage door is the biggest moving part of your home, and we'll share simple tips to keep it running smoothly, safely, and quietly before it becomes dangerous and expensive. - Winterizing Your Sprinkler System: Before the first deep freeze hits, we detail the crucial fall task of shutting down your in-ground sprinkler system to prevent serious and costly damage.   Q & A: - Margaret’s home has ceramic bathroom tiles confirmed to contain lead, and she needs questions to ask contractors who seem unaware of safe removal requirements. We advise her to seek a contractor who is EPA certified in lead paint renovation or removal. - Gonzalo successfully reduced his home's air infiltration through air sealing, but is concerned there may still be leaks. We recommend using specific science to locate drafts rather than guessing. - Bobby in Virginia notices a small amount of water in his basement after heavy rains, which he suspects is due to hydrostatic pressure. We suspect the problem is caused by bad grading and drainage outside the foundation, and urge him to extend his gutters and downspouts farther from the house perimeter. - Lillian in Florida is dealing with worms that repeatedly crawl onto her screened-in patio! We explain that worms come out after heavy rain because they breathe through their skin and need oxygen when the soil gets too wet. - Allan in North Dakota wants to reseed his lawn and asked if seeding right before the snow falls is the correct timing. We confirmed that fall is the best time for reseeding, but advised him not to wait until winter is approaching.   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 is full-on spooky season here at The Money Pit, and we are relishing fall! But while this is the perfect season for cozy projects, it’s also prime time for scammers looking to cash in on unsuspecting homeowners. Today, we’re walking you through some great home improvement projects, plus the red flags to protect yourself and your wallet. - Mold and Mildew: We’re examining the difference between mold and mildew and offer advice on how to spot it, when to clean it yourself, and when it’s critical to call in a professional. - Wildlife Pests: Protect your perfect fall porch display from critters who view your pumpkins and decor as a seasonal feast. We share clever tricks to keep animals away. - Contractor Scams: We’re warning homeowners about the top scams making the rounds this fall, a busy season for cons that include fake chimney sweeps, shady furnace checkups, and unsolicited offers for gutter cleaning.   Q & A: - Rochelle called to ask if she received a fair price for a contractor to remove and replace a section of gutter and repair her fascia board. We advised her that the quote doesn't sound terrible, but she should obtain a second bid to compare the project’s true cost. - Andrew is planning to build a floating deck for an inflatable hot tub and inquired about using Trex decking and ensuring sufficient structural support. We confirmed that Trex is a great, durable decking surface for use around a hot tub, but stressed he must beef up the structure to handle the weight. - Gail reached out from Georgia concerning her persistent problem with mud daubers building nests on the side of her house. We suggested she try strong-smelling natural deterrents or use effective wasp traps. - Will wanted to know the best way to add insulation beneath his attic floor without having to pull up the existing plywood. We provided a simpler solution: he can lay unfaced batts of insulation directly on top of the existing insulation in the attic floor. - Stan needs a fix for his wood garage door that won't seal at the bottom. The solution is to cut the bottom to match the angle of the floor precisely, which then allows for the installation of a new, even seal.   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! Today, we are tackling those big fall projects, including protecting your home from the tough winter ahead and figuring out how to reclaim those spaces that feel like a lost cause. Let’s take a look at the main topics we are tackling this hour, plus home improvement questions from callers: - Weekend Concrete Repair: Winter is super tough on concrete, so with a few simple steps right now, you can save yourself from big repair bills later. We will show you how to seal cracks and protect your concrete surfaces with help from Quikrete, making this an easy and inexpensive weekend project. - Perfect Painting Tips: If you are ready to give your space a fresh look before the holidays, fall is actually the perfect time to pick up a paintbrush due to the cooler, drier weather. We will share seasonal tricks to help you choose the right color, prep your walls, and ensure your paint job is smooth and long-lasting. - Reclaiming Unusable Space: We know more than half of Americans say at least one room in their house is unsalvageable, but we are sharing simple, stress-free ways to declutter and reclaim that space. - Home Lighting: As the days get shorter and darker earlier, lighting becomes everything, so we are sharing simple ways to bring in light and give your home an autumnal glow.   Q & A: - Ladonna in Alaska called us with a snow management question about her log cabin, wondering if placing tarps over her roof would prevent buildup. We advise her that tarps won't provide the relief she wants and suggest sticking with her snow rake, - Bill in Maryland has small cracks in his chimney crown and was told by a chimney sweep to cover them with plastic roof cement. We confirm that removing the crown is unnecessary, but strongly advise against the plastic roof cement because it traps moisture; instead, Bill should use a good-quality silicone caulk to seal the cracks. - Marilyn reached out because her daughter can hear her condo neighbors talking through thin walls. We suggest soundproofing solutions like adhering a second layer of drywall or implementing decorative solutions like long drapes or acoustical wall panels. - Shen in New Hampshire wants to tile a poured concrete wall in her garage staircase and asked about prepping the surface. We recommend first ensuring her gutters are directing water away from the wall to reduce moisture, then using an uncoupling membrane, such as Dietra, to prevent the tiles from cracking from differential movement. - Keith in Georgia has a very low crawl space and needs suggestions to seal the dirt floor to prevent moisture evaporation. The simple solution we suggest is laying polyethylene sheeting across the entire crawl space floor and up the walls to keep the space drier and prevent mold and mildew.   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! We love this time of year, with the cool, crisp air and the anticipation of autumn. But the chill also means higher heating bills, so today we are dedicating the hour to helping you stay warm and save some serious energy dollars! Here is what we’ve got coming up today on The Money Pit: - Sealing Drafts: We’ll show you easy and effective ways to find and fix the sneaky drafts around your windows, doors, and attics. Learn how to use a simple candle to locate leaks and then seal them up, using inexpensive solutions like weather stripping and foam gaskets. - Adding Insulation: If you’ve noticed your energy costs creeping up, it might be time to beef up your insulation, but remember that not all types are created equal. We’ll break down the pros and cons of different insulations, so you know exactly what will work best for your space. - Smart Thermostats: Are you still heating your home with an older thermostat? We’re going to show you how making the smart switch to a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills, learn your habits, and make your home cozier, all with just a few taps on your phone.   Q & A: - Belle from Bristol, Virginia, says the solid stain on her deck started chipping after only a year. We advise that the deck was likely too damp when the stain was applied and recommend scraping off the loose spots until she is ready to strip the entire surface. - Steve in Arizona asked about the cost of a three-ton air conditioner. We explain that the price is dependent on the contractor and equipment efficiency (SEER rating), urging him to get competitive bids from three vendors for the same product. - Katherine contacted us about deteriorating brick faces and mortar near her foundation. We recommend using Quikrete ReCap to repair the masonry and a mortar repair product for the joints, mixing in available dyes to match the color of the old materials. - Nick emailed regarding attaching his new vanity top to the base. We suggest using a strong adhesive on the vanity edge, followed by a bead of caulk along the back wall, to secure the composite top without needing physical fasteners. - Billy from New Jersey asks about installing a storm door and exterior door combination. We tell him that modern, Energy Star-rated steel or fiberglass exterior doors have superior integral weather stripping, making the storm door unnecessary.   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! 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