This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we tackle a trifecta of home improvement challenges! Discover how to make your fireplace a heat-saving hero, peel away layers of old wallpaper, and unclog drains like a pro. Plus, get answers to additional home improvement questions! - Removing Wallpaper: Removing wallpaper is quicker and easier with these tips. - Fireplace Efficiency: Keep warm without burning money through your fireplace. - Unclogging Drains: Weasel your way to clear drains with this handy tool.   Q & A: - Bathroom Flooring: Besides tile, what kind of flooring is best for bathrooms? Zelda should consider bamboo flooring that’s durable and works well in moist areas. - Water Heater: Jacob’s water is either too hot or too cold. Installing a pressure balance valve will keep the water temperature regulated. - Kitchen Remodeling: Joan gets advice on how to plan a kitchen remodeling project and working with a kitchen designer. - Dehumidifying: Randy wants to reduce the humidity in the crawlspace. He should put down a vapo

SHOW NOTES: Learn the secrets to a fresh and inviting home in this episode, as we address the challenge of sink odors, discuss windows to brighten your rooms, and suggest pet-friendly floors that look great. Tune in for these and lots more home improvement inspirations! - Pet-Friendly Floors: Make furry friends feel at home with paws-itively perfect pet-friendly floors. - Transom Windows: These trending transom windows add light where you need it. - Sink Odors: Try these simple solutions for stinky sinks.   Q & A: - Chimney Removal: Steve’s considering removing his brick chimney. It’s a big job, but he gets advice on the steps involved. - Ceiling Repair: Rock lath is discovered under a damaged ceiling. We give Maria tips on how to plaster over it before priming and painting the entire ceiling. - Garage Insulation: Mike wants to warm up his cold garage, but there may not be enough room to add insulation above the ceiling. - Dry Rot: Joan finds what she thinks is dry rot when she pulls up a rug. We explain it m

SHOW NOTES: Enjoy some home budget bliss as we discuss how to control maintenance and repair costs, get the look of expensive stone countertops at an affordable price, and do a home remodeling project with the best ROI! Save time, money, and stress as we answer these and other home improvement questions you’ll want to know. - Home Maintenance Costs: Avoid unpleasant surprises by setting a budget for home maintenance and repairs. - Stone Countertops: Get the luxe look of stone countertops at a fraction of the cost. - Remodeling ROI: Find out which home improvement project delivers the highest ROI.     Q & A: - Door Replacement: Old French doors have developed wood rot at the bottom and repairing them is a challenge. Fran should look at getting a new fiberglass door. - Removing a Wall: Martin wants to remove a main support wall between rooms. It can be done, but this is a big project that needs a professional to avoid disaster. - Garage Floor: Someone made Kathleen doubtful about installing an epoxy garage floo

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we explore the importance of roof inspection, reveal the most stressful home improvement projects, and decide whether to repair or replace that aging appliance. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips for these and other home improvement questions! - Home Improvement Projects: A new survey reveals the most and least stressful home improvement projects. - Roof Inspection: After withstanding winter weather, it’s time to give your roof a checkup. - Appliance Repair: Get a cheat to help decide whether to repair or replace appliances.   Q & A: - Surge Protectors: Can Rick save money by connecting appliances and electronics to surge protectors? Not much, and they’re really meant to guard against power surges. - Toilet Condensation: Ilene has condensation on the outside of her toilets. A plumber can run a line to mix in warmer water and she should reduce the humidity in her home. - Spray Foam Insulation: Should Kevin use open- or closed-cell spray foam insulation? They’re both very effe

SHOW NOTES: Get tips on keeping your home colorful, bright, and warm in today's show as we discuss what to think about before painting, easy pick-me-ups to beat the winter blues, and doing a home energy assessment. Plus, hear helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions! - Winter Blues: Lift your spirits and beat the winter blues with DIY tips to brighten up your home. - Painting Tips: Consider these 6 tips before starting your next painting project. - Energy Audit: Learn how to make your home more energy-efficient with a DIY energy audit.   Q & A: - Deck Stain: Jeanie needs advice for staining the new boards on her deck. We recommend using a solvent-based solid stain that will last longer. - Water Pressure: The water pressure is different in Brad’s bathrooms. He gets tips on how to figure out if it’s an obstruction or a problem with the valve or faucet. - Gutter Guards: Risa’s gutters are getting clogged with leaves from nearby trees. We advise her to find a reputable contractor to install mesh gu

SHOW NOTES: In this enlightening episode, we’ll discuss efficient new heat pump technology, learn savvy tips to reclaim your rental security deposit, and discover quick hacks for easy furniture repairs. For answers to these and lots more home improvement questions, your home transformation starts here! - Rental Security Deposit: When your rental lease ends, don’t forget these tips for reclaiming your security deposit. - Heat Pumps: New efficiencies in heat pump technology keep costs down and comfort up. - Furniture Repair: Clean stains and fix dings and dents with these easy furniture repair hacks.   Q & A: - Roof Moss and Mold: Mary wants to clean and prevent moss and mold on her asphalt shingle roof. Sunlight is the best solution and we recommend cutting back some trees. - Insulation: Does spray foam insulation pose a mold risk? It’s unlikely that a leak in Luke’s roof would go undetected long enough to cause any concern. - Replacing Windows: Marcia’s old wood kitchen window is hard to open and close. Repla

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll focus on winter wisdom for your home, with tips on how to use space heaters safely, ideas for luring colorful winter birds to your yard, and info on easy and effective spray foam insulation! Join us as we navigate these cold weather challenges and delights, plus answer lots more home improvement questions. - Space Heaters: If you want to enjoy warmth without worry, remember these space heater safety tips. - Winter Birds: Add life and color to your yard by attracting winter birds with the right feeders and food. - Foam Insulation: This innovative spray foam kit boosts insulation, seals drafts, and improves energy efficiency.   Q & A: - Tile Grout: Christine wants white grout for her white bathroom tile. Using sand grout for the floor, epoxy grout for the walls, and sealing it well will help keep it clean.  - Chimney Repair: Rebecca’s chimney has external cracks and the mantel is chipped and shifting. This sounds like a significant structural project that requires a profession

SHOW NOTES: Master your home’s full potential as we explore the allure of pro ranges for residential kitchens, reveal the secrets to stylish home makeovers on a budget, and discuss the craft of setting up a dedicated hobby space. Listen to these and other home improvement questions on today’s podcast episode! - Pro-Style Ranges: Pro-style kitchen ranges offer a wide menu of options for home gourmets. - Thrifty Home Makeover: Learn how to redecorate on a budget with makeover tips that cost little or nothing. - Hobby Space: Create a personalized space at home for your favorite hobbies or crafts.   Q & A: - Thermal Windows: Karen wants to allow sun through her windows in the daytime without losing heat at night. Thermal cellular shades are an inexpensive solution. - Ceiling Repair: A ceiling leak made the sheetrock separate. If it’s sagging, Ken can cut out and replace that area, or else just retape, spackle, prime, and paint the seam. - Flooring Gap: Nancy has a gap between the new wood floor and the front door

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got hot tips for chilly season challenges, including how to keep pipes from freezing when the mercury drops, post-holiday decoration cleanup, and unsticking doors to ensure smooth entries and exits. Stay tuned for these and other topics in a jam-packed episode of winter home improvement! - Frozen Pipes: When there’s frost in the forecast, know how to keep your pipes from freezing. - Removing Holiday Decorations: If it’s time to wrap up the holidays, undeck the halls with these quick and easy steps. - Sticking Doors: If you’re feeling stuck, we’ve got solutions for annoying doors that stick.   Q & A: - Shower Odors: Heidi can’t get rid of the sour odor coming from the shower drain. We suggest scrubbing the drain carefully with a Borax solution and using a vent fan with a humidistat. - Concrete Countertop: Should Lane build a DIY concrete countertop? It could be a lot of work, but with proper preparation, it’s a beautiful and inexpensive option. - Insulation: The upstairs rooms a

SHOW NOTES: Join us for a jam-packed episode where we discuss the essential trio for a snug home. Learn the nuances of firewood selection, dive into the secrets of maintaining pristine indoor air quality, and uncover a DIY solution to seal those chilly floor drafts. Your ultimate guide to a comfy abode awaits with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Choosing Firewood: Enjoy cool nights by a warm fire by choosing the best firewood to burn cleanly and safely. - Indoor Air Pollution: Breathe easier by using the right air filters to improve air quality and reduce dust, allergens, and germs. - Sealing Floor Drafts: If upward drafts are giving you the chills, this DIY product seals and insulates gaps in the floor below.   Q & A: - Cleaning Carpet: Sue needs to clean algae from the carpet on her concrete front porch. We suggest renting a steam cleaner and using the right chemicals for great results. - Restoration: Kurt wants to be sure he’s taking the right steps for his restoration project and

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, learn the secrets to creating a harmonious home as we discuss expert advice on decluttering your space, ensuring your stairs are secure, and embracing the uniqueness of vintage finds, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Home Organization: Conquer clutter chaos by keeping your home organized. - Staircase Safety: Step-by-step tips for staircase safety. - Vintage Design: Add vintage charm to your home with salvaged architectural pieces.   Q & A: - Chimney Venting: Gayle needs advice on converting her old fireplace to gas. Lining the chimney with a stainless steel flue would be easier than installing a power vent. - Cracked Drywall: Doug was told his drywall cracks are from a structural problem, but it sounds like the contractor did a bad job installing the drywall. - Flooring Options: Engineered hardwood, laminate, and engineered vinyl planks are all good options for Rebecca to install over her existing ceramic tile floor. - Window Leak Stain: A leak under a cellar win

SHOW NOTES: Tune in to today’s show for a wealth of essential winter wisdom! We'll guide you through snow preparation tactics, effective methods to eliminate pesky Christmas tree bugs, and insights into handling and preventing common household poisons. Empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your home and family, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Winter Checklist: The best time to prepare for snow is before it starts, with this winter-ready checklist. - Christmas Tree Bugs: Learn what to do when your unwelcome holiday guests are Christmas tree bugs. - Household Poisons: Take these important steps to protect your family from common household poisons.   Q & A: - Leaking Roof: Cindy has tried everything to fix a leaky corrugated metal roof. She’ll need to either add another layer of roof with an ice and water shield or replace the whole roof. - Generator: Rich wants a generator to guard against power outages. We recommend a natural gas whole-house generator to keep things running and offer

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show offers a trifecta of home beautification tips! Unravel the mysteries of proper paint storage so leftover colors remain fresh and usable, then learn the art of securely hanging wall hangings for a picture-perfect gallery. Finally, spruce up your entryway with front door décor ideas to welcome holiday guests. Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions! - Storing Paint: Leftover paint is useful for touchups and other projects, as long as it’s stored the right way. - Securing Wall Hangings: What goes up won’t come down with these tips for securing wall hangings. - Front Door Décor: Make a lasting first impression with festive front door décor to welcome holiday guests.   Q & A: - Drainage: How can John improve drainage on a home surrounded on three sides by soil on a steep hill? A curtain drain can intercept and redirect water around the foundation. - Concrete Patio Surface: Jennifer’s concrete patio has gotten pitted from rock salt. She can use a concrete resurfacing produ

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll be looking upward to keep your home safe and comfortable! First, check out tips for adding living space in your attic. Then, beware of the dangers of damaging ice dams on your roof. Finally, keep the cold out and the warmth in with spray foam insulation that’s made easy. Listen in for answers to all this and more of your home improvement questions! - Using Attic Space: If you need some added living space, look up toward your attic for some remodeling ideas. - Icicles and Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging off your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Spray Foam Insulation: Sealing out drafts is made easier and more effective with a new one-part spray foam insulation product.   Q & A: - Closet Space: Matt wants to move the entry to a narrow closet from the short end to the wide wall. Building a temporary wall is a good idea in case it needs support. - Laminate Flooring: What is the easiest way to install a laminate floor? Tristan gets step-by-step instructions on how to l

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we cover the essentials of home safety and comfort! In this show, we discuss whether smoke detectors and CO detectors alone provide complete protection, then explore how to avoid cleaning product hazards. Plus, find a game-changing product that not only bolsters insulation but significantly enhances your home's energy efficiency. All this and much more to answer your latest home improvement questions! - Fire Protection: Are smoke and CO detectors enough to keep your home protected? - Cleaning Products: What to look for and what to do to handle cleaning products safely - Boost Insulation: This new product boosts insulation and increases energy efficiency and comfort.   Q & A: - Plumbing Leak: To fix a leak where the copper pipes connect, Kris needs to start by draining the boiler below the point of the leak. - Building a Sunroom: Jay is building a sunroom and gets tips on pouring the concrete foundation and adding insulation to supplement passive solar heat. - House Leveling: A main beam

SHOW NOTES: Join us on this week’s podcast as we start by delving into the nitty-gritty of remodeling woes, revealing common mistakes to dodge. Then, from transforming your garage into a DIY haven to ensuring your home's address stands out, we've got you covered with practical insights and expert advice for all your home improvement questions! - Remodeling Mistakes: These 5 common remodeling mistakes can lead to renovation regrets. - DIY Workspace: Create a comfortable and convenient garage workspace for less than $500. - House Numbers: Make your home easier for guests and emergency responders to find with more visible house numbers.   Q & A: - Garage Floor: How can you treat a garage floor that’s covered in oil and grease? Laurie gets tips for using TSP and a pressure washer, then applying an epoxy finish. - Snow and Insulation: Ash is worried about attic insulation preventing roof snow from melting. Fast-melting snow actually poses a bigger risk because of added weight. - Hiring Contractors: Rita is frustra

SHOW NOTES: Lock 'em out, seal 'em in, and pave the way! Join us for tips to fortify your home against break-ins, seal drafts with spray foam wizardry, and wave goodbye to dirty, damaged driveways. Get answers to these and other callers’ home improvement questions on this week’s Money Pit podcast! - Door Defense: Securing your doors is key to protecting your home from burglars. - Sealing Drafts: This great DIY spray foam makes it easy to seal out drafts. - Driveway Repair: Get tips for restoring a stained or cracked driveway.   Q & A: - Garage Floors: Tracked-in snow is making a mess in Randy’s garage. A perforated floor tile system and epoxy floor paint can help keep things clean. - Fireplace Drafts: Wind is blowing through a gas fireplace that was improperly installed. Susan should check for gaps and contact the manufacturer for installation instructions. - Painting a Room: In what order should you paint a room? Jake gets tips on how to prep the space and use masking tape to paint baseboards and trim, then

SHOW NOTES: Tune in for a treasure trove of home improvement tips in this episode, where we discuss blunders to avoid in home heating, dish about top-rated dishwashers, and share the secret to creating attractive and affordable marble surfaces. From cozy warmth to sparkling dishes and elegant countertops, we're here to help you make your house a dream home! - Dishwasher Ratings: A new survey dishes up details about the top-rated dishwashers. - Home Heating: Find out 3 common home heating mistakes that are driving up your energy bills. - Marble Surfaces: Get the beautiful look of marble surfaces easily and without the high cost.   Q & A: - Cleaning Grout: To clean tile grout in high-traffic areas that has gotten dark, Lisa will find that a grout stripper is much stronger and works better than a grout cleaner. - Toilet Plumbing: When one toilet flushes, the one in the other bathroom drains! John should check for an obstruction that’s affecting the venting in the pipes. - Countertop Stains: How can you cover a w

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, we’ve got tips for keeping your home mess-free, stress-free, and mold-free, from creating functional space in cluttered closets to deciphering the significance of foundation cracks to safeguarding against dreaded window mold and rot. Tune in to learn all this and much more from the Money Pit’s home improvement experts! - Foundation Cracks: Crack the code of sorting minor cracks from major foundation issues. - Closet Organization: Get organizing ideas to cure closet chaos and save space. - Shower Windows: Keep mold and rot at bay in old bathroom shower windows.   Q & A: - Painting Foundation: Anna needs tips on painting the cement foundation of her home. She should start with a good masonry primer before adding a coat of exterior paint. - Cleaning a Fireplace: What is the best way to clean creosote from a brick fireplace? Bill gets suggestions about using TSP, brick and stone cleaners, and soot removers, plus safety advice. - Painting Stucco: Do stucco exterior walls need to be

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll unlock expert secrets on fortifying your space! From installing motion-sensing security lights to preventing frozen pipes and sealing pesky floor drafts, we've got you covered. Tune in for a wealth of home improvement insights with these and other tips to make your home a haven of safety and comfort! - Motion-Sensing Security Lights: Stop burglars in their tracks by easily installing motion-sensing security lights. - Frozen Water Pipes: Get thawed-full advice to keep pipes from freezing when temperatures dip. - Floor Drafts: Learn what to do when drafts coming up from the floor send chills down your spine.   Q & A: - Kitchen Plumbing Vent: What happens if a kitchen plumbing vent is left welded shut? Unless Kate’s drains are sluggish, it shouldn’t be a problem; otherwise, she’d need to remove and extend the vent. - HVAC Mold: Brandon is worried about mold by his furnace, but it’s probably just algae from condensation that overflows from the air conditioning coil. - Electrical