This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got tips for planting bulbs for a beautiful garden, breaking free of stuck windows to let the fresh air in, and protecting trees and shrubs with proper mulching. Spring forward and get home improvement advice to last all year as we answer your timely questions! Spring Bulbs: Think flower power and plan ahead for spring by planting bulbs now. Stuck Windows: Break free of stuck windows with these easy tips. Mulch: Learn the right way to use mulch for insulating trees and shrubs.   Q & A: Sliding Doors: Nancy’s sliding doors are hard to open. It’s possible to replace the rollers, but we recommend replacing them with new, more efficient doors instead. Crawlspace: The dehumidifier runs constantly in Peter’s crawlspace. He should check his gutters, downspouts, and grading to keep water away from the foundation. Roofing: Should Ella add a third layer of roofing? It’s a bad idea because it can shorten the life of the new roof, but we have some suggestions. Structural: Vincent is wo

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ll share ways to keep animals from feasting on your garden, how to store leftover paint to make it last, and tips for inspecting your gutters to prevent leaks and water damage. Plus, we’ve got answers for DIY callers on more home improvement questions! - Wildlife: Wildlife-proof your garden to keep animals from damaging your plants. - Storing Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint with smart storage tips. - Gutters: Prevent leaks and floods by prepping your gutters for spring rains.   Q & A: - Heating: Ralph says the heat just isn’t reaching upstairs in his home. We suggest installing registers in the floor to redirect the heat or adding a mini-split ductless system. - Mold: Contractors have given Karen different advice about mold on the basement walls. She needs a professional mold mitigator to test it and recommend the best plan. - Siding: What are the pros and cons of Hardie board siding? Steve learns about the durability and update of that and other good options for sidin

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’re talking about how to avoid fence fiascos, home renovation updates from the host of Renee Renovates, and easy ways to slash your laundry costs. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to questions from DIY callers, so tune in for more improvement advice! - Fences: Get advice on building a fence that’s stylish, sturdy, and neighbor-friendly. - Home Renovation: The host of Renee Renovates shares info about her Craftsman house renovation. - Laundry: Spin and save with simple laundry hacks to cut costs.   Q & A: - Insulation: What do you call a 12-sided house and how do you insulate it? We think that spray foam insulation would be Lloyd’s best option that needs no ventilation. - HVAC: Converting a three-unit building from oil heat to electric baseboard heat would cost Amber a fortune! We suggest separating the zones for each unit instead. - Adding Bathroom: Phillip wants to install a half bathroom in the basement. He can either install a lift pump to run the plumbing through the ceiling or jackh

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we discuss whether you should build your own deck or call in the pros. Then, find out how snow guards can prevent dangerous rooftop avalanches. Finally, we break down why vent fans are essential for keeping your home fresh, dry, and mold-free. Plus, get answers to more home improvement questions! - Building a Deck: To build or not to build? Find out the pros and cons of a DIY deck project. - Snow Guards: Avoid slippery slopes with snow guards to keep dangerous snow and ice from sliding off your roof. - Vent Fans: Don’t overlook the importance of efficient vent fans to keep your home healthy, clean, fresh, and dry.   Q & A: - HVAC: What is Dave’s best choice to replace his old geothermal HVAC system? We recommend buying the most efficient heat pump system he can afford. - Radon: Should Sandra get a radon test for her home? We explain why it’s a good idea and how radon testing and remediation are done. - Bathroom Tiling: John asks if he should use green board or cement board for

SHOW NOTES: Today, we share more memories of Money Pit’s Tom Kraeutler, plus answers to callers’ favorite home improvement questions. - Tom Kraeutler Tributes: Home improvement friends and colleagues share Money Pit memories and Tom Kraeutler tributes. - DIY Questions: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions.     Q & A: - Noisy Pipes: Plumbing noises shake the house and faucets spit when Jason fills the tub! It could be excessively high water pressure, but he should start by checking for bad washers. - Bath Remodel: Christine needs ideas for a window above the tub. We suggest options for windows that are designed for bathroom privacy but still let in the light. - Patio Addition: Michael’s got lots of issues with an old sunroom that was improperly built properly over a patio. He’ll need to rebuild it with proper footings. - Drafts: What is the best way to stop window and floor drafts? Anne needs new weatherstripping and caulk on the windows and insul

SHOW NOTES: In today's show, we share special tributes and calls to remember the personal and professional legacy of Tom Kraeutler, including some of his answers to favorite home improvement questions. - Remembering Tom Kraeutler: Money Pit Co-Host Leslie Segrete speaks with some of our colleagues and partners to honor the special legacy of Tom Kraeutler. - Favorite Calls: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions. Q & A: GFCI Outlets: Pat is concerned about not having GFCI outlets on the kitchen counter. We explain how they work and why they’re important in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Deck Stain: Jeanie doesn’t want to reapply deck stain every year. We recommend prepping the surface well and using an oil-based solid color stain that will last longer. Flooring: Moisture is coming up from the concrete slab under the carpet and linoleum. Russell gets tips for improving the outside drainage and installing new vinyl flooring. Refinishing Furni

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to plan a well-designed laundry room remodel, get tips for turning your bedroom into a luxury suite, and check for hidden winter storm damage that could cost you big later. Whether you're fixing up now or gathering ideas for the future, we’ve got you covered with answers to all your home improvement questions! - Laundry Room: Get spin-cycle savvy with tips for designing an organized laundry room. - Bedroom Design: We’ve got suite ideas for remodeling your bedroom to add value and luxury. - Storm Damage: The impact of winter storms isn’t always obvious, but here’s where to look for visible and hidden damage.   Q & A: - Ventilation: When should Lisa run her bathroom vent fan? We recommend installing a humidistat timer, but she should consult an HVAC technician to check her home’s air exchange. - Moisture: The cement base of Tom’s screened-in porch gets a layer of water, but no leak. He must manage the exterior moisture that’s being drawn up through the concrete. - Heated T

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn how to enhance your landscape with the right lighting, get three game-changing tips to make your kitchen counters more functional, and find out what to check in your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you're fully protected. Whether you're fixing up or starting fresh, we’re here to help, so listen for answers to more DIY questions! - Outdoor Lighting: Get bright ideas for effective lightscaping that offers safety, security, and style. - Kitchen Countertops: Work smarter, not harder, with 3 ways to improve your kitchen countertop space. - Homeowners Insurance: Does your homeowners insurance provide enough coverage when disaster strikes?   Q & A: - Dehumidifying: What is the best way to reduce humidity in a crawlspace? Randy gets tips for adding vapor barriers, installing an exhaust fan, and improving outside drainage. - Flooring: Zelda needs suggestions for flooring in a bathroom and small hallway. We suggest installing a bamboo floor that’s good for moist areas. - Water Heater:

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we share a foolproof plan to keep your home running smoothly during power outages, bust some of the biggest home improvement myths, and offer tips to avoid caulk that cracks and peels. Got a home project on your mind? Listen in for expert DIY advice! - Power Outage: Batteries, backups, and beyond: how to prep for power outages. - Home Repair Myths: Get your DIY projects done right by knowing home improvement facts vs. fiction. - Caulk: These smooth and seamless strategies make it easy to caulk with confidence.   Q & A: - Wall Cracks: Leslie’s wall started cracking after the home next door was torn down. She gets tips for checking the outside area and repairing any inside drywall cracks. - Water Heater: Ken has a big water heater in a small space, but an electric tankless water heater would not be efficient. We recommend a heat pump water heater instead. - Roofing: Can Catherine install new roofing on top of the old barn board? That would be fine if the sheathing is solid and wi

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, learn how to set up a functional DIY garage workspace, organize your freezer for easy access, and troubleshoot noisy or cold steam and hot water radiators. Plus, we’re taking your calls to answer more home improvement questions, so listen in for DIY advice! - Freezer Organization: Keep food storage frosty and functional by maximizing your freezer space. - Garage Workshop: Transform your garage into the ultimate DIY workshop. - Radiators: Easy radiator repair tips to stop leaks, noises, and heat loss.   Q & A: - Drain: Patricia needs to clear a garage drain that’s filled with bugs and debris. The drain is blocked by a grid, but she can snake through the pipe from the side yard. - Cement Patio: The paint is flaking off the patio and the concrete is pitted. Charlie gets tips for scraping, refinishing, and painting the concrete surface. - Ceiling: Water damage on the ceiling revealed unusual cement underneath. Maria learns about rock lath construction and how to plaster over the c

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn which hardwood floors hold up best, how female DIYers are shaking up home improvement trends, and why replacing your front door is one of the best projects for boosting home value. Plus, we’re taking your questions and tackling your biggest home project challenges on this episode of The Money Pit! - Women DIYers: Who needs a handyman when women DIYers are redefining home improvement? - Hardwood Floor: Choose the hardest hardwood floors for maximum durability. - Front Doors: Adding value and curb appeal is an open-and-shut case with a new front entry door.   Q & A: - Insulation: Claudia’s old attic insulation is falling down in some spots. It’s not hard to replace, but she should consider installing spray foam insulation that’s more efficient. - Plumbing: Jim has questions about installing a recirculating pump to get more hot water to the kitchen and bath. We have recommendations for a good system to use. - Flooring: LuAnn’s pets keep ruining the carpet and now she’s thinking of ins

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ll explore surprising new options in drop ceilings, the right way to drill into drywall when there’s no stud, and a quick hack to keep your home warm using free heat. Plus, we’re answering your top home improvement questions from DIY callers like you! - Drop Ceilings: Stylish designs and smart new options are raising the bar on drop ceilings. - Drywall Anchors: Drywall anchors make it easy to hang something on a wall without studs. - Window Warmth: Take advantage of free heat generated by sunshine streaming through your windows.   Q & A: - New Driveway: Can Donna put an asphalt driveway over her crumbling concrete driveway? It can’t be done and she’ll need to replace the concrete with layers of asphalt. - Insulation: Luke is concerned about the risk of mold with spray foam insulation in the attic. We assure him it would need to be a sustained leak and he would see evidence of it. - Toilet Moisture: Condensation on the outside of the toilet keeps dripping on Ilene’s floor. We have tips

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’re sharing what you need to know about potentially harmful cookware, clever tricks to pick the perfect paint color, and how to choose the most efficient heating fuel for your home. Got a DIY project on your list? Listen in for answers to more home improvement questions. - Cookware: Enjoy toxic-free cooking by buying safer nonstick pots and pans. - Painting: Say goodbye to color confusion by picking the perfect shades of paint. - Home Heating: Stay warm and spend less by picking the most efficient heating fuel.   Q & A: - HVAC: William wants to heat an addition to his house. Adding insulation is a good start and he should consider installing a split ductless system. - Kitchen Remodel: Where should Joan start when remodeling her kitchen? A home center or kitchen and bath designer can help her lay out options and ideas. - Flooring: What kind of underlayment should be used with a luxury vinyl plank floor? Pete should check with the manufacturer for recommendations for comfort an

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’re sharing easy ways to keep your pipes from freezing, budget-friendly tricks to refresh old tile floors, and a smart way to give your furniture a whole new look with DIY reupholstering. Ready to transform your space? We’re here to help, so listen in for more home improvement advice! - Frozen Pipes: Get hot tips for thawing frozen pipes and avoiding costly damage. - Tile Floors: These budget-friendly ideas can give outdated tile floors a fresh new look. - Furniture: Reupholster your furniture for a fraction of the cost of buying new.   Q & A: - Mold: Paint just won’t stick in one corner of Judy’s wall where there may be mold. She can use a bleach solution to clean the surface, then prime and paint it over. - Tile Flooring: Roger wants to install large floor tiles over the existing mosaic tile and grout. He can tile right over the existing surface by using the right type of adhesive. - Insulation: Blown-in insulation is blowing back through Laura’s stove vent. It may be a co

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn the lifesaving benefits of home fire sprinkler systems, six must-know painting tips to help you get pro results, and how changing your furnace filter can make a big impact on your heating bill. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to callers’ home improvement questions! - Fire Safety: Get added safety on tap by installing a home fire sprinkler system. - Painting: These 6 simple tips will save you time and money on your next painting project. - Filters: Improve your HVAC system’s efficiency by using the right furnace filters.   Q & A: - Storm Door: The trim on Katie’s entry door is melting from heat trapped behind the storm door. We explain why storm doors aren’t needed and how to ventilate the space. - Window Leak: Water is leaking inside the top of Dan’s window from a rotted gutter. He should fix the gutter and fascia board first and monitor the leak. - Roofing: Mary is getting confused by all the choices for replacing her roof. It sounds like the tiles need repair, not replacement, and

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, learn the fastest way to remove old wallpaper, find out if natural stone countertops are worth the upkeep, and discover five easy home improvement hacks you can complete in 30 minutes or less. Plus, we’ll help turn your dream project into a reality, with answers to more home improvement questions! - Stone Countertops: Natural stone countertops require ongoing maintenance, but are they worth the hassle? - Wallpaper Removal: Removing wallpaper is always a challenge, but these tips can make it easier and faster. - Quick Home Improvement: You can get these home improvement tasks done in 30 minutes or less.   Q & A: - Tile Grout: Is it a bad idea to use white grout with white bathroom tile? It’s a fine choice, but Christine should use silicone grout that’s easy to clean or properly seal sand grout. - Roofing: Joe’s roof shingles don’t extend far enough over the gutters. There should be a drip edge and we have tips for extending the shingles and installing flashing. - Siding Gap:

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got advice to save on heating costs, detox your mattress for better sleep, and ensure your home is fire-safe with the right smoke detectors. Plus, we’re here to answer more home improvement questions, so be sure to listen in for DIY tips! - Mattress Cleaning: Rest assured and get a healthy sleep with cleaning tips to detox your mattress. - Heating Costs: Cut your heating bills by finding and sealing energy leaks around your home. - Smoke Detectors: Get the right kind of smoke detectors to protect against every type of fire.   Q & A: - Clogged Plumbing: Nicole doesn’t want to use harsh chemicals on her clogged shower drain. A drain snake is cheap and effective, but she may need to call a professional drain cleaner. - Attic Vent: John’s roof vent sometimes leaks. It may be from wind-driven rain, so we suggest installing a ridge vent that runs down the peak of the roof. - Painting Bathroom: Can Chris paint over her outdated bathroom tiles? It can be done but may not last, so sh

SHOW NOTES: On this show, tackle top home improvement challenges by learning how to tell if your windows need replacing, conquering garage clutter to make space for your car, and uncovering the benefits of a home energy audit. Plus, listen in for more expert advice for DIY callers like you! - Replacing Windows: These 7 key pane points will tell you when it’s time to replace your windows. - Garage Space: Take back that parking space with tips for organizing your garage. - Energy Audit: Learn how to improve your energy efficiency with a home energy audit.   Q & A: - Plumbing: Are faucets from a big box store just as good as those from a plumbing supply store? Joni shouldn’t worry about quality if she’s still buying a good brand. - Garage Doors: Frank’s garage door opener won’t close them. He can try doing a factory reset, but they may need to be replaced if they’re too old. - Groundwater: It’s not worth the work involved for Shawnee to redirect an underground spring that keeps a small area of her yard wet. -

SHOW NOTES: Got roof leaks, too much clutter, or chipped ceramic tiles? This episode offers simple steps to manage leaks, expert advice to declutter your home, and creative solutions for repairing damaged tiles. Tune in for your home improvement fix and more DIY advice! - Home Organization: Clear your mind and your space with home organization tips to conquer clutter. - Leaks: Learn how to minimize damage from a roof or plumbing leak. - Ceramic Tiles: Try these handy hacks when you can’t find a replacement for broken ceramic tiles.   Q & A: - Driveway Repair: Ed’s concrete driveway is starting to separate at the expansion joint. He gets tips on using a backer rod and urethane caulk to seal the gap. - Structural Support: Mary wants to open up her ceiling rafters, but she should consult an engineer or architect to design a structural plan for this risky project. - Insulation: The furnace can’t heat an old house with poor insulation. Andy should install two layers of criss-crossed insulation in the attic. - F

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ll share five easy ways to prevent mold from taking over your indoor space this winter, clever updates to make your small kitchen feel more spacious and functional, and a guide to installing water filters that provide fresh, tasty water while saving you money. Plus, we’re ready to hear what’s on your home improvement to-do list, so listen in for answers to more DIY questions! - Small Kitchens: Gain space and improve functionality with big, easy updates for small kitchens. - Mold Prevention: Learn 5 ways to stop mold before it starts and keep your home healthy. - Water Filters: Choose from two types of water filters for drinking water that tastes better and costs less.   Q & A: - Appliances: Charmagne’s washing machine is shaking and making loud noises. We suggest adjusting the feet to make sure it’s level and using anti-vibration blocks. - Ceiling Leak: Water leaked through the kitchen light from the apartment upstairs. If the ceiling bows, Kevin should poke a hole to release any wate