This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to lower cooling costs and protect furnishings from UV damage with window films, and get inspired with DIY ideas for upgrading your home’s curb appeal. Plus, we’ll share how to customize outdoor features with creative building blocks. Listen in for all this and answers to more home improvement questions from callers! - Window Films: Window films are an effective defense against heat, glare, and UV damage inside your home. - Home Exteriors: Add beauty and value to your home exterior with DIY upgrades to add curb appeal. - RumbleStone Building Blocks: DIY building blocks make it easy to create custom outdoor features.   Q & A: - Hanging Shelves: Wall shelves are a great DIY project to save space! Ellie learns about choosing the right shelf size, style, and anchoring options. - Vintage Walls: James discovered beautiful old solid chestnut boards when the wallpaper was removed. It’s a rare find that can be preserved and matched to the home décor. - Cracked Floor Tiles: Can hairl

SHOW NOTES: Today, explore clever storage solutions in overlooked areas of your home, learn how to build deck steps the right way to ensure safety and durability, and get the scoop on why tackling large paint projects is simpler than you might think. Plus, listen in as we answer more home improvement questions from DIYers just like you! - Deck Steps: Learn the ups and downs of building safe and solid steps for your deck. - Storage: Find hidden storage areas in your home by knowing where to look. - Paint Projects: Big paint projects are made easier with a high-efficiency paint sprayer.   Q & A: - Wet Foundation: Lynn has water gushing around the pipe in her basement wall. She should use silicone to seal gaps around the pipe inside and outside, then improve the outdoor drainage in that area. - Vent Fan Draft: Cold wind blows in through the vent fan over David’s range. He should check the gasket and the door springs, or try surrounding the outside port with a frame to block the wind. - Painting Vinyl: Maureen’s

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get curb appeal tips to boost your home’s value and sell it faster. Then, learn a common pitfall with roof-mounted solar systems and how to avoid it. Finally, find out clever ways to make your kitchen countertops more functional and efficient. Plus, hear answers to callers’ questions to make DIY home improvement projects simple and successful! - Curb Appeal: Boosting curb appeal can seal the deal when selling your home. - Solar Systems: Find out why metal roofs are a great option for roof-mounted solar systems. - Kitchen Counters: Work smarter by making your kitchen counters more functional.   Q & A: - Floor Support: Laura needs more support under her old kitchen floor for heavy appliances. Installing a girder beam will add strength and prevent floor bounce. - Natural Gas: Abram wants to run a gas line for his dryer. He’ll need a plumber to tap into the existing gas line to ensure it’s done safely. - Shower Pan: A tub converted to a handicap-accessible shower needs extra support.

SHOW NOTES: Join us today for tips on transforming your yard into a dog-friendly paradise and choosing the perfect BBQ grill as summer sales heat up. We’ll also discuss an easy-to-clean Epoxy Floor Coating Kit for your concrete floors and share expert home improvement advice with other DIY callers just like you! - Pet-Friendly Spaces: Get some fetching ideas on how to design a dog-friendly yard. - BBQ Grills: Check these hot tips on what to look for when buying a new BBQ grill. - Epoxy Floors: Discover the beauty of easy-to-clean epoxy floor finishes. Q & A: - Painting Siding: Can you paint vinyl siding? Michael learns specific steps to properly clean, prime, and paint his vinyl siding, plus recommendations for colors and applications. - Wood Playground: Erin’s wood swingset is cracking and turning black. Pressure-treated wood is not the best option, but she can scrub the surface and use a solid color stain. - French Drain: Standing rainwater is affecting the walls of Andrew’s home on a hill. He needs to bui

SHOW NOTES: Join us today to hear tips on giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look without spending a fortune, learn about innovative air vents that double as design elements, and uncover a fast solution for fixing textured walls and ceilings. And as always, we’re here with answers to your latest home improvement questions to help get your DIY projects done! - Kitchen Cabinets: Cook up a new look for your kitchen cabinets with these budget-friendly options. - Air Vents: Function meets fashion when HVAC air vents become beautiful design features. - Textured Surfaces: Get a smooth solution for rough repairs of textured walls and ceilings with this DIY product.   Q & A: - Linoleum Flooring: What kind of kitchen flooring can be used over old sheet linoleum? Patrilla has lots of options, including engineered vinyl plank and laminate flooring. - Concrete Repair: Robert gets how-to advice on how to remove and repair a spacer that washed away on his concrete walkway. - Cedar Siding: Cindy’s cedar shingle siding

SHOW NOTES: On today’s show, we dispel common home improvement myths, provide easy fixes for wall imperfections, and discuss ways to cut down your energy bills with utility company programs. Are you struggling to keep up with your home’s demands? We’ve got your back, so tune in to hear expert help and advice! - Home Improvement Advice: Separate fact from fix-tion by debunking these home improvement myths. - Drywall Repairs: Master the art of making drywall repairs the right way with these easy steps. - Energy Savings: Save money and energy with programs to help reduce your utility bills.   Q & A: - HVAC Vents: Leroy notices that one of the air conditioning vents blows less air. He should check for a blockage or partially closed damper inside the duct. - Concrete Patio: Portions of Grace’s concrete patio are raised and discolored. We suggest replacing the mortar around loose bricks and refinishing the concrete surface. - Deck Pool: James has questions about cutting a hole in the deck to insert an inflated pool

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we reveal some renter-friendly kitchen upgrades that won't jeopardize your security deposit. Then, we discuss HVAC filters, guiding you on the best choices for cleaner air. Plus, learn about easy, mortar-free backyard projects to elevate your outdoor space. Listen to all this and more home improvement advice on today’s show! - Kitchen Makeover: Revamp your rental kitchen without risking your security deposit. - HVAC Filters: Breathe easier by choosing the best HVAC filters for your home. - Backyard Projects: Craft custom backyard features with DIY building blocks.   Q & A: - Cleaning Deck: Joseph’s composite decks have a white film and the color is fading. We suggest a good cleaning to remove algae and applying a solid color deck stain. - Bathroom Pipes: What size pipes are needed for a shower panel? It’s fine for Norma to keep the same size pipes, but multiple showerheads may reduce the water pressure. - Ants: Lorraine wants to get rid of ants in her garden and lawn. Precise new

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’re gearing up for power outages with a plan to keep you powered through summer storms. We’ll also reveal how to safeguard against ticks and explore paint colors that can transform your space and elevate your mood. Join us as we answer these and other home improvement questions for all your DIY dilemmas! - Paint Tips: Learn how to brighten your mood and your home with the right paint colors. - Tick Bites: Protect yourself outdoors with tactics to prevent tick bites. - Power Outages: Navigate your way safely through a power outage with these blackout basics.   Q & A: - Structural Cracks: Cracks in the foundation and basement are getting bigger and the walls are bending. Dixie must immediately contact a structural engineer to make sure repairs are done correctly. - Asbestos: Jason’s basement ductwork has crumbling asbestos. He should have the material tested and have any asbestos removed by a professional. - Door Glass: Should a door with milky glass be repaired or replaced? It’s a cosmetic

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we uncover tips for navigating the often-confusing process of window shopping. Then, we discuss a versatile portable battery system for both travel and home integration. Finally, learn about micro-irrigation, an efficient watering method that can save your garden. Plus, we’ve got more home improvement answers to inspire your DIY projects! - Buying Windows: Expert advice makes shopping for replacement windows a transparent process. - Battery Backup: Stay charged with a portable power backup system to use at home or on the go. - Micro-Irrigation: Transform your garden with micro-irrigation that’s rooted in efficiency.   Q & A: - HVAC and Fans: Marie wonders if fans will improve her air conditioning. Ceiling and furnace fans won’t help very much, but we recommend installing a whole-house fan to pull air through the house. - Pest Control: Daddy longlegs are a problem in Will’s garage. Sticky traps, spraying white vinegar and vanilla extract, cleaning, and vacuuming will control the spiders.

SHOW NOTES: Today, we reveal how to choose a new garage door that boosts both safety and security. Then, we break down the benefits of buying ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and give tips on early detection of roof leaks to prevent costly repairs. Plus, we answer your top home improvement questions to get your DIY projects done right!  - Garage Doors: Protect your home by choosing a safe and secure garage door. - ENERGY STAR Ratings: Find out why ratings matter when buying appliances that are energy-efficient, reliable, and affordable. - Roof Leaks: Stop leaks before they happen by knowing what to look for on your roof.   Q & A: - Patio Deck: Steve’s floating deck is getting uneven and covers a cistern. He gets tips on taking the deck apart, reframing it with better footings, and adding an access panel. - Ceiling Stains: Pat had the roof leak repaired but wants to cover the ceiling stains. Insurance should cover the cost of priming and painting the whole ceiling. - Plumbing Pressure: When the shower runs on one

SHOW NOTES: Join us today as we discuss how to save water outdoors during the scorching summer months and highlight the latest advancements that make heat pumps more efficient and cost-effective. We’ll also cover the benefits of metal roofing during an active storm season. Plus, get expert tips on managing lots more DIY home improvement projects! - Heat Pumps: New heat pump technology offers energy-efficient heating for any climate. - Water Saving Tips: Every drop counts when it comes to saving outdoor water on hot summer days. - Metal Roofs: Weather the storm with a metal roof that will stand up to severe conditions.   Q & A: - Popcorn Ceiling: Can you clean a popcorn ceiling? Nancy should use a feather duster to get rid of dust and cobwebs, then give the ceiling a fresh coat of paint. - Solar Panels: John is noticing the production is dropping on his dirty solar panels. He needs to climb up and use a high-pressure hose to clean the pollen off the panels. - Moles: Moles are tearing up Michelle’s yard! We rec

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we dive into pool safety, sharing crucial tips to prevent drownings with layers of protection. Then, we demystify foundation cracks, distinguishing between minor issues and major concerns. Plus, we reveal a quick fix for restoring textured walls and ceilings. And as always, we answer more DIY questions to turn your projects into successes! - Foundation Cracks: Worried about foundation cracks? Get tips on knowing if they’re simple or serious. - Pool Safety: Guard your kids against drowning with these important layers of pool protection. - Textured Surfaces: Repairing textured walls and ceilings is made easy with this DIY product.   Q & A: - Stone Patio: Dean wants to fill the spaces in his flagstone patio, but mortar will crack from expansion and contraction. - Concrete Repair: Linda has two porches on a concrete slab that’s starting to crack. She needs to use silicone caulk to seal out water and gets tips on matching the color. - HVAC: Is there a way to direct cool basement air to th

SHOW NOTES: Today, get advice on summertime safety and comfort, including how to beat the summer heat with no-cost to low-cost tips to stay cool, protecting your home from summer roof damage with a DIY roof inspection, and guarding against home burglaries while you’re away on summer vacation. Plus, we’ve got more answers to home improvement questions so you can get your projects done right! - Home Security: Lock down peace of mind with these steps to secure your home against break-ins. - Cooling Tips: Get low-cost and no-cost tips for keeping your home cool and comfortable. - Roof Inspection: Stop leaks before they happen with a DIY roof inspection.   Q & A: - Cleaning Brick: Gail wants to clean mortar off her exterior brick. We explain how to carefully use a wire brush or a drill attachment without damaging the brick. - Deck Stain: The stain is wearing off on John’s deck planks and rails. He gets tips for prepping the surface and using a solid color deck stain that will last longer. - Cleaning with Pets: Is

SHOW NOTES: Join us to learn how green home upgrades can enhance your selling price. Learn how to use convenient building blocks to create custom outdoor spaces, from patios to outdoor kitchens. Plus, find out how to keep your lawn lush without wasting water. And hear expert advice for more home improvement projects on your DIY list! - Building Outdoor Structures: Custom building block kits make it easy and affordable to create patios, planters, benches, and more. - Green Upgrades: Going green with the right eco-friendly upgrades can add value to your home. - Lawn Care Savings: Get tips for growing a lush, green lawn while saving water and money.   Q & A: - Bidet Toilet: Is it a good idea to have a bidet? Patricia gets info on affordable ways to try out the benefits of a bidet by installing an add-on model. - HVAC Options: Mini-split ductless A/C or conventional outdoor A/C unit? A split ductless system can be very efficient if Doug has a strategy on what he needs and how to place it. - Wildlife Pests: Rena w

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we reveal five expert paint tips to expand the feel of your smaller rooms. We’ll also chat about the importance of flexible living spaces in the modern home. And if you’re planning a painting project, we’ll share info about paint sprayers for quick, mess-free results. Let’s turn your to-do list into a done list with answers to these and other home improvement questions from today’s callers! - Painting Tips: These 5 strategic painting tips can make small rooms look bigger. - Flexible Living Spaces: Find out about the latest trends in flexible living spaces that do double or triple duty. - Paint Sprayers: Powerful new DIY paint sprayers let you tackle paint projects faster and more efficiently.   Q & A: - Roof Leak: Judy’s roof was repaired and the underlayment is fine, but it’s still leaking. We suggest checking the boot and flashing around the plumbing vent pipe. - Cleaning Porch: There are white mineral deposits on Tom’s aluminum porch struts. He can use a vinegar and water solution to

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, learn how to refresh your home decor affordably with five practical tips and get four strategies to reduce pool heating costs. Plus, find out the benefits of motion detector spotlights for enhanced home security and convenience. Listen in for answers to these and other home improvement questions on today’s show! - Pool Heating: Dive into savings with tips to reduce pool heating costs. - Home Decorating: Learn thrifty ways to refresh your home décor without breaking the bank. - Motion Detector Lights: Discover the convenience and benefits of outdoor motion security lights.   Q & A: - Painting Siding: Can you paint aluminum siding? Pat gets tips for power washing and priming the surface for good adhesion before applying a topcoat of paint. - Water Heater: Stewart needs advice about replacing his oil water heater with an electric water heater. It’s more expensive to buy but less expensive to run, especially if it has a timer. - Lawn Care: Catherine wants to replace sod that never too

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show covers practical methods for removing unsightly tree stumps, offers advice on staying cool without skyrocketing utility bills, and presents a technique to extend your roof's lifespan by five years. Plus, listen as we provide expert advice for additional home improvement questions from DIY callers like you! - Cooling Costs: Learn how to beat summer heat with hot tips for a cool home and lower utility bills. - Stump Removal: Don’t get stumped by the challenge of stump removal after taking down trees. - Roof Restoration: Old roofs get new life with an effective Roof Maxx treatment to restore worn roof shingles without roof replacement.   Q & A: - Patio Repair: Alicia’s cement slab patio has a crack that’s getting wider. We recommend using a crack repair product and considering an attractive paver brick that’s designed to go on top of the slab. - Roof Moss: What’s the best way to remove and prevent moss on the roof? Glen should apply a mildewcide spray and install copper flashing at the p

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn how to avoid costly mistakes when building your backyard deck. We’ll also provide tips on designing an efficient and functional kitchen layout, plus share info on a powerful and convenient solution for summer power outages. Tune in for expert advice to help you tackle all your home improvement challenges with confidence! - Kitchen Design: Get professional tips for smart design in your dream kitchen. - Building a Deck: Watch out for making these costly mistakes when building a deck. - Backup Power: This portable battery backup is a quiet and easy solution for summer power outages.   Q & A: - Brick Steps: How can Mia remove carpet that’s glued onto brick steps? She’ll need an adhesive remover to soften and scrape off the glue and we suggest applying thin pavers or exterior ceramic tiles on top of the steps. - Chimney Repair: Moisture is getting into a chimney that’s losing stucco. Anthony should remove any loose stucco and use a repair product that will adhere to concrete and brick. - C

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get tips for indoor and outdoor safety as we reveal the critical signs of gas leaks and how to prevent them, plus the unique requirements of pool fencing to keep your pool area secure. Then, learn foolproof tips for repairing drywall issues once and for all. Tune in and let us help you tackle all your home improvement projects! - Pool Fence: Swimming safety starts with this important pool fence checklist to protect kids from danger. - Gas Leaks: Learn the signs of dangerous gas leaks and how to avoid them. - Drywall Repairs: Get tips for common drywall repairs like nail pops, holes, and cracks.   Q & A: - Pool Deck: Barb’s pool deck has cracks and exposed rebar. It can be repaired, but she gets advice to beware of upselling tactics by pool contractors. - Uneven HVAC: The downstairs is cold and the upstairs is warm. Michael’s HVAC contractor should have done a heat loss analysis to balance the airflow. - Building a Patio: Can Courtney build a brick patio in an area with tree roots?

SHOW NOTES: Listen in as we discuss the allure of natural stone countertops vs. the upkeep they demand, five critical home filters that play a vital role in home health and efficiency, and how a timely roof inspection can prevent leaks and costly repairs. Plus, we have expert tips to help callers with more home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode! - Stone Countertops: Get the stone-cold facts on the pros and cons of natural stone countertops. - Filters: These are the top 5 most important filters you should be checking for home health and efficiency. - Roof Maintenance: These roof inspection tips will help protect against damaging roof leaks.   Q & A: - Water Pressure: Just one faucet in Tommy’s house has very low water pressure. It could be a blockage in the faucet aerator or the screen from the water line, or a faulty valve. - Tile Floor: The tiles over Barbara’s heated floor are shifting and grout is coming out. She can either repair them as needed or remove and replace the tiles and heating coi