The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

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 white marble countertop that’s badly stained? We suggest Katherine use a marble resurfacing kit that can be used on existing stone. Shower Remodel: John is converting a basement sauna into a shower and needs ideas for wall materials. Tile is a good option that can be adhered right onto the terracotta walls. Painting Doors: Anna’s painter used cans of spray paint on her doors and now they’re all sticking. We offer tips for removing the doors and repainting them the right way. Bathroom Moisture: Eddie’s done almost everything to reduce the condensation in his bathrooms. Now he should try installing a humidistat timer on the exhaust fans. Wallpaper Removal: What’s the best way to remove layers of wallpaper? Thomas should use an inexpensive paper tiger tool and wallpaper paste remover, unless he wants to rent a wallpaper steamer. Damaged Siding: Wade’s steel siding was damaged by a hailstorm and he can’t find new siding to match it. A public adjuster will fight to have all the siding replaced by his insurance company. Painting Wood Paneling: Dena is tired of the dark brown paneling she has in every room. It’s better to remove it, but it’s possible to clean, sand, prime, and paint over it. Mice Control: Eek! William is suddenly getting lots of mice in his basement. We offer tips on what he should do to manage his rodent problem. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s 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 treated before painting? Jean should lightly pressure wash them before priming and painting the surface. HVAC Replacement: John is thinking of putting a ductless heating unit in every room, but it’s an expensive idea and we think he really just needs better insulation. Garage Insulation: Christine has lots of questions about insulating a detached garage and a crawlspace. Spray foam insulation is a great option and very effective. Cold Showers: Brrrrrrr! It takes too long for the shower water to get hot, but it’s fine everywhere else. Sounds like Daniel should replace a faulty shower valve. Leaking Roof: The bathroom ceiling in Steve’s cabin is leaking, but the repairs and mold prevention should be covered by insurance since it was caused by storm damage. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: 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 Outlets: Why do some outlets have two holes and others have three? Lisa learns it’s from different types of wiring and how they’re grounded. Refinishing Exterior Wood Doors: John wants to be sure he’s properly refinishing his mahogany doors and gets tips on maintaining and protecting them from UV damage. Flooring Insulation: We offer Janet some advice on sealing drafts and adding insulation between the floor joists under her new side addition. Foundation Water: Rainwater is coming in through the rock under Keith’s house foundation. He learns all the steps he can take to improve exterior drainage and keep moisture away. Brick Flooring: Barb is struggling to remove layers of wax from her unique brick floor and gets suggestions for using a wax stripping product. HVAC Systems: Is it cheaper to run a natural gas or a fuel oil HVAC system? We think it’s smart for Bob to switch to more efficient and cost-effective natural gas. Textured Countertops: Is there a way to smooth down countertops that have a leather-like texture? Unfortunately, Ann would be better off replacing the countertops instead. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this podcast packed with home improvement wisdom, we reveal the reality of older home repairs, unravel the magic of heat pump technology, and uncover stealthy spots where your home's energy is slipping away. Tune in for a mix of classic craftsmanship and modern energy-saving tips! - Older Home Repairs: The charm of buying an older home comes at the cost of commonly needed repairs. - Heat Pump Technology: New heat pump technology is the hottest buzz in home comfort and energy savings. - Finding Wasted Energy: Discover the hidden hideouts where your home is wasting energy. Q & A: - Basement Walls: Brenda is remodeling her basement and gets info on how to frame new walls and what kind of materials to use. - Water Quality: Steve replaced his water heater and now the water smells bad. Something else must have changed, and he should have his well water tested. - Siding Stains: Rainwater has left stains on the corrugated siding of Patricia’s mobile home. We’ve got tips on mildewcides and cleaning products she can use. - Landscape Lighting: There’s a short somewhere in Patrick’s old low-voltage landscape lighting. After 25 years, it’s time to consider replacing them with a new LED system. - Patio Cover: Janet wants to build a patio cover, but there are lots of reasons why a retractable awning would be a better option. - Building Permits: When do you need to get building permits? They’re usually required for home replacements, not for repairs, but Tyler should check with his local municipality. - Sink Plumbing: When the garbage disposal turns on, the other sink backs up! Eden’s got an obstruction in the main drain line and learns how to clear it out. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: It’s the season for heating up your home improvement hacks! In this episode, we’ll spill the beans on self-cleaning ovens, winter rooftop inspection tips, and the cozy world of spray foam insulation. Listen now to hear what we're cooking up next! - Self-Cleaning Ovens: Find out why the holidays are the worst time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, plus get some oven maintenance tips. - Roof Inspection: Winter weather is rough on roofs, so now’s the time to do a DIY roof check-up. - Spray Foam Insulation: Seal drafts and lower heating bills with this easy spray foam insulation system. Q & A: - Heat Pumps: Do you really need to have a heat pump serviced twice each year? Ruth only needs to have the heating and cooling systems inspected together once annually. - Removing Doors: Brian wants to know the best way to take a door off its hinges and replace it again. We share helpful step-by-step tips on door removal. - Igloo Humidity: Lori is buying a domed, igloo-like concrete home but the indoor dehumidifier isn’t enough. We offer advice on how to manage the moisture. - Window Condensation: There’s suddenly condensation on Eric’s single-pane windows all year long. He gets lots of ideas on possible causes and solutions for reducing the humidity. - Carpet Glue Removal: Sylvia is pulling up carpet and needs to remove the glue. A citrus adhesive remover will help soften and smooth it out before she adds a layer of plywood and new flooring. - Dishwasher Odor: We recommend a product that Stan can use to scrub and disinfect his newly installed dishwasher that’s already giving off some bad odors. - Garage Space: Esther wants to change the structure of her long garage to move the doors to a different side. It’s a big job that requires reframing the load-bearing walls. - Window Mold: Stubborn mold keeps returning around Scott’s windows each winter. Mixing a bleach and water solution and letting it sit should clean the mold away. 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: Before Jack Frost arrives for the season, learn the cold hard facts about winterizing your sprinkler system, the cost of buying older homes, and common painting mistakes. From chills to bills to drippy spills, we’ve got the answers you need to avoid these and other home improvement headaches in this episode! - Winterizing Sprinkler System: Avoid a frozen fiasco by winterizing your sprinkler system before cold sets in. - Buying Older Homes: A survey shows homeowners are divided on the thought of buying and maintaining another older home. - Painting Tips: Remember these 3 tips to avoid common painting mistakes. Q & A: - Treating a Wood Porch: What is the best way to treat a pine wood porch? Stephen won’t need to seal it if he cleans it well and applies a good solid stain. - Crawlspace Ventilation: After putting down a plastic vapor barrier, Floyd should keep his crawlspace vents open for most of the year, except for the coldest winter months. - Hiring an Architect: Linda is seeking the best advice for remodeling her old farmhouse. An architect would have the right info for structural and design integrity. - Porch Moisture: Recent drainage issues are forcing moisture up through Jim’s porch floor. He gets tips on gutters, downspouts, and curtain drains to redirect the water. - Installing Gutters: Esther needn’t worry about cracking her asphalt shingles when her gutters are replaced if they’re screwed directly to the fascia board. - Bathroom Carpet: Carpeting in a bathroom is a bad idea, but Barry gets tips on installing a door sill, plus suggestions for better flooring that’s moisture-resistant. - Cleaning Moss: Mark’s got lots of shade trees in the front yard and moss covering his pavers. He can use a mildewcide and a power washer to clean and prevent the moss. - Foundation Drainage: A builder is suggesting two drainage systems for Jill’s new home. It sounds like a good idea and we have additional tips she should opt for. 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: Embrace the cozy vibes as autumn transitions to winter! In this episode, we've got your back with essential tips on navigating stormy insurance queries. Join us for a fascinating exploration of house histories, discover tricks to enhance the air quality in your home, and guess what? We're answering YOUR burning questions, too! Join us for a dose of warmth and wisdom. - Homeowner’s Insurance: Does your homeowner’s insurance policy offer enough coverage? Here’s what to ask. - Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle: Find out the story behind strange old toilets found in some pre-World War II homes. - Furnace Filters: Using the right furnace filter is the easiest way to make your HVAC system more efficient. Q & A: - Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is no longer sold in Laura’s area. Cleaning her ceiling well and using a solvent-based primer and flat latex paint instead should work well. - Deck Lumber: After tearing down a rotted old wood deck, David gets tips about above-ground and ground-contact pressure-treated lumber to build a new deck. - Foggy Windows: The thermal pane seal in Sarah’s windows has failed and now they’re always fogging up. We advise replacing them gradually rather than trying to repair them. - Damaged Siding: Ivy can be lovely but causes a lot of damage! Lauren gets advice on cleaning, staining, and repairing damaged areas of her cedar siding. - Peeling Paint: Paint is peeling from the bathroom walls and ceiling. Sonny needs to scrape off the old paint and use an oil-based primer so new paint will adhere properly. - Locating Plumbing: Mary’s having trouble locating the plumbing to install a whole house water filter. We help her find the main water valve inside her home. - Flooring Over Concrete: Ted wants to install new flooring over his existing concrete floor. Laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood would all be great DIY options. - Insulation Over a Crawlspace: Christine wants to warm up the floors over an unheated crawlspace. Insulating the pipes and the space between the floor joists will make a huge difference. 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: - Clothes Dryer Tips: These 5 clothes dryer tips put a new spin on the best way to do laundry. - Metal Roofing: Learn the latest options in metal roofs that last long and stand up to Mother Nature. - Best Indoor Plants: You don’t need a green thumb to grow these easy indoor plants. Q & A: - Bathroom Ventilation: How can you ventilate a bathroom that has no fan? Diane gets advice on installing a vent fan through an exterior wall or between floor joists above the ceiling. - Warped Hardwood Floor: Kenneth’s new hardwood floor has started to warp. We suggest ways to reduce indoor humidity and trying to sand down the raised areas. - Door Gap: Julianne needs to close the gap under her bottom door sill. She needs to pack some epoxy patching cement into the space to reinforce and seal the space. - Insulation: Is ventilation needed after using open-cell spray foam insulation in the attic? Joe won’t need it and his HVAC system will work even better. - Attaching Shutters: Lisa is considering installing window shutters but isn’t ready to attach them permanently. She could use clips that snap onto the siding until she’s sure. - Cleaning Travertine Tile: Steve wants to clean and restore the gloss on travertine tile. We recommend some DIY products to clean, polish, and seal the surface. - Fireplace Façade: Lynn needs ideas for giving her fireplace a new façade. Marble, granite, and faux stone would be attractive options to adhere right over the brick. - Driveway Repair: Big cracks in an old concrete driveway need repair. George gets tips on how to insert a backer rod to fill wide cracks before sealing them with caulk. 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: - Drop Ceilings: Updated drop ceilings offer trendy new looks for remodeling projects. - Tub and Shower Leaks: Tub and shower leaks are easy to fix once you know where to find the source. - Thermostat Mistakes: Avoid these top three thermostat mistakes to stay comfortable while lowering heating bills. Q & A: - Window Sill Repairs: Should Kaitlyn repair or replace her rotted wooden window sills? Unless they’re totally destroyed, she can fill them with a wood hardener and epoxy. - Sink Insulation: Jim asks about ways to keep standing water in his sink warm. We have suggestions for insulating the area under the sink and using spray foam or a fiberglass blanket. - Kitchen Island Lights: It’s hard to get three square lights above a kitchen island to hang straight. Donna must readjust the twisted rods going into the junction box. - Bubbling Paint: Exterior paint keeps bubbling and chipping. Dana needs to strip off the paint and make sure the area is properly primed before repainting it. - Cleaning Windows: Marie hates cleaning windows! There’s no easy way to clean them without leaving streaks, but we can recommend some good cleaning products. - Metal Roofing: Randy is concerned by roof vents that were closed when he had a metal roof installed. It’s fine as long as he has soffit vents with insulation baffles to make sure the vents aren’t blocked. - Bathroom Flooring: Michelle is updating the bathroom and wants kid-proof flooring. Laminate, vinyl plank, or tile that is sealed and glazed are some good options. - Renovation ROI: How can you calculate the ROI of home renovations? Tom gets some advice about cost vs. value when it comes to renovating and selling a home. - Insulation Fumes: Should James be worried about fumes from spray foam insulation? As long as he uses a name-brand product and a good contractor, he shouldn’t be concerned about off-gases. 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. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Sealing Drafts: Tracking down and sealing drafts is the first step in keeping your home warm. - Stone Countertop Refinishing: Get the look of natural stone countertops with an easy and affordable weekend project. - Textured Surface Repairs: Fix textured walls and ceilings without the fuss and mess. Q & A: - Mailbox Stains: Those stains on Louise’s brick mailbox are probably mineral deposits from water splashes. A vinegar solution will clean the surface easily. - Reversing a Door Swing: Scott wants to reverse the swing of a door that blocks the light switch, but it would be simpler to run the light switch to a different spot. - Sealing Windows: Linda is paying high energy bills but has limited options in her rental apartment. We recommend using shrink film or weatherstripping caulk on her windows. - Replacing HVAC System: Sal needs recommendations for replacing his HVAC unit. He should start by checking references of local contractors and seeking out good brands, energy efficiency ratings, and available rebates. - Uneven Subfloor: New flooring can’t be installed over an uneven subfloor. Diane needs either a carpentry solution or a floor-leveling compound. - Toilet Water System: Darren has questions about converting his toilet to rain barrel water. We have answers about filtering, water pressure, and toilet efficiency. - Log Home Walls: There are cracks in the walls of Nina’s log home. A wood filler could be colored or stained, but she’s better off accepting the rustic log look. - Flooring Over Concrete: What kind of flooring should be installed over concrete? John’s best options include laminate or engineered hardwood. 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: - Power Outages: When the power goes out, you’ll need these blackout survival tips. - Fall Lawn Care: Proper care in the fall keeps your lawn and landscape healthy and green for springtime. - Cutting Heating Costs: Do high heating bills send chills down your spine? Get energy-saving tips to lower costs. Q & A: - Indoor Bugs: Centipedes and crickets have Dorothy’s skin crawling! We have tips on how to seal off any basement and garage openings and eliminate indoor bugs. - Water in Basement: Water in the basement after it rains signals a drainage issue. Scott gets advice on what steps are needed to improve drainage around his home. - Drafty Doors: Weather stripping isn’t stopping the drafts around Wendy’s doors. She may need to adjust the door alignment to seal the gaps better. - Supplemental Heating: Ralph can’t warm up a room next to his garage. He should seal any drafts and consider getting affordable electric baseboard heaters with timers. - Cinderblock Walls: How can you give cinderblock walls a more attractive look? Kay should contact a professional to cover the walls with a smooth layer of plaster. - Low Water Pressure: Sam has great water pressure everywhere in his old home except the bathtub. It may be rust clogging the original steel pipes or a valve that needs replacing. - Dishwasher Odor: Phew! There’s a bad smell coming from Nathan’s dishwasher. We recommend a product that can easily clean out the microbes of decaying food. 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: - Roof Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging from your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Repairing Textured Surfaces: There’s a new way to repair textured ceilings and walls without the hassle and mess. - Planning Home Improvement Projects: Avoid unwelcome home improvement surprises with careful planning. Q & A: - Wall Texture: After stripping the wallpaper, Sandi wants to add texture to her walls. We discuss a number of options for textured paint and techniques. - Water Heater Venting: What is the right way to vent a tankless water heater? John gets tips on running the ducts to vent outside the house. - Removing Roof Moss: Can copper flashing prevent moss buildup? Sue learns how adding copper flashing on the top roof ridge acts as a natural algaecide. - Lawn Seeding: When is the best time of year to reseed a lawn? Early- to mid-fall is the perfect season for Alan to rake and seed, then give the lawn time to take root. - Lead in Ceramic Tiles: Margaret is concerned about lead in her old ceramic tiles. We suggest working with an EPA-certified contractor and recoating the tiles with an epoxy finish. - Whole House Fan: What is the best way to install a whole house fan? Mike gets tips on where to place it and how to operate it most effectively. - Worn Engineered Flooring: Dorothy’s engineered flooring is worn in spots. It’s not designed to be refinished, so she’ll need to remove and replace it. - Water Softeners: Brian needs a conditioning system for his hard water. We recommend using a traditional salt-based water softener rather than a salt-free system. 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: - Garbage Disposal Problems: Letting seasonal leftovers go down the drain causes clog chaos. - Carpet Deodorizer: Mix up an easy DIY deodorizing recipe to take your carpets from funky to fresh. - Fire Prevention: Get tips on fire hazards you may be overlooking and how to prevent them. Q & A: - Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten up the dark brick wall around her fireplace. Painting is one option but she may also consider other creative alternatives. - Smoke Odors: How can James get rid of smoke odors in his new home? We have advice on what he needs to discard, clean, and seal to remove the smell. - Basement Floor Moisture: Dampness is affecting a cracked basement floor. Holly gets information on how to keep moisture away from the foundation of her home. - Electrical Wiring: We’re completely shocked after Bob’s electrician never checked the power after rewiring the entire house and expects to be paid for fixing his mistake. - Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the bathroom tile? It’s not necessary unless you’re using sand-based grout. - Window Condensation: Condensation is forming inside single-pane windows in a historic home. James needs to install a whole-house dehumidifier, improve outside drainage, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce indoor moisture. - Gutters and Downspouts: There are always puddles between two neighboring homes. Allison must manage the water with the right gutters, downspouts, and a French drain. - Installing a Safe: Richard wants to dig into his slab foundation to install a safe. Existing plumbing and wiring are unknown risks and we recommend securely bolting the safe to the floor instead. 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: - Outdoor Projects for Fall: Autumn is the season to fall in love with some favorite outdoor projects for your home. - Door Locks: Home security starts with strong door locks. Find out the best and worst locks for preventing break-ins. - Marble Surfaces: A new DIY product creates beautiful marble surfaces without the expense. Q & A: - Supplemental HVAC: Cathedral ceilings make it hard to cool the house evenly. Ed may add a split ductless system to supplement the central air conditioning. - Caulking Siding: Does Mary need to caulk concrete siding attached to plywood walls? She may only need adhesive, but she can use caulk to touch up any areas where nails break through the painted surface. - Window Leak: Water is leaking into the bay window beneath a skylight. Adam gets tips on sealing gaps with caulk and diverting water from the roof. - Concrete Curb Cracks: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping downward. She’ll either need to rebuild it or use DIY products to repair and resurface the concrete. - Finishing a Dirt Floor: Rob wants to pour concrete over a dirt floor in his hut. It should be easy to tamp down the dirt, then spread and float the concrete smoothly. - Attic Ventilation: How much attic ventilation is needed? Dale only has about half of the recommended amount and adding soffit vents would be most efficient. - Backsplash Adhesive: Audrey gets information about an adhesive backing product for installing a tile backsplash. - Window Condensation: Too much condensation on Steve’s vinyl replacement windows is caused by deficient glass or frames. It’s worth contacting the manufacturer and the installer. 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: - Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and leaks are all too common. Learn how to keep your family safe. - Upcycled Furniture: Design on a dime with tips on finding the best upcycled furniture to turn trash to treasure. - LED Lighting: Let’s shed some light on how to save money and energy with LED lighting solutions. Q & A: - Hard Water: Colleen is wondering about a solution for treating her hard well water, but we recommend a standard salt-based water softener as her best option. - Condensation on AC Vents: Condensation from the AC vents is staining Stanley’s ceiling. We’ve got tips on insulating the ducts to stop the problem. - Basement Water: Lynn finds water gushing through the hose bib into her basement. Silicone will seal the gap around the pipe and she needs to improve the outside drainage. - Porch Resurfacing: Linda is thinking of restaining her peeling porch, but we suggest a great stone-based product to refinish the surface and give it a whole new look. - Deck Staining: After removing the rotted boards on his wood deck, Casey learns how to properly stain and seal the new pressure-treated lumber. - Fireplace Drafts: A big draft is coming from the fireplace. Linda needs to install a good damper or use glass doors in front of the hearth to block the wind. - Roof Drainage: Rainwater is running behind the downspout against the fascia board and may rot the wood. John should see if the gutters and the downspouts were connected properly and consider getting a larger downspout. 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: - Getting Rid of Leaves: Rake in some tips on the best ways to get rid of fallen leaves to help next year’s garden. - Concrete Repair and Resurfacing: Learn the easy way to restore cracked and damaged concrete surfaces. - Energy-Efficient Windows: Keep drafts out and heat in by choosing the best energy-efficient windows. Q & A: - Peeling Linoleum Floor: Mindy has a peeling linoleum floor with even more layers underneath. It will take some work, but we recommend pulling it all up before installing a new floor. - Uneven Heating and Cooling: It’s hard to regulate temperatures in a split-level home. Brent should check the registers and returns and consider adding supplemental heating. - Crumbling Concrete: The concrete basement floor is crumbling from water damage. Mary should address any drainage issues first, then use a patching compound and epoxy floor paint. - Retaining Wall Runoff: Water from a retaining wall is seeping into Richard’s walkout basement. He gets tips on how to intercept and redirect the water. - Sealing Siding: Peggy’s siding is flush against a concrete slab where rainwater pools. She must remove some of the bottom siding and install flashing. - Paint vs. Stain for a Deck: Half of Teresa’s wood deck is painted and the other half is unfinished. She can paint over stain, but she can’t stain over paint. She’ll need to choose one or have a two-tone deck. - Glue Removal: Charlotte needs to remove glue that got on the new floor after it was installed, but she should use an adhesive remover carefully to avoid damaging the surface. - Pet Stains on Wood Floor: Oops! The dog had an accident on the wood floor that Mike plans to refinish. Sanding should cut through the stain before he adds coats of polyurethane. 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: - Pressure Washers: Blast away dirt and doubts with tips for buying the right pressure washer. - Textured Surface Repair: Learn how to make hassle-free repairs to textured walls and ceilings. - Water Filters: Find out why water filters are a healthy and low-cost alternative to bottled water. Q & A: - Driveway Drainage: Susan’s asphalt driveway was resurfaced but wasn’t pitched properly. She’ll need to install a curtain drain to keep water from collecting and backing up into the house. - Staining a Fence: Mark gets advice about the best methods and materials for staining a cedar wood fence at his condo association. - Radiant Heated Floor: Can you install a radiant heated floor yourself, will it increase electrical costs, and what materials should you use? We’ve got answers to all of Jeanette’s questions. - Tree Stumps and Roots: Bruce is worried about the stumps and roots from trees that were removed near his home. They shouldn’t impact his foundation but he gets tips on how to remove the stumps. - Wallpaper: Wallpaper is tough to remove, but Lisa gets info on tools she can use to make the process a bit easier. - Glass Block Windows: Mario gets suggestions on how to secure a new glass block window when mortar won’t adhere to the existing metal frame. - Terrazzo Floor Repair: Moisture is coming up through a crack in the terrazzo floor. Judith should check the drainage around the house and seal the crack with silicone. - Electrical Socket Failure: The ceiling fan and light work, but not the wall sockets. Joseph should check the light switches first, then call an electrician to inspect the wiring. 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. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Paver Patio Projects: New step stone options add style to paver patio projects. - Adding Insulation: Insulation tips to keep your home warm and your energy costs down. - Water-Saving Dishwashers: Learn how your dishwasher saves water, time, and money. Q & A: - Old Vinyl Windows: Natalie’s vinyl windows won’t stay open anymore. Unless she can find parts for the broken springs, it may be time to replace the windows. - Wood Fence Posts: Should Sam treat his cedar fence posts? The best way to prevent the wood from rotting is to add stone around the fence post base to allow drainage. - Soundproofing Walls: To muffle the sound from the neighbors next door, Donna gets tips on adding a second layer of noise-resistant drywall and sealing any openings. - Removing Paint from Brick: Arthur is worried about stripping paint from old brick. He can test the product he’s using in an inconspicuous area to be sure it won’t damage the brick surface. - Fruit Flies: Lorna thinks the fruit flies in her kitchen are coming from the garbage disposal. We suggest putting tape over the drain to see if they stick underneath, then using bleach to pour down the drain. - Crawlspace Moisture: Hezakaiah has a moisture problem coming from his crawlspace. We tell him how to lay down a vapor barrier and improve his outside drainage. - Siding Nail Rust: Will the galvanized nails stop rusting the siding if Laura paints over them? Unfortunately, she should really use stainless steel nails instead and the rust is hard to cover up. - Refinishing a Deck: Jim needs to refinish a wood deck that wasn’t maintained. We recommend gentle pressure washing and using a paint sprayer to apply a solid stain. - Wood Countertops: Anne likes the look of wood countertops around her under-mount sink, but it’s not the best material to use and there are better low-maintenance options. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: - Small Bathrooms: Size doesn’t matter with these space-saving tips for small bathrooms. - Painting Over Mold: Find out how to clean and repaint surfaces the right way to keep mold from coming back. - Buying an Efficient Dryer: Choosing an efficient dryer will consume less energy and lower your electric bills. Q & A: - Adding an HVAC System: How hard is it to add air conditioning? The ductwork is not that difficult and Courtney should certainly not remove her hot water baseboard heating to change the HVAC system. - Flooring Adhesive: Vito wants to install upcycled bathroom flooring, but it won’t stick. He should clean the subfloor well and use a grooved trowel to apply floor adhesive. - Worms: Lillian doesn’t like the garden worms coming into her patio after a rainfall, but they’re beneficial to the soil and we don’t recommend trying to get rid of them. - Foundation Drainage: After removing a large tree near his foundation, Mike is concerned about drainage. We offer tips on overfilling the area with clean fill dirt and diverting water away from the house. - Sealing Marble: Gary cleaned the stain from a marble tabletop and wants to know how to seal the surface. We suggest products that can polish and seal the marble. - Old Wood Walls: Remodeling an old home revealed beautiful American chestnut wood walls. It’s a rare find and James gets advice on sanding and refinishing the wood. - Tankless Water Heater: Sharon hopes a tankless water heater will heat the water faster. She will get an unlimited supply of hot water but may still need to add a bypass valve to recirculate hot water on a timer. - Matching Flooring: Char wants new bedroom flooring to complement the golden oak laminate in the other rooms. It’s a hard color to match and she should consider installing tile or carpet instead for a different look. 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: - Fireplace and Chimney Safety: Stop playing with fire and get tips on maintaining your fireplace and chimney. - Driveway Repair: Fall is a great time to fix and seal your cracked or worn driveway. - Indoor Air Quality: Learn the best way to breathe easier and clear the air of dust, pollen, and other allergens. Q & A: - Chimney Repair: Someone suggested using roof cement to cover cracks in a chimney crown, but Bill should use a good silicone caulk sealant instead. - Flower Beds: Michelle wants to know how to place her flower bed. We recommend grading the soil away from the house before planting and not adding any borders that may impede drainage. - Deck Cleaning: A chemical reaction with a deck cleaning product left Andrew’s wood deck with a splotchy white film. He could use a spare piece of lumber to test a solid stain and see how well it will cover the filmy residue on the rest of the deck. - Crawlspace Odor: There’s a musty odor coming from the dirt crawlspace that opens into Bridget’s basement. She needs to lay down a plastic vapor barrier, check the outside drainage, and build a hatch to close the opening. - Air Conditioning Systems: What’s the cost of a new air conditioning unit? Steve should get estimates from a number of contractors because the price can vary widely. - Epoxy Flooring: Cindy wants to add speckles to her existing epoxy floor. As long as the first layer is adhering well, she can simply apply a second layer and add them. - Basement Moisture: Randall had a flooded basement and needs to reduce moisture. He doesn’t need vents but he should improve the drainage around his foundation and install a dehumidifier. - Electrical Openings: Catherine changed her mind about basement lighting and has holes where the outlets and fixtures were supposed to be. We offer advice about disconnecting the electrical wiring and how to cover the openings. - Sinking Porch: One side of Charles’ concrete porch has sunken in. He’ll need to break up the slab and redo the foundation before pouring a new cement porch. 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