This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Deck Safety: Avoid outdoor disasters by recognizing the 5 causes of dangerous deck collapses. Storing Paint: Leftover paint can be useful, but only if it’s stored properly. Find out when it’s time to can those paint cans. Window Screens: Let fresh air in and keep insects out with updated options for window screens.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Driveway and Deck Sealants: Bill wants to know if he needs to seal his new concrete driveway or his pressure-treated deck. We’ve got tips for both. Musty Odors: There’s a musty odor coming from the slab foundation in a home that was vacant. We advise Mary to pull up the carpet, improve the outside drainage, and start using the HVAC and a dehumidifier to clear the air. Fascia Board: Should Martin repair or replace a fascia board that’s separating under his porch roof? He just needs to resecure it with screws instead of nails. Popcorn Ceilings: Ben needs to repair damaged areas of his popcorn ceiling. We explain how to repl

SHOW NOTES: Pet-Friendly Backyard: Enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends by creating a pet-friendly backyard. UV Sun Damage: Find out how to defend your floors and furnishings against damaging sunlight. Staining a Fence: Learn the best way to spruce up your fence for maximum curb appeal.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Installing a Ceiling Fan: James wants to add ceiling fans in rooms with no overhead lighting. It’s not hard, but it’s an easier job for an electrician to do. Kitchen Flooring: Patrilla would like new kitchen flooring to install over sheet linoleum. Engineered vinyl plank or laminate are beautiful and durable options. Insulation: An attic with minimal fiberglass insulation needs more. Albert finds out spray foam insulation is an excellent choice that expands, seals, and has a much better R-value. Old Plumbing: When one shower is used, another one goes cold. Tammy needs a plumber to check the old steel pipes and the water pressure from the street. Wood Flo

SHOW NOTES: Decorating on a Budget: Get 5 money-saving ideas for sprucing up your home without spending a fortune. Backyard Water Features: Make a splash by creating your own backyard water feature. Garage Sales: One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure, so get ready for a successful garage sale. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Dehumidifiers: A heat pump is not designed to remove humidity, but Pat may consider using a whole-house dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air. Drainage: Vince has water coming through the concrete floor in his three-season room. He should install a curtain drain to intercept and discharge the water. Pool Repairs: An old pool has deck cracks and some exposed rebar. There are products Barb can use to repair and refinish the problem areas. Garage Door Opener: Bob wants advice on getting a surge protector for a faulty garage door opener. It’s an unusual problem but we recommend a good brand to look into. Kitchen Sink Styles: Kathy is considering

SHOW NOTES: Concrete Countertops: Learn why durable and versatile concrete countertops are a popular trend. Rental Costs: As rent prices skyrocket, find out 7 ways to make your rent more affordable. Summer Storage: More summer fun means more summer stuff! Get tips for cutting the clutter. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Musty Porch Odors: There’s a musty smell in Anna’s unheated closed-in porch. We advise pulling out the unneeded insulation, then cleaning and airing out the walls. Electrical Outlet: Steve discovers one outlet that has no current in the wiring. He needs to call an electrician to trace the source of the outage. Retaining Walls: A significant slope in the yard makes it hard to mow and use the space. A landscape architect can help Alex plan the right kind of retaining wall. Synthetic Brick: What are the pros and cons of synthetic brick for a home’s exterior? We agree it’s a good idea and recommend some products to Alice. Cleaning Stainless Steel: Phillip has tri

SHOW NOTES: Tick Prevention: Get important tips for staying safe from tick-borne diseases. Small Bathroom Space: If you have a small bathroom, find out how to maximize every inch of space. Roof Rejuvenation: Summer heat and sunshine dry out roof shingles, but there’s a way to give new life to an old roof.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Sink Odors: Yvonne learns how to clean out the bacteria that are causing a foul odor in her bathroom sink. Low-E Windows: How effective are Low-E windows? We assure Bruce that being able to reflect the sun’s UV rays will reduce heat and save on cooling costs. Ceramic Tile Flooring: Sandy’s finding it hard to clean her old ceramic floor with worn-out glaze. We have ideas on how to cover it. Leaking Roof: Mike is dealing with a leaking roof and gets advice on how to find the leak and figure out repairs. Bathtub Cracks: Bill’s old bathtub is cracked. We discuss options for a bathtub repair kit, a bathtub cover, or replacing the tub. Oven Clea

SHOW NOTES: Front Porches: Learn how porches are making a comeback for year-round living space and outdoor relaxation. Window Air Conditioners: Find out the right way to install a window air conditioner to cool your home quicker and more efficiently. Extending Roof Life: Instead of replacing them, there’s a way to restore dried-out asphalt roof shingles and extend the life of your roof.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Firepits: Katherine wants a homemade fire pit. We discuss options for portable metal fire pits and DIY kits to build a fire pit with bricks or pavers. Getting Rid of Spiders: Daddy long-leg spiders have taken over Will’s garage. We suggest natural repellents, sticky traps, and vacuuming up the spiders and nests. Whole House Fans: Instead of relying on ceiling fans and the AC fan, Marie gets information on installing a whole house fan to keep her house cool. Bathroom Venting: Butch needs to redirect a bathroom vent in his attic so that it goes outside the house.

SHOW NOTES: Saving Water: Conserving water and lowering costs is made simple with water-saving fixtures and faucets. Gravel Garden Path: Great gardens deserve perfect pathways around them. Get tips on creating a DIY gravel garden path. Exterior House Painting: It’s a big job, but you can paint your home’s exterior a lot faster and easier with an airless paint sprayer.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Banishing Bats: Pests in Keith’s attic are driving him batty! We’ve got tips on creating bat doors with screen flaps to let the bats out and keep them out. Cracked Foundation: The concrete slab foundation has cracks and the kitchen floor is starting to dip. Rochelle should hire a structural engineer or home inspector to determine whether it’s serious and how to fix it. Refinishing Hardwood Floor: Is a French polish a good option for a hardwood floor? Theresa gets advice on a better, more durable way to refinish her floor. Buckling Vinyl Siding: Earl’s vinyl siding is buckling and

SHOW NOTES: Cleaning Your Washing Machine: Laundry looking lackluster? Find out how to get cleaner clothes by cleaning your washing machine. Energy-Efficient Windows: Air conditioning is lost through drafty windows. Upgrade your windows to cut cooling costs. Home Security: Don’t make this common DIY mistake that puts your home at risk for break-ins.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Tree Roots: Tree roots are making it hard to mow. If Harris doesn’t want to remove the tree, he can create a mulch bed or an attractive bench around it. Smoke Odors: Lingering smoke odors were left behind by the former owner. Eve needs a good primer to seal all the walls and floors after cleaning everything. Wood Gutters: George can’t find replacement sections for his old wood gutters. We recommend a company that makes beautiful, maintenance-free wood-style fiberglass gutters. Cracked Cement Patio: Alicia is concerned about the cracked cement patio. She can clean out the old caulk and reseal it or i

SHOW NOTES: Pool Safety for Kids: Pool safety always begins with supervision, plus these crucial measures help prevent child drownings. Water Odors: Why does your water smell like rotten eggs? We’ve got solutions for stinky water. Preventing Roof Leaks: Detecting roof leaks before they happen heads off bigger problems. Here’s what to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Painting Kitchen Countertops: Sheila is considering painting her kitchen countertops. We agree it’s an affordable, attractive, and durable option. Water Heater Replacement: Steve’s electric water heater leaks. He can replace it with a standard unit or a heat pump water heater that is more efficient. Squirrels: Sneaky squirrels are chewing holes in the bird feeder. Priscilla needs to make the bird feeder unappealing or unreachable to keep squirrels away. Dryer Vent: A disconnected dryer vent is a fire hazard and creates moisture that makes attic insulation less efficient. Cody must fix and redirect the dry

SHOW NOTES: Home Improvement Advice: Are social media hacks for home improvement really helping? Find out what one survey says. New Caulk Products: Learn about a new line of caulk that’s easy to use and as good as silicone. Summer Insulation: Effective insulation can seal summertime drafts that increase air conditioning costs.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Circuit Breakers: Why does the air conditioner keep tripping the circuit breaker? Marcie may need a dedicated circuit if the appliance is pulling too much power. HVAC: Michael’s roof-mounted HVAC system wasn’t properly insulated. We’ve got tips on insulating the ducts to reflect UV radiation and lower energy costs. Kitchen Cabinet Odors: Carolyn cleaned mold from inside her cabinet but it still smells. She should look for hidden mold she may have missed and apply a clear finish or primer to seal the surface. Laminate Countertops: Are laminate kitchen cabinets a good choice? We agree that Terry can find a laminate surface

SHOW NOTES: Cooling Your Home: Beat the heat and save money with free ways to cool your home. Installing Tile: Get your tiling project done faster and cleaner with this trick of the trade. Paint Sprayer: New airless paint sprayer technology lets you paint smarter without working harder.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Soundproofing: Darlene wants to block out noise between the apartment walls. Mineral wool insulation and sound-deadening drywall will help keep things quiet. Loose Tiles: When floor tiles come loose, Tony finds out how to remove them, replace the grout, and use mastic adhesive to reset the tiles again. Brick Steps: How can Mia remove worn carpet that’s glued to her brick steps? It would be much easier to install pavers or outdoor ceramic tile over the steps. Tin Roof: It’s getting hot under the tin roof on Dan’s screened porch! We suggest applying radiant barrier paint to the top of the roof to reflect the heat. Window Condensation: The picture windows are all

SHOW NOTES: Saving Water Costs: Greener grass doesn’t have to waste water. Learn how to get a lusher lawn without paying bigger bills. Choosing Caulk: Latex or silicone? Find out how to choose the right caulk for your project. Kids’ Rooms: Fun furnishings lend organization, style, and safety to a child’s room. Get some kid-friendly redecorating ideas.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Moles: The moles under the patio are drawn to the grubs they love to eat. Michelle learns how to get rid of the grubs so she can get rid of the moles. Deck Refinishing: A restoration product on Joe’s wood deck is peeling off instead. Installing composite replacement boards is a great option. Clogged Drain: Where is the clog that’s making Mary’s bathtub drain so slowly? She needs to get a plumber that specializes in drain cleaning. Hard Water: It’s a challenge to clean out all the calcium deposits left by hard water at Jim’s house. He may need to install a water filtration system. Metal Roofing:

SHOW NOTES: Building a Shed: If you need outdoor storage solutions, get 4 pro tips for building a backyard shed. Energy Bills: Seeing your energy bills go up? Watch out for these 4 factors that drive up costs. Anti-Slip Surfaces: Using an anti-slip coating can prevent dangerous slips and falls on indoor and outdoor surfaces.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Reclaimed Wood Floor: Tim needs a clear finish for his reclaimed wood floor. We suggest a durable oil-based polyurethane with a finish that hides scratches. Patio Makeover: After removing a deck, Fonda wants to redesign the remaining cement pad. We have ideas on using brick pavers for a patio makeover. Basement Walls: Bowing basement walls can be a severe problem affecting the structure and value of Rob’s home. He needs to call a structural engineer. Shower Grout: Replacing grout is a headache, but Victoria finds out she can just try to match the area that’s falling out instead of regrouting the entire shower. Efflorescen

SHOW NOTES: Building a Fire Pit: Relaxing around a backyard campfire is made easy with a DIY fire pit. Social Front Yards: Curb appeal meets social appeal when you create an inviting social front yard that’s functional and attractive. Paint Sprayers: Reduce waste and cut painting time by a third with high-efficiency paint sprayers that make paint projects easier.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Window Leaks: Installers should have used concrete block to stop water from getting trapped under Martha’s new picture window. We have tips on improving the drainage to prevent leaks. Plumbing Odors: Phew! Gary has a bad odor coming from his bathroom drains and learns what to do to eliminate the bio-gases that are causing it. Driveway Replacement: Susan is considering options for her 38-year-old driveway. It’s time to tear it up and pour a new asphalt driveway. Deck Upgrades: Should you replace just the boards or the whole frame on an old deck? Mike needs to replace the entire structur

SHOW NOTES: Summertime Home Checklist: Get your home ready for summer with 4 easy projects for your outdoor living. Stepping Stone Pathway: We’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect stepping stone pathway. Roof Leaks: The best way to fix a roof leak is to detect them before they happen. Here’s what to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Painting Wood Siding: What’s the best way to paint T1-11 siding? Sean learns that a quality primer is important and a paint sprayer can make the job easier. Sliding Door Tracks: Tracy’s got hardened grit in her sliding door tracks. We suggest a stiff brush and a vacuum to remove the gunk and using some white lithium grease on the tracks. Deck Stain: Scott wants to use a transparent stain on his cedar deck. He should consider a solid deck stain that will last longer and cover the lumber mill stamps. Sealing Tile: Do you need to seal glazed ceramic floor tiles? Laurel should only need to use silicone-based grout seal

SHOW NOTES: Roof Inspection: Find out what’s included in a roof inspection to ensure peak performance. Pet-Friendly Home Improvements: From “ruff” to remarkable, get ideas for pet-friendly home improvements. Hybrid Sealants and Caulks: Choosing the right caulk is easy with hybrid sealants that work for every project. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Gardening: What kind of plants will grow best in shady areas? We tell Janna a few common shade-friendly plants and a nursery may have more options. Painting Cabinets: What preparation is needed to paint wood cabinets? Brian gets step-by-step advice on how to smooth, prime, and paint the surface. Carpenter Ants: Anna had a tree removed that was infested with carpenter ants and is worried they’ll now enter her home. We assure her it’s not likely to happen. Iron Railings: David needs to pour a cement footing for a new wrought iron rail. We offer an idea for an easy way to do it. Electrical Upgrades: Is it worth replacing a 150-amp el

SHOW NOTES: Patio vs. Deck: Should you build a deck or a patio to expand your outdoor living space? How to decide. Noise-Reducing Landscaping: Shush your surroundings with strategic landscaping to block outside noises. Termites: Are those termites eating away at your home? How to identify them and keep your house off the menu.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Portable Air Conditioner: Thomas’ portable air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breakers. He needs a dedicated 20-amp circuit to power it up. Sealing Concrete: A flood left cracks in the basement cement floor. Bonnie gets advice on using silicone and a two-part epoxy product to repair the cracks. Glue Removal: Adhesive tiles over the wood floor left glue residue. Greg may need a professional floor refinisher to remove the glue with the right tools. Basement Flooring: Mary wants suggestions on replacing the carpeting in her basement. Laminate or engineered hardwood flooring would be good options. Porch Ceiling: Ric

SHOW NOTES: Pet Doors: Who let the dogs out? Tips for installing the best and most convenient pet doors. Concrete Repairs: This product makes it easy to repair holes, cracks, and pitted areas of concrete surfaces. Quick Home Improvement Projects: No time to waste? These 3 home improvement hacks take a half hour or less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cracked Cement Patio: Part of Debbie’s new cement patio cracked right away. She can make some cosmetic repairs or have it torn out and repoured with better surface preparation underneath. Tripped Circuits: Richard’s antique soda machine trips the circuit every time it’s plugged in. He needs to install a dedicated circuit for that big draw of electrical current. Home Addition: Joan has big plans for an enclosed space for her cats. We recommend hiring a professional to design the proper specs for the addition. Pipe Fittings: Is there a way to avoid having to solder the pipes when relocating some faucets? Doug can use a convenient p

SHOW NOTES: Natural Pools: Learn how natural pools offer a pond-like, eco-friendly oasis with no chemicals and low energy costs. Insulation Tax Credits: Keep your home cozy and your wallet happy with generous tax rebates for insulation upgrades. Wide-Plank Flooring: Make your small rooms look bigger instantly with wide-plank flooring.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Drainage Problems: Kevin thinks groundwater is coming through an opening in his concrete slab, but he really needs to correct the drainage outside the house. Window Glazing: The wet glazing is starting to deteriorate in Dana’s fixed pane windows. She gets tips on removing the trim and adding silicone caulk. Solar Panels: Solar panels have made Joseph’s energy bills go way up instead of saving him money. He needs an attorney after performance claims were not delivered. Crown Molding: Traditional crown molding looks great but is one of the hardest carpentry jobs to do. Tracy gets info on installing easy DIY foam mol

SHOW NOTES: Apartment Gardens: Love to garden but don’t have outdoor yard space? Get tips on growing an apartment garden. Home Security: Effective home security cameras need to be positioned properly. Find out where to place cameras to keep your home safe. Sealing Concrete Surfaces: Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks take a lot of wear and tear. This product will keep concrete looking like new.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Joyce wants to know the best way to refinish her hardwood floors. We share the steps on what to use and how to do it. Cleaning Vinyl Siding: Doug needs to clean spray foam residue from his vinyl siding. He’ll need some WD-40 and a putty knife to soften and scrape it away. Sump Pump: The sump pump wasn’t turning on and now it’s making a gurgling sound! Renee gets info on what may be affecting her sump pump and how to improve drainage. Hot Water Pressure: Steve is not getting good hot water pressure. He should check the