This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Skylights let in lots of light but some let in leaks leak more than others. We’ll tell which ones leak the most and share a tip the easiest way to add a skylight to your home in just 2-hours or less. If you’ve got any furry family members, it’s smart to think about which flooring types might hold up best in the face of scratchy paws, accidents and excessive shedding! We review the best options. They say good fences make good neighbors but how exactly do you build a good fence? We’ve got the solution for fences that stand the test of time. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Holly from Kansas has a banging noise coming from her new washing machine. Bill in Florida needs some tips on removing cigarette smell from a house. Nancy from Michigan needs the recipe for deck cleaning soap. Michael in Florida has a pool deck that is starting to crack. Daniel form California is concerned about using the proper sealer on his new travertine flooring. Pat in Hawaii is curious about prepp

SHOW NOTES: According to the new survey, over 60% of homebuyers experience "Buyer’s Remorse" after the sale! We'll share the most common regrets and how to avoid them.  If your roof is more than 10 or 15 years old, you might be thinking that it’ll need replacement soon. Maybe not, we’ll share a new product that can add 5 years of life to your roof with a single treatment. Also ahead, buying green is all the rage today but did you ever wonder what makes a product truly green? There are actually a lot of factors and just as many false claims of “greenness.” We will help sort the ones that count. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Mary in Massachusetts is wonder if she can close her ridge vent. Mathew from Texas has an issue with his sink flange. Debra in Pennsylvania wants to know why she needs to replace her rubber flashing? Tim from New York wants an easier fix to repair sink cracks. Donna needs help cleaning showers. Vincent in Delaware is concerned about the cracking in his home.

SHOW NOTES: This is a great time of year to give wood decks, trim or fencing a spruce up. We’ll give you tips on how to pick the perfect stain or brightener to have it fixed up for the season ahead. When kids hit the playground, safety is the last thing on their minds – but it really needs to be the first thing on our minds when we are creating these spaces. We’ve got guidelines to help. Do you have areas around your house that are just ridiculously difficult to clean? We share tips for cleaning some of the most difficult spaces. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Luke from Illinois wants to know if he can put a metal roof on top of shingles. Sabrina in Washington has newly poured grout that is already cracking. Mark from South Carolina wants to know the pros and cons of close cell vs. open cell insulation. Clyde from Missouri wants to know if an electric tankless water heater exist? Elvis in Texas needs help replacing Kitec plumbing. Donna from North Carolina needs to fix squeaky

SHOW NOTES: Have you been sneezing a lot lately? The allergy season is in full bloom and may last longer than usual. We share the best filters to keep allergens away. We love to celebrate the DIY spirit but as your DIY coaches we want to make sure you’re always careful when taking on those projects! Find out about a new study that details which home improving tools cause the most injuries - and here’s a hint - they’re NOT power tools! Are you ready to take on a big painting project this holiday weekend, like maybe painting the entire exterior of your house? As challenging as that may sound, its actually totally doable. We’ll share tips on tools that make the job a lot easier. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Sherlynn From Delaware has a leaky water pipe for her pool pipe. Sam in Louisiana is concerned about knob and tube wiring and how it might affect his insulation. Ella from Arkansas wants to know if putting new roofing layer over mold will have an affect on her allergies. Barb in I

SHOW NOTES: If you’d love to have a backyard swimming spot, we share a cool option over traditional chlorine pools; natural in-ground pools that are pond-like, gorgeous and earth-friendly options.  Looking for a new floor that’s beautiful, durable and totally waterproof? We found it! It’s called Duravana and made using stone hybrid technology. We’ll share more about this affordable new flooring technology. Memorial Day Weekend is here. And along with barbecues and pool openings, we honor the service and sacrifices of our troops. That’s why now is a good time to display your patriotism by flying the flag. We’ll share tips, including how to attach flagpole brackets to a wide variety of siding materials.   Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Roy wants to know the best way to put in a walkway for his yard and if it’s a DIY project? Michelle in Alabama is having a mold issue just above her baseboard. Sage from New York is having a minute long delay for his outside faucet to turn on. Selena in

SHOW NOTES: Building an outdoor kitchen may be on your “someday” list. But someday could be today thanks to a new type of very affordable modular brick. Find out how building a complete outdoor kitchen could be as easy as stacking blocks. It’s always nice to hear the sounds of birds around your home - unless it’s he sound of a bird crashing into your window! Bird strikes are surprisingly common. We’ll share tips on how to protect your feathered friends. If your Spring Cleaning includes power washing stained concrete surfaces, we’ll share a sealer you can use to protect against a wide variety of stains and more. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Mike in Vermont needs advice to deal with his deck stain that is starting to peel. Dana has picture windows where the glazing is starting to come undone. John from Virginia wants to know what he can do to hide the rust on his standing seam metal roof. Joan in Montana is looking to make an enclosed addition to her home and wants tips for building

SHOW NOTES: Want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in your backyard but keep OUT of the public eye? Tom and Leslie share the best ways to plant privacy screens as a natural option over fencing. Building a new deck is a great way to start really enjoying your outdoor spaces, but what exactly is the right TYPE of wood to use? We walk you through the four most common options to help you chose the best decking at a great price. By the time most of us spot a roof leak, the water is usually dripping through a ceiling somewhere. But roof leaks actually start forming a LOT earlier than that. Find out how to catch leaks-in-the-making. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Justina needs help identifying whether she has carpenter ants or termites. Paul from Hawaii needs help getting rid of a strong mildew smell under a granite countertop sink. Eloise in North Carolina has a problem with squirrels eating away on her home. Ken from North Dakota needs advice on how to choose the best attic vents for his hou

SHOW NOTES: Butterflies are one of the best parts of spring and summer and attracting them to your means you’ll have an army of pollinators working hard in your garden. We share the top 5 flowers that will encourage them to make your home, their home. Are you ready to take on a big paint project this Spring like a deck, a fence or even the entire exterior of your house? It’s become a lot easier to do. We walk you through new high-efficiency airless paint sprayers.  Right about now we are in the middle of the Spring flooring season, a time when new products, patterns and colors emerge and establish trends for years to come. We'll share insight on what’s new, what’s next and what’s trending in flooring for the season. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Alan from Tennessee has a cracked driveway he needs to patch. Jane in Washington DC needs a eco-friendly, non-toxic rug. Tonya from North Carolina has a door sill and jamb that is starting to rot. Kirk in California wants to know how to pr

SHOW NOTES: Outdoor kitchens have never been more popular -- but cooking and dining outside require special recipes of their own. We’ll have tips for easiest way to build an amazing outdoor kitchen. Spring storms can turn everyday objects into projectiles that can-do serious damage to your home. Learn how a DIY inspection that can help you spot small repairs before they grow into big problems. Did you know that slips and falls cause more than 1 million visits to the emergency room each year? We’ll share a super durable new anti-slip products that can make both indoor and outdoor surfaces safer and more attractive. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Kelly from Texas wants to know how to properly vent his attic. Dawn in Florida is curious how to retexture her ceiling. Charles from Ohio needs durable landscaping that can handle his dogs. Cynthia in New York wants to know what the correct price should be for waterproofing. Olen from North Carolina is wondering if PEX or ONIX piping is bett

SHOW NOTES: Are you green with envy over your neighbor’s lush lawn? We’ll share tips to help you catch up and get started on a healthy green lawn. In their first ever State of the Pro Report, Lowes polled their pros to learn which projects are in demand for 2022, shifts in projects being completed by DIY vs. Pros. The result offer a great roadmap for both pros and the consumers who are planning projects this year Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoor rooms. Now is also the time to spruce up a favorite outdoor room—your deck, we share deck cleaning tips. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Rob in Iowa has a cedar trim deck that he is trying to paint and is considered about the boards not matching the rest of the deck. Sandy from Pennsylvania is trying to figure out which is the best type of garage to build with her colonial. Steven in Texas is looking for a formaldehyde and VOC free kitchen cabinets. Merilyn from Louisiana found pet stains under her carpeting and needs advice cleaning the

SHOW NOTES: If your roof is more than 10 or 15 years old, we share a new product that can add 5 years of life to your roof with a single treatment. Are you planning a project to improve your outdoor living but want to be sure the project makes your home more valuable? We’ll share the details on a project that can deliver years of enjoyment along with great ROI when it comes time to sell. If you’ve lost heat this past winter and thinking about installing a backup system, we’ve got recommendations for the best backup heat options – especially when the power goes out. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Dave in Kansas needs a recommendation on a good kitchen floor. Marie needs design advice about slab kitchen cabinet doors. Scott in Iowa wants to know what he needs to do before painting over loose plaster. Anne has a crack on her front porch she needs help fixing. Robert from Washington has rust spots forming on his stainless steel appliances. Teddie in Oregon is dealing with a wet crawl

SHOW NOTES: Winter's harsh winds, snow, and ice can weaken your roof, allowing heavy spring rains to seep through. That’s why now is the perfect time for a roof inspection. We show you how! Just last month, the average national price for regular gas reached its highest price EVER!!! That strain is impacting the costs of home improvement. We’ll share tips on how to work with contractors during these unusual times. The laundry room might seem safe enough, but anywhere there’s extreme heat and lots of water, there’s potential for trouble. We’ll walk you through the most common trouble spots and tell you how to prevent leaks, fires and breakdowns. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: George in Iowa needs advice on making sealing a deck a one-time job. Tina from Tennessee is considering a install a metal roof on top of asphalt shingles. Mark in Oregon has an old hardwood floor he wants to restore. Margie from Delaware wants to know if she should lay plastic vapor barrier underneath her house t

SHOW NOTES: Are you looking forward to having a colorful Spring flower garden? We share tips on the quickest way to get those bright colors blooming, no matter where you live.  If you find that your cakes are salty and your meatloaf is sweet –you might need better lighting in your kitchen! We’ll share tips to brighten the space – and maybe even make you a better cook! We highlight some of our favorite earth-friendly home improvement ideas this hour, to help you save energy, water and money! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Lee has cement board siding that needs repairs after getting scratched up by a new puppy. Laura in Mississippi needs tips to keep moisture levels to a minimum in her home. Lester from Tennessee wants to deal with squeaky carpeted floor. Diane in Tennessee wants to know how she should apply Venetian Plaster to her entertainment space. Dottie from Oregon wants to know what the best concrete stain to use. Dean in Pennsylvania needs help insulating a basement. Collee

SHOW NOTES: If you're hoping for a lush, green lawn, now is the perfect time to set up your sprinkler system for success. We’ll explain how to dial it in for water efficiency and effectiveness. Building a fence is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, home value and keep out the wildlife. Whether it’s a project you want to do yourself – or one you’d plan to hire out for – we’ll share 5 tips to help make sure your fence project is a success! Mulch is an important element to any spring garden or landscape plans, but how much mulch is too much mulch? We’ll share tips, including an important caution about one popular type of mulch to avoid - because can grow fungus that sticks to your house and your car and be almost impossible to get rid of! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Heidi in North Carolina wants to know if she should move her main fuse panel inside. Mike from Minnesota is trying to vent his dryer more efficiently. Donna in Washington needs to clean cedar siding that is

SHOW NOTES: How’s that Spring cleaning going? A cluttered home can definitely leave you feeling stressed. But clearing the deck of clutter is not something that has to take a huge commitment of time. We’ve got 5 clutter busting tips that can help Are you green with envy over your neighbor’s lush lawn? We’ll help you catch up with Spring lawn care tips to get started on a healthy green lawn. Got Rot? Or is that Termites! Damaged wood can detract from your home’s value. But to make the fix, you first have to know the cause. Learn how to tell what’s been eating your home and make it go away for good. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Peter from Maryland needs a solution for cracks in hardwood floors. Pam in Missouri has recessed lighting and wants to know if it’s smart to stock up on lightbulbs needed for these fixers, or just replace them. John from Wisconsin is move a washer and dryer in his spare bedroom and wants to know install the venting. Lynne in Colorado wants to know how to repa

SHOW NOTES:  Looking for family-friendly outdoor activities for you and your little ones? Creating a kid-friendly garden is a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun project! We share some ideas to get started. Spring is a great time to evaluate your roof before big storms happen. If it looks like it’s ready for replacement, don’t plan on that big expense just yet. Tom & Leslie share a much less expensive way to extend its life. Are messy pets creating a decorating dilemma? Are you afraid that anything you buy will be ruined by your well-meaning pooch? We’ll have tips to help you get the best of both worlds. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Karen in Pennsylvania has mold behind wallpaper and needs to get rid of it. Mark from Nevada has radiant heat in his house that has been poorly installed. Kristine in Washington has a leaky opening in her chimney. Glen wants to know how to properly put in a dryer duct. Dewey wants to know how to get rid of a sewage leak smell in his ba

SHOW NOTES: Are you ready to add a deck to your backyard for the warmer weather ahead? One simple yet surprisingly simple deck design mistake can lead to a disastrous deck collapse! Find out what’s needed to stay safe and secure. Spring cleaning is not the most popular project but did you there’s now a Top 10 List for the Most Hated Cleaning Jobs? We’ll share the chores most people would like to avoid. If you’re ready to shop for new appliances, did you know there are actually TWO price tags you need to consider? We’ll share what second less obvious price tag is all about. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: James from Delaware has a whistling sound coming from his 4-year-old water heater. Helen in Massachusetts had a plumbing leak in her basement and now wants to know what kind of flooring to use to replace the carpeting. Andres from Tennessee is trying to relocate his air intake and thermostat from a bedroom. Kelly needs to get rid of insects and rodents in her basement. Rich in Illi

SHOW NOTES: If you'd love to have a backyard pool but are short of backyard space, I have two words for you: Spool Pool! Learn how to combine the benefits of a pool and spa in one very refreshing backyard feature. Breathing allergy-free air inside your home is more important than ever this time of year. We’ll share ways to make sure the air INSIDE your home is as clean as possible to avoid all that allergy misery! Is your driveway worn, chipped or suffer from nasty oil stains? Tom & Leslie walk you through a low-cost driveway makeover to clean up stains and restore the surface in a single weekend for a fresh start this Spring! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Pat from New Hampshire wants to know how to restore foundation cracks along with floor cracks in his garage wall. Todd in Utah needs tips insulating his workspace in the garage with a spray foam insulation. Karen from Pennsylvania has mold behind her wallpaper wants to know what the best way to remove mold. Greg in Arizona needs

SHOW NOTES: Refreshing your home with new décor for the season is fun – but sometimes the costs add up! If you’re not sure if your budget is ready to handle the hit, we’ve got 5 hacks to help save lots of money decorating your home sweet home. Backyard fire pits are a popular project for Spring – and build one is a project you can do yourself! We walk you through, step-by-step and block-by-block! Adding a backyard deck is one sure-fire way to increase your home's living space. But is building a deck a DIY project or one you should hire out? We sort out the pros and cons and help you make the best choice. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: John wants to know if Spray Foam insulation is the right choice for his Florida home. Ruth in Delaware wants to know why her electric water heater that doesn’t last even after replacing the elements. Woodpeckers are attacking Bruce’s home in Arizona! We share an amazingly simple hack that will keep woodpeckers away for good! Bobbie in Ohio cut down a

SHOW NOTES: If you’ve you made energy saving improvements to your home, those improvements could just help you sell your home even more quickly than the competition. We’ll explain how to capture this added value. Throughout the pandemic, smart home products have become more popular as more people than ever are working from home and using their living spaces in new ways. We'll share the latest innovations. There is nothing worse than stepping foot on a cold icy floor! We share the best ways to add heat to those floors and never feel frozen feet again.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Kyle in Iowa wants to upgrade his base board molding but needs a better tool for the job. Sandy from Texas needs remove hot wax off an upholstered chair. David in Arkansas needs more info about geothermal water heater into his electric home. Sandra wants to know if she should have a radon test and what to do if the levels are high? George from Pennsylvania wants to know if he should replace the compresso