This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to safeguard your plumbing from a winter freeze. Then, find out how the EPA’s new tool can prove energy-saving payoffs. Plus, we’ve got easy solutions for tough-to-clean tile floors. Have a project in mind? Listen in for answers to all your home improvement questions! - Frozen Pipes: Freeze out frozen pipe disasters by protecting your plumbing this winter. - Saving Energy: Power up with a new EPA program that boosts your home energy saving IQ. - Floor Cleaning: Get expert grime-fighter tips for cleaning tough stains from tile floors.   Q & A: - Toilet Valves: Tom wants to change the shut-off valves on his toilets. We offer tips for trimming back the pipe for a clean cut before slipping on a new compression valve. - Cabinet Repair: Laurie’s kitchen cabinets got damaged when the floors were refinished. Remixing the paint and carefully touching up only the dinged areas will help. - Plumbing: The bathroom pipes started vibrating after the tub was replaced. Crystal learns that t

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ll help you assess your roof’s winter readiness, reveal the best and worst appliance brands, and show you how to expand attic storage safely. Plus, we’re here to help you tackle any home improvement challenge with confidence, so listen in for expert answers to all your questions! - Attic Space: Find storage room under the rafters by adding attic floor space. - Appliance Rankings: Consumer Reports’ appliance rankings reveal best buys and big regrets. - Roof Care: Learn whether you should repair, replace, or rejuvenate your roof in time for winter.   Q & A: - Foundation Drainage: Does Jill really need a double drainage system for the home she’s building? It’s a smart idea and we recommend having a good pitch and installing larger gutters. - Plumbing: The bathroom plumbing is new but the water comes out rusty. Randall should install a whole-house water filter on the main line. - Countertop: Is there a way to refinish a stained white marble countertop? Katherine can use a Daich Coatin

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn how to maintain your washer and dryer to prevent floods and fires, keep stink bugs out with some sweet tricks, and choose the perfect mattress upgrades for a sound sleep. Plus, we’re sharing tips to help you make your home improvement plans a reality, so join the conversation! - Stinkbugs: Stinkbug invasions really stink, but there are ways to banish the bugs. - Washers and Dryers: Prevent floods and fires with washer and dryer maintenance. - Mattress Shopping: Snooze, don’t lose, with tips for buying a new mattress.   Q & A: - Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees are eating away at Norma’s wood patio. She gets tips for professional pest control treatment and for replacing wood with composite materials. - Siding Repair: How can Ron reattach vinyl siding that’s coming loose? It’s easy to do if he has the right tool to bend the edges so he can connect the adjoining pieces. - Insulation: David’s old insulation is falling from the attic rafters. He should maximize the insulation in the floor jo

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll share solutions for keeping plants thriving during winter, offer expert advice to avoid holiday plumbing disasters, and reveal why fall is the ideal season to kick off a composting project. Plus, listen in as callers get answers to their DIY home improvement questions! Winter Plants: Enjoy winter greens with tips to keep indoor plants thriving in the cold season. Plumbing Problems: Get plumbing tips to avoid clogs and flush holiday woes away. Fall Composting: Learn why fall is a perfect time to start a composting pile.   Q & A: - Concrete Repairs: Which kind of mortar mix is best for fixing a concrete porch? Mindy has lots of questions about the best choices for various repairs using Quikrete products. - Bathroom Remodel: Jim is worried about water damage from a window in a remodeled bathroom. We suggest leaving the window and putting a waterproof curtain over it. - Cleaning Windows: Is there an easy way to clean your outside windows? Marie won’t find many DIY shortcuts, but

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we share smart tips for slashing heating costs, maximizing tax benefits with end-of-year home improvements, and sealing drafts with an innovative spray foam product. Plus, hear practical advice for callers who have home improvement questions of their own! - Home Repairs and Taxes: Don’t overlook DIY deductions with these tax-saving home improvements. - Heating Bills: Lower your utility bills by addressing the three most common home heating mistakes. - Sealing Drafts: This DIY spray foam system makes it easy to seal gaps and stop drafts.   Q & A: - Bathroom Flooring: What kind of flooring is best for a kids’ bathroom? Michelle gets recommendations for flooring products that are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. - Water Filtration: John wants to improve the taste and quality of his water. We share info about a reverse osmosis filtration system that’s compact and efficient. - Plumbing: Kate gets step-by-step instructions for replacing a laundry room sink and cabinet, and when t

SHOW NOTES: This week, we’ll explain how to clean and restore a worn and stained driveway, help you winter-proof your home with a comprehensive checklist, and give advice on burglar-proofing your garage just in time for the holiday travel season. Tune in for these and other smart tips to protect and improve your home with answers to callers’ questions! - Prepping for Winter: Chill out and avoid winter woes with a winterization checklist for homeowners. - Driveway Restoration: Polish your approach by restoring a cracked or stained driveway. - Garage Security: Secure the weakest link by burglar-proofing your garage doors.   Q & A: - Smoke Problems: Lingering smoke is making the paint bubble and the house smell. JJ gets tips on how to clean, seal, prime, and paint smoky surfaces. - Remodeling: Wendy is buying a property that used to be a golf clubhouse. We discuss what to know about a commercial versus a residential property. - Siding Stains: Patricia’s mobile home siding is stained from gutter runoff. She can t

SHOW NOTES: Join us today to discover ways to keep your renovation costs in check, tips for heating your garage so it’s usable year-round, and must-know steps for winterizing your sprinkler system to avoid freezing mishaps. Tune in for expert advice on making your home winter-ready and functional on any budget! - Renovation Budget: Before your blueprints bust the budget, learn how to manage home renovation costs. - Garage Heating: Warm up your workspace with garage heating hacks. - Sprinkler Systems: Follow this chill-proof checklist for winterizing your sprinkler system.   Q & A: - Roofing Repairs: Terry finds out that her roofers were right when they replaced the flashing to fix her leaky chimney. - Deck Stain: The stain on Ted’s hardwood deck just won’t dry! This happens sometimes with new stain products, so he should wait some more before trying to remove it and reapply a different deck stain. - Glue Removal: Sylvia is stuck with old carpet glue! She should use a citrus adhesive remover to soften the glue

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll walk you through pro tips for painting your home’s exterior, a quick solution for deck-building without digging concrete footings, and attic insulation advice for a more energy-efficient home. Tune in for these and other expert insights to make your next home improvement project a breeze! - Exterior Painting: Prep like a pro when planning your next exterior painting project. - Building a Deck: An easy pedestal support system cuts the hassle of digging deck footings. - Attic Insulation: How to know if you have enough attic insulation to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.   Q & A: - Kitchen Sink: Jim wants to insulate his kitchen sink to keep the water warm. We’ve got some ideas on how he can create a way to do it. - Worn Flooring: Dorothy’s engineered flooring is worn in spots. It’s not designed to be refinished, so she’ll need to replace it or install new flooring over it. - Insulation: Joe’s new home has spray foam insulation in the attic. We explain why he doesn’t h

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ve got you covered with pro tips on choosing the best contractor, updates on the latest smoke alarm standards, and a step-by-step guide to hassle-free closet organization. Listen in for all the tips, tricks, and tools to bring your home improvement goals to life! - Smoke Detectors: Sound the alarm and protect your home with safer smoke detectors. - Contractors: Nail it the first time by hiring the right professional for your home improvement project. - Closet Space: Less mess means less stress with closet organization that works.   Q & A: - Porch Surface: The stain is peeling on Linda’s porch. We recommend removing the loose paint and applying a Daich Coatings product that provides a beautiful, durable finish. - Door Removal: We’ve got tips for Brian on how to remove and replace a door without becoming unhinged. - Damaged Siding: Ivy looks attractive, but it damaged the cedar siding on Lauren’s home. She learns how to restore and repair the damage, plus what to install if she w

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get tips for a warmer, healthier home by spotting and stopping mold, using a spray foam product to seal drafts and save on heating, and choosing the right window coverings to keep cozy. Got questions? We’ve got all your home improvement answers! - Window Coverings: Stay toasty with the right window coverings for winter warmth. - Mold Prevention: Fight the fungus with 10 tips for spotting and stopping mold in your home. - Sealing Drafts: Seal drafts and cut heating bills with an easy and effective DIY spray foam product.   Q & A: - Flower Bed: Michelle wonders if her flower bed will affect her foundation. She should slope the grade away from the house and avoid edging that will impede drainage. - Plumbing: After turning the water back on, Doug has lots of sediment in the plumbing. He should remove and clean out the faucet aerators, then empty and wipe out the toilet tank. - Concrete Repair: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping down. She has options for products to easily f

SHOW NOTES: Today, as temperatures cool, learn the importance of servicing your heating system and having your chimney cleaned. You’ll also hear an easy way to stop leaky toilet flushes, plus lots of expert advice for DIY homeowners just like you to get projects done the right way! - Chimney Cleaning: Soot happens, but cleaning your chimney will keep your home safe and smoke-free. - Heating System: Avoid winter woes by having your heating system professionally serviced. - Leaky Toilets: Flush out the problem with this innovative fix for a leaky toilet flush valve.   Q & A: - Soundproofing: Noisy neighbors can be heard through a duplex wall. Donna can muffle the sound by adding a second layer of drywall or a noise-proofing compound. - Pool Water: Mac’s pool is green when he uncovers it each spring. Leaving the filter running while it’s covered may strain the equipment, so he should use chemicals to shock the water. - Concrete Repair: Seeping water has cracked a corner of Audrey’s concrete porch. It’s a common

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to install gutter guards yourself and avoid costly pro services, hear expert advice on key homeowner knowledge, and get inspired with ideas for an affordable countertop upgrade in just one weekend. Tune in for tips, tricks, and products that make homeownership a breeze! - Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards is easy and affordable with step-by-step DIY tips. - Home Maintenance: Find out 5 essential things to know about home maintenance. - Marble Countertops: Countertops get a new look in a weekend with a kit that makes marble dreams come true.   Q & A: - Pests: Fruit flies are invading Lorna’s kitchen. She can seal the drain with tape to see if that’s where they’re coming from and if so, pour oxygenated bleach down the drain. - Insulation: Should Michael install closed-cell or open-cell spray foam insulation? Spray foam is a great choice, and closed-cell works better in a moist environment. - Flooring: What kind of flooring is best for a beach house? Loretta’s options in

SHOW NOTES: Today, discover how to protect your pipes during the busy holiday season, get expert advice on choosing the perfect paint sheen for your project, and learn how to quickly upgrade your outdoor space with custom stone features. Plus, we’re answering your questions on all things home improvement, from minor fixes to major makeovers! - Plumbing: Don’t make these common mistakes during the holiday plumbing disaster season. - Paint: Besides picking the perfect paint color, you need to choose the right sheen that shines. - Stone Features: Customize your outdoor space with easy DIY building block kits.   Q & A: - Lighting: Donna can’t get the lights over her kitchen island to hang straight. She’ll need to readjust the rods that go into the junction box in the ceiling. - Safe Installation: Richard wants to install a safe in the concrete foundation floor. Bolting the safe to the concrete instead avoids the risk of any electrical or plumbing damage. - Vent Fan: There is no vent fan in the bathroom, mold on t

SHOW NOTES: Today, we dive into hidden storm damage that may threaten your home and share eight reasons why keeping your gutters clean is crucial. For weekend warriors, we’ve got quick home improvement projects you can complete in a couple of days. Plus, hear expert answers to callers’ DIY dilemmas. - Storm Damage: After the skies clear, get tips for finding storm damage to your home, both visible and hidden. - Gutter Cleaning: Learn 8 essential reasons to put gutter cleaning on your to-do list. - Weekend Projects: Spruce up your space with quick DIY projects that can be done in a weekend.   Q & A: - Concrete: Peggy’s concrete slab porch is contacting the vinyl siding. She should remove the bottom siding and install rubberized flashing. - Attic Ventilation: Dale wants to ensure adequate ventilation in the attic. He has ridge vents but needs soffit vents to make the attic the same as the outside temperature. - Refinishing Door: Mary’s walnut front doors are peeling from the sun. It will take some time to strip

SHOW NOTES: On today’s show, we’re drying out damp basements with solutions for moisture problems. We’ll also share advice on choosing the best pressure washer. Plus, find out how to get all your DIY supplies in one place and save big! We’ll also answer calls on DIY projects, both big and small, so listen in! - Wet Basements: Manage moisture with 3 key strategies to prevent wet basements before they start. - Pressure Washers: Spray smart with tips for buying the best pressure washer. - DIY Shopping: Nail your next project with this one-stop source for all your DIY supplies.   Q & A: - Outdoor Furniture: The paint on Revella’s outdoor furniture is chipping and fading. We recommend cleaning with a wire brush, sanding the surface, and applying a quality outdoor paint. - Backup Heat: What is the safest source of heat if the power goes out? Mike should get a standby generator that can power the whole house or a portion of it. - Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the bathroom tiles? Only s

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’re talking about carbon monoxide safety tips for the heating season, how to track down a reliable contractor, and prepping your windows for winter. We’re also giving expert advice to DIY callers seeking home improvement success! - Window Care: Winter-proof your windows with these simple tips for cleaning, storing, and sealing. - Hiring Contractors: Get your next project done right by choosing the best contractor for the job. - Carbon Monoxide: Learn how to detect and protect against the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.   Q & A: - Bathroom Tile: Dawn is retiling her bathroom and gets tips for installing a shower pan and tiling around it to keep water from running out of the shower. - Water Pressure: Sam has low water pressure in just one bathtub. The problem may be clogged steel pipes, a valve issue, or a bad faucet. - Deck Finish: Half of Teresa’s wood deck is new pretreated lumber and the other half is painted. She needs to scrape off the old paint before stainin

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’re talking about mold vs. mildew and why knowing the difference matters. We’ll also cover an invasive plant that’s threatening property values. Plus, discover how spray foam can help you seal gaps and save on heating costs like never before. Listen in for all this and more expert advice for all your home improvement questions! - Mold vs. Mildew: Is it mold or mildew? Get key clues to know the difference and keep your home safe. - Invasive Plants: This invasive plant species is causing serious problems for homes and properties across the U.S. - Spray Foam: A DIY spray foam kit offers an effective solution for sealing drafty gaps and saving energy.   Q & A: - Cleaning: Can you clean grease stains from a garage floor? We advise Kathy to clean the floor with a TSP paste, then apply an epoxy paint finish that’s durable and easy to maintain. - Heating: Can Nathan use a wood-fired stove for in-floor heating? It can be done but will require more work to maintain, so an oil-fired boiler may be a

SHOW NOTES: This week, we’ll show you how to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams with simple modular blocks, reveal insider secrets to picking paint colors like a pro, and tackle the challenge of transforming rooms that feel beyond repair. Plus, get answers to home improvement questions to make your next DIY home improvement project a success! Painting: New hue? Make your project pop with pro tips for choosing the right paint colors. Outdoor Kitchens: Stack and sizzle by building an outdoor kitchen with DIY modular blocks. Saving Space: Take space-saving steps to make hopeless rooms salvageable.   Q & A: Adding Bathroom: Where is the best place to add a second bathroom? Keri would get more ROI with a bathroom on the second floor instead of the basement. Basement Water: Randall’s basement got flooded and still gets damp. He gets advice about having vents in the crawlspace and improving drainage outside the house. Worms: Lillian is bothered by all the worms that keep getting into the indoor patio after it

SHOW NOTES: In this home improvement episode, get bright ideas for kitchen lighting, learn how to stop energy loss with efficient insulation, and find ways to reduce pet odors in your home. Plus, hear expert answers to lots more DIY questions to create your best home ever! - Kitchen Lighting: Brighten up your cooking and dining with attractive and efficient kitchen lighting. - Insulation: Stop wasting energy by choosing the right insulation for your home. - Pet Odors: Enjoy tail-wagging snuggles that pass that sniff test with 7 tips for reducing pet odors.   Q & A: - Deck Stain: The stain on Bella’s deck is already chipping off, probably because the surface was still damp. We suggest scraping off the loose spots and touching up those areas. - Foundation: Randy’s house foundation was jacked up and he’s not sure what should be sealed. He gets tips for reducing moisture in the crawlspace and basement. - Crack Moisture: Oily moisture is oozing through hairline cracks in a Terrazzo floor. Judith gets advice for dr

SHOW NOTES: In this show, get a grip on DIY projects with the right tape for every need, learn how to choose between building a deck or a patio, and enjoy clean, great-tasting water with an easy filtration system. Plus, hear answers to other home improvement questions from callers like you! - Tape: When you need sticky solutions, this is where to get the right tape for every DIY project. - Deck vs. Patio: Use these tips to decide whether a wood deck or a brick patio is right for your outdoor living space. - Clean Water: Get clean, great-tasting water with an easy and compact water filtration system.   Q & A: - Heated Floor: Jeanette has questions about the ease and expense of a DIY radiant heated floor. We suggest having it professionally installed and give tips on cutting costs. - Fence: Ron wants to replace the wire fence to keep out wildlife. A chain-link metal fence would be the strongest option. - Electrical: After changing her mind about basement lighting, Katherine needs to disconnect the live wiring a