This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Should you DIY or hire a pro? In this show, we’ll guide you through the decision-making process. Plus, with winter on the way, we’ve got top tips for sealing those sneaky drafts. And if you’re looking to add a granite finish to your floors or walls, we’ll show you how. Got a home reno or décor question? Listen in for expert advice! - Hiring a Pro: Should you DIY or hire a professional for your home improvement project? How to decide. - Drafts: Stop the breeze and save on energy bills by tracking down and sealing off chilly drafts. - Granite: This durable granite coating gives the beauty and strength of natural stone to any surface.   Q & A: - Odors: When the attic fan turns on, why does the house smell like sewage? Shelby needs to add ventilation to the attic to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide being pulled through the house. - Cleaning Cement: Will scrubbing with a vinegar solution clean sidewalk stains? Julian may need to use a pressure washer and more effective cleaning products. - Driveway Re

SHOW NOTES: - Hot Water: Skip the wait and get hot water on demand with a hot water recirculating pump. - Insulation: New innovations in insulation lower energy costs while keeping your home comfortable all year long. - Flooring: Get the look of wood in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements with flooring engineered for damp locations.   Q & A: - Insulation: Can Kathy prevent trapped moisture in the attic by adding insulation? What she really needs is more ventilation unless she decides to use spray foam insulation. - Metal Roof: Dan’s porch tin roof gets very hot in summer. Applying a radiant coating designed for metal roofs will reflect the sun’s UV rays and reduce the heat. - Contractor Dispute: A bad contractor trashed Beth’s home and walked off the job with all the materials. We recommend consulting an attorney and filing criminal charges for theft. - Exterior Stairs: Matt wants to build DIY landscaping stairs. It’s a big project, and he gets tips for using concrete masonry units, pressure-treated wood,

SHOW NOTES: Today, we discuss patio heaters to help you extend your outdoor season and address whether squeaky floors are a sign of a bigger issue, along with tips for fixing them. We also share energy-saving strategies for your water heater to cut down energy bills. Listen as we answer these and other home improvement questions! - Squeaky Floors: Follow these steps to find solutions for squeaky floors. - Patio Heaters: Extend your outdoor living season with patio heater options for year-round comfort. - Water Heaters: Soak up the savings with these water heater efficiency tips.   Q & A: - Cleaning Cabinets: Dan is trying to clean the grease off cabinets above the stove and microwave. We’ve got tips on how to use Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean the cabinets. - Water Quality: Linda sees black particles in the water from her toilet and sink. We suggest cleaning the aerators on the faucet and installing a whole-house water filter. - Pine Flooring: Daniel is installing pine flooring on his porch. We agree with his ide

SHOW NOTES: This week, we weigh the pros and cons of rooftop solar panels and share a simple recipe for homemade spray dish soap. Then, transform your backyard with a DIY fire pit that’s made easy with Pavestone building blocks. Plus, get expert answers to more home improvement questions for your next project! - Solar Panels: Sunny savings or sunken costs? Learn the truth about the ROI of rooftop solar panels. - Natural Cleaner: Clean up the savings with a natural dish soap recipe for bubbles on a budget. - DIY Fire Pit: Rock your yard with a DIY fire pit using simple stone building blocks.   Q & A: - Concrete Slab: Should Lee reinforce a poured concrete slab with rebar? It can’t hurt, but may not be needed if the soil base is prepped right with a mechanical tamper. - Cement Floor: Linda wants to refinish a cement floor in an industrial area. She’ll need to scrape off any existing paint and then apply epoxy paint to seal the surface. - HVAC: The second floor is always either too hot or too cold. Most heat los

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we reveal simple tricks to keep pesky crickets out of your house and how to decide if a new furnace is worth the investment. We also introduce an innovative product that makes fixing leaky toilets even easier, and answer home improvement questions to make your other DIY projects easier, too! - Crickets: Stop the chirp with these tips for cricket control inside and outside your home. - Heating Systems: Turn up the heat on savings with the right upgrade to your heating system. - Leaky Toilet: An innovative product will have you flushed with success when it comes to repairing leaky toilet valves.   Q & A: - Wax Stains: Sandy spilled hot wax on the carpet and furniture, but learns a neat hack for using a hot iron and a brown paper bag to remove the wax stain. - Wall Tile: Does John need to replace the greenboard before retiling the bathroom walls? We recommend installing cement board instead, which will last indefinitely. - Security: Colin wants a secure vault door for the reinforced

SHOW NOTES: In this show, discover 10 low-dust home improvement projects, learn how to easily fix textured walls or ceilings, and find out how to eliminate sink odors with a simple hack. Plus, listen in as we offer expert answers to other home improvement questions from DIY callers! - Home Renovation: Get ideas for 10 wreck-less home renovations that don’t require demolition. - Textured Surfaces: Repair textured walls and ceilings easily and without the mess. - Sink Odors: Learn how to send stinky sink odors down the drain with this simple solution.   Q & A: - Refinishing Furniture: Sherry learns how to give an old wood dresser a new look by stripping off the paint and staining the surface. - Wood Flooring: What should Andrew use to refinish his oak floor after sanding it? We recommend applying three coats of a clear oil-based polyurethane to restore the shine. - Building a Deck: Cheryl wants to build a deck over a concrete slab, but that’s not a good foundation. She should break up the concrete and install p

SHOW NOTES: Today, get advice on selecting the perfect paint colors, when to call in the pros for hardwood floor refinishing, and how to detox your mattress for a healthier sleep. Plus, we’re here to answer home improvement questions with helpful tips to help you tackle your projects like a pro! - Mattress Care: Get tips on detoxing your mattress to avoid sleeping on a bed of bacteria. - Paint Colors: Color your world by picking the right paint color for every project. - Hardwood Floors: Know when to step aside and let a professional refinish your hardwood floors.   Q & A: - Toilet Leak: Fred’s toilet won’t stop leaking, even after many attempts to fix it. The gasket may not have been replaced correctly, so we suggest using silicone to seal each connection. - Painting Brick: Mary wants to paint her brick fireplace, but she may want to think twice and decorate around the brick instead, because painting brick can be a challenge. - Replacing Grout: The grout is crumbling in Steve’s bluestone stoop. He gets step-

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ll offer tips for a successful home addition, reveal a surprisingly easy method to build stone features like fire pits and garden beds, and discuss the benefits of upgrading your electric panel. Plus, we’ve got expert advice for callers with home improvement questions you’ll want to hear! - Electrical System: Find out 5 shocking reasons to stay current with an electrical panel upgrade. - Outdoor Masonry Ideas: Building outdoor features is as easy as stacking blocks with this innovative DIY system. - Home Additions: These are 3 things to consider when planning the right home addition.    Q & A: - Pest Control: Cody is looking for an affordable way to control scorpions and bugs. Natural products like boric acid, cedar oil, and lavender plants are possible options. - Roof and Attic Fan: Should Mary replace the attic fan with a new roof? We recommend using a ridge vent instead of an attic fan, but she can still use a whole-house fan. - Popping Nails: Nails keep popping through the she

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ll give you four reasons to reconsider painting your exposed brick, and if you’re buying a new house, we reveal which builder upgrades are worth the investment and which ones you should DIY. Also, get advice on illuminating dark corners of your home. Plus, listen in for answers to home improvement questions for all kinds of DIY projects! - Painting Brick: Before painting your exposed brick, find out 4 solid reasons why you shouldn’t. - Home Upgrades: When building a new home, find out which upgrades make sense and when to DIY. - Lighting: Expert tips shed light on how to brighten a home for style and safety.   Q & A: - Light Switch: After installing new LED bulbs, Pammy’s light fixture doesn’t work at all. The problem is with her light switch, not the bulb. - Old Cabinets: What is the best way to strip and refinish old kitchen cabinets? Bob gets step-by-step instructions on how to clean, strip, and stain wood cabinets. - Damaged Floor: Lisa is feeling soft sunken spots under her carpet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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