This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we dive into pool safety, sharing crucial tips to prevent drownings with layers of protection. Then, we demystify foundation cracks, distinguishing between minor issues and major concerns. Plus, we reveal a quick fix for restoring textured walls and ceilings. And as always, we answer more DIY questions to turn your projects into successes! - Foundation Cracks: Worried about foundation cracks? Get tips on knowing if they’re simple or serious. - Pool Safety: Guard your kids against drowning with these important layers of pool protection. - Textured Surfaces: Repairing textured walls and ceilings is made easy with this DIY product.   Q & A: - Stone Patio: Dean wants to fill the spaces in his flagstone patio, but mortar will crack from expansion and contraction. - Concrete Repair: Linda has two porches on a concrete slab that’s starting to crack. She needs to use silicone caulk to seal out water and gets tips on matching the color. - HVAC: Is there a way to direct cool basement air to th

SHOW NOTES: Today, get advice on summertime safety and comfort, including how to beat the summer heat with no-cost to low-cost tips to stay cool, protecting your home from summer roof damage with a DIY roof inspection, and guarding against home burglaries while you’re away on summer vacation. Plus, we’ve got more answers to home improvement questions so you can get your projects done right! - Home Security: Lock down peace of mind with these steps to secure your home against break-ins. - Cooling Tips: Get low-cost and no-cost tips for keeping your home cool and comfortable. - Roof Inspection: Stop leaks before they happen with a DIY roof inspection.   Q & A: - Cleaning Brick: Gail wants to clean mortar off her exterior brick. We explain how to carefully use a wire brush or a drill attachment without damaging the brick. - Deck Stain: The stain is wearing off on John’s deck planks and rails. He gets tips for prepping the surface and using a solid color deck stain that will last longer. - Cleaning with Pets: Is

SHOW NOTES: Join us to learn how green home upgrades can enhance your selling price. Learn how to use convenient building blocks to create custom outdoor spaces, from patios to outdoor kitchens. Plus, find out how to keep your lawn lush without wasting water. And hear expert advice for more home improvement projects on your DIY list! - Building Outdoor Structures: Custom building block kits make it easy and affordable to create patios, planters, benches, and more. - Green Upgrades: Going green with the right eco-friendly upgrades can add value to your home. - Lawn Care Savings: Get tips for growing a lush, green lawn while saving water and money.   Q & A: - Bidet Toilet: Is it a good idea to have a bidet? Patricia gets info on affordable ways to try out the benefits of a bidet by installing an add-on model. - HVAC Options: Mini-split ductless A/C or conventional outdoor A/C unit? A split ductless system can be very efficient if Doug has a strategy on what he needs and how to place it. - Wildlife Pests: Rena w

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we reveal five expert paint tips to expand the feel of your smaller rooms. We’ll also chat about the importance of flexible living spaces in the modern home. And if you’re planning a painting project, we’ll share info about paint sprayers for quick, mess-free results. Let’s turn your to-do list into a done list with answers to these and other home improvement questions from today’s callers! - Painting Tips: These 5 strategic painting tips can make small rooms look bigger. - Flexible Living Spaces: Find out about the latest trends in flexible living spaces that do double or triple duty. - Paint Sprayers: Powerful new DIY paint sprayers let you tackle paint projects faster and more efficiently.   Q & A: - Roof Leak: Judy’s roof was repaired and the underlayment is fine, but it’s still leaking. We suggest checking the boot and flashing around the plumbing vent pipe. - Cleaning Porch: There are white mineral deposits on Tom’s aluminum porch struts. He can use a vinegar and water solution to

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, learn how to refresh your home decor affordably with five practical tips and get four strategies to reduce pool heating costs. Plus, find out the benefits of motion detector spotlights for enhanced home security and convenience. Listen in for answers to these and other home improvement questions on today’s show! - Pool Heating: Dive into savings with tips to reduce pool heating costs. - Home Decorating: Learn thrifty ways to refresh your home décor without breaking the bank. - Motion Detector Lights: Discover the convenience and benefits of outdoor motion security lights.   Q & A: - Painting Siding: Can you paint aluminum siding? Pat gets tips for power washing and priming the surface for good adhesion before applying a topcoat of paint. - Water Heater: Stewart needs advice about replacing his oil water heater with an electric water heater. It’s more expensive to buy but less expensive to run, especially if it has a timer. - Lawn Care: Catherine wants to replace sod that never too

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show covers practical methods for removing unsightly tree stumps, offers advice on staying cool without skyrocketing utility bills, and presents a technique to extend your roof's lifespan by five years. Plus, listen as we provide expert advice for additional home improvement questions from DIY callers like you! - Cooling Costs: Learn how to beat summer heat with hot tips for a cool home and lower utility bills. - Stump Removal: Don’t get stumped by the challenge of stump removal after taking down trees. - Roof Restoration: Old roofs get new life with an effective Roof Maxx treatment to restore worn roof shingles without roof replacement.   Q & A: - Patio Repair: Alicia’s cement slab patio has a crack that’s getting wider. We recommend using a crack repair product and considering an attractive paver brick that’s designed to go on top of the slab. - Roof Moss: What’s the best way to remove and prevent moss on the roof? Glen should apply a mildewcide spray and install copper flashing at the p

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn how to avoid costly mistakes when building your backyard deck. We’ll also provide tips on designing an efficient and functional kitchen layout, plus share info on a powerful and convenient solution for summer power outages. Tune in for expert advice to help you tackle all your home improvement challenges with confidence! - Kitchen Design: Get professional tips for smart design in your dream kitchen. - Building a Deck: Watch out for making these costly mistakes when building a deck. - Backup Power: This portable battery backup is a quiet and easy solution for summer power outages.   Q & A: - Brick Steps: How can Mia remove carpet that’s glued onto brick steps? She’ll need an adhesive remover to soften and scrape off the glue and we suggest applying thin pavers or exterior ceramic tiles on top of the steps. - Chimney Repair: Moisture is getting into a chimney that’s losing stucco. Anthony should remove any loose stucco and use a repair product that will adhere to concrete and brick. - C

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get tips for indoor and outdoor safety as we reveal the critical signs of gas leaks and how to prevent them, plus the unique requirements of pool fencing to keep your pool area secure. Then, learn foolproof tips for repairing drywall issues once and for all. Tune in and let us help you tackle all your home improvement projects! - Pool Fence: Swimming safety starts with this important pool fence checklist to protect kids from danger. - Gas Leaks: Learn the signs of dangerous gas leaks and how to avoid them. - Drywall Repairs: Get tips for common drywall repairs like nail pops, holes, and cracks.   Q & A: - Pool Deck: Barb’s pool deck has cracks and exposed rebar. It can be repaired, but she gets advice to beware of upselling tactics by pool contractors. - Uneven HVAC: The downstairs is cold and the upstairs is warm. Michael’s HVAC contractor should have done a heat loss analysis to balance the airflow. - Building a Patio: Can Courtney build a brick patio in an area with tree roots?

SHOW NOTES: Listen in as we discuss the allure of natural stone countertops vs. the upkeep they demand, five critical home filters that play a vital role in home health and efficiency, and how a timely roof inspection can prevent leaks and costly repairs. Plus, we have expert tips to help callers with more home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode! - Stone Countertops: Get the stone-cold facts on the pros and cons of natural stone countertops. - Filters: These are the top 5 most important filters you should be checking for home health and efficiency. - Roof Maintenance: These roof inspection tips will help protect against damaging roof leaks.   Q & A: - Water Pressure: Just one faucet in Tommy’s house has very low water pressure. It could be a blockage in the faucet aerator or the screen from the water line, or a faulty valve. - Tile Floor: The tiles over Barbara’s heated floor are shifting and grout is coming out. She can either repair them as needed or remove and replace the tiles and heating coi

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ll help you prevent pesky mosquitoes from ruining your summer nights. Plus, we’ll share how to reverse sun damage on your roof to extend its life, and why reclaimed lumber could be your next sustainable and cost-effective home improvement project. Get answers to these and other questions from DIYers just like you! - Mosquitoes: Stop unwanted pests from buzzing your BBQ with tips for eliminating mosquitoes. - Roof Restoration: There’s a way to reverse sun damage and extend the life of your dried-out roof. - Reclaimed Lumber: Discover the charm and benefits of using reclaimed lumber for home décor.   Q & A: - Sump Pump: Sharon’s furnace is pulling sewer gas from the sump pump. If it’s coming through the drain line, she should install a P-trap and fill it with water to stop air in the pipe. - Exterior Door: Water is coming through the side of an exterior door. Jim should see if the door is evenly hung and look for gaps with a flashlight. - Squirrels: A squirrel in the basement drop ceiling

SHOW NOTES: Listen in as we dive into the essentials of designing an amazing outdoor kitchen for your backyard gatherings and then discuss how metal roofs can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Plus, learn how to safely clean up and repair broken windows, and get helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions for all your DIY projects! - Outdoor Kitchen: Get ready to sizzle in style with tips for designing an ideal outdoor kitchen. - Metal Roofs: Find out why metal roofing is a cool choice for energy efficiency. - Window Repair: Broken windows can be a pain in the glass, but here’s how to fix them safely.   Q & A: - Painting Stucco: The paint on Terry’s stucco exterior didn’t last long. She gets tips on applying primer, the best temperature for paint projects, and using a paint sprayer. - Mold Odors: Carolyn can’t get rid of a moldy smell in her kitchen cabinet. We suggest where to look for hidden mold and how to seal the surface with a clear finish. - Solar Panels: Should solar panels be insta

SHOW NOTES: Looking for privacy? Today, we'll explore natural landscaping screens over traditional fencing. Plus, discover the benefits of metal roofing for summer replacements and learn how to easily renovate your stairs for a fresh interior look. Listen in for info to create your best home ever, with tips for projects both big and small! - Stairs: Stepping up the style of your outdated stairs is a great DIY project for home design. - Privacy Screen: Landscaped privacy screens are a natural alternative to building a fence. - Metal Roofs: If you’re thinking about roof replacement, find out the unique benefits of installing a metal roof.   Q & A: - Shady Garden: Janet is having a hard time growing plants in the shade. We suggest some plant varieties she can try that thrive in shady gardens. - Cabinets: Brian wants to paint his oak wood cabinets white. He’ll need to strip off the finish, sand the surface, and use an oil-based primer to fill the grain before painting. - Roof Rejuvenation: What’s the best way to

SHOW NOTES: In this show, discover the beauty of eco-friendly natural in-ground pools. We'll also share tips on spotting roof leaks early and how the right tools can make painting projects a breeze. We're here to help you plan, save, and avoid mishaps with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Natural Inground Pools: Transform your yard into an eco oasis with a natural inground pool. - Roof Leaks: Find out the clues for spotting a roof leak before it becomes a problem. - DIY Painting: Advances in tools make big painting projects faster and easier for any DIYer.   Q & A: - Mold: Andrea has mold between the sink and backsplash and around the tub. We explain the best way to clean and recaulk those areas to keep mildew from returning. - Tree Roots: Tree roots growing close to the surface make it hard to mow. Harris gets some ideas for landscaping or creating a bench around the tree. - Leaks: Water comes under the wood where Martha replaced her glass doors. She should have added a concrete block

SHOW NOTES: Stay safe and secure with information about building a safe backyard playground for kids, battery technology to guard against power loss, and fences that add privacy, security, and style. Plus, get answers to more home improvement questions for your next DIY project! - Playground: Play it safe by building a fun backyard playground with kids’ safety in mind. - Generators: New battery technology protects against power outages. - Fences: Good fences make good neighbors, so get tips on putting up the perfect fence.   Q & A: - Tile Flooring: Why is there condensation on the ceramic tile floor? Annette gets advice on reducing the indoor humidity that’s bringing warm air against the cold floor. - Electrical: Steve is concerned that none of his kitchen outlets are grounded, but it’s not certain. A good electrician is needed to do an evaluation and identify any issues. - Clothes Closet: Heavy clothes have bowed the rod and pulled the brackets away from the closet wall. Bea learns how to strongly secure the

SHOW NOTES: Today, get ideas to upgrade your deck with stylish, budget-friendly trends and learn how to add a leak-proof skylight to brighten up your home. Also, discover a new product that can extend your aging roof's lifespan and get answers to more home improvement questions from Money Pit’s expert team in this episode! - Skylights: The sky’s the limit when it comes to installing leak-free skylights to brighten up your home. - Deck Space: Add style to your outdoor living with these affordable trends for backyard deck space. - Roof Repair: Old roofs gain new life with a rejuvenation treatment at a fraction of the cost of roof replacement.   Q & A: - Bathtub Cleaning: Mary gets tips on how to remove bathtub rust stains through light abrasion with an auto rubbing compound. - Duct Cleaning: Is duct cleaning really necessary? It’s generally not needed unless Steve has done some heavy renovation, but we do advise using quality air filters. - Washing Machine: Why is the washing machine making that banging noise?

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn why homes built in factories can be better constructed and more energy-efficient than traditional builds. Then, prepare your A/C for summer with our service tips and pre-check methods and simplify painting projects with innovative high-efficiency airless paint sprayers. Plus, get answers to more home improvement questions from DIYers just like you! - Air Conditioning: Be ready to beat the summer heat by testing your air conditioning system. - Factory-Built Homes: Learn why manufactured homes can be better than homes built on-site. - Paint Sprayers: Painting projects are made easy with new, high-efficiency paint sprayers.   Q & A: - Heating: How to heat a converted laundry room and bedroom? Paul’s most affordable option would be an electric baseboard heater with a timer, but we’ve got other ideas, too. - Countertops: Carolyn didn’t expect dull spots on her quartz countertops, but it’s an absorbent surface that needs to be maintained and polished every two or three years. - Roofi

SHOW NOTES: Today, we explore a special type of roof that helps keep your home cool. We'll also discuss the buzz around backyard honeybee hives and, if you're hosting an open house, how to stage your home to attract buyers. Whether it's a renovation, repair, or home décor, listen in for more expert tips and inspiration to help with your next home improvement project! - Bee Hives: Backyard bee hives are all the buzzy for producing homemade honey and beeswax. - Cool Roofs: Keep cool and save on energy costs with cool roof technology. - Home Staging: Market your home to interested buyers with these important home staging tips.   Q & A: - Lighting: Pete wants to install can lights on the first floor. An electrician would be more experienced in fishing wiring through the ceiling, laying out the lights, and getting power to the lines and switches. - Siding: What is the best way to seal and protect cedar siding on Lynne’s old house? Boiled linseed oil or a solid color stain are two good options for UV and weather p

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we'll uncover how to find and eliminate hidden germs in your home. Then, learn about a home improvement company dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. And if your landscaping is giving you a headache, we've got tips on choosing hassle-free shrubs. We’re here to help with all your DIY projects, so listen in for more answers to your home improvement questions! - House Cleaning: Keep your home healthy and clean by finding germs that are hiding in plain sight. - Safe Homes: This home improvement company is dedicated to finding safe, forever homes for foster kids. - Easy-Care Shrubs: Sprucing up your outdoor space is easy with low-maintenance shrubs.   Q & A: - Garage Construction: Sandy needs suggestions for building a new garage. An architect could design ideas that fit her home and the surrounding neighborhood. - Electrical Wiring: Gary wants to change one existing light to two fixtures on either side of the bathroom mirror. It’s an easy project for an ele

SHOW NOTES: Get ready for summer with water-saving solutions and outdoor living tips! Discover new plumbing fixtures to effortlessly reduce water usage, expand your living space by creating a dry, clean area under your deck, and get top picks for lawnmowers. Whatever your home improvement project may be, listen in for all the advice you need! - Saving Water: Saving water is made easier with water-saving plumbing fixtures. - Underdeck Space: Find out how to gain dry, usable living and storage space under an elevated deck. - Lawn Mowers: New rankings reveal the best lawnmowers that make the cut with Consumer Reports.   Q & A: - Lawn Care: Just one area of grass is not growing or getting green. Deb should have soil samples tested to see if that part of the lawn needs different seeds, fertilizer, or care. - Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees are boring through Steve’s wood joists. He can either treat the surface and seal the holes or replace the wood with synthetic material that the bees won’t eat. - HVAC: Carl is co

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show is all about making the most of your home's spaces! First, we'll discuss choosing durable, low-maintenance kitchen countertops. Then, we'll explore making use of the area under your second-story deck with under-deck drainage systems. And if your asphalt driveway is worn out, we have expert replacement tips. Save time, money, and effort with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Countertops: Busy kitchens require the most durable countertop materials that are easy to maintain. - Underdeck Space: Make the most of unused living space under your second-story deck. - Driveway Repair: Get tips on replacing an asphalt driveway that’s showing wear and tear.   Q & A: - Deck Stain: Pauline’s stained deck is already looking worn again. She should apply an oil-based primer and a solid deck stain with more pigmentation that will last longer. - Garage Door: There’s dry rot around the garage door’s wood header. Dave needs to build a temporary wall to hold up the roof while replaci