This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show shines a spotlight on home safety! First, learn what to check to prevent deck collapses, and then discover how to protect your home’s water quality. Finally, find out why metal roofs are your best bet against severe weather. Get answers to these and other home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode! - Deck Collapse: Safeguard your outdoor fun with a five-step DIY checkup to avoid a deck collapse. - Water Quality: Learn how to maintain high-quality water that’s clean, safe, and tastes great. - Metal Roofs: Ride out the storm with a metal roof that stands up to severe weather.   Q & A: - Crown Molding: Tracy has questions on how to install crown molding. It’s a difficult carpentry job but using DIY foam molding makes it easy to cut, install, and paint over. - Foundation Moisture: Glen found water in his crawlspace and gets tips to improve the grading, gutters, and downspouts to keep water away from the foundation. - Water Heater: It takes too long for the water to get hot becau

SHOW NOTES: In this home improvement episode, find out what defines a truly green product, get tips on designing a room that grows with your child, and discover how to create a stunning countertop in a weekend without breaking the bank. Plus, get answers to questions from homeowners just like you for more DIY projects! - Green Products: Go beyond the labels and learn what defines truly green products for your home. - Kids’ Rooms: Design space-saving rooms that can adapt to your growing kids. - Countertops: Create a marvelous marble countertop in a weekend.   Q & A: - Basement Flooring: Colin’s basement concrete floor is uneven. He could use a floor leveling compound but it’s possible to compensate slight unevenness with new flooring. - Hot Water: It takes a while for the water to get hot. There are advantages to a tankless water heater, but Sharon should consider a bypass valve to recirculate hot water through the pipes. - Exterior Crawlspace: Chad needs to seal the crawlspace under his modular home against a

SHOW NOTES: In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, maximizing your deck's potential by installing an under-deck drainage system, and cleaning delicate window shades without risking damage. Plus, stay tuned for answers to more home improvement questions to create your best home ever! Window Shades: Get tips on how to clean delicate window shades without damaging them. Underdeck Drainage: Add dry, usable outdoor space with an underdeck drainage system. Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget.   Q & A: Driveway Repair: Water is pooling in sunken areas of the driveway. Joe can use a blacktop patching product and then reseal the whole surface. Moisture: To reduce moisture building up on interior walls, Laura should run the A/C consistently, direct bathroom and kitchen vents outside, improve exterior drainage, and install a whole-house dehumidifier. Creaky Floor: Kevin’s floor is creaking under the

SHOW NOTES: Today, get ready to level up your home and garden game as we discuss the advantages of building a greenhouse for year-round gardening and understanding the distinctions between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants to keep your home clean and germ-free. You’ll also get advice on testing and adjusting your soil for a lush, green lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Don't miss out on these and lots more essential home improvement solutions! - Greenhouse: Get tips for building a backyard greenhouse for a year-round crop of fresh vegetables. - Cleaning Products: Clean, sanitize, deodorize: which cleaning product does what? - Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.   Q & A: - Well Water: Susan’s not sure if she needs a water softener or a filter for her well water. Getting a complete water test done will show what kind of treatment is needed. - House Beams: Joel wants to remove the center load-bearing beam so he can lower the ceiling, but it

SHOW NOTES: In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll guide you through tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, ensuring your bathroom re-tiling lasts with proper underlayment, and safely storing flammable liquids to avoid garage fire hazards. Tune in for essential advice to upgrade and safeguard your home! - Flammable Liquids: Storing flammable liquids safely is key to avoiding fire hazards in your garage. - Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts. - Bathroom Tiles: Learn essential steps for waterproofing bathroom tiles to avoid damage and moisture.   Q & A: - Shower Doors: Is there a way to repel water and prevent spots on glass shower doors? We recommend a product Randy can use, plus a squeegee to wipe down the surface. - House Odors: A funky odor in the house is getting worse. Donna already cleaned everything and took up the carpets, but priming and painting the walls may help. - Toilet Stains: Axel has been trying to remove a stubbo

SHOW NOTES: Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors and hear answers to more home improvement questions! - Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors. - Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden. - Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.   Q & A: - Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it. - Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, an

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we cover a trio of crucial home improvement topics. First, we share top painting tips to achieve a flawless finish. Next, we discuss maintaining healthy indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Finally, learn about installing a front door that looks great and increases your home's value and security. Tune in for these and other answers to questions from homeowners like you! - Painting Tips: Avoid painting predicaments by brushing up on these tips to paint like a pro. - Ventilation: Energy efficiency is great, but can your home be too airtight for healthy living? - Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home. Q & A: - Garage Trim: Mice and water are coming in through gaps in the corners of Dawn’s garage doors. We recommend replacing the vertical pieces of weatherstripping to seal the spaces. - Bathroom Renovation: Is it a good idea to flip the toilet and the shower on a cement slab? Scott lea

SHOW NOTES: In this podcast episode, we debunk a popular but misguided lawn care strategy for mowing your grass. We’ll also discuss why metal roofs are winning over homeowners by promising protection for decades, then delve into advancements in hardwood flooring. Tune in for insights on tackling your home improvement projects with expert guidance! - Lawn Care: Follow these mowing tips to ensure a healthy lawn that is a cut above the rest. - Metal Roofs: Steel the show by installing a metal roof for durability, style, and energy efficiency. - Hardwood Floors: Easy-to-install hardwood flooring brings beauty and value to a home.   Q & A: - Brick Adhesive: Debbie is struggling to remove glue around her brick fireplace. There’s no way to do it without ruining the surface, so we suggest installing new plasterboard over the brick. - Attic Ventilation: Paul has a tile roof with gable vents and a roof-mounted AC unit. We discuss his best options for attic ventilation. - Hardwood Floors: What’s the best way to refinish

SHOW NOTES: In this one-stop shop for all things home improvement, we’ll tackle the war against bathroom germs, explore the art of building a paver patio that lasts, reveal expert tips for restoring rotted wood, and answer more questions from callers. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this episode has something for everyone! - Bathroom Germs: Experts are flush with ideas on the best way to stop the spread of bathroom germs. - Paver Patio: Get some tricks of the trade on building a paver patio that will last for years to come. - Rotted Wood: When wet weather leads to rotted wood, learn how to restore and rebuild the damaged areas.   Q & A: - Windows: Amy thinks her windows are discolored from water damage, but it’s probably normal fading from sun and rain. Sanding and exterior polyurethane can restore the finish. - Shower Plumbing: The shower temperature changes whenever the toilet flushes. Brad needs to install a pressure balance valve to regulate the mix of hot and cold water. -

SHOW NOTES: Get the practical advice you need in this episode, with tips on constructing a raised garden bed, optimizing garage space, and troubleshooting vacuum issues. From gardening to storage to cleaning, we’ve got tips to help homeowners with these and other home improvement questions! - Raised Garden Bed: Get tips on building a raised garden bed for the perfect DIY project. - Garage Space: A new survey reveals how homeowners are optimizing garage space in creative ways. - Vacuum Repairs: Find out what to do when your vacuum cleaner’s suction sucks.   Q & A: - Crack Over Stairs: Anne is worried that cracks above her stairs are caused by her house shifting. She needs a home inspector who specializes in structural issues. - Drain Pipe: The cast iron drain pipe under Dan’s basement floor keeps clogging. He can get it relined with a fiberglass sleeve without having to remove the pipe. - Rusty Bathtub: Can an old rusty cast iron tub be restored? Margaret could have it reglazed by a professional, but it may be

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show has tips for crafting your perfect outdoor living space, asking key questions before hiring a contractor, and choosing the best tile for your next project. Whether your DIY project is indoors or outdoors, we’ve got the answers you need for all your home improvement questions! - Outdoor Living: Follow these 5 tips for creating the perfect outdoor living space. - Hiring Contractors: Choose wisely by asking these 5 key questions before hiring a home improvement professional. - Choosing Tile: Learn how to pick the best type of tile for your project.   Q & A: - HVAC Water: Gail’s boiler provides both the heat and the hot water. She needs to find out how to set the mixing valve so the shower water won’t be too hot. - Bathroom Vent: Mike wonders about connecting his bathroom fan vent to the plumbing vent. He can’t do that, but we’ve got tips on how to run the exhaust vent to the outside. - Plumbing: A cracked waste pipe flooded the basement. Helen should file an insurance claim and hire a re

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to conquer clutter with a storage shed, decide between window repair versus replacement, and get expert advice and resources from a DIY guru and a leading retailer. Plus, we’ve got answers to lots more questions for all your home improvement projects! - Storage Shed: Shed your outdoor clutter by building a backyard storage shed. - Window Repair: This checklist helps you see clearly whether to repair or replace your windows. - DIY Expert Advice: HGTV star and home improvement retailer offer advice for DIY projects.   Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. - Mold: Karen has gotten some bad advice about mold on the basement walls. She must have samples tested to discover the correct mitigation plan to treat the mold. - Water Heater: What’s the best kind of water heater for a large family? Mike should consider a tankless water heater to save energy and provide hot water instantly. - Drafty Windows: Cold wind is blowing through Joyce’s apartment windows. She can seal

SHOW NOTES: Get budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas, add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips, and avoid the risks of hiring uninsured contractors with inspiration and information on today’s home improvement episode! Plus, listen in for answers to additional caller questions on a range of DIY projects. - Apartment Décor: Get affordable apartment décor ideas to fit your budget and save your security deposit. - Front Yard Landscaping: Create a welcome entry and add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips. - Uninsured Contractors: If you’re hiring a contractor, protect yourself from liability by confirming they’re insured.   Q & A: - Floor Tile Grout: Grout keeps chipping out from one area of Karen’s tile floor. She needs to remove it again and check to see if the surface is unstable. - Red Cedar Roof: Phillip loves the way red cedar shingles age on other houses, but there’s no way to be sure how his own cedar shingles will darken over time unless he stains them. - Structural Support: Trish wants

SHOW NOTES: We’re sharing springtime secrets in this show, with tips for planting bulbs for a beautiful garden, breaking free of stuck windows to let the fresh air in, and protecting trees and shrubs with proper mulching. Spring forward and get home improvement info to last all year as we answer your timely questions! - Spring Bulbs: Think flower power and plan ahead for spring by planting bulbs now. - Stuck Windows: Break free of stuck windows with these easy tips. - Mulch: Learn the right way to use mulch for insulating trees and shrubs.   Q & A: - New Deck: Does Theresa really need to wait before staining her new wood deck? We explain why it’s necessary to allow fresh lumber to dry out and season before staining. - Flooring: What kind of flooring can David use over his concrete slab? Engineered hardwood, engineered vinyl plans, and laminate are all good floating floor options. - Cleaning Corian: Sharon’s porous Corian countertop is getting stained from water from the sink. We recommend some soft cleansers

SHOW NOTES: Get tips on safeguarding your yard against wildlife damage, preserving your leftover paint for future projects, and avoiding water damage by checking your gutters in today’s featured topics! Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions for your next DIY adventures! - Wildlife Damage: Get critter control tips to prevent wildlife damage to your yard and garden. - Unused Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint by storing it the right way. - Checking Gutters: Avoid water damage by checking gutters to ensure they’re flowing freely.   Q & A: - Insects: With earwigs under the siding and crickets in the basement, Tara needs to call a pest control professional to apply pesticides to solve both problems. - Countertops: Dave gets tips on removing his kitchen sink and reinforcing the wood supports under the countertop. - Driveway Drainage: Water is pooling in Dot’s driveway. We have advice on installing a curtain drain along the side of the driveway to redirect the water. - Painting: Joyce wants

SHOW NOTES: In this show, homeowners get advice on how to ensure their drinking water is safe, how to plan the right kind of fence, and how to save money on laundry day! With tips on everything from repairs to renovations and everything in between, we’re here to answer all your home improvement questions! - Water Quality: Determining whether your drinking water is safe is a matter of pour judgement. - Planning a Fence: Good fences make good neighbors as long as you plan them properly. - Laundry Tips: Learn how to clean up on savings with efficient laundry tips.   Q & A: - Gardening: Where should you locate a raised garden bed? Cynthia should plant her garden in full sun, on the side of the house with southern exposure. - Hardwood Floor Damage: There’s a swollen area where water leaked onto Heather’s hardwood floor. It would be hard to match the stain, but she can use some of the original flooring from a hidden area to replace the damaged piece. - Cedar Walls: Cedar walls in Brian’s home have darkened around h

SHOW NOTES: How can you extend your outdoor space, upgrade yard hydration, and improve indoor air quality? Learn about building a backyard deck, installing a rainwater collection system, and making the most of your vent fans in today’s home improvement episode, plus more tips to create your best home ever!  - Backyard Deck: Get your outdoor living space all decked out by building a backyard deck. - Rainwater Collection: Make every drop count with a rainwater collection system to hydrate your yard and garden. - Vent Fans: Find out why vent fans are your most overlooked appliances that control moisture and improve air quality.    Q & A: - Floor Drain: Patricia’s garage floor drain is clogged but she can’t remove the grate. We suggest running a drain snake through the side yard access and using a vacuum to clear the grate. - Water Heater: Will an electric heat pump water heater affect the indoor climate? Karl is making the most efficient choice and shouldn’t worry about any negative impact. - Cleaning Grout: Nic

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show is about cleaning quirks, lush lawns, and illuminating insights. Listen as we discuss the one room we all dread cleaning, dig deep into the secrets of soil, and shed light on exterior lighting. Tune in for expert advice and ideas for all your home improvement questions! - Bathroom Cleaning: It may be spring cleaning season, but this is the one room people most hate to clean. - Lawn Care: Grow a lush lawn by using superior soil. - Exterior Lighting: Add safety, security, and style with a great exterior lightscaping design.   Q & A: - Deck Stain: Should Dawn use a sealant over her solid deck stain? There’s no need to seal the wood surface if she uses a good-quality deck stain. - Replacement Windows: Steve has gotten a wide range of price quotes for replacement windows. We offer tips on choosing the best windows and getting reliable estimates on Angi.com. - Sliding Doors: Moisture and ice are forming in the bottom rail of sliding doors. Sherry gets advice on how to check and adjust the d

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get helpful tips about early spring gardening, efficient garbage disposals, and safe garage storage solutions. From plants to trash to avoiding toxins and clutter, we’ve got answers to these and other questions from homeowners like you! - Spring Gardening: Get ready to spring forward with tips for making your garden grow early in the season. - Garbage Disposals: Cut down on food waste with these garbage disposal options. - Safe Garage Storage: Keep toys and tools away from toxins with safe garage storage.   Q & A: - Kitchen Range: Cindy has a small house with a big stove that burned the kitchen cabinet. She should contact the manufacturer for the proper installation specifications. - House Listing: When selling a house that’s been remodeled, how can you describe the upgrades? Mike gets advice on how to list his home and provide an inventory of improvements. - Electrical and Plumbing: Karen gets tips on how often to check the circuit breakers and how to check for plumbing leaks in

SHOW NOTES: Learn about laundry, layouts, and longevity on today’s show, as we discuss the best and worst laundry detergents, kitchen layouts that maximize space and functionality, and how the age of your home influences needed repairs. Tune in for all this and more home improvement questions and answers! - Laundry Detergent: If clean laundry is an ongoing drama, you may need to use a better detergent. - Kitchen Design: When updating your kitchen, be sure the layout offers improved functionality. - Home Repairs by Age: Find out how the age of your home can determine when you’re likely to need certain repairs.   Q & A: - Types of Roofing: Should Debbie choose a shingle or metal roof? Metal roofs will last a lifetime, but the ROI will depend upon how long she plans to live in the house. - Driveway Stains: Rubber marks are impossible to remove from an asphalt driveway. Ryan gets some DIY tips to reseal the driveway to cover them up. - Insulation: Old attic insulation is dried out and falling down. Claudia can re