This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Tune in to today’s show for a wealth of essential winter wisdom! We'll guide you through snow preparation tactics, effective methods to eliminate pesky Christmas tree bugs, and insights into handling and preventing common household poisons. Empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your home and family, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Winter Checklist: The best time to prepare for snow is before it starts, with this winter-ready checklist. - Christmas Tree Bugs: Learn what to do when your unwelcome holiday guests are Christmas tree bugs. - Household Poisons: Take these important steps to protect your family from common household poisons.   Q & A: - Leaking Roof: Cindy has tried everything to fix a leaky corrugated metal roof. She’ll need to either add another layer of roof with an ice and water shield or replace the whole roof. - Generator: Rich wants a generator to guard against power outages. We recommend a natural gas whole-house generator to keep things running and offer

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show offers a trifecta of home beautification tips! Unravel the mysteries of proper paint storage so leftover colors remain fresh and usable, then learn the art of securely hanging wall hangings for a picture-perfect gallery. Finally, spruce up your entryway with front door décor ideas to welcome holiday guests. Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions! - Storing Paint: Leftover paint is useful for touchups and other projects, as long as it’s stored the right way. - Securing Wall Hangings: What goes up won’t come down with these tips for securing wall hangings. - Front Door Décor: Make a lasting first impression with festive front door décor to welcome holiday guests.   Q & A: - Drainage: How can John improve drainage on a home surrounded on three sides by soil on a steep hill? A curtain drain can intercept and redirect water around the foundation. - Concrete Patio Surface: Jennifer’s concrete patio has gotten pitted from rock salt. She can use a concrete resurfacing produ

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll be looking upward to keep your home safe and comfortable! First, check out tips for adding living space in your attic. Then, beware of the dangers of damaging ice dams on your roof. Finally, keep the cold out and the warmth in with spray foam insulation that’s made easy. Listen in for answers to all this and more of your home improvement questions! - Using Attic Space: If you need some added living space, look up toward your attic for some remodeling ideas. - Icicles and Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging off your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Spray Foam Insulation: Sealing out drafts is made easier and more effective with a new one-part spray foam insulation product.   Q & A: - Closet Space: Matt wants to move the entry to a narrow closet from the short end to the wide wall. Building a temporary wall is a good idea in case it needs support. - Laminate Flooring: What is the easiest way to install a laminate floor? Tristan gets step-by-step instructions on how to l

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we cover the essentials of home safety and comfort! In this show, we discuss whether smoke detectors and CO detectors alone provide complete protection, then explore how to avoid cleaning product hazards. Plus, find a game-changing product that not only bolsters insulation but significantly enhances your home's energy efficiency. All this and much more to answer your latest home improvement questions! - Fire Protection: Are smoke and CO detectors enough to keep your home protected? - Cleaning Products: What to look for and what to do to handle cleaning products safely - Boost Insulation: This new product boosts insulation and increases energy efficiency and comfort.   Q & A: - Plumbing Leak: To fix a leak where the copper pipes connect, Kris needs to start by draining the boiler below the point of the leak. - Building a Sunroom: Jay is building a sunroom and gets tips on pouring the concrete foundation and adding insulation to supplement passive solar heat. - House Leveling: A main beam

SHOW NOTES: Join us on this week’s podcast as we start by delving into the nitty-gritty of remodeling woes, revealing common mistakes to dodge. Then, from transforming your garage into a DIY haven to ensuring your home's address stands out, we've got you covered with practical insights and expert advice for all your home improvement questions! - Remodeling Mistakes: These 5 common remodeling mistakes can lead to renovation regrets. - DIY Workspace: Create a comfortable and convenient garage workspace for less than $500. - House Numbers: Make your home easier for guests and emergency responders to find with more visible house numbers.   Q & A: - Garage Floor: How can you treat a garage floor that’s covered in oil and grease? Laurie gets tips for using TSP and a pressure washer, then applying an epoxy finish. - Snow and Insulation: Ash is worried about attic insulation preventing roof snow from melting. Fast-melting snow actually poses a bigger risk because of added weight. - Hiring Contractors: Rita is frustra

SHOW NOTES: Lock 'em out, seal 'em in, and pave the way! Join us for tips to fortify your home against break-ins, seal drafts with spray foam wizardry, and wave goodbye to dirty, damaged driveways. Get answers to these and other callers’ home improvement questions on this week’s Money Pit podcast! - Door Defense: Securing your doors is key to protecting your home from burglars. - Sealing Drafts: This great DIY spray foam makes it easy to seal out drafts. - Driveway Repair: Get tips for restoring a stained or cracked driveway.   Q & A: - Garage Floors: Tracked-in snow is making a mess in Randy’s garage. A perforated floor tile system and epoxy floor paint can help keep things clean. - Fireplace Drafts: Wind is blowing through a gas fireplace that was improperly installed. Susan should check for gaps and contact the manufacturer for installation instructions. - Painting a Room: In what order should you paint a room? Jake gets tips on how to prep the space and use masking tape to paint baseboards and trim, then

SHOW NOTES: Tune in for a treasure trove of home improvement tips in this episode, where we discuss blunders to avoid in home heating, dish about top-rated dishwashers, and share the secret to creating attractive and affordable marble surfaces. From cozy warmth to sparkling dishes and elegant countertops, we're here to help you make your house a dream home! - Dishwasher Ratings: A new survey dishes up details about the top-rated dishwashers. - Home Heating: Find out 3 common home heating mistakes that are driving up your energy bills. - Marble Surfaces: Get the beautiful look of marble surfaces easily and without the high cost.   Q & A: - Cleaning Grout: To clean tile grout in high-traffic areas that has gotten dark, Lisa will find that a grout stripper is much stronger and works better than a grout cleaner. - Toilet Plumbing: When one toilet flushes, the one in the other bathroom drains! John should check for an obstruction that’s affecting the venting in the pipes. - Countertop Stains: How can you cover a w

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, we’ve got tips for keeping your home mess-free, stress-free, and mold-free, from creating functional space in cluttered closets to deciphering the significance of foundation cracks to safeguarding against dreaded window mold and rot. Tune in to learn all this and much more from the Money Pit’s home improvement experts! - Foundation Cracks: Crack the code of sorting minor cracks from major foundation issues. - Closet Organization: Get organizing ideas to cure closet chaos and save space. - Shower Windows: Keep mold and rot at bay in old bathroom shower windows.   Q & A: - Painting Foundation: Anna needs tips on painting the cement foundation of her home. She should start with a good masonry primer before adding a coat of exterior paint. - Cleaning a Fireplace: What is the best way to clean creosote from a brick fireplace? Bill gets suggestions about using TSP, brick and stone cleaners, and soot removers, plus safety advice. - Painting Stucco: Do stucco exterior walls need to be

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll unlock expert secrets on fortifying your space! From installing motion-sensing security lights to preventing frozen pipes and sealing pesky floor drafts, we've got you covered. Tune in for a wealth of home improvement insights with these and other tips to make your home a haven of safety and comfort! - Motion-Sensing Security Lights: Stop burglars in their tracks by easily installing motion-sensing security lights. - Frozen Water Pipes: Get thawed-full advice to keep pipes from freezing when temperatures dip. - Floor Drafts: Learn what to do when drafts coming up from the floor send chills down your spine.   Q & A: - Kitchen Plumbing Vent: What happens if a kitchen plumbing vent is left welded shut? Unless Kate’s drains are sluggish, it shouldn’t be a problem; otherwise, she’d need to remove and extend the vent. - HVAC Mold: Brandon is worried about mold by his furnace, but it’s probably just algae from condensation that overflows from the air conditioning coil. - Electrical

SHOW NOTES: In this podcast packed with home improvement wisdom, we reveal the reality of older home repairs, unravel the magic of heat pump technology, and uncover stealthy spots where your home's energy is slipping away. Tune in for a mix of classic craftsmanship and modern energy-saving tips! - Older Home Repairs: The charm of buying an older home comes at the cost of commonly needed repairs. - Heat Pump Technology: New heat pump technology is the hottest buzz in home comfort and energy savings. - Finding Wasted Energy: Discover the hidden hideouts where your home is wasting energy.   Q & A: - Basement Walls: Brenda is remodeling her basement and gets info on how to frame new walls and what kind of materials to use. - Water Quality: Steve replaced his water heater and now the water smells bad. Something else must have changed, and he should have his well water tested. - Siding Stains: Rainwater has left stains on the corrugated siding of Patricia’s mobile home. We’ve got tips on mildewcides and cleaning pr

SHOW NOTES: It’s the season for heating up your home improvement hacks! In this episode, we’ll spill the beans on self-cleaning ovens, winter rooftop inspection tips, and the cozy world of spray foam insulation. Listen now to hear what we're cooking up next! - Self-Cleaning Ovens: Find out why the holidays are the worst time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, plus get some oven maintenance tips. - Roof Inspection: Winter weather is rough on roofs, so now’s the time to do a DIY roof check-up. - Spray Foam Insulation: Seal drafts and lower heating bills with this easy spray foam insulation system.   Q & A: - Heat Pumps: Do you really need to have a heat pump serviced twice each year? Ruth only needs to have the heating and cooling systems inspected together once annually. - Removing Doors: Brian wants to know the best way to take a door off its hinges and replace it again. We share helpful step-by-step tips on door removal. - Igloo Humidity: Lori is buying a domed, igloo-like concrete home but the indoor d

SHOW NOTES: Before Jack Frost arrives for the season, learn the cold hard facts about winterizing your sprinkler system, the cost of buying older homes, and common painting mistakes. From chills to bills to drippy spills, we’ve got the answers you need to avoid these and other home improvement headaches in this episode! - Winterizing Sprinkler System: Avoid a frozen fiasco by winterizing your sprinkler system before cold sets in. - Buying Older Homes: A survey shows homeowners are divided on the thought of buying and maintaining another older home. - Painting Tips: Remember these 3 tips to avoid common painting mistakes.   Q & A: - Treating a Wood Porch: What is the best way to treat a pine wood porch? Stephen won’t need to seal it if he cleans it well and applies a good solid stain. - Crawlspace Ventilation: After putting down a plastic vapor barrier, Floyd should keep his crawlspace vents open for most of the year, except for the coldest winter months. - Hiring an Architect: Linda is seeking the best advice

SHOW NOTES: Embrace the cozy vibes as autumn transitions to winter! In this episode, we've got your back with essential tips on navigating stormy insurance queries. Join us for a fascinating exploration of house histories, discover tricks to enhance the air quality in your home, and guess what? We're answering YOUR burning questions, too! Join us for a dose of warmth and wisdom. - Homeowner’s Insurance: Does your homeowner’s insurance policy offer enough coverage? Here’s what to ask. - Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle: Find out the story behind strange old toilets found in some pre-World War II homes. - Furnace Filters: Using the right furnace filter is the easiest way to make your HVAC system more efficient.   Q & A: - Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is no longer sold in Laura’s area. Cleaning her ceiling well and using a solvent-based primer and flat latex paint instead should work well. - Deck Lumber: After tearing down a rotted old wood deck, David gets tips about above-ground and ground-contact pressure-treated

SHOW NOTES: - Clothes Dryer Tips: These 5 clothes dryer tips put a new spin on the best way to do laundry. - Metal Roofing: Learn the latest options in metal roofs that last long and stand up to Mother Nature. - Best Indoor Plants: You don’t need a green thumb to grow these easy indoor plants.   Q & A: - Bathroom Ventilation: How can you ventilate a bathroom that has no fan? Diane gets advice on installing a vent fan through an exterior wall or between floor joists above the ceiling. - Warped Hardwood Floor: Kenneth’s new hardwood floor has started to warp. We suggest ways to reduce indoor humidity and trying to sand down the raised areas. - Door Gap: Julianne needs to close the gap under her bottom door sill. She needs to pack some epoxy patching cement into the space to reinforce and seal the space. - Insulation: Is ventilation needed after using open-cell spray foam insulation in the attic? Joe won’t need it and his HVAC system will work even better. - Attaching Shutters: Lisa is considering installing win

SHOW NOTES: - Drop Ceilings: Updated drop ceilings offer trendy new looks for remodeling projects. - Tub and Shower Leaks: Tub and shower leaks are easy to fix once you know where to find the source. - Thermostat Mistakes: Avoid these top three thermostat mistakes to stay comfortable while lowering heating bills.   Q & A: - Window Sill Repairs: Should Kaitlyn repair or replace her rotted wooden window sills? Unless they’re totally destroyed, she can fill them with a wood hardener and epoxy. - Sink Insulation: Jim asks about ways to keep standing water in his sink warm. We have suggestions for insulating the area under the sink and using spray foam or a fiberglass blanket. - Kitchen Island Lights: It’s hard to get three square lights above a kitchen island to hang straight. Donna must readjust the twisted rods going into the junction box. - Bubbling Paint: Exterior paint keeps bubbling and chipping. Dana needs to strip off the paint and make sure the area is properly primed before repainting it. - Cleaning Win

SHOW NOTES: - Sealing Drafts: Tracking down and sealing drafts is the first step in keeping your home warm. - Stone Countertop Refinishing: Get the look of natural stone countertops with an easy and affordable weekend project. - Textured Surface Repairs: Fix textured walls and ceilings without the fuss and mess.     Q & A: - Mailbox Stains: Those stains on Louise’s brick mailbox are probably mineral deposits from water splashes. A vinegar solution will clean the surface easily. - Reversing a Door Swing: Scott wants to reverse the swing of a door that blocks the light switch, but it would be simpler to run the light switch to a different spot. - Sealing Windows: Linda is paying high energy bills but has limited options in her rental apartment. We recommend using shrink film or weatherstripping caulk on her windows. - Replacing HVAC System: Sal needs recommendations for replacing his HVAC unit. He should start by checking references of local contractors and seeking out good brands, energy efficiency ratings, an

SHOW NOTES: - Power Outages: When the power goes out, you’ll need these blackout survival tips. - Fall Lawn Care: Proper care in the fall keeps your lawn and landscape healthy and green for springtime. - Cutting Heating Costs: Do high heating bills send chills down your spine? Get energy-saving tips to lower costs.   Q & A: - Indoor Bugs: Centipedes and crickets have Dorothy’s skin crawling! We have tips on how to seal off any basement and garage openings and eliminate indoor bugs. - Water in Basement: Water in the basement after it rains signals a drainage issue. Scott gets advice on what steps are needed to improve drainage around his home. - Drafty Doors: Weather stripping isn’t stopping the drafts around Wendy’s doors. She may need to adjust the door alignment to seal the gaps better. - Supplemental Heating: Ralph can’t warm up a room next to his garage. He should seal any drafts and consider getting affordable electric baseboard heaters with timers. - Cinderblock Walls: How can you give cinderblock walls

SHOW NOTES: - Roof Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging from your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Repairing Textured Surfaces: There’s a new way to repair textured ceilings and walls without the hassle and mess. - Planning Home Improvement Projects: Avoid unwelcome home improvement surprises with careful planning.   Q & A: - Wall Texture: After stripping the wallpaper, Sandi wants to add texture to her walls. We discuss a number of options for textured paint and techniques. - Water Heater Venting: What is the right way to vent a tankless water heater? John gets tips on running the ducts to vent outside the house. - Removing Roof Moss: Can copper flashing prevent moss buildup? Sue learns how adding copper flashing on the top roof ridge acts as a natural algaecide. - Lawn Seeding: When is the best time of year to reseed a lawn? Early- to mid-fall is the perfect season for Alan to rake and seed, then give the lawn time to take root. - Lead in Ceramic Tiles: Margaret is concerned about lead in her old cera

SHOW NOTES: - Garbage Disposal Problems: Letting seasonal leftovers go down the drain causes clog chaos. - Carpet Deodorizer: Mix up an easy DIY deodorizing recipe to take your carpets from funky to fresh. - Fire Prevention: Get tips on fire hazards you may be overlooking and how to prevent them.   Q & A: - Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten up the dark brick wall around her fireplace. Painting is one option but she may also consider other creative alternatives. - Smoke Odors: How can James get rid of smoke odors in his new home? We have advice on what he needs to discard, clean, and seal to remove the smell. - Basement Floor Moisture: Dampness is affecting a cracked basement floor. Holly gets information on how to keep moisture away from the foundation of her home. - Electrical Wiring: We’re completely shocked after Bob’s electrician never checked the power after rewiring the entire house and expects to be paid for fixing his mistake. - Bathroom Grout: Does Janiese need to seal epoxy grout around the b

SHOW NOTES: - Outdoor Projects for Fall: Autumn is the season to fall in love with some favorite outdoor projects for your home. - Door Locks: Home security starts with strong door locks. Find out the best and worst locks for preventing break-ins. - Marble Surfaces: A new DIY product creates beautiful marble surfaces without the expense.   Q & A: - Supplemental HVAC: Cathedral ceilings make it hard to cool the house evenly. Ed may add a split ductless system to supplement the central air conditioning. - Caulking Siding: Does Mary need to caulk concrete siding attached to plywood walls? She may only need adhesive, but she can use caulk to touch up any areas where nails break through the painted surface. - Window Leak: Water is leaking into the bay window beneath a skylight. Adam gets tips on sealing gaps with caulk and diverting water from the roof. - Concrete Curb Cracks: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping downward. She’ll either need to rebuild it or use DIY products to repair and resurface the co