The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 on 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 the drafts by using shrink film or a temporary caulk. Jacuzzi Drain: A caustic cleaner burned the tub surface when Barry tried to clear the clogged drain. We have suggestions for different products that are better to use. Front Door: Rick just wants to replace his front door rather than the entire transom. We discuss the challenges and carpentry needed for the exact entry door replacement. Foundation Repair: Brenda’s poured cement basement walls are starting to crumble. She should hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation and determine the best repair specification. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got 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 advice 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: Sliding Doors: Nancy’s sliding doors are hard to open. It’s possible to replace the rollers, but we recommend replacing them with new, more efficient doors instead. Crawlspace: The dehumidifier runs constantly in Peter’s crawlspace. He should check his gutters, downspouts, and grading to keep water away from the foundation. Roofing: Should Ella add a third layer of roofing? It’s a bad idea because it can shorten the life of the new roof, but we have some suggestions. Structural: Vincent is worried about cracks inside his home and exterior bricks that seem to be pulling away. A certified home inspector or structural engineer can specify the proper repairs. Fireplace: Whistling and howling noises are coming from Sharon’s gas fireplace. It sounds like an issue with the roof venting that she should discuss with the manufacturer. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ll share ways to keep animals from feasting on your garden, how to store leftover paint to make it last, and tips for inspecting your gutters to prevent leaks and water damage. Plus, we’ve got answers for DIY callers on more home improvement questions! - Wildlife: Wildlife-proof your garden to keep animals from damaging your plants. - Storing Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint with smart storage tips. - Gutters: Prevent leaks and floods by prepping your gutters for spring rains. Q & A: - Heating: Ralph says the heat just isn’t reaching upstairs in his home. We suggest installing registers in the floor to redirect the heat or adding a mini-split ductless system. - Mold: Contractors have given Karen different advice about mold on the basement walls. She needs a professional mold mitigator to test it and recommend the best plan. - Siding: What are the pros and cons of Hardie board siding? Steve learns about the durability and update of that and other good options for siding. - HVAC: Is it worth having your air ducts cleaned? Sherry should start by getting good-quality filters and changing them regularly. - Countertops: John wants to update his Formica countertops. Good budget options are either adding a new layer of laminate or using paint to refinish the countertop surface. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’re talking about how to avoid fence fiascos, home renovation updates from the host of Renee Renovates, and easy ways to slash your laundry costs. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to questions from DIY callers, so tune in for more improvement advice! - Fences: Get advice on building a fence that’s stylish, sturdy, and neighbor-friendly. - Home Renovation: The host of Renee Renovates shares info about her Craftsman house renovation. - Laundry: Spin and save with simple laundry hacks to cut costs. Q & A: - Insulation: What do you call a 12-sided house and how do you insulate it? We think that spray foam insulation would be Lloyd’s best option that needs no ventilation. - HVAC: Converting a three-unit building from oil heat to electric baseboard heat would cost Amber a fortune! We suggest separating the zones for each unit instead. - Adding Bathroom: Phillip wants to install a half bathroom in the basement. He can either install a lift pump to run the plumbing through the ceiling or jackhammer through the cement floor. - Kitchen Function: Steam from the coffee maker is fading the finish on the upper cabinets. Without extra counter space, Susan will just have to pull the appliance forward while using it. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we discuss whether you should build your own deck or call in the pros. Then, find out how snow guards can prevent dangerous rooftop avalanches. Finally, we break down why vent fans are essential for keeping your home fresh, dry, and mold-free. Plus, get answers to more home improvement questions! - Building a Deck: To build or not to build? Find out the pros and cons of a DIY deck project. - Snow Guards: Avoid slippery slopes with snow guards to keep dangerous snow and ice from sliding off your roof. - Vent Fans: Don’t overlook the importance of efficient vent fans to keep your home healthy, clean, fresh, and dry. Q & A: - HVAC: What is Dave’s best choice to replace his old geothermal HVAC system? We recommend buying the most efficient heat pump system he can afford. - Radon: Should Sandra get a radon test for her home? We explain why it’s a good idea and how radon testing and remediation are done. - Bathroom Tiling: John asks if he should use green board or cement board for bathroom tile. Green board resists moisture but is not as durable as cement board. - Electrical: Judy is nervous about the old knob and tube wiring in her home. She needs to disable and replace it as soon as possible because it’s not safe. - Air Conditioning: Can a refrigerant additive really improve air conditioning efficiency? We doubt it would make a difference and advise Robert to just keep his system maintained until it needs to be replaced. - Windows: We have a discussion with Robert about how to replace the windows in an old pole barn without having to remove the frames. - Carpet Wax: Sandy learns an easy hack for removing wax that was spilled on the carpet. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, we share more memories of Money Pit’s Tom Kraeutler, plus answers to callers’ favorite home improvement questions. - Tom Kraeutler Tributes: Home improvement friends and colleagues share Money Pit memories and Tom Kraeutler tributes. - DIY Questions: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions. Q & A: - Noisy Pipes: Plumbing noises shake the house and faucets spit when Jason fills the tub! It could be excessively high water pressure, but he should start by checking for bad washers. - Bath Remodel: Christine needs ideas for a window above the tub. We suggest options for windows that are designed for bathroom privacy but still let in the light. - Patio Addition: Michael’s got lots of issues with an old sunroom that was improperly built properly over a patio. He’ll need to rebuild it with proper footings. - Drafts: What is the best way to stop window and floor drafts? Anne needs new weatherstripping and caulk on the windows and insulation around the floor joists. - HVAC: The bedroom adjoining the garage gets very warm. Jeff gets tips for installing a smart thermostat with sensors to adjust the temperature in different rooms. - Plumbing: Linda is worried about a cast iron sewer pipe that’s corroded and cracked. It can be sealed with silicone caulk rather than being replaced. - Roofing: What type of insulation should be used for a flat metal roof? Mark should discuss the options with an experienced roofing contractor. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today's show, we share special tributes and calls to remember the personal and professional legacy of Tom Kraeutler, including some of his answers to favorite home improvement questions. - Remembering Tom Kraeutler: Money Pit Co-Host Leslie Segrete speaks with some of our colleagues and partners to honor the special legacy of Tom Kraeutler. - Favorite Calls: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions. Q & A: GFCI Outlets: Pat is concerned about not having GFCI outlets on the kitchen counter. We explain how they work and why they’re important in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Deck Stain: Jeanie doesn’t want to reapply deck stain every year. We recommend prepping the surface well and using an oil-based solid color stain that will last longer. Flooring: Moisture is coming up from the concrete slab under the carpet and linoleum. Russell gets tips for improving the outside drainage and installing new vinyl flooring. Refinishing Furniture: What’s the best way to refinish oak furniture? It’s a lot of work and Ruth may want to consider having a professional strip off the stain and refinish the wood surface. Electrical: Phillip has questions about installing smart switches in his home. We have recommendations for a line of smart home controls by Lutron products. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to plan a well-designed laundry room remodel, get tips for turning your bedroom into a luxury suite, and check for hidden winter storm damage that could cost you big later. Whether you're fixing up now or gathering ideas for the future, we’ve got you covered with answers to all your home improvement questions! - Laundry Room: Get spin-cycle savvy with tips for designing an organized laundry room. - Bedroom Design: We’ve got suite ideas for remodeling your bedroom to add value and luxury. - Storm Damage: The impact of winter storms isn’t always obvious, but here’s where to look for visible and hidden damage. Q & A: - Ventilation: When should Lisa run her bathroom vent fan? We recommend installing a humidistat timer, but she should consult an HVAC technician to check her home’s air exchange. - Moisture: The cement base of Tom’s screened-in porch gets a layer of water, but no leak. He must manage the exterior moisture that’s being drawn up through the concrete. - Heated Tile Floor: June loves heated flooring, but the ceramic tile has cracks. We recommend a very effective system with a membrane that goes under the floor. - Insulation: What is the difference between closed cell and open cell spray foam insulation? John learns the pros and cons of each and how to use them. - Fireplace Noise: Whistling and howling noises are coming from the gas fireplace. Sharon should check if the roof venting was properly installed. - Electrical Switch: A three-way light circuit has stopped working. It could be a failure at any point, not in the fixture itself, and Russ should hire an electrician. - Countertops: Iris is considering upgrading her kitchen countertops. We agree that quartz is a good choice for its looks, durability, stain resistance, and easier care. - Wall Insulation: Brad learns why he can’t go wrong by installing insulation on the back of a knee wall in the upstairs bedroom. - Deck Stain: Paula wants to stain and seal a pine wood deck to match her house trim. An all-in-one solid color stain will give her lots of choices. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn how to enhance your landscape with the right lighting, get three game-changing tips to make your kitchen counters more functional, and find out what to check in your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you're fully protected. Whether you're fixing up or starting fresh, we’re here to help, so listen for answers to more DIY questions! - Outdoor Lighting: Get bright ideas for effective lightscaping that offers safety, security, and style. - Kitchen Countertops: Work smarter, not harder, with 3 ways to improve your kitchen countertop space. - Homeowners Insurance: Does your homeowners insurance provide enough coverage when disaster strikes? Q & A: - Dehumidifying: What is the best way to reduce humidity in a crawlspace? Randy gets tips for adding vapor barriers, installing an exhaust fan, and improving outside drainage. - Flooring: Zelda needs suggestions for flooring in a bathroom and small hallway. We suggest installing a bamboo floor that’s good for moist areas. - Water Heater: Jacob is having trouble regulating the water temperature. He should make sure the water heater is set to about 110 degrees and install a pressure balance value to regulate the shower temperature. - Drafty Windows: Joyce is freezing from drafts blowing through her apartment windows. We explain how to use shrink film and temporary weatherstripping caulk to seal the seams. - Front Door: The original solid wood door won’t stay aligned in Dale’s old house. He should remove all the trim and rehang the door, resecuring it inside the framing. - Dishwasher: The bottom of the dishwasher fills with water after it’s done running. Mary needs to check for an obstruction in the plumbing line. - House Odors: There’s an odd smoky odor coming from the kitchen and bathroom drains. Barbara gets tips on using a bleach solution to scrub away smelly bio-gases. - Radon: Is there any way to mitigate radon without installing an expensive system? Adam finds it’s not a DIY project and the reasons why radon levels may vary. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we share a foolproof plan to keep your home running smoothly during power outages, bust some of the biggest home improvement myths, and offer tips to avoid caulk that cracks and peels. Got a home project on your mind? Listen in for expert DIY advice! - Power Outage: Batteries, backups, and beyond: how to prep for power outages. - Home Repair Myths: Get your DIY projects done right by knowing home improvement facts vs. fiction. - Caulk: These smooth and seamless strategies make it easy to caulk with confidence. Q & A: - Wall Cracks: Leslie’s wall started cracking after the home next door was torn down. She gets tips for checking the outside area and repairing any inside drywall cracks. - Water Heater: Ken has a big water heater in a small space, but an electric tankless water heater would not be efficient. We recommend a heat pump water heater instead. - Roofing: Can Catherine install new roofing on top of the old barn board? That would be fine if the sheathing is solid and with the proper underlayment. - Gutters: Eric finds out that he does need to install gutters, regardless of whether his home has a basement or sits on a concrete slab. - Door Repair: What type of saw blade should be used to cut down a door? Carol gets instructions on the right way to cut a wood door to avoid chipping. - Crawlspace Vent: Is it okay to close the crawlspace vents? Chris finds out why it’s a bad idea and when to keep the vents open to help moisture evaporate. - Pet-Proof Flooring: Bruce needs ferret-friendly flooring after his pets damaged the carpet. Engineered vinyl plank is affordable, attractive, waterproof, and durable. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, learn how to set up a functional DIY garage workspace, organize your freezer for easy access, and troubleshoot noisy or cold steam and hot water radiators. Plus, we’re taking your calls to answer more home improvement questions, so listen in for DIY advice! - Freezer Organization: Keep food storage frosty and functional by maximizing your freezer space. - Garage Workshop: Transform your garage into the ultimate DIY workshop. - Radiators: Easy radiator repair tips to stop leaks, noises, and heat loss. Q & A: - Drain: Patricia needs to clear a garage drain that’s filled with bugs and debris. The drain is blocked by a grid, but she can snake through the pipe from the side yard. - Cement Patio: The paint is flaking off the patio and the concrete is pitted. Charlie gets tips for scraping, refinishing, and painting the concrete surface. - Ceiling: Water damage on the ceiling revealed unusual cement underneath. Maria learns about rock lath construction and how to plaster over the ceiling. - Door Drafts: Should Anthony replace his drafty sliding glass door with a French door? We suggest installing a better sliding door instead and adding drapes or shades to block the chill on the glass. - Countertops: Diane wants information about resurfacing her old Formica countertops. We share details on the benefits of using Daich Coatings for a quality, customized look. - Structural: The main beam in Jason’s house is sagging. This is a major concern and he needs a structural engineer to determine how to stabilize the building. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn which hardwood floors hold up best, how female DIYers are shaking up home improvement trends, and why replacing your front door is one of the best projects for boosting home value. Plus, we’re taking your questions and tackling your biggest home project challenges on this episode of The Money Pit! - Women DIYers: Who needs a handyman when women DIYers are redefining home improvement? - Hardwood Floor: Choose the hardest hardwood floors for maximum durability. - Front Doors: Adding value and curb appeal is an open-and-shut case with a new front entry door. Q & A: - Insulation: Claudia’s old attic insulation is falling down in some spots. It’s not hard to replace, but she should consider installing spray foam insulation that’s more efficient. - Plumbing: Jim has questions about installing a recirculating pump to get more hot water to the kitchen and bath. We have recommendations for a good system to use. - Flooring: LuAnn’s pets keep ruining the carpet and now she’s thinking of installing hardwood. We have tips for priming and sealing the subfloor first. - Siding: Icicles are running down the vinyl siding on one side of Don’s house. Ice dams may be getting water behind the siding. - Basement Chimneys: Old, unused brick chimneys are turning to dust in Kathy’s basement, but it would not compromise the structure of the house to disassemble them. - Windows: Charlotte is always wiping away moisture and mold in her double-pane windows. We recommend replacing them, along with steps to reduce indoor humidity. - Bathroom Odor: There’s a sulfur smell coming from the bathroom. Justin gets tips for cleaning out biogases from the drains and checking the water heater anode rod. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ll explore surprising new options in drop ceilings, the right way to drill into drywall when there’s no stud, and a quick hack to keep your home warm using free heat. Plus, we’re answering your top home improvement questions from DIY callers like you! - Drop Ceilings: Stylish designs and smart new options are raising the bar on drop ceilings. - Drywall Anchors: Drywall anchors make it easy to hang something on a wall without studs. - Window Warmth: Take advantage of free heat generated by sunshine streaming through your windows. Q & A: - New Driveway: Can Donna put an asphalt driveway over her crumbling concrete driveway? It can’t be done and she’ll need to replace the concrete with layers of asphalt. - Insulation: Luke is concerned about the risk of mold with spray foam insulation in the attic. We assure him it would need to be a sustained leak and he would see evidence of it. - Toilet Moisture: Condensation on the outside of the toilet keeps dripping on Ilene’s floor. We have tips for making the toilet water warmer and the house less humid. - Leaks: Tim gets advice on what to do about horizontal cracks in the walls of a concrete pit and how to improve the outside grading and drainage. - HVAC: Carol has air in the lines from her hot water boiler system. She should open the bleed valves at the radiators to let the air out. - Icy Sidewalk: The concrete sidewalk and driveway are retaining moisture and freezing. His best option is to use non-corrosive potassium chloride to thaw the ice. - Radon: A radon monitor is reading higher levels upstairs than downstairs. That’s unusual, and Jane should have the radon mitigation system checked. - Heating: Steve removed his old steam heat radiators and is considering a new HVAC system. If he doesn’t want to restore the radiators, he has some other options. - Elevator: Can you install an elevator in a two-story house? Rosalie learns it’s becoming more common and is very possible to do in a small space. - Driveway Stains: Can rubber marks be removed from an asphalt driveway? We don’t think so, and Ryan will have to reseal the driveway to cover the marks. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’re sharing what you need to know about potentially harmful cookware, clever tricks to pick the perfect paint color, and how to choose the most efficient heating fuel for your home. Got a DIY project on your list? Listen in for answers to more home improvement questions. - Cookware: Enjoy toxic-free cooking by buying safer nonstick pots and pans. - Painting: Say goodbye to color confusion by picking the perfect shades of paint. - Home Heating: Stay warm and spend less by picking the most efficient heating fuel. Q & A: - HVAC: William wants to heat an addition to his house. Adding insulation is a good start and he should consider installing a split ductless system. - Kitchen Remodel: Where should Joan start when remodeling her kitchen? A home center or kitchen and bath designer can help her lay out options and ideas. - Flooring: What kind of underlayment should be used with a luxury vinyl plank floor? Pete should check with the manufacturer for recommendations for comfort and moisture protection. - Dehumidifier: Kayla’s dehumidifier keeps tripping the circuit breaker and stopping the condensate pump. Simply adding a new circuit should solve the problem. - Latex Paint: Is latex paint that’s been frozen still good to use? Ronnie should bring it to room temperature and stir the paint to make sure it’s creamy rather than lumpy. - Mold: Derek can’t see any mold but thinks he can smell it. A licensed mold inspector or public health official can determine if there is any mold to worry about. - Gutters: Lulu’s brick steps are breaking down from water coming under the gutters. We’ve got tips for properly extending the roof shingles so rain flows into the gutters. - Shutters: Can Ruth install shutters on vinyl siding? It’s a DIY project using special fasteners to avoid leaks and taking care not to crush the siding. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’re sharing easy ways to keep your pipes from freezing, budget-friendly tricks to refresh old tile floors, and a smart way to give your furniture a whole new look with DIY reupholstering. Ready to transform your space? We’re here to help, so listen in for more home improvement advice! Frozen Pipes: Get hot tips for thawing frozen pipes and avoiding costly damage. Tile Floors: These budget-friendly ideas can give outdated tile floors a fresh new look. Furniture: Reupholster your furniture for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Q & A: Mold: Paint just won’t stick in one corner of Judy’s wall where there may be mold. She can use a bleach solution to clean the surface, then prime and paint it over. Tile Flooring: Roger wants to install large floor tiles over the existing mosaic tile and grout. He can tile right over the existing surface by using the right type of adhesive. Insulation: Blown-in insulation is blowing back through Laura’s stove vent. It may be a commercial fan that’s too strong, and she should consult an appliance or HVAC expert. Foundation: The Drylok sealer on Jodi’s foundation is cracked and bubbling. She can either remove it or have a mason attach a woven wire mesh and apply new stucco. Garage Doors: Nancy’s old garage doors are shimmying and not opening or closing properly. It would be better to replace the doors and openers instead of repairing them. HVAC: The heat pump is making horrible noises and switching to defrost without shutting off the compressor first. It could be caused by several things, but we advise Conrad to replace the old unit. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Today, learn the lifesaving benefits of home fire sprinkler systems, six must-know painting tips to help you get pro results, and how changing your furnace filter can make a big impact on your heating bill. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to callers’ home improvement questions! - Fire Safety: Get added safety on tap by installing a home fire sprinkler system. - Painting: These 6 simple tips will save you time and money on your next painting project. - Filters: Improve your HVAC system’s efficiency by using the right furnace filters. Q & A: - Storm Door: The trim on Katie’s entry door is melting from heat trapped behind the storm door. We explain why storm doors aren’t needed and how to ventilate the space. - Window Leak: Water is leaking inside the top of Dan’s window from a rotted gutter. He should fix the gutter and fascia board first and monitor the leak. - Roofing: Mary is getting confused by all the choices for replacing her roof. It sounds like the tiles need repair, not replacement, and she needs to clarify options with other roofing professionals. - Water Heater: Fred’s old gas water heater is vibrating. It’s not worth fixing, and we recommend installing a tankless water heater that’s more efficient. - Chimney: An external chimney has cracked and the mantle inside has shifted. Rebecca needs to find a professional home inspector or structural engineer, not a contractor. - Cleaning: Old bathroom tiles have lost their luster. A matte finish won’t get shiny, but Cheri gets tips for the best way to clean the tile surface and what to use. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, learn the fastest way to remove old wallpaper, find out if natural stone countertops are worth the upkeep, and discover five easy home improvement hacks you can complete in 30 minutes or less. Plus, we’ll help turn your dream project into a reality, with answers to more home improvement questions! - Stone Countertops: Natural stone countertops require ongoing maintenance, but are they worth the hassle? - Wallpaper Removal: Removing wallpaper is always a challenge, but these tips can make it easier and faster. - Quick Home Improvement: You can get these home improvement tasks done in 30 minutes or less. Q & A: - Tile Grout: Is it a bad idea to use white grout with white bathroom tile? It’s a fine choice, but Christine should use silicone grout that’s easy to clean or properly seal sand grout. - Roofing: Joe’s roof shingles don’t extend far enough over the gutters. There should be a drip edge and we have tips for extending the shingles and installing flashing. - Siding Gap: Jennifer wants to seal a gap between the wood siding and brick to keep out pests. Options include steel wool or foam insulation that must be primed and painted. - Window Wells: The metal window wells near the driveway are getting rusted. James gets advice on replacing them with plastic wells that won’t corrode from weather and salt. - Driveway Stains: How can Richard remove oil and rust stains from his new driveway? He should mix TSP into a paste and let it sit before scrubbing the surface. - Shower Leak: Maria’s shower is leaking into the subfloor. We have tips for finding and sealing a leak in the shower pan or the grout around it. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got advice to save on heating costs, detox your mattress for better sleep, and ensure your home is fire-safe with the right smoke detectors. Plus, we’re here to answer more home improvement questions, so be sure to listen in for DIY tips! - Mattress Cleaning: Rest assured and get a healthy sleep with cleaning tips to detox your mattress. - Heating Costs: Cut your heating bills by finding and sealing energy leaks around your home. - Smoke Detectors: Get the right kind of smoke detectors to protect against every type of fire. Q & A: - Clogged Plumbing: Nicole doesn’t want to use harsh chemicals on her clogged shower drain. A drain snake is cheap and effective, but she may need to call a professional drain cleaner. - Attic Vent: John’s roof vent sometimes leaks. It may be from wind-driven rain, so we suggest installing a ridge vent that runs down the peak of the roof. - Painting Bathroom: Can Chris paint over her outdated bathroom tiles? It can be done but may not last, so she may want to decorate around the old tile colors for now. - Cement Board: Jeffrey gets tips for using colored silicone caulk that expands and contracts to fix his cracked cement board siding. - Appliance Stains: It’s frustrating to keep stainless steel appliances clean! We recommend some products Tom can use to maintain his appliance surfaces. - House Noises: What is that humming and buzzing sound in Diane’s house? It will take some detective work to track down house noises from drafts or plumbing vibrations. - Doors: Al’s prehung metal door rotted around the door jamb. It’s not worth repairing, so he should replace the door with a fiberglass model that doesn’t rust and is more efficient. - Countertops: What kind of countertop is best for a remodeled kitchen? Lori learns the pros and cons of granite, marble, quartz, laminate, and tile countertops. - Insulation: How should Kenny insulate his tin roof? We discuss two types of insulation options, depending on how the roof is put together and the structure of the house. - Mailbox: How can Lynn replace a rusted mailbox in a brick enclosure? She finds out steps for cutting off the inside bolts and finding a new mailbox that fits the space. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices