Episodes

  • #2468 – DIY Deduction: Tax-Saving Home Repairs | Most Common Heating Mistakes | Sealing Out Drafts

    #2468 – DIY Deduction: Tax-Saving Home Repairs | Most Common Heating Mistakes | Sealing Out Drafts
    Nov 21 2024
    SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we share smart tips for slashing heating costs, maximizing tax benefits with end-of-year home improvements, and sealing drafts with an innovative spray foam product. Plus, hear practical advice for callers who have home improvement questions of their own! - Home Repairs and Taxes: Don’t overlook DIY deductions with these tax-saving home improvements. - Heating Bills: Lower your utility bills by addressing the three most common home heating mistakes. - Sealing Drafts: This DIY spray foam system makes it easy to seal gaps and stop drafts. Q & A: - Bathroom Flooring: What kind of flooring is best for a kids’ bathroom? Michelle gets recommendations for flooring products that are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. - Water Filtration: John wants to improve the taste and quality of his water. We share info about a reverse osmosis filtration system that’s compact and efficient. - Plumbing: Kate gets step-by-step instructions for replacing a laundry room sink and cabinet, and when to call a plumber if she runs into any plumbing issues. - Electrical Wiring: Ken’s light switch is controlled in two locations and not working properly. It’s actually a three-way switch that’s not wired correctly. - Patio Cover: Janet should be careful attaching a patio cover to her house. An attractive extending awning would be less expensive and easier to install and maintain. - Grout: Rust in the water has discolored the black grout in Vince’s shower. He can either replace the grout or use a grout stain to restore it. - Countertops: Is there any way to smooth down a leather look countertop? We don’t know of a way that Ann can do it, but there are options for refinishing laminate surfaces. - Basement Walls: The DRYLOK paint is peeling off of Bob’s cinderblock basement walls. He’ll need to think about other options for resurfacing them because the paint will be too hard to remove. 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
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    40 mins
  • #2467 – Chill Out: Home Winterization Checklist | Driveway Restoration | Burglar-Proof Your Garage

    #2467 – Chill Out: Home Winterization Checklist | Driveway Restoration | Burglar-Proof Your Garage
    Nov 18 2024
    SHOW NOTES: This week, we’ll explain how to clean and restore a worn and stained driveway, help you winter-proof your home with a comprehensive checklist, and give advice on burglar-proofing your garage just in time for the holiday travel season. Tune in for these and other smart tips to protect and improve your home with answers to callers’ questions! - Prepping for Winter: Chill out and avoid winter woes with a winterization checklist for homeowners. - Driveway Restoration: Polish your approach by restoring a cracked or stained driveway. - Garage Security: Secure the weakest link by burglar-proofing your garage doors. Q & A: - Smoke Problems: Lingering smoke is making the paint bubble and the house smell. JJ gets tips on how to clean, seal, prime, and paint smoky surfaces. - Remodeling: Wendy is buying a property that used to be a golf clubhouse. We discuss what to know about a commercial versus a residential property. - Siding Stains: Patricia’s mobile home siding is stained from gutter runoff. She can try using a stronger cleaner, but the stain may actually be corrosion. - Insulation: Should Robert remove and replace old insulation that’s gotten compressed? He can either replace it or just add more insulation on top of it, which is easier to do. - Windows: Deane’s steel-framed commercial windows are screwed into the exterior brick. They’re hard to replace, so we suggest hiring a professional to measure and install new windows. - Second Bathroom: Should Greg add a second bathroom or turn an outside storage unit into living space? We explain why a bathroom addition would provide better ROI. - Toilet Water: Darren gets advice on converting his toilet to rain barrel water, including the water pressure he needs and getting an efficient toilet that uses less water. 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
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    40 mins
  • #2466 – Blueprint vs. Budget: Home Reno Costs | Heating Garage Space | Winterizing Sprinkler Systems

    #2466 – Blueprint vs. Budget: Home Reno Costs | Heating Garage Space | Winterizing Sprinkler Systems
    Nov 14 2024
    SHOW NOTES: Join us today to discover ways to keep your renovation costs in check, tips for heating your garage so it’s usable year-round, and must-know steps for winterizing your sprinkler system to avoid freezing mishaps. Tune in for expert advice on making your home winter-ready and functional on any budget! - Renovation Budget: Before your blueprints bust the budget, learn how to manage home renovation costs. - Garage Heating: Warm up your workspace with garage heating hacks. - Sprinkler Systems: Follow this chill-proof checklist for winterizing your sprinkler system. Q & A: - Roofing Repairs: Terry finds out that her roofers were right when they replaced the flashing to fix her leaky chimney. - Deck Stain: The stain on Ted’s hardwood deck just won’t dry! This happens sometimes with new stain products, so he should wait some more before trying to remove it and reapply a different deck stain. - Glue Removal: Sylvia is stuck with old carpet glue! She should use a citrus adhesive remover to soften the glue, then add a new layer of plywood before installing hardwood flooring over that. - Soundproofing: How can Ian soundproof the recording studio he’s building? We recommend adding a layer of sound-resistant drywall and sealing any outlets and openings. - Generator: Can you use a power generator in an apartment? It’s not very convenient, since Linda would have to use a portable generator and run extension cords outdoors. - Damp Basement: Mike wonders if a dehumidifier would dry up his damp basement. He needs to solve the source first by improving the grading and drainage outside his home. - Concrete Repair: Leah’s concrete porch keeps cracking and is unlevel. We discuss the specific products she needs to adhere to the concrete base and make repairs. 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
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    40 mins
  • #2465 – Prep Like a Pro: Exterior Painting | Easy Deck Support System | How Much Attic Insulation?

    #2465 – Prep Like a Pro: Exterior Painting | Easy Deck Support System | How Much Attic Insulation?
    Nov 11 2024
    SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll walk you through pro tips for painting your home’s exterior, a quick solution for deck-building without digging concrete footings, and attic insulation advice for a more energy-efficient home. Tune in for these and other expert insights to make your next home improvement project a breeze! - Exterior Painting: Prep like a pro when planning your next exterior painting project. - Building a Deck: An easy pedestal support system cuts the hassle of digging deck footings. - Attic Insulation: How to know if you have enough attic insulation to keep your home warm and energy-efficient. Q & A: - Kitchen Sink: Jim wants to insulate his kitchen sink to keep the water warm. We’ve got some ideas on how he can create a way to do it. - Worn Flooring: Dorothy’s engineered flooring is worn in spots. It’s not designed to be refinished, so she’ll need to replace it or install new flooring over it. - Insulation: Joe’s new home has spray foam insulation in the attic. We explain why he doesn’t have to worry about ventilating the attic. - Heat Pump: How often does Ruth’s electric heat pump need to be serviced? We recommend servicing it once a year, and she should consider a heat pump with new technology for colder climates. - Plumbing Leak: Stan’s got a ceiling leak from defective pipes. If the leak continues, he needs to open the ceiling to repair or replace the plumbing. - Concrete Floor: Can Nadine cover an old wood floor with a skim level of concrete? It’s a shame to cover the wood, but a mud floor or laminate flooring are two options. - Water Temperature: Brrrrr! The shower water gets cold when the toilet flushes. Brad should install a pressure balance valve to regulate the mix of hot and cold water. - Garage Renovation: Esther wants to convert a long, skinny garage by switching the doors to the long wall. It’s a big job that requires structural changes to the load-bearing wall. 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
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    40 mins
  • #2464 – Sound the Alarm: Safer Smoke Detectors | Finding the Right Contractor | Closet Organization

    #2464 – Sound the Alarm: Safer Smoke Detectors | Finding the Right Contractor | Closet Organization
    Nov 7 2024
    SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ve got you covered with pro tips on choosing the best contractor, updates on the latest smoke alarm standards, and a step-by-step guide to hassle-free closet organization. Listen in for all the tips, tricks, and tools to bring your home improvement goals to life! - Smoke Detectors: Sound the alarm and protect your home with safer smoke detectors. - Contractors: Nail it the first time by hiring the right professional for your home improvement project. - Closet Space: Less mess means less stress with closet organization that works. Q & A: - Porch Surface: The stain is peeling on Linda’s porch. We recommend removing the loose paint and applying a Daich Coatings product that provides a beautiful, durable finish. - Door Removal: We’ve got tips for Brian on how to remove and replace a door without becoming unhinged. - Damaged Siding: Ivy looks attractive, but it damaged the cedar siding on Lauren’s home. She learns how to restore and repair the damage, plus what to install if she wants to replace the cedar siding. - Hard Water: What kind of conditioning system should be used for hard water? Salt-free is one option, but we advise Brian to use a traditional salt system for a whole home. - Mosquitoes and Fencing: We answer Inuwan’s questions about getting rid of mosquitoes near her cypress trees and fencing options to enclose her garden. - Foggy Windows: Sarah’s sliding glass doors keep fogging up. It’s a common problem caused by a failed thermal seal, but it’s easier to replace the doors instead of repairing them. - Soundproofing: How can Tony muffle the noise from an upstairs neighbor? He’d need to have his neighbor install a sound-resistant underlayment or rugs, or use soft materials to absorb the sound in his own apartment. - Plumbing Vent: Kate’s kitchen plumbing vent is covered and welded across the top. The installer probably forgot to uncover it, but she can leave it alone if it’s not causing issues. - Permits: When do you need permits for a home project? In general, they’re needed for replacements or improvements and not for repairs, but Tyler should ask the local building department. 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
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    39 mins
  • #2463 – Cozy Curtain Call: Warm Window Coverings | 10 Tips to Fight Mold | DIY Foam to Seal Drafts

    #2463 – Cozy Curtain Call: Warm Window Coverings | 10 Tips to Fight Mold | DIY Foam to Seal Drafts
    Nov 4 2024
    SHOW NOTES: In this episode, get tips for a warmer, healthier home by spotting and stopping mold, using a spray foam product to seal drafts and save on heating, and choosing the right window coverings to keep cozy. Got questions? We’ve got all your home improvement answers! - Window Coverings: Stay toasty with the right window coverings for winter warmth. - Mold Prevention: Fight the fungus with 10 tips for spotting and stopping mold in your home. - Sealing Drafts: Seal drafts and cut heating bills with an easy and effective DIY spray foam product. Q & A: - Flower Bed: Michelle wonders if her flower bed will affect her foundation. She should slope the grade away from the house and avoid edging that will impede drainage. - Plumbing: After turning the water back on, Doug has lots of sediment in the plumbing. He should remove and clean out the faucet aerators, then empty and wipe out the toilet tank. - Concrete Repair: Susan’s concrete curb is cracking and sloping down. She has options for products to easily fix the concrete, unless it’s settling and needs to be replaced. - HVAC Options: Should James replace the baseboard heat with an electric furnace? We recommend installing a natural gas furnace that will be less expensive to run. - Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten a dark corner by painting the brick fireplace and wall. Some better options would be using mirrors or different kinds of lighting. - Deck Stain: Can you apply solid stain over semi-transparent stain on a deck? Justin should clean the surface well and let it dry before applying the solid stain right over it. - Flooring Repair: Lynette’s floor is worn and soft in some areas from wood rot and mold. She needs a home inspector to determine the cause and the best solution. - Floor Gap: After installing new luxury vinyl plank flooring, Mike has a gap under the door casing. He can add architectural plinth blocks to cover 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
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    40 mins
  • #2462 – Soot Happens: Chimney Cleaning Tips | Why to Service Your Heating System | Fix Leaky Toilets

    #2462 – Soot Happens: Chimney Cleaning Tips | Why to Service Your Heating System | Fix Leaky Toilets
    Oct 31 2024
    SHOW NOTES: Today, as temperatures cool, learn the importance of servicing your heating system and having your chimney cleaned. You’ll also hear an easy way to stop leaky toilet flushes, plus lots of expert advice for DIY homeowners just like you to get projects done the right way! - Chimney Cleaning: Soot happens, but cleaning your chimney will keep your home safe and smoke-free. - Heating System: Avoid winter woes by having your heating system professionally serviced. - Leaky Toilets: Flush out the problem with this innovative fix for a leaky toilet flush valve. Q & A: - Soundproofing: Noisy neighbors can be heard through a duplex wall. Donna can muffle the sound by adding a second layer of drywall or a noise-proofing compound. - Pool Water: Mac’s pool is green when he uncovers it each spring. Leaving the filter running while it’s covered may strain the equipment, so he should use chemicals to shock the water. - Concrete Repair: Seeping water has cracked a corner of Audrey’s concrete porch. It’s a common problem that’s easily fixed with products that will adhere to the old cement. - Fencing: How should Sam treat the cedar fence posts he’s installing? He should tamp down gravel stone around the posts to allow drainage instead of pouring cement, which will hold moisture. - Windows: Natalie’s old vinyl windows won’t stay up. The springs in the window jams have broken down and are hard to fix, so it may be time to replace the windows. - Basement Water: Water came into the basement after a big storm. Scott gets tips for improving the outside drainage first, then addressing the grading and retaining wall. - Electrical Wiring: Sandra’s very old house has knob and tubing wiring in some areas. It’s very dangerous and should be deactivated and updated as soon as possible. - Bathroom Vanity: How can Nick attach a marble bathroom vanity top to the cabinet base? After doing a dry fit for plumbing, he should apply adhesive to the top edge of the base and caulk against the wall. - Backsplash: Audrey is curious about a product used for backsplashes. It’s a two-sided adhesive material she can stick on the wall first, and then stick tiles to the material. - Deck Stain: How soon can Randy stain a new pressure-treated lumber deck? We recommend waiting till spring to expose it to the elements and let it dry out. 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
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    40 mins
  • #2461 – Gutter Guard Installation Made Easy | 5 Essential Homeowner Tips | DIY Marble Countertops

    #2461 – Gutter Guard Installation Made Easy | 5 Essential Homeowner Tips | DIY Marble Countertops
    Oct 28 2024
    SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to install gutter guards yourself and avoid costly pro services, hear expert advice on key homeowner knowledge, and get inspired with ideas for an affordable countertop upgrade in just one weekend. Tune in for tips, tricks, and products that make homeownership a breeze! - Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards is easy and affordable with step-by-step DIY tips. - Home Maintenance: Find out 5 essential things to know about home maintenance. - Marble Countertops: Countertops get a new look in a weekend with a kit that makes marble dreams come true. Q & A: - Pests: Fruit flies are invading Lorna’s kitchen. She can seal the drain with tape to see if that’s where they’re coming from and if so, pour oxygenated bleach down the drain. - Insulation: Should Michael install closed-cell or open-cell spray foam insulation? Spray foam is a great choice, and closed-cell works better in a moist environment. - Flooring: What kind of flooring is best for a beach house? Loretta’s options include attractive and durable engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank. - Siding: Wade can’t find replacements that match his siding damaged in a hailstorm. A public adjuster will make sure the insurance company completely replaces all 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
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    40 mins