SHOW NOTES:

On today’s episode, we’ll reveal the top 5 remodeling mistakes to avoid, share tips for choosing a safe and efficient space heater, and teach you how to spot a fresh Christmas tree. Plus, listen in for expert answers to more DIY home improvement questions from callers like you!

- Remodeling: Avoid renovation regrets caused by these top 5 home remodeling mistakes.

- Space Heaters: Warm up wisely by choosing a safe and efficient space heater.

- Christmas Trees: Get tree-mendous tips for finding the freshest live Christmas tree.

Q & A:

- Wood Stove Safety: Will a wood stove harm the electrical wiring behind it? Melina must install a heat shield and/or put the stove 3 feet from the wall to avoid a fire hazard.

- Shower Remodel: Jim wants to replace his shower. We’ll discuss different budget options, from affordable and easy liners to a complete renovation with a shower kit.

- Flooring: What kind of backer board should Steve use under the new floor tile? His subfloor is pretty solid, so a ¼-inch backer board should be fine.

- Windows: Some of Donna’s old double-pane windows don’t open or close. It’s possible to repair them if she can find the parts, but it would be better to replace the windows.

- HVAC: Lou’s hot water HVAC system is not heating the second floor. An HVAC professional can do diagnostics to look for an obstruction or faulty valve.

- Ventilation and Insulation: Christine gets answers to several questions about insulating and ventilating her garage and the use of ridge vents and soffit vents.

- Bathtub: Can you remove an old bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower? It can be done, but Jeff should consider his home’s resale value if there are no other tubs.

- Wood Countertop: Is a wood countertop a good, easy option for Ann’s under-mount kitchen sink? Unfortunately, wood is a lot of work to finish and maintain.

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.

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SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we’re simplifying window shopping with tips for reading energy labels, sharing a weekend-friendly solution for sleek granite-look countertops, and helping you safely deck the halls for the holidays. Tune in to The Money Pit to hear expert advice and answers to your DIY dilemmas!

- New Windows: Window buying is made clear as glass with these tips for decoding window energy labels.

- Stone Countertops: Give your countertops a sleek and stunning granite finish with an easy DIY kit.

- Holiday Lighting: Twinkle without trouble by taking the right precautions for holiday lighting.

Q & A:

- Wallpaper: Wallpaper seams keep curling up on one wall, but Nora can try using a seam repair adhesive product that gets good reviews.

- Distressed Wood: Cliff is making picture frames and wants to make the barn wood look old. We’ve got tips for beating up the wood before staining the surface.

- Deck Boards: There is no space between Cindy’s porch deck boards, making water pool and freeze. It’s easy to fix by using a circular saw to cut a small seam between the boards.

- Closet Space: Matt wants to change the opening of a narrow closet from the short wall to the long wall. We recommend building a temporary load-bearing wall while he does the work.

- Cleaning Grout: How should Lisa clean the grout of her porcelain floor tiles in high-traffic areas? A grout stripper would be stronger than a grout cleaner.

- Floor Stain: A dark spray paint can leaked on Tiffany’s laminate floor! She should carefully use acetone nail polish remover, which won’t remove the floor’s durable finish.

- Insulation: Georgianne’s bedrooms with outside walls get very cold. We offer ideas for using a clock thermostat, insulating the attic, and sealing drafty windows and outlets.

- Countertops: Mark needs ideas for making a dark Formica countertop lighter. We recommend a Daich Coatings kit that offers the perfect solution for a DIY countertop.

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.

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Today, we’ll show you how to store leftover paint properly and put it to good use. If you’re planning to sell your home, find out what kitchen mistakes could scare off buyers. Plus, we’re breaking down whether extended warranties are worth the price. Tune in for DIY tips, tricks, and answers to your home improvement questions!

- Warranties: Are extended warranties worthwhile or worthless? Find out when to buy and when to pass.

- Leftover Paint: Get fresh looks from old cans with tips for storing and using leftover paint.

- Home Selling: Don’t let these stale kitchen mistakes cook your home sale.

Q & A:

- Countertops: Cheryl needs ideas for resurfacing plywood countertops. Laminate or tile may be the quickest, easiest, and most affordable options.

- Flooring: Mike wants to replace the old kitchen vinyl floor with tile, but laminate flooring is a better choice that would take less room on top of the existing floor.

- Leaking Roof: The corrugated metal roof keeps leaking. Cindy gets advice for adding a second layer of roof with an ice and water shield in between or replacing the entire roof.

- Real Estate: Marilyn’s military family is moving again and she has questions about real estate. We discuss the pros and cons of buying, renting, and property taxes.

- Energy Savings: Will drop ceilings improve the heating efficiency in Cary’s home that’s powered off the grid? Yes, and adding insulation above it will make a huge difference.

- Brick Mortar: Mortar is coming out from various places around the brick. Barbara should hire a professional mason with the right skills to repoint the mortar.

- Insulation: There’s very little access for Dan to insulate under the floor of the back porch. He may be able to add spray foam insulation or dig out a crawlspace.

- Igloo: Lonnie is thinking of buying a concrete domed building, but needs suggestions on how to manage moisture and design a professional HVAC system.

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.

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SHOW NOTES:

In this show, learn how to safeguard your plumbing from a winter freeze. Then, find out how the EPA’s new tool can prove energy-saving payoffs. Plus, we’ve got easy solutions for tough-to-clean tile floors. Have a project in mind? Listen in for answers to all your home improvement questions!

- Frozen Pipes: Freeze out frozen pipe disasters by protecting your plumbing this winter.

- Saving Energy: Power up with a new EPA program that boosts your home energy saving IQ.

- Floor Cleaning: Get expert grime-fighter tips for cleaning tough stains from tile floors.

Q & A:

- Toilet Valves: Tom wants to change the shut-off valves on his toilets. We offer tips for trimming back the pipe for a clean cut before slipping on a new compression valve.

- Cabinet Repair: Laurie’s kitchen cabinets got damaged when the floors were refinished. Remixing the paint and carefully touching up only the dinged areas will help.

- Plumbing: The bathroom pipes started vibrating after the tub was replaced. Crystal learns that the pipe brackets may not have been secured well enough.

- Outdoor Fountain: The bowel of Jack’s outdoor fountain is porous and leaking. We suggest draining and drying it well, then applying an epoxy compound to seal it.

- Snow on Roof: When snow accumulates on Terry’s glass sunroof, it slides off in sheets. She should call the manufacturer to see about adding ice guard brackets.

- Security: Robert’s property keeps getting broken into over and over! We discuss installing LED motion sensor lights and a camera system with a monitoring service.

- Uneven Floor: Deb’s floor is uneven and the stairs are twisting. It would be easier for her to adjust the staircase than to rebuild the floor.

- Insulation: Is spray foam insulation a good option to use above a basement drop ceiling? Pete wouldn’t have access to any pipes, so thermal fiber or fiberglass insulation are better 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.

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SHOW NOTES:

In this show, we’ll help you assess your roof’s winter readiness, reveal the best and worst appliance brands, and show you how to expand attic storage safely. Plus, we’re here to help you tackle any home improvement challenge with confidence, so listen in for expert answers to all your questions!

- Attic Space: Find storage room under the rafters by adding attic floor space.

- Appliance Rankings: Consumer Reports’ appliance rankings reveal best buys and big regrets.

- Roof Care: Learn whether you should repair, replace, or rejuvenate your roof in time for winter.

Q & A:

- Foundation Drainage: Does Jill really need a double drainage system for the home she’s building? It’s a smart idea and we recommend having a good pitch and installing larger gutters.

- Plumbing: The bathroom plumbing is new but the water comes out rusty. Randall should install a whole-house water filter on the main line.

- Countertop: Is there a way to refinish a stained white marble countertop? Katherine can use a Daich Coatings kit to easily do it in the weekend.

- Marble: Should Gary seal a marble table after staining it? We discuss various products to clean, polish, and seal the surface.

- Dirt Floor: Rob wants to put concrete over the dirt floor in a hut. He gets instructions on how to tamp down the dirt, then pour and levelly spread the concrete.

- Fireplace: Lynn is looking for ideas on how to change the façade of her fireplace. Marble, granite, and faux stone are all great options that can adhere right onto the brick.

- Soundproofing: Gloria needs to block out the noise from her upstairs neighbor. We explain how to add Green Glue or soundproofing drywall, plus seal around any fixtures.

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.

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SHOW NOTES:

Today, learn how to maintain your washer and dryer to prevent floods and fires, keep stink bugs out with some sweet tricks, and choose the perfect mattress upgrades for a sound sleep. Plus, we’re sharing tips to help you make your home improvement plans a reality, so join the conversation!

- Stinkbugs: Stinkbug invasions really stink, but there are ways to banish the bugs.

- Washers and Dryers: Prevent floods and fires with washer and dryer maintenance.

- Mattress Shopping: Snooze, don’t lose, with tips for buying a new mattress.

Q & A:

- Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees are eating away at Norma’s wood patio. She gets tips for professional pest control treatment and for replacing wood with composite materials.

- Siding Repair: How can Ron reattach vinyl siding that’s coming loose? It’s easy to do if he has the right tool to bend the edges so he can connect the adjoining pieces.

- Insulation: David’s old insulation is falling from the attic rafters. He should maximize the insulation in the floor joists by adding a layer of new insulation.

- Metal Roof: Sally wonders if it’s a good idea to install a metal roof. It’s a great long-lasting investment, but the ROI depends on how long you’re staying the house.

- Plumbing: When one toilet flushes, the toilet in the other bathroom drains. John needs to check the roof vent pipe to see if there’s an obstruction that’s blocking proper venting.

- Worn Decking: Is there a way to fix a worn deck without replacing it? We suggest that Joan flip the deck boards over to the other side, which probably looks like new.

- Refinishing Stairs: Should Jason apply water-based polyurethane to new wood stairs? A solvent-based polyurethane in a satin finish would hold up better to abrasion.

- Old Windows: James has condensation in the windows of his historic home. He can’t change the window casing, but he can reduce the indoor humidity with a whole house dehumidifier. 

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.

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SHOW NOTES:

In today’s show, we’ll share solutions for keeping plants thriving during winter, offer expert advice to avoid holiday plumbing disasters, and reveal why fall is the ideal season to kick off a composting project. Plus, listen in as callers get answers to their DIY home improvement questions!

Winter Plants: Enjoy winter greens with tips to keep indoor plants thriving in the cold season.

Plumbing Problems: Get plumbing tips to avoid clogs and flush holiday woes away.

Fall Composting: Learn why fall is a perfect time to start a composting pile.

Q & A:

- Concrete Repairs: Which kind of mortar mix is best for fixing a concrete porch? Mindy has lots of questions about the best choices for various repairs using Quikrete products.

- Bathroom Remodel: Jim is worried about water damage from a window in a remodeled bathroom. We suggest leaving the window and putting a waterproof curtain over it.

- Cleaning Windows: Is there an easy way to clean your outside windows? Marie won’t find many DIY shortcuts, but can try using a concentrate product or hiring a professional.

- Construction Materials: We discuss insulated concrete foam blocks with David and why they’re a good, durable, and quiet construction material option.

- Garbage Disposal: When Eden turns on the garbage disposal, it backs up into the other sink. She gets tips on how to clear the drain line obstruction.

- Damp Crawlspace: Rich still has a musty smell in the crawlspace after installing a vapor barrier and improving drainage. A dehumidifier and fans with a humidistat could help.

- Caulking Gap: Julianne needs to fill the gap under the back door sill. She can use an epoxy patching cement to reinforce the space.

- Ridge Vent: Robert is trying to find a particular ridge vent for metal roofs. He can check online for manufacturers that make them and where to buy them or have them shipped.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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