The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to turning your house into a home! We've been busy laboring away so you can have the home of your dreams, answering your how-to questions and diving into smart seasonal transitions to get yourself ready for fall. Here are some of the main points and caller questions covered this hour: - Furnaces and Fireplaces: It's crucial to prepare your home for cooler temperatures, which includes maintaining your furnace [https://www.moneypit.com/hvac-maintenance-safe-efficient-operation-2/] and fireplace by changing filters, scheduling professional tune-ups, and ensuring fireplace safety and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. - Floor Surface Protection: It’s important to deep clean and protect wood, tile, and stone floors before they face the wear and tear of muddy boots and wet paws. Get tips for sealing stone, silencing squeaks [https://www.moneypit.com/how-to-stop-squeaking-floor-under-carpet-hardwood-tile-vinyl/], and tackling loose tiles. - HVAC Filters: A small but impactful task is changing your HVAC air filter [https://www.moneypit.com/upgrade-your-hvac-filter-improve-home-air-quality/] every 30 to 90 days (or more often with pets/allergies) to improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent costly breakdowns.    Q & A: - Laura in Connecticut called about strengthening the kitchen floor [https://www.moneypit.com/sagging-floor-joists/] in her 100-plus-year-old house to support a new appliance where a beam is missing. We suggest adding a girder to provide a neutral base and prevent decay. - Dennis in Florida inquired about using Trex composite decking [https://www.moneypit.com/deck-maintenance-wood-vs-composite/] for a lake dock, despite his contractor's reservations. We affirm that Trex and other composite decking are excellent, durable choices, cautioning only that they can get hot in direct sunlight. - Heather in California was concerned about her 1937 home's crumbling foundation, damaged by water, and the high quotes she received for replacement. We strongly advise her to seek an independent structural engineer's assessment [https://www.moneypit.com/structural-problem-contractor-vs-engineer/] to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the recommended repairs are truly necessary. - Mike called regarding recurring pinhole leaks [https://www.moneypit.com/tips-repairing-pinhole-leaks-copper-pipe/] in his 36-year-old home's copper plumbing. We recommend immediately repairing the leaking sections and nearby areas of the pipe to address the immediate issue and prevent further damage. - Jim discussed mold growth in his attic [https://www.moneypit.com/attic-mold-what-you-should-know-you-sell-your-home/] after adding insulation. Inadequate ventilation combined with insulation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and mold. He should increase attic ventilation and treat the mold with a bleach solution. - Martin asked about installing engineered wood flooring [https://www.moneypit.com/can-i-install-engineered-wood-flooring-over-vinyl/], specifically the choice between glue-down and floating methods, and the use of underlayment. We recommend floating floors as the best modern option due to their ability to expand and contract, and advise consulting the flooring manufacturer for the ideal underlayment product.   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 [https://www.moneypit.com/ask]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

SHOW NOTES: Hello there, Money Pit fans, and welcome back to the show where we help you make your good homes even better! Whether it's inside or outside, from your floorboards to your shingles, we are on your side! So give us a call at 888-Money-Pit to be part of the show. This hour, we cover a wide array of topics to help you protect your home, boost curb appeal, and even save you money. - Fall Cleanup Checklist: Check off your “to-do” list with essential fall cleanup tasks [https://www.moneypit.com/easy-fall-projects-get-your-home-winter-ready/] to get your home ready before the cold weather sets in, from gutters and gardens to garages and gear. - DIY Fire Pit: Turn up the heat in your backyard by easily building a beautiful and durable fire pit [https://www.moneypit.com/how-to-build-a-firepit-in-minutes-using-ladera-wall-blocks-by-pavestone/] in minutes using Pavestone products. - Shower Mold: If you’re dealing with a "fuzzy" shower, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely remove old moldy caulk [https://www.moneypit.com/remove-moldy-caulk-and-tile-grout/], prep the area, and reapply a fresh bead that will resist mold and mildew for years.   Q & A: - Michelle in Minnesota has moisture coming up through her laminate bathroom floor on a concrete slab. We advise checking exterior drainage and adding a bathroom vent fan [https://www.moneypit.com/bathroom-vent-fan-and-ventilation-best-one/] or humidistat to address the issue. - Glenn in Florida asks about borax-treated cellulose attic insulation to control Formosan termites [https://www.moneypit.com/tips-avoiding-and-eliminating-termites/]. While the idea isn't new, its overall effectiveness for whole-house Formosan termites is less common. - Grace has concerns about her 40-year-old concrete patio, which is discolored, raised, and dangerous. We suggest restoring the loose bricks [https://www.moneypit.com/loose-brick-sidewalk-paver-how-fix/] and applying a finish, such as a stone veneer, thin pavers, or an acid stain, terrazzo, or slate treatment to the surface. - Wally is redoing his sunroom and is worried about the unevenness of the old, cracked concrete floor. We recommend using luxury vinyl plank [https://www.moneypit.com/installing-vinyl-plank/] or hybrid stone flooring, which can float over existing cracks, and sealing those cracks. - Pat in Arkansas discovered that her new heat pump was not effectively removing humidity from her home. We explain that a whole-house dehumidifier integrated into the HVAC system [https://www.moneypit.com/comfortable-living-whole-house-dehumidifier/] is the most effective solution for maintaining ideal home humidity levels. - Greg in Delaware needed help removing lime scale buildup [https://www.moneypit.com/how-clean-and-seal-slate-shower/] on his shower door that resisted standard cleaners. We suggested a simple test with white vinegar to see if it's true lime scale or if the door's surface might be etched. - David has questions about his crawl space insulation [https://www.moneypit.com/best-way-to-insulate-house-from-moisture/] that’s falling down, insulating the walls, and the use of old foundation vents. We recommend supporting the existing insulation with wires and keeping foundation vents open for about nine months of the year to allow moisture to vent.   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 [https://www.moneypit.com/ask]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We’re covering a lot of ground today, so here's a quick rundown of what we're talking about and the incredible callers we're helping with expert home improvement advice:  - Bathroom Design Ideas: We offer a range of modern design ideas for bathrooms [https://www.moneypit.com/easy-bathroom-remodeling-ideas/], from cozy powder rooms to luxurious spa spaces, drawing inspiration from Wallpaper Magazine to elevate your space and style. - Patio Furniture Care: Get valuable tips for cleaning and storing patio furniture [https://www.moneypit.com/cleaning-outdoor-furniture/] made from various materials, including wicker, metal, wood, and cushions, to ensure they stay in great shape for seasons to come. - Concrete Post Footings: We discuss the value of Quikrete’s fast-setting concrete as an easy way to set posts for fences [https://www.moneypit.com/installing-fence-wet-ground/], mailboxes, or basketball hoops, producing strong, stable results in under an hour without mixing or mess! - Kids’ Room Décor: Learn about the art of redecorating kids' rooms [https://www.moneypit.com/kids-room-design-take-cues-their-interests-activities/], including the importance of budget planning, material selection, safety, and thinking about how the space will evolve with the child's age.   Q & A: - Teresa called in about changing the finish of her wood deck [https://www.moneypit.com/how-prep-and-stain-your-wood-deck/], which is half new pre-treated lumber and half old painted lumber. The paint must be removed before staining because stain won't soak into paint, and the new pre-treated lumber will need to season until next spring before being stained. - Ted from Mississippi has a sewage odor in his bathroom [https://www.moneypit.com/smelly-drains-why-sink-and-shower-drains-smell-like-rotten-eggs/]. We suggest checking for a missing or non-functional plumbing trap or a bio-gas situation in the sink drain. - Janet from South Carolina inquires about options other than tile for her bathroom walls, due to staining issues. We recommend looking into pre-made tub surrounds [https://www.moneypit.com/install-fiberglass-tub-surround/] as a durable and virtually leakproof alternative that can even mimic tile. - Jerry from West Virginia wants to soundproof a second-floor master bedroom [https://www.moneypit.com/basement-soundproofing/] he's converting into a movie room. We suggest applying a second layer of soundproofing drywall and using carpeting and upholstered furniture to absorb sound. - Kathy from Ohio reports a squealing noise from her upstairs toilet when the washer was running on the utility floor. Squeals are typically from the toilet's fill valve [https://www.moneypit.com/replace-toilet-flush-valve-quicker-fill/] on the supply side, though a blockage or vent issue could also be a possibility. - Dan from Nebraska has a widespread mold situation in his three-year-old pole building, despite no previous issues. We identify the cause as high humidity due to a lack of conditioning in the space. Solutions include heating or cooling the space, using a dehumidifier, and potentially installing a fan with a humidistat [https://www.moneypit.com/adding-humidistat-ac/].   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 [https://www.moneypit.com/ask]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

SHOW NOTES: Alright, home improvement enthusiasts, welcome back to the Money Pit! We're here to lend a hand with all your indoor and outdoor projects, because remember: Inside, outside, we're on your side! Here are some of the key themes we'll be talking about today, plus solutions we offer for callers’ questions: - Cleaning Gutters: Before autumn leaves begin to fall, we're going to share simple steps and smart tools to help you clean and maintain your gutters [https://www.moneypit.com/gutter-cleaning-tips-avoid-major-repairs/] the safe and easy way, because clogged gutters can lead to major water damage. - Roof Care: We'll tell you how you can catch roof problems early [https://www.moneypit.com/will-home-insurance-cover-leaky-roofs-what-you-need-to-know/] with a free professional inspection from Roof Maxx, the company that restores aging roofs and saves homeowners up to 80% over replacement. - Reducing Clutter: We'll also offer tips on getting organized at home for the fall season, helping you reclaim cluttered spaces like entryways and mudrooms [https://www.moneypit.com/find-hidden-storage-space-your-home/] before the school and holiday craziness takes over. - Deep Cleaning Tips: And finally, we’ll discuss fall deep cleaning strategies to refresh your home [https://www.moneypit.com/cleaning-tips-to-keep-your-home-spiffy-year-round/] in areas often skipped during summer, like baseboards, ceiling fans, and inside appliances.   Q & A: - Beverly in Ohio called about black marks on her white vinyl fence [https://www.moneypit.com/removing-permanent-marker-fence/]. We suggest trying a light abrasive like a green Scotch pad first, or for solvent-based marks like tar, a product like WD-40 to lift them off. - Andrew in Wisconsin is dealing with standing water in his backyard that's causing basement wall penetration. We advise implementing a total water management system [https://www.moneypit.com/storm-water-management/], including building a French drain, ensuring gutters are properly sized, and downspouts to direct water 4 to 6 feet away from the house. - Anna in South Dakota recently had a hollow tree with a large carpenter ant nest removed and is concerned about infestation. We reassure her that carpenter ants prefer dead or decaying wood [https://www.moneypit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants-bees/] and are not typically motivated to infest sound houses, so she's not at an increased risk. - Louise called in about salt mineral deposits leaking through the outside [https://www.moneypit.com/remove-powdery-white-mineral-deposits-walls/] of her brick mailbox. We suggest cleaning the deposits with a white vinegar and water solution, then applying a vapor-permeable silicone-based masonry sealer to prevent their return. - Debbie from Great Falls, Montana, asked about preparing and painting over metal siding [https://www.moneypit.com/peeling-paint-how-get-paint-adhere-steel-siding/]. We advise a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer, ensuring the siding is completely dry, and then using an oil-based bonding primer with a scratch test before applying the topcoat, staying within the same brand family for best adhesion.   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 [https://www.moneypit.com/ask]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

SHOW NOTES: In today’s Money Pit show, we discuss selling in a shifting real estate market, installing solar panels on metal roofs, and reorganizing your garage space. Plus, we’ll answer a range of home improvement questions from callers to help solve their DIY dilemmas! - Navigating the Shifting Real Estate Market: Home sales this spring hit their lowest pace since 2012! This means that for sellers, prepping, staging, and timing your home's sale [https://www.moneypit.com/selling-home-top-10-mistakes-avoid/] are more critical than ever, as price alone isn't enough to close a deal. - The Power of Metal Roofs for Solar: If you're considering going solar, your roof is just as important as the panels [https://www.moneypit.com/can-i-replace-roof-covered-solar-panels/]. Metal roofs are the ultimate foundation for solar installations, offering long-term savings, energy efficiency, and unbeatable durability. - Garage Organization and Maintenance [https://www.moneypit.com/garage-safety-and-storage-tips/]: As summer wraps up, it's the perfect time for a garage reset. We recommend clearing everything out, cleaning the space thoroughly, and then organizing by season, using labeled bins and storage systems like wall-mounted units or overhead racks to keep floors clear.   Q & A: - Michelle from Michigan has moles tearing up her yard [https://www.moneypit.com/kill-grubs-get-rid-moles-your-yard/]. We advised her that moles are after grubs, their food source, so the solution is to eliminate the grubs using a product like GrubEx, which will slowly cause the moles to move elsewhere. - Leroy from Texas was getting barely any air from a bedroom AC vent, despite its proximity to the unit. We suggested checking for a kink or blockage in the ductwork with a flashlight and mirror or identifying if a damper on the line is partially closed [https://www.moneypit.com/how-keep-your-hvac-system-balanced/]. - Margaret wants to know what to do about her dirty, 20-year-old popcorn ceilings that she no longer likes [https://www.moneypit.com/how-remove-popcorn-ceiling-0/]. For removal, she should spray and saturate the ceiling with water, then gently scrape it off. If she chooses to keep it, she could paint it over with a specialized roller designed for textured surfaces. - Larry has tree roots growing into his sewer lines. We suggest a pipe lining system [https://www.moneypit.com/what-to-do-when-tree-roots-cause-clogged-basement-drain/], which involves inserting a flexible material into the old pipe that hardens to form a new, permanent interior structure, saving him from breaking up the floor. - Ken had a broken seam on his quartz countertop over the dishwasher. This is typically not a DIY project due to specialized materials and tools, so he’ll need a professional to reseal it and reinforce the underlying support to prevent future issues. We also recommended resealing the entire countertop surface [https://www.moneypit.com/how-protect-natural-stone-countertops/]. - Howard called about his leaning landscaping brick retaining walls [https://www.moneypit.com/building-retaining-wall-tips/]. This is a common issue caused by soil expansion and freezing. The solution is to tear down and rebuild the wall or consider pre-cast concrete block walls that are designed to lean back as they stack.   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 [https://www.moneypit.com/ask]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]