The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Coming up this hour, we've got some incredible discussions to help you tackle those summer projects! We’re also taking your calls, hearing from listeners just like you about their home improvement dilemmas! Stayed tuned to learn about: - Pool Safety: If you've got a pool, you know safety is paramount, and we'll be breaking down the unique requirements for pool fencing to keep everyone safe [https://www.moneypit.com/pool-safety-tips-children/] this summer. - Roof Rejuvenation: We're joined by Mike Feazel from Roof Maxx to talk about an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly roof replacements [https://www.moneypit.com/roof-repair-or-replacement-factors-consider/] that can extend the life of your shingles. - Drywall Repairs: Those pesky wall cracks, nail pops, and splitting seams? We've got tips to make sure your drywall fixes are "one and done." [https://www.moneypit.com/how-repair-wall-cracks-drywall/] - Pet-Friendly Decorating: Leslie's Last Word will help you design a beautiful, pet-friendly home [https://www.moneypit.com/5-tips-for-a-friendly-durable-and-pet-proof-home/] that stands up to your well-meaning furry friends.   Q & A: - Martha from Ohio is dealing with a leaky window [https://www.moneypit.com/best-way-to-determine-cause-of-window-leak/] due to improper installation and a saturated flower bed. - Terry from Kansas seeks advice on the proper time and method to paint a stucco exterior [https://www.moneypit.com/how-paint-stucco/] after a previous peeling issue. - Katherine from Arizona is struggling with failed sod [https://www.moneypit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bermudagrass-without-killing-sod/] and exposed mesh netting on her lawn in a cold mountain climate. - Kim from Tennessee is looking for solutions to get rid of moles [https://www.moneypit.com/07-01-13-molesrc/] causing damage in her yard. - Albert from Massachusetts inquires about upgrading the minimal insulation [https://www.moneypit.com/replacing-attic-insulation-renew-your-homes-efficiency-modern-insulation-materia/] in his 50-year-old home's attic. - Tim from New York wonders if he needs to put anything on the wall before installing a glass tile backsplash [https://www.moneypit.com/easy-way-make-tile-backsplash/] in his kitchen.   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: This episode is packed with fantastic ideas and solutions to tackle those nagging projects! We're talking about everything from making your outdoor space your favorite place with porches, patios, landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. We'll also cover crucial indoor home improvement topics, because inside or outside, we're on your side! Here’s a sneak peek at what we've been chatting about and who's been calling in: - Natural Stone Countertops: We're exploring the pros and cons of caring for those gorgeous natural stone countertops [https://www.moneypit.com/how-clean-and-protect-natural-stone-floors-and-countertops/] in your kitchen and bathroom spaces. While they're beautiful and durable, they're not entirely maintenance-free, folks! - The Top Five Filters in Your Home: As summer heats up and we close our windows to keep the air conditioning in, it's super important to maintain healthy indoor air. We're sharing the top five most crucial filters in your home that you need to be checking [https://www.moneypit.com/are-high-quality-air-filters-worth-expense/] and cleaning. You might be surprised you have so many! - Summer Design Trends of 2025: Summer is the perfect time for home design projects, from small updates to major overhauls. We'll dive into the top eight summer design trends for 2025 [https://www.forbes.com/sites/terriwilliams/2025/05/22/houzz-reveals-8-emerging-summer-home-design-trends/], including "color drenching," metallic accents, beverage stations, fun zones, "wood drenching," French country decor, and water conservation in landscaping.   OUR CALLERS: - Carol in Texas wanted to know if she could pressure wash and re-stain weathered treated lumber [https://www.moneypit.com/considerations-when-staining-deck/] on her porches with a transparent stain, much like her new porch. - Brian in Massachusetts called in about painting his honey oak kitchen cabinets [https://www.moneypit.com/ugly-dark-kitchen-cabinets-refinishing-options/] white and asked about the necessary preparation, especially for filling in the deep grain. - Bonnie faced a dilemma with sealing concrete after flood damage [https://www.moneypit.com/painting-concrete-basement-floor-best-results/], seeking a less toxic alternative to a strong-smelling basement sealer. - Byron successfully removed his popcorn ceiling [https://www.moneypit.com/how-remove-popcorn-ceiling-0/] and wanted to know the proper next steps for prepping and painting the now-flat surface. - Steve in Arizona inquired about the necessity and benefits of having his air ducts cleaned [https://www.moneypit.com/eliminate-musty-smell-cleaning-air-ducts/]. - Jonas in Washington was looking to add a fascia-mounted railing to his balcony for more space, but was concerned about a gutter that was currently in the way. - Alex in Florida reached out because his four-year-old central air conditioning system works well, except for one front room that's consistently about five degrees hotter [https://www.moneypit.com/how-fix-uneven-heating-and-cooling/] than the rest of the house.   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: Hey Money Pit fans! Get ready for another exciting episode focused on making your home safer, quieter, and more functional, especially with summer approaching. And we hope all the dads out there had a very happy Father's Day! Coming up: - Find out the most effective ways to curb the mosquito population [https://www.moneypit.com/preventing-picnic-pests-ants-and-mosquitoes/] around your house, mainly by eliminating all sources of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. - We'll welcome Dave Kyle, CEO of Trex RainEscape, to explain how their under-deck drainage system creates a dry, usable space [https://www.moneypit.com/trex-rainescape-unlocks-the-potential-of-your-elevated-deck/] beneath an elevated deck, protecting the structure from moisture and allowing for the addition of electrical and gas lines for various outdoor amenities. - Learn crucial ladder safety tips [https://www.moneypit.com/ladder-safety-tips/] such as keeping the ladder stationary, leveling its feet on various surfaces, proper positioning at a 75-degree angle, looking for overhead wires, and avoiding resting it against rounded objects like trees.   Q & A: - Darlene from Baltimore is dealing with noise issues between the upstairs and downstairs apartments. The best soundproofing solution [https://www.moneypit.com/two-ways-to-soundproof-ceiling-in-condominium/] involves opening up the wall to install mineral wool insulation and potentially sound-deadening drywall. - Tim from Michigan has a vinyl linoleum floor with wrinkles and an uneven subfloor. We advise using a floor leveling compound [https://www.moneypit.com/how-level-floor-so-you-can-install-engineered-hardwood/] and consider replacing the floor with a waterproof engineered vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank product. - Britney from Michigan must repair a crumbling cobblestone foundation in her old farmhouse. This load-bearing wall issue requires a specialized technique [https://www.moneypit.com/remove-load-bearing-wall/] called needle beaming to temporarily support the house while the foundation is disassembled and rebuilt, ideally overseen by a structural engineer or architect. - Maya from Iowa needs help removing outdoor carpet glued to concrete steps [https://www.moneypit.com/remove-carpet-glue-concrete/]. It’s a tough job best tackled with a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue, followed by options like thin pavers or outdoor-rated ceramic tile for resurfacing. - Marcy in Nebraska has a 15,000 BTU window AC unit that keeps tripping her breaker in the heat of the afternoon. An overloaded or low-amperage circuit can be identified using a "fox and hound" circuit tracker and may ultimately require an electrical system check-up or upgrade [https://www.moneypit.com/when-upgrade-your-electrical-service-panel/] by a professional electrician. - Marcus in New Jersey is installing a new exterior door and wonders if he still needs a storm door [https://www.moneypit.com/storm-doors-are-ancient-history/]. They’re generally not necessary for energy efficiency with modern doors, but can be added for airflow, keeping in mind that direct sun can cause heat buildup and potentially melt trim.  We're here every week, and you can call us 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or you can always post your question here [https://www.moneypit.com/question-submission/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

SHOW NOTES: Hey Money Pit fans! We’re kicking things off with a special Happy Father's Day shout-out to all the dads and dad figures out there! Then, listen in as we dive into the essentials of designing an amazing outdoor kitchen for your backyard gatherings and discuss how metal roofs can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Plus, learn how to safely clean up and repair broken windows, and get helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions to make your home better, inside and out! * Learn comprehensive tips on designing outdoor kitchens [https://www.moneypit.com/how-plan-outdoor-kitchen-your-dreams/], emphasizing the need for ground fault protected (GFCI) electrical outlets, plumbing that can be drained, and outdoor-rated appliances, ideally located on an existing patio. * Discover how metal roofing can significantly boost your home's energy efficiency [https://www.moneypit.com/benefits-metal-roof-it-worth-cost/] by reducing cooling costs, thanks to its low thermal mass, heat-reflective coatings, and integral air space. * With summer storm season upon us, get crucial tips on cleaning up broken window glass [https://www.moneypit.com/how-repair-broken-window/] safely using wet paper towels for tiny pieces and preventing future damage by securing potential projectiles around your home. Q & A: * Sally is battling foggy double-pane windows [https://www.moneypit.com/fogged-windows-broken-seals/]. A failed thermopane seal is allowing the insulative gas to escape, impacting energy efficiency and requiring replacement. * Jason is dealing with noisy plumbing [https://www.moneypit.com/plumbing-pipe-noise-causes-are-expansion-and-water-hammer/] when filling his master bathroom tub and spitting cold water from other sinks. A bad washer in the faucet or high water pressure can be fixed by replacing or cleaning the washer. * Thomas from Louisiana has a portable AC unit that keeps tripping breakers [https://www.moneypit.com/circuit-breaker-tripping-how-to-identify-cause-and-best-way-to-repair/] and causing the extension cord to heat up from an under-rated 100-foot extension cord. He needs an electrician to properly label circuits and verify wire sizes. * Leslie provides a tip of the day on smoke detectors [https://www.moneypit.com/most-effective-smoke-detector-system/], advising to check if they are over 5 years old and highlighting new models with photoelectric sensors for better protection against slow smoldering fires. * For the dads in your life, consider upgrading their favorite spaces like garages [https://www.moneypit.com/converting-garage-workshop-tips-create-space-more-your-car/] or man caves with LED lighting or shelving, and Leslie raves about the convenience and security of installing a keyless entry system. * Donna has a disgusting problem at a fitness facility shower with slimy, brown mold [https://www.moneypit.com/getting-rid-bathroom-mold/] that bleach hasn't fixed. We recommend controlling humidity and using a commercial cleaner like Zep Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner. * Michael's got a cracking pool deck [https://www.moneypit.com/pool-deck-makeover/], a common issue due to ground movement. We suggest Quikrete's Crack Seal, a latex emulsion product designed to flow into and solidify those cracks for a lasting fix, unlike mortar or concrete. * Finally, we'll help Abby, a DIY novice, with her project of refinishing a sun-damaged front door, recommending taking it off its hinges, using a vibrating sander, and choosing a door finish with high UV protection [https://www.moneypit.com/protect-wood-door-sun-damage/].  ASK A QUESTION: We're here every week, and you can always call us at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! 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: Looking for privacy? Today, we'll explore natural landscaping screens over traditional fencing. Plus, discover the benefits of metal roofing for summer replacements and learn how to easily renovate your stairs for a fresh interior look. Listen in for info to create your best home ever, with tips for projects both big and small! - Stairs: Stepping up the style of your outdated stairs [https://www.moneypit.com/decorating-tips-stairs/] is a great DIY project for home design. - Privacy Screen: Landscaped privacy screens [https://www.moneypit.com/plant-hedges-or-bushes-create-living-privacy-screen/] are a natural alternative to building a fence. - Metal Roofs: If you’re thinking about roof replacement, find out the unique benefits of installing a metal roof [https://www.moneypit.com/benefits-metal-roof-it-worth-cost/].   Q & A: - Plumbing: Mary would like to install a tankless water heater, but since she has electric heat, she should switch to a high-efficiency heat pump water heater [https://www.moneypit.com/heat-pump-water-heater-saves-money-and-energy/] instead. - Grading: Vinnie needs suggestions for leveling his hilly backyard. He gets info about sloping away from the foundation, raising the soil level and how to retain it, and installing a curtain drain to redirect water [https://www.moneypit.com/how-build-curtain-drain-old/] from the wettest areas. - Garden: How can you get plants to grow in shady areas [https://www.moneypit.com/08-5-13-landscapingforshadyareasrc/]? Hostas, copper plants, and begonias are a few options, but Janna should speak with pros at a local garden center. - Pool Repair: Barb has an older pool that’s used a lot, but it has cracks, exposed rebar, and tile that needs replacing. It’s all repairable, and we discuss some ideas for fixing the pool [https://www.moneypit.com/repair-crumbling-concrete-pool-stairs/].   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]