Episodes

  • #2518 – Waste Not: Water-Saving Fixtures | Remodeling Impact Report | Best Lawnmowers | Daich Sweepstakes

    #2518 – Waste Not: Water-Saving Fixtures | Remodeling Impact Report | Best Lawnmowers | Daich Sweepstakes
    May 15 2025
    SHOW NOTES: Get ready for summer with water-saving solutions and outdoor living tips! Discover new plumbing fixtures to effortlessly reduce water usage, hear the NAR and NARI 2025 Remodeling report, and get top picks for lawnmowers. Whatever your home improvement project may be, listen in for all the advice you need! - Saving Water: Saving water is made easier with water-saving plumbing fixtures. - Remodeling: Find out which remodeling projects bring homeowners the greatest joy. - Lawn Mowers: New rankings reveal the best lawnmowers that make the cut with Consumer Reports. Q & A: - Windows: Brad likes the look of his old windows, but he needs advice for either having them repaired or installing replacement windows. - Pool: Dorothy finds out the steps involved in having an inground pool removed and getting the space filled in. - Ceiling: What material should Bryce use to replace the damaged wallboard in his bathroom ceiling? He can put water-resistant greenboard right over the existing drywall. - Skylights: Will the light from a tubular skylight interfere with viewing TV in the daytime? Ginny shouldn’t have any problems from the diffused overhead light. - Roofing: The old tar is cracking around the outside edges of Pete’s patio roof. It doesn’t seem like a good idea to patch the tar, and we recommend replacing the roof. - Flooring: Robin is scraping up old carpet glue and wants to install vinyl plank flooring. If the flooring planks are rigid enough, they shouldn’t show any remaining lumps. - Ventilation: Conrad is thinking of putting a solar-powered attic fan over the garage, but an attic fan is not a good idea if it will pull air from any living space and out through the attic. 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
  • #2517– Solid Choices for Most Durable Countertops | Daich Sweepstakes | Asphalt Driveway Tips

    #2517– Solid Choices for Most Durable Countertops | Daich Sweepstakes | Asphalt Driveway Tips
    May 12 2025
    SHOW NOTES: Today’s show is all about making the most of your home's spaces! First, we'll discuss choosing durable, low-maintenance kitchen countertops. Then, we'll explore making use of the area under your second-story deck with under-deck drainage systems. And if your asphalt driveway is worn out, we have expert replacement tips. Save time, money, and effort with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Countertops: Busy kitchens require the most durable countertop materials that are easy to maintain. - Driveway Repair: Get tips on replacing an asphalt driveway that’s showing wear and tear. Q & A: - Water Heater: Will a tankless water heater get hot water to the shower faster? Sharon will have endless hot water on demand, but it still needs to travel to the farthest spot in the home. - Painting Ceiling: Bill removed the popcorn ceiling in his bathroom, and gets tips for sealing the surface with a quality primer before applying a top coat of flat paint. - Mold: How can Judy clean mold off the outside brick without damaging the mortar? We recommend applying a slow-working mildewcide product that washes off the mold. - Plumbing: Doug learns that it’s a great idea to use SharkBite fittings instead of soldering to create a watertight seal while changing the outside faucets. - Lighting: Bill replaced the incandescent lighting with an LED lighting fixture and notices a delay before the light comes on. It’s often normal for it to take some time. - Bathroom Leak: Kirsten has water spots on the ceiling under the upstairs bathroom. She gets advice on how to test for leaks in the shower pan, caulk, and grout. - Flooring: What would be a good vinyl flooring product to replace Carson’s carpet? There are lots of options, but we need more details to know what works best for that area. - Electrical: Carol is replacing old electrical outlets and has questions about the correct wiring. This isn’t a DIY project and she should call a professional electrician. 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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    41 mins
  • #2516 – Deck Check: Tips to Avoid a Deck Collapse | Water Quality and Taste | Metal Roof Tip Feature

    #2516 – Deck Check: Tips to Avoid a Deck Collapse | Water Quality and Taste | Metal Roof Tip Feature
    May 8 2025
    SHOW NOTES: Today’s show shines a spotlight on home safety! First, learn what to check to prevent deck collapses, and then discover how to protect your home’s water quality. Finally, find out why metal roofs are your best bet against severe weather. Get answers to these and other home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode! - Deck Collapse: Safeguard your outdoor fun with a five-step DIY checkup to avoid a deck collapse. - Water Quality: Learn how to maintain high-quality water that’s clean, safe, and tastes great. - Metal Roofs: Ride out the storm with a metal roof that stands up to severe weather. Q & A: - Concrete Repair: Annie’s concrete porch is crumbling, but it’s easy to repair with Quikrete products that can restore the concrete surface. - Flooring: What kind of flooring can be installed over a radiant heating system? Steve can use just about any kind of flooring, but should be careful not to nail into the heating elements. - Cleaning: Lucy gets tips for cleaning dirty outdoor furniture, using the right methods and cleaning products for different types of furniture materials. - Handrails: Should Fred install single or double handrails for egress steps from his basement? We suggest checking his local building codes, but two handrails would be a safe option. - Pests: Pesky cluster flies are coming from the HVAC floor register. It’s a pretty common problem, but Karen should call a professional that will use the right kind of pesticide. - Concrete Floor: The garage floor is not level and water is running toward low spots near the house. Bill learns about using a self-leveling compound on the concrete floor. 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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    41 mins
  • #2515 – Green Standard: Choosing Green Products | Rooms for Growing Kids | Angie Hicks Interview

    #2515 – Green Standard: Choosing Green Products | Rooms for Growing Kids | Angie Hicks Interview
    May 5 2025
    SHOW NOTES: In this home improvement episode, find out what defines a truly green product, get tips on designing a room that grows with your child, and discover how to create a stunning countertop in a weekend without breaking the bank. Plus, get answers to questions from homeowners just like you for more DIY projects! - Green Products: Go beyond the labels and learn what defines truly green products for your home. - Advice from Angie: The founder of Angie.com offers DIY advice. - Kids’ Rooms: Design space-saving rooms that can adapt to your growing kids. Q & A: - Painting: Dan wants to paint his vinyl siding. He’d be setting himself up for years of repainting it, so we suggest changing the color of his door, trim, or shutters instead. - Plumbing: Barbara’s toilet makes a bubbling sound and doesn’t fully flush. A partial obstruction may be causing a venting issue that needs to be unblocked with an auger. - HVAC: Carl is concerned about a new refrigerant that replaced Freon in 2023, but it’s more efficient and environmentally friendly. - Bath Remodel: Who should you use for bathroom remodeling? Macey should determine exactly what she wants done and then get bids on the specs from experienced bathroom contractors. - Epoxy Flooring: Applying a durable epoxy coating is a DIY project that Greg can do to make a concrete floor more attractive. - Foundation: Brenda’s poured concrete basement walls are starting to crumble. She needs a structural engineer to determine how to make the proper 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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    41 mins
  • #2514 – Shady Business: Cleaning Window Shades | Centurion Fiberglass Digging Shovel | Landscape Tips

    #2514 – Shady Business: Cleaning Window Shades | Centurion Fiberglass Digging Shovel | Landscape Tips
    May 1 2025
    SHOW NOTES: In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, finding the right shovel for your outdoor landscaping needs, and cleaning delicate window shades without risking damage. Plus, stay tuned for answers to more home improvement questions to create your best home ever! - Window Shades: Get tips on how to clean delicate window shades without damaging them. - Shovels: Having the right shovel helps to get outdoor projects done more easily. - Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Q & A: - Foundation: A crack in the concrete slab foundation has gotten wider and there’s a dip in the floor. Rachel should call a structural engineer to determine the issue and repairs. - Bees: Carpenter bees are boring holes all over Jim’s log cabin. The right pesticide should work to get rid of them, and then he can replace some of the wood with composite material. - Siding: Lynne wants to protect the cedar siding on her old house. Options include applying boiled linseed oil to protect the surface or using a primer and a solid stain. - Lighting: Pete wants to install recessed can lights on the first floor of his home. It’s not a DIY job because wiring must be properly fished through the finished ceiling. - Flooring: After pulling up the carpet, Nancy has a squeaky subfloor. She learns how to find the floor joists and use screws to tighten the wood before installing a new floor over 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
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    40 mins
  • #2513 – Trex RainEscape Product Features | George Oliphant Interview #2 | Soil Tests for Lush Lawns

    #2513 – Trex RainEscape Product Features | George Oliphant Interview #2 | Soil Tests for Lush Lawns
    Apr 28 2025
    SHOW NOTES: Today, we’ve got tips for creating an outdoor escape, continue our chat with George Olipant of “George to the Rescue,” and offer advice on testing your soil to grow a lusher lawn. Plus, listen in for more home improvement answers to your DIY questions! - Trex RainEscape: Learn more about this innovative system to add living and storage space beneath your elevated deck - George Oliphant: Join us for interview #2 with the host of George to the Rescue. - Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy. Q & A: - Ceiling: There’s no way to completely avoid the mess of removing a popcorn ceiling, but Laurie gets helpful tips for using the wet scrape method to make it easier. - Cleaning: How can Dennis remove roofing cement that spilled on the cement garage floor? He’ll need to use a wire brush and some solvent to scrape it off, then refinish the surface. - Plumbing: A cracked sewer pipe flooded Helen’s basement. Her homeowner’s insurance should cover having a remediation company clean and repair the damage. - Lightning Rod: Jason gets advice on preventing lightning damage to his metal roof and how a lightning rod works. - Moisture: Laura has moisture on her walls and gets lots of information about improving outside drainage, running the AC, using vent fans, and installing a whole house dehumidifier. - Chimney: Richard gets guidance on applying masonry sealer on the porous brick behind his chimney. 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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    42 mins
  • #2512 – Handle with Care: Storing Flammable Liquids | Build a Stone Garden Wall | George Oliphant

    #2512 – Handle with Care: Storing Flammable Liquids | Build a Stone Garden Wall | George Oliphant
    Apr 24 2025
    SHOW NOTES: In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll share tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, speak with NBC’s George Oliphant from George to the Rescue, and help you safely store flammable liquids to avoid garage fire hazards. Tune in for essential advice to upgrade and safeguard your home! - Flammable Liquids: Storing flammable liquids safely is key to avoiding fire hazards in your garage. - George to the Rescue: Listen in for our chat with NBC’s George Oliphant. - Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts. Q & A: - Handrail: Karen wants to add a sturdy railing to her porch steps. Locating the proper attachment points and using the right kind of screws are important. - Siding: Rich’s cedar siding is looking weathered, but cleaning it well and then applying an oil-based primer and an exterior color stain will give it a new and lasting look. - Electrical: Do GFCI outlets need their own circuit breakers? Belinda learns that the outlets themselves are circuit breakers and gets tips on how to test them. - Flooring: George wants to replace the family room carpet with a wood floor. He should secure the subfloor before adding prefinished hardwood that’s durable and easy to install. - Plumbing: We have plumbing advice for Jackie, who’s replacing an old tub with a tile shower and needs to install a new shower diverter valve. - Odors: A tenant’s cigarette smoke left behind odors and discoloration. John gets info on how to clean, seal, or remove the walls, floors, carpets, drapes, and upholstery. 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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    42 mins
  • #2511 – A New Spin: Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine | HGTV’s Clint Robertson | Garage Workspace

    #2511 – A New Spin: Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine | HGTV’s Clint Robertson | Garage Workspace
    Apr 21 2025
    SHOW NOTES: Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then chat with HGTV’s Clint Robertson. Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors, and hear answers to more home improvement questions! - Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors. - HGTV’s Clint Robertson of the “Boise Boys” - Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive. Q & A: - Crown Molding: Tracy wants to install crown molding and learns that high-density foam trim is an easy DIY solution. - Repairing Windows: Cameron has two options for accessing and restringing the counterweights inside his old windows without damaging the trim. - Closet Rod: The weight of heavy clothes has bowed the closet rod and pulled it away from the wall. Bea gets tips for installing sturdy brackets to support the shelf and rod. - HVAC: We have advice for Gail on installing a mixing valve to regulate the water temperature without lowering the heat in her home. - Water Infiltration: Dewey needs to find and remediate the underlying cause of bad odors in his basement after a past sewage backup. - Plumbing: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever Nicole uses the toilet, shower, or washing machine. It may be water hammer or her well pump going on and off. - Pests: How can Kelly can rid of the bugs, slugs and rodents in her garden? We recommend calling a pest control professional to treat the specific problems. 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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    42 mins