SHOW NOTES:
- Small Bathrooms: Size doesn’t matter with these space-saving tips for small bathrooms.
- Painting Over Mold: Find out how to clean and repaint surfaces the right way to keep mold from coming back.
- Buying an Efficient Dryer: Choosing an efficient dryer will consume less energy and lower your electric bills.
 
Q & A:
- Adding an HVAC System: How hard is it to add air conditioning? The ductwork is not that difficult and Courtney should certainly not remove her hot water baseboard heating to change the HVAC system.
- Flooring Adhesive: Vito wants to install upcycled bathroom flooring, but it won’t stick. He should clean the subfloor well and use a grooved trowel to apply floor adhesive.
- Worms: Lillian doesn’t like the garden worms coming into her patio after a rainfall, but they’re beneficial to the soil and we don’t recommend trying to get rid of them.
- Foundation Drainage: After removing a large tree near his foundation, Mike is concerned about drainage. We offer tips on overfilling the area with clean fill dirt and diverting water away from the house.
- Sealing Marble: Gary cleaned the stain from a marble tabletop and wants to know how to seal the surface. We suggest products that can polish and seal the marble.
- Old Wood Walls: Remodeling an old home revealed beautiful American chestnut wood walls. It’s a rare find and James gets advice on sanding and refinishing the wood.
- Tankless Water Heater: Sharon hopes a tankless water heater will heat the water faster. She will get an unlimited supply of hot water but may still need to add a bypass valve to recirculate hot water on a timer.
- Matching Flooring: Char wants new bedroom flooring to complement the golden oak laminate in the other rooms. It’s a hard color to match and she should consider installing tile or carpet instead for a different look.
  
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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#2348 – Size Doesn’t Matter: Small Bathroom Space Savers | Mold-Proof Painting | Money-Saving Dryers

SHOW NOTES:
- Fireplace and Chimney Safety: Stop playing with fire and get tips on maintaining your fireplace and chimney.
- Driveway Repair: Fall is a great time to fix and seal your cracked or worn driveway.
- Indoor Air Quality: Learn the best way to breathe easier and clear the air of dust, pollen, and other allergens.
 
Q & A:
- Chimney Repair: Someone suggested using roof cement to cover cracks in a chimney crown, but Bill should use a good silicone caulk sealant instead.
- Flower Beds: Michelle wants to know how to place her flower bed. We recommend grading the soil away from the house before planting and not adding any borders that may impede drainage.
- Deck Cleaning: A chemical reaction with a deck cleaning product left Andrew’s wood deck with a splotchy white film. He could use a spare piece of lumber to test a solid stain and see how well it will cover the filmy residue on the rest of the deck.
- Crawlspace Odor: There’s a musty odor coming from the dirt crawlspace that opens into Bridget’s basement. She needs to lay down a plastic vapor barrier, check the outside drainage, and build a hatch to close the opening.
- Air Conditioning Systems: What’s the cost of a new air conditioning unit? Steve should get estimates from a number of contractors because the price can vary widely.
- Epoxy Flooring: Cindy wants to add speckles to her existing epoxy floor. As long as the first layer is adhering well, she can simply apply a second layer and add them.
- Basement Moisture: Randall had a flooded basement and needs to reduce moisture. He doesn’t need vents but he should improve the drainage around his foundation and install a dehumidifier.
- Electrical Openings: Catherine changed her mind about basement lighting and has holes where the outlets and fixtures were supposed to be. We offer advice about disconnecting the electrical wiring and how to cover the openings.
- Sinking Porch: One side of Charles’ concrete porch has sunken in. He’ll need to break up the slab and redo the foundation before pouring a new cement porch.
 
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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#2347 – Soot Happens: Fireplace and Chimney Safety | DIY Driveway Repair | Better Indoor Air Quality

Show Notes:
- Garage Organization Tips: Fall is the perfect time to get your garage organized and make room for off season storage. Tom & Leslie share tips to get your garage ready bikes, bats, lawnmowers and more.
- Smart Tips for Purchasing a New Furnace. Whether your old furnace is shot, or you want a more efficient upgrade, buying a new furnace should never be an impulse buy. We’ll have tips for making smart choice to restore heat without burning a hole in your finances.
- Ingenious Trick for Replacing Broken Ceramic Tiles. Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to care for, but what happens if one ceramic tile breaks, and you can’t find a replacement? We’ll share a trick-of-the-trade for a fast fix up.
Plus, answers to home improvement questions about:
- Deck Stain Won’t Stick. Get tips on how to restore deck stain that peels off shortly after its applied.
- Bees Buzzing Your Food. If you’re frustrated by bees that buzz your outdoor meals or those of your pets, Tom shares a neat trick for keep them away from the food.
- To Fix or Not to Fix a House You’re Selling. Find out why it may or may not make sense for you make repairs of improvement to your home before putting it on the market.
- Crawlspace Ventilation. We help one listener sort though some potentially bad advice from a contractor with a conflict of interest.
- Roof Repair Costs. We walk Rochelle though the process of figuring out if an estimate she received for repairs to her roof makes sense and share a resource where you can search for the average cost for hundreds of projects as a guide to determining if your estimate is in line.
- LP Siding: John has a house with a siding that’s been the subject of a major class-action lawsuit. Toms explains the issues with deteriorating LP Siding, and a strategy on how to deal with it in a real estate transaction.
- Hot Water Delays: Find out why it can take a long time for hot water to arrive when the tap is turned on.
- Best Floor for an RV: Learn why today’s luxury and ridged vinyl plank floor products may be a perfect choice for an RV.
- Spider Infestation: Johnin Delaware needs help dealing with a sever infestation of spiders in every room of his house! Tom walks him through the best options to make them bug out!
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#2346 - Garage Organization Greatness | Smart Furnace Selection | Genius Fix for Tile Replacement

SHOW NOTES:
- Buying a Foreclosed Home: Is it a deal or a disaster to buy a foreclosed home?
- DIY Stone Countertops: Get the expensive look of a natural stone countertop at a fraction of the cost with a DIY refinishing kit.
- Installing Attic Flooring: Learn how installing attic flooring can add to your storage or weaken your structure.
 
Q & A:
- Bad Odors: Jim can’t find the source of a strange odor in his new home. It may be bio-gases in the plumbing, but there are ways to clean out the bacteria.
- Dishwasher Stops Working: The dishwasher fills but then suddenly stops. Darlene should check the float in the bottom of the dishwasher to see if it’s clogged.
- Property Lines: How can you find your property line markers? Daniel’s home survey will show the boundaries, but it may be difficult to locate the metal corner pins.
- Broken Sewage Pipe: A cracked sewage pipe ruined Helen’s basement. She’ll need a remediation company but the damage should be covered by her insurance policy.
- Insulation: Marion’s old home has no insulation or vapor barriers. We’ve got tips on the best ways to insulate her house.
- Damaged Hardwood Floor: A water leak left a soft spot in the hardwood floor. We suggest that Heather use a piece of hidden flooring to replace the damaged boards.
- Leaking Toilet: An old-fashioned toilet tank keeps leaking. Fred should try using silicone to seal each connection and make his own gaskets.
 
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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#2345 - Deal or No Deal? Buying Foreclosed Homes | DIY Stone Countertop Kits | Adding Attic Flooring

SHOW NOTES:
-      Planning a Kitchen Makeover: Having the right plans for a kitchen makeover is the recipe for success.
-      Concrete Crack Repair: Get tips on how to fix cracked concrete and make the repairs last.
-      Cleaning Range Vent Hoods: Gross grease can also be a hazard. Find out the best way to clean the vent hood over a stove.
 
Q & A:
-      Insect Pests: Karen has questions about a bug zapper for her problem with flies. We recommend an insect trap that works well to eliminate flying pests.
-      Driveway Drainage: Water that flows alongside the driveway is removing the sand and soil. Randy can dig out the dirt and fill the space with gravel that won’t wash away.
-      Installing a Fence: Hope wants suggestions on materials to use for building a fence. She gets tips on attractive black fencing and how to build the footings.
-      Garage Insulation: Is it a good idea to insulate a garage that will be air-conditioned? Yes, it is, and will help David save on heating and cooling costs.
-      Adding a Bathroom: Where is the best place to add a second bathroom in your home? A second-floor bathroom will give Keri better value than a bathroom in the basement.
-      Coal Fireplace: Is it safe to burn coal in a wood-burning fireplace? Ed learns that it’s definitely a fire hazard and that coal fireplaces are built differently.
-      Musty Odors: Georgia smells musty odors in the room over her crawlspace. We suggest installing a vapor barrier and vent fans, plus checking for drainage issues and dead animals.
-      Painting Wood Eaves: Paint is peeling from the wood eaves in Kelly’s old home. We have tips on how to strip, prime, and repaint the wood.
-      Brick Repair: Brick and mortar is crumbling on the corner of Katherine’s home. She gets advice on how to dye and patch the brick and repair the mortar.
-      Repairing Door Panels: Jeff wonders if he should repair a broken wood door panel or get a whole new door. A carpenter can easily replace the panel.
 
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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#2344 - Cook Up Plans for a Kitchen Makeover | Lasting Concrete Repair | Degreasing Range Vent Hoods

SHOW NOTES:
- DIY or Hire a Pro?: Do you have the DIY skills or should you pay for a professional contractor? How to decide.
- Tap Water Safety: Tests can determine how safe your water is for cooking, drinking, and bathing.
- Insulation: Cooler weather is a great time to find out if your home has enough insulation.

YOUR QUESTIONS:
- Rusty Washing Machine: Sherry’s washing machine dispenser is rusting. If it’s not that old, it’s worth getting a replacement part and having it repaired.
- Insulation: Ed wants to insulate the gap between the drywall and masonry. It would be more effective to seal any drafts and add insulation to the attic.
- Popcorn Ceiling: Can you clean a popcorn ceiling? Margaret won’t be able to clean it, but gets tips on how to remove the popcorn texture or repaint it.
- Retaining Wall Materials: Should Robert use blocks or poured cement to build a retaining wall? Blocks are more attractive and less work but need to be installed properly for the retaining wall to last.
- Weed Removal: Kim is fighting a weed problem and gets info about using plastic sheets, weed block, and spray products for her lawn.
- Leaning Wall: A brick retaining wall is leaning forward from the soil that’s expanding and pushing against it. Howard gets options for replacing the wall.
- Leaking Windows: Rain and bugs are coming inside Georgia’s leaking windows. They should be sealed with better flashing under the exterior siding.
- Cracked Drywall: Drywall cracks are a common problem, but Patrick gets tips on using fiberglass tape and how to spackle over it to stop the cracks.
- Woodpeckers: Knock, knock. Who’s there? Barb gets advice on how to scare away woodpeckers that keep tapping at her house.
- DIY Fire Pit: James wants to build a DIY fire pit. We recommend a fire pit kit that includes all the materials he needs.
- Cracks in Brick: A crack going up a brick wall may have many causes. Unless it’s an active crack, Judith can use silicone sealant to keep out damaging moisture.

ASK A QUESTION:
- Need answers to your own home improvement or decor 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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#2343 – H2O or H2No: Is Your Tap Water Safe? | DIY or Go Pro? | Top Insulation Tips

SHOW NOTES:
 - Stump Removal: Get to the root of the problem of stump removal with these tips.
 - Squeaky Floors: Step quietly by fixing those annoying squeaky floors.
 - Buying Gutters: Installing the right gutters defends your home against water damage.

Q & A:
 - Ceiling Stains: After fixing a roof leak, Sarah has ceiling stains. Using a good primer before painting will stop the stains from coming through.
 - Cement Caulk: Is there a caulk you can use to match a cement stamped patio? Tom will probably need to just use a clear caulk to seal the cracks.
 - Bathroom Tile: Is there an alternative for bathroom wall tile? Janet should consider a premade bathtub surround as an inexpensive and effective option.
 - Crawlspace: Bowen had better have a good reason for removing dirt from his crawlspace because exposing the footing could cause structural issues.
 - Cracked Concrete Floor: Lori has cracks in her concrete flooring. We recommend using a patching compound to make it look like new.
 - Uneven Floor: The uneven floor in John’s home addition is a problem. We offer suggestions for using a floor-leveling compound or a transition strip.
 - Installing a Flagpole: Linda is having trouble installing a flagpole to an aluminum column and gets info on using longer screws and a block for support.
 - Stained Countertops: How do you clean stains on a Corian countertop? Sharon should try making a cleaning paste and letting it sit to bleach the stains.

ASK A QUESTION:
- Need answers to your own home improvement or decor 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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#2342 - Root of the Problem: Stump Removal | Silencing Squeaky Floors | Buying the Best Gutters

SHOW NOTES:


Open Floor Concept: Create an open design in an older home with a pass-through project.


Smart Home Security: State-of-the-art home security systems defend your domain and grow with your family.


Choosing a Paintbrush: Make DIY painting projects easier by choosing the right paintbrush for the job.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Building a Deck: Cheryl wants to build a deck over a concrete pad. We explain why that’s not a good foundation and how to build a proper footing.


Plumbing Leaks: What should you do about pinpoint leaks in copper pipes? Mike should monitor the situation and replace the pipes as needed rather than remove the whole plumbing system.


Cleaning a Vinyl Fence: Beverly wants to clean black marks off her white vinyl fence. She needs to find the source of the stains and use an abrasive pad with the right cleaner.


Flooring Over Concrete: Wally gets advice on sealing cracks in his concrete floor to prevent moisture before installing a new floating floor over it.


Installing Vinyl Siding: Should you use nails or screws to install vinyl siding? Beverly learns why to definitely use nails and how to allow the siding to expand.


Water Sensors: Doug wants to know if a water sensor is a worthwhile investment. We agree that water sensors and leak detectors have smart technology that works well.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Breaking Barriers: Creating Open Space in an Older Home | State-of-the-Art Security Systems to Defend Your Domain | Hue’s Clues: How to Choose the Right Paintbrush | Ep #2341

SHOW NOTES:


Lightning Protection: When lightning strikes, find out how to protect your home from storm damage.


Stuck Windows: Get tips for opening and closing stubborn old windows that have you stuck.


Buying a Grill: Here’s what to look for when shopping hot deals for a new grill.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Uneven Air Conditioning: One room is much warmer than the rest of the house. Stephanie can check the airflow at the registers and returns, add insulation, and install supplemental cooling to balance the heating and cooling.


Attic Ventilation: Jim is worried about mold he found after insulating his attic. He needs to increase the attic ventilation by adding ridge and soffit vents.


Bathtub Refinishing: The bathtub finish is starting to erode and can’t be touched up. Peggy gets info about an epoxy refinishing kit to do the whole tub.


Metal Roof: Patrick is considering installing a metal roof. It’s a good investment that offers new technology, insurance savings, and energy rebates.


Painting Fireplace: Should you paint a brick fireplace? Mary gets advice about using a good primer, having to repaint, and ideas to decorate around the brick.


Cleaning a Covered Deck: Ed wants to clean his covered wood deck. We recommend a wood cleaner, but he’ll need to cover his tools so they don’t get wet.


Adding a Deck Step: It’s a high step from Steve’s deck into his cabin. Adding a step will be helpful and he finds out the right size tread to build.


Garage Floor Stains: How do you clean grease stains from a garage floor? Kathy gets tips on cleaning the stains with TSP and using an epoxy floor paint.


Driveway Repair: An old asphalt driveway is worn and has big dips. It sounds like it’s time for Bonnie to tear it out and replace the driveway.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com.
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Shocking Secrets: How to Protect Your Home from Lightning | Sticky Situation: Fixing Stuck Windows | Hot Tips for Buying a New Grill | Ep #2340

SHOW NOTES:


End-of-Summer House Projects: Get info on 5 end-of-summer house projects to do now that will save time, money, and repairs later.


Cooling a Home on a Budget: Learn low-cost to no-cost ways to reduce the heat in your home.


Exterior House Painting: If you spray it, you can slay it with a paint sprayer that makes exterior house painting projects quicker and easier.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Central Vacuum: Condensation on the central vacuum pipes is ruining Sean’s walls. We suggest insulating the whole pipe to stop the drip.


Shelving: Ellie needs tips on how to hang wall shelves. We have tips on how to properly anchor shelves to offer the right support.


Radon Mitigation: Bob has questions about adding a radon fan. He should get a separate radon mitigation system that will pull the gas from under the entire slab of his home.


HVAC Mold: Fluctuating temperatures cause mold in Betty’s ceiling vents. It may be only condensation that’s depositing dirt particles, but she should have an HVAC inspection to see about cleaning the duct system and replacing the filters.


Tree Roots: Ashwani is concerned about the roots of big backyard trees near his home. There’s low risk if the trees are healthy, but he should consider thinning them out if the trees are crowded together.


Cracked Ceramic Tiles: Can cracked ceramic floor tiles be fixed? They can’t, but Valerie can remove the damaged tiles and replace them with complementary ones.


Vinyl Flooring: Angela wants to cover her old vinyl kitchen floor with paint. It’s not a good idea, but we offer options that are durable, affordable, and stylish.


Bathroom Odors: Phew! There’s a sewer odor in Ted’s bathroom. He should check if the trap is properly vented and use bleach to eliminate bio-gases.


Pool Deck Coating: Howard asks about paint for his concrete pool deck that won’t be slippery. We have tips for applying an anti-slip coating.


Butcher Block Countertop: Eliza likes the look of a butcher block countertop, but we warn her that it’s a lot of work to maintain and guard against bacteria.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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5 End-of-Summer Projects to Save Time and Money | Chill Without the Bill: Low-Cost Ways to Cool Your Home | Spray It and Slay It: House Painting Made Easy | Ep #2339

SHOW NOTES:


Home Maintenance: When the American dream is a DIY disaster: homeowners get failing grades for home maintenance skills.


Dormant Lawn Care: Brown grass may be dormant, not doomed, with proper lawn care.


Concrete Repair: Old, worn-out concrete comes back stronger than ever with a DIY concrete resurfacing product.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Kitchen Range: Cindy must protect her wood cabinets next to a large six-burner gas stove. We suggest getting installation specs from the manufacturer.


Metal Roofing: How do you install a metal roof? It’s not an easy DIY project, but Perry gets tips on installing a metal roof that will last a lifetime.


Septic System: What is the best way to maintain a septic system? We advise Emily to have it inspected and pumped regularly, avoid chemicals, and protect the septic field.


Roots in Plumbing Lines: Roots under Larry’s home are growing into the sewer lines and separating the pipes. He should look into relining the pipe rather than breaking up the floor inside the house.


Deck Paint: Oops! Emily used porch paint on her new deck. It’s actually not a problem as long as the paint is adhering well.


Heating Flooring: What kind of floor should go over a heated concrete slab? Russ needs to use a radiant heat-compliant product, such as stone-based flooring.


Wood Paneling: Ashley has wood paneling with no drywall underneath. We tell her how to remove it, replace the insulation, and install moisture-proof drywall.


House Flies: Yuck! Mike’s got fly poop all over his siding that won’t come off. We suggest a cleaning product to use and getting a pest control professional to control the problem with flies.


Wet Basement: Beverly needs help with her wet basement and finds out how to improve the outside drainage with better grading, gutters, and downspouts.


Cracked Brick Wall: There’s a long, wide crack in the brick wall behind Jim’s garage. He needs a structural engineer to find out if it’s an active crack.


Smoke Odors: After the previous homeowner left smoke odors behind, Lois should use an oil-based primer on the walls, subfloors, and ceiling to seal in the smell before painting the rooms. 

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Survey Says Homeowners Flunk Maintenance 101 | Dormant vs. Dead: Keeping Your Lawn Alive | Concrete Surface Solutions | Ep #2338

SHOW NOTES:


Storm Shutters: Besides adding style, find out how real storm shutters protect your home from the elements.


Front Door: Attractive front doors make lasting first impressions that add curb appeal and value to your home.


Awnings: Learn how updated awnings extend your outdoor living space and offer energy savings to your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Toilet Noises: Kathy’s toilet squeals when the washing machine runs. It could be caused by a blockage or a bad fill valve.


Sidewalk Gaps: Robert has gaps between the slabs of his concrete walkway. He gets tips on using a backer rod and a caulk sealant to close up the spaces.


Brick Patio: The attractive brick edge of a concrete patio needs to be restored. Grace gets advice on re-mortaring the bricks and options for refinishing the patio surface.


Wood Furniture: Faux leather cushions have stained a beautiful wood couch. James can sand and seal the slats and cover the cushions with a fabric that won’t stick to the wood.


Toilet Stain: A dirty residue keeps returning to Cindy’s toilet. We suggest using a different commercial cleaner or installing a self-cleaning toilet.


Water Heater: One end of the house is getting less hot water than the other. Stewart can either install a second water heater or a hot water recirculating system.


Roof Rejuvenation: Debbie is curious about a company that claims to extend the life of an old roof. We confirm that it’s an effective option to treat dried-out shingles and save you money.


Brick Foundation: Areas of the brick foundation in a Victorian home are starting to bow out. Ed should consult with a structural engineer about repair options.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Protect Your Home with Storm Shutters | Front Doors for Lasting First Impressions | Awesome Advantages of Awnings | Ep #2337

SHOW NOTES:


Bathroom Upgrades: Upgrade your bathroom on a budget with easy projects that cost less than $500.


Silencing Water Hammer: Get tips for fixing water hammer to stop noisy plumbing pipes and the risk of damage and leaks.


Stone-Based Liquid Flooring: Give indoor and outdoor floors and other surfaces the look of granite with a DIY product that’s easy to apply.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Converting an Old Tub: Caitlyn wants to preserve an old clawfoot bathtub and add a shower head. We advise having it professionally re-enameled, but installing a shower kit should be easy to do herself.


Hardwood Flooring: How much space should John leave between new hardwood flooring and the drywall? We suggest about a half inch and offer tips for acclimating the new flooring to the room.


Metal Roof: Charlene is deciding between asphalt and metal for her shallow roof. She doesn’t have the right pitch for shingles and a metal roof is a great investment.


Porch Decking: Ray’s wraparound porch decking was not maintained, but we have info on applying a solid color stain that is durable and long-lasting.


Deck Ceiling Paint: After power washing her deck, Blair needs to repaint the wood deck ceiling. She should prime it first and then apply a latex paint or solid stain.


Attic Insulation: Jeff wonders what kind of insulation to add to his unfinished attic. We’ll explain how he should lay insulation batts over the joists and existing material.


Mold Stains: A bathroom leak left a ceiling stain that looks like mold. Wendy can test the area to be sure, then use a bleach solution to clean it before priming and painting it again.


Nail Stains on Siding: Rust from inferior galvanized nails is staining Brian’s wood siding. He can try sanding down the areas and using a better primer before repainting.


Wood Paneling: Rebecca wants to change the look of old wood paneling. She can either sand, prime, and paint it or add a layer of drywall over it.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Penny-Wise Powder Room: Bathroom Updates for Under $500 | Pipe Percussion: How to Silence Water Hammer | Rock the Look of Granite with DIY Terrazzo Product | Ep #2336

SHOW NOTES:


Kitchen Makeovers: Cook up some quick and easy kitchen makeovers that can be done over a weekend.


Roof Inspections: Find roof leaks before they find you with a thorough roof inspection.


Gas Grills: If you’re savoring the thought of a new gas grill, get tips on the features worth having.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Chipmunks: Chipmunks are much cuter outdoors, so Linda gets tips on how to seal up the gaps in her metal buildings to keep them from getting inside.


Limescale Buildup: Greg’s having trouble cleaning the limescale buildup on his glass shower doors. Vinegar should remove it unless it’s really another stain or scratches.


Floor Joists: Laura wants to add support to the kitchen floor under an appliance. We offer info about installing girder beams to reduce the bounce of the floor.


Converting to Gas: Abram wants to replace an electric dryer with a gas dryer. It should be easy for a plumber to tap into the gas line and make sure it’s safe.


Industrial Floor: Linda needs suggestions for flooring in an industrial building. She’ll need to remove loose paint from the old cement floor and then apply two-part epoxy paint for a durable surface.


Uneven Deck: A floating deck that’s covering a cistern is heaving and uneven. Steve should take the deck apart, reframe it with better footings, and consider using composite materials with an access panel for the cistern.


Concrete Basement Floor: The concrete basement floor is crumbling and flaking. Mary should improve her outside drainage first, then use a cement patching compound and some epoxy floor paint to seal the surface.


Leaking Roof: Rain is leaking through the roof where it connects to the wall of an addition. We tell Steve how to remove the siding and improve the flashing to seal the space.


Radiant Heated Floor: Jeanette has questions about installing radiant heated flooring in her bathroom and kitchen. It can be expensive to install and to run, but we have tips on using a timer and getting a contractor to do it right.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Bite-Sized Upgrades: Weekend Kitchen Makeovers | Rooftop Revelations: Tips for Roof Inspections | The Frills of Grills: Gas Grill Features Worth Having | Ep #2335

SHOW NOTES:


Centipedes: Get a leg up on banishing fast and freaky thousand-legger centipedes inside your home.


Micro-Irrigation: Tiny drops produce big blooms with micro-irrigation for your garden.


Paint Sprayers: New paint sprayer technology gets DIY paint projects done faster, easier, and with less waste.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


HVAC Blockage: Barely any air blows through one room in Leroy’s home. He gets tips on how to look for a duct blockage or a closed damper.


Firepit Mortar: Michelle is building a fieldstone firepit but the mortar is dry and cracking. We suggest putting plastic over the surface to slow down the drying time and recommend some good products and videos.


Lead Paint: Lauren is worried about lead in the paint that’s chipping and flaking in her old home. She needs to work with a painter who’s certified in lead paint containment to make sure her kids are safe.


Water Heater: What is the slight leak coming from the PVC tube at the top of the water heater? Michael learns it’s just a pressure relief valve, but his old water heater should still be replaced.


Converting a Deck: Diane wants to turn her deck into a closet and laundry room. It’s a good idea, but she should consult with an architect since it can be a complicated addition.


Plumbing Noises: There’s a clicking noise behind the bathroom and closet. It’s probably pipes or metal siding expanding and contracting against Damian’s walls.


Floor Moisture: Water is coming up from the concrete slab under Michelle’s laminate floor. She should check the drainage outside the house and use an exhaust fan with a humidistat to reduce condensation.


Split Outlet: Why does the bottom plug work in an outlet but the top one doesn’t? Chris may have a split outlet that’s partly controlled by a switch.


Popping Nails: Nails are popping out of the sheetrock near the ceiling and corners. We advise Bob to either replace the nails with drywall screws or overlap the existing nail heads with the heads of new nails.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Get a Leg Up on Banishing Centipedes | Smart Sips for Plants: Benefits of Micro-irrigation | Spray It Forward: New Paint Sprayer Technology | Ep #2334

SHOW NOTES:


Patio Makeover: Old, worn concrete patios get new life with an easy DIY paver makeover.


Preventing Bathroom Mold: Keep bathroom mold and mildew at bay by reducing moisture with these ventilation tips.


Garage Door Styles: Attractive garage doors add immediate curb appeal with updated styles to complement your home.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Cleaning Brick: Mortar stains are hard to remove, but Gail gets tips on how to safely use a stiff wire brush or drill attachment without damaging the brick.


Cracked Tile Floor: Dan’s tile floor is probably cracking because it wasn’t installed properly. He can replace them as needed or replace the tile floor after installing a flexible uncoupling membrane underneath.


Faulty Closet Light: Ming has a closet door light that doesn’t come on and sometimes arcs. That’s a fire hazard that needs to be replaced immediately.


Leaking Windows: Water is leaking through the top of the windows under a rotting gutter. After fixing the gutter and fascia, Dan should monitor the leak to see if he needs to remove the siding and replace the flashing.


Updating a Bathroom: The dated green tiles around Peg’s bathtub have got to go! A whole bathroom renovation may be a better option than painting, reglazing, or adding a fiberglass insert.


Plumbing Noises: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever someone uses the toilet, shower, or laundry. Nicole may need to secure the pipes, install a water hammer arrestor, and check the well pump.


Replacing Soffits: Mike is thinking of replacing the soffits on his garage with Hardie plank, but we advise him to use a different material in a color that complements the siding.


GFCI Outlets: Do GFCI outlets need their own circuit breakers? The circuit breaker is actually built into the outlet and Belinda can use an outlet tester to be sure they’re grounded.


Bathroom Mold: Bathroom mold keeps coming back, no matter what Matt does to remove it. He gets tips on improving the ventilation and using caulk with mildewcide.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Paving the Way to a DIY Patio Makeover | Ventilation Victory: Win the War Against Bathroom Mold | Garage Glam: Garage Door Styles Add Curb Appeal | Ep #2333

SHOW NOTES:


Deck Safety: Avoid outdoor disasters by recognizing the 5 causes of dangerous deck collapses.


Storing Paint: Leftover paint can be useful, but only if it’s stored properly. Find out when it’s time to can those paint cans.


Window Screens: Let fresh air in and keep insects out with updated options for window screens.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Driveway and Deck Sealants: Bill wants to know if he needs to seal his new concrete driveway or his pressure-treated deck. We’ve got tips for both.


Musty Odors: There’s a musty odor coming from the slab foundation in a home that was vacant. We advise Mary to pull up the carpet, improve the outside drainage, and start using the HVAC and a dehumidifier to clear the air.


Fascia Board: Should Martin repair or replace a fascia board that’s separating under his porch roof? He just needs to resecure it with screws instead of nails.


Popcorn Ceilings: Ben needs to repair damaged areas of his popcorn ceiling. We explain how to replace some of the texture and repaint the ceiling.


HVAC Odors: There’s an odor when the air conditioning comes on. Jeff can start with duct cleaning, but should also use a good-quality HVAC filter with activated charcoal.


Wood Playground: A pressure-treated wood playground is cracking and turning black. Erin gets tips on a product to clean the wood, using a solid stain, and safe surfaces.


Wet Drywall: After an under-sink water filter bursts, Richard’s not sure if he needs to replace the drywall. It’s not necessary if it’s dried out and not warped.


Converting a Tub to a Shower: Mil needs to convert a tub to a shower but can’t find a fiberglass unit that’s rated for the proper weight. Adding a mortar mix underneath the shower pan will provide a rock-solid base.


Flood Repair: A flash flood left a foot of water in Gary’s basement. We go through the steps to get rid of the water, remove damaged items, clean the surfaces, and dry out the space before starting over.


Painting a Fireplace: Susan would like to paint her brick fireplace but there’s tile on top of it. She should consider using a special primer and painting the tile, too.


Restoring Old Flooring: Is it possible to restore a dingy old kitchen floor? After 20 years, it sounds like it’s time for Harry to update the floor with new materials.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com.
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Breaking Point: 5 Causes of Deck Collapses | Unused Paint Preservation | Mesh Makeover: New Options for Window Screens | Ep #2332

SHOW NOTES:


Pet-Friendly Backyard: Enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends by creating a pet-friendly backyard.


UV Sun Damage: Find out how to defend your floors and furnishings against damaging sunlight.


Staining a Fence: Learn the best way to spruce up your fence for maximum curb appeal.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Installing a Ceiling Fan: James wants to add ceiling fans in rooms with no overhead lighting. It’s not hard, but it’s an easier job for an electrician to do.


Kitchen Flooring: Patrilla would like new kitchen flooring to install over sheet linoleum. Engineered vinyl plank or laminate are beautiful and durable options.


Insulation: An attic with minimal fiberglass insulation needs more. Albert finds out spray foam insulation is an excellent choice that expands, seals, and has a much better R-value.


Old Plumbing: When one shower is used, another one goes cold. Tammy needs a plumber to check the old steel pipes and the water pressure from the street.


Wood Floor Care: Old pine and oak wood floors are hard to clean and protect. We advise Margaret to use a natural cleaner that won’t damage the wood.


Matching Paint Colors: Dante hasn’t been able to match the color of a repainted area in a small room. It’s easier to prime and repaint the whole wall.


Leaking HVAC System: Leah’s split ductless HVAC system is leaking freon. She needs to find the source of the leak instead of adding more refrigerant.


Water in Garage: Water running downhill is coming into Butch’s garage. He should build a curtain drain and pitch it away from the garage to divert the water.


Leaking Roof: A roof leak is probably coming through a pipe from Judy’s bathroom. Replacing the flashing around the pipe should be an easy fix.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Bark-yard Bliss: Create a Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space | Shady Business: Protect Floors and Furniture from UV Sun Damage | Fence Staining Secrets for Curb Appeal | Ep #2331

SHOW NOTES:


Decorating on a Budget: Get 5 money-saving ideas for sprucing up your home without spending a fortune.


Backyard Water Features: Make a splash by creating your own backyard water feature.


Garage Sales: One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure, so get ready for a successful garage sale.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Dehumidifiers: A heat pump is not designed to remove humidity, but Pat may consider using a whole-house dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air.


Drainage: Vince has water coming through the concrete floor in his three-season room. He should install a curtain drain to intercept and discharge the water.


Pool Repairs: An old pool has deck cracks and some exposed rebar. There are products Barb can use to repair and refinish the problem areas.


Garage Door Opener: Bob wants advice on getting a surge protector for a faulty garage door opener. It’s an unusual problem but we recommend a good brand to look into.


Kitchen Sink Styles: Kathy is considering replacing her double kitchen sink with a single sink. It’s a personal preference, but a single bowl offers more space and convenience.


Soundproofing: What’s the best way to soundproof an upstairs movie room? Jerry gets tips on using soundproofing drywall and sealing gaps to muffle the sounds.


HVAC Upgrade: Is it worth upgrading a radiant heating system in an old home? A heat pump is more affordable and efficient, but it may not be necessary if Janey is about to sell the house.


Kitchen Range Vent: Cold wind blows through the vent over David’s kitchen range. He needs to check the gasket, seal, flashing, and vent door springs.


Asbestos: Maryann is worried about finding asbestos when pulling up an old linoleum floor. It should not be an issue, but she can have it tested for asbestos to be sure.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
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Décor on a Dime: 5 Money-Saving Home Decorating Ideas | Make a Splash with a Backyard Water Feature | Trash or Treasure? Tips for a Successful Garage Sale | Ep #2330

SHOW NOTES:


Concrete Countertops: Learn why durable and versatile concrete countertops are a popular trend.


Rental Costs: As rent prices skyrocket, find out 7 ways to make your rent more affordable.


Summer Storage: More summer fun means more summer stuff! Get tips for cutting the clutter.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Musty Porch Odors: There’s a musty smell in Anna’s unheated closed-in porch. We advise pulling out the unneeded insulation, then cleaning and airing out the walls.


Electrical Outlet: Steve discovers one outlet that has no current in the wiring. He needs to call an electrician to trace the source of the outage.


Retaining Walls: A significant slope in the yard makes it hard to mow and use the space. A landscape architect can help Alex plan the right kind of retaining wall.


Synthetic Brick: What are the pros and cons of synthetic brick for a home’s exterior? We agree it’s a good idea and recommend some products to Alice.


Cleaning Stainless Steel: Phillip has tried everything to clean his stainless steel sink, but it may be a chemical reaction discoloration that cleaning won’t help.


Squeaky Door: When oil, WD-40, and new hinges don’t help, Sandy should look for upgraded ball-bearing hinges to quiet her squeaky door.


Japanese Beetles: When Japanese beetles infest his trees and bushes, Hugh needs a pest control professional who can properly and safely apply pesticides.


Porch Screens: Pam’s vinyl porch screens keep blowing out in the wind. We recommend installing smaller sections of a heavier gauge metal screen.


Cleaning Exterior Mold: Mold under the soffit may really be moss or algae. Tim can use a cleaning product that he can spray and forget to clean it away.

 
Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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