SHOW NOTES:
Enjoy some home budget bliss as we discuss how to control maintenance and repair costs, get the look of expensive stone countertops at an affordable price, and do a home remodeling project with the best ROI! Save time, money, and stress as we answer these and other home improvement questions you’ll want to know.
- Home Maintenance Costs: Avoid unpleasant surprises by setting a budget for home maintenance and repairs.
- Stone Countertops: Get the luxe look of stone countertops at a fraction of the cost.
- Remodeling ROI: Find out which home improvement project delivers the highest ROI.
 
 
Q & A:
- Door Replacement: Old French doors have developed wood rot at the bottom and repairing them is a challenge. Fran should look at getting a new fiberglass door.
- Removing a Wall: Martin wants to remove a main support wall between rooms. It can be done, but this is a big project that needs a professional to avoid disaster.
- Garage Floor: Someone made Kathleen doubtful about installing an epoxy garage floor. We assure her that epoxy flooring is designed to be durable and weather-resistant.
- HVAC Vent Ducts: What’s the best way to hide HVAC vents that run across a finished basement ceiling? Jim should look into beautiful new drop ceiling designs that will provide easy access when needed.
- Basement Odor: Persistent damp odors are coming from Ann’s basement floor drains. She must figure out where the pipes are going and consider installing a lift pump.
- Subflooring: Chris replaced a rotted bathroom subfloor and gets some tips on screwing cement board on top of it, then applying adhesive to install the floor tiles.
- Wallpaper Removal: Should Lisa paint or remove old wallpaper and borders? We recommend using a paper tiger tool and a steam wallpaper remover to soften the glue.
 
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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#2381 – Budget Blueprint for Home Maintenance | Affordable Stone Countertops | Best Home Project ROI

Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?”  It doesn’t have to be that way!  We’re Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete, hosts of The Money Pit Podcast. For us, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider us your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, we share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear - but we promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join us for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

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SHOW NOTES:
In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, maximizing your deck's potential by installing an under-deck drainage system, 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.
Underdeck Drainage: Add dry, usable outdoor space with an underdeck drainage system.
Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
 
Q & A:
Driveway Repair: Water is pooling in sunken areas of the driveway. Joe can use a blacktop patching product and then reseal the whole surface.
Moisture: To reduce moisture building up on interior walls, Laura should run the A/C consistently, direct bathroom and kitchen vents outside, improve exterior drainage, and install a whole-house dehumidifier.
Creaky Floor: Kevin’s floor is creaking under the tiles. He gets info on how to find the movement from the basement and use shims to tap into the floor gaps from underneath.
Noisy Pipes: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever the water is used. Nicole learns it may be water hammer or the well pump going on and off.
Electrical Wiring: Jay’s electrician said he could just split the circuits and use an arc fault breaker instead of replacing all the old wiring. We confirm that’s excellent advice.
Roofing: Should Tina remove the old roof shingles before installing a metal roof? We agree it’s a bad idea to leave the shingles because of the heat factor. 
Concrete Stains: Is there a way for Garland to remove battery acid stains on his garage floor? We recommend covering the garage floor with epoxy paint.
Wall Paint: Diane wants advice on applying a Venetian plaster effect to her walls. It’s a unique look that may take practice and we suggest using it on a focal wall.
Sump Pump: Bob has questions about a sump pump that runs through the carport. He should install a check valve so water can’t back up and a curtain drain to direct the water.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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#2410 – Shady Business: Cleaning Window Shades | Underdeck Drainage Systems | Simple Landscape Plans

SHOW NOTES:
Today, get ready to level up your home and garden game as we discuss the advantages of building a greenhouse for year-round gardening and understanding the distinctions between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants to keep your home clean and germ-free. You’ll also get advice on testing and adjusting your soil for a lush, green lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Don't miss out on these and lots more essential home improvement solutions!
- Greenhouse: Get tips for building a backyard greenhouse for a year-round crop of fresh vegetables.
- Cleaning Products: Clean, sanitize, deodorize: which cleaning product does what?
- Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.
 
Q & A: 
- Well Water: Susan’s not sure if she needs a water softener or a filter for her well water. Getting a complete water test done will show what kind of treatment is needed.
- House Beams: Joel wants to remove the center load-bearing beam so he can lower the ceiling, but it’s one of the most difficult projects to do so the roof won’t collapse.
- Chimney Vent: Esther’s new furnace was vented outside instead of through the chimney. She gets advice on how to have a direct duct outside for her water heater, too.
- Basement Smells: There’s a persistent musty smell in Ted’s finished basement. We recommend installing a whole-house dehumidifier and improving the outside drainage.
- Wood Kitchen Walls: Janet gets some ideas on how to give her kitchen a rustic country style with beadboard, wood plank, or vinyl plank flooring adhered to the walls.
- Water Heater: Some strange sounds are coming from James’ water heater! We discuss why pipes make noise as the water heats up and how to look for potential leaks.
- Old Electrical Wiring: Judy was told that her old knob and tube wiring is not a concern. It’s actually unsafe and can’t be grounded, so it should be disabled and replaced.
- Installing a Bathroom: Phillip has a poured concrete house and wants to install a bathroom. There are two ways it can be done because of the solid walls and floors.
 
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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#2409 – Glass Garden: Building a Greenhouse | Types of Cleaning Products | Soil Tests for Lush Lawns

SHOW NOTES:
In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll guide you through tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, ensuring your bathroom re-tiling lasts with proper underlayment, and safely storing 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.
- Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts.
- Bathroom Tiles: Learn essential steps for waterproofing bathroom tiles to avoid damage and moisture.
 
Q & A:
- Shower Doors: Is there a way to repel water and prevent spots on glass shower doors? We recommend a product Randy can use, plus a squeegee to wipe down the surface.
- House Odors: A funky odor in the house is getting worse. Donna already cleaned everything and took up the carpets, but priming and painting the walls may help.
- Toilet Stains: Axel has been trying to remove a stubborn ring stain in the toilet. A gentle pumice stone can remove it, along with a hydrochloric acid cleaner.
- Firepit: The flame on Steve’s new natural gas firepit isn’t very high. Modifying the gas burner can be dangerous, so he should have a plumber check the gas pressure and contact the manufacturer.
- Lighting: Laura’s compact fluorescent bulbs keep blowing out. They should last a long time, so they may be defective and she should consider buying LED bulbs instead.
- Backsplash: Bills is looking for the best material for a backsplash behind his stove. A solid stone surface that’s cut around the exhaust fan would be easy to install and clean.
- Shower Plumbing: Lynne’s shower is leaking through the ceiling below. We share tips on checking for a crack in the shower pan and caulking all the seams and fixtures.
- Insulation: Does Mark need to ventilate his attic after adding spray foam insulation? We’ll explain why he doesn’t need additional ventilation.
- Basement Floor: Amy’s not sure how to cover the dirt basement floor in her farmhouse. She should test for radon first before deciding what comes next.
- Pool Deck: Will a concrete pool deck crack under the weight of an aquaponic garden tank? It weighs about as much as several people, so Patrick’s deck should be okay.
- Electrical Panel: We have answers for Heidi, who has questions about a new electrical panel that was installed outside, with a subpanel inside.  
- Garage Doors: Is there a way to restore the finish of faded aluminum garage doors? Marlene can paint them after sanding the surface and applying a metal primer.
 
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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#2408 – Handle with Care: Storing Flammable Liquids | Build a Stone Garden Wall | Retiling Bathrooms

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 serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. 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.
- Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden.
- Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.
 
Q & A:
- Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it.
- Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, and install rigid insulation board and new drywall inside.
- Popcorn Ceiling: Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a mess, but Laurie gets suggestions on how to wet and scrape the surface without damaging the ceiling.
- Water Softener: Ellie seeks advice on replacing her water softener that’s outside the home. We recommend testing the water and getting a model that’s rated for exterior use.
- Landscaping: There are hills and sinkholes in the lawn above the septic tank. Heavy equipment may crush the pipes, so Chris should use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil and level out the lawn.
- Windows: The original windows in a historic home are very drafty. Jim can add weatherstripping or temporary caulk, or find a company that makes replacement windows to match the old style.
- Microwave: The light under Frieda’s old microwave above the stove keeps burning out. We discuss several possible causes, but it may be time to replace the appliance.
- Plumbing Odors: Sewer odors are coming from the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. Gary gets tips on how to scrub the drains with oxygenated bleach to clean out the biogases and bacteria.
- Hardwood Floor: Jennifer is installing hardwood flooring and gets information on placing it parallel to the longest walls and measuring the room to avoid narrow cuts.
 
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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#2407 – A New Spin: How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine | Grow a Pizza Garden | Garage Workspace

SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, we cover a trio of crucial home improvement topics. First, we share top painting tips to achieve a flawless finish. Next, we discuss maintaining healthy indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Finally, learn about installing a front door that looks great and increases your home's value and security. Tune in for these and other answers to questions from homeowners like you!
- Painting Tips: Avoid painting predicaments by brushing up on these tips to paint like a pro.
- Ventilation: Energy efficiency is great, but can your home be too airtight for healthy living?
- Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home.

Q & A:
- Garage Trim: Mice and water are coming in through gaps in the corners of Dawn’s garage doors. We recommend replacing the vertical pieces of weatherstripping to seal the spaces.
- Bathroom Renovation: Is it a good idea to flip the toilet and the shower on a cement slab? Scott learns it’s a massive renovation job that’s not worth the expense and effort.
- Water Quality: The cold water from only one faucet has a sickening taste. Nancy should report it to the water company and have the water tested.
- Ceiling Drywall: Kenny can see the outline of the studs behind his ceiling. It’s called ghosting and he gets tips on what causes it and how to hide it.
- Wood Flooring: George gets advice on installing hardwood flooring in his family room, including how to prep the subfloor and paying attention to the pattern of the boards.
- Electrical Outlets: When Belinda installs new GFCI outlets, do they need their own circuit breakers? We explain why it’s not necessary and how to use an outlet tester.
- HVAC: It would be a shame for Steve to remove his efficient and comfortable steam heat radiators, but he can still add a ducted air conditioning system.
- Granite Countertops: How often should granite countertops be sealed? Every two or three years is recommended, but Dave can use some recommended DIY products. 
 
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

#2381 – Budget Blueprint for Home Maintenance | Affordable Stone Countertops | Best Home Project ROI

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