SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to The Money Pit! It's mid-September, and with so much happening, it's easy to get sidetracked from your home projects. But don't worry, we're here to help you keep things working and organized. We've got a great show lined up for you today, with topics that include:

- Extending Outdoor Fun with Patio Heaters: Just because it's fall doesn't mean your outdoor enjoyment has to stop! We'll explore how patio heaters can keep you entertaining, dining, and relaxing outside even

- Decoding Spooky Home Sounds: With Halloween just around the corner,

- Saving Money on Your Water Heater: Your water heater might be silently

Q & A:

- Marcus in Louisiana asks about thermal barriers for his attic. We confirm that these radiant barriers do work by reflecting heat, but require proper perpendicular and clean installation to be effective.

- Ellie in Wisconsin is celebrating a new home and wants to install wall shelving in her bathrooms. We encourage her DIY spirit, with advice on suitable anchors for lighter items in drywall and the importance of

- Matt in Ohio is struggling with recurring mold in his shower. We identify improper ventilation and persistent moisture as the likely culprits, recommending a humidistat and antimicrobial caulk after managing the moisture issue.

- Dan in Maryland has greasy kitchen cabinets above his stove and asks for cleaning recommendations. We recommend using Murphy's Oil Soap with warm water and microfiber cloths, along with a gentle abrasive pad for tougher spots.

- Brad emailed us about building a large patio roof and asked about overlapping it with his existing house roof without connecting. We strongly advise against overlapping as a standalone structure, instead recommending securely tying the patio roof into the house for structural integrity.

- Andrew, also via email, reported thunder-like vibrating sounds from the copper pipes in his basement after a new water heater was installed. We attributed this to loose pipes causing a "water hammer" effect and suggested securing them with brackets.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to The Money Pit, where this week’s topics include the housing market forecast for buyers and sellers, bright ideas for outdoor lighting upgrades, and the revival of wallpaper to style your home. Plus, we’ve got expert answers for all your home improvement questions.

- 2026 Housing Market Forecast: We'll break down the latest projections

- Weekend Outdoor Lighting Upgrades: Discover smart, stylish, and affordable lighting solutions, from solar path lights to dramatic uplighting, that you can tackle in a single weekend to boost curb appeal and home safety after dark.

- Wallpaper's Grand Comeback: Think again if you believe wallpaper is

Q & A:

- Ryan from California called in with a problem with yellow jackets around his cat food. We suggest using Rescue TrapStiks to depopulate the area, plus increasing airflow with landscaping changes or an oscillating fan, as bees struggle to fly in the wind.

- Lorie from Tennessee had questions about repairing cracks in her concrete floor. We explain that concrete cracks are typical and recommend specific concrete repair products like Quickrete Recap for larger areas or fillers for smaller cracks.

- Chandler in Kentucky asked for advice on insulating a new home with total spray foam encapsulation without damaging roof shingles. We reassure him that spray foam will not significantly shorten shingle life and is an excellent insulation choice for attics.

- Valerie from Arkansas was looking for a way to repair hairline cracks in

- Tom emailed us about leaky outdoor spigots that are over 20 years old. We suggest using PEX kits to replace old hose bibs and stress the critical importance of turning off and draining exterior faucets in winter to prevent freezing and bursting.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome to The Money Pit and another episode of home improvement tips, with everything from wood care to landscape borders to fall planting in your garden. Plus, we’ve got expert advice for DIYers who reach out with their calls and emails.

- Seasonal Wood Care: We'll walk you through simple steps to inspect,

- DIY Concrete Landscape Borders: Discover how to create stylish and functional decorative borders for your flower beds, driveways, and walkways using Quikrete products, adding instant curb appeal to your yard.

- Fall Planting for a Spring Garden: Learn the secrets to a vibrant spring

Q & A:

- Russ from West Virginia called about flickering dining room lights when his electric water heater activates. We explained that this is likely due to the water heater's high current draw causing a voltage drop, which can make finicky LED bulbs flicker.

- Cindy from Ohio asked if she could paint her cedar shingle siding. We advised that painting is a permanent commitment and suggested a solid color stain as an alternative for adding color while still allowing the wood to be seen.

- Patrilla from Louisiana inquired about installing new flooring over existing sheet linoleum in her kitchen. We shared that many new floating products can be installed directly over the existing floor, often with a thin underlayment.

- James from Mississippi wanted to cut a hole in his deck for an inflatable pool on a slope. We discussed the importance of ensuring the deck's structural integrity by adjusting supports and addressing the ground's grading to create a flat base for the pool.

- David emailed about wall cracks and nail pops appearing two years after his home inspection. We reassured him that these are typically normal cosmetic signs of house movement and offered simple DIY fixes like spackling and re-nailing.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome to another great show here on The Money Pit, where we’re always here to remind you that you can do it yourself, but you don't have to do it alone! If you’re a DIYer, join us for this week’s top home improvement tips, including:

- Home Improvement ROI: We unveil the top five home improvement projects that deliver the best return on your investment, perfect for boosting equity and impressing buyers. Learn why fall is a great time to start these projects due to cooler weather and more flexible contractor

- DIY Pavestone Fire Pit: Get a step-by-step guide to building a modern square fire pit using Ladera Wall Block from Pavestone. This DIY-friendly project requires no cutting or special caps, making it a perfect weekend upgrade to transform your outdoor space with a rock-solid, heat-safe

- Color Trends for 2026: We explore the latest trends in color strategy for 2026, focusing on warm, earthy color palettes like terracotta, ochre, and olive, as well as soft textural neutrals and restorative darks.

- Preventing Frozen Pipes: As the fall chill arrives, we offer crucial advice on preventing frozen pipes by disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off exterior spigots, and insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas.

Q & A:

- Robert from Michigan wonders if an air heat pump would be a more efficient heating solution for his older house with electric baseboard heat. A mini-split system is very efficient, but it's best to set the thermostat and leave it, using baseboard heat only as a backup for extra chilly days.

- Mary from Delaware is replacing her 25-year-old shingles and asks about a replacement attic fan versus a ridge vent. We recommend a continuous ridge vent paired with soffit vents instead, since attic fans can pull air-conditioned air from the house into the attic and increase cooling costs.

- Thurman from Arkansas has a blank wall and wants to know what’s needed to install a new window. While it's a DIY-doable project for a smaller window, we suggest hiring a pro if he's not comfortable with disassembling and reassembling a load-bearing wall.

- Steve needs guidance on repairing crumbling grout on his front stoop. We advise chiseling out the old grout and vacuuming loose debris, then using a Type M mortar that’s recommended for its strength and applied with a piping bag.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to The Money Pit, your go-to for home improvement how-tos, hacks, tips, tricks, and advice! We've covered a ton of ground this hour, making good homes better with cleaning, decluttering, and restoration advice. On today’s show, you’ll hear:

- Kitchen Cabinet Intervention: We share smart tips to declutter, deep

- Roof Restoration with Roof Maxx: That gritty, sand-like debris in your

- Entryway Command Center: Combat back-to-school chaos with clever

- Screen Maintenance Checklist: Make sure your window screens are ready for cooler days by vacuuming or hosing them off, patching holes and tears, and fixing warped frames on screen doors.

Q & A:

- Sean from Texas had a question about his central vacuuming system, with lots of condensation and muddy water buildup in one of his inlet pipes. The solution is to insulate the central vac pipe to prevent temperature changes and subsequent condensation.

- Linda from Florida called in about her flaking cement floor. We advise pressure washing the floor to remove all loose material, ensuring it's fully dry, and then applying a durable, industrial-grade two-part epoxy coating.

- Thomas from Tennessee was dealing with terrible moisture and mildew in his basement. We recommend addressing exterior drainage first by extending downspouts away from the foundation, ensuring proper gutter

- Steve called about replacing green shag carpet in his 1975 RV by installing a laminate floor. The key is to ensure a very sturdy subfloor with no flex, as the material can snap if the subfloor is uneven or has movement.

- Sheena wrote in about dripping water on the ceiling next to her bathroom exhaust fan. This is likely condensation caused by warm, moist air hitting cold ductwork. We advise checking that the exhaust ducting is properly connected and insulated.

- David was concerned about cracking walls and nail pops in his home after only two years, despite a clear home inspection. We reassure him that this is normal movement as homes expand and contract.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to turning your house into a home! We've been busy laboring away so you can have the home of your dreams, answering your how-to questions and diving into smart seasonal transitions to get yourself ready for fall. Here are some of the main points and caller questions covered this hour:

- Furnaces and Fireplaces: It's crucial to prepare your home for cooler temperatures, which includes maintaining your furnace and fireplace by changing filters, scheduling professional tune-ups, and ensuring fireplace safety and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.

- Floor Surface Protection: It’s important to deep clean and protect wood, tile, and stone floors before they face the wear and tear of muddy boots

- HVAC Filters: A small but impactful task is changing your HVAC air filter every 30 to 90 days (or more often with pets/allergies) to improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent costly breakdowns.

Q & A:

- Laura in Connecticut called about strengthening the kitchen floor in her 100-plus-year-old house to support a new appliance where a beam is missing. We suggest adding a girder to provide a neutral base and prevent decay.

- Dennis in Florida inquired about using Trex composite decking for a lake dock, despite his contractor's reservations. We affirm that Trex and other composite decking are excellent, durable choices, cautioning only that they can get hot in direct sunlight.

- Heather in California was concerned about her 1937 home's crumbling foundation, damaged by water, and the high quotes she received for replacement. We strongly advise her to seek an independent structural engineer's assessment to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the recommended repairs are truly necessary.

- Mike called regarding recurring pinhole leaks in his 36-year-old home's copper plumbing. We recommend immediately repairing the leaking sections and nearby areas of the pipe to address the immediate issue and prevent further damage.

- Jim discussed mold growth in his attic after adding insulation. Inadequate ventilation combined with insulation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and mold. He should increase attic ventilation and treat the mold with a bleach solution.

- Martin asked about installing engineered wood flooring, specifically the choice between glue-down and floating methods, and the use of underlayment. We recommend floating floors as the best modern option due to their ability to expand and contract, and advise consulting the flooring manufacturer for the ideal underlayment product.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES:

Hello there, Money Pit fans, and welcome back to the show where we help you make your good homes even better! Whether it's inside or outside, from your floorboards to your shingles, we are on your side! So give us a call at 888-Money-Pit to be part of the show. This hour, we cover a wide array of topics to help you protect your home, boost curb appeal, and even save you money.

- Fall Cleanup Checklist: Check off your “to-do” list with essential fall cleanup tasks to get your home ready before the cold weather sets in, from gutters and gardens to garages and gear.

- DIY Fire Pit: Turn up the heat in your backyard by easily building a beautiful and durable fire pit in minutes using Pavestone products.

- Shower Mold: If you’re dealing with a "fuzzy" shower, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely remove old moldy caulk, prep the area, and reapply a fresh bead that will resist mold and mildew for years.

Q & A:

- Michelle in Minnesota has moisture coming up through her laminate bathroom floor on a concrete slab. We advise checking exterior drainage and adding a bathroom vent fan or humidistat to address the issue.

- Glenn in Florida asks about borax-treated cellulose attic insulation to control Formosan termites. While the idea isn't new, its overall effectiveness for whole-house Formosan termites is less common.

- Grace has concerns about her 40-year-old concrete patio, which is discolored, raised, and dangerous. We suggest restoring the loose bricks and applying a finish, such as a stone veneer, thin pavers, or an acid stain, terrazzo, or slate treatment to the surface.

- Wally is redoing his sunroom and is worried about the unevenness of the old, cracked concrete floor. We recommend using luxury vinyl plank or hybrid stone flooring, which can float over existing cracks, and sealing those cracks.

- Pat in Arkansas discovered that her new heat pump was not effectively removing humidity from her home. We explain that a whole-house

- Greg in Delaware needed help removing lime scale buildup on his shower door that resisted standard cleaners. We suggested a simple test with white vinegar to see if it's true lime scale or if the door's surface might be etched.

- David has questions about his crawl space insulation that’s falling down, insulating the walls, and the use of old foundation vents. We recommend supporting the existing insulation with wires and keeping foundation vents open for about nine months of the year to allow moisture to vent.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We’re covering a lot of ground today, so here's a quick rundown of what we're talking about and the incredible callers we're helping with expert home improvement advice:

 - Bathroom Design Ideas: We offer a range of modern design ideas for bathrooms, from cozy powder rooms to luxurious spa spaces, drawing

- Patio Furniture Care: Get valuable tips for cleaning and storing patio furniture made from various materials, including wicker, metal, wood, and cushions, to ensure they stay in great shape for seasons to come.

- Concrete Post Footings: We discuss the value of Quikrete’s fast-setting

- Kids’ Room Décor: Learn about the art of redecorating kids' rooms, including the importance of budget planning, material selection, safety, and thinking about how the space will evolve with the child's age.

Q & A:

- Teresa called in about changing the finish of her wood deck, which is half new pre-treated lumber and half old painted lumber. The paint must be removed before staining because stain won't soak into paint, and the new pre-treated lumber will need to season until next spring before being stained.

- Ted from Mississippi has a sewage odor in his bathroom. We suggest checking for a missing or non-functional plumbing trap or a bio-gas situation in the sink drain.

- Janet from South Carolina inquires about options other than tile for her bathroom walls, due to staining issues. We recommend looking into pre-made tub surrounds as a durable and virtually leakproof alternative that can even mimic tile.

- Jerry from West Virginia wants to soundproof a second-floor master bedroom he's converting into a movie room. We suggest applying a second layer of soundproofing drywall and using carpeting and upholstered furniture to absorb sound.

- Kathy from Ohio reports a squealing noise from her upstairs toilet when the washer was running on the utility floor. Squeals are typically from the toilet's fill valve on the supply side, though a blockage or vent issue could also be a possibility.

- Dan from Nebraska has a widespread mold situation in his three-year-old pole building, despite no previous issues. We identify the cause as high humidity due to a lack of conditioning in the space. Solutions include heating or cooling the space, using a dehumidifier, and potentially installing a fan with a humidistat.

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

SHOW NOTES:

Alright, home improvement enthusiasts, welcome back to the Money Pit! We're here to lend a hand with all your indoor and outdoor projects, because remember: Inside, outside, we're on your side! Here are some

- Cleaning Gutters: Before autumn leaves begin to fall, we're going to share simple steps and smart tools to help you clean and maintain your gutters the safe and easy way, because clogged gutters can lead to major water damage.

- Roof Care: We'll tell you how you can catch roof problems early with a free professional inspection from Roof Maxx, the company that restores aging roofs and saves homeowners up to 80% over replacement.

- Reducing Clutter: We'll also offer tips on getting organized at home for the fall season, helping you reclaim cluttered spaces like entryways and mudrooms before the school and holiday craziness takes over.

- Deep Cleaning Tips: And finally, we’ll discuss fall deep cleaning strategies to refresh your home in areas often skipped during summer, like baseboards, ceiling fans, and inside appliances.

Q & A:

- Beverly in Ohio called about black marks on her white vinyl fence. We suggest trying a light abrasive like a green Scotch pad first, or for solvent-based marks like tar, a product like WD-40 to lift them off.

- Andrew in Wisconsin is dealing with standing water in his backyard that's causing basement wall penetration. We advise implementing a total

- Anna in South Dakota recently had a hollow tree with a large carpenter ant nest removed and is concerned about infestation. We reassure her that carpenter ants prefer dead or decaying wood and are not typically motivated to infest sound houses, so she's not at an increased risk.

- Louise called in about salt mineral deposits leaking through the outside of her brick mailbox. We suggest cleaning the deposits with a white vinegar and water solution, then applying a vapor-permeable silicone-based masonry sealer to prevent their return.

- Debbie from Great Falls, Montana, asked about preparing and painting over metal siding. We advise a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer, ensuring the siding is completely dry, and then using an oil-based bonding primer with a scratch test before applying the topcoat, staying within the same brand family for best adhesion.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES:

In today’s Money Pit show, we discuss selling in a shifting real estate market, installing solar panels on metal roofs, and reorganizing your garage space. Plus, we’ll answer a range of home improvement questions from callers to help solve their DIY dilemmas!

- Navigating the Shifting Real Estate Market: Home sales this spring hit their lowest pace since 2012! This means that for sellers, prepping,

- The Power of Metal Roofs for Solar: If you're considering going solar, your roof is just as important as the panels. Metal roofs are the ultimate foundation for solar installations, offering long-term savings, energy efficiency, and unbeatable durability.

- Garage Organization and Maintenance: As summer wraps up, it's the perfect time for a garage reset. We recommend clearing everything out, cleaning the space thoroughly, and then organizing by season, using labeled bins and storage systems like wall-mounted units or overhead racks to keep floors clear.

Q & A:

- Michelle from Michigan has moles tearing up her yard. We advised her that moles are after grubs, their food source, so the solution is to eliminate the grubs using a product like GrubEx, which will slowly cause the moles to move elsewhere.

- Leroy from Texas was getting barely any air from a bedroom AC vent, despite its proximity to the unit. We suggested checking for a kink or blockage in the ductwork with a flashlight and mirror or identifying if a damper on the line is partially closed.

- Margaret wants to know what to do about her dirty, 20-year-old popcorn ceilings that she no longer likes. For removal, she should spray and saturate the ceiling with water, then gently scrape it off. If she chooses to keep it, she could paint it over with a specialized roller designed for textured surfaces.

- Larry has tree roots growing into his sewer lines. We suggest a pipe lining system, which involves inserting a flexible material into the old pipe that hardens to form a new, permanent interior structure, saving him from breaking up the floor.

- Ken had a broken seam on his quartz countertop over the dishwasher. This is typically not a DIY project due to specialized materials and tools, so he’ll need a professional to reseal it and reinforce the underlying support to prevent future issues. We also recommended resealing the entire countertop surface.

- Howard called about his leaning landscaping brick retaining walls. This is a common issue caused by soil expansion and freezing. The solution is to tear down and rebuild the wall or consider pre-cast concrete block walls that are designed to lean back as they stack.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices