SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts, to The Money Pit! We’re here to guide you through another hour of tackling those household challenges and making your home sweet home even better. Here's what we'll be diving into this hour:

- Top Late Summer Home Improvement Projects: Although summer is winding down, there's still time to tackle key projects, such as painting, sealing driveways, and late-season landscaping, to get your home ready to shine through the fall and beyond.

- Revitalizing Your Lawn After Summer Stress: We'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Koch, R&D Research Fellow for Lawns at Scott's Miracle-Gro, who will share smart, easy-to-follow tips to help your lawn bounce back from the heat, heavy foot traffic, and backyard fun.

- Restoring Your Roof with Roof Maxx: Learn how a simple treatment from Roof Maxx can restore your shingles, extend your roof's life by up to 15 years, and potentially save you up to 80% compared to a full roof replacement.

- Smart Home Safety for Kids: We'll share three practical ways to make your home safer for little ones without turning it into a padded cell, focusing on window cords, furniture tipping, and stair safety.

Q & A:

- Larry from Arkansas called about his landlord running an extension cord from his home to an attached shed, raising concerns about electrical support. We advised him that an extension cord is not a permanent solution and recommended running a proper underground circuit.

- Michelle in Minnesota shared her issue with moisture seeping up through her laminate bathroom floor. We suggested she check the grading and drainage around her house, ensuregutters and downspouts direct water away, and consider a bathroom fan with a built-in humidistat to keep the floor dry.

- Eunice in Arkansas noticed her retaining wall was turning white and powdery-looking, a phenomenon known as efflorescence. She should contact the manufacturer's technical experts to inquire about the issue, especially the drying process before coating and the consistency of paint batches.

- Lewis had no hot water pressure after a new water heater installation and suspects clogged galvanized pipes in his old home. We inform him that galvanized pipes cannot be unclogged and advise replacing them with PEX piping for better durability and ease of installation.

- Sherry in Oregon was worried about a loud snapping noise coming from her cast iron tub as it cooled down. We reassure her that this is likely "oil canning," a normal sound of metal expanding and contracting with temperature changes, and not a cause for concern.

- Jack in Arkansas is dealing with a leaky steel storm shelter that has leaked since installation. We advise against welding and suggest sealing seams with silicone or potentially re-roofing the shelter with EPDM, a rubberized oofing product, to maintain structural integrity.

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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SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back, Money Pit listeners! This hour, we cover everything from porches and patios to landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. And of course, we're taking your calls and tackling your home improvement dilemmas. Here's a look at some of the questions we'll be answering and the solutions we'll provide:

- Getting Your Home Fall Ready: As fall approaches, it's the perfect time to give your home a thorough energy checkup. We'll share quick tips to seal drafts around windows and doors, properly service your HVAC system, and optimize your ceiling fans to help you save on energy bills year-round.

- Protecting Your Concrete Surfaces: Before winter unleashes its worst,

- Creating Productive Home Office & Study Spaces: With back-to-school season in full swing, we'll offer simple ways to design functional and comfortable home offices or study areas. Discover how to choose the right spot, ensure proper lighting, and implement effective organization strategies to boost productivity and maintain sanity.

Q & A:

- Janette from Colorado wants to know if she can DIY her radiant floor

- Steve from North Carolina is dealing with a leaking flat roof on his bathroom addition. Flat roofs aren’t our favorite for residences, and we advise him to file an insurance claim for storm damage while exploring better roofing materials.

- Mary from North Dakota has crumbling basement concrete after water problems and wants to know about sealants before painting. She should

- Dan from Arizona has a home with cracked tile flooring and can't find replacement tiles. This is likely due to a missing uncoupling membrane during installation, and we suggest creative temporary fixes until a proper re-installation can be done.

- Charlie is looking to switch from an oil-based to a solid latex stain on his cedar siding, which has darkened over time. We’ll emphasize the importance of proper surface preparation and why it’s often best to stain the entire house for a uniform look.

- Michael from Florida is curious about the pros and cons of stick-built versus modular homes. We’ll share insights into the cost savings and timely construction advantages of modular homes while advising him to consult with local specialists to compare options.

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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SHOW NOTES:

Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. It's been quite the summer here at the Segrete household, with unexpected repairs, so we know exactly what it’s like to navigate your own "money pit" moments. Here's a recap of the main themes and calls for this hour:

- Optimizing Outdoor Living & Landscaping: We delve into smart maintenance tips for your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water and keep your lawn healthy. We also introduce the innovative Ladera stackable stone system for easy outdoor upgrades like fire pits and garden beds, eliminating the need for traditional stonework.

- Navigating Home Renovation Costs: We discuss how recent tariffs on lumber, appliances, and fixtures are impacting renovation budgets, sharing crucial tips for smart homeowners to protect their bottom line.

- Boosting Home Value & ROI: We reveal the top home improvement projects that offer the best return on investment, helping you prioritize where to spend your renovation dollars.

Q & A:

- Dave from Maryland discovered his new roof was installed directly over significantly rotted roof rafters, causing the section to sag and leak. We advise him to pay only a partial amount of the bill, formally disputing the

- Courtney in Texas is struggling with a persistent cigarette odor in her home despite extensive renovations. When carpet was replaced, the plywood subfloor should have been sealed with a primer/sealer, and we suggest upgrading her HVAC system to effectively scrub residual odors

- Frankie called about her old, gray kitchen countertop that she wants to replace or paint. We recommend DIY countertop finishing kits from Daich Coatings for a durable and attractive restoration.

- Rick from Illinois is seeking a reputable company to install solar panels on his large lot. We caution him to conduct thorough research on all available government incentives and to carefully vet any solar companies to avoid rushing into a significant long-term investment.

- Tony emailed about an elaborate method he devised using a shop vac to remove calcium deposits from his water heater's bottom element. His method was unnecessary and could be risky. The water heater's internal drain valve is designed for this task, requiring only a garden hose to flush out the deposits.

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 and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. Here's a preview of what's coming up this hour:

- Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning: We'll share crucial advice on tackling tough

- Roof Replacement: Considering a new roof? We'll explore the pros and cons of metal roofs versus asphalt shingles and discuss whether a roof replacement is a DIY project for you.

- Cracked Foundation: Got a cracked foundation or a dipping floor? We'll explain the serious signs to look out for and who to call for proper diagnosis.

- Exterior Painting: Discover the perfect timing and techniques for exterior house painting to ensure a long-lasting, pro-level finish.

- Energy Efficiency: Plus, get smart tips on upgrading your home's efficiency, from swapping out old light bulbs to understanding when it's time to replace your water heater.

Q & A:

- We'll hear from Margie in Ohio, who's asking for the best product to remove grit and grease from her maple kitchen cabinets above the hood area without causing damage.

- Joey from Illinois is on the line with a question about replacing his 22-year-old roof and wondering if he can install a metal roof himself.

- Maria just bought a house and is dealing with a rather unusual situation: a carpeted front step that's hard to remove, and she's asking for suggestions to improve its curb appeal and texture.

- Butch from Texas is calling because his home inspector noted that his bathroom fan vents directly into the attic, and he wants to know the proper way to vent it to the outside.

- Later, we'll help Charles from Texas, who's searching for a specific, highly

- And from our email bag, Julie in Nebraska, a new first-time homeowner, is asking about different interior paint finishes and which ones are easiest to clean, especially with kids.

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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SHOW NOTES:

It’s been a hot one out there, and some of us have been battling our own home issues, like Leslie’s air conditioning woes. But we’re here to lend a hand, no matter what you're tackling this summer! We’ve got a fantastic show lined up for you today, packed with expert advice and practical solutions for your biggest home challenges. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up on The Money Pit:

- Landscape Heatwave Survival: We’ll dive into smart ways to help your

- Roof Maxx Roof Rejuvenation: We’re joined by Mike Feazel, CEO and

- Concrete Resurfacing Solutions: Discover how to give your cracked, pitted, or weatherworn concrete surfaces a second life with products like Quickrete’s Recap Trowel Grade Resurfacer. We’ll explain how these solutions can dramatically improve your curb appeal at a fraction of the

Q & A:

- Karen from Texas is seeking a solution for her cracked driveway that won’t involve tearing out all the concrete from her 1970s home. Quikrete’s Re-Cap Resurfacer product is an excellent option for this repair and can be used over the existing concrete.

- Jeff in Pennsylvania is curious about economically moving chilly basement air upstairs to cool the rest of his home. This isn’t a great idea, and he should instead rely on his central HVAC system, possibly with a return duct in the finished basement.

- Dave from Iowa calls about a persistent rotten egg smell in his farmhouse, noting he has well water and a water softener. We think the hot water heater’s anode may be causing the smell.

- Susan from Alaska wants advice on removing tile from her fireplace hearth and successfully painting the brick underneath. This repair has some challenges, and she should be prepared to remove adhesive. Also, once brick is painted, it’s nearly impossible to change.

- Lauren, who sent an email, has acquired a neglected property with overgrown ivy, gaps, and cracks in the siding. The best way to assess the house’s current condition is to get a full home inspection, with a report that will identify the best places to start.

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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SHOW NOTES:

Coming up this hour, we've got a show packed with tips to make your home look and feel better and safer. We'll also be tackling home improvement questions from across the country, including calls from DIYers just like you! Here's what's ahead on The Money Pit:

- Late Summer Clean and Refresh: We'll bring you smart tips to tidy up your spaces, freshen the air, and reset your home before the autumn back-to-school buzz and pumpkin spice takeover.

- Protecting Your Home from Water Damage: With flash floods and heavy rain making headlines, we'll share smart, simple steps to protect your house from water damage and ensure you stay informed with weather

- Fast, Smart Fire Safety Checks: We'll walk you through essential fire safety checks, from your backyard grills to your garden gear, so you can relax and safely enjoy the season.

- SpreadStone Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Kit Giveaway: One lucky caller will win this DIY dream, valued at $150, which transforms plain concrete into a stunning stone finish.

Q & A:

- Brian in Arkansas is dealing with a mysterious musty odor in his crawlspace that only appears in the summertime when he's away from home. An exhaust fan might just be what he needs to improve air quality

- Linda in Maryland needs advice on how to repair and conceal cracks in the concrete slabs on her brick porches. We advise her to caulk the area and sprinkle with dust and chips to match the current concrete color.

- Keith in Georgia has a problem with bats in his attic, specifically bat droppings, and needs to know the best way to evict them safely.

- Leah in California says her dad's AC system has been leaking Freon for years! Instead of just refilling the refrigerant, we recommend finding out the root cause of the leak and addressing that.

- Courtney in New Jersey has a raised garden bed with several tree stumps that need to be removed, and she's looking for suggestions on how to tackle them when a grinder might be difficult to use.

- Judy in Texas is experiencing significant problems with deer eating all her plants and is seeking solutions to keep them away from her garden. We recommend a variety of solutions to keep those hungry deer out.

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 here every week, ready to take your calls and tackle your home improvement dilemmas, whether you have questions about painting, plumbing, home safety, security, your roof and gutters, electrical work, energy efficiency, or even curb appeal ideas. Coming up, we'll cover some essential topics to keep your home in top shape, including:

- Smart Summer Lawn Care Tips: Learn how to water wisely, mow like a pro, and keep your yard green without wasting time or money, making it easier than you think to win the battle against the summer heat.

- Metal Roofs: If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, find out why metal roofs aren't just for barns anymore. We’ll discuss their styles, incredible storm protection, and the surprising ways they can save you

- Storm-Proofing Your Home: Get simple steps to prepare your home and yard for storms, plus how to build an emergency kit so you’re not caught off guard when the thunder rolls.

- Summer Heat Safety: We'll also cover crucial tips to keep your home cool and safe during dangerous heat waves.

Q & A:

- Alex from West Virginia has a question about grading the lot of his 1926 American Four Square home, which has a significant 10-foot drop. He wants to level out his front and back yards, so we recommend building a retaining wall, but emphasize the need for proper engineering due to the

- Helen from Montana was on the line with a bubbling paint question. We suggested the paint might not have adhered because the wood was too wet or the correct primer wasn't used, and advised her to contact the painter to resolve the issue.

- Kevin from Rhode Island asked about keeping his basement dry after replacing a 3-foot downspout extension with a 2-foot cement one and noticing his basement became damp. To keep his basement drier, he needs to move excess moisture away from the foundation, extending

- Debbie from Ontario called with a question about cracks in her concrete patio that appeared shortly after it was poured. We identified that there's no structural repair needed, so she can cosmetically seal the cracks with a suitable product.

- Doug in Florida inquired about rust stains on his concrete pool deck from patio furniture and pool ladders. We explained that the rust is likely from iron deposits in his water, and there’s likely not much he can do to stop it long-term.

- Gail from Massachusetts suspected mold in her den because it smelled after it rained. She should focus on ventilation and dehumidification, plus addressing external drainage issues like clogged gutters, downspout placement, and sloping soil around the house to reduce overall moisture.

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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SHOW NOTES:

Hello, home improvement enthusiasts! We're so glad you're with us, especially as July is almost over and the year is just flying by. Life changes, but The Money Pit is here to be your constant guide through all your home improvement adventures. Coming up, we've got tips to keep your home thriving all summer long!

- Staycation Tips: We share easy, affordable ways to turn your home into an ultimate staycation spot, from creating spa vibes in your bathroom to resort-worthy backyard spaces.

- Saving Water: Water usage often spikes in the summer, so we’ll dive into irrigation checks, sump pump tests, searching out those slow leaks, and even some water-saving tips to keep everything in tip-top shape and save you some money.

- Summer Home Maintenance: Now that we're halfway through summer,

Q & A:

We're also going to hear from some of our listeners about their burning home improvement questions, including:

- Darlene from West Virginia asked about putting a metal roof on her home. We advised that it's generally best to take the roof down to the sheathing for a durable, long-lasting investment like a metal roof, which can last 50+ years.

- Jules called in about dealing with cracked plaster walls in an old home, wondering whether to rip it out or patch it. We discussed how to determine if the plaster is repairable or if it’s time to put in some drywall.

- Sharon from Ohio has an issue with her furnace pulling sewer gas from her sump pump. This is likely due to a missing or dried-out P-trap in the drain line, which prevents sewer gases from entering the home.

- Bill in Illinois had a question about cracks in his 28-year-old shower tub after a fall. While a fiberglass repair kit can offer a temporary, emergency fix, a more permanent and economical solution might be a bath fitter-type shower insert that covers the existing tub.

- Buck from New England wrote in about adding vinyl siding to his summer home. We recommended he remove the old siding, add a new weather barrier like Tyvek paper, and then install the vinyl siding for a better look around windows and doors.

Plus, we'll touch on other quick tips like how to maintain your fridge to keep it cool in the summer heat by vacuuming condenser coils and checking door seals.

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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SHOW NOTES:

This hour, we'll tackle a variety of common homeowner issues and share valuable advice to keep your home comfortable, safe, and looking its best. Here are some of the main topics we covered, along with the specific home projects our callers are working on:

- Cool Tips for Heat Wave Home Comfort: We share several strategies to help your home stay cool during a heat wave without escalating energy bills.

- Backyard Pool Considerations: We weigh the pros and cons of installing a pool, noting that while pools offer entertainment and can add value in hot climates, they come with significant initial costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

- Home Safety While Traveling: We offer essential tips to keep your home safe while on vacation, emphasizing making it appear occupied.

- Smart Roofing Upgrades for Cooling: We discuss how your roof impacts your home's temperature and energy bills, highlighting cool roof designs

- Grill Cleaning & Maintenance: We’ve got practical tips on cleaning and

Q & A:

- Allison from New York needs advice on humanely trapping a squirrel running between her drop ceiling and basement.

- Gary calls about a stubborn barbecue grease stain on the deck that household soap couldn't remove. We suggest using a commercial deck cleaner or stain stripper.

- Nancy from Arkansas asks for the best way to remove cobwebs and clean her mom's popcorn ceiling.

- John from Missouri is puzzled why his pressure-treated wood is rotting within two years despite being sealed with a solid stain.

- Judy from Minnesota observed moisture halfway down the paneling in her 40-year-old home, suspecting condensation and the need to reduce humidity.

- Earl called about buckling vinyl siding, likely due to being installed too tightly. Doing so prevented proper expansion and contraction, or not enough “breathing room.”

- Robin from New Jersey says her ceiling fan light comes on by itself at weird times. Flickering lights often indicate a loose wire or short circuit, and we recommend calling an electrician for investigation.

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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SHOW NOTES:

This hour, we're focusing on eco-friendly home improvements and design tips to help your money pit and Mother Nature, especially as we've just experienced a significant heatwave across the US. We're exploring how to save some green while going green this summer, with easy, affordable projects that can shrink your energy bills, cut back on waste, and help the planet. Here’s a look at the topics and calls we’ll cover:

- Attic Upgrades: Your attic can either work for you or against you in the summer. We're sharing smart attic upgrades to keep your home cooler, cut energy costs, and protect your home from summer's worst side effects.

- Strategic Landscaping for Cooling: You can cool your home without touching the thermostat by letting nature do the work. We discuss how strategic landscaping, such as planting shade trees, can naturally reduce heat and energy bills while giving your yard a green upgrade.

- Eco-Friendly Design and DIY Projects: We're all about eco-friendly home upgrades that benefit both the planet and your wallet.

Q & A:

- Mike from Alaska called in with a question about an upstairs window that leaks when it rains, noting drips from the soffits. We discussed potential causes, including backed-up gutters, failed sealant, or improper flashing.

- Susan from California asked about options for her 38-year-old asphalt driveway that needs to be redone, but she doesn't want to resurface with blacktop.

- Mark has a beautiful log cabin home that hasn't been stained in 8 years and is fading. We advise him on the process of cleaning the raw lumber, letting it dry, and then choosing a stain that includes UV protection.

- Ed is dealing with a serious issue with his 1880s Victorian home's brick foundation, where the bottom layer of bricks is starting to bow out. For such a critical structural concern, we strongly recommend consulting

- Darlene from Texas has a flagstone patio with uneven stones and nothing between the cracks.

- Carl from Massachusetts emailed us about a foul odor coming from his newly installed dishwasher. This is often due to bio-gas buildup, and we have tips on how to clean those trouble spots.

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