The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES: Pet Doors: Who let the dogs out? Tips for installing the best and most convenient pet doors. Concrete Repairs: This product makes it easy to repair holes, cracks, and pitted areas of concrete surfaces. Quick Home Improvement Projects: No time to waste? These 3 home improvement hacks take a half hour or less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cracked Cement Patio: Part of Debbie’s new cement patio cracked right away. She can make some cosmetic repairs or have it torn out and repoured with better surface preparation underneath. Tripped Circuits: Richard’s antique soda machine trips the circuit every time it’s plugged in. He needs to install a dedicated circuit for that big draw of electrical current. Home Addition: Joan has big plans for an enclosed space for her cats. We recommend hiring a professional to design the proper specs for the addition. Pipe Fittings: Is there a way to avoid having to solder the pipes when relocating some faucets? Doug can use a convenient product that’s the perfect solution for challenging spaces. Plumbing: We’re not sure why Selena had all her drainpipes replaced and now she’s been told to replace the main supply line. She should get a second opinion. Roof Leak: Kent thinks his bathroom ceiling stain is from the vent fan, but we advise him it’s probably caused by a gap in the rubber boot around the plumbing vent through the roof. 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

SHOW NOTES: Natural Pools: Learn how natural pools offer a pond-like, eco-friendly oasis with no chemicals and low energy costs. Insulation Tax Credits: Keep your home cozy and your wallet happy with generous tax rebates for insulation upgrades. Wide-Plank Flooring: Make your small rooms look bigger instantly with wide-plank flooring. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Drainage Problems: Kevin thinks groundwater is coming through an opening in his concrete slab, but he really needs to correct the drainage outside the house. Window Glazing: The wet glazing is starting to deteriorate in Dana’s fixed pane windows. She gets tips on removing the trim and adding silicone caulk. Solar Panels: Solar panels have made Joseph’s energy bills go way up instead of saving him money. He needs an attorney after performance claims were not delivered. Crown Molding: Traditional crown molding looks great but is one of the hardest carpentry jobs to do. Tracy gets info on installing easy DIY foam molding instead. Porch Lattice: Darrell needs tips on improving his wraparound porch. We suggest adding composite lattice around the sides that will be easy to maintain. Renovation Projects: Deciding what renovations to do and how much to budget? Kay should hire a professional home inspector and an architect to identify what needs to be done in the vacant home she bought. Painting Cedar Shingles: What’s the right way to repaint old cedar shingles? Paul must scrape off all the loose paint, then prime before painting over again. Bubbling Paint: A new exterior paint job is already starting to bubble! Helen’s painter must properly clean and prime the surface so the new paint will adhere. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Apartment Gardens: Love to garden but don’t have outdoor yard space? Get tips on growing an apartment garden. Home Security: Effective home security cameras need to be positioned properly. Find out where to place cameras to keep your home safe. Sealing Concrete Surfaces: Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks take a lot of wear and tear. This product will keep concrete looking like new. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Joyce wants to know the best way to refinish her hardwood floors. We share the steps on what to use and how to do it. Cleaning Vinyl Siding: Doug needs to clean spray foam residue from his vinyl siding. He’ll need some WD-40 and a putty knife to soften and scrape it away. Sump Pump: The sump pump wasn’t turning on and now it’s making a gurgling sound! Renee gets info on what may be affecting her sump pump and how to improve drainage. Hot Water Pressure: Steve is not getting good hot water pressure. He should check the valves all along the line to see where the flow is being restricted. Popcorn Ceiling: A popcorn ceiling in a bathroom is a terrible idea! Bill scraped it off and now he should use primer to seal it and then use a flat paint. Leaking Pool Pipes: Sherilynn has a steel pool with a leak somewhere in the pipes. We suggest disabling the existing pipe and running a new line to replace it. Garage Floor: The garage floor is not level and water is going towards the wall of the house. Bill can use a floor-leveling compound to even out the concrete. Roof Replacement: The roofer wants to add a third layer to Ella’s roof. It’s a bad idea because it will retain heat and accelerate the deterioration of the top layer. Kitchen Flooring: William likes the look of bamboo flooring for his kitchen. It’s a good, durable choice if that’s his style, and we offer some additional options. Rust Stains: Metal banister rails left rust stains on Tamra’s pavers. She can try using chemical or natural acid rust removers to clean the stains. 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

SHOW NOTES: Eliminating Weeds: Weeds are the enemy of lush, healthy lawns. Get tips on fighting backyard weeds all season long. Natural Stone Countertops: Stone countertops are a rock-solid choice for kitchens but require care. Find out the pros and cons. Airless Paint Sprayers: If you’d like to get a smooth and speedy finish on your next painting project, check out a high-efficiency airless paint sprayer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Dock Restoration: Colleen is seeking a product to restore dock surfaces. We suggest using an established, name-brand product and testing a small area first. Plaster Walls: Plaster is falling off the walls in Scott’s house. We recommend installing new drywall over it to secure the plaster and provide a smooth surface. Staining Concrete: Can you color a concrete patio to cover up repaired cracks? Dottie can choose from a range of concrete stain colors before sealing the patio. Hardwood Floors: Mark likes the old-fashioned look but wants to clean and protect his hardwood floors. A light sanding and a flat or satin finish will work. Crawlspace Vapor Barrier: Is plastic needed on the ground under an exposed crawlspace? Margie can add a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from wicking up through the soil. Toilet Flushing: When Jeff flushes one of his high-efficiency toilets, it sucks water out of the other one. He needs a plumber to check for a venting issue or an obstruction that’s blocking the air to create suction. Vines: Invasive vines managed to grow through a window and across the room. After cutting them down, Louise must sand, prime, and paint the walls and be sure to kill the vine at the roots outside the house. Deck Maintenance: George is tired of resealing the deck each time it peels. He can either strip the wood and start over or replace the boards with a composite material. Carpet Stain Removal: Chuck is trying to remove some old blood stains from carpeting. We have tips on using either water and salt or hydrogen peroxide to lift the stain. Preventing Mold: Mold keeps returning around the sink and bathtub. Andrea learns how to use bleach, a mildewcide caulk, and moisture control to prevent mild from coming back. Wood Siding: Dennis wants to change the siding on his home. He’ll be able to install the new siding right over the T1-11 wood siding he currently has. 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

SHOW NOTES: Modular Outdoor Kitchens: Building a customized outdoor kitchen is made easy with modular bricks. Curb Appeal: Stand out from the competition with 4 simple curb appeal upgrades to attract homebuyers. Attracting Butterflies: Find out how flower power can create a butterfly oasis in your garden. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Window Leaks: Is a leaking window caused by the soffits, the roof, or the window itself? Mike gets advice on how to find and fix the source of the leak. Ceramic Tile Flooring: There’s condensation on the ceramic tile floor. Using a dehumidifier and checking drainage around the home can help with Annette’s cold floor in a warm, humid house. Roof Leak: Norma has a leak caused by an ice dam on her roof after a past storm. She learns the damage should be covered by her insurance policy. Electrical Fuses: A short circuit keeps blowing the fuse every time Gary tries to turn it on. He needs an electrician to check the wiring and avoid danger. Driveway Repair: Scott’s aggregate driveway is starting to crumble. It’s hard to repair a rough stone surface and he might consider replacing the driveway. Staining a Deck: Pauline’s wood deck is looking worn again. We suggest applying an oil-based primer and a solid stain that will last longer. Concrete Stains: What to do after battery acid spills in a concrete carport? Garland should try using epoxy paint to cover the concrete floor. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Can vinyl plank flooring be installed over an old floor that has areas of glue? Robin should have no problem if the planks are rigid enough. Water Odor: Phew! Wilson’s water smells like rotten eggs, even after replacing the water heater. We suggest having the water tested and using a charcoal filter. 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

SHOW NOTES: Paying for Home Repairs: Want to buy a fixer-upper and still have funds for making repairs? New mortgage programs offer assistance. Extending Roof Life: Old, dried-out roof shingles can be rejuvenated with a treatment that adds years to the life of your life. Concrete Restoration: If you’ve got cracks, holes, or worn areas in concrete surfaces, there’s a way to fix the flaws and smooth things out. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Hot Water Delay: Tired of waiting for the water to get hot? Loretta can either install a tankless water heater or a less expensive hot water recirculating system. Uneven Concrete: Part of the concrete porch slab is rising up. We give Charlie tips on preparing a new base to keep things level or creating a tapered ramp. HVAC System: There’s a big difference in the upstairs and downstairs temperatures in Amber’s home. Ceiling fans, a split ductless system, or additional ducting and vents can help. Dryer Vents: Should a broken dryer vent be repaired or replaced? We think Jim should replace the dryer vent and part of the duct that goes through his wall. Water Pressure: Krista has very low water pressure. She needs to test the pressure at different points to find any restrictions and see if it’s the well system. Foundation: After doing an addition, Larry’s house is starting to sink and the floor is bowing. He must get a structural engineer to evaluate what to do. Quartz Countertops: Why are there dull spots on the quartz countertops? Carolyn should be polishing the quartz surface regularly. 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

SHOW NOTES: Paint Sprayers: Planning a painting project? High-efficiency airless paint sprayers make the job easier and faster so you can paint like a pro. Multi-Use Tools: Get info on finishing DIY home projects quicker and easier with corded, cordless, and manual multi-use tools. Buying a Foreclosed Home: Bargain or burden? Learn the pros and cons of buying a home in foreclosure. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cracked Bathtub: Tim’s new bathroom came complete with a cracked bathtub! It will be hard to repair, but he may get a temporary fix with a fiberglass repair product. Staining a Deck: Why should you wait before staining a new pressure-treated deck? We explain that Theresa should let the lumber dry out for a year so the stain will apply properly. HVAC System: Luke wonders if he really needs two natural gas HVAC units. A two-zone system is definitely more efficient, along with an upgraded thermostat. Cleaning Outdoor Furniture: How should Lucy clean her outdoor furniture? We’ve got advice on how to clean different materials. Upgrading Electrical Wiring: Is it safe to keep old knob and tube electrical wiring? It’s not grounded and can be dangerous, so we recommend that Judy should get her wiring replaced. Garage Door Repair: Dave has dry rot above his old wood garage door. We tell him how to support the rafters while replacing the garage door header. 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

SHOW NOTES: Reducing Heat Indoors: Feel like you’re living in a hothouse? Get cool solutions for reducing the heat in your home. Landscape Planning: You don’t need to be a pro to plan a lovely landscape. Find out simple tips on how to start. Proper Insulation: Is your home insulated well enough? Learn what it takes to stay comfortable and save on energy bills. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Exterior Painting: Blowing pollen has stuck to Beth’s newly painted columns. She should sand the surface smooth again and surround the area with tarps to protect it until a new coat of paint dries. Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Randy wants to match the colors on his painted kitchen cabinets. We’ve got tips on how to stain, repaint, or reface them. Lawn Care: Why won’t one area of the lawn grow? We tell Deb to get a soil sample tested to see if it needs a different treatment than the rest of the lawn. Wall Insulation: Do you need a thermal barrier on cinderblock walls? We give Rick info on using Tyvek and how to insulate walls to prevent moisture and mold. Door Weatherstripping: The insulation is wearing out on John’s double storm doors. He can look for similar weatherstripping to replace it. Squeaky Floors: Donna’s concerned about her squeaky kitchen floor. It’s annoying, but not a structural problem, and we tell her how to find the cause. Light Fixtures: How hard is it to split the electrical wiring to install two bathroom light fixtures? It’s fairly easy to do, but Gary should call an electrician for the job. Ridge Vent: Mary just doesn’t like the ridge vent that was installed with her new roof. We explain that it’s doing exactly what it should for proper ventilation. Painting Cedar Siding: Paint is flaking off the cedar siding on Frank’s home. He should use a wire brush to clean it off and then use an oil-based primer before painting it again. 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

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Cabinets: Should you replace, reface, or refinish your kitchen cabinets? Find out budget-friendly options. Roof Restoration: Dried-out shingles? This rejuvenation treatment can extend the life of your old roof. Mosquitoes: Avoid unwelcome backyard barbecue bites and get mosquitoes to buzz off with these easy steps. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Inground Pool: Dorothy doesn’t want her inground pool anymore. We discuss what’s involved in having it filled and how to use the space. Bathroom Ventilation: Milt has no ventilation in his bathrooms. We have info on installing bathroom exhaust fans and humidistat controls. Shower Leaks: Water leaks are coming from the upstairs shower. Kirsten should follow these steps to track down where the leak is coming from and fill the gaps. Carpenter Bees: Thousands of carpenter bees are drilling into Jim’s log cabin! He needs a new pest control professional who will use the right product to keep bees away. Cleaning Brick: What’s the easiest way to clean mold and mildew from brick without damaging the mortar? We recommend that Judy use a slow-acting mildewcide product and perhaps a gentle pressure wash. Driveway Cracks: Todd wants to repair his cracked driveway. We tell him which product will adhere to the concrete so he can easily refinish the driveway surface. Brick Walls: Debbie discovered brick behind the drywall, but it was attached with glue. Heat guns and adhesive softeners will probably damage the brick, so she may need to add furring strips and a new layer of drywall to cover it up again. 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

SHOW NOTES: Lightscaping Ideas: Get bright ideas for lightscaping to add safety, security, and style to your home’s exterior. Wallpaper Removal: Peeling off old wallpaper is an unappealing task. Find out four steps to make wallpaper removal easier. Buying Windows: Window shopping? Learn how to decode window labels and certifications for energy efficiency. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Reducing Moisture: How to reduce moisture and prevent mildew on walls? Laura gets tips on running her AC, using fans that vent outside, checking drainage, and installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Replacing Flooring: David wants to replace his old kitchen linoleum floor. We suggest luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s durable and offers a variety of styles. Wall Designs: Diane likes the look of Venetian plaster walls. She may want to practice the technique before making it a focal accent wall in her room. HVAC System: Is Trane a good brand of furnace? We assure Hugo it’s a fine choice for replacing his 30-year-old furnace. Pest Control: Bugs and slugs and mice – oh my! Kelly needs some general pest control treatment from a professional exterminator to get rid of bugs and rodents. Cedar Siding Repair: It’s not so cute when a teething puppy gnaws the cedar siding. Lee can either use a wood epoxy putty to repair the corners or replace the damaged shingles. Discolored Windows: Is water damage staining the bottom and sides of Amy’s windows? We think it’s normal oxidation and offer advice on some DIY fixes. Bathroom Mold: Edward is cleaning and repainting his bathroom to eliminate mold. We have advice on protecting his family from product fumes. Roofing: Can a metal roof be installed over existing roof shingles? Tina learns it’s a bad idea that can trap heat and increase energy costs. Building a Patio: What is the best surface for building a patio and carport? A solid, level concrete slab would be Linda’s best option. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Preparing Your Grill: Getting fired up for BBQ season? Take these steps to prep your grill. Wind-Resistant Roofing: Roof shingles can get blown away by strong winds. Check out wind-resistant roofing that will stay put in the storm. Bedroom Designs: If you suffer from pin-somnia, these trending bedroom designs on Pinterest may be the cure. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Shower Valve: Oops! David cut the drywall for his shower valve a bit too wide, but using a goof plate for oversized holes will help him cover the space. Mold Removal: Karen discovered mold from floor to ceiling behind the wallpaper in her basement. We suggest having the mold tested before deciding on a mitigation plan. Bats: Tommy has bats in his belfry – or at least in his attic! The most humane solution is to find where they’re getting in and install a one-way bat door to keep the bats out. Log Cabin: Deborah’s renovating a log house and needs to refill the chinking. She’ll have to experiment to find the best binding ingredients. Attic Ventilation: Can Conrad install a solar attic fan over his garage and leave the ridge vent on the rest of the house? We’ll discuss the pros and cons. Painting Over Stains: What prep work is needed before painting a ceiling with smoke damage? Joyce can use TSP to remove the soot stains, then use an oil-based primer before covering with latex paint. Rust in Water: Carol is searching for a product to help with the rust in her water. We advise her to use CLR to clean the rust stains from her bath fixtures. 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

SHOW NOTES: Safer Cleaning Solutions: Avoid spring cleaning chemical hazards by using healthier and safer cleaning products. Selling Your Home: Web appeal has become the new curb appeal when listing your home online, so use photos that home buyers want to see. Planting Flowers: Don’t have the patience for seeds to sprout? Add instant color to your garden with the right live flowering plants. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. HVAC Cleaning: Mike got some questionable suggestions for cleaning his HVAC vents. All he needs are good, efficient filters and a DIY coil cleaner. Fuse Box: Heidi wanted her electrical system upgraded but it wasn’t done right. Another electrician should finish the job and move the electrical panel indoors. Water Leak Detector: Is installing a water leak detector in a vacation home worth it? It can definitely prevent damage and Jay should look for a model that works with a well water system. Cleaning Wood Floors: Should you steam clean hardwood flooring? We advise Judy to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Roof Repair: The home seller made fraudulent claims about the condition of Patrick’s roof and should be held liable for replacing it. Carpenter Bees: An exterminator did nothing to prevent carpenter bees from returning to Louise’s back deck. We suggest looking for a new professional that offers better treatment and a reasonable guarantee. LED Lighting: Darrell can’t figure out why his new LED lights are causing static on his radio speakers. We’re puzzled, too, but we’ll try to find a solution. Chimney Leak: How in the world could cardboard and duct tape stop an unused chimney from leaking? They can’t! Kristine must either remove the chimney and patch the roof or install proper flashing. Concrete Floor: Craig is enclosing an exterior porch and wants to add flooring, but should first use a patching compound to repair the cracked areas of the concrete. Well Water: Does Susan need a water softener or a carbon filter for her well water? She must get the water tested to find out what kind of treatment to use. 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

SHOW NOTES: Stone Garden Wall: Learn how to beautify your garden with a strong and stylish stone wall. Storm Shutters: Find out how storm shutters can protect your home from strong sun and wild winds. Painting Prep: Any successful paint job starts with one important step. We’ll share this painting primer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Carpenter Bees: Busy carpenter bees are drilling lots of holes in Steve’s house. We suggest covering or replacing the wood with synthetic materials. Microwave Oven: The light in Freida’s old microwave oven keeps burning out. It may be a loose connection, a voltage problem, or time to replace the microwave. Aquaponic Garden: Patrick is concerned about the weight of his aquaponic garden on the concrete slab near his pool. We do the math and it should be fine. Structural Cracks: Are the ceiling cracks in an old home a structural issue? Anne is worried that her house is shifting, so she should have it checked by a home inspector. Water Damage: A destructive raccoon busted the water line and now part of the house is sinking. Brian needs to hire a public adjuster and file an insurance claim. Painting Cedar Shingles: Old paint is peeling off the cedar shingles. We tell Donna how to scrape, sand, and prime the surface before repainting. Noisy Plumbing: It sounds like a trumpet going off every time Robert turns on the hot water! It could be a faulty washer or a blocked aerator in the faucet. 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

SHOW NOTES: Spool Pools: Find out how trending spool pools offer the benefits of a pool and a spa in one compact space. Rain Barrels: Take advantage of spring showers by using a rain barrel to keep your garden happily hydrated through summer dry spells. Choosing Windows: Going window shopping? Learn how to choose between single-, double-, and triple-pane windows. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Textured Walls: Dave wonders how to prep his textured bathroom walls so he can add tile. Some sanding will allow better adhesion as long as the tiles lay flat. Sewer Pipes: Does a corroded sewer pipe need repair? Cast iron is very durable and Linda should just seal any common cracks with silicone caulk. Moisture Barriers: Does Jim need to add a moisture barrier inside his remodeled walls? Typical insulation already includes it, so he’s all set. Concrete Sidewalk: After having a tree removed, Bobbie wants to extend the sidewalk. She needs to rake out the area and add stone before pouring the concrete. Woodpeckers: Persistent woodpeckers are pecking holes in Terry’s chimney. We’ve got DIY tips on using pie plates and plastic strips to keep them away. Florescent Bulbs: Why do Laura’s compact florescent bulbs keep burning out? They may just be a bad batch, but LED bulbs would work even better. Window Installation: It looks like Steve’s contractor didn’t measure and install his new windows properly. He’ll need to file a complaint to get them done right. Water Softener: Does Ellie need a water softener and can it be installed outside? First, she should check her water source and have it tested, then look into getting a model that’s rated for exterior use and keep it sheltered. Landscaping: Sinkholes and hills have formed over a new septic tank. Chris must be careful not to crush the pipes with any heavy equipment, so he should fill and reseed the lawn by hand. Repainting Garage Doors: Marlene’s metal garage doors are starting to fade. Sanding, using a metal primer, and adding a topcoat of paint will restore them. Slab Foundation: Cracks are forming in various places around Erin’s home, which is on a slab foundation. We suggest having a structural engineer diagnose the issue to see if the cracks are structural. 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

SHOW NOTES: Energy Audit: Learn how an energy audit finds ways to make your home more energy-efficient and save money on utility bills. Roof Shingles: Strong winds can cause serious roof damage. Find out about wind-resistant roof shingles that can protect your home from storms. House Cleaning: Does it seem like the dust in your home never goes away? Get tips for how to easily clean better and sneeze less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Home Foundation: Brenda’s concrete basement walls are starting to crumble. She needs a structural engineer to determine what a contractor must do to repair the foundation. Pet-Proof Flooring: Pet ferrets have taken a toll on Bruce’s carpeting. We recommend engineered vinyl plank flooring that’s waterproof and durable. Concrete Repair: Can you repair a piece of broken brick and mortar? Bob should use concrete adhesive and cover the crack to re-stucco the area. Woodpeckers: Knock, knock! Woodpeckers are drilling for insects outside Bruce’s house. We’ve got DIY tips to treat for bugs and keep woodpeckers away. Popcorn Ceilings: What is the best way to remove popcorn ceilings? It can be a messy project, but Laura learns a wet scraping method to make it easier. Clogged Toilet: The toilet is making a bubbling sound and has to be flushed twice. Barbara should try using a toilet auger to clear the obstruction. Skylights: Will a skylight make the room too bright and cause glare? It shouldn’t be a problem since Ginny’s tubular skylights will direct sunlight straight down. 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

SHOW NOTES: Women in Home Improvement: Women are taking on more DIY home improvement projects than ever before, so why does gender bias persist? Deck Materials: Wood is the most popular choice for decks, but what type of lumber should you use? We’ll discuss several kinds of wood for decking. Bathroom Moisture: Tired of dealing with a damp and moldy bathroom? Get tips on how to get rid of bathroom moisture. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Soundproofing: Marilyn doesn’t want to listen in on her neighbors’ conversations! We’ve got tips for soundproofing the walls, outlets, and other openings. Home Remodeling Value: How can you market improvements you’ve done when selling your home? Mike can say it’s newly remodeled and offer an inventory of the updates he’s done. Floor Nails: One nail keeps popping up from the wood floor. Tammy needs to use a trim screw that won’t move as the floor expands and contracts. Water Heater: It’s time for David to replace his old electric water heater. Switching to natural gas would be best, but he can also consider a standard electric heater with a timer or an efficient heat pump water heater. Squeaky Floors: Nancy wants to fix a squeaky subfloor before installing new hardwood flooring. We tell her how to find the floor joists and stop the squeak. Painting Siding: Should you paint vinyl siding if you hate the color? We tell Van it’s not a good idea because it won’t last long and offer suggestions to improve the look. 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

SHOW NOTES: Termites: Termite damage doesn’t have to be inevitable. Learn how to keep your home off the menu. Design Trends: Spring into the new season with these 4 interior design trends for a fresh, new look. Painting Tips: There’s more to painting than just picking the color. Here are 5 things to save time and money on your next painting project. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Removing Stains: Spilled candle wax on the carpet and upholstery can be a sticky situation. Sandy learns a simple trick for removing wax stains. Installing a Bathroom: Phillip wants to add a half bathroom in a space with concrete floors and walls. He’ll need a jackhammer to dig things out. Duct Cleaning: Is it worth having your HVAC ducts cleaned? We tell Sherry she’s better off using good quality filters and changing them more often. Insulation: Pros and cons of 2x6s vs. 2x4s for exterior walls? Ron will save money by using 2x4s and adding spray foam insulation that’s more efficient. Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Why is the bathroom still steamed up? Diane needs to check that the exhaust fan is venting outside and consider installing a fan with a humidistat. Water Heaters: Mike has questions about draining sediment from his water heater. We have tips on doing it faster and recommend getting an electronic water softener. Metal Roofing: Is a long-lasting metal roof worth the expense? It can add value to a home, but Debbie may not get a full ROI if she’s moving anytime soon. Property Vandalism: Tenants caused intentional damage to Bonnie’s rental property. We advise her to press criminal charges and make an insurance claim. 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

SHOW NOTES: Outdoor Kitchens: Cooking up plans for an outdoor kitchen? Get the recipe for successfully designing a great outdoor dining space. Spring Gardening: The best soil produces the best gardens in bloom. We’ve got all the dirt on how to prep for springtime gardening. Hardwood Floors: Refinishing hardwood floors can be worth the effort. Learn how to restore the shine. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Exterior Painting: Barry keeps repainting the arbor outside his house. He should make sure the surface is scraped clean and use an oil-based primer and paint. Radon Testing: Are radon tests necessary? We agree it’s a good idea and tell Sandra how radon testing and remediation are done. Shower Floor: The floor under a fiberglass tub squeaks whenever Jeff showers. The tub probably wasn’t installed correctly, but the problem is more annoying than structural. Heating System: Should Amber convert from hot water baseboard heat to electric baseboard heat? We warn her it will be very expensive and suggest getting a new oil unit with zoned heating and controllable thermostats instead. Laminate Flooring: Do you need special underlayment for laminate flooring? Joe should see what type of underlayment is recommended by the manufacturer. Garden Beds: Where is the best location for a raised garden bed? Courtney should look for a wide open space with no obstructions and full sun. 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

SHOW NOTES: Spring Home Projects: Is your home ready for spring? Find out the essential home projects to tackle first. HOA Fees: Are you sure that the HOA fees you pay are being used as they should? Learn the tough questions you need to ask your homeowners association. Refrigerator Tips: Do you know why it’s helpful to keep paper towels in your fridge? We’ve got tips on how to use them. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Sliding Doors: Why is there moisture and ice in the bottom track of sliding doors? We have tips for Sherry on checking the door alignment and looking for gaps that may need weatherstripping. Concrete Basement Floor: What is the best way to level a concrete basement floor? Depending on how uneven it is, Colin can use a floor-leveling compound. Cleaning Granite Countertops: Janet wants to know how to clean and maintain her new granite countertops. She’ll need to use a cleaning product that’s safe for granite and be sure to reseal and polish the countertops regularly. Painting Cement: It seems like Eddie’s cement stairs are always peeling and need to be repainted. We advise him to strip off the old paint and use long-lasting epoxy-based masonry paint instead. Bathroom Windows: Christine needs ideas for the window in the bathroom she’s remodeling. We suggest some options for installing a new privacy window. Tub Refinishing: Is it better to refinish, reline, or replace an old tub that’s rusting? Mike may be better off installing a new bathtub unless he wants to do a tub insert. Leaking Ridge Vent: When the rain blows sideways, the ridge vent leaks on Ted’s roof. We recommend installing a new ridge vent that has built-in weather protection. 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

SHOW NOTES: Mold Removal: Even the cleanest of homes can have hidden mold. Here’s what to do if you find it. Building a Deck: Is building a deck a DIY project or should you hire a pro? Find out how to decide. Circuit Breakers: How do circuit breakers keep you safe and what should you do if they keep tripping? We’ll explain how they work. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Radon Mitigation System: There’s water outside Benjamin’s radon system pipe. It’s probably pulling up moisture along with the gases, so he needs to improve the drainage outside his house. Plumbing: Jackie has questions about diverting the plumbing when replacing an old tub with a tile shower. She should install a pressure-balanced shower valve to reroute the pipes. Cleaning Grout: What’s the best product to clean the grout in a ceramic tile floor? We suggest that Joe use a stripper instead of a cleaner and then apply a grout sealer. Laminate Flooring: Robin wants to install laminate flooring without having to remove the cabinets and appliances. We remind her to raise the feet on the appliances to avoid locking them in place and give suggestions on transitioning between spaces. Water Heater: Rust from an old oil-fired water heater is making the hot water discolored. It’s time for Kim to consider a new heat pump water heater that will be more efficient. Cedar Planking Walls: When Brian moves pictures that hang on his cedar planking walls, he sees how faded the wall is around them. He can either sand and stain the cedar or stop moving the pictures to hide the color. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices