This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes that break are a winter worry that can cause expensive damage. Find out how to keep your pipes from freezing. Choosing a Mattress: The right mattress can help you sleep soundly and avoid an aching back. Learn what to look for when mattress shopping. DIY Bathroom Remodel: Want to remodel your bathroom in time for the holidays? It can be done with these DIY tips.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. New Flooring: Do you need to strip a stained concrete floor before installing a new floor over it? Ted’s got lots of DIY options for floating flooring that doesn’t require any prep work. Old Wiring: Sandra’s house has very old knob and tube wiring and she’s starting to update her kitchen. Brittle, ungrounded wiring can be dangerous, so it’s time to update the electrical system. Fireplace Cleaning: How do you clean the creosote in a wood-burning fireplace? Bill gets suggestions on what to use depending on how much soot there is, plus safety advice on p

SHOW NOTES: Home Improvement Costs: What are the most popular home renovation projects and what do they cost? How to budget for remodels and repairs. Wallpaper Removal: Getting rid of outdated wallpaper can be a chore, but we’ve got tips on making wallpaper removal less of a hassle. Composting Leaves: Once all those fall leaves have been raked up, don’t just drag them to the curb. Find out how to compost leaves for next year’s garden.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Electrical Wiring: An old home has a mix of old and new outlets and wiring. Lisa learns why it’s always safer to update electrical wiring and outlets and keep things grounded. Updating Formica: Mark needs to make his dark Formica countertop lighter. We offer info on a great product that gives the beautiful look of granite. Wood Countertop: Anne wants to install an undermount sink with a hardwood kitchen countertop. We caution her that wood is hard to maintain and suggest some easier alternatives. Exterior Paint: W

SHOW NOTES: Driveway Stains: Tired of coming home to a worn-out driveway? Get ways to clean and seal driveway surfaces. Space Heaters: Chilly rooms are an age-old problem, but space-age space heaters offer the perfect solution. Garbage Disposals: Has your garbage disposal gotten its fill of holiday leftovers? We’ve got DIY tips on how to clear the jam safely and get it running again.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Repairing Stone and Brick: Mindy has multiple areas in her porch, steps, and brick that need repair. We have recommendations on what to use to restore the surfaces. Wood Siding: Can faded Western Red Cedar siding be restored or should it be replaced with pine siding? Mike will need to use solid stain either way, but unless it’s deteriorated, keeping the cedar siding is the more durable option. Tile Grout: The grout around the ceramic tiles looks dull and chalky. We give Joyce DIY tips on how to easily carve out the top layer of the old grout, then apply and seal new

SHOW NOTES: Roofing: Find out whether it’s time to repair or replace that old, leaky roof and how to make roof shingles last. Washers and Dryers: Washers and dryers can cause leaks and fires if they’re not properly maintained. Here’s what to do. Heat Pumps: When temperatures plummet, you’ll want an energy-efficient heat pump system to improve comfort and air quality in your home. Know what to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Soundproofing: Is your upstairs neighbor a ceiling stomper? Hopefully the noisy neighbor will agree to add soundproofing to the flooring while Tony uses soft goods to absorb the echo in his own apartment. HVAC: Gina has been advised to upgrade to a high-efficiency boiler with a direct vent system. We agree it’s worth the higher cost, which will be offset by rebates and energy savings, plus added home value. Concrete Repair: Need to fix cracks in a stamped concrete patio? Scott gets tips on how to color silicone caulk to match the existing concrete.

SHOW NOTES: Hard-to-Kill House Plants: Find out the easiest to care for indoor house plants to bring live greenery inside your home and keep them thriving all winter long! Disappearing Window Screens: Storing your window screens is a lot easier with an innovative new product from Pella Windows that offers convenience and a beautiful view. Hot Water Heating: High energy costs got you down? We’ve got 5 ways to save energy and reduce your hot water heating bills  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Soundproofing: Want to block out the sounds of those noisy upstairs neighbors? We have two suggestions for Gloria on how to soundproof her ceiling to muffle those loud footsteps. Patching Concrete: What’s the best way to patch the concrete driveway near a garage? John gets a recommendation on a product that makes it fast, easy, and durable. Cleaning Siding: Water runoff from the narrow gutters is staining the aluminum siding of Patricia’s home. Cleaning products may help, but it might really

SHOW NOTES: Fireplace Safety: Fireplaces are a common cause of home heating fires. Learn how to maintain your fireplace to stay safe and warm. Window Treatments: The right window treatments can save you money on energy bills while adding style to your home. Find out the best options. Sprinkler Systems: Winterizing your sprinkler system now can prevent big repairs when spring arrives. We’ll discuss three ways to winterize your system.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Insulation: Dan converted his back porch and wants to insulate the floor but has limited access to the tight space underneath. His only options may be having someone spray foam insulation or digging out a crawlspace. Painting: A contractor did a poor job spray painting Anna’s doors with the wrong kind of paint. She’ll need to start over by using a citrus-based product to remove the paint, then using an oil-based primer and good-quality paint to do it right. Wood Paneling: What’s the best way to cover up dark wood pan

SHOW NOTES: Environmentally-Friendly Concrete: A new carbon-eating concrete will make truly green buildings possible.We’ll discuss this new earth-friendly construction material. Space Heaters: Would you like to warm up a chilly area of your home? We share innovations in space heaters that can increase your comfort like never before. Stink Bugs: It’s stink bug season, when these creepy pests try to head indoors. We’ll share tips on how to keep stink bugs from invading your home.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Hard Water: What is the best system to use if you’ve got hard water in your home? We’ll tell Brian why a traditional salt-based water conditioner is better than a salt-free type to treat his whole house. Cement Stains: The uncovered portion of Linda’s cement porch is peeling and looks terrible. We suggest a product she can use that’s quick, easy, durable, and much more attractive than repainting the cement surface. Roofing: Randy wants to know if his metal roof is ventilat

SHOW NOTES: Hot Water Outdoors: The convenience of hot water from your hose is now an option. Learn more about a great new product that makes it possible. Snow Removal Options: Do you need a snow blower or a snow thrower? Here’s what to know before winter snow starts falling. Attic Insulation: Blown-in insulation for your attic can now be a DIY project with an easy-to-use machine that gets the job done fast.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Accessible Bathrooms: Randy wants to remove an old bathtub and make his bathroom handicapped accessible. We tell him about design kits that offer customized components that seal out water and can meet various needs. Foggy Windows: Why do those old windows keep fogging over? The thermal pane windows in Sarah’s home have lost their insulation seal and there’s moisture trapped inside. Her best option is to replace them. Pressure Washing: What is the best, pet-safe way to pressure wash mildew from your siding? We’ve got info for Randy about a gre

SHOW NOTES: Drafty Windows: When cold weather sets in, you’ll want to find and seal up any drafts in your windows. Here’s what to do. Standby Generators: If your home loses power, having a reliable standby generator can be crucial. We’ve got recommendations. Hiring a Home Improvement Professional: Not all home projects can be done by DIY-ers. We’ve got info on hiring the right professional for the job.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Damp Basement: Holly’s basement floor is cracked and changes color after it rains because it’s absorbing moisture from around the perimeter of her home. We’ll explain how to improve the drainage and keep things dry. Insulation: What is the difference between closed-cell and open-cell foam insulation? Michael learns about comparing the total R values, which one is best for moist areas, and the need for correct installation. Musty Odors: That persistent musty smell means Sandy has excessive moisture and humidity in her basement. We’ll discuss gutters

SHOW NOTES: Home Improvement Products: What home improvement products are most in demand? We find out what items are purchased most often. Garage Doors: New garage doors provide the best ROI on your home. Here’s what to look for when installing new ones. Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide poses a real danger and can come from various sources. Learn what you can do to keep your family safe.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Wood Decks: After tearing down an old deck made of untreated lumber, David wants to know how to choose the wood for a new deck. We explain how to compare the ratings of pressure-treated wood depending on how it’s used. Cedar Shingles: Ivy may look lovely on exterior walls, but it causes lots of problems. We have advice for Lauren about restoring or replacing her cedar siding after removing the overgrown ivy. Floors: Is that dip in the bathroom floor caused by decay or a structural defect? Daniel finds out the most common cause and how to repair the floor to make

SHOW NOTES: Home Repairs: Knowing the age of your home can help you plan for expected repairs. Here’s how to determine when your home was built. Lawn Care: Find out 4 steps to take now to get your lawn ready for winter and next year’s spring season. Air Quality: Do you want to cover up odors in your home or actually eliminate them? Learn the difference between air cleaners and air purifiers.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Wet Basement: Beverly’s done all the right things to try and keep her basement dry, but the moisture persists. We’ll tell her how to find out if the problem is a leaky underground pipe that’s attached to the leaders and if she needs more downspouts. Heating: Cathedral ceilings are keeping half of Ed’s house cooler than the rest. A split ductless HVAC system is an easy and efficient way to supplement the central air system. Concrete Siding: Mary wants to know if she should caulk her newly installed concrete siding. Adhesive is all she needs, except for caulk s

SHOW NOTES: Insulation: Insulating an older home can be complicated, but we’ve got info on the best way to get it done. Indoor Gardening: When outdoor gardening season ends, you can keep things growing with an indoor container garden. Chimney Cleaning: Before you light a fire for those chilly nights, have your chimney properly cleaned by a professional to keep things safe and warm. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Split Ductless Systems: Is there a way to compare the costs and efficiency of a split ductless system vs. a central HVAC system? Dave should start with a heat loss analysis and consider a system with smaller ducts that’s easier to install. Carpeting: Sarah’s having a hard time scraping off old carpeting glue without damaging her subfloor. She’s better off pulling up the carpet and adding a new layer of plywood to create a smooth surface. Permits: How can Tyler know when a permit is needed for a home project? It’s usually required for a home improvement or replacement, b

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Updates: Kitchen renovations can be costly, but we’ve got ideas on budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen. Water Heaters: Is it time to replace your water heater? Find out about four options to fit your lifestyle, budget, and energy efficiency needs. Hands-Free Faucets: When your hands are full, hands-free faucets are really convenient and have other advantages to offer, too.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Woodpeckers: That woodpecker tapping outside the house is damaging the siding. Denise learns some ways to discourage the woodpeckers from returning, plus options to replace her siding. Restoring Concrete: Gary’s concrete porch is flaking, but we can suggest a DIY product to easily repair the concrete surface. Glue Removal: There’s glue residue on the linoleum floor that Charlotte just had installed. There are products she can use to remove the glue, but she’ll need to be careful to avoid damaging the floor. Metal Roofing: John’s been getting differ

SHOW NOTES: Pro-Style Kitchen Ranges: Learn how a pro-style kitchen range improves your cooking power and adds value to your home. Home Standby Generators: If your home loses power, having a standby generator is not just a convenience but also a good investment. Storage Space: When it comes to storage space, every inch counts. Find out where to look for hidden storage options in your home.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Brick Walls: The dark brick wall in Cathy’s house needs some brightening up. We offer some ideas that may be better alternatives to painting the brick. Smoke Odors: Lingering smoke odors are a persistent challenge in the house James just bought. We’ll tell him how to get rid of the smell that’s embedded in the carpeting, flooring, walls, and window treatments. Painting: How should you paint over a ceiling that currently has oil-based paint that’s not sold anymore? Laura will need to clean the surface well and use latex-based paint with less sheen to hide imperf

SHOW NOTES: Easy Energy Efficiency: Fall is not too late to make your home energy-efficient and comfortable with these 3 easy steps. Insulation: New, easy to install, Thermafiber Fire & Sound Guard insulation but offers both sound resistance and fire protection. Portable Infrared Heaters: Need some extra warmth in your room? Portable infrared heaters can keep things cozy while turning down the furnace to save money.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Driveway Repairs: What’s the best way to repair cracks in a concrete driveway? George learns the products to use to fill the gaps and seal his driveway. Phone Lines: Donna is frustrated by phones that aren’t working when connected to the lines inside her home. We’ve got a suggestion on how to tell if the problem is her phones or the wiring. Plumbing: What is causing a basement drain to back up when the washer and upstairs sink are used? We’ll explain to Kevin about using a lift pump to send the water into the main waste line. Window Sh

SHOW NOTES: Heating Your Garage: Find out how to heat your garage so you can comfortably do DIY projects all year. Hidden Storm Damage: The impact of storms isn’t always obvious. Here are some things to look for around your home. Storing Window Screens: The change of seasons is a great time to clean and store your window screens. Learn the best methods to keep them in good shape.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Gutters: A narrow area of space between neighboring homes keeps filling with water. We tell Allison how to improve drainage and waterproof her basement. Bathroom Vanity: Nick needs to know how to attach the top of his bathroom vanity to the base. We’ll share tips about keeping it secure with plumbing, adhesive, and caulk. Wall Tile: Can you cover garage cement walls with tile? Shen finds out it can be done and how to reduce moisture with a waterproof membrane under the tile. Decking: Andrew wants to install a hot tub on top of a deck. We’ll share info about building a

SHOW NOTES: Power Generators: When the power goes out, should you have a portable generator or a standby generator? We’ll discuss both. Exterior Home Improvements: What are the best exterior projects to improve curb appeal and provide a return on your investment? Find out from an expert. Leaf Disposal: How can you get rid of all those autumn leaves that are covering your yard? We’ll talk about a few easy options.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing a Deck: Half of Teresa’s deck is made of new pressure-treated lumber and the other half is painted. We suggest she waits a while before prepping and painting the whole deck. Energy Efficiency: How can Dane save money on his rising energy bills? Simple DIY tips like buying LED bulbs, installing a smart thermostat, and using drapes and blinds to block the sun are some solutions. Log Home: Is there a way to fill cracks on the inside walls of Nina’s log home? Wood fillers may help for a while, but the cracks are common for a log

SHOW NOTES: Heating Costs: If high heating bills are making your blood boil, you need these easy tips for cutting energy costs. Patio Heaters: The right patio heater can extend your outdoor living well into fall. Find out how to choose the best one. Air Quality: Eliminating odors is always better than just covering them up! We’ve got info about an air purifier that will have you breathing easily.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Wood Doors: Restoring solid walnut doors is worth the time and effort to get beautiful results. We’ll talk Mary through how to strip, sand, and refinish her wood doors to resist UV rays and last for years. Fire Pits: James needs advice about installing a fire pit. We suggest an easy DIY fire pit kit that comes with everything he needs. Stone Veneers: Can stone veneers be used to cover the walls of an old glazed block building? Greg learns it can be done with the right type of veneer adhesive. Indoor Pests: What’s the best way to catch indoor pests if y

SHOW NOTES: Floor Heating Systems: If stepping onto a cold floor gives you the chills, find out about floor heating systems with smart new technology. Air Purifiers: Trying to get rid of persistent odors from cooking, pets, smoking, and more? You’ll want to learn about these effective air purifiers. Sealing Drafts: Renters may have limited options when it comes to eliminating drafts in their homes, but we’ve got some easy, low-cost solutions.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Kitchen Sinks: Trying to decide between a single sink or a double sink? We give Kathy some info on the advantages of large kitchen sinks that make them so popular. Noisy Plumbing: Robert wants to reduce the noise from his drainage pipes. We’ve got tips to help muffle the sounds of the plumbing behind his walls. Brick Steps: You don’t need to replace brick steps that are starting to separate and crumble. We tell Sandy how to repoint the concrete mortar instead. Removing Moss: If you have unsightly moss on y

SHOW NOTES: Greenhouses: Learn how to extend your gardening season by building a DIY greenhouse in your yard. Hardwood Floors: Refinishing hardwood floors can be a time-consuming project with great results. Find out how to restore the beauty of old wood floors. Home Improvement Costs: You may be overlooking a few items when you budget for that home improvement project. We’ll tell you about some hidden costs.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Carpenter Ants: When you take down a tree that’s infested with carpenter ants, where will they head next? Tom calms Anna’s worries about the pests going into her house. Outdoor Steps: The railroad ties on Matt’s long flight of landscaping stairs are rotted out. We’ve got advice on an affordable alternative for rebuilding the steps that’s durable and easy to shovel. Mold in Attic: Will adding blown-in insulation prevent mold in the attic? Tom explains why Kathy needs more ventilation, not more insulation, in her Cape Cod-style home. Electric