This Old House On The Money Pit

Show notes: Every summer, the #1 danger for children is drowning! Tom & Leslie share a pool safety system you can put in place to help makes sure that tragedy never strikes close to home. It’s National Garage Sales Day and that time of year when millions of folks transform their garages and yards into a storefront to get rid of the junk they no longer want! whether you need to clear garage clutter or maybe make a few bucks, or both, we’ll have tips to help your garage sale go smoothly, including how to protect your privacy and how to price your treasures!  If you’ve ever tried to repair cracked, deteriorated concrete like on a sidewalk, driveway or garage floor – you might have found that those repairs have to be made to the same spots over and over again. We’ll share a way to do these once and have them stick. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Justin from VA needs to know the best options for a laundry room floor. Margie in OH needs deep cleaning advice for kitchen cabinets. Judy in M

SHOW NOTES: Want to refresh your home with new décor but aren’t sure if your budget is ready to handle the hit. We’ll share 5 ways to save lots of money decorating your home sweet home. The real estate market is very hot and for first time home buyers, that makes it even tougher to find an affordable house. We’ll share new data on the best and worst markets for first time buyers. Window screens let fresh air into your home, while keeping pesky bugs out! If yours aren’t doing the job, we’ll tell you about new technology options in invisible screening that does just that and a whole lot more. If you’ve ever had to do deal with an uneven concrete walkway that’s causing people to trip, the solution may be easier than you think. We’ll share the best fix. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Sherri from TN needs help with strange dryer problem. Her machine generates moisture when the load is finished. Tim from Michigan has a 2nd floor deck and wants to know how to install fiberglass floor

SHOW NOTES: During summer’s hottest months, buying a pool may seem like a pretty good idea. But several pool pitfalls that can lead to a real financial soaking. Tom & Leslie share dos and don’ts. If you’ve ever picked up lumber for a project that measure 2 by anything (like 2x4, 2x8 and so on) did you ever notice that the wood actually measures a lot less? We’ll share what happens to all that missing wood you thought you were paying for. Homeowners insurance is an important way to protect yourself from financial disaster. But you might be surprised to learn the most common things that are NOT covered. We share how to make sure your totally covered. One incredibly common home improvement tool sends hundreds of people to emergency rooms every year. Learn what this is and how to stay safe Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Bill is trying to decide between a concrete patio or wood deck and wants to know how much to budget for the project and which one lasts longer? Lorraine needs help gett

SHOW NOTES: Learn how to keep your lawn green and healthy through the hottest months of the summer, plus how to handle droughts or water restrictions. Drain clogs can be a real hassle – but they don’t have to be complicated to free up. We’ll share quick solutions to get things flowing. If you love to grow herbs in your garden for cooking, many of the most popular also can be used as herbal medicines. We’ll share a few of the most popular If your gas grill needs a mid-season grill cleaning? The same char broiling grill action that flavors ribs, chicken, steaks and burgers all summer long can really cause problems if you don't stop and do a thorough grill cleaning once in a while. We walk you through the steps. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Jeff is looking for the easiest way to clean out the shower drain. Dixie needs a step-by-step walkthrough of how to handle repair of major cracks in a foundation. Spray foam insulation vs. blown-in. Max wants to know if spray foam insulation is

SHOW NOTES: Most kitchen renos are expensive. But there’s actually a lot you can do yourself over a single weekend that can deliver a big impact without a big budget. We share a checklist of low-cost kitchen remodeling projects that deliver the biggest impact. If your patio is worn, weathered or even cracked, we’ll share how to do a makeover using a new type of paver brick designed for remodeling that any DIY’r can accomplish in just a couple of hours. The hottest part of the summer always brings out the most bugs – including disease-carrying tics! We’ll explain the best ways to stop ticks from taking a bite out of your summer fun. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Tom wants to know to clean and paint a pocket door. Marianne wants to know if her floor tile might possibly contain asbestos. Steve is dealing with a leaky water heater. We share a new technology in water heaters that include a water heater that automatic shut offs if a leak is detected. Elanor wants to know how best to remo

SHOW NOTES: Spaces under outdoor decks can be dark, dirty wastelands! But with a deck ceiling, you can drain the rain and clean up the look below. We walk you through build-from-scratch and manufactured options to create a dry hangout space below an overhead decks. Finding a foundation crack can be quite disturbing, but not all cracks spell disaster! We’ll share how to sort out the minor from the major, and what to do if you find yourself unsure of what you’ve got. You may think of Ivy as a way to make your home look distinguished – but did you know it can also wreak serious havoc on your siding and cause major carpenter ant problems? We’ll have tips on the best way to get rid of ivy and manage those creepy vines. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: Courtney wants to know how to get rid of tree roots so she can build a new patio. Larry needs to know how to replace his concrete driveway. Lucille is trying to seal a hole to repair a cracked fiberglass tub. John asks if cleaning solar panel

Show notes: On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the porch… until the mosquitoes arrive! We’ve got tips on retractable screens to keep pesky pests away. Some home décor can practically guarantee you’ll lose money selling a home. We share the top 10 worst décor choices to avoid at all costs! The pandemic drove a surge of home buying from millennials, but it turns out that nearly half blew their renovation budgets within the first year! We dig into why this happened and what the home buying economy looks like going forward. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Best options for affordable kitchen countertops How paint your front door and make it last Replacing a 15-year-old roof that should have lasted longer Right way to assess and repair foundation cracks Best way to repair or replace rotted wood trim behind gutters. 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 m

Show notes: Have you made energy saving improvements that upped your home’s “green” factor? Those improvements can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Tom & Leslie explain why and share tips to create your own green home improvement inventory. Kitchen backsplashes are a great way to keep the walls behind your counters clean – but they can also be a fun and affordable project to do yourself! We walk you through how to create your own kitchen backsplash with tile. And you may know what good case of sun burn can do to your skin, but have you ever thought about what those harsh rays can do to your home? Sunlight can fade furniture and floors, raise energy costs. We’ll tell you about a way you can block out just the damaging rays while still enjoying the sunshine. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Is it better to use stain or paint on an outdoor deck? How do you know if it’s worth the cost to upgrade your homes air conditioning and heating system? What are the benefits of a

SHOW NOTES: Do you feel like your A/C just isn’t doing the job it should? We’ll share a trick of the trade you can use to test your air conditioning, so you’ll know exactly how well it’s performing, or if it’s wasting your cold hard cash. Painting is a project that’s among the most basic of DIY projects, and one most homeowners are happy to tackle themselves. But it’s also a project that can go terribly wrong if you don’t take just three steps before you start. We’ll share important painting tips. Do summertime allergies have you hacking and sneezing on even the sunniest of days? We’ll share five things you can do inside your home to breathe easy all summer long. Does having a solar energy system really improve the value of your home? Solar energy sellers will universally say yes, but we think otherwise and explain why.   Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: How to deal with high humidity and moisture in your home? What might be the reason why your exterior door isn’t quite sealed? What

SHOW NOTES: Every summer deck collapses are tragically common. We’ll share the top 5 reasons decks fall down along with tips on how to do a safety check your own deck. If your last electric bill a real shocker you’ll be happy to hear that utility companies are required to offer programs to help you save money and use LESS of their product! We’ll have advice on how to best take advantage of that savings. For family pets, the backyard is a place to relax, burn off some energy, and play with friends, human and furry. We’ll share 4 tips to help improve your outdoor space to keep pets safe in summer and their humans happy. Laundry is always a chore but it’s even worse when your washer and dryer are located a floor below or above the place where those dirty clothes are first dropped! We share how to effectively move your laundry from a floor below and place it right where it needs to go.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Value of adding a whole house fan. How to fix peeling Vinyl flooring?

SHOW NOTES: Want to update your kitchen this summer? Updating the layout at the same time can deliver updated functionality and flow. Tom & Leslie share tips for kitchen layouts that bring in some new feng-shui and make the space more functional.  Are you bracing for you next big cooling bill of the summer? We’ll highlight new technology that can keep you cool and cut your costs at the same time. A great looking fence can improve your home’s curb appeal and add to your home’s value. But if the fence hasn’t been well maintained, it can have the opposite effect! We walk you through how to stain a fence and make it last!  If you enjoy watching hummingbirds in summer, the best way to attract them to your yard is to feed them. Leslie shares the do's and don'ts of making your own delicious sugar water homemade hummingbird food! Plus, we share answers to your home improvement questions about: How to brighten up a dirty and stained garage floor. Options for adding slip resistant paint surfaces. How to choose the b

Show Notes: A tree in your landscape can be a thing of beauty. But after it’s gone, the stump left behind - not so much. We show you easy ways to get rid of stumps for very little cost. Planning on painting your home this summer. Choosing the right colors can make a huge impact on its appearance and value. We’ll share tips for picking the perfect paint colors for outside projects. If you’re a renter, you might think there’s not much you can do to cut summer cooling bills and stay comfortable. Not true! There are lots of low cost to no cost things you can do to stay comfortable and stop wasting money. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Best way to remove and replace old tile floor grout. How to paint a popcorn ceiling (including what to do if you’ve removed all those clumps of popcorn!) Best way to restore dead or dying spots in a sod lawn. Most efficient way to insulate an old and drafty house. Advice for replacing a leaking sliding door with a French door. Does noisy plumbing signa

Show Notes: Want to outsmart would-be burglars with more than just a fake rock. Tom and Leslie share the sneakiest hiding spots to store house keys outside. Wondering what projects were popular during the pandemic? We highlight the most popular YouTube videos about projects people were making with just a bag of concrete. Have summer storms damage your roof? Find out how to get your insurance company to pay for a complete roof replacement. If you love outdoor cooking, we highlight the best outdoor kitchen features to add on a budget to enjoy all season long.  Plus, we answer home improvement questions about. Tips for adding an attic stair access to a garage ceiling. Best way to remove adhesive from a brick surface. Ideas for fixing a drainage problem that’s causing flooding around and under a home. DIY addition? Important steps to take before attempting to build an addition yourself. Paint or aluminum wrap? Best way to finish exterior trim to stop rot and avoid long-term maintenance. Do you have a home

Are your kitchen cabinets tired and worn? Tom and Leslie tell you how to choose new cabinets that’ll step up the space and not blow the budget. If you’re thinking about an outdoor project, and love the sound of a babbling brook, we’re going to tell you how to create your very own water feature for your yard Ready to take on an outdoor paint project? We’ll highlight new paint sprayers that makes paint projects quick and easy. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about. Options for adding GFCI’s to bathrooms that don’t have them. How to repair exposed rebar around your pool? Tricks for finding the source of a window leak Tips for humane ways to get rid of squirrels who have made a home in your home! How to reduce condensation in basements How to seal and preserve a brick chimney? Is it less expensive to build or buy wall shelves? 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.

Show Notes: Backyard decks can bring added value to your home but costly mistakes can quickly take that away. Get tips on building the best deck for your yard. Bathrooms renos are one where you need to get the design decisions done right, the first time to stay on schedule and on budget! We’ll walk you through what you need to know. Do you experience tripped circuits a little more often than you’d like?   We’ll share FIVE signs you might need an electric panel upgrade to stay safe and keep the lights on!  Garden gnomes are making their way from punchlines to potted plants. And they’re not the only surprise trend in the latest enchanted yards and gardens! We share a few ideas to get you started. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: ·     What are some good basement flooring options? ·     How and when to use the services of your town’s professional engineers to diagnose a flooding problem under your house. ·     How to fix unwanted odors from your sump pump? ·     How effective are low-e (Lo

Mosquitoes can really suck the fun out of your summer activities, that’s why we are sharing some tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes for good. Stone countertops are a great addition to any kitchen, but we’ll give you some important factors to consider before installing them. Tip over accidents are an overlooked danger to your children. We have some preventative tips to make sure your kids aren’t put in danger. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: What to look for in window replacements? How to deal with vandalism to your property?  How do fix bathtub cracks? Why a fresh painted wall might be peeling? When is the best time to seal your tile? What to do know about comfort height toilets? How to kill and prevent bathroom mold? 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: Summer sun and storms can cause serious damage to your roof. Find out how to spot and stop leaks before they happen. Ever wonder if you’re overpaying a contractor? Tom and Leslie get smart strategies for hiring pros from leading Economist Meisha Fisher of ANGI. A leaking shower can end up being one of the most expensive pluming leaks to repair. Find out how the right shower drain can prevent this from ever happened to you. Are costly cooling bills cutting into your monthly budget? Find out the easy fix for a common mistake that causes bills to get out of control. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: How to paint fiberglass shutters? What’s the best way to restore damaged concrete? How to stop air conditioners that blow breakers? How to refinish original hardwood flooring? How to pick the best water heater for your family? Exterior trim: paint or wrap with aluminum? Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your

Show notes: Find out how to step up your outdoor living space with step-by-step tips on how to can build your very own fire pit. Has your patio seen better days? We share easy and exciting ways to breathe new life into those crusty concrete patios.  Small spaces can make your home feel cramped, but with the right floor, the space can instantly feel bigger. Find out the best hardwood floor patterns to open up a room. Want to step up the deck around your swimming pool? We share stain that stand up to wet environments. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: What is the best way to replace an asphalt driveway? How to repair contracting siding? How to repair water pressure caused by a shared well? Are wall cracks a serious problem? Easy fix sticky sliding doors How to keep Squirrels from taking over the bird feeder Best way to insulate a garage for a year-round workspace. How to stop basement floor leaks for good. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 88

Show notes: Security cameras can protect our homes during our vacation but only with the right placement. Tom and Leslie share strategies yo get the best camera coverage of your home.  If you want to start your remodeling project on a level playing field, you first need to start from a level floor. Find out the simplest ways to fix up a floor that is out of whack to get your remodeling project off on the right foot.  One of the most expensive home repairs is repairing a leaky shower stall. This is one problem you will never have to deal with if your shower is built right to begin with. We walk you through the key to a totally leak-proof bath reno.   Are messy pets creating a decorating dilemma? Are you afraid that anything you buy will be ruined by your well-meaning pooch? Leslie has tips to help you get the best of both worlds and stop your pet from taking over your style. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions: How to put in new windows into an existing opening? What to do about electrical arcs?

Show notes: Looking for an easy DIY way to spruce up the backyard? Arbors and Pergolas are a great feature to add to any yard -- AND you can build one yourself! Tom and Leslie give some tips and explain the differences between them. Rotted wood on your windows, doors, columns or any exterior surface can be expensive to replace - but you can save money by restoring the wood instead! We’ll walk you through what products to use as well as how to use them.  Summer time makes saving water more important than ever. But rather than rely on your kids and family to use less water, we will walk you through some great fixtures that can do the water saving for you. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: How to install crown molding? Fixing windows with sash cords? Can you paint vinyl sidings? When should you use a ridge vent? What are your options when replacing a driveway? Is it possible to restore the gloss on a porcelain bathtub? How to get rid of Moles in your yard? Do you have a home improve