This Old House On The Money Pit

Show Notes: As we say goodbye to winter, now is a good time to take a look at your driveway to see what winter’s road salt left behind. We walk you through options for driveway sealing, resurfacing or replacement and share a key detail on the type of asphalt that lasts the longest. Are you dreaming of relaxing on your deck in the warm days ahead, but have a deck that looks more like a nightmare? We can fix that with tips for a deck makeover that you’ll be able to get done for LESS than the average refund the IRS may be sending your way this spring - in today’s Tax Refund Project Tip, presented by HART TOOLS, available exclusively at WALMART. And as the first day of spring approaches, we get you ready with room-by-room Spring cleaning tips to make sure your home is spick and span. If you’re still feeling a chill, we share tips for selecting the best type of space heater. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: Refinishing furniture, installing a subfloor in basement, installing an under de

DIY’rs are ramping up their projects this Spring with 84% planning to take on even tougher projects in 2021 than last year! We’ll share tips on a tool system that can help you get there, with a reliable battery system that works on DOZENS of power and lawn and garden tools. Do you enjoying hanging out in your yard or patio but would love to have a bit more privacy? We share landscaping tips and tricks to create private backyard hideaways If you have a plumbing project to tackle, one type of pipe is very easy to work with and can save you lots of money. That is, as the mice don’t get to it first! We’ll tell you how to keep mice away from PEX pipe. With Spring storms on the way, adding a whole house surge protector can help prevent against some serious electrical damage. We explain where this fits in your electrical system, how it works and why is not a project you should do yourself. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about: sealing granite countertops, installing ducted heating system, patc

Are you ready for a new washing machine? We’ll take a look at the most popular features and help you decide which make the best washing machine for your laundry needs. For 55 years, ShopVac has been helping Americans with clean ups that household vacs could never hope to handle. Now this iconic brand has a new owner and some very exciting plans for the future. We hear from the new CEO. And did you know that the average Americans receives a tax refund of about $2,800? We figured, there are a lot of projects you can get done for that kind of money so today we’ll start a new series in partnership with HART Tools called Tax Refund Projects! Do you have a boring bathroom but no bucks to spruce it up? There’s a lot you can do on the cheap with paint. We share tips for stenciling and more. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about energy star rebates, repairing a slow dryer, temporary caulk for windows, repairing a stained tub, eliminating mice from your home, safety options for your home. Do you ha

Hearing crazy house sounds from your home’s plumbing, water heater or heating systems? We explain the cause of all that racket and teach you which types of sounds spell trouble and which can be ignored. If there’s one thing in our home we want to be pure and fresh every time we reach for it -- it’s our water! But that’s not always the case. We’ll explain how to offset the smelly water odor – and hopefully get rid of it altogether. If your vintage home has some vintage wallpaper that’s peeling, we’ll have some tips on quick fixes to help you preserve the past. Have you ever spotted water droplets of even ice INSIDE your windowpanes? Bad seals can cause that problem. We share options for the easiest window repairs. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about removing weights from older windows, repairing nail pops on drywall, installing soapstone, sealing chimney flashing, repairing a foundation crack, improving water pressure. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7

While most folks focus on how their landscape looks they may not be as focused on their “LIGHT” scape! With the right combination of outdoor low-voltage lighting, there’s a whole new view awaiting you. We’ll walk you through the options. And also, ahead, if you’re a dog lover, getting up at all hours of the day or night to let your pooch out is not always very convenient. Now there’s a new type of automatic pet door on the market that gets built right into your home’s exterior door. We’ll share this new innovation that lets your pooches go in and out whenever they please. We’ll also share some tips on avoiding identify theft - a growing crime that can impact your ability to buy a home, especially if someone pretending to you ruins your credit. There’s a new government resource that can help victims. A disorganized kitchen pantry can make it difficult to find what you are looking for, add to the prep time for meals, and might even lead you to add things to the shopping list you already have! We’ve got easy

When it comes to the topic of home improvement, there’s often more bad advice than sage wisdom – and that bad advice spreads like wildfire! We tackle some of the most common tales, share quick how-to tips and help you separate fact from home repair fiction. If you wanted to sell your home today, there are 5 décor elements that will keep buyers from ever pulling up to the curb. We share those and what a survey of the nation’s top real estate agents say you’ll need to do in a post pandemic world to assure a quick sale at the best price. Were you making dumb mistakes about charging your SMART devices? We’ve got tips on how simple changes to how you charge those devices that can save money. If you’d like to do some early spring cleanup of your walks and driveways, we share simple solutions to get rid of rust stains, as well as stains from moss and dirt! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, replacing knob and tube wiring, ventilating a hot tub in a sunroom and bathroom, eliminating grub worms from you

Picking the perfect paint color is a great way to brighten up any room but finding that wow color really makes the magic happen. We’ve got tips on the best paint colors to spark both a brighter space and a better mood! If you have hot water heat, you know that radiators can be nice and comfy in cold months. But if air gets stuck in that system, radiators can ping, bang and become cold as ice! The fixes are pretty simple –we’ll share tips for fine-tuning your noisy heat. Wood floors are beautiful but they’re not always the best choice in damp locations like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.  We’ll have an overview of 100% waterproof floors that look like wood and work no matter how wet the space gets. If you’ve always though that kitchen and bath remodels add the most value to your home – you’ll be surprised to learn the much simpler projects that actually deliver the highest return on investment. We feature the top 5 and a bath reno isn’t even close! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions

If you’re a renter, you may think you’re stuck with your kitchen. Not so! We’ll share 5 non-destructive spruce ups for your rental space that can be done without wrecking your security deposit! Filters for your heating and cooling system can help remove dust and make it a bit easier to breath. But with so many to choose from, which type really does the best job? We teach you how to decode the ratings to find the best air filter, just in time for the Spring allergy season. Power outages can strike without warning – especially with winter winds and spring storms. We got a plan for you to power through when your power is down. Filtered pitchers improve water taste and quality but take an effort to keep filled. We explore options in whole house water filter systems that treat all water in the house, right from the tap. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about using Trex decking, removing or painting wallpaper, installing blown in insulation, remove a tub mat, installing a blower on fireplace, st

Farmhouse décor is more popular than ever. Tom & Leslie help you get started with ideas for eco-friendly farmhouse fix ups. Is your family growing? Before you hear the pitter patter of little feet – It’s smart to make sure home sweet home is safe as can be for kids. We’ve got everything you need to know about baby proofing your money pit, coming up. While many young adults return home to save money, a basement may be a good choice for a bedroom and a bit of privacy. But building codes demand some special requirements for sleeping spaces below grade. We explain why and help you determine if basement bedroom renovations make sense for your home. ·Want to get rid of popcorn ceilings? If you’re tired of flakes falling on your face, food, and clothes, or just grossed out by the dust and dirt it collects, we explain the easiest ways to make popcorn ceilings disappear. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, replacing older windows, heating your home with a wood stove, floor patching before installing

High-efficiency washers are on the rise, and Energy Star-certified dryers can cut energy by an impressive 25% -- BUT are these more efficient (and more expensive) washers and dryers a smart buy? We could all use a little more sunshine this time of year…spotless windows can help! We’ve got tips on how to clean your windows like a pro, and you won’t even need any paper towels. Has Valentine’s Day got you feeling extra romantic? Wondering what the best quality SHEETS are to cuddle up in? We’ve got pros and cons of every material from Egyptian cotton to bamboo, in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Winter is the most common time of year for house fires. We hear from leading experts on the best way to know if your smoke detectors are really working, and will cover all types of fires, from slow burning smolders to fast flash fires. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, lighting timers, leaking light fixtures, leveling your floor for vinyl installation, installing shelving, adding additional insulation to w

If there’s one room you’d like to be bright and cheery, it’s the kitchen! We’ll have tips on kitchen lighting to keep that space looking bright – even when it’s dark outside. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine during these long chilly winter days - we’ll share a few simple stain cleaning solutions for any “merlot mishaps” that may happen along the way. And if you’ve been chipping away at a lot of ice this winter, we’ll have a trick of the trade to help make it disappear, especially when it freezes a garage door shut. Spring may still be weeks away but don’t let these dreary days of winter drag you down! We share a few dollar-wise winter home improvement projects can spruce up your home and your spirits! Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, a bald spot on a roof, repairing hard water from a well, eliminating pests, mice & rats from entering your home, cleaning mold from walls, stopping ice dams, repairing a noisy countertop. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the sho

If you’ve ever thought of adding hardwood floors to your home, you might be surprised to know that some hardwoods are, well, not as hard as others! We’ll have tips on how to choose the toughest hardwoods for maximum durability in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Tiles are beautiful and decorative elements for floors and walls but finding replacements when one or two cracks can seem near impossible. We’ll share tips for repairing or replacing hard to find tiles. Did you know that over 350,000 house fires happen each year with a big portion caused by faulty fireplaces and wood burning stoves? We’ll tell you what you need to know to keep safe. Plus, we have a great giveaway today courtesy of our new sponsor Hart Tools!!One listener drawn at random will win a HART 20-Volt Cordless 4-Tool Combo kit to give away worth $178! HART Tools are well made, versatile and available exclusively at Walmart. To qualify, call in your home improvement question to 888-MONEY PIT!   Plus, answers to your home improvement questions ab

Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete serve as your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, and gardening to garages, you’ll get expert advice to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence, and have a little fun along the way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2020 millions of us took on projects to INVEST in the NEST! Now that well we’re into the new year, there’s no sign that trend is slowing down. We’ll highlight the next big décor trends for 2021 including the best choices for indoor greenery, in today’s Smart Spending Tip. If you think maintaining YOUR money pit is a hassle… just consider what it takes to keep the PEOPLE’S house running! For starters, just painting the exterior takes 570 gallons of paint. We share a few fun facts about what it takes to maintain the White House and the team of trade pros that get it done. Winter birds can brighten up a dreary outdoor view. We walk you through the best kinds of bird feeders and food, to bring some life and color to your backyard by attracting a variety of winter birds. If there’s one thing that can bring an end to warm fuzzies and fireworks, it’s when a couple tries to agree on home design! Designing for him and her doesn’t have to involve so much sacrifice. We share a few design ideas for marriage harmony

In floor heating is one of the best and most comfortable ways to heat a house. We walk you through 3 options to add radiant heating in both new and existing homes. If you rent a house or apartment, there’s an insurance loophole that can cost tenants big if your home was damaged by a flood or fire. We share a simple solution to keep you protected. We get a lot of questions about how to clean tile grout – which always seem to look great the day it’s put in and then quickly turns to dirty and drab! We’ll share a solution that can restore the new-grout brightness. Termites are easy to spot in the spring and summer, but these same house hungry insects get a lot hard to spot when weather turns cold. We’ll share a home inspectors’ trick-of-the-trade for finding termites before they eat you out of house and home, even in winter. If mice have found a home in YOUR home this winter, we share 3 ways to keep mice out year-round Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, adding insulation to an addition,

Would you like to do a better job of taking care of your home but just don’t have the time? We’ve got 30 home repairs you can do in 30 minutes or less!  Tile is a timeless and durable choice for a floor but aside from the look, choosing the best TYPE of tile is the only way to make sure that beautiful floor lasts. We’ll share tips to help you choose the best tile and save in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Did you know that with every breath you take, you may be inhaling not only clean fresh air, but also VOC’s that can impact your health. We’ve got tips to help you understand and avoid volatile organic compounds. Good lighting is key to a happy home. We share tips on how to brighten your spaces with the best lighting for every type of activity. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, removing a popcorn ceiling, installing energy efficient windows, idea renovations for a small kitchen, repairing a sagging wood floor. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-M

If you’ve been feeling winter drafts whip through your windows, we walk you through a simple checklist to help you figure out if benefits of replacement windows are worth the cost. There’s nothing worse than hanging a heavy picture only to have it come crashing down! We’ll share a tried-and-true way to secure your wall hangings safely. Do some of your meals come out HALF baked? Don’t blame the cook, blame the oven. We’ll explain why all oven temperatures can vary and how to fix the problem. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about replacing a skylight, soundproofing a room, realigning interior doors, tiling a fireplace surround. 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

A little bit on paint goes a long way, especially when you apply the new 2021 Color of the Year! If you are looking to refresh your space, this year’s color can open up a ton of possibilities. We’ll share what it is and décor ideas on where to use it. With a little work, a garage can be a great place to find space for storage, organization, crafts and projects – if it’s warm and heated. We’ll share tips to help you seal up and save. Treating slippery sidewalks with sidewalk salt will cause ice to melt, but the wrong kind of salt can also cause sidewalk surfaces to disintegrate. Listen for a recipe for safe sidewalk salt that won’t damage concrete. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions, turning your shower into a steam room, replacing patio doors, best way to unclog a sink drain, garage door repair, laminate floor repair. 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 podcastc

Does your laundry room feels dark, cluttered and disorganized and maybe even a bit dangerous? We’ve got tips for safe laundry room renos that will brighten your space and put everything in its place! If you’d like to enjoy fresh water from every faucet in your house, a whole house water filter can do that just as it comes into the house – bringing you crisp, clean water from every tap in your home. We’ll share the best options for a fresh water supply. If you live in a home with a fireplace, you’re probably using it a lot during these cold months. But did you know your fireplace your fireplace can drive up your insurance costs? We explain why and how to lower that expense. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about ,applying epoxy to a garage floor, installing your own central air conditioning, cleaning mold off a roof, best way to lay a tile floor, installing a ceiling fan. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your questio

The right combination of kitchen lighting can beautify your space while improving the functionality of work areas. We highlight the best kitchen lighting options for ambient, task, and accent lighting in today’s Smart Spending Tip. We hear a lot these days about ways to make sure the air inside our homes is clean – but unfortunately a lot of that advice is just plain wrong! We talk with expert Jeff May, author of My House is Killing Me, on what we’re doing right - and what we’re doing wrong to breathe easy inside our homes. We love home improvement hacks that that help us get stuff done and share 4 to save time while fixing up your space. If you’re hit with a big winter storm and don’t have your car tucked away in a garage… it’s always a pain to clear the snow and ice off your car. Get 4 quick tips to remove ice and snow. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about, installing floor registers, fixing cracked drywall and patio gaps, preparing for HVAC installation in a basement. Do you have a h