This Old House On The Money Pit

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.

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 Ex

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 ve

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

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 r

SHOW NOTES: Yard Drainage: When melting snow and spring showers leave a soggy mess, here’s how to dry up your yard. Attracting Birds: If you like to hear the sound of chirping birds, find out how to attract birds to your yard with these native plants. Houseplant Care: The best way to keep your houseplants healthy is to water them properly. Get tips on knowing when it’s time to water those plants.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Clogged Toilet: When Beth flushes the toilet, the water rises up to the rim and then empties slowly. Sounds like she needs a plumber to drain a partial clog. Basement Floor Crack: Mike is worried about a crack across one end of the floor. It’s not the foundation and we’ll tell him about a DIY concrete repair. House Sounds: What is that mysterious banging sound? Depending on the cause, Gerry learns she may need to tune up her boiler or get a water hammer arrestor. Buckled Floor: Should a new engineered hardwood floor be buckling? We tell Matthew it’s no

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Cleaning: Are you sure your kitchen is really clean? You’ll never guess where the most germs are hiding! Seed vs. Sod: Should you use seed or sod to get the lush, green lawn you want? We share the pros and cons of each. Screen Cleaning: Before opening your windows, follow these tips to clean those dirty screens and let the fresh air in.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Kitchen Remodeling: Mark wants advice on buying budget kitchen cabinets for a DIY kitchen remodeling project. We share info on where he can find quality cabinets that are affordable and easy to install. Tile Floor Grout: The grout is chipping around the bathroom floor tiles and may have been mixed incorrectly. Karen should have it removed and regrouted again. Repairing Wall Cracks: Brian keeps trying to cover a crack in the bedroom wall, but we tell him the right way to sand, tape, and spackle the area so the crack won’t return. Water Heater: Hot water from the electric water heater doesn’t l

SHOW NOTES: Home Buying: Find out how millennials are buying their first homes in a tough real estate market. Home Improvement Advice: If you think tackling one home improvement project is tough, join our conversation with a popular HGTV expert about doing multiple projects at once. Babyproofing: If you’ve got a baby on the way, it’s time to start babyproofing your home! Here are important steps to keep babies safe.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Water Use: With no condensate pump draining from his tankless water heater, Sergio is collecting the water in a bucket and wonders about reusing it for his garden. We agree there’s no reason not to. Basement Mold: Is it really mold in the basement? Judy is thinking of using a service that claims she needs to have mold removed, but she’s being misled. Bathroom Vent: When the bathroom vent stopped working, Mike discovered it was not vented through the roof and is thinking of redirecting it. We tell him how to vent it properly. Deck St

SHOW NOTES: Super Power Your Vac: Is your vacuum just not doing the job, and just when you need it for spring cleaning? We’ve got tips for DIY vacuum repairs. Building a Fence: Good fences make good neighbors, but only if it’s done well. Find out how to put up a fence even the neighbors will love. Deck Safety: Is your deck safe for outdoor entertaining? Now is the time to look for signs of potential dangers.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Heating an Old Home: Beverly is freezing on the first floor of her historic home. With no easy way to access the crawlspace and poorly placed heating ducts, we suggest adding supplemental heat by adding electric baseboard heating. Smart Thermostats: Jeff’s bedroom gets a lot warmer than the other rooms in his condo, where the thermostat is located. Installing a smart thermostat with separate sensors should even things out. Sealing Drafts: What is the best way to stop drafts coming through windows, doors, and cabinets? We give Anne advice on ho

SHOW NOTES: Water Odors: Does your water smell like rotten eggs? Learn the reasons why and how to stop the stink. HVAC System: A smart new system can monitor HVAC maintenance and much more. We’ve got all the details on this great smart home option. Washing Machines: When shopping for a new washing machine, you get what you pay for. Find out the four best features to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Thermostat: Should you be replacing your old thermostat? Carl must be sure he gets the right thermostat for a heat pump and have it installed correctly. Window Drafts: Brrrrr! Belinda is freezing from the drafts through her apartment windows. We suggest easy ways to use shrink film or interior caulk weatherstripping to keep out the wind. Cedar Shingles: Phillip loves the look of red cedar shingles that darken over time, but it’s up to Mother Nature to get the look he wants. Flooring: How should you retile an unlevel floor? Jan can use a floor-leveling compound or just leve

SHOW NOTES: Solar Energy: Is solar energy right for your home? Learn 5 reasons why it’s worth going solar. Hot Water: Tired of waiting for the shower to get hot enough? Here’s how to get hot water faster and with less waste. Sealing Drafts: Are you still feeling a draft, no matter how much weatherstripping and insulation you’ve used? There’s a spot you probably missed.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Flooring: Ann wants to install ceramic tile flooring that looks like wood. It’s a popular choice with lots of good options for style, color, and texture. Structural Issues: In his rush to buy a home, Jason overlooked a hump in the main beam that’s making the floor sag. He needs a structural engineer to examine the problem and determine the right way to fix it. Drywall Cracks: A random earthquake caused a long crack across the wall and ceiling. Nicole gets tips on using perforated drywall tape and spackle to repair it. Chimney: What is the best way to seal a chimney to prevent dra

SHOW NOTES: Home Staging: Selling your home? These kitchen staging tips will help close the deal. Home Improvement Projects: Lifestyle needs are the leading reason for home improvement. Find out more from a recent survey. Landscape Lighting: The best light scaping offers safety and security around your home. Here’s how landscape lighting will improve your nighttime view.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Lawn Maintenance: What is the best way to reseed your lawn? After Adrian’s lawn was destroyed by pests, he should kill off the weeds and old grass, then use the best type of seed for his area to plant new growth. Sealing a Deck: Should you seal a deck after staining it? If Dawn used a good quality solid stain, it should last a few years without being sealed. Heating Efficiency: Chris wants to know whether a pellet stove or heat pump is more efficient. We discuss the pros and cons of each and how it’s used. Heated Tile Flooring: The in-floor heating caused cracks in a bathroom

SHOW NOTES: Laundry Room: Doing the laundry is less of a chore with a well-designed laundry room. Here are things to consider when planning that place. Cast Iron Radiators: You can't beat cast iron radiators for adding both comfort and charm to old homes. We’ve got ideas for refurbishing old radiators. Rental Deposit: When your lease ends, how can you be sure to get your security deposit back? Make your rental look its best with these 5 tips.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing Old Wood: Susan wants to refinish the old wood that was behind the sheetrock of her walls. She’ll need to sand, seal, and stain the wood pieces before adding varnish. Installing a Steam Room: Can you convert a shower into a steam room? It’s a great idea that will add value to Victor’s home and we offer info about a steam shower generator. Insulating a Roof: After a peaked roof is installed over a flat roof, should you add insulation? We agree Monica can add insulation and remind her to have enoug

SHOW NOTES: Freezer Storage: Find the foods you want and stop food waste with these freezer organizing tips. Snow Removal: Tired of shoveling snow off your driveway? Find out the pros and cons of heated driveways. Stairs and Railings: Squeaky stairs and rickety railings are easy to fix with these DIY steps.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Water Heater Repairs: Joe’s tankless water heater is still under warranty but he’s having trouble getting it repaired. He should contact the manufacturer directly to find a contractor in his area. Wall Cracks: Leslie thinks her home is settling after a wall was torn down from an adjacent house. We have info about making sure the surrounding soil is solid and how to repair common wall cracks. Roof Leaks: David can’t find the leak that’s coming from under the old solar water heating system on his roof. We’ve got tips on locating the path of the roof leak and suggest installing a new tankless heater. Circuit Breakers: A newly installed dehumidi

SHOW NOTES: Affordable Home Projects: Home upgrades can be expensive, but we’ve got 7 affordable home improvement projects that cost less than $1,000. Plaster Walls: Older homes have plaster walls instead of drywall, and cracks are common. Learn the right way to repair cracks in plaster walls. Garage Doors: Parking your car in the garage keeps snow and ice off the vehicle, but what happens if your garage door is frozen shut? Try these tips.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Frozen Pipes: Would a recirculating hot water system prevent pipes from freezing inside Julie’s old home? A better solution would be to blow insulation inside the walls to insulate the pipes. Tile Grout: Rust is seeping through the grout in a tile shower. The simplest thing Bill can do is replace it with some epoxy grout. Cleaning Laminate Flooring: Debra wants to know how to remove dried nail polish that spilled without damaging the laminate floor. Carefully using a small amount of nail polish remover should

SHOW NOTES: Generators: Lost power? When storms make the lights go out, power up by choosing the right generator for your home. Furniture Repair: Dings, dents, scratches, and stains are easy to fix with these DIY furniture repair tips. Heating Costs: Even if you’re a renter and not a homeowner, there are ways to heat your apartment more efficiently and save on energy bills.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Countertop Materials: Iris wants to upgrade her kitchen countertops. Quartz needs less maintenance than marble or granite and offers more options. Egress Windows: Can a basement egress window be too high from the floor? We give James advice on finding safe and convenient egress window products. Fireplace Noise: Why are howling and whistling noises coming from a new gas fireplace? We think Sharon should contact the manufacturer about issues with the venting through the roof. Dishwasher Repairs: The dishes aren’t drying in Jackie’s dishwasher and mold is building up in the mac

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Lighting: Get some bright ideas for the 3 types of lighting you need in your kitchen. Heat Pumps: Heat pumps can be a popular, energy-efficient choice, but are they right for your home? DIY Home Improvements: Don’t have enough time for home improvements? Here are some quick DIY home projects you can do in less than 30 minutes.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Radon: Are there any DIY radon mitigation systems available to save on costs? Adam learns that radon levels can vary, how a radon mitigation system works, and why it’s hard to install it yourself. Wall Primer: Rust stains are leeching through the plaster after a rusty tool was used. Laura should use an oil-based primer to cover and seal it before using a topcoat of paint. Construction: Is it better to use wood framing or ICF blocks to construct a new house? We tell Tim about the advantages of insulating concrete forms that make them a better choice. Heating: Michelle wants to close off unused rooms in

SHOW NOTES: Drywall Repairs: Learn how to fix drywall cracks, holes, and nail pops with these DIY tips. Closet Lighting: Upgraded closet lighting makes it easier to find things and stay organized. Here’s how to brighten up dark closets. Hot Water: Hot water is convenient but comes at a cost. Find out how to keep your hot water flowing more efficiently.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Garbage Disposal: What is the best size garbage disposal and how hard is it to install? We recommend that Brandon gets a ½ to ¾ HP unit for better performance, which can be installed with basic plumbing and electrical skills. Drain Odors: Terry has a bad odor coming from one bathroom sink. She needs to take apart the drain and use a bleach solution to thoroughly clean the drain and sink. Stuck Windows: Why are otherwise good windows so hard to open? Mayer should open up the window trim to check if they’ve been installed too tightly. Ventilation: Lisa wonders if she should leave her bathroom exhau

SHOW NOTES: Outdoor Living Spaces: Planning a backyard project? Check out the outdoor living spaces that buyers want most. Painting Tips: Paint is an easy way to create a new look, but how do you get paint to stick to tough surfaces? We’ve got some tips. DIY Plumbing: Unless it’s an emergency, you may not need to call a plumber. Here are 5 DIY plumbing projects you should know.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Roofing: Can roof sheathing be installed right on top of old barn boards? Catherine may need to add an underlayment, but if the boards are solid, that should be fine. Driveway Mold: Mold keeps coming back on a shaded area of David’s driveway. We recommend using a mildewcide product that has a lasting residual effect. Floor Beams: Wendy is tearing up an old floor right down to the beams. We have advice on installing additional beams and plywood to lend more support. Door Replacement: When replacing a front door, do you have to replace the entire transom around it? Rick le

SHOW NOTES: Types of Insulation: Find out how to identify the best insulation options for your house to cut costs and improve comfort. Saving Space: You don’t need to downsize to save space. We’ve got tips on living more simply and affordably. Saving Water: Installing the right plumbing fixtures makes it easy to save water and money. Here’s what to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Replacement Windows: Are triple-pane windows better than double-pane? ENERGY STAR-rated double-pane replacement windows should be efficient enough for Jane Ellen’s home. Structural Issues: The front wall of Richard’s home has been bowed for decades. It hasn’t been a problem, but he needs a structural engineer to assess it before he ever tries to sell the house. Garage Doors: The garage door is not operating properly and shimmies when it opens and closes. The ball-bearing door rollers are failing and it would be best for Nancy to replace the garage door and opener. Subflooring: A leaky toile