This Old House On The Money Pit

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Island Design: Add extra food prep space with a versatile kitchen island that’s affordable and user-friendly. Driveway Markers: Get ideas for eye-catching driveway markers to add curb appeal and increase home safety. De-Icing Tips: Find out how to quickly thaw a frozen windshield with this easy DIY solution. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Home Addition ROI: Finished basement or second-floor addition: which one offers a better ROI? We think Matthew’s home will gain more value by adding bedrooms and bathrooms on a second floor. Rodents: Kathryn wonders if an ultrasonic device would help control the mice in her basement. Along with baits and poison, it would be more effective to eliminate nesting areas, plug up any openings, and avoid leaving any food or water in the house or garage that could attract pests. Gutters: Joe’s roof shingles don’t extend far enough to direct water into the gutters. We suggest using a flat bar to pry up the edges and insert flashing

SHOW NOTES: Energy Savings: This virtual tool can identify wasted energy in your home and provide info on ways to save. Child Safety: Unstable furniture injures or kills thousands of kids each year. This law is aimed at protecting children’s lives. Household Budget: How much do you need for annual home repairs and maintenance? Get tips on planning a home improvement budget.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Grout: Is it a good idea to use white grout? Christine was told it’s not, but it depends on the type of grout and how grout is sealed and maintained. Electrical Fuses: Strings of Christmas lights blew the fuses in Dan’s historic house. LED lights would be brighter and more cost-effective, plus allow him to hang multiple strands. Kitchen Remodel: Dot checks in with us to give an update on how well her kitchen remodeling project turned out. Asbestos Tiles: Are asbestos tile floors a health hazard? We assure Justin that it’s fine to leave the intact tiles alone, level needed ar

SHOW NOTES: House Cleaning: Keeping things clean with a house full of kids is a challenge. We’ve got helpful tips for busy parents. Dishwashers: Are ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers worth it? Find out how to save money and energy by installing the right dishwasher. Wall Drafts: Where is that draft coming from? Besides windows, sneaky openings in walls can be letting cold air through.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Crawlspace Vents: Are crawlspace vents really necessary and should you close them? They’re mandated by building code and Chris gets tips on when to keep crawlspace vents open or closed to control moisture. Kitchen Renovation: Elaine wants to renovate her mid-century kitchen. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of opening up some walls and updating the cabinets. Attic Ventilation: Should a flat roof have more ventilation? It can be harder to circulate air with a flat roof, but the vents Ken already has should be enough. Windows: Amy gets condensation inside the windows eve

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Features: Designing a dream kitchen? Find out the top 10 kitchen features that homeowners want. Television Tips: Make TV time more enjoyable by using the best settings for picture and sound quality. Here’s how to adjust your TV. Energy Savings: Avoid electric bill sticker shock by following these tips to save energy and money each month.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Insulation: Should Andy be adding insulation to keep his home warmer? Old insulation can start to settle and sag, so he could add two overlapping layers to insulate better. Settling Home: Renee is worried that a cracked support beam will shift her walls and chimney. Releveling a settling house can impact wires and plumbing, too, and she needs to contact her HOA for structural repairs. Drywall: Why is the drywall separating at the seams and how can it be repaired? The cause is probably shrinking and movement, but Mike gets some easy DIY tips on how to patch, prime, and paint the seams. Plumbi

SHOW NOTES: Loading Your Dishwasher: Are you loading your dishwasher the wrong way? Here’s how to make sure your dishwasher is cleaning as efficiently as possible. Painting Tips: Painting professionals know how to save paint, time, and effort while getting the best results. We’ll share some helpful painting secrets. Snowstorm Preparation: Are you prepared for snowstorms this season? Find out tips and tools for clearing away snow and ice.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Ceiling Renovation: Mary wants to remove the ceiling joists to create a cathedral ceiling in her seasonal home. A project like this may have structural effects, so she needs an architect or structural engineer to spec it out safely. Retaining Wall: Drainage pipes by Terry’s retaining wall are sending mud down his driveway. He has to decide whether to regrade the area and rebuild the retaining wall, redirect the downspouts, or keep cleaning the driveway. Pet Stains and Odors: A tenant’s puppy has left stains and o

SHOW NOTES: Paint Colors: If you’re starting the new year with a new look for your home, find out how to choose the best paint colors for every room. House Cleaning: Are you ready to get help cleaning the house? Here’s how to hire a cleaning service while saving money and effort. Winter Blues: When dreary winter days get you down, these tips can lift your spirits and brighten things up throughout your home.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Leaking Shower: A leaking shower is soaking the bathroom subflooring. We’ve got tips on whether Maria needs to replace the shower pan or reseal gaps in the grout. Composite Decking: Is it worth replacing an old wood deck with composite decking? Carl learns the advantages of using durable composite materials that are easy to install and maintain. Refinishing Furniture: Ruth has a beautiful custom solid oak table, but she may need a professional for the work involved in refinishing the wood furniture. Cold Floors: That concrete basement floor

SHOW NOTES: Removing Walls: Open up your floor plan by removing walls – even load-bearing ones – without bringing the house down. Gas Fireplaces: Stop sending heat up the chimney! We’ve got the advantages of installing a direct vent gas fireplace. Space Organization: Not ready to downsize? Simplifying your home allows you to save more and stress less without sacrificing space.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Toilet Condensation: Cold water in the toilet plus warm and humid indoor air is causing condensation on the outside of the toilet. Ilene can get a toilet insulating kit or have a plumber add a hot water line to warm the water. Vertical Siding: Greg is curious about hanging vinyl siding vertically instead of horizontally. It’s a viable option as long as the siding is rated for vertical installation and the correct backing is used. Adding Insulation: It’s time to add attic insulation to Barb’s older home. We explain how standards have changed and why insulation that settles a

SHOW NOTES: Houseplants: TikTok users reveal their top 5 favorite houseplants. Find out what they are and why they’re so popular. Kitchen Backsplashes: Kitchen trends come and go. Here are the kitchen backsplashes that are currently making a splash of their own. Termites: Termite damage can be hard to identify in cold weather. We’ll tell you what to look for.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Roofing: There’s one bald spot on the roof after it snows and Kathy is concerned about heat loss. It’s probably caused by warm air from the dryer exhaust duct or a gap in the insulation. HVAC: Tom’s heat pump system is running constantly and can’t heat the house enough. He needs a professional to do a heat loss analysis and see if the ductwork is designed and installed properly. Bathroom Caulk: Mary is trying to remove the caulk around her bathtub. We offer tips on how to soften the caulk to scrape it out and the best way to apply new bathtub caulk. Solar Panels: Should solar panels be ins

SHOW NOTES: Winter Car Care: Learn how to keep your car from getting snowbound when winter weather sets in. Humidifiers: If the dry air in your home has you waking up parched, here’s how to choose the best whole-house humidifier to keep things comfortable. Power Outages: What should you do when the lights unexpectedly go out? We’ve got tips on surviving a power outage.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Replacing a Driveway: You can’t put an asphalt driveway over a concrete driveway, so Donna will need to either remove the old driveway and add layers of new blacktop asphalt or use a product to resurface the existing concrete driveway. House Settling: Wall cracks, sticking doors, and popping nails are common, but it could be an issue if they’re happening all at once. AJ should have a home inspector or structural engineer check to see if it’s an active problem. Stuck Window: The wood window over the kitchen sink is getting harder to open and close. There are ways to repair the windo

SHOW NOTES: Home Improvement: New Year’s resolutions are for home improvement as well as self-improvement! Find out the best resolutions that are worth keeping. Renter’s Insurance: If disaster strikes, are the contents of your rental home protected? The right renter’s insurance offers some peace of mind. Sticking Doors: If your doors need an extra push to open and close, you need these simple sticky door solutions.                        Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Kitchen Cabinets: Soffits over the kitchen cabinets look outdated, but opening the space attracts dust and taller cabinets are inconvenient! Nancy can either paint the soffits to blend with the cabinets or install a convenient pull-down system to make her cabinet storage more accessible. Driveway Repair: When driveway blacktop starts to crumble, should the driveway be patched or resurfaced? Bruce needs a latex patching compound that will adhere properly to fill the holes, then a topcoat to cover it. Countertop Sta

SHOW NOTES: Container Gardens: Craving fresh veggies in winter? Save money and eat healthy all year by growing vegetables in a container garden. Soundproofing: Find out how to avoid sleepless nights and distractions at home by blocking out all those annoying outside noises. Decorating Ideas: Repurposing an old fireplace mantel can add a great focal point to your home décor, even if you don’t have a real fireplace.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Bathroom Remodeling: What are the best materials for remodeling a bathroom? Jim can either use a simple and affordable DIY shower liner or gut and renovate the bathroom with a waterproof shower kit that can be customized. Bathroom Flooring: Bathroom flooring can take a beating with young boys at home. Michelle should look into tile, laminate, or water-resistant fabricated flooring that’s durable, cleanable, and won’t absorb moisture and stains. Fireplace Cleaning: Do you really need to have your fireplace cleaned annually? It depends on

SHOW NOTES: Home Redecorating: Get tips on how to save money while redecorating your home on a budget. Organizing Cabinets: Having an organized pantry makes it easier to find things, saving you time, space, and money. Get tips on clearing storage clutter. Slippery Sidewalks: Learn the best ways to avoid slipping on icy sidewalks and prevent damage to walkways and steps.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Patio Covers: Janet wants to build a patio cover but isn’t sure how to attach it to the house. We suggest installing a removable patio awning instead, which offers more advantages. Brick Siding: Is there an alternative to extending the brick siding when raising the upper floor of a house? We give Joe some options for siding materials he can use instead that will complement the brick. Contractor Issues: When a gutter installation job wasn’t done right, Eve’s not sure how to handle the problem with the contractor. We’ve got tips on how to divert the water from the roof and options f

SHOW NOTES: Firewood: Find out how to choose the right kind of firewood for comfort and safety before lighting up that fireplace. Ice Dams: Melting ice on your roof can cause expensive damage. Learn how to prevent ice dams and how to get your insurance to pay for repairs. Disinfecting Your Home: ‘Tis the season for all kinds of nasty germs and viruses! We’ve got the best ways to clean and disinfect your home effectively.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing Wood Floors: Is there an easy way to refinish hardwood floors that are dull but not damaged? Jamie just needs to do a light sanding with a floor buffer to remove some old finish before applying a new coat of urethane. Wood Stove: Melana is installing a wood stove but wants to be sure it won’t damage the new electrical behind it. She must make sure the stove is placed far enough from the walls and add a heat shield behind it. Heated Driveway: Installing a heated driveway would be a big help when there’s lots of snow! D

SHOW NOTES: Window Shopping: If you’re shopping for new windows, you need to know how to read this important label. Home-Selling Mistakes: When selling your home, avoid these kitchen trends that will scare off buyers. Saving Energy: Some appliances can run on standby power even when they’re off, wasting energy and costing you money. Here’s what to do. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Fireplace Drafts: There are drafts blowing in all around Susan’s manufactured fireplace. We’ll tell her how to see if it’s installed correctly and how to stop some of the drafts. Metal Siding Repair: Wade is fighting the insurance company to have his storm-damaged steel siding replaced appropriately. We explain why he should get a public adjuster to make sure the job is done right. Shower Odors: Phew! There’s a foul odor coming from the shower in Heidi’s basement. We suggest using a Borax solution to scrub inside the drain and installing a humidistat timer to make sure the fans are venting long enoug

SHOW NOTES: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Find out affordable DIY options to refinish drab kitchen cabinets. Chimney Safety: Before starting a cozy fire this season, see if you need a chimney liner to keep things safe. Tile Stain Removal: Cleaning tile floors can be challenging, but we’ve got tips on how to remove the most stubborn tile stains.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Attic Space: Limited access to the attic makes it impossible to install insulation. We’ll tell Mark how to cut the drywall to make the attic openings bigger. Air Cleaners: Too much dust? Ann learns an electronic air cleaner for her HVAC system will be more effective than fiberglass filters for reducing the dust and pollen in her home. Driveway Stains: Tom’s truck left oil stains on his unsealed concrete driveway. He can use TSP to clean the driveway stains without having to pressure wash. Hot Water Pressure: Brrrrr! Elsie gets a jolt each time her hot water turns cold in the shower. She needs a new press

SHOW NOTES: Tenant Rules: Do you know the 9 rules that tenants are most likely to break? Here’s what both landlords and renters need to know. Water Heaters: When that old water heater starts to leak, it could lead to expensive emergency repairs. Know when it’s time for a new water heater. Smart Thermostats: Keeping warm, saving energy, and reducing heating bills is made easy by installing a smart thermostat.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Water Pressure: The hot water pressure in Sam’s old house is fine everywhere except in the bathtub. Those old steel pipes could be clogged with rust or he may just need a new faucet or valve. Energy-Efficient Windows: Drafty windows are driving up the utility bills in Linda’s rental home. We’ll tell her how to use shrink film and weatherstripping caulk to make the windows more energy-efficient. Toilet Water: Darren is installing a 265-gallon rain barrel for his toilet water and has questions about filtering and water pressure. We’ve got some

SHOW NOTES: Gutter Maintenance: Faulty gutters can cause expensive damage all around your home. Learn how to keep your gutters in shape. Space Heaters: Want to warm up that chilly room? These space-age space heaters offer the perfect solution. Bathtub Refinishing: Tired of seeing that ring around the bathtub? We’ve got 4 refinishing ideas for a tub that needs a good scrub.  Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Contractors: Is there a way to handle pushy contractors with bad attitudes? We offer Rita a suggestion on how to find the best home improvement contractors. Pavers: George wants to know the best way to lock concrete pavers in place. He gets tips on how much space he needs and using a flexible patio border edging. Wood Paneling: There’s dark wood paneling throughout Dena’s house. We tell her how to clean, sand, and prime the paneling before painting it over. Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Condensation drips down the bathroom walls every time Brian uses the shower. He should get a more

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