This Old House On The Money Pit

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

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