This Old House On The Money Pit

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

Show Notes: If you'd love to have a backyard pool but can't afford it, don't have the time to care for it or you’re just short of backyard space? We have two words for you: Spool Pool! Tom and Leslie share tips on how you can combine the benefits of a pool and spa in one very refreshing backyard feature. Pruning trees and shrubs is one of the top outdoor tasks for spring. We share best ways to encourage lush new growth, improve air circulation and clear away dead branches that are a safety hazard. Ceramic tile showers are usually thought of as waterproof. But the truth is that unless the waterproofing UNDER the tile is correctly installed, that show can develop slow leak is that can go on for years and cause thousands of dollars of damage. We’ll review the best way to build a shower, so it never, ever leaks. If your home has concrete floors, you might think that installing full thickness hardwood flooring is just not possible because moisture from the concrete would cause the flooring to warp. We review

Show Notes: Summertime is finally here which means more time out on the deck. Tom and Leslie walk you through the step-by-step staining tips for a finish that’ll last you years. Looking to step up your outdoor kitchen? We highlight the latest trends in outdoor cooking, including smokers, wood-fire pizza ovens, cast-iron cookery and outdoor rotisseries to kick up your outdoor cooking and entertaining game. Butterflies are one of the best parts of spring and summer and attracting them means you’ll have an army of pollinators working hard in your garden. We share the top 5 flowers that will encourage butterflies to make your home, their home. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions including: Is it better to reseal your deck or convert to composite? How to prevent moisture from rising in your crawl space? What are the benefits to metal roofs? Tips on how to clean your showers. How to remove stains from your driveway? What is the best way to remove carpet glue? What is the best way to improve

Show Notes: Outdoor kitchens are more popular than ever. We’ll share a system you can use to construct it yourself that’s as easy as stacking blocks. If a new floor is in your project plans for this Spring, LL Flooring has developed digital tools for both DIY'rs and Pros. We talk with CEO Charles Tyson to learn how these new tools and services will help make sure the job comes up exactly as planned Stripping paint off a surface can be a difficult and very messy project. We’ll share a new low-odor, environmentally safe paint and varnish remover designed to remove multiple layers in just one application. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions like, how to deal with skylight leaks, address seller disclosure issues, how to get rid of pesky carpenter bees, how to install chimney liners, offer up some cheap kitchen remodels, and how to clean and seal grout.  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 abo

Show notes: Built-in, backyard firepits are really hot right now. With just a bit of planning you can build a firepit yourself. We tell you how. And with spring rainstorms in full swing, now is a good time to evaluate, repair or replace your gutters. If yours are in bad shape, serious structural problems can result. We’ll tell you what to look for when choosing a gutter company. If you’re painting project a fence, deck or the outside of your home, you won’t need to hire a pro. New technology in High Efficiency Airless (HEA) paint sprayers makes this an easy DIY project. We explain how the sprayers work, and why using one is 3 times faster than even using a paint roller. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about best material to build new ventilated soffits around your house, evaluating and repairing cracks in your foundation, best options for painting concrete floors, fast fix for squeaky floors, best way to run a dryer vent, repairing a leaking foundation, how to eliminate termites and repai

Show notes: A pizza garden is a fun way to get the whole family involved in gardening. Kids get a kick out of growing their own food and then being able to eat it. This is also a great way for parents to sneak in some veggies. We’ll walk you through exactly what you’ll need to grow your own pizza – right in your backyard. When you pop out of bed in the morning and head for that first shower of the day, there’s nothing nicer than stepping on a heated, warmed tile floor to “soften the blow” of the start of your day! Well, if you are a DIYr or pro, for as little as $525 bucks you can purchase all the components needed to create a warm tile floor. If you’d like to add hardwood floors to your home, there’s a new style of prefinished hardwood flooring collection out where the boards have been shaped using wire brushing, scraping, and cross-hatching surfacing techniques that gives them a classic seaside look to the floors from the moment they’ve been installed. Move over, tomatoes! Growing fruits and herbs for d

Show notes: The Spring real estate market is well underway and more urban dwellers than ever heading to the suburbs for space and tranquility. If you’re ready to sell your home, we’ll share 4 easy projects you can do in a weekend to boost curb appeal and land a buyer quicker than the competition. If you have ever had a major storm hit your house, you know that a home which is usually safe, sound, secure and dry can quickly turn into a leaking mess. That’s why when the storm passes, it’s important to give it a thorough inspection for storm damage. We walk you through. Rot happens, and when it does the longer you wait to repair it, the faster it gets worse. There’s really no need to put it off because products now exist that can restore the strength to weak rotted wood. We’ll share those details, just ahead. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions about replacing 1950’s wiring, fixing oven pilot lights, repairing drywall, cleaning concrete, getting rid of mold, painting tips for floors, painting a

Episode notes... There’s a lot of focus on Spring cleaning this time of year but rather than treat this like one big dusty holiday, we’ve found it easier to set yourself up for success with a 12-month cleaning calendar that breaks cleanup shores into small, very actionable projects. And if you love the look of your wood windows, door and trim, but spotted rot that set in over the long-wet winter, we’ll share an easy way you can restore rotted wood that’s quick, easy and a lot less expensive that replacing it. If your family is like most, you probably use the garage as much as your front door for access and security. But if your door is old and worn, it could not only be unsafe, it could also be providing easy access for intruders when you are away. We’ll have tips to update, just ahead.  Your outdoor party can be ruined in a flash if guests find themselves constantly swatting away swarms of relentless, little gnats flying around your guests’ heads by the thousands. We reveal how to not get bugged by gnats