The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast - podcast cover

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Leslie Segretewww.moneypit.com
Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?”  It doesn’t have to be that way!  As host of The Money Pit Podcast, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider me your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, I'll share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear - but I promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join me for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

Episodes

Kitchen Staging That Sells | Top Reasons for Home Improvement | Light Scaping Offers New Night Views | Ep #2289

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 l...

Mar 06, 202339 min

Laundry Day Made Easier | Refurbishing Old Radiators | Get Your Rental Security Deposit Back | Ep #2288

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. Ref...

Mar 02, 202339 min

Cool Tips to Organize Your Freezer | Stop Shoveling Your Driveway! | Easy Fixes for Squeaky Stairs and Rickety Railings | Ep #2287

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 ...

Feb 27, 202339 min

7 Home Upgrades for Under $1,000 | The Right Way to Fix Cracked Plaster Walls | Is Your Garage Door Frozen Shut? | Ep #2286

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. Froze...

Feb 23, 202339 min

Power Up with the Right Generator | DIY Furniture Repair Tips | Fight the Cold in Your Apartment | Ep #2285

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. Quar...

Feb 20, 202339 min

Bright Ideas for Kitchen Lighting | Should You Be Using a Heat Pump? | Home Improvement in Under 30 Minutes | Ep #2284

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 ...

Feb 16, 202339 min

DIY Drywall Repairs | Light Up a Dark Closet | Hot Water Efficiency | Ep #2283

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 reco...

Feb 13, 202339 min

Outdoor Spaces Buyers Want | How to Paint Tough Surfaces | 5 DIY Plumbing Projects | Ep #2282

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 boa...

Feb 09, 202339 min

Best Insulation Options | Save by Living Simply | Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures | Ep #2281

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 d...

Feb 06, 202339 min

Space-Saving Kitchen Islands | Eye-Catching Driveway Markers | Easy DYI De-Icer Recipe | Ep #2280

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 wi...

Feb 02, 20231 hr

Take a Virtual Tour to Find Wasted Energy | Dangerous Furniture Puts Kids at Risk | Setting a Household Repair Budget | Ep #2279

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,...

Jan 30, 202340 min

Cleaning Hacks for Busy Parents | Money-Saving Dishwashers | Sneaky Wall Drafts | Ep #2278

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...

Jan 26, 202340 min

Top 10 Dream Kitchen Features | Better TV Viewing | Avoiding Electric Sticker Shock | Ep #2277

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 s...

Jan 23, 202340 min

Stop Loading Your Dishwasher the Wrong Way! | Top Pro Painting Secrets | Snow Survival Checklist | Ep #2276

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 ...

Jan 19, 202340 min

New Year, New Hue: Trending Colors for 2023 | Hiring a Cleaning Service on a Budget | DIY Tips to Beat the Winter Blues | Ep #2275

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 soa...

Jan 16, 202340 min

Breaking Down Walls | Stop Sending Heat Up the Chimney! | Simplify to Save Space | Ep #2274

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 indo...

Jan 12, 202340 min

Top 5 Houseplants on TikTok | Trendy Kitchen Backsplashes | How to Find Termite Damage in Cold Weather | Ep #2273

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 h...

Jan 09, 202340 min

Keep Your Car from Getting Snowbound | Best Whole-House Humidifiers | Power Outage Survival Tips | Ep #2272

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 drivew...

Jan 05, 202340 min

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home | Are Your Rental Possessions Protected? | Get Your Sticky Doors Unstuck | Ep #2271

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 ...

Jan 02, 202340 min

Grow Fresh Winter Veggies in a Container Garden | Quiet Down Annoying Outside Noises | Add New Pizzazz with an Old Fireplace Mantel | Ep #2270

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 th...

Dec 29, 202240 min

5 Ways to Redecorate on a Budget | Clear Cabinet Clutter | Slippery Sidewalk Solutions | Ep #2269

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...

Dec 26, 202239 min

Are You Using the Wrong Firewood? | Avoiding Expensive Ice Damage | Get Rid of Hidden Viruses in Your Home | Ep #2268

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: ...

Dec 22, 202239 min

The Important Window Label You Need to Read | Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home | Is Vampire Power Sucking Your Energy? | Ep #2267

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 t...

Dec 19, 202240 minEp. 2267

Affordable Ways to Take Kitchen Cabinets from Drab to Fab | Keep Santa Safe with a Chimney Liner! | How to Remove the Top 6 Stubborn Tile Stains | Ep #2266

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...

Dec 15, 202240 minEp. 2266

9 Rules That Tenants Break | Water Heater Emergencies | Why Smart Thermostats are a Brilliant Idea | Ep #2265

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...

Dec 12, 202240 min

Best Way to Warm Up a Chilly Room | 4 Terrific Tub Tune-ups | The Dangers of Gutters Gone Bad | Ep #2264

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...

Dec 08, 202240 min

Are Your Pipes in Danger of Freezing? | Sleep Soundly with a Better Mattress | Remodel Your Bathroom in Time for Holiday Guests | Ep #2263

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 co...

Dec 05, 202240 min

Best Way to Budget Home Projects | Hassle-Free Wallpaper Removal | Easy Compost Tips for Leaves | Ep #2262

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 ...

Dec 01, 202240 min

Improve Your Driveway Approach | Heat Up Those Chilly Spaces | Trash Talk: DIY Garbage Disposal Fixes | Ep #2261

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 porc...

Nov 28, 202240 min

Leaky Roof? Know When to Repair or Replace It | Washers and Dryers Can Be a Dangerous Duo | Heat Pumps for Frigid Weather | Ep #2260

SHOW NOTES: Roofing: Find out whether it’s time to repair or replace that old, leaky roof and how to make roof shingles last. Washers and Dryers: Washers and dryers can cause leaks and fires if they’re not properly maintained. Here’s what to do. Heat Pumps: When temperatures plummet, you’ll want an energy-efficient heat pump system to improve comfort and air quality in your home. Know what to look for. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Soundproofing: Is your upstairs neighbor a c...

Nov 24, 202240 min