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

Ignite Your Outdoor Living with a DIY Fire Pit | Curb Appeal Meets Social Appeal: Create an Inviting Front Yard | High-Efficiency Paint Sprayer Cuts Time and Waste | Ep #2319

SHOW NOTES: Building a Fire Pit: Relaxing around a backyard campfire is made easy with a DIY fire pit. Social Front Yards: Curb appeal meets social appeal when you create an inviting social front yard that’s functional and attractive. Paint Sprayers: Reduce waste and cut painting time by a third with high-efficiency paint sprayers that make paint projects easier. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Window Leaks: Installers should have used concrete block to stop water from getting ...

Jun 19, 202337 min

4 Easy Ways to Summer-ize Your Home | One Step at a Time: Tips for a Perfect Stepping Stone Pathway | Raindrop Radar: Early Detection of Roof Leaks | Ep #2318

SHOW NOTES: Summertime Home Checklist: Get your home ready for summer with 4 easy projects for your outdoor living. Stepping Stone Pathway: We’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect stepping stone pathway. Roof Leaks: The best way to fix a roof leak is to detect them before they happen. Here’s what to look for. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Painting Wood Siding: What’s the best way to paint T1-11 siding? Sean learns that a quality primer is important an...

Jun 15, 202337 min

Roof Inspections for Peak Performance | Unleashing Ideas for Pet-Friendly Home Improvements | Hybrid Sealant Solutions for Every Project | Ep #2317

SHOW NOTES: Roof Inspection: Find out what’s included in a roof inspection to ensure peak performance. Pet-Friendly Home Improvements: From “ruff” to remarkable, get ideas for pet-friendly home improvements. Hybrid Sealants and Caulks: Choosing the right caulk is easy with hybrid sealants that work for every project. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Gardening: What kind of plants will grow best in shady areas? We tell Janna a few common shade-friendly plants and a nursery may ha...

Jun 12, 202338 min

Patio Perfection vs. Deck Delight: How to Choose | Turn Down the Volume with Noise-Reducing Landscaping | Termite Troubles? How to Tell and What to Do | Ep #2316

SHOW NOTES: Patio vs. Deck: Should you build a deck or a patio to expand your outdoor living space? How to decide. Noise-Reducing Landscaping: Shush your surroundings with strategic landscaping to block outside noises. Termites: Are those termites eating away at your home? How to identify them and keep your house off the menu. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Portable Air Conditioner: Thomas’ portable air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breakers. He needs a dedicated 20-a...

Jun 08, 202338 min

Unlock the Paw-sibilities with Pet Doors | Product Makes Concrete Repairs a Solid Success | No Time to Waste: 3 Home Improvement Hacks in 30 Minutes or Less | Ep #2315

SHOW NOTES: Pet Doors: Who let the dogs out? Tips for installing the best and most convenient pet doors. Concrete Repairs: This product makes it easy to repair holes, cracks, and pitted areas of concrete surfaces. Quick Home Improvement Projects: No time to waste? These 3 home improvement hacks take a half hour or less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cracked Cement Patio: Part of Debbie’s new cement patio cracked right away. She can make some cosmetic repairs or have it torn o...

Jun 05, 202338 min

Ditch the Chlorine and Dive into a Natural Pool | Cozy Up and Cash In with Insulation Tax Credits | Size Matters: Wide-Plank Floors for Small Rooms | Ep #2314

SHOW NOTES: Natural Pools: Learn how natural pools offer a pond-like, eco-friendly oasis with no chemicals and low energy costs. Insulation Tax Credits: Keep your home cozy and your wallet happy with generous tax rebates for insulation upgrades. Wide-Plank Flooring: Make your small rooms look bigger instantly with wide-plank flooring. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Drainage Problems: Kevin thinks groundwater is coming through an opening in his concrete slab, but he really need...

Jun 01, 202338 min

Apartment Gardening: Grow Big in Small Spaces | Caught in the Act: Where to Place Home Security Cameras | Seal and Shield Concrete Surfaces | Ep #2313

SHOW NOTES: Apartment Gardens: Love to garden but don’t have outdoor yard space? Get tips on growing an apartment garden. Home Security: Effective home security cameras need to be positioned properly. Find out where to place cameras to keep your home safe. Sealing Concrete Surfaces: Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks take a lot of wear and tear. This product will keep concrete looking like new. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Joyce wants to k...

May 29, 202338 min

Weed Warfare: Tactics for Fighting Weeds | Stone Cold Facts about Natural Stone Countertops | Embrace Efficiency with an Airless Paint Sprayer | Ep #2312

SHOW NOTES: Eliminating Weeds: Weeds are the enemy of lush, healthy lawns. Get tips on fighting backyard weeds all season long. Natural Stone Countertops: Stone countertops are a rock-solid choice for kitchens but require care. Find out the pros and cons. Airless Paint Sprayers: If you’d like to get a smooth and speedy finish on your next painting project, check out a high-efficiency airless paint sprayer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Dock Restoration: Colleen is seeking a p...

May 25, 202337 min

Modular Magic: DIY Outdoor Kitchens Made Easy | Curbside Charm: 4 Ways to Attract Homebuyers | 5 Flowering Butterfly Magnets | Ep #2311

SHOW NOTES: Modular Outdoor Kitchens: Building a customized outdoor kitchen is made easy with modular bricks. Curb Appeal: Stand out from the competition with 4 simple curb appeal upgrades to attract homebuyers. Attracting Butterflies: Find out how flower power can create a butterfly oasis in your garden. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Window Leaks: Is a leaking window caused by the soffits, the roof, or the window itself? Mike gets advice on how to find and fix the source of ...

May 22, 202338 min

Fix Now, Pay Later: Mortgage Programs for Fixer-Uppers | Roof Rejuvenation Adds Years to Your Roof | Concrete Revival: How to Restore Concrete Surfaces | Ep #2310

SHOW NOTES: Paying for Home Repairs: Want to buy a fixer-upper and still have funds for making repairs? New mortgage programs offer assistance. Extending Roof Life: Old, dried-out roof shingles can be rejuvenated with a treatment that adds years to the life of your life. Concrete Restoration: If you’ve got cracks, holes, or worn areas in concrete surfaces, there’s a way to fix the flaws and smooth things out. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Hot Water Delay: Tired of waiting for...

May 18, 202337 min

Painting Made Easy with High-Efficiency Paint Sprayers | Multipurpose Marvels: Multi-Use Tools for DIY Projects | Bargain or Burden? Buying a Foreclosed Home | Ep #2309

SHOW NOTES: Paint Sprayers: Planning a painting project? High-efficiency airless paint sprayers make the job easier and faster so you can paint like a pro. Multi-Use Tools: Get info on finishing DIY home projects quicker and easier with corded, cordless, and manual multi-use tools. Buying a Foreclosed Home: Bargain or burden? Learn the pros and cons of buying a home in foreclosure. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Cracked Bathtub: Tim’s new bathroom came complete with a cracked ...

May 15, 202338 min

Cool Solutions to Heat-Proof Your Home | Landscape Planning for an Outdoor Oasis | Draft Detectives: Is Your Home Insulated Enough? |Ep #2308

SHOW NOTES: Reducing Heat Indoors: Feel like you’re living in a hothouse? Get cool solutions for reducing the heat in your home. Landscape Planning: You don’t need to be a pro to plan a lovely landscape. Find out simple tips on how to start. Proper Insulation: Is your home insulated well enough? Learn what it takes to stay comfortable and save on energy bills. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Exterior Painting: Blowing pollen has stuck to Beth’s newly painted columns. She should...

May 11, 202337 min

Cost-Conscious Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers | Roof Rejuvenation: New Life from the Top Down | Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off | Ep #2307

SHOW NOTES: Kitchen Cabinets: Should you replace, reface, or refinish your kitchen cabinets? Find out budget-friendly options. Roof Restoration: Dried-out shingles? This rejuvenation treatment can extend the life of your old roof. Mosquitoes: Avoid unwelcome backyard barbecue bites and get mosquitoes to buzz off with these easy steps. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Inground Pool: Dorothy doesn’t want her inground pool anymore. We discuss what’s involved in having it filled and...

May 08, 202337 min

From Driveway to Doorstep: Bright Ideas for Lightscaping | Peel Away the Past: 4 DIY Steps for Removing Wallpaper | Replacement Window Labels Decoded | Ep #2306

SHOW NOTES: Lightscaping Ideas: Get bright ideas for lightscaping to add safety, security, and style to your home’s exterior. Wallpaper Removal: Peeling off old wallpaper is an unappealing task. Find out four steps to make wallpaper removal easier. Buying Windows: Window shopping? Learn how to decode window labels and certifications for energy efficiency. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Reducing Moisture: How to reduce moisture and prevent mildew on walls? Laura gets tips on ru...

May 04, 202337 min

Grill Prep 101: Get Your BBQ Ready | Wind-Resistant Roofing That Won’t Budge | Pillow Talk: Trending Bedroom Designs on Pinterest | Ep #2305

SHOW NOTES: Preparing Your Grill: Getting fired up for BBQ season? Take these steps to prep your grill. Wind-Resistant Roofing: Roof shingles can get blown away by strong winds. Check out wind-resistant roofing that will stay put in the storm. Bedroom Designs: If you suffer from pin-somnia, these trending bedroom designs on Pinterest may be the cure. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Shower Valve: Oops! David cut the drywall for his shower valve a bit too wide, but using a goof p...

May 01, 202338 min

Safe Cleaning without Toxic Chemicals | Picture-Perfect Photos to Sell Your Home | Flower Power: Add Instant Color to Your Garden | Ep #2304

SHOW NOTES: Safer Cleaning Solutions: Avoid spring cleaning chemical hazards by using healthier and safer cleaning products. Selling Your Home: Web appeal has become the new curb appeal when listing your home online, so use photos that home buyers want to see. Planting Flowers: Don’t have the patience for seeds to sprout? Add instant color to your garden with the right live flowering plants. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. HVAC Cleaning: Mike got some questionable suggestions f...

Apr 27, 202338 min

Rock Your Garden with a Stone Wall | Batten Down the Hatches with Storm Shutters | Prime Time: The #1 Painting Tip | Ep #2303

SHOW NOTES: Stone Garden Wall: Learn how to beautify your garden with a strong and stylish stone wall. Storm Shutters: Find out how storm shutters can protect your home from strong sun and wild winds. Painting Prep: Any successful paint job starts with one important step. We’ll share this painting primer. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Carpenter Bees: Busy carpenter bees are drilling lots of holes in Steve’s house. We suggest covering or replacing the wood with synthetic mater...

Apr 24, 202337 min

Tiny Pool, Big Fun: Trending Spool Pools | Make Every Drop Count with a Rain Barrel | The Pane Game: Choosing the Right Windows | Ep #2302

SHOW NOTES: Spool Pools: Find out how trending spool pools offer the benefits of a pool and a spa in one compact space. Rain Barrels: Take advantage of spring showers by using a rain barrel to keep your garden happily hydrated through summer dry spells. Choosing Windows: Going window shopping? Learn how to choose between single-, double-, and triple-pane windows. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Textured Walls: Dave wonders how to prep his textured bathroom walls so he can add t...

Apr 20, 202337 min

Uncover Hidden Savings with an Energy Audit | Don’t Get Blown Away: Wind-Resistant Roof Shingles | Dust Bunnies Beware: Spring Cleaning Tips | Ep #2301

SHOW NOTES: Energy Audit: Learn how an energy audit finds ways to make your home more energy-efficient and save money on utility bills. Roof Shingles: Strong winds can cause serious roof damage. Find out about wind-resistant roof shingles that can protect your home from storms. House Cleaning: Does it seem like the dust in your home never goes away? Get tips for how to easily clean better and sneeze less. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Home Foundation: Brenda’s concrete baseme...

Apr 17, 202339 min

Hammering Down Gender Bias in Home Improvement | Wood You Believe It? How to Choose Deck Lumber | Solutions for a Damp-Free Bathroom | Ep #2300

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 l...

Apr 13, 202338 min

Termite Terminator: Keep Your House Off the Menu | 4 Hot Design Trends for Spring | 5 Ways to Save on Painting Projects | Ep #2299

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 ...

Apr 10, 202340 min

Cooking Up an Outdoor Kitchen | Get the Dirt on Garden Prep | No Pain, No Grain: Refinishing Hardwood Floors | Ep #2298

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...

Apr 06, 202339 min

Top Spring Home Projects | How Are Your HOA Fees Being Used? | Keeping Paper Towels in Your Fridge | Ep #2297

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 t...

Apr 03, 202340 min

Mold's Secret Hiding Spaces | Backyard Decks: DIY or Hire a Pro? | Shocking Truths about Circuit Breakers | Ep #2296

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...

Mar 30, 202339 min

Dry Up Your Soggy Yard | Native Plants to Attract Birds | The Best Time to Water Houseplants | Ep #2295

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 ...

Mar 27, 202340 min

Can You Guess the Germiest Place in Your Kitchen? | Seed vs. Sod for a Lush Lawn | Filthy Screen Cleaning | Ep #2294

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 r...

Mar 23, 202341 min

Millennial Home Buying Report | Multitasking with an HGTV Expert | Babyproofing Basics You Need to Know | Ep #2293

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 ...

Mar 20, 202339 min

Does Your Vacuum Really Suck? | Fences Even the Neighbors Love | Deck Danger Alert | Ep #2292

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 freezi...

Mar 16, 202339 min

Does Your Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? | Keep Cozy with an Amazing Smart HVAC System | 4 Best Washing Machine Features | Ep #2291

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 s...

Mar 13, 202340 min

Is Solar Energy Worth It? | Stop Waiting for Hot Showers! | The Draftiest Spot You’re Forgetting to Seal | Ep #2290

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’...

Mar 09, 202339 min