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

#2379 – DIY Sunshine: Beating the Winter Blues | 6 Painting Pointers to Ponder | Home Energy Audit

SHOW NOTES: Get tips on keeping your home colorful, bright, and warm in today's show as we discuss what to think about before painting, easy pick-me-ups to beat the winter blues, and doing a home energy assessment. Plus, hear helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions! - Winter Blues: Lift your spirits and beat the winter blues with DIY tips to brighten up your home. - Painting Tips: Consider these 6 tips before starting your next painting project. - Energy Audit: Learn how to make ...

Jan 15, 202438 min

#2378 – Rent Rules: 5 Ways to Get Your Security Deposit | Heat Pump Technology | DIY Furniture Fixes

SHOW NOTES: In this enlightening episode, we’ll discuss efficient new heat pump technology, learn savvy tips to reclaim your rental security deposit, and discover quick hacks for easy furniture repairs. For answers to these and lots more home improvement questions, your home transformation starts here! - Rental Security Deposit: When your rental lease ends, don’t forget these tips for reclaiming your security deposit. - Heat Pumps: New efficiencies in heat pump technology keep costs down and com...

Jan 11, 202438 min

#2377 – Don’t Get Burned: Space Heater Safety | Attracting Winter Birds | Smart Foam Insulation Kit

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, we’ll focus on winter wisdom for your home, with tips on how to use space heaters safely, ideas for luring colorful winter birds to your yard, and info on easy and effective spray foam insulation! Join us as we navigate these cold weather challenges and delights, plus answer lots more home improvement questions. - Space Heaters: If you want to enjoy warmth without worry, remember these space heater safety tips. - Winter Birds: Add life and color to your yard by attra...

Jan 08, 202438 min

#2376 – Pro Ranges for Home Gourmets | Thrifty Home Makeover Ideas | Create a Craft or Hobby Haven

SHOW NOTES: Master your home’s full potential as we explore the allure of pro ranges for residential kitchens, reveal the secrets to stylish home makeovers on a budget, and discuss the craft of setting up a dedicated hobby space. Listen to these and other home improvement questions on today’s podcast episode! - Pro-Style Ranges: Pro-style kitchen ranges offer a wide menu of options for home gourmets. - Thrifty Home Makeover: Learn how to redecorate on a budget with makeover tips that cost little...

Jan 04, 202438 min

#2375 – Pipe Dreams: Keep Pipes from Freezing | Undecking the Holiday Halls | Stop Sticking Doors

SHOW NOTES: In this show, we’ve got hot tips for chilly season challenges, including how to keep pipes from freezing when the mercury drops, post-holiday decoration cleanup, and unsticking doors to ensure smooth entries and exits. Stay tuned for these and other topics in a jam-packed episode of winter home improvement! - Frozen Pipes: When there’s frost in the forecast, know how to keep your pipes from freezing. - Removing Holiday Decorations: If it’s time to wrap up the holidays, undeck the hal...

Jan 01, 202438 min

#2374 – Timber Talk: Choose the Best Firewood | Cleaning Indoor Air Pollution | Sealing Floor Drafts

SHOW NOTES: Join us for a jam-packed episode where we discuss the essential trio for a snug home. Learn the nuances of firewood selection, dive into the secrets of maintaining pristine indoor air quality, and uncover a DIY solution to seal those chilly floor drafts. Your ultimate guide to a comfy abode awaits with answers to these and other home improvement questions! - Choosing Firewood: Enjoy cool nights by a warm fire by choosing the best firewood to burn cleanly and safely. - Indoor Air Poll...

Dec 28, 202338 min

#2373 – Tidy Triumph: Conquering Clutter | Staircase Safety | Salvaged Vintage Charm

SHOW NOTES: In today’s show, learn the secrets to creating a harmonious home as we discuss expert advice on decluttering your space, ensuring your stairs are secure, and embracing the uniqueness of vintage finds, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Home Organization: Conquer clutter chaos by keeping your home organized. - Staircase Safety: Step-by-step tips for staircase safety. - Vintage Design: Add vintage charm to your home with salvaged architectural pieces. Q & A: - Chimney V...

Dec 25, 202338 min

#2372 – Ready, Set, Snow! Winter Prep Checklist | Pine Pests: Christmas Tree Bugs | Poison Control

SHOW NOTES: Tune in to today’s show for a wealth of essential winter wisdom! We'll guide you through snow preparation tactics, effective methods to eliminate pesky Christmas tree bugs, and insights into handling and preventing common household poisons. Empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your home and family, plus answers to more home improvement questions. - Winter Checklist: The best time to prepare for snow is before it starts, with this winter-ready checklist. - Christmas Tree Bugs:...

Dec 21, 202338 min

#2371 – Seal the Deal: How to Store Paint | Hang Tough: Secure Wall Hangings | Front Door Décor

SHOW NOTES: Today’s show offers a trifecta of home beautification tips! Unravel the mysteries of proper paint storage so leftover colors remain fresh and usable, then learn the art of securely hanging wall hangings for a picture-perfect gallery. Finally, spruce up your entryway with front door décor ideas to welcome holiday guests. Plus, get answers to even more home improvement questions! - Storing Paint: Leftover paint is useful for touchups and other projects, as long as it’s stored the right...

Dec 18, 202338 min

#2370 – Rise Above: Remodeled Attic Space | Avoiding Ice Dam Dangers | Easy One-Part Foam Insulation

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll be looking upward to keep your home safe and comfortable! First, check out tips for adding living space in your attic. Then, beware of the dangers of damaging ice dams on your roof. Finally, keep the cold out and the warmth in with spray foam insulation that’s made easy. Listen in for answers to all this and more of your home improvement questions! - Using Attic Space: If you need some added living space, look up toward your attic for some remodeling ideas. - I...

Dec 14, 202337 min

#2369 – Hot Topic: Are Smoke and CO Detectors Enough? | Cleaning Product Hazards | Boost Insulation

SHOW NOTES: Join us as we cover the essentials of home safety and comfort! In this show, we discuss whether smoke detectors and CO detectors alone provide complete protection, then explore how to avoid cleaning product hazards. Plus, find a game-changing product that not only bolsters insulation but significantly enhances your home's energy efficiency. All this and much more to answer your latest home improvement questions! - Fire Protection: Are smoke and CO detectors enough to keep your home p...

Dec 11, 202337 min

#2368 – Renovation Regrets: 5 Remodeling Mistakes | DIY Workspace Under $500 | Visible House Numbers

SHOW NOTES: Join us on this week’s podcast as we start by delving into the nitty-gritty of remodeling woes, revealing common mistakes to dodge. Then, from transforming your garage into a DIY haven to ensuring your home's address stands out, we've got you covered with practical insights and expert advice for all your home improvement questions! - Remodeling Mistakes: These 5 common remodeling mistakes can lead to renovation regrets. - DIY Workspace: Create a comfortable and convenient garage work...

Dec 07, 202338 min

#2367 – Door Defense: How to Lock Out Thieves | Spray Foam to Seal Drafts | Driveway Restoration

SHOW NOTES: Lock 'em out, seal 'em in, and pave the way! Join us for tips to fortify your home against break-ins, seal drafts with spray foam wizardry, and wave goodbye to dirty, damaged driveways. Get answers to these and other callers’ home improvement questions on this week’s Money Pit podcast! - Door Defense: Securing your doors is key to protecting your home from burglars. - Sealing Drafts: This great DIY spray foam makes it easy to seal out drafts. - Driveway Repair: Get tips for restoring...

Dec 04, 202338 min

#2366 – Survey Dishes Up Dishwasher Ratings | 3 Common Heating Mistakes | Affordable Marble Surfaces

SHOW NOTES: Tune in for a treasure trove of home improvement tips in this episode, where we discuss blunders to avoid in home heating, dish about top-rated dishwashers, and share the secret to creating attractive and affordable marble surfaces. From cozy warmth to sparkling dishes and elegant countertops, we're here to help you make your house a dream home! - Dishwasher Ratings: A new survey dishes up details about the top-rated dishwashers. - Home Heating: Find out 3 common home heating mistake...

Nov 30, 202338 min

#2365 – Crack the Case: Investigating Foundation Fractures | Closet Organization | Shower Windows

SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode, we’ve got tips for keeping your home mess-free, stress-free, and mold-free, from creating functional space in cluttered closets to deciphering the significance of foundation cracks to safeguarding against dreaded window mold and rot. Tune in to learn all this and much more from the Money Pit’s home improvement experts! - Foundation Cracks: Crack the code of sorting minor cracks from major foundation issues. - Closet Organization: Get organizing ideas to cure close...

Nov 27, 202338 min

#2364 – Bright Moves: Motion-Sensing Security Lights | Frozen Water Pipes | Phantom Floor Drafts

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’ll unlock expert secrets on fortifying your space! From installing motion-sensing security lights to preventing frozen pipes and sealing pesky floor drafts, we've got you covered. Tune in for a wealth of home improvement insights with these and other tips to make your home a haven of safety and comfort! - Motion-Sensing Security Lights: Stop burglars in their tracks by easily installing motion-sensing security lights. - Frozen Water Pipes: Get thawed-full advice t...

Nov 23, 202338 min

#2363 – Aging Gracefully: Older Home Repairs | New Heat Pump Technology | Hidden Home Energy Waste

SHOW NOTES: In this podcast packed with home improvement wisdom, we reveal the reality of older home repairs, unravel the magic of heat pump technology, and uncover stealthy spots where your home's energy is slipping away. Tune in for a mix of classic craftsmanship and modern energy-saving tips! - Older Home Repairs: The charm of buying an older home comes at the cost of commonly needed repairs. - Heat Pump Technology: New heat pump technology is the hottest buzz in home comfort and energy savin...

Nov 20, 202338 min

#2362 – Holiday Havoc with Self-Cleaning Ovens | DIY Winter Roof Check | Easy Spray Foam Insulation

SHOW NOTES: It’s the season for heating up your home improvement hacks! In this episode, we’ll spill the beans on self-cleaning ovens, winter rooftop inspection tips, and the cozy world of spray foam insulation. Listen now to hear what we're cooking up next! - Self-Cleaning Ovens: Find out why the holidays are the worst time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, plus get some oven maintenance tips. - Roof Inspection: Winter weather is rough on roofs, so now’s the time to do a DIY roof check-up...

Nov 16, 202337 min

#2361 – Ice Advice: Winterizing Sprinklers | Would You Buy an Old Home? | 3 Steps Before Painting

SHOW NOTES: Before Jack Frost arrives for the season, learn the cold hard facts about winterizing your sprinkler system, the cost of buying older homes, and common painting mistakes. From chills to bills to drippy spills, we’ve got the answers you need to avoid these and other home improvement headaches in this episode! - Winterizing Sprinkler System: Avoid a frozen fiasco by winterizing your sprinkler system before cold sets in. - Buying Older Homes: A survey shows homeowners are divided on the...

Nov 13, 202338 min

#2360 – Insurance IQ: Is Your Home Truly Protected? | Pittsburgh Potty Puzzle | Best Furnace Filters

SHOW NOTES: Embrace the cozy vibes as autumn transitions to winter! In this episode, we've got your back with essential tips on navigating stormy insurance queries. Join us for a fascinating exploration of house histories, discover tricks to enhance the air quality in your home, and guess what? We're answering YOUR burning questions, too! Join us for a dose of warmth and wisdom. - Homeowner’s Insurance: Does your homeowner’s insurance policy offer enough coverage? Here’s what to ask. - Pittsburg...

Nov 09, 202337 min

#2359 – Dry Wit: 5 Clothes Drying Hacks | New Options for Metal Roofs | Best Indoor House Plants

SHOW NOTES: - Clothes Dryer Tips: These 5 clothes dryer tips put a new spin on the best way to do laundry. - Metal Roofing: Learn the latest options in metal roofs that last long and stand up to Mother Nature. - Best Indoor Plants: You don’t need a green thumb to grow these easy indoor plants. Q & A: - Bathroom Ventilation: How can you ventilate a bathroom that has no fan? Diane gets advice on installing a vent fan through an exterior wall or between floor joists above the ceiling. - Warped Hard...

Nov 06, 202338 min

#2358 – Ceiling the Deal: Trendy Drop Ceilings | Tub and Shower Leaks | Top 3 Thermostat Mistakes

SHOW NOTES: - Drop Ceilings: Updated drop ceilings offer trendy new looks for remodeling projects. - Tub and Shower Leaks: Tub and shower leaks are easy to fix once you know where to find the source. - Thermostat Mistakes: Avoid these top three thermostat mistakes to stay comfortable while lowering heating bills. Q & A: - Window Sill Repairs: Should Kaitlyn repair or replace her rotted wooden window sills? Unless they’re totally destroyed, she can fill them with a wood hardener and epoxy. - Sink...

Nov 02, 202338 min

#2357 – Draft Dodgers: Find and Seal House Drafts | DIY Stone Refinishing | Textured Surface Repairs

SHOW NOTES: - Sealing Drafts: Tracking down and sealing drafts is the first step in keeping your home warm. - Stone Countertop Refinishing: Get the look of natural stone countertops with an easy and affordable weekend project. - Textured Surface Repairs: Fix textured walls and ceilings without the fuss and mess. Q & A: - Mailbox Stains: Those stains on Louise’s brick mailbox are probably mineral deposits from water splashes. A vinegar solution will clean the surface easily. - Reversing a Door Sw...

Oct 30, 202337 min

#2356 – Watt’s Your Plan? Blackout Survival Tips | Fall Lawn and Landscape Care | Cut Heating Costs

SHOW NOTES: - Power Outages: When the power goes out, you’ll need these blackout survival tips. - Fall Lawn Care: Proper care in the fall keeps your lawn and landscape healthy and green for springtime. - Cutting Heating Costs: Do high heating bills send chills down your spine? Get energy-saving tips to lower costs. Q & A: - Indoor Bugs: Centipedes and crickets have Dorothy’s skin crawling! We have tips on how to seal off any basement and garage openings and eliminate indoor bugs. - Water in Base...

Oct 26, 202337 min

#2355 – Chillin’ Villains: Roof Ice Dam Perils | Textured Surface Repairs | Hidden Surprises of Remodeling

SHOW NOTES: - Roof Ice Dams: Those pretty icicles hanging from your roof may signal damaging ice dams. - Repairing Textured Surfaces: There’s a new way to repair textured ceilings and walls without the hassle and mess. - Planning Home Improvement Projects: Avoid unwelcome home improvement surprises with careful planning. Q & A: - Wall Texture: After stripping the wallpaper, Sandi wants to add texture to her walls. We discuss a number of options for textured paint and techniques. - Water Heater V...

Oct 23, 202338 min

#2354 – Scary Scraps: Avoid Garbage Disposal Disasters | Fire Prevention | DIY Carpet Deodorizer

SHOW NOTES: - Garbage Disposal Problems: Letting seasonal leftovers go down the drain causes clog chaos. - Carpet Deodorizer: Mix up an easy DIY deodorizing recipe to take your carpets from funky to fresh. - Fire Prevention: Get tips on fire hazards you may be overlooking and how to prevent them. Q & A: - Painting Brick: Cathy wants to brighten up the dark brick wall around her fireplace. Painting is one option but she may also consider other creative alternatives. - Smoke Odors: How can James g...

Oct 19, 202338 min

#2353 – Yard Goals: Favorite Fall Outdoor Projects | Best and Worst Door Locks | DIY Marble Surfaces

SHOW NOTES: - Outdoor Projects for Fall: Autumn is the season to fall in love with some favorite outdoor projects for your home. - Door Locks: Home security starts with strong door locks. Find out the best and worst locks for preventing break-ins. - Marble Surfaces: A new DIY product creates beautiful marble surfaces without the expense. Q & A: - Supplemental HVAC: Cathedral ceilings make it hard to cool the house evenly. Ed may add a split ductless system to supplement the central air condition...

Oct 16, 202338 min

#2352 – Silent Killer: Guarding Against Carbon Monoxide | Upcycled Furniture | LED Lighting Upgrades

SHOW NOTES: - Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and leaks are all too common. Learn how to keep your family safe. - Upcycled Furniture: Design on a dime with tips on finding the best upcycled furniture to turn trash to treasure. - LED Lighting: Let’s shed some light on how to save money and energy with LED lighting solutions. Q & A: - Hard Water: Colleen is wondering about a solution for treating her hard well water, but we recommend a standard salt-based water softener as her ...

Oct 12, 202338 min

#2351 – Mulch Madness: Best Uses of Fall Leaves | Expert Concrete Repair Tips | Draft-Free Windows

SHOW NOTES: - Getting Rid of Leaves: Rake in some tips on the best ways to get rid of fallen leaves to help next year’s garden. - Concrete Repair and Resurfacing: Learn the easy way to restore cracked and damaged concrete surfaces. - Energy-Efficient Windows: Keep drafts out and heat in by choosing the best energy-efficient windows. Q & A: - Peeling Linoleum Floor: Mindy has a peeling linoleum floor with even more layers underneath. It will take some work, but we recommend pulling it all up befo...

Oct 09, 202338 min

#2350 – Pressure Points: Pressure Washer Buying Tips | Textured Surface Repair | Healthy Water Filters

SHOW NOTES: - Pressure Washers: Blast away dirt and doubts with tips for buying the right pressure washer. - Textured Surface Repair: Learn how to make hassle-free repairs to textured walls and ceilings. - Water Filters: Find out why water filters are a healthy and low-cost alternative to bottled water. Q & A: - Driveway Drainage: Susan’s asphalt driveway was resurfaced but wasn’t pitched properly. She’ll need to install a curtain drain to keep water from collecting and backing up into the house...

Oct 05, 202338 min