Show notes: Buying a single-family home to rent out has always been a popular approach for investors. Now however, investors are buying homes they plan to split into multiple rental units. We’ll share how to know if this makes economic sense for you. If you love the look of terrazzo floors but not the cost, we’ll share a new product that uses real stone to provides a terrazzo finish for concrete surfaces at a fraction of the price. Plus, if your family is like most, you probably use the garage a...
Apr 05, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Show notes: Buying a single-family home to rent out has always been a popular approach for investors. Now however, investors are buying homes they plan to split into multiple rental units. We’ll share how to know if this makes economic sense for you. If you love the look of terrazzo floors but not the cost, we’ll share a new product that uses real stone to provides a terrazzo finish for concrete surfaces at a fraction of the price. Plus, if your family is like most, you probably use the garage a...
Apr 01, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast SHOW NOTES: Over the winter, garages get pretty gross. Between the stuff that never quite gets put away from last fall -- to the dirt that drips off your car – the floors can be a real mess. We’ll highlight the best garage floor solutions that are easy to clean. Given that over the last year we’re all been we’ve all been eating out a lot less, the kitchen has become an even more important "hub" of the home – and that’s impacting the way we refrigerate food. We’ll highlight new trends in these al...
Mar 29, 2021•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast SHOW NOTES: You can flush away a pile of cash upgrading your bathroom. Luckily, you don’t have to. We’ve got 4 low-cost ways to spruce up your space for under $200 bucks! Even the cleanest of homes can have mold, and we’re not just talking about what you might find in last week’s leftovers! We share the surprising places mold can hid and what to do you do when you find it. When you move into an apartment, you’ll be expected to pay a damage security deposit. Getting it back, may not be quite so e...
Mar 25, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: Small kitchens can be tough places to work in. But a few modest updates can make small kitchens feel bigger and work better. Tom & Leslie share tips in today’s Smart Spending Tip. If you’re thinking about getting your outdoor furniture out for the warm months ahead, chances are after an entire winter in storage -- it’ll be looking a lot worse for wear! We’ll have tips to get your outdoor furniture clean and spruced up for the season. Today, it’s easier than ever to be eco-friend...
Mar 22, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: Building a Shed is a fun DIY project. But did you know that whether the shed is wood, steel or vinyl, just ONE step can mean the difference between a shed that lasts for a season and one that can last decades. We share that tip plus the best options for shed storage. Nothing keeps your home looking updated better than a current kitchen. If you’re thinking about switching out old kitchen countertops for granite, we’ll have design tips to help. In the 20 years Tom spent as a profe...
Mar 18, 2021•39 min•Ep 2084•Transcript available on Metacast Show Notes: As we say goodbye to winter, now is a good time to take a look at your driveway to see what winter’s road salt left behind. We walk you through options for driveway sealing, resurfacing or replacement and share a key detail on the type of asphalt that lasts the longest. Are you dreaming of relaxing on your deck in the warm days ahead, but have a deck that looks more like a nightmare? We can fix that with tips for a deck makeover that you’ll be able to get done for LESS than the avera...
Mar 15, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast DIY’rs are ramping up their projects this Spring with 84% planning to take on even tougher projects in 2021 than last year! We’ll share tips on a tool system that can help you get there, with a reliable battery system that works on DOZENS of power and lawn and garden tools. Do you enjoying hanging out in your yard or patio but would love to have a bit more privacy? We share landscaping tips and tricks to create private backyard hideaways If you have a plumbing project to tackle, one type of pipe...
Mar 11, 2021•40 min•Ep 2082•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready for a new washing machine? We’ll take a look at the most popular features and help you decide which make the best washing machine for your laundry needs. For 55 years, ShopVac has been helping Americans with clean ups that household vacs could never hope to handle. Now this iconic brand has a new owner and some very exciting plans for the future. We hear from the new CEO. And did you know that the average Americans receives a tax refund of about $2,800? We figured, there are a lot ...
Mar 08, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hearing crazy house sounds from your home’s plumbing, water heater or heating systems? We explain the cause of all that racket and teach you which types of sounds spell trouble and which can be ignored. If there’s one thing in our home we want to be pure and fresh every time we reach for it -- it’s our water! But that’s not always the case. We’ll explain how to offset the smelly water odor – and hopefully get rid of it altogether. If your vintage home has some vintage wallpaper that’s peeling, w...
Mar 04, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast While most folks focus on how their landscape looks they may not be as focused on their “LIGHT” scape! With the right combination of outdoor low-voltage lighting, there’s a whole new view awaiting you. We’ll walk you through the options. And also, ahead, if you’re a dog lover, getting up at all hours of the day or night to let your pooch out is not always very convenient. Now there’s a new type of automatic pet door on the market that gets built right into your home’s exterior door. We’ll share ...
Mar 01, 2021•40 min•Ep 2079•Transcript available on Metacast When it comes to the topic of home improvement, there’s often more bad advice than sage wisdom – and that bad advice spreads like wildfire! We tackle some of the most common tales, share quick how-to tips and help you separate fact from home repair fiction. If you wanted to sell your home today, there are 5 décor elements that will keep buyers from ever pulling up to the curb. We share those and what a survey of the nation’s top real estate agents say you’ll need to do in a post pandemic world t...
Feb 25, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Picking the perfect paint color is a great way to brighten up any room but finding that wow color really makes the magic happen. We’ve got tips on the best paint colors to spark both a brighter space and a better mood! If you have hot water heat, you know that radiators can be nice and comfy in cold months. But if air gets stuck in that system, radiators can ping, bang and become cold as ice! The fixes are pretty simple –we’ll share tips for fine-tuning your noisy heat. Wood floors are beautiful...
Feb 22, 2021•40 min•Ep 2077•Transcript available on Metacast If you’re a renter, you may think you’re stuck with your kitchen. Not so! We’ll share 5 non-destructive spruce ups for your rental space that can be done without wrecking your security deposit! Filters for your heating and cooling system can help remove dust and make it a bit easier to breath. But with so many to choose from, which type really does the best job? We teach you how to decode the ratings to find the best air filter, just in time for the Spring allergy season. Power outages can strik...
Feb 18, 2021•39 min•Ep 2076•Transcript available on Metacast Farmhouse décor is more popular than ever. Tom & Leslie help you get started with ideas for eco-friendly farmhouse fix ups. Is your family growing? Before you hear the pitter patter of little feet – It’s smart to make sure home sweet home is safe as can be for kids. We’ve got everything you need to know about baby proofing your money pit, coming up. While many young adults return home to save money, a basement may be a good choice for a bedroom and a bit of privacy. But building codes demand som...
Feb 15, 2021•39 min•Ep 2075•Transcript available on Metacast High-efficiency washers are on the rise, and Energy Star-certified dryers can cut energy by an impressive 25% -- BUT are these more efficient (and more expensive) washers and dryers a smart buy? We could all use a little more sunshine this time of year…spotless windows can help! We’ve got tips on how to clean your windows like a pro, and you won’t even need any paper towels. Has Valentine’s Day got you feeling extra romantic? Wondering what the best quality SHEETS are to cuddle up in? We’ve got ...
Feb 12, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast If there’s one room you’d like to be bright and cheery, it’s the kitchen! We’ll have tips on kitchen lighting to keep that space looking bright – even when it’s dark outside. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine during these long chilly winter days - we’ll share a few simple stain cleaning solutions for any “merlot mishaps” that may happen along the way. And if you’ve been chipping away at a lot of ice this winter, we’ll have a trick of the trade to help make it disappear, especially when it free...
Feb 08, 2021•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve ever thought of adding hardwood floors to your home, you might be surprised to know that some hardwoods are, well, not as hard as others! We’ll have tips on how to choose the toughest hardwoods for maximum durability in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Tiles are beautiful and decorative elements for floors and walls but finding replacements when one or two cracks can seem near impossible. We’ll share tips for repairing or replacing hard to find tiles. Did you know that over 350,000 house fi...
Feb 04, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete serve as your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, and gardening to garages, you’ll get expert advice to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence, and have a little fun along the way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 02, 2021•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In 2020 millions of us took on projects to INVEST in the NEST! Now that well we’re into the new year, there’s no sign that trend is slowing down. We’ll highlight the next big décor trends for 2021 including the best choices for indoor greenery, in today’s Smart Spending Tip. If you think maintaining YOUR money pit is a hassle… just consider what it takes to keep the PEOPLE’S house running! For starters, just painting the exterior takes 570 gallons of paint. We share a few fun facts about what it...
Feb 01, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In floor heating is one of the best and most comfortable ways to heat a house. We walk you through 3 options to add radiant heating in both new and existing homes. If you rent a house or apartment, there’s an insurance loophole that can cost tenants big if your home was damaged by a flood or fire. We share a simple solution to keep you protected. We get a lot of questions about how to clean tile grout – which always seem to look great the day it’s put in and then quickly turns to dirty and drab!...
Jan 28, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Would you like to do a better job of taking care of your home but just don’t have the time? We’ve got 30 home repairs you can do in 30 minutes or less! Tile is a timeless and durable choice for a floor but aside from the look, choosing the best TYPE of tile is the only way to make sure that beautiful floor lasts. We’ll share tips to help you choose the best tile and save in today’s Smart Spending Tip. Did you know that with every breath you take, you may be inhaling not only clean fresh air, but...
Jan 25, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve been feeling winter drafts whip through your windows, we walk you through a simple checklist to help you figure out if benefits of replacement windows are worth the cost. There’s nothing worse than hanging a heavy picture only to have it come crashing down! We’ll share a tried-and-true way to secure your wall hangings safely. Do some of your meals come out HALF baked? Don’t blame the cook, blame the oven. We’ll explain why all oven temperatures can vary and how to fix the problem. Plus...
Jan 21, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast A little bit on paint goes a long way, especially when you apply the new 2021 Color of the Year! If you are looking to refresh your space, this year’s color can open up a ton of possibilities. We’ll share what it is and décor ideas on where to use it. With a little work, a garage can be a great place to find space for storage, organization, crafts and projects – if it’s warm and heated. We’ll share tips to help you seal up and save. Treating slippery sidewalks with sidewalk salt will cause ice t...
Jan 18, 2021•40 min•Ep 2067•Transcript available on Metacast Does your laundry room feels dark, cluttered and disorganized and maybe even a bit dangerous? We’ve got tips for safe laundry room renos that will brighten your space and put everything in its place! If you’d like to enjoy fresh water from every faucet in your house, a whole house water filter can do that just as it comes into the house – bringing you crisp, clean water from every tap in your home. We’ll share the best options for a fresh water supply. If you live in a home with a fireplace, you...
Jan 14, 2021•37 min•Ep 2066•Transcript available on Metacast The right combination of kitchen lighting can beautify your space while improving the functionality of work areas. We highlight the best kitchen lighting options for ambient, task, and accent lighting in today’s Smart Spending Tip. We hear a lot these days about ways to make sure the air inside our homes is clean – but unfortunately a lot of that advice is just plain wrong! We talk with expert Jeff May, author of My House is Killing Me, on what we’re doing right - and what we’re doing wrong to b...
Jan 11, 2021•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tired of chilly floors? Adding radiant heat to your home’s floor can provide a for a very comfortable and energy efficient home, not to mention stopping the shock of setting foot on a cold floor first thing in the morning! We highlight two systems that can work for both new and existing homes. Are you tired of feeling, well, tired? For many people, these shorter and colder days can bring on a case of the blues that can impact your mood, focus and energy. We’ve got easy DIY pick-me-ups to beat th...
Jan 07, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you are busting at the seams and looking for some getaway space for crafts or projects, a heated garage may do the trick. This was a project Tom took on during the quarantine and he share tips on the easiest ways for you to warm up this workspace at your home. Americans have been taking on home improvement in record numbers. But as we improve our homes, should we also be improving our insurance policies to make sure they’re protected from fires, floods and other disasters? Tom & Leslie talk t...
Jan 04, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you have an electric water heater, you probably know all too well it's also the most expensive way to get hot water. Smart home technology has now arrived providing options for water heaters that not only cost less to operate but include built-in leak protection to stop floods. If your roof starts to leak when the snow starts to melt, – you might have a common problem known as an ice dam, we’ll have tips to melt this problem away – and an important tip on how to get your insurance company to ...
Dec 31, 2020•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thanks to the pandemic, getting fresh clean air inside your home is more important than ever. But you don’t have to throw open windows in frigid weather. We’ll share ways to makes sure the air INSIDE your home is as clean as possible in today’s Smart Spending Tip. With so many folks spending a lot of time at home these days, it’s a great time to think about how smart home products can make our homes more convenient and safer. We’ll share some new ways to do just that. A leaking water heater can ...
Dec 28, 2020•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
