The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to frame basement walls. Get tips on leaving the wall a few inches away from the concrete block and putting in some registers so air can circulate behind the wall. Also consider using a drywall that has anti-moisture protection in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about your options for a custom-sized fiberglass shower insert. Get tips on special ordering one or going to a kitchen-and-bathroom dealer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you don't need to insulate a structure unless you plan on heating or cooling it. Get tips on using mold-resistant Dens Armor instead of drywall or sheetrock to build a playhouse for your children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a broken fan. Get tips on installing the new switch by replicating the wiring of the old switch. However, if you don't know which wire goes where, you should call an electrician or the manufacturer for help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should replace aluminum doors with warmer, more energy-efficient vinyl doors. Get tips on installing an Andersen remodeling door instead of a new construction door, which would be an inch too long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to improve water pressure from a well. Get tips on increasing the size of the pump or putting in a larger pressure tank. Also make sure the main water valve is fully open and that the faucet screens are not rusted over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to make a floor less slippery. Get tips on making sure that you are using floor tile instead of wall tile. Also consider taking up the existing tile and putting down laminate flooring instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to convert a window into a door. Get tips on putting fiberglass flashing up and over the sill to prevent leaks. Also learn why you should never have a furnace vent under a window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to plant a windbreak. Get tips on using evergreen trees and learn about your two options: to either plant the trees close together and get more wind protection in the beginning, or plant them farther apart so they can grow taller and Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to eliminate a bad smell in your basement. Get tips on having a contractor add a return vent to the basement to help circulate the moist air throughout the house. Also learn why improving the drainage conditions around your home's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to make your electric water heater more efficient. Get tips on using a water heater blanket and a 240-volt timer to stop the heater from running when you don't need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to put up drywall over old, textured drywall. Get tips on using 3/8-inch drywall and putting the sheets on vertically. Also learn how to deal with junction boxes and door jambs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out inexpensive ways to weatherproof your house. Get tips on using temporary caulk, shrink film and heavy draperies on your windows. Also learn how gaskets can seal your electrical outlets and help keep drafts out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to insulate exterior walls. Get tips on putting blown-in insulation in your east and north walls if you can't afford to do the entire home. Also consider radiant heat in your floor and putting unfaced fiberglass batts between the floor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to replace shutters. Learn why you should go with fiberglass shutters, which will stand up better to the moisture from your brick walls. Get tips on using a hammer drill with a masonry bit to attach them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to choose the right kind of ceramic tile for a porch floor. Get tips on using a tile with a 4 or 5 PEI rating so it can withstand heavy traffic. Also make sure it is recommended for outdoor use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why it is safe to use bleach to clean mold from vinyl siding. Get tips on using a deck brush to scrub the bleach in and let it sit before powerwashing. However, make sure you don't use too much pressure because you might put a hole in the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why putting an electric baseboard heater in the basement is not the correct solution for your cold floors. Instead, get tips on installing radiant heat, which can go under laminate, tile and sometimes carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to properly attach a TV antenna. Learn why the best way to do it is to attach it to the roof and make sure it's tied off in three places. Get tips on grounding it right to the main plumbing line where it leaves your house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should remove old, compressed insulation before adding new insulation in your attic. Get tips on putting in the right amount and adding ventilation to keep the insulation dry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what to do about dog claw marks on your wood deck. Get tips on using a solid-color rather than a clear or semi-transparent exterior stain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stain a dining room table. Get tips on sanding the table down to raw wood and blowing off all the dust with a compressor. Learn why you should test the stain on the underside of the table before putting it on the top. Make sure to sand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why mold on your window casings points to a moisture and condensation problem. You can try to kill the mold with bleach, but a more long-term solution is to replace the windows. Learn why new windows are energy-efficient, easy to clean and Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what product to use to finish your garage floor. Get tips on using EPOXYShield from Rust-Oleum or putting down interlocking rubber mats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install new vinyl flooring over existing vinyl flooring in a kitchen. Get tips on taking your appliances into consideration when deciding whether to put down a plywood or luan subfloor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices