The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how to eliminate rain leaks around your foundation.  Find out how improving the grading and drainage around your home can eliminate rain leaks around your foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair exterior mortar or parging.  Learn how to apply stucco to an old home where the exterior plaster over stonework is peeling away, and repair the exterior mortar or parging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read about how to clean grout stains from glazed tile.  Learn that it's possible but difficult to remove excess grout from a porcelain tile surface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should replace cracked or flaking patio bricks.  Find out how poor drainage can cause spalling on brick pavers and walkways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Understand why you should install moisture-resistant drywall in your basement.  Find out how to prevent mold by installing moisture-resistant drywall in the basement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to diagnose slow drainage problems from appliances.  Find out why appliances like washers and dishwashers should not drain into your basement floor drain, and how to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a leaky faucet.  Learn why it's important to know your faucet manufacturer when attempting to repair a leaking sink faucet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to fix scratches in a fiberglass sink.  Find out where to buy a patching kit that repairs scratches and cracks in an acrylic or gel coat sink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn tips to get rid of mice.  Find out how plugging holes with steel wool, keeping food covered, and storing firewood away from the house can help you get rid of mice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to save money and be more energy efficient.  Learn how adding insulation - even just another r20 - will improve energy efficiency in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Replacing a water heater?  Find out the advantages of installing a tankless water heater vs. a tank water heater.  Find out which water heater delivers the best energy savings and return on investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peeling or discolored kitchen cabinets can make your ktichen look shabby.  Get advice on pepping up a kitchen full of peeling or discolored kitchen cabinets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Replacing your roof is a big deal.  Find out how to know when the time is right to replace an old roof and learn several options to make your roof replacement project a success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bad contractor got you in their grip?  Suspect contractor fraud?  Get solid advice on how to fix a messy situation with a dishonest contractor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to choose between asphalt shingles and metal roof for your roof replacement projects.  Both asphalt shingle and metal roof offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that depend in part on how long you will own your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Broken sewer pipe? Learn the best options for repairing broken sewer pipes, including how to replace the pipe without digging up your yard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get options for lighting gas water heaters.  Learn if it is safe to ignite a gas water heater by hand, and when it's best to call a plumber for help with the igniter switch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't let a squeaky floor drive you crazy.  Discover two ways to silence your squeaking floor for lasting peace and quiet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about some quality, affordable options for replacing a laminate Formica kitchen countertop, including how to add a new laminate on top of the old Formica countertop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Building a wheelchair ramp for your home can enable you to stay in your home as you age, or add accessibility for an elderly or disabled relative.  Find out how to build your own wheelchair ramp and add an element of universal design to your Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Getting rid of cigarette smoke odor in the home -- even severe odor -- is entirely possible.  Learn what to do to refresh a smoky, smelly room and eliminate that pesky cigarette smell for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shutting off heat to unused rooms in your home can be done without turning off registers.  Learn the best method for shutting off heat in the unused rooms in your home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to build a deck in salty sea air that will be easy to clean and last for years.  Building a deck near the ocean might raise concerns about maintenance.  You want a low-maintenance deck, but you also want it to be sturdy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to avoid water damage from melting ice dams on your roof this winter. Preventing ice dams from forming on your roof is often a matter of combining insulation and passive ventilation solutions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having trouble defogging your bathroom mirror?  Condensation can be problematic, but having good bathroom ventilation is key.  Find out how  to defog her a mirror without losing heat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices