The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to fix a squeaky floor. Get tips on using 2 1/2 inch, case-hardened drywall screws and a drill driver to reattach the floor throughout the entire surface, all the way through to the joist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips to help find and fix a leaking foundation wall and stop basement flooding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how upgrading your old thermostat to a clock setback, or programmable, thermostat can help you save money and energy while making your life easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether you should put your floor or your cabinets in first while renovating your kitchen. Learn why laminate flooring is cheap enough that you can just do the entire floor and then put the cabinets on top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to clean an asbestos shingle roof. Get tips on spraying the roof with a bleach solution, letting it soak in, and then gently using a high pressure washer to wash it off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how electric water softeners work. Learn about a product called EasyWater, which creates a magnetic field that keeps the particles in the water from sticking to each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about using 2x6's to frame a new home. Find out how much insulation is best to use in your new home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove moss or mildew from aluminum siding.  Find out how using Jomax house cleaner can help clean your siding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you shouldn't seal the weep holes in your brick facade. They are needed for ventilation -- if you sealed them, it could trap moisture and rot the wood underneath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on how to make an inexpensive cleaning solution to remove mineral deposits that form on granite countertops. Learn why granite countertops need to be resealed from time to time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why it's best to hire a professional to remove any materials containing asbestos from your home. Asbestos must not only be cleaned up properly, but disposed of properly, too. Also get tips on testing the material to make sure it is asbestos before you proceed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If your home has a sagging floor, learn why you should hire a structural engineer to inspect the problem, write out specs for the repair, and then certify the work after it's done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes, after many years of exposure to the elements, the surface layer of concrete can start to dissolve or flake away, leaving the aggregate showing, which leads to a crumbling mess.  Learn how to repair the surface of your concrete driveways and walkways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Need to remove old wax from your unique brick floor? Learn an easy way to get rid of that wax instead of spending hours on your hands and knees! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why block windows are not a good choice for the basement: They're not energy efficient or ventable. Learn why a traditional basement window is the right choice. It's what people expect, and it won't adversely affect the value of your Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what could be causing the water marks on your ceiling. Learn why condensation on your air conditioning ducts could be the culprit. Get tips on solving the problem by getting the ducts insulated and installing a whole-home dehumidifier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Got pesky woodpeckers pecking away at your money pit? Learn about the best exterior siding options for your home to keep woodpeckers out and far away! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair composite siding that is splitting and coming apart. Get tips on caulking the seams to fix the cracks in the siding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to fix crumbling grout between your bathroom tiles. Find out if the amount of grout that's crumbling in your bathroom is cause for alarm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should seal your concrete driveway when it is brand new, before it has had a chance to get stained. Get tips on using a vapor permeable sealer because if you use one that's too thick, moisture will still leak in and freeze and break Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should hire an architect to help you with a project that goes beyond DIY scope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to prevent yard erosion by catching the flow of rain water in a curtain drain and diverting it away. Learn how a curtain drain works and how to build one yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a toilet that won't stop running after you flush it. Get tips on replacing both the fill valve and the flush valve to fix the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to hire a reputable roofing contractor. Get tips on checking their references to learn about past customers' experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to replace a metal shower stall with a fiberglass shower stall. Learn why a prefabricated fiberglass stall is a better alternative than adding a liner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices