The Money Pit Calls & Answers

There's an easy way to determine whether your water is hard or soft - and if your water softener is functioning properly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Foul odors from hot water spigots and faucets have a simple explanation - and solution.  Find out the fix, and whether or not it's DIY-friendly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Concrete countertops are an affordable alternative to granite, but can be tough to build.  Get what you need to know before tackling this project on your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Removing dried materials from any pane of glass can be nervewracking - but especially nervewracking when that glass is hundreds of years old.  Learn proven techniques for removing putty, glaze, paint and other substances from windows old and new  - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out best practices for hanging flat wood siding without removing the old siding beneath it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Repurposing or "upcycling" wooden pallets is a hot new trend in home design.  Learn how to determine whether a pallet has been treated with heat, or if it might contain methyl bromide - a checmical some homeowners hesitate to bring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are short-term fixes, but not long-term solutions, for windows that condense on the inside.  Find out what's causing the frost, and get ways to fix it for now - and for the long haul.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A temperature drop in your shower can make you cold and hot (with anger!) all at once.  Discover an easy and affordable mechanical solution for keeping that water warm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Painting cedar siding is no easy task - so make sure your hard work goes a long way! Learn how to prep the siding for the best adhesion, and discover which paint will endure the tests of time and weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If it's not installed properly, a manufactured fireplace can bring let off more chill than heat.  Learn what you can do to stop those fireplace drafts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most garages are sloped so water drains out the doors.  When this isn't the case, there are other options for minimizing the water that collects and pools.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to diagnose the cause of a sagging hardwood floor - and what it will take to fix it.  Plus, learn how you can bring back oak's finish.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When mice become a problem, catching them is secondary to keeping them out of your house in the first place.  Get easy tips for deterring rodents from your home, and advice on the best place to set bait stations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether a whole-house fan should be removed to increase efficiency, and what can be done to better insulate an attic.  Plus, learn how to keep insulation out of soffit vents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The goal is minimal maintenance, but utility-free getaways are just as prone to mold as any other building - and more so if they're closed up for long periods of time.  Find out how to minimize moisture and keep molding from taking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the best order for painting walls and baseboards or trim, and some prep tips that make interior painting much easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Converting to LED lighting is a fantastic investment not only for the earth, but for your wallet.  Get advice on hunting down harder-to-find LEDs, and what to consider before purchasing LED tube lights for older flourescent fixtures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which type of caulk works best when applied in below-freezing temperatures, and get helpful advice on applying it effectively - what to look out for, how to ease the process, and an on-the-job product for keeping it warm.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get wallet-friendly tips for removing stubborn layers of wallpaper and the adhesive that holds it in place.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how ceramic disc technology works in faucets - its benefits, maintenance needs, and its durability.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Removing wood wall paneling is the best long-term design solution.  Learn how to do it, and what might be behind those decades-old panels.  However, painting is an easier way to get an updated look.  Discover how to apply paint the correct way so it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Excessive bathroom humidity can be traced to one or more sources.  Discover which factors to look into, and learn about the benefits of installing humidity sensors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what causes floors to squeak, what you can do to fix them - and the ideal time to tackle the job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Regrouting doesn't have to involve removing every trace of existing grout.  Learn how much of it needs to be removed, and discover the key to keeping replacement grout looking fresh and clean.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When an exterior door doesn't meet the weatherstripping on the door frame, it can do a number on efficiency.  Find out what the options are for bringing the two closer together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices