The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how curtain drains, also known as French drains, as well as perforated PVC and filter cloth can provide DIY solutions to unwanted water runoff.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Painting exterior stucco can produce quality, long-lasting results - if you prep the stucco properly beforehand.  Learn which steps to take for the best look possible.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bad paint job that results in sticky doors means starting again from the top.  Learn how to remove that old paint and redo the job correctly.  Plus, discover an effective paint remover that's safe for indoor use.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hanging gutters sometimes requires bending back shingles - but it's not the only way to install them.  Get options for installing gutters when shingles are made of cement and have no give.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which types of grout require sealing - and which resist absorption on their own.  Plus, learn the best way to clean water stains from grout of any kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover which options exist for keeping your home warm, and safe, in the event the power goes - an emergency scenario both Tom and Leslie dealt with during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moisture from basement soil can lead to mold and mildew problems in your home.  Find out how a plastic vapor barrier can help - and which portions of the crawlspace it should cover.  Plus, get advice on whether crawlspace vents should be left open or Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simply sealing a wood porch won't do the trick.  Learn what to apply to keep wood from being ravaged by UV rays.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Painting a concrete floor can help keep moisture to a minimum, even if you plan to lay flooring or carpet over it.  Find out how to seal for maximum effectiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unlike mold, efflorescence is harmless - but no more fun to look at.  Learn how to prevent this mineral buildup, and, when prevention isn't possible, how to clean it from surfaces.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Repurposing carpet is an option, but might not make as much economic sense as hoped.  FInd out what to consider before repurposing rather than replacing with new carpet, from seams to padding to the cost of installation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cathedral ceilings are great on the eyes but not the utility bill.  Learn how to permanently cool warmer rooms without putting too added stress on your HVAC system.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Water can cause concrete to crack, but it's not the only possible cause of those splits.  Learn how to diagnose -  and fix -  the problem.  Plus, a tip for keeping water from pooling on garage floors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not all paints can endure year-round exposure to the elements. Get advice for which spray paint works best on outdoor furniture, and tips for storing that furniture for minimal wear and tear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair a popcorn ceiling that's stained in some parts, crumbling in others.  Learn what product to use on damaged sections, and how to successfully apply paint to the popcorn texture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what to look for before removing a hearth, including crucial tips for chimney safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to remove carpet from patio concrete, and discover why brick pavers are an attractive option for patio surfaces.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't rely on sealant to keep water from getting into your home.  Get tips for keeping the water away from the foundating in the first place, including DIY drains and landscaping.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what to consider before ripping up layers of linoleum flooring - or laying new floor overtop it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ideas for distributing heat evenly through a split-level home, including radiators, baseboards, and heat pumps.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get inexpensive ideas for adding light to a dark space - including hallways, which can usually be lit using existing electrical outlets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Figure out how water is getting into a chimney and fireplace.  Also, get tips on hiring chimney repair experts and removing mildew and mold caused by moisture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what the causes might be when carpet feels like it's sinking beneath your feet, and discover how to quiet that loud, squeaky hardwood.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drainage issues reveal themselves in many ways.  Find out why water coming up through a floor isn't necessarily groundwater.  Also, DIY advice for keeping your basement dry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to prepare an area for epoxy, and discover what steps to take when the epoxy doesn't "take."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices