The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to update your kitchen countertops on a budget. As long as your laminate countertops are structurally sound with no water damage, you can relaminate them. Another option is to tile the countertop using Bondera Tile MatSet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to reduce dust inside your home in the winter when you can't run the central air and filter it out. Get tips on installing a whole-house electronic air cleaner and running the fan to circulate the air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why high humidity can cause a wall to separate from the ceiling, leaving a gap. Get tips on repairing the issue with perforated fiberglass tape instead of paper tape. Sand down the area, use the mesh tape and then put spackle up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out about homes that are built on concrete slabs, a common and stable construction that should serve you well unless you want to run a new set of pipes for a bathroom. Learn why you can't install a hardwood floor over a concrete slab; it will Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to insulate your exterior walls. Get tips on insulating between the stud bays with as much insulation as they'll properly hold. Then put on the sheathing, Tyvek, foam, furring strips, and finally the cedar shingles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should skip the pest-resistant, flame-retardant TAP insulation and just add more fiberglass insulation to your attic if that's what you already have. Learn why 5-inches of flame-retardant insulation won't do much to help if your home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to eliminate a rotten egg odor that arises when you turn on the hot water. Learn why the smell is probably caused by the sacrificial anode in your water heater wearing out. Get tips on considering replacing the water heater if it is Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what kind of windows are the best for replacing your current windows. Get tips on choosing the best energy-efficient windows you can find, that have an Energy Star rating. Also get do-it-yourself installation tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why metal ducting should not be noisy if it is installed properly. Get tips on having your fiberboard ductwork replaced with metal ductwork and having the contractor build in a place for the filter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to restore a terrazzo floor. Get tips on using an adhesive remover and floor scraper to bring up the glue and then hiring a professional to restore the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stop plants from growing underneath your deck. Get tips on using a funnel around each individual plant that comes up through your deck so you can target it specifically with Roundup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what constitutes proper chimney flashing and how to locate a potential leak in the flashing. Get tips on also checking to make sure the concrete cap is solid. Also get tips on applying a vapor-permeable masonry sealer to slow down the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to insulate a beach house that is on stilts. Get tips on adding fiberglass insulation between the floor joists and adding blue Styrofoam foam board over that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether it's worth the cost for you to install a tankless water heater to heat the water in a distant bathroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to clean a patio screen without bending or damaging it. Get tips on using your vacuum with the upholstery brush attachment or soapy water with a soft bristle brush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to keep your house warm on a budget. Get tips on making sufficient attic insulation your first priority and learn how much insulation is recommended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to create a nonslip surface on a garage floor. Get tips on first applying an epoxy floor coating, and then using a separate nonslip product, rather than mixing sand into the epoxy mix, which might affect the curing process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the relationship between circuits and outlets. The number of outlets doesn't matter; the number of amps does. Get tips on having one outlet every 6-10 feet and learn what size circuit is appropriate for different rooms in your house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why it's a good idea to refinish your cast iron tub instead of remodeling, since they are so rare and desirable. Get tips on hiring a professional rather than trying to do it yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether Hardie Trim is a good product for siding. Learn about the product, which doesn't rot and is available either primed or fully painted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stop your wet clothes from smelling musty. Get tips on making sure your water is not hard and checking the venting of your washing machine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why portable dishwashers will sometimes lead to broken faucets. Get tips on buying a new faucet rather than trying to repair it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which type of tankless water heater to buy. Get tips on looking at Rheem and Rinnai, two well-respected brands that make reliable products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to insulate the ceiling of an unfinished basement. Learn why you should never put insulation between two heated spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about gutter guards and which type works best. Get tips on using mesh type gutter guards, such as Gutterglove. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices