The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast
Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?” It doesn’t have to be that way! As host of The Money Pit Podcast, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider me your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, I'll share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and he...
Turn Your Home into a Perfect Staycation Spot | Water-Saving Tips | Summer Home Maintenance
SHOW NOTES:
Hello, home improvement enthusiasts! We're so glad you're with us, especially as July is almost over and the year is just flying by. Life changes, but The Money Pit is here to be your constant guide through all your home improvement adventures. Coming up, we've got tips to keep your home thriving all summer long!
- Staycation Tips: We share easy, affordable ways to turn your home into an ultimate staycation spot, from creating spa vibes in your bathroom to resort-worthy backyard spaces.
- Saving Water: Water usage often spikes in...
Cool Tips to Beat the Heat | Pool Pros & Cons | Vacation Safety | Smart Roofing | Grill Care
SHOW NOTES:
This hour, we'll tackle a variety of common homeowner issues and share valuable advice to keep your home comfortable, safe, and looking its best. Here are some of the main topics we covered, along with the specific home projects our callers are working on:
- Cool Tips for Heat Wave Home Comfort: We share several strategies to help your home stay cool during a heat wave without escalating energy bills.
- Backyard Pool Considerations: We weigh the pros and cons of installing a pool, noting that while pools offer entertainment and...
Smart Attic Upgrades for Summer | Strategic Summer Landscaping | Eco-Friendly DIY Projects
SHOW NOTES:
This hour, we're focusing on eco-friendly home improvements and design tips to help your money pit and Mother Nature, especially as we've just experienced a significant heatwave across the US. We're exploring how to save some green while going green this summer, with easy, affordable projects that can shrink your energy bills, cut back on waste, and help the planet. Here’s a look at the topics and calls we’ll cover:
- Attic Upgrades: Your attic can either work for you or against you in the summer. We're sharing smart attic upgrades to k...
Paint Color Tricks for Small Rooms | DIY Concrete Repairs with Quikrete | Great Grill Features
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We’ve got a great show planned this hour, with great tips to help you achieve your design dreams and enjoy your money pit, both indoors and out! Coming up, join us for home improvement topics that include:
- Making a Small Room Feel Bigger with simple paint color tricks to make your indoor spaces feel more inviting.
- We celebrate 85 Years of QUIKRETE Innovation with Jeff Russell, who’s been with the company for more than 30 years, to help with DIY concrete repairs!
- Getting Your Grill Ready for...
5 Thrifty Ways to Style Your Space | Quick Summer Roof Check | Build a DIY Backyard Bench
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This hour, we've given you permission to relax on your long holiday weekend, although it’s also totally cool to use the time to tackle some projects around your money pit! We’ll be covering some fantastic topics, including:
- Five easy ways to upgrade your space on a budget, making your home feel fresh, stylish, and totally “you” without spending a bundle.
- The importance of a quick summer roof check and how a simple treatment can help you avoid costly repairs and extend your roof's life by years.
- An e...
Low-Cost Way to Dump a Stump | Fiberglass Doors Add Curb Appeal | Stackable Stone Creations
SHOW NOTES:
You've tuned into "The Money Pit," your weekly guide to making your home sweet home the best it can be without turning it into a bottomless money pit! This week, we share helpful tips on:
- Getting rid of those stubborn tree stumps without breaking the bank.
- Boosting your home's curb appeal and efficiency with gorgeous Therma-Tru fiberglass doors that look just like wood, but without the upkeep.
- Rocking your outdoor space with a new stackable stone to build great-looking patios and fire pits more easily than...
Building Your Dream Deck | Best Alternative to Roof Replacement | Power Up for Summer Storms
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Coming up this hour, we’ll have some terrific, timely discussions to help you with more indoor and outdoor projects as the season heats up! Join us as we delve into:
- How to avoid costly mistakes when building the deck of your dreams.
- An affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly asphalt roof replacement that can extend the life of your shingles with Roof Maxx.
- Tips to help you keep the power on during summer storms and outages, including backup power sources and surge protection.
...
Diving into Pool Safety | Roof Rejuvenation Adds Life to Shingles | One-and-Done Drywall Repairs
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Coming up this hour, we've got some incredible discussions to help you tackle those summer projects! We’re also taking your calls, hearing from listeners just like you about their home improvement dilemmas! Stayed tuned to learn about:
- Pool Safety: If you've got a pool, you know safety is paramount, and we'll be breaking down the unique requirements for pool fencing to keep everyone safe this summer.
- Roof Rejuvenation: We're joined by Mike Feazel from Roof Maxx to talk about an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly roof re...
Hard Facts for Stone Countertops | 5 Home Filters to Check | HOUZZ Summer 2025 Design Trends
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This episode is packed with fantastic ideas and solutions to tackle those nagging projects! We're talking about everything from making your outdoor space your favorite place with porches, patios, landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. We'll also cover crucial indoor home improvement topics, because inside or outside, we're on your side! Here’s a sneak peek at what we've been chatting about and who's been calling in:
- Natural Stone Countertops: We're exploring the pros and cons of caring for those gorgeous natural stone countertops in your kitchen and bathroom spaces. While they're be...
Bite Back at Mosquitoes | Take Under-Deck Space to New Heights | Steps for Ladder Safety
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Hey Money Pit fans! Get ready for another exciting episode focused on making your home safer, quieter, and more functional, especially with summer approaching. And we hope all the dads out there had a very happy Father's Day! Coming up:
- Find out the most effective ways to curb the mosquito population around your house, mainly by eliminating all sources of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
- We'll welcome Dave Kyle, CEO of Trex RainEscape, to explain how their under-deck drainage system creates a dry, usable space beneath an...
Sizzle in Style: Outdoor Kitchen Design Tips | Cool Metal Roofing | Broken Window Repair
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Hey Money Pit fans! We’re kicking things off with a special Happy Father's Day shout-out to all the dads and dad figures out there! Then, listen in as we dive into the essentials of designing an amazing outdoor kitchen for your backyard gatherings and discuss how metal roofs can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Plus, learn how to safely clean up and repair broken windows, and get helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions to make your home better, inside and out!
Learn comprehensive tips on designing outdoor kitchens, emphasizing the need fo...Step Up Your Staircase Style | Privacy Screen Landscaping | Benefits of Metal Roofs
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Looking for privacy? Today, we'll explore natural landscaping screens over traditional fencing. Plus, discover the benefits of metal roofing for summer replacements and learn how to easily renovate your stairs for a fresh interior look. Listen in for info to create your best home ever, with tips for projects both big and small!
- Stairs: Stepping up the style of your outdated stairs is a great DIY project for home design.
- Privacy Screen: Landscaped privacy screens are a natural alternative to building a fence.
- Metal Roofs: If...
Discover the Joys of Natural Swimming Pools | Kitchen & Bath Design Trends | Wood Fence Care
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, we're diving into the benefits of natural swimming pools, taking a peek at the latest kitchen and bath design trends, and sharing smart maintenance tips to keep your wood fence in top shape this summer. Plus, we’ve got answers to more DIY home improvement questions!
- Swimming Pools: Create a backyard oasis and discover the joys of natural swimming pools.
- Kitchen & Bath: A new survey highlights the latest trends in kitchen and bath design.
- Wood Fence: Make sure your wood fence looks great an...
Kids’ Safety on Backyard Playgrounds | Summer Insulation Tips | Building Good Fences
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, learn how to play it safe on the playground, keep your cool with better insulation, and build a fence that stands the test of time. All that and more home improvement advice in today’s episode!
- Playground Safety: Keep kids safe by taking the proper precautions with backyard playgrounds.
- Insulation: Learn why summer is the perfect time to assess your home’s insulation and sealing.
- Fences: Find out how to be a good neighbor with tips for building a good fence.
#2522 – Deck Space Style Trends | Architectural Expert SketchHaus | Outdoor Equipment Safety Tips
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Today, learn about stylish and affordable backyard deck trends, why starting your renovation with an architect like SketchHaus can save time and money, and essential safety reminders before using lawn equipment this season. Plus, we got expert home improvement advice for DIY callers just like you!
- Deck Space: Spruce up your backyard deck space with these trends that can deliver style without a big expense.
- Architecture: Get valuable architectural advice from our discussion with an expert at SketchHaus Architects.
- Outdoor Safety: Remember these essential safety reminders...
Benefits of Factory-Built Homes | A/C Service Tests and Tips | Exterior Painting Pointers
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In this show, we explore why factory-built homes can outshine traditional builds in quality and energy efficiency, discuss essential A/C servicing tips to keep your system summer-ready, and share expert advice for a flawless exterior paint job. Plus, we’ve got answers for more home improvement questions!
- Factory-Built Homes: Learn why a home built in a factory can be better built than one constructed onsite.
- Air Conditioning: Be ready to beat the summer heat by testing your air conditioning system.
- Exterior Painting: Follow these steps to...
Build Decks Faster and Easier | The Buzz About Backyard Honey Bees | Stage Your Home to Sell
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In today’s show, discover a faster and easier way to build decks and patios, get the buzz on backyard beekeeping, and learn how to stage your home for a successful open house. Plus, listen in for answers to more home improvement questions to make your next DIY project a success!
- Building a Deck: Build a deck faster and easier with a new system that saves time, labor, and money.
- Backyard Beehives: Get the buzz on backyard beekeeping and the sweet benefits of homegrown honey.
- Selling Yo...
Dirty Secrets: Hidden Germs in Your Home | Easy-Care Shrubs
SHOW NOTES:
In today’s show, we'll uncover how to find and eliminate hidden germs in your home. Then, learn about a home improvement company dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. And if your landscaping is giving you a headache, we've got tips on choosing hassle-free shrubs. We’re here to help with all your DIY projects, so listen in for more answers to your home improvement questions!
- House Cleaning: Keep your home healthy and clean by finding germs that are hiding in plain sight.
- Easy-Care Shrubs: Spru...
Waste Not: Water-Saving Fixtures | Remodeling Impact Report | Best Lawnmowers | Daich Sweepstakes
SHOW NOTES:
Get ready for summer with water-saving solutions and outdoor living tips! Discover new plumbing fixtures to effortlessly reduce water usage, hear the NAR and NARI 2025 Remodeling report, and get top picks for lawnmowers. Whatever your home improvement project may be, listen in for all the advice you need!
- Saving Water: Saving water is made easier with water-saving plumbing fixtures.
- Remodeling: Find out which remodeling projects bring homeowners the greatest joy.
- Lawn Mowers: New rankings reveal the best lawnmowers that make the cut with Consumer Reports.
<...Solid Choices for Most Durable Countertops | Daich Sweepstakes | Asphalt Driveway Tips
SHOW NOTES:
Today’s show is all about making the most of your home's spaces! First, we'll discuss choosing durable, low-maintenance kitchen countertops. Then, we'll explore making use of the area under your second-story deck with under-deck drainage systems. And if your asphalt driveway is worn out, we have expert replacement tips. Save time, money, and effort with answers to these and other home improvement questions!
- Countertops: Busy kitchens require the most durable countertop materials that are easy to maintain.
- Driveway Repair: Get tips on replacing an asphalt driveway that’s show...
Deck Check: Tips to Avoid a Deck Collapse | Water Quality and Taste | Metal Roof Tip Feature
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Today’s show shines a spotlight on home safety! First, learn what to check to prevent deck collapses, and then discover how to protect your home’s water quality. Finally, find out why metal roofs are your best bet against severe weather. Get answers to these and other home improvement questions on this Money Pit episode!
- Deck Collapse: Safeguard your outdoor fun with a five-step DIY checkup to avoid a deck collapse.
- Water Quality: Learn how to maintain high-quality water that’s clean, safe, and tastes great.
- Meta...
Green Standard: Choosing Green Products | Rooms for Growing Kids | Angie Hicks Interview
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In this home improvement episode, find out what defines a truly green product, get tips on designing a room that grows with your child, and discover how to create a stunning countertop in a weekend without breaking the bank. Plus, get answers to questions from homeowners just like you for more DIY projects!
- Green Products: Go beyond the labels and learn what defines truly green products for your home.
- Advice from Angie: The founder of Angie.com offers DIY advice.
- Kids’ Rooms: Design space-saving rooms that ca...
Shady Business: Cleaning Window Shades | Centurion Fiberglass Digging Shovel | Landscape Tips
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, finding the right shovel for your outdoor landscaping needs, and cleaning delicate window shades without risking damage. Plus, stay tuned for answers to more home improvement questions to create your best home ever!
- Window Shades: Get tips on how to clean delicate window shades without damaging them.
- Shovels: Having the right shovel helps to get outdoor projects done more easily.
- Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your...
TREX RAIN ESCAPE Product Features | George Oliphant Interview #2 | Soil Tests for Lush Lawns
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Today, we’ve got tips for creating an outdoor escape, continue our chat with George Olipant of “George to the Rescue,” and offer advice on testing your soil to grow a lusher lawn. Plus, listen in for more home improvement answers to your DIY questions!
- TREX RAIN Escape: Learn more about this outdoor product integration.
- George Oliphant: Join us for interview #2 with the host of George to the Rescue.
- Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.
...
Handle with Care: Storing Flammable Liquids | Build a Stone Garden Wall | George Oliphant
SHOW NOTES:
In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll share tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, speak with NBC’s George Oliphant from George to the Rescue, and help you safely store flammable liquids to avoid garage fire hazards. Tune in for essential advice to upgrade and safeguard your home!
- Flammable Liquids: Storing flammable liquids safely is key to avoiding fire hazards in your garage.
- George to the Rescue: Listen in for our chat with NBC’s George Oliphant.
- Garden Walls...
A New Spin: Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine | HGTV’s Clint Robertson | Garage Workspace
SHOW NOTES:
Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then chat with HGTV’s Clint Robertson.
Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors, and hear answers to more home improvement questions!
- Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors.
- HGTV’s Clint Robertson of the “Boise Boys”
- Garage Space: Get tips for crea...
Brush Up on Tips to Paint Like a Pro | Is Your Home Too Airtight? | Front Doors Add Value
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, we cover a trio of crucial home improvement topics. First, we share top painting tips to achieve a flawless finish. Next, we discuss how to maintain healthy indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Finally, learn about installing a front door that looks great and increases your home's value and security. Tune in for these and other answers to questions from homeowners like you!
- Painting Tips: Avoid painting predicaments by brushing up on these tips to paint like a pro.
- Ventilation: Energy efficiency is great, but...
A Cut Above the Rest: Lawn Mowing Tips | Long-Lasting Metal Roofs | Better Hardwood Flooring
SHOW NOTES:
In this podcast episode, we debunk a popular but misguided lawn care strategy for mowing your grass. We’ll also discuss why metal roofs are winning over homeowners by promising protection for decades, then delve into advancements in hardwood flooring. Tune in for insights on tackling your home improvement projects with expert guidance!
- Lawn Care: Follow these mowing tips to ensure a healthy lawn that’s a cut above the rest.
- DIY Queen: Listen in for an interview with home improvement expert Cara Newhart.
- Ha...
Flush Out Bathroom Germs | Patio Paver Perfection That Lasts | How to Restore Rotted Wood
SHOW NOTES:
In this one-stop shop for all things home improvement, we’ll tackle the war against bathroom germs, explore the art of building a paver patio that lasts, reveal expert tips for restoring rotted
wood, and answer more questions from callers. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this episode has something for everyone!
- Bathroom Germs: Experts are flush with ideas on the best way to stop the spread of bathroom germs.
- Paver Patio: Get some tricks of the trade on building a...
Green Thumbs Up: DIY Raised Garden Beds | Maximize Garage Potential | Vacuum Troubleshooting
SHOW NOTES:
Get the practical advice you need in this episode, with tips on constructing a raised garden bed, optimizing garage space, and troubleshooting vacuum issues. From gardening to storage to
cleaning, we’ve got tips to help homeowners with these and other home improvement questions!
- Raised Garden Bed: Get tips on building a raised garden bed for the perfect DIY project.
- Garage Space: A new survey reveals how homeowners are optimizing garage space in creative ways.
- Vacuum Repairs: Find out what to do...
Outside Oasis: 5 Tips for Outdoor Living Space | What to Ask Contractors | Choosing Tile
Today’s show has tips for crafting your perfect outdoor living space, asking key questions before hiring a contractor, and choosing the best tile for your next project. Whether your DIY project is indoors or outdoors, we’ve got the answers you need for all your home improvement questions!
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Shed the Clutter with a Backyard Storage Shed | Window Repair Checklist | Retailer’s DIY Day
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, learn how to conquer clutter with a storage shed, decide between window repair versus replacement, and get expert advice and resources from a DIY guru and a leading retailer. Plus, we’ve got answers to lots more questions for all your home improvement projects!
Storage Shed: Shed your outdoor clutter by building a backyard storage shed.
Window Repair: This checklist helps you see clearly on whether to repair or replace your windows.
DIY Expert Advice: HGTV star and home improvement retailer offer advice for DIY projects.
...Cheap Chic: Affordable Apartment Decor' I Front Yard Landscaping I Uninsured Contractor Risks
Get budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas, add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips, and avoid the risks of hiring uninsured contractors with inspiration and information on today’s home improvement episode! Plus, listen in for answers to additional caller questions on a range of DIY projects.
Apartment Décor: Get affordable apartment décor ideas to fit your budget and save your security deposit.
Front Yard Landscaping: Create a welcome entry and add curb appeal with low-cost landscaping tips.
Uninsured Contractors: If you’re hiring a contractor, protect yourself from liability by confirming they’re insur...
Flower Power: Planting Spring Bulbs | Freeing Stuck Windows | Best Mulch Practices
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In this show, we’ve got tips for planting bulbs for a beautiful garden, breaking free of stuck windows to let the fresh air in, and protecting trees and shrubs with proper mulching. Spring
forward and get home improvement advice to last all year as we answer your timely questions!
Spring Bulbs: Think flower power and plan ahead for spring by planting bulbs now.
Stuck Windows: Break free of stuck windows with these easy tips.
Mulch: Learn the right way to us...
Wildlife-Proof Your Garden | Storing Leftover Paint to Make It Last | Springtime Gutter Tips
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, we’ll share ways to keep animals from feasting on your garden, how to store leftover paint to make it last, and tips for inspecting your gutters to prevent leaks and water damage. Plus, we’ve got answers for DIY callers on more home improvement questions!
- Wildlife: Wildlife-proof your garden to keep animals from damaging your plants.
- Storing Paint: Extend the life of leftover paint with smart storage tips.
- Gutters: Prevent leaks and floods by prepping your gutt...
Build a Neighbor-Friendly Fence | Craftsman House Renovation | Money-Saving Laundry Tips
SHOW NOTES:
Today, we’re talking about how to avoid fence fiascos, home renovation updates from the host of Renee Renovates, and easy ways to slash your laundry costs. Plus, we’ve got expert answers to questions from DIY callers, so tune in for more improvement advice!
- Fences: Get advice on building a fence that’s stylish, sturdy, and neighbor-friendly.
- Home Renovation: The host of Renee Renovates shares info about her Craftsman house renovation.
- Laundry: Spin and save with simple laundry hacks to cut...
Pros and Cons of a DIY Deck Project| How Roof Snow Guards Work | Vent Fan Efficiency
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, we discuss whether you should build your own deck or call in the pros. Then, find out how snow guards can prevent dangerous rooftop avalanches. Finally, we break down why vent fans are essential for keeping your home fresh, dry, and mold-free. Plus, get answers to more home improvement questions!
- Building a Deck: To build or not to build? Find out the pros and cons of a DIY deck project.
- Snow Guards: Avoid slippery slopes with snow guards to keep...
#2499 - More Money Pit Memories and Tom Kraeutler Tributes from Home Improvement Colleagues and Calls
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Today, we share more memories of Money Pit’s Tom Kraeutler, plus answers to callers’ favorite home improvement questions.
- Tom Kraeutler Tributes: Home improvement friends and colleagues share Money Pit memories and Tom Kraeutler tributes.
- DIY Questions: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions.
Q & A:
- Noisy Pipes: Plumbing noises shake the house and faucets spit when Jason fills the tub! It could be excessively high water pressure, but he s...
Remembering the Legacy of Tom Kraeutler and Home Improvement Questions He Loved to Answer
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In today's show, we share special tributes and calls to remember the personal and professional legacy of Tom Kraeutler, including some of his answers to favorite home improvement questions.
- Remembering Tom Kraeutler: Money Pit Co-Host Leslie Segrete speaks with some of our colleagues and partners to honor the special legacy of Tom Kraeutler.
- Favorite Calls: Listen as we share Tom’s expert advice to callers about some favorite home improvement questions.
Q & A:
GFC...
Spin Cycle Savvy: Designing a Laundry Room | Bedroom Suite Remodels | Winter Storm Damage
SHOW NOTES:
In this show, learn how to plan a well-designed laundry room remodel, get tips for turning your bedroom into a luxury suite, and check for hidden winter storm damage that could cost you big
later. Whether you're fixing up now or gathering ideas for the future, we’ve got you covered with answers to all your home improvement questions!
- Laundry Room: Get spin-cycle savvy with tips for designing an organized laundry room.
- Bedroom Design: We’ve got suite ideas for remodeling your...