Welcome to The Money Pit Blogs!

Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

Top Five Hazardous Holiday Plants

Fri, 12/07/2012 - 23:44 - Tom Kraeutler

The natural beauty of plants and flowers is a favorite ingredient of holiday decorating, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Some plants that look festive can cause skin irritation from simple handling, and others have berries and leaves that can be fascinating but dangerous to children...

Deck the Halls Safely

Fri, 11/30/2012 - 02:50 - Leslie Segrete

Now that the Thanksgiving feasting is finished, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in many neighborhoods. If you’re getting ready to put your own home in the holiday spirit, make sure safety is included in your decorating plans. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over...

Help for Holiday Home Improvement Emergencies

Wed, 11/21/2012 - 17:55 - Tom Kraeutler

This week, many of us have full houses and tightly timed schedules for getting a beautiful, bountiful Thanksgiving feast on the table. All this activity may spark some unplanned home emergencies, so while you’re giving thanks for everything that goes right, be prepared to act in case any of the...

Start Preparing Now for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Fri, 11/16/2012 - 12:15 - Leslie Segrete

Thanksgiving may be about a week away, but time flies when there’s so much to do. If you’re the host for this year’s family feast, set the tone for a happy, relaxed celebration with early preparations. Get started this weekend by gathering everything you’ll need for the table. Wash china,...

The Right Way to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim

Fri, 11/09/2012 - 12:11 - Tom Kraeutler

Filing a homeowners insurance claim isn’t the most pleasant process, but it goes much more smoothly when you give attention to the details. Every step you take ensures that you get the most out of the coverage you’ve paid for, and the following will ease your way to a properly filed...

Inspecting for Home Damage After a Storm

Sat, 11/03/2012 - 23:35 - Leslie Segrete

Major weather events like Hurricane Sandy leave a lot of obvious structural damage in their wake. But there can also be hidden damage that turns into big expenses later on. A season of weather extremes is just beginning, and no matter where you live, it’s important to do a thorough inspection...

Green House of Cards: With U.S. green building Standards under scrutiny, it's up to homeowners to make their own decisions

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:24 - Tom Kraeutler

In its recent “Green, Inc.” news series, USA Today uncovered shortcomings in the U.S. Green Building Council’s popular LEED standards for sustainable design and building.

The exposé describes how a program that’s supposed to represent Leadership in Environmental Design also appears to be tied...

Replace Windows for Better Health

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 02:46 - Tom Kraeutler

You may know that replacing windows boosts a home’s energy efficiency, but new models can also be better for your health. If your home was built prior to 1978, your current windows are likely finished with lead-based paint and exposing your family to harm on a daily basis. Research has shown...

Decorate for Falloween

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 13:23 - Leslie Segrete

Autumn is the official start of the holiday decorating season—the beginning of that make-everything-festive moment. Now’s the time to add a little warmth to your home, and the best way to make the decorative impact last through November is to think “Falloween.” Create displays and deck the halls...

For Safety's Sake, Make a Fire Escape Plan

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 23:04 - Tom Kraeutler

Do you have an escape plan in case of fire in your home? According to a survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only one third of American households have developed and practiced such a plan. What’s more, many of us overestimate the amount of time we’ll have before a fire...