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

Money Pit Blogs

JEOPARDY Asks: What is The Money Pit!

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 14:36 - Tom Kraeutler

Tuesday night started out as a quiet evening here at Money Pit’s home base.  That was, however, until shortly before 8pm when just about every electronic device I own started firing off messages faster than leaves can fill a gutter.

The news was big: The Money Pit RADIO SHOW was just used as an...

Screen Door and Screened Porch Repair

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:45 - Leslie Segrete

This week we officially welcome in autumn, the greatest time of year to tackle a host of home improvement projects in all areas of the country.  With cooler temperatures and low humidity, it is absolutely enjoyable to tackle projects out of doors. 

Painting and staining projects for both the...

Nail Down Home Improvement Projects by Choosing the Right Staple

Thu, 09/15/2011 - 13:09 - Leslie Segrete

Every home improver has a favorite go-to tool, one that’s reliable, handy and always there when you need it. For me, that tool has been a staple gun, because you can do so many things with it, from installing insulation to upholstering headboards. However, the whole system falls apart if you...

Water, Water Everywhere: How to Keep it Out of Your Basement

Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:12 - Tom Kraeutler

In the last month, three things have been in the news: water, water and more water. We’re being flooded here too with problems and questions about leaks, mostly below grade. This is a question that most people think has an expensive answer because they perceive it as an expensive problem. In...

The Staple Gun: a Useful Weapon for Many Projects!

Thu, 09/08/2011 - 15:40 - Leslie Segrete

Summer is over and the fall season is soon to be here. I look at this time of year as the start of the busy season for family and home. It is also a time to begin new projects at work. The Money Pit is so thrilled to be partnering with the Arrow Fastener Company during this exciting time of year...

Hurricane Damage? Avoid Storm Chasers

Wed, 09/07/2011 - 11:20 - Tom Kraeutler

After a storm is the time to be on high alert for unscrupulous contractors looking to exploit homeowners whose properties have been damaged. An LSU survey of those hit by Hurricane Katrina found that 61% percent of respondents were victims of contractor fraud, and the average loss was between...

Checking for Damage After Irene

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 16:12 - Tom Kraeutler

If Hurricane Irene passed through your area, it would be wise to inspect your home for storm damage. Obvious storm damage, like a broken window, is easy to spot. But if you don't look closely, you might miss little problems that could develop into big repair bills later.

Check your foundation...

Garbage Disposal Woes: How to Get Out of a Bind

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 14:54 - Leslie Segrete

When your garbage disposal jams it often automatically shuts off, and may not restart when you flip the wall switch. Many homeowners don’t know there’s a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. It’s usually very small and often red or black. So get a flashlight and look under the unit....

Is Remodeling on the Rise?

Wed, 08/24/2011 - 15:09 - Tom Kraeutler

BuildFax, a service that collects and organizes construction records on millions of properties from cities and counties across the United States, reports that in June 2011, remodeling activity in the U.S. reached the highest level since the index was introduced in 2004. This upward trend matches...

Keep Leftovers Fresh With These Fridge Maintenance Tips

Fri, 08/19/2011 - 11:41 - Leslie Segrete

It’s summer, so everybody is cooking and grilling and eating outdoors. When I grill, I always want so many different choices and flavors that I end up with a ton of leftovers. If you’re like me, you’ll want to make sure your refrigerator is running correctly so that leftover burger or rib is...