Summer

Updating Home to Help My Parents

Contractors, Decorating & Design, Fall, Remodels & Additions, Safety, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I've lived in my 1928 DC Row/Federal Style home for over 30 years.  I would like to add a 2 or 3 story addition to the rear, as well as i...

Laundry Room Layout

Appliances, Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

Laundry room tips...

Creating More Space in a Tiny Laundry Room

Appliances, Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

My tight-squeeze laundry area has turned into a disorganized mess I dread, and our family laundry volume shows no sign of letting up. Got any idea...

How to Fix a Squeaking Floor

Fall, Flooring, Spring, Summer, Winter...

The best way to fix a squeaking floor....

How to Get a Glossy Garage Floor

Fall, Flooring, Garage, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I recently applied BEHR Premium 2-Part Epoxy Garage Floor Coating in my garage which looks terrific, but I would prefer a glossier finish...

Caulk Talk

Bath Remodeling, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

What is the best way to remove & replace the caulking around sliding shower doors, as well as a tub? ...

Kitchen Floor Solutions

Fall, Flooring, Spring, Summer, Winter...

We are about to begin remodeling our kitchen and need some advice on flooring....

Removing Paint from Brick

Fall, Painting & Staining, Siding, Spring, Summer...

Tips to remove paint from brick. ...

Will a Refrigerator Work in a Garage?

Appliances, Fall, Garage, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I adore your radio show and listen as often as I can.  Please help me with this question. I am planning on purchasing an additional refrigerator t...

Q + A: Tips to Avoid Shower Shocks!

Bath Remodeling, Fall, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Please help me with this.  When showering, if my husband flushes the toilet or runs water elsewhere, the temperature of the water changes.  What t...

Is Foam Siding a Good Idea?

Fall, Siding, Spring, Summer, Winter...

A friend is trying to interest my husband in a new process of building homes out of foam boards coated with thin layers of concrete.  Do you have ...

Roof Replacement - One Layer or Two?

Fall, Roofing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I am going to reshingle my roof. I have one layer of shingles down and was going to reshingle over top of them. Someone told me that when you put ...

Solving Major Moisture Problem

Basements & Crawlspaces, Spring, Summer...

Moisture management typically involves several solutions working together.  Adding plastic sheathing over the soil as a crawlspace vapor barrier is a ...

Electric Dryer vs. Gas Dryer: Which is Cheaper?

Appliances, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

In general, electric dryers are about 15% more expensive to run compared to gas.  While this isn’t enough to justify the cost of installing a gas line...

Need Help Finding a Good Kitchen Contractor

Contractors, Fall, Kitchen Remodeling, Spring, Summer, Winter...

We’re planning a kitchen remodel this fall and have been having a hard time locating a contractor we were totally comfortable with.  The estimates...

Fed Up with a Bath Floor in New York City

Bath Remodeling, Fall, Flooring, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Other than re-grouting, ceramic tile is not a material that lends itself to any sort of refinishing.  However, as long as the base layer is secure (no...

Peeling Paint & Paneling Predicament

Decorating & Design, Fall, Spring, Summer, Walls & Ceilings, Winter...

We get many questions on our radio show about the many mysteries of removing paneling. The answers depend on the condition of the wall as well as how ...

Green Mold in Basement

Fall, Mold, Spring, Summer, Winter...

What is the green mold growing in my basement?  It is growng on furniture, boxes, plastic tubs, etc.  I am afraid to even check all my videos.  Wh...

Toilet Causes Lights to Flicker

Fall, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

My lights flicker to the beat of a pumping sound whenever I flush the toilet, run faucets & use the shower. I'm thinking that there is a probl...

Synthetic Slate & Shake Shingles

Fall, Roofing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I’m shopping for a new roof and learning that there are a lot more choices for shingles these days. I’ve decided against using composite asphalt s...

Extreme Gas Grill Makeover

Appliances, Summer...

After a season of heavy grilling last year, my gas grill needs an extreme makeover of its own. Do you have any tips for a mid-season grill cleanin...

Deck or Patio?

Decks & Porches, Patio, Summer...

What adds more value to a home a wooden deck or a patio of pavers?  We are making some improvements to our home over the next year and want to sel...

Attic Mold May Cause Roof to Rot

Fall, Mold, Roofing, Spring, Summer...

While getting a home inspection done for a potential purchase, the inspector pointed out a light blue/grey mold throughout the attic, but he refus...

Will OSB Make Me Sick? Is it Strong?

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Remodels & Additions, Spring, Summer, Winter...

My parents are considering a new home in retirement community. My question is what are the pros and cons of a home built with particle board, and ...

Need Weatherproof Outside Storage

Fall, Outdoor Structures, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

Homeowners are always looking for more storage space in and around the house.  Often items like lawn mowers, power tools, and pesticides are kept in t...

Air Conditioning Options

Air Conditioning, Spring, Summer...

My first choice for energy efficiency, as well overall comfort, would be to install a central air conditioning system.  These systems can be “zoned” s...

Avoid Mold in Bath

Bath Remodeling, Cleaning, Fall, Mold, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I have mold on my ceiling and behind the shower wall. There is black stuff coming through the plastic wall covering in the shower wall too. What shoul...

Can a Home Inspection Help or Hurt?

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

We bought our home, new, when it was first built. We had an inspector about a month before closing. Our home will be eleven years old.  Would it b...

Laminate Floor Solutions

Fall, Flooring, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Laminate floor has a very durable surface and easy to install, most just snap right together, no glue necessary.  The laminate can look like anything ...

Toxic Mold and Children

Fall, Mold, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Mold blotches began appearing and spreading in our 4 year old son's bedroom ceiling approximately 4 months ago. We are very concerned about the he...

Do it Yourself Garage Floors Save Money

Fall, Garage, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I am considering putting down a new floor over the concrete floors in my garage and breezeway.  I'm thinking about hiring a company who which uses...

CFLs and Dimmers

Electrical, Fall, Lighting, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I’d like to change the lighting in my home over from incandescent to the newer energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), is there a...

The Compost Connection

Fall, Lawn & Garden, Spring, Summer...

If you’re looking for a way to reduce the amount of waste going to the curb every week or reuse some of those kitchen scarps, consider composting....

PREPARING YOUR PATIO FOR SUMMER

Doors, Patio, Spring, Summer...

Warmer weather brings the return of outdoor living and all its pleasures — from fun family barbeques, to kids running through sprinklers, to entertain...

How Much House Can You Afford?

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Tips on how to understand how much you can afford when buying a home....

Poison Prevention

Fall, Safety, Spring, Summer, Winter...

According to the Home Safety Council, accidental poisoning is the second leading cause of home injury death in the United States. Yet, a new survey b...

Going Green While Growing Green: Tips for Creating Smart Lawn Stewardship Program

Green Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden, Summer...

Going green in a home lawn care program doesn't have to be a daunting task.  There are some easy, cost-effective steps homeowners can take to improve ...

New Front Entry Adds Value to a Home

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Contractors, Doors, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

If you’re looking to add value to your home without spending a lot of money, consider enhancing its curb appeal with a new front door. Once you’ve sel...

Leaky Hot Water Heater Could Mean Trouble

Appliances, Fall, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

When was the last time you checked your water heater?  You just turn on the faucet and your hot water is there, right?  You should be checking your he...

Drought Watch

Bath Remodeling, Energy Savings, Plumbing, Spring, Summer...

Tips to save water around your house....

Faux Finishing: Can You Do It?

Decorating & Design, Fall, Painting & Staining, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Paint is one of the most economical means of transforming a space, and taking it a step further with a faux flourish can lend texture and a custom loo...

Fast Sales For Slow Real Estate Markets

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

In the wake of credit and housing market troubles that sent 2007 out with a whimper, up-and-coming buyers and sellers may feel tentative about the opt...

Top Tips For Organizing Laundry Rooms

Appliances, Decorating & Design, Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

Tips to organize your landry room and save space....

Are You at Risk for Radon?

Fall, Insulation & Ventilation, Safety, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally when uranium in the soil breaks down. If inhaled, radon can cause damage to your lung tissues...

Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Appliances, Energy Savings, Fall, Faucets, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Tips on replacing a hot water heater....

More Power To You

Electrical, Energy Savings, Fall, Spring, Storm Proofing, Summer, Winter...

Protecting your home from power problems has become a necessity of the new millennium.  If you want to make sure you're never left without power, you ...

Home Theater Basics

Appliances, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Many a movie buff dreams of a theater of their own, and it’s now possible to create the perfectly personalized viewing experience with products create...

Customize Your Closet

Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

While complex closet upgrades may require the design and installation services of a pro, there are several products made for affordable organizational...

High-Tech Window Options

Energy Savings, Fall, Spring, Summer, Windows & Skylights, Winter...

If old, inefficient windows are beginning to affect your outlook, you’ll be glad to discover that evolving construction standards, the drive toward gr...

Preventing Plumbing Perils

Fall, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

The possible perils of plumbing are many: leaks, bursting pipes, clogged drains, and trusted appliances that go on the blink. But if you pack a little...

Solar Solutions

Air Conditioning, Fall, Heating, Insulation & Ventilation, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Tips for using the power of the sun to heat your home....

Shopping For Home Plans

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Remodels & Additions, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Building a home from scratch can be an exciting but daunting endeavor, not to mention fraught with hidden expenses. It all begins with a plan, of cour...

Tips For Tankless Water Heaters

Appliances, Fall, Heating, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

A great solution for delivering cost-effective hot water to your home, a tankless hot water heater is energy efficient because it only heats water as ...

Top 10 Home Improvement Topics

Bath Remodeling, Fall, Flooring, Insulation & Ventilation, Kitchen Remodeling, Plumbing, Roofing, Siding, Spring, Summer, Toilet, Tub & Shower, Walls & Ceilings, Windows & Skylights, Winter...

To help you avoid home improvement hassles of your own, here are the top ten home improvement topics we get the most questions on, and some solutions ...

Top Home Danger Zones

Fall, Safety, Summer...

Home Sweet Home can harbor many dangers that are easy to put off fixing or overlooked altogether. Before autumn arrives, take time to secure your home...

Architectural Salvage Finds

Decorating & Design, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Looking for period-correct trimmings from a bygone era or a unique centerpiece for a contemporary room? Then head over to your local architectural sal...

Lighting For Style And Efficiency

Fall, Lighting, Spring, Summer, Winter...

If your approach to saving energy with home lighting is limited to shutting off the swtich as you leave a room, you’re off to a good start, but there’...

Log Cabin Living

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Log homes have always scored big in R-value, a factor calculating energy efficiency in building materials. Log walls actually contain millions of tiny...

Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Green Remodeling

Air Conditioning, Decorating & Design, Fall, Flooring, Heating, Kitchen Remodeling, Spring, Summer, Walls & Ceilings, Winter...

Depending on your sensitivity level, VOCs’ impact can range from irritation to illness, so keep the air clear from the start by selecting products and...

2007 August Money Pit Weekend To-do Projects

Cleaning, Garage, Insulation & Ventilation, Lawn & Garden, Storage & Organization, Summer...

Yes, we know you are still sweating bullets right now and almost everyone is, or knows someone who is, on vacation.  But as the summer season begins i...

Building An Outdoor Room

Decks & Porches, Summer...

Creating a living space beyond the four walls of your home is gaining ground as one of the most popular home improvement projects of all. Wether your...

SURVIVING SUMMER BUGS

Bugs, Pests & Rodents, Summer...

Getting outside to enjoy a barbecue, tackle a summer project or simply take it easy is one of the great joys of this season. Unfortunately, some of na...

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

Fall, Fences & Gates, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Beautiful fencing is a great asset when it comes to curb appeal, home value and stylish definition of your yard and garden. Here’s how to build a fenc...

Green Roofing and Siding

Fall, Green Home Improvement, Roofing, Siding, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Just as products for home interiors have been getting greener, there’s a growing variety of exterior treatments for creating an ecologically sound hom...

LIGHTNING STORM SAFETY

Safety, Spring, Summer...

Thunder and lightning storms are fairly common occurrences in the U.S.  With the impressive show they put on, it can be easy to forget their dangers a...

HOME SWEET MODULAR VACATION HOME

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Second homes for seasonal leisure are a perennially popular investment, but the cost of new builds can send hopeful vacation homeowners packing back t...

Packing a Vacation Toolbox

Fall, Spring, Summer, Tools, Winter...

Pack a vacation toolbox with the rest of your family’s gear, and you’ll be armed for just about any development and free to use your time for well-des...

Roof Repair 101

Fall, Roofing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

With the generally silent, steady job it does protecting you and your home, it’s easy to take your roof for granted─easy, that is, until a leak ...

Home Improvement Projects with the Kids

Decks & Porches, Lawn & Garden, Miscellaneous, Outdoor Structures, Patio, Storage & Organization, Summer...

With school out for summer and a list of seasonal projects ahead of you, don’t discount the potential value and fun of getting young do-it-yourselfers...

July Money Pit Weekend To-do Projects

Air Conditioning, Driveways, Paths & Sidewalks, Fences & Gates, Patio, Plumbing, Summer...

Hot tips for summer maintenace projects inlcuding fence repair, crack repair, septic system maintencase and swollen windows and doors. ...

June 2007 Money Pit Weekend To-do Projects

Decorating & Design, Garage, Home Security, Safety, Storage & Organization, Summer, Tools...

Summer is here and it’s time to get busy with projects during the warmest home improvement season of the year.  Here’s where to begin......

Budgeting for a Home Bar

Basements & Crawlspaces, Decorating & Design, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

As the popularity of home entertaining continues to grow, so does the range of smart, convenient amenities that can add a professional touch to the pr...

How to Extend the Life of Your Deck

Decks & Porches, Summer...

Every summer season, decks become the living and entertaining space of choice for many homeowners.  However, before you pull out that table and umbrel...

Drip Irrigation Tips

Lawn & Garden, Summer...

Drip- or Micro-irrigation makes watering more efficient, saves you time, conserves water and makes sure your plants will thrive!...

Beware of Summer Home Improvement Scams

Contractors, Summer...

As welcome as a swarm of termites, these con artists show up at your door offering an array of services repaving your driveway to roof repair, and usu...

Paint Color Trends for Interiors

Decorating & Design, Fall, Painting & Staining, Spring, Summer, Winter...

If you’ve got a room that’s due for an update, bring out the brushes and look to this year’s popular paint colors for inspiration. A fresh coat of col...

Outdoor Living Trends

Decks & Porches, Lawn & Garden, Outdoor Structures, Patio, Spring, Summer...

Improving an outdoor space is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to increase your home’s footprint, its value, and the day-to-day quality of life y...

How to Hire A Moving Company

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Summer...

As summer approaches, so does the great American moving season. More than half of all household moves are made between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and...

The New Generation of Do-It-Yourself Flooring

Fall, Flooring, Spring, Summer, Winter...

It used to be that installing a new floor was a professionals-only gig requiring complicated equipment, odorous adhesives, and a massive amount of mus...

Gearing Up for DIY Season With Tips from the 2007 National Hardware Show

Decorating & Design, Lawn & Garden, Spring, Summer, Tools...

Now that it’s high season for home improvement projects, you may be revising your winter wish list to match a quickly crowding summer calendar. Before...

Remodeling Mistakes

Fall, Remodels & Additions, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Learn the top five mistakes to avoid when planning a remodeling project....

Boosting Your Home's Bottom Line

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Doors, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

A home's exterior makes or breaks the first impression when prospective buyers see your home. If you're looking to add value to your home without spen...

Building a Retaining Wall

Fall, Lawn & Garden, Spring, Summer, Winter...

A well-built retaining wall has many benefits: structures are protected from soil eroding either away from or toward their foundations, the integrity ...

Simple Steps for Perfect Painting

Fall, Painting & Staining, Spring, Summer, Walls & Ceilings, Winter...

As home improvement projects go, painting is on the easy end of the scale and fairly low-risk: the only thing a bad paint job can hurt is your pride. ...

Green Solutions for Kitchen and Bath Décor

Bath Remodeling, Fall, Kitchen Remodeling, Painting & Staining, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Whatever the style and color scheme of your kitchen or bath remodel, it’s getting easier to add a little green. Products that incorporate recycled mat...

Home Safety During Summer Excursions

Air Conditioning, Appliances, Electrical, Plumbing, Safety, Summer...

Summer is a hot season for home burglaries, with the numbers typically peaking in July and August, and being the victim of one can certainly ruin all ...

Living With History

Bath Remodeling, Decorating & Design, Doors, Fall, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

In this high-tech age of better, faster and new, owning and loving an old home can be a pretty isolating experience.  Here are solutions to make your ...

Styled To Sell

Buying, Selling or Building a Home, Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Winter...

Home staging is the art of styling your home for the buying audience.   Industry surveys show that staged homes sell faster and at higher prices than ...

Washing Away Laundry Hassles

Appliances, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

The room in your home that sees all the dirty laundry doesn’t have to be a time and energy-wasting scandal. Today’s appliances and amenities are smart...

Toys and Toxins Don't Mix

Fall, Garage, Safety, Spring, Summer, Winter...

For many Americans, garages are the most well worn entryway to their homes. Besides the daily family traffic, the garage is also a place where we mix...

Easy Ways to Save Water

Appliances, Energy Savings, Fall, Faucets, Plumbing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Want to know an easy way to save a whopping one THOUSAND gallons of water a month? Just run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full l...

Store Firewood

Bugs, Pests & Rodents, Fall, Spring, Storage & Organization, Summer, Wood Stoves & Fireplaces...

After the fireplace season has passed, be sure to properly store any remaining firewood off the ground and away from the foundation.  Firewood piles ....

Shake It Up

Fall, Roofing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

Many homes look great with natural shake shingles. But that great look often fades to bland gray after only a few years – and comes with maintenance h...

The Orion Cooker

Appliances, Spring, Summer...

The Orion Cooker, developed by two tailgating enthusiasts combines three cooking processes simultaneously — convection, steam and smoke to cook meats ...

New Tool Makes Yardwork a Breeze

Fall, Lawn & Garden, Spring, Summer...

The lightweight, but powerful Ryobi One+ 18-volt pole pruner, is great for trimming small limbs and the telescoping shaft allows you to reach branches...

The Grass is Always Greener...

Fall, Lawn & Garden, Spring, Summer...

Keep you lawn looking lush and healthy all season long.  The secret to a healthy lawn is the right fertilizer and proper application.  Give your home ...

DryPly Soaks Up the Competition

Fall, Spring, Summer, Walls & Ceilings, Winter...

Georgia-Pacific, a leader in home building materials that satisfy both builders and homeowners, is once again unveiling an innovative product for hom...

Ryobi's One+ Tool Line Has Four New Tools

Fall, Product Recomendations, Spring, Summer, Tools...

Ryobi is adding four new lawn and garden tools to itspopular One+ 18-volt tool lineup this spring. The additionof a hedge trimmer, sprayer...

DIY with your KID! 7/27 Money Pit e-Newsletter

Lawn & Garden, Painting & Staining, Roofing, Storm Proofing, Summer...

It’s the mid-summer doldrums. The excitement of "no more pencils, no more books" has worn off, and the kids are probably starting to get to you about...

Power Outage Protection - 6/29 Money Pit e-Newsletter

Electrical, Energy Savings, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter...

As we rely more and more on electrical power for every facet of life, we have to look for new ways to protect both the quantity and quality of the ele...

Don't Forget Mom! 5/11 Money Pit e-Newsletter

Contractors, Decorating & Design, Fall, Lawn & Garden, Product Recomendations, Spring, Summer...

Urgent reminder: don’t forget Mom this weekend! Mother’s Day is Sunday and if you’ve got a handy mom in your family, there’s never been a better time...