The Money Pit
Home Improvement Tips & Podcasts
Get tips for repair and maintenance of your home’s structure and learn to spot small structure problems before they need a big and expensive fix!
Find out why you should consult a home architect when you are considering a project like converting your deck into closet space where you will also store your washer and dryer. Learn why the deck will most likely need to be torn down and replaced by an addition. A home architect will help you make sure it gets done properly and does not look slapped on to the house.
I recently bought a cape cod style house built in 1938 with 2×10 joists on the first floor with …
I have a similar situation in my basement. Most of the blocks in the bottom two rows on the …
I recently offset and reconstructed a retaining wall against my house, which exposed more of the …
My floor joists are 2x10s, 16 inch on center. Before I drywall the basement ceiling, I would like to …
Fewer discoveries send homeowners into a full-blown panic faster than finding wood rot has set in, and on its way to seriously …
Project Instructions When working with mortar mixes, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Step 1 Prepare the mortar …
Cracks or breaks in concrete or masonry basement walls can turn into active water leaks as the soil around your foundation …
Many home foundations and walls develop non-structural cracks as they settle over time. These cracks can be unsightly and if not …
Building a garden wall, a planter, mailbox enclosure…or even an outdoor kitchen, can be as easy as stack and stucco with …
Our 1937 built house just keeps on settling. I always have to re-adjust doors, entry, and interior. Is there any way to get a …
I recently bought a home built in 1991. It is a fine home that sits on a hill. I discovered that there is no vapor barrier …
I just purchased a new home with a solid poured concrete wall foundation. I am not looking to “finish” the basement, …
My home drops about 4 inches from front door to rear bedroom. It's single story, crawl space and center support cement …
We live in the South. Is it enough to slope the dirt away from the house, to avoid termites? But with no gutters, what do we …
I recently offset and reconstructed a retaining wall against my house, which exposed more of the basement's exterior cinder …
I'd like to seal the cement blocks on my outside foundation and then use a cement product (not a paint) to finish the job. …
I have a serious dilemma. I have a home that needs a new A/C, new plumbing, new windows, etc. I also suspect that there is a …
I live in West Central Illinois and we are currently in drought conditions. Is there anything that should be done to protect our …
I recently bought a cape cod style house built in 1938 with 2×10 joists on the first floor with a span of 16 feet on one …
I have a similar situation in my basement. Most of the blocks in the bottom two rows on the north wall are …
My floor joists are 2x10s, 16 inch on center. Before I drywall the basement ceiling, I would like to stiffen the floor joists to …
Please help. Approx 25 yrs ago my garage foundation walls were placed, 10″ walls,approx 6 ‘ deep no exterior …
Our house was hit by a car that rolled into it several years ago. It knocked it out of square and our picture window on that …
Find out why steel built homes are increasing in popularity. Learn about the durability and curb appeal of steel framed …
How to make sure the soil beneath your home is safe before you build.
If you are planning a major remodeling project for your home, you might need a structural engineer. Any remodeling project that …
if you’re building a new home, there’s one key to it’s longevity and appearance. The frame of a house …
Learn how to seal a wood fence. Most wood fences are installed too close to the ground, where rot and termite damage forms …
