The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast Tom Kraeutler & Leslie Segrete

SHOW NOTES:
In this show, get expert advice on creating a simple landscaping plan to transform your outdoor space, maximizing your deck's potential by installing an under-deck drainage system, 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.
Underdeck Drainage: Add dry, usable outdoor space with an underdeck drainage system.
Landscaping: Design a stunningly simple landscaping plan for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
 
Q & A:
Driveway Repair: Water is pooling in sunken areas of the driveway. Joe can use a blacktop patching product and then reseal the whole surface.
Moisture: To reduce moisture building up on interior walls, Laura should run the A/C consistently, direct bathroom and kitchen vents outside, improve exterior drainage, and install a whole-house dehumidifier.
Creaky Floor: Kevin’s floor is creaking under the tiles. He gets info on how to find the movement from the basement and use shims to tap into the floor gaps from underneath.
Noisy Pipes: There’s a loud banging in the basement whenever the water is used. Nicole learns it may be water hammer or the well pump going on and off.
Electrical Wiring: Jay’s electrician said he could just split the circuits and use an arc fault breaker instead of replacing all the old wiring. We confirm that’s excellent advice.
Roofing: Should Tina remove the old roof shingles before installing a metal roof? We agree it’s a bad idea to leave the shingles because of the heat factor.
Concrete Stains: Is there a way for Garland to remove battery acid stains on his garage floor? We recommend covering the garage floor with epoxy paint.
Wall Paint: Diane wants advice on applying a Venetian plaster effect to her walls. It’s a unique look that may take practice and we suggest using it on a focal wall.
Sump Pump: Bob has questions about a sump pump that runs through the carport. He should install a check valve so water can’t back up and a curtain drain to direct the water.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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Introducing S2Ep105: The Pink Neon Effect: How Kimmy Scotti is Reimagining Venture Capital for Women from Takin' Care of Lady Business®.
Follow the show: Takin' Care of Lady Business®
As more women take control of their financial futures, understanding the nuances of investing becomes crucial. In this episode of "Takin’ Care Of Lady Business®," host Jennifer Justice speaks with Kimmy Scotti, Founder and Managing Partner at Neon, about the dynamic and often challenging landscape of venture capital, especially for women in sectors like healthcare and consumer goods. Despite the complexities of a market where women founders are often underfunded, Kimmy has carved a niche in venture capital that emphasizes patient-centered investments and bridging the gender gap in financial literacy. Through Neon and initiatives like Neon Pink, Kimmy is actively working towards empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

Key Takeaways

Kimmy Scotti launched a successful jewelry business at age 15, establishing her status as an #Unemployable.

Hear how Neon, a venture fund, focuses on the critical overlap between healthcare and consumer sectors. 

Discover Neon Pink, an initiative that aims to create a supportive community exclusively for female investors where women can learn, invest, and grow together without the conventional barriers they often face in the financial world.

Learn how to decide where to invest your money by choosing companies whose mission or products align with your values and resonate with you.

Gain insight into the obstacles faced in a male-dominated industry and how Kimmy uses her platform to support and fund female entrepreneurs.


Resources
Connect with Kimmy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmyscotti/
Follow Kimmy: https://www.instagram.com/kimmyscotti/

About Our Guest 
Kimmy Scotti is co-founder and CEO of skincare company Fig.1, and the Founder and Managing Partner of Neon, an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2023. As an investor and serial entrepreneur Kimmy’s endeavors are multifaceted. 
Prior to Neon, Kimmy was building and investing as a founding partner at 8VC, a prominent technology and life sciences investment firm where she invested in category defining companies including Blink Health, Maven, Oula, Hill House Home, and Seed. Kimmy remains an advisor to 8VC. 
As a lifelong skincare enthusiast with a deep obsession for the beauty market, Kimmy partnered with a board-certified Harvard dermatologist to co-found Fig.1 in 2021. Fig.1 is a science-backed, sustainably-driven skincare line that has grown its footprint from direct-to-consumer to over 3,000 retail, spa and dermatologist locations, along with category expansion into performance body care in 2023.
In addition to her current work with Neon and Fig.1, Kimmy currently serves on the Board of Directors for JewBelong, the Board of Directors for Breakout Foundation, and on the Senior Advisory Committee to Cornell Tech at Cornell University. She is an active supporter of various charitable initiatives including women’s reproductive rights, maternal health, and antisemitism. 
Kimmy lives in New York City with her husband and twin boys.

About the Show 
Takin’ Care Of Lady Business® is hosted by Jennifer Justice aka JJ, founder and CEO of The Justice Dept. JJ interviews achievers, entrepreneurs and high level executives, discussing the how to of building business as well as the challenges while competing and thriving in both business and in life. These highly successful women will share secrets, strategies and insights about what it takes to play to win.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

About Our Company, The Justice Dept.
A female focused advisory, consulting and law firm advocating for female founders, talent, execs and brands. We represent bo$$ ladies to make them 💰💰.

Website:  https://www.thejusticedept.com/
Be the Bo$$ of Your Career: https://www.thejusticedept.

SHOW NOTES:
Today, get ready to level up your home and garden game as we discuss the advantages of building a greenhouse for year-round gardening and understanding the distinctions between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants to keep your home clean and germ-free. You’ll also get advice on testing and adjusting your soil for a lush, green lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Don't miss out on these and lots more essential home improvement solutions!
- Greenhouse: Get tips for building a backyard greenhouse for a year-round crop of fresh vegetables.
- Cleaning Products: Clean, sanitize, deodorize: which cleaning product does what?
- Lawn Care: Test your soil for a lush lawn that will make the neighbors green with envy.
 
Q & A:
- Well Water: Susan’s not sure if she needs a water softener or a filter for her well water. Getting a complete water test done will show what kind of treatment is needed.
- House Beams: Joel wants to remove the center load-bearing beam so he can lower the ceiling, but it’s one of the most difficult projects to do so the roof won’t collapse.
- Chimney Vent: Esther’s new furnace was vented outside instead of through the chimney. She gets advice on how to have a direct duct outside for her water heater, too.
- Basement Smells: There’s a persistent musty smell in Ted’s finished basement. We recommend installing a whole-house dehumidifier and improving the outside drainage.
- Wood Kitchen Walls: Janet gets some ideas on how to give her kitchen a rustic country style with beadboard, wood plank, or vinyl plank flooring adhered to the walls.
- Water Heater: Some strange sounds are coming from James’ water heater! We discuss why pipes make noise as the water heats up and how to look for potential leaks.
- Old Electrical Wiring: Judy was told that her old knob and tube wiring is not a concern. It’s actually unsafe and can’t be grounded, so it should be disabled and replaced.
- Installing a Bathroom: Phillip has a poured concrete house and wants to install a bathroom. There are two ways it can be done because of the solid walls and floors.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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SHOW NOTES:
In today's episode, we've got you covered from garden to garage! We’ll guide you through tips for building a sturdy stone garden wall, ensuring your bathroom re-tiling lasts with proper underlayment, and safely storing 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.
- Garden Walls: Get rock-solid tips for building a stone garden wall that lasts.
- Bathroom Tiles: Learn essential steps for waterproofing bathroom tiles to avoid damage and moisture.
 
Q & A:
- Shower Doors: Is there a way to repel water and prevent spots on glass shower doors? We recommend a product Randy can use, plus a squeegee to wipe down the surface.
- House Odors: A funky odor in the house is getting worse. Donna already cleaned everything and took up the carpets, but priming and painting the walls may help.
- Toilet Stains: Axel has been trying to remove a stubborn ring stain in the toilet. A gentle pumice stone can remove it, along with a hydrochloric acid cleaner.
- Firepit: The flame on Steve’s new natural gas firepit isn’t very high. Modifying the gas burner can be dangerous, so he should have a plumber check the gas pressure and contact the manufacturer.
- Lighting: Laura’s compact fluorescent bulbs keep blowing out. They should last a long time, so they may be defective and she should consider buying LED bulbs instead.
- Backsplash: Bills is looking for the best material for a backsplash behind his stove. A solid stone surface that’s cut around the exhaust fan would be easy to install and clean.
- Shower Plumbing: Lynne’s shower is leaking through the ceiling below. We share tips on checking for a crack in the shower pan and caulking all the seams and fixtures.
- Insulation: Does Mark need to ventilate his attic after adding spray foam insulation? We’ll explain why he doesn’t need additional ventilation.
- Basement Floor: Amy’s not sure how to cover the dirt basement floor in her farmhouse. She should test for radon first before deciding what comes next.
- Pool Deck: Will a concrete pool deck crack under the weight of an aquaponic garden tank? It weighs about as much as several people, so Patrick’s deck should be okay.
- Electrical Panel: We have answers for Heidi, who has questions about a new electrical panel that was installed outside, with a subpanel inside.  
- Garage Doors: Is there a way to restore the finish of faded aluminum garage doors? Marlene can paint them after sanding the surface and applying a metal primer.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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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 serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. 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.
- Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden.
- Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.
 
Q & A:
- Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it.
- Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, and install rigid insulation board and new drywall inside.
- Popcorn Ceiling: Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a mess, but Laurie gets suggestions on how to wet and scrape the surface without damaging the ceiling.
- Water Softener: Ellie seeks advice on replacing her water softener that’s outside the home. We recommend testing the water and getting a model that’s rated for exterior use.
- Landscaping: There are hills and sinkholes in the lawn above the septic tank. Heavy equipment may crush the pipes, so Chris should use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil and level out the lawn.
- Windows: The original windows in a historic home are very drafty. Jim can add weatherstripping or temporary caulk, or find a company that makes replacement windows to match the old style.
- Microwave: The light under Frieda’s old microwave above the stove keeps burning out. We discuss several possible causes, but it may be time to replace the appliance.
- Plumbing Odors: Sewer odors are coming from the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. Gary gets tips on how to scrub the drains with oxygenated bleach to clean out the biogases and bacteria.
- Hardwood Floor: Jennifer is installing hardwood flooring and gets information on placing it parallel to the longest walls and measuring the room to avoid narrow cuts.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
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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 maintaining 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 can your home be too airtight for healthy living?
- Front Doors: Learn how to install a welcoming front door that provides curb appeal, value, and security to your home.

Q & A:
- Garage Trim: Mice and water are coming in through gaps in the corners of Dawn’s garage doors. We recommend replacing the vertical pieces of weatherstripping to seal the spaces.
- Bathroom Renovation: Is it a good idea to flip the toilet and the shower on a cement slab? Scott learns it’s a massive renovation job that’s not worth the expense and effort.
- Water Quality: The cold water from only one faucet has a sickening taste. Nancy should report it to the water company and have the water tested.
- Ceiling Drywall: Kenny can see the outline of the studs behind his ceiling. It’s called ghosting and he gets tips on what causes it and how to hide it.
- Wood Flooring: George gets advice on installing hardwood flooring in his family room, including how to prep the subfloor and paying attention to the pattern of the boards.
- Electrical Outlets: When Belinda installs new GFCI outlets, do they need their own circuit breakers? We explain why it’s not necessary and how to use an outlet tester.
- HVAC: It would be a shame for Steve to remove his efficient and comfortable steam heat radiators, but he can still add a ducted air conditioning system.
- Granite Countertops: How often should granite countertops be sealed? Every two or three years is recommended, but Dave can use some recommended DIY products.
 
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices