The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Leslie Segrete
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The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?”  It doesn’t have to be that way!  As host of The Money Pit Podcast, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider me your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, I'll share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear - but I promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join me for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

  1. 2H AGO

    Diving into Pool Safety | Roof Rejuvenation Adds Life to Shingles | One-and-Done Drywall Repairs

    SHOW NOTES: Coming up this hour, we've got some incredible discussions to help you tackle those summer projects! We’re also taking your calls, hearing from listeners just like you about their home improvement dilemmas! Stayed tuned to learn about: - Pool Safety: If you've got a pool, you know safety is paramount, and we'll be breaking down the unique requirements for pool fencing to keep everyone safe this summer. - Roof Rejuvenation: We're joined by Mike Feazel from Roof Maxx to talk about an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to costly roof replacements that can extend the life of your shingles. - Drywall Repairs: Those pesky wall cracks, nail pops, and splitting seams? We've got tips to make sure your drywall fixes are "one and done." - Pet-Friendly Decorating: Leslie's Last Word will help you design a beautiful, pet-friendly home that stands up to your well-meaning furry friends.   Q & A: - Martha from Ohio is dealing with a leaky window due to improper installation and a saturated flower bed. - Terry from Kansas seeks advice on the proper time and method to paint a stucco exterior after a previous peeling issue. - Katherine from Arizona is struggling with failed sod and exposed mesh netting on her lawn in a cold mountain climate. - Kim from Tennessee is looking for solutions to get rid of moles causing damage in her yard. - Albert from Massachusetts inquires about upgrading the minimal insulation in his 50-year-old home's attic. - Tim from New York wonders if he needs to put anything on the wall before installing a glass tile backsplash in his kitchen.   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

    42 min

  2. 2H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

    Introducing Forsaken Mission from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. Follow the show: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories Today’s podcast will feature 3 military horror stories. The audio from all three stories has been pulled from our main YouTube channel and has been remastered for today's episode. Story names, previews & links to original YouTube videos: #3 -- "Ramree Island" -- What happened on this island would go down as one of the most terrifying world records ever recorded (Original YouTube link -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiOyKVcDODo)#2 -- "Set Zed" -- The 2020 discovery of 24 super habitable planets (Original YouTube link -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Gh1QNVDU8)#1 -- "Lighter Than Air" -- Two pilots go on a routine patrol in their blimp, what happened next is a baffling mystery (Original YouTube link -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4bUv4We_BU) For 100s more stories like these, check out our main YouTube channel just called "MrBallen" -- https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBallen If you want to reach out to me, contact me on Instagram, Twitter or any other major social media platform, my username on all of them is @mrballen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 4D AGO

    Hard Facts for Stone Countertops | 5 Home Filters to Check | HOUZZ Summer 2025 Design Trends

    SHOW NOTES: This episode is packed with fantastic ideas and solutions to tackle those nagging projects! We're talking about everything from making your outdoor space your favorite place with porches, patios, landscaping, hardscaping, fences, and fire pits. We'll also cover crucial indoor home improvement topics, because inside or outside, we're on your side! Here’s a sneak peek at what we've been chatting about and who's been calling in: - Natural Stone Countertops: We're exploring the pros and cons of caring for those gorgeous natural stone countertops in your kitchen and bathroom spaces. While they're beautiful and durable, they're not entirely maintenance-free, folks! - The Top Five Filters in Your Home: As summer heats up and we close our windows to keep the air conditioning in, it's super important to maintain healthy indoor air. We're sharing the top five most crucial filters in your home that you need to be checking and cleaning. You might be surprised you have so many! - Summer Design Trends of 2025: Summer is the perfect time for home design projects, from small updates to major overhauls. We'll dive into the top eight summer design trends for 2025, including "color drenching," metallic accents, beverage stations, fun zones, "wood drenching," French country decor, and water conservation in landscaping.   OUR CALLERS: - Carol in Texas wanted to know if she could pressure wash and re-stain weathered treated lumber on her porches with a transparent stain, much like her new porch. - Brian in Massachusetts called in about painting his honey oak kitchen cabinets white and asked about the necessary preparation, especially for filling in the deep grain. - Bonnie faced a dilemma with sealing concrete after flood damage, seeking a less toxic alternative to a strong-smelling basement sealer. - Byron successfully removed his popcorn ceiling and wanted to know the proper next steps for prepping and painting the now-flat surface. - Steve in Arizona inquired about the necessity and benefits of having his air ducts cleaned. - Jonas in Washington was looking to add a fascia-mounted railing to his balcony for more space, but was concerned about a gutter that was currently in the way. - Alex in Florida reached out because his four-year-old central air conditioning system works well, except for one front room that's consistently about five degrees hotter than the rest of the house.   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

    42 min

  4. JUN 16

    Bite Back at Mosquitoes | Take Under-Deck Space to New Heights | Steps for Ladder Safety

    SHOW NOTES: Hey Money Pit fans! Get ready for another exciting episode focused on making your home safer, quieter, and more functional, especially with summer approaching. And we hope all the dads out there had a very happy Father's Day! Coming up: - Find out the most effective ways to curb the mosquito population around your house, mainly by eliminating all sources of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. - We'll welcome Dave Kyle, CEO of Trex RainEscape, to explain how their under-deck drainage system creates a dry, usable space beneath an elevated deck, protecting the structure from moisture and allowing for the addition of electrical and gas lines for various outdoor amenities. - Learn crucial ladder safety tips such as keeping the ladder stationary, leveling its feet on various surfaces, proper positioning at a 75-degree angle, looking for overhead wires, and avoiding resting it against rounded objects like trees.   Q & A: - Darlene from Baltimore is dealing with noise issues between the upstairs and downstairs apartments. The best soundproofing solution involves opening up the wall to install mineral wool insulation and potentially sound-deadening drywall. - Tim from Michigan has a vinyl linoleum floor with wrinkles and an uneven subfloor. We advise using a floor leveling compound and consider replacing the floor with a waterproof engineered vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank product. - Britney from Michigan must repair a crumbling cobblestone foundation in her old farmhouse. This load-bearing wall issue requires a specialized technique called needle beaming to temporarily support the house while the foundation is disassembled and rebuilt, ideally overseen by a structural engineer or architect. - Maya from Iowa needs help removing outdoor carpet glued to concrete steps. It’s a tough job best tackled with a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue, followed by options like thin pavers or outdoor-rated ceramic tile for resurfacing. - Marcy in Nebraska has a 15,000 BTU window AC unit that keeps tripping her breaker in the heat of the afternoon. An overloaded or low-amperage circuit can be identified using a "fox and hound" circuit tracker and may ultimately require an electrical system check-up or upgrade by a professional electrician. - Marcus in New Jersey is installing a new exterior door and wonders if he still needs a storm door. They’re generally not necessary for energy efficiency with modern doors, but can be added for airflow, keeping in mind that direct sun can cause heat buildup and potentially melt trim.  We're here every week, and you can call us 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or you can always post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min

  5. JUN 12

    Sizzle in Style: Outdoor Kitchen Design Tips | Cool Metal Roofing | Broken Window Repair

    SHOW NOTES: Hey Money Pit fans! We’re kicking things off with a special Happy Father's Day shout-out to all the dads and dad figures out there! Then, listen in as we dive into the essentials of designing an amazing outdoor kitchen for your backyard gatherings and discuss how metal roofs can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Plus, learn how to safely clean up and repair broken windows, and get helpful answers to lots more home improvement questions to make your home better, inside and out! Learn comprehensive tips on designing outdoor kitchens, emphasizing the need for ground fault protected (GFCI) electrical outlets, plumbing that can be drained, and outdoor-rated appliances, ideally located on an existing patio. Discover how metal roofing can significantly boost your home's energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs, thanks to its low thermal mass, heat-reflective coatings, and integral air space. With summer storm season upon us, get crucial tips on cleaning up broken window glass safely using wet paper towels for tiny pieces and preventing future damage by securing potential projectiles around your home. Q & A: Sally is battling foggy double-pane windows. A failed thermopane seal is allowing the insulative gas to escape, impacting energy efficiency and requiring replacement. Jason is dealing with noisy plumbing when filling his master bathroom tub and spitting cold water from other sinks. A bad washer in the faucet or high water pressure can be fixed by replacing or cleaning the washer. Thomas from Louisiana has a portable AC unit that keeps tripping breakers and causing the extension cord to heat up from an under-rated 100-foot extension cord. He needs an electrician to properly label circuits and verify wire sizes. Leslie provides a tip of the day on smoke detectors, advising to check if they are over 5 years old and highlighting new models with photoelectric sensors for better protection against slow smoldering fires. For the dads in your life, consider upgrading their favorite spaces like garages or man caves with LED lighting or shelving, and Leslie raves about the convenience and security of installing a keyless entry system. Donna has a disgusting problem at a fitness facility shower with slimy, brown mold that bleach hasn't fixed. We recommend controlling humidity and using a commercial cleaner like Zep Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner. Michael's got a cracking pool deck, a common issue due to ground movement. We suggest Quikrete's Crack Seal, a latex emulsion product designed to flow into and solidify those cracks for a lasting fix, unlike mortar or concrete. Finally, we'll help Abby, a DIY novice, with her project of refinishing a sun-damaged front door, recommending taking it off its hinges, using a vibrating sander, and choosing a door finish with high UV protection.  ASK A QUESTION: We're here every week, and you can always call us at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min

  6. JUN 9

    Step Up Your Staircase Style | Privacy Screen Landscaping | Benefits of Metal Roofs

    SHOW NOTES: Looking for privacy? Today, we'll explore natural landscaping screens over traditional fencing. Plus, discover the benefits of metal roofing for summer replacements and learn how to easily renovate your stairs for a fresh interior look. Listen in for info to create your best home ever, with tips for projects both big and small! - Stairs: Stepping up the style of your outdated stairs is a great DIY project for home design. - Privacy Screen: Landscaped privacy screens are a natural alternative to building a fence. - Metal Roofs: If you’re thinking about roof replacement, find out the unique benefits of installing a metal roof.   Q & A: - Plumbing: Mary would like to install a tankless water heater, but since she has electric heat, she should switch to a high-efficiency heat pump water heater instead. - Grading: Vinnie needs suggestions for leveling his hilly backyard. He gets info about sloping away from the foundation, raising the soil level and how to retain it, and installing a curtain drain to redirect water from the wettest areas. - Garden: How can you get plants to grow in shady areas? Hostas, copper plants, and begonias are a few options, but Janna should speak with pros at a local garden center. - Pool Repair: Barb has an older pool that’s used a lot, but it has cracks, exposed rebar, and tile that needs replacing. It’s all repairable, and we discuss some ideas for fixing the pool.   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

    42 min

  7. JUN 5

    Discover the Joys of Natural Swimming Pools | Kitchen & Bath Design Trends | Wood Fence Care

    SHOW NOTES: In this show, we're diving into the benefits of natural swimming pools, taking a peek at the latest kitchen and bath design trends, and sharing smart maintenance tips to keep your wood fence in top shape this summer. Plus, we’ve got answers to more DIY home improvement questions! - Swimming Pools: Create a backyard oasis and discover the joys of natural swimming pools. - Kitchen & Bath: A new survey highlights the latest trends in kitchen and bath design. - Wood Fence: Make sure your wood fence looks great and lasts for years to come with these simple maintenance tips.   Q & A: - Plumbing: Holly’s new washing machine is making terrible banging noises. She gets tips for making sure the appliance is level and installing a water hammer arrestor. - Solar Panels: Should Albert install solar panels on the roof or in an area behind his house? There are pros and cons to putting it over the roof vs. in an open area with full sun exposure. - Deck Cleaning: Nancy wants to clean her deck and finds out how to apply a mix of water and bleach detergent without any ammonia. - Electrical: Steve is concerned that none of the outlets in the kitchen are grounded. It’s possible to use GFCI outlets with two wires, but he should have an electrician do an evaluation. - Sandbox: Laurie has her questions answered about whether it’s a good idea to build a backyard sandbox for her grandchildren. - Patio: Alicia’s deck sits on a cement slab patio where a crack is getting bigger. We’ve got suggestions for sealing the crack and installing a layer of pavers over the surface.   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

    41 min

  8. JUN 2

    Kids’ Safety on Backyard Playgrounds | Summer Insulation Tips | Building Good Fences

    SHOW NOTES: In this show, learn how to play it safe on the playground, keep your cool with better insulation, and build a fence that stands the test of time. All that and more home improvement advice in today’s episode! - Playground Safety: Keep kids safe by taking the proper precautions with backyard playgrounds. - Insulation: Learn why summer is the perfect time to assess your home’s insulation and sealing. - Fences: Find out how to be a good neighbor with tips for building a good fence.   Q & A: - Drainage: Kevin has water coming up around the pipes in his concrete slab when it rains. He must check for drainage issues outside the home to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. - HVAC: The upstairs loft gets much warmer than the rest of the house all year long. Amber gets advice on using the ceiling fan more efficiently and installing a mini-split ductless system. - Foundation: Barry added a section to his concrete slab and water is seeping between the seams. An advanced polymer crack sealer may solve the problem. - Stains: The banister with metal rails left rust stains on the pavers. Tamara can try scrubbing the surface with lemon juice and vinegar using a wire brush. - Driveway: Scott’s stone aggregate driveway is starting to crumble. It would be hard to repair if it continues to deteriorate, so it may be time to replace the driveway instead. - Flooring: There’s condensation on Annette’s ceramic tile floor, caused by the cold tile meeting warm inside air. A whole-house dehumidifier would be very effective and make things more comfortable. - Renovations: How can Kaye estimate the costs of renovating a home that’s been vacant for 7 years? She should start with a home inspector to assess what needs to be done.   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

    42 min
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4.3
out of 5
174 Ratings

About

Does your home ever feel like “a Money Pit?”  It doesn’t have to be that way!  As host of The Money Pit Podcast, a money pit is not a disaster – it’s a home you love! Whether you’re dealing with a repair or dreaming about a reno, consider me your coach, helper or home improvement therapist for all things remodeling, decor or fix up! From bathrooms to basements, demolition to décor and gardening to garages, I'll share non-biased expertise to help you tackle your to-do’s with confidence. Taking care of a home can be a combination of love, pride and heart-stopping fear - but I promise to help you plan, save you money and spare you from snafus. Join me for new episodes every Monday and Thursday, just in time to plan your next home improvement adventure!

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