00:00-45 LESLIE: And that means it’s time to start thinking about those home improvement projects that you’ve been putting off. 00:00-50 TOM: We’re going to tackle some of the biggest home improvement projects, from the basics to the more complex. 00:00-55 LESLIE: And we’re going to give you the tips and tricks, the expert advice, and the step-by-step instructions to make sure you can tackle any project with confidence.

This segment of the audio discusses the benefits of hardwood floors and provides tips for choosing the right color. **Detailed Text:**

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners, offering a timeless elegance and a sense of warmth that other flooring options simply can’t match. Their durability and the value they add to a home are undeniable. However, the finishes on hardwood floors can wear down over time, requiring replacement. This can be a significant undertaking, often best left to the expertise of a professional. The segment emphasizes the importance of choosing the right hardwood floor color.

I’m Leslie. 00:03:45 TOM: Hi, Leslie. I’m Tom. 00:03:48 LESLIE: I’m calling about the house. 00:03:50 TOM: Okay, what’s the problem? 00:03:52 LESLIE: Well, I’ve been having some problems with the plumbing. 00:03:55 TOM: Okay, I understand. Can you tell me a little more about it? 00:04:00 LESLIE: Sure.

00:03:21 CALLER: I’m using a standard washer. So, you’re using a standard washer, and it’s leaking. 00:03:21 CALLER: Yeah.

A caller is concerned about a DIY plumbing project. They are trying to install a new water heater, and the plumber mentioned that the DIY approach might not be ideal. The caller is worried about potential problems if the installation fails while they are not home. **Detailed Text:**

The caller’s apprehension stems from a DIY plumbing project they are undertaking.

00:06:52 LESLIE: Absolutely. We can definitely help you with that. What kind of paint are you thinking of using?

00:06:00 LESLIE: So, the best thing to do is to paint it every year or so. 00:06:06 CALLER: Okay. So, every year, I’m going to have to repaint it.

Steve, welcome to the Money Pit. 01:06:48 STEVE: Thanks for having me. 01:06:50 LESLIE: So, Steve, you’re calling about a leaky faucet.

You know, the slates are going to be the most important part of the project. 00:08:10 TOM: So you want to make sure that you’re not damaging the slates. So you want to be careful with the chisel. And you want to be careful with the hammer. You know, you want to be careful with all of them. 00:09:00 TOM: So, you know, you’re going to have to be careful with the chisel, the hammer, and the chisel.

Leslie explains how a piping bag is used to apply mortar. A piping bag is a sturdy bag that can be filled with icing, frosting, or other materials. It has a tip at the end that allows for shaping or creating a tube-like shape. Tom explains how a piping bag is used for mortar. The piping bag has a large hole at the end, allowing for easy squeezing and pressing of mortar into the groove. **Detailed Text:**

Leslie’s explanation of the piping bag’s versatility is a perfect illustration of its potential in various applications.

00:11:14 LESLIE: We’re here to help you with everything from simple repairs to more complex renovations. We’re talking about everything from fixing leaky faucets to installing new windows. We’re talking about everything from painting your walls to building a deck. We’re talking about everything from landscaping to installing a new kitchen. 00.12:14 LESLIE: So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY beginner, we’ve got something for you.

00:11:30 LESLIE: Well, I’m not sure about that. I think it’s a good idea to remove the siding. 00:11:35 TOM: Why? 00:11:35 LESLIE: Well, it’s a good idea to remove the siding because it’s a good way to clean the cedar shakes.

12 LESLIE: So, I think that’s a really good way to get a sense of what it’s going to look like on a big wall. 00:14:22 LESLIE: I’m not sure if you’ve ever done this, but you can actually get a sample of paint chips in a little booklet. It’s like a little booklet that has a bunch of different colors in it. You can take that booklet and you can actually use it to paint a small section of your wall. You can even use it to paint a whole wall if you want to.

00:16:00 TOM: So, it’s like, it’s a bit of a mystery. It’s like a secret society. 00:16:10 LESLIE: It’s a bit of a game. 00:16:15 TOM:

Think about the existing furniture. Think about the color of the walls. All of these things can be used to create a cohesive and harmonious look.

This is a really powerful tool. 00:17:01 TOM: The color matching technology is based on artificial intelligence. It uses a photo of the color you want to match. The AI analyzes the image and then matches it to the closest color available in the home center’s inventory.

00:18:45 CALLER: I’m thinking about using a heat pump. I’m not sure if it’s the right choice for me. I’m not sure if it’s the right choice for my house. I’m not sure if it’s the right choice for my budget. I’m not sure if it’s the right choice for my lifestyle. I’m just trying to figure out if it’s the right choice for me. 00:20:00 CALLER: I’ve got a lot of questions. I’m just trying to get some advice. I’m not sure if I’m doing this right.

A caller discusses their home’s construction and improvements. They mention that the house was built in 1944 and they bought it in 1998. They also mention that they have insulated the house and replaced the windows. The caller expresses that the house is better than it was but not perfect. Tom, a home energy expert, responds by suggesting that the caller should measure the insulation thickness.

00:20:48 CALLER: Okay. I’m going to try that. 00:20:58 TOM: You can also find it on their website. 00:21:08 CALLER: Okay.

00:22:00 TOM: Now, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can refinish the floor. Refinishing involves sanding down the existing finish to a bare surface and then applying a new finish. This process can be done by yourself or by a professional.

00:23:10 TOM: So, you’re going to need to do some testing. You’re going to need to test the color, you’re going to need to test the finish, and you’re going to need to test the stain. You’re going to need to test the whole process. 00:23:40 TOM: And, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a floor that’s too dark, too light, or even uneven.

00:24:00 LESLIE: Well, Rebecca, you’re in luck! We have a few different options for you. We can do a faux finish, which is a great way to achieve that drywall look without actually removing the old paneling. We can also use a technique called “drywall texture” which is a bit more involved but can give you a very realistic look. 00:24:30 LESLIE: So, let’s talk about faux finish.

The caller asks about the preparation process for painting a surface. They inquire about the need for a primer and sanding. Leslie, the expert, confirms the need for both, emphasizing the importance of a clean surface and proper preparation.

00:25:48 CALLER: We can also use a special type of drywall called “greenboard” which is a moisture-resistant drywall. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s a good option if you’re in a humid environment or if you’re concerned about moisture damage. 00:26:10 CALLER: If you’re looking for a more durable and fire-resistant option, you can use fire-rated drywall.

This helps to distribute the weight evenly and prevent sagging. 00:27:06 TOM: And for the best sleep experience, you should always use a mattress protector. This will help to prevent stains, spills, and dust mites from reaching your mattress. 00:27:30 LESLIE: A mattress protector is a thin layer of fabric that goes on top of your mattress. It’s usually made of cotton or polyester.

00:26:39 CALLER: It’s a very strange, indescribable odor. It’s like… It’s almost like rotten eggs, but it’s not quite rotten eggs. It’s a bit like a chemical smell, maybe a sulfurous smell. 00.26:49 TOM: Have you experienced any other symptoms?

A caller asks if a problem they are experiencing in their new home is a common occurrence. The caller is concerned about a problem they are experiencing in their new home. Tom, the person they are speaking to, explains that the issue could be a result of pre-existing conditions in the home. **Detailed Text:**

The caller’s concern about a problem in their new home is a common experience for many homeowners.

* Ronnie, a homeowner, is overwhelmed by the amount of work needed on his 110-year-old house. * He wants to start with the roof, but his wife disagrees. * Tom, a home improvement expert, advises Ronnie to prioritize water damage prevention. * Tom emphasizes that the roof is crucial for protecting the house from water intrusion.

00:33:05 LESLIE: So, you know, it’s about finding that balance. It’s about being intentional about your choices. It’s about being mindful of the process. It’s about being patient. It’s about being flexible. It’s about being open to change. It’s about being present.