Get tips on fixing your whistling pipes. Find out why your pipes might be making so much noise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How-to tips on living privacy screens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bothered by a mark in your ceiling left by a leak that has been repaired? Find out some tips on how to cover stain in popcorn ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How-to tips on groundcovers for your lawn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips to clean a patio of moss, mildews, mold and algae in a way that will not harm landscaping or pets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How-to tips on repairing rotten wood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tips on how to get rid of pet odors in your carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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