Take a Virtual Tour to Find Wasted Energy | Dangerous Furniture Puts Kids at Risk | Setting a Household Repair Budget | Ep #2279

SHOW NOTES:

• Energy Savings: This virtual tool can identify wasted energy in your home and provide info on ways to save.
• Child Safety: Unstable furniture injures or kills thousands of kids each year. This law is aimed at protecting children’s lives.
• Household Budget: How much do you need for annual home repairs and maintenance? Get tips on planning a home improvement budget.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

• Grout: Is it a good idea to use white grout? Christine was told it’s not, but it depends on the type of grout and how grout is sealed and maintained.
• Electrical Fuses: Strings of Christmas lights blew the fuses in Dan’s historic house. LED lights would be brighter and more cost-effective, plus allow him to hang multiple strands.
• Kitchen Remodel: Dot checks in with us to give an update on how well her kitchen remodeling project turned out.
• Asbestos Tiles: Are asbestos tile floors a health hazard? We assure Justin that it’s fine to leave the intact tiles alone, level needed areas with a self-leveling compound, and install new vinyl or laminate flooring over them.
• Porch Renovation: Marla wants to screen in the porch of her old house. But working around the 22 supporting columns makes it a huge project that will modify the architectural style.
• Prefabricated Construction: John wants to know if prefabricated construction is the best option for building a guest house. We agree it offers lots of advantages, including faster turnaround and better quality control.
• Gutter Guards: What are the best kind of gutter guards for keeping out leaves? We suggest that Risa look into gutter guards with a thin mesh and do her research on contractors.
• HVAC Condensation: Is that ceiling stain coming from a leaky roof or an air-conditioning unit in the attic? It’s probably HVAC condensation during the humid months, so Mike just needs to prime and repaint the stain to see if it returns.
• Staining a Deck: Jeanie is trying to find a deck stain that doesn’t need to be redone every year. We recommend using a solid color, solvent-based stain that will last longer.

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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