In Hour 1, learn which remodeling projects get the most bang for your buck, what could be causing a nail polish remover odor in a home, how to clean red cedar siding and more.
In years past, kitchen remodels have been at the top of the list of projects that will get the most back when you sell your home. However, Zonda’s 35th annual Cost vs. Value report shows that exterior replacement projects are now getting the highest return on investment.
The number one project on the list is garage door replacement. We think this is because front-facing garages are becoming more popular.
In the past, many homes were built with the garage tucked away on the side of the house. But now with building lots getting smaller and yards shrinking, there’s no room for the driveway to extend to make a turn into the garage. So now, homeowners want to make sure their garage door is attractive from the street view.
Number two on the list is manufactured stone veneer, which is stone made from cement. Stone veneer used to be tedious to install because it was sold in individual components. But now, you can purchase it in sections, so it’s easier (and faster) than ever to add some stone accent to your home’s exterior.
Number three on the list is a midrange kitchen remodel — a modest kitchen face-lift that offers a relatively high return when done prior to the sale of a house. You’d be surprised how far $1,000 or $2,000 can go in giving a kitchen a facelift. We did an entire kitchen makeover for under $1,000 on this Today’s Homeowner TV episode.
If you have a funky smell in your home, have an HVAC tech check your unit’s refrigerant levels. (valentynsemenov)
The scent of nail polish remover in her condo is giving Annie in Florida a headache.
She says, “The smell started a few days ago and it comes and goes. It seems to be concentrated in my condo, not out in the hallway or from my neighbors.”
The nail polish remover smell could be coming from your air conditioner.
Nail polish remover contains acetone, which has a similar smell to air conditioner refrigerant. So if your home smells like a nail salon, it could mean there’s a leak in your system.
Corroded parts or loose fittings in the unit could be causing a small leak. This will create that smell whether the unit is on or not, and it also explains why the smell is only concentrated in her condo and not the entire building.
Call an HVAC technician to come and inspect your system for leaks. And in the meantime, open a window to get some fresh air into your condo.
Safely Cleaning Wood Siding
If you don’t use the right cleaning method you can easily damage wood siding. (bruceman, Getty Images)
Juliet in Salem, Ore., has a ranch-style home that’s covered in red-cedar bevel siding.
She wants to know: “What can I use to clean the siding without buying or renting a power washer? I’ve heard that power washers can damage wood siding.”
Juliet is right. If the pressure is set to high, a power washer can damage red cedar beveled siding. Use the lowest possible setting to clean the siding.
If you want to err on the side of caution, use a brush and a cleaner instead. There are plenty of brushes available with long handles, so you can work fast and not worry about the danger that comes with a power washer.
For the cleaner, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory recommends cleaning cedar with a solution no stronger than three parts warm water mixed with one part bleach, with a small amount of powdereddetergent. Don’t use a detergent that contains ammonia because it will react with bleach to form toxic fumes.
If you need something stronger, you can substitute the detergent with some trisodium phosphate.
Scrub the solution onto the siding and then rinse it off with a garden hose. When rinsing, never shoot the water up, because it will get under the siding and cause water damage.
In Hour 2, hear our special technique to degrease kitchen cabinets, our thoughts on mixing and matching insulation, and more.
Cleaning Solution for Refinishing Cabinets
Degreasing kitchen cabinets is the key to a successful refinish. (Akintevs, Getty Images)
A hotline caller asks: “What kind of solution do you use to clean your cabinets so that you can refinish them?”
Before you do any type of painting or refinishing, you need to degrease them. No matter how clean you keep your kitchen, grease gets everywhere, especially around the range top area.
Here’s our degreasing cleaning solution:
Dampen a scouring sponge in a citrus-based degreasing solution. You can use a commercial degreaser like Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, or make a solution of your own. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to a spray bottle, follow it with a drop or two of liquid soap and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Fill the container to the bottom of the neck with warm water, shake it and you’re ready to go.
Heat the damp sponge in your microwave for 30 to 40 seconds and spray your cabinets with the solution.
Use dishwashing gloves to remove the sponge and scrub the cabinets, then attend to any remaining residue with paper towels.
No matter what type of insulation you pick, the more you have, the better. (Branislav, Getty Images Signature/Macknm Mnpohb, thamerpic, Getty Images)
Kevin in Maine heard us mention the importance of insulating the attic floor, so he peeked into his attic and discovered there is only about eight inches of fiberglass insulation between the ceiling joists.
He wants to add at least another eight inches of insulation, but he wants to know: “Must I stay with fiberglass batts or can I use mineral wool or blown-in cellulose?”
Adding more insulation is some of the best money you can spend on your home in terms of the return on that home improvement dollar.
Yes, you can mix and match. I would recommend using mineral wool insulation. It’s very easy to install, mold and mildew resistant and great for soundproofing qualities as well.
You can put batts on top of your existing insulation and go perpendicular to your ceiling joists.
When putting in any insulation, don’t stuff it too tight over the soffit vents because you’ll block the flow of air.
The only time I don’t recommend adding a new type of insulation over another is if you’re going to compress any of the existing insulation. When insulation is blown in, you want it to be as fluffy as can be and remain that way. But if it’s down to where you’re seeing your ceiling joints, you can add the mineral wool perpendicular.
Cut it into place and do a little at a time or the whole attic in one go. I guarantee you, as soon as you put that insulation in there, you’ll start saving money 365 days a year.
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Simple Solutions
To keep combination wrenches easily accessible and quick to find, clip several together with a large carabiner. (syolacan, Getty Images Signature/RomeoLu, Getty Images)
Quick-Grab Wrench Holder — To keep combination wrenches easily accessible and quick to find, clip several together with a large carabiner clip. Then hang them from a pegboard or toss them into a toolbox.
In many cases, you can use a wrench without removing it from the carabiner clip.
This tip works with any tool with a hole in the handle, including adjustable wrenches.
Install screw hooks faster using a power drill. (studo58, Getty Images)
Easy-Drive Screw Hook Tip — Here’s a quick, easy way to drive in screw hooks:
First, drill a pilot hole and then twist in the screw hook by hand with just a few turns.
Then, chuck a screw eye into your drill, slip the eye over the hook and slowly squeeze the trigger.
As the screw eye spins, it’ll drive in the screw hook.
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Further Reading
Radio Show & Podcast: Send us your question!
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In this episode, we’re bringing a vintage 80s brick home into this decade with an exterior refresh.
Homeowner Kim Hetzman and her three children live in this home that her children have deemed ‘the hot dog stand.’ (The nickname comes from the awnings that resemble a hot dog kiosk.) Needless to say, Kim is ready for a change and we’re more than happy to help!
To make Kim’s home stand out and boost its curb appeal, we limewashed the exterior bricks.
Limewash is a mix of lime, minerals and water that applies directly to brick and actually soaks into the brick instead of sitting on top of it. It’s easy to apply and creates a beautiful rustic look on any brick surface.
The brick needs to be wet before applying the limewash. We used a sprayer to apply the limewash to speed up the process a little bit, but this can also be done with a masonry brush.
After letting it dry for about 15 minutes then you can go back and remove some of the limewash with water in selected spots.
A clear sealer protects the shutters from water damage and maintains the wood’s natural color. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Building New Shutters
Kim and Chelsea build new cedar shutters for Kim’s home. They look timeless and add some vintage charm.
Chelsea creates a jig using a few stop blocks to slide the shutter components in place and so she won’t have to measure every piece. The shutters are built upside down; this way, no nail holes are noticeable!
We build the shutters from three 1-by-6 cedar boards across and, using the same width, one 1-by-4 at the top and bottom. The diagonal accent piece is also 1-by-4.
When assembling the shutters, place the smooth side of the cedar down so it faces out once completed. Once all the boards are in place, Chelsea attaches the screws in from behind — this way, no nail heads will show on the outside of the shutter.
Note: Be sure the screws aren’t too long because the tip can come out of the front side of the shutter and ruin the project!
These small azaleas won’t grow as large as the ones originally in the yard. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
New Landscaping from Blair’s Nursery
To finish off Kim’s curb appeal update, we had help from our friends at Blair’s Nursery, a nursery located right here in Mobile, Alabama.
Owner, Blair Kovar, helps us create a beautiful landscape plan for Kim’s home that is low maintenance and accents the home.
Kim’s landscaping includes a variety of plants and flowers that you can check out at blairsnurseryandgifts.com.
When we first arrived at Kim Hetzman’s home, or ‘hot dog stand’ as her three kids called it, it was a home in great shape for a 30-year-old home but didn’t fit her personality.
It was dated and dull but just needed some love added to it. Now the house is lighter, brighter and full of character thanks to the limewash added to the bricks. The rustic cedar shutters add warmth to the house making it comfortable and cozy.
The new landscaping adds depth and color that enhances Kim’s curb appeal!
This week, we’re talking about chimneys and fireplaces with Mitchell Lovell, a second-generation certified chimney sweep with Coastal Chimney Sweeps.
In 2009, Mitchell started working at Coastal Chimney Sweeps, the company his father founded in 1979. Like his father, Thomas, he is dedicated to doing the best work to keep customers safe.
A special vacuum is used to clean soot from a fireplace and chimney. (Henfaes, Getty Images)
Cleaning and Inspection
What all’s involved in cleaning a chimney?
Mitchell: First, we move all the furniture out of the way and lay down a drop cloth around the chimney.
Then clean the chimney with a specially made vacuum with a three-stage filter and HEPA filter. This contains the soot and keeps the inside air clean.
We can get anywhere from five to 10 gallons of soot out of some chimneys!
At Coastal Chimney Sweeps, we perform a certified inspection for every scheduled cleaning. If needed, we’ll do an inspection with a Chim-Scan Video. This is a camera inspection system that scans every joint and connection to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Flexible stainless steel chimney lining is easier to maneuver than masonry liner. (PaulMaguire, Getty Images)
Relining a Chimney
What’s involved in relining a chimney?
Mitchell: A chimney liner prevents the transfer of heat to combustible parts that surround a chimney. Over time, the liner deteriorates, and this increases your risk of a house fire.
Basically, there are two types of chimney lining: masonry and stainless steel.
For a masonry liner, we use a bladder (chimney balloon) to block the bottom of the chimney, then spray firebrick cement inside to line it. Once the cement is dry, we deflate the bladder.
With a stainless steel liner, we run a flex-pipe metal liner through the chimney and connect it to block-off plates on the bottom and the top.
Stainless steel liners work well in older houses with multiple chimneys or chimneys with a lot of offsets.
Always use dry wood in a fireplace. (Angelafoto, Getty Images Signature)
Preventative Maintenance
What are some general rules for preventative maintenance?
Mitchell: Most importantly, have your chimney inspected once or twice a year if you use it frequently.
Next, make sure your wood is dry and don’t use pressure-treated wood. Burning green wood, or wood that has a lot of moisture, creates a lot of smoke. Not only will it ruin your indoor air quality, but it will also clog up your chimney faster.
Also, sparingly burn lighter knot wood, also known as fatwood. This type of firewood comes from the heartwood of pine trees and is saturated in sap, so it burns easily. However, it has a strong smell and will clog up your chimney with a creosote coating very quickly.
Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces. (DavidPrahl, Getty Images)
Gas Fireplaces
What about gas fireplaces?
Mitchell:Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces.
The embers and filter sand will burn up eventually and clog the gas lines and block the heat sensors.
If your gas fireplace isn’t lighting, the heat sensor is probably blocked.
Mitchell: Squirrels and birds will often build nests on top of a chimney if the screen is broken, which could then lead to a build-up of a lot of combustible material inside.
I’ve seen one chimney with eight feet of twigs built up inside it from squirrels.
Also, these nests can fall down on top of the damper and block the whole chimney.
Have your chimney inspected regularly to make sure nothing is hiding in it and the screen is still doing its job.
Don’t wait until a problem happens to have your chimney inspected. (Bill Oxford, Getty Images Signature)
Best Time for a Chimney Inspection
When’s the best time to have your chimney inspected?
Mitchell: Spring is the best time for a certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney.
Business at Coastal Chimney Sweeps usually picks up at the end of summer, and by November, we book appointments three to four weeks out. So, by the time you notice the problem, you’re waiting for almost another month.
Clogged dryer vents can not only start a fire, but they also keep your dryer from running efficiently. (JodiJacobson, Getty Images Signature)
Dryer Vent Cleaning
What about dryer vent cleaning?
Mitchell: If your clothes take longer than one cycle to dry, you need to clean your dryer vent most likely.
Some dryer vents run 20 or 30 feet underneath a home’s slab foundation, which makes it easier for the vents to clog with not only lint but also water.
Also, if you don’t clean your vent out for years, the lint can solidify and completely block the pipe.
We use air pressure and agitation tools along with a vacuum to clean the entire vent. Dryer vent cleaning cleans the line that travels through the walls and ceilings to the outside vent of your home.
Once cleaned, we will clean out the connection piece, re-attach your dryer and re-check the vent while your dryer is operating.
Cleaning out your dryer vent extends the life of your dryer, reduces operation costs and makes your home safer for your you and family.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
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In Hour 1, learn how to extend your washing machine’s lifespan, remove white stains from brick, drain standing water from your yard and more.
How to Make Your Washer Last Longer
Regular maintenance can keep your washer running longer.(stevepb/pixabay)
The average lifespan of a washing machine is only 10-15 years — about the same as a goldfish!
Here are some tips from Consumer Reports to make your washing machine last as long as possible:
Make sure it’s level and it stays level. Your washing machine’s drum can spin very fast, and all that vibration can wear out parts and loosen fasteners. Use a level and adjust the feet. Check it once a year to make sure it’s level. Vibration can knock it off level.
Don’t overdo the detergent. Too much detergent can make the washer work harder and sometimes trigger an extra rinse cycle, which extends the wash time, wastes energy, and ultimately reduces the washer’s lifespan.
Clean the dispenser drawer. Clean it on a regular basis. Detergent can build up in there and create extra suds, again making the washer work harder.
Inspect the water hoses. If you have rubber lines, replace them with braided stainless steel.
Removing White Stains From Brick
There are multiple ways to remove these stucco stains from this brick home. (Tim Patton)
Tim Patton’s 25-year-old home in Alabama has a brick facade with white stucco wraps around the front windows. Over the years the white from the stucco has gradually stained the red brick below & around the windows.
Power washing has not removed the white stain. He asks, “Can you recommend a product and method for removing the white stain from the brick?”
Bricks that are not sealed are very porous, so stains tend to stick on them forever.
First, try scrubbing the spots with TSP or CLR, Calcium, Lime Rust Remover. Be sure to test it in a small spot first.
If those don’t work, upgrade to a brick and stone cleaner like Rutland Brick & Stone Cleaner. Spray it on and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush.
Once you do remove the stains, seal the bricks and apply a couple of coats of paint to the stucco to lessen the likelihood of any further staining. This will keep the stucco cleaner and prevent it from depositing any residue.
Solution for Standing Water
Standing water can be a breeding ground for bugs. (MarieTDebs, Getty Images)
Jimmy Crocket built his house in Missouri three years ago, and beautifully landscaped his yard, However, he didn’t realize that when it rains, the water from his next-door neighbor’s yard drains into his, creating almost a pond around one of his planters.
He asks, “How do I drain standing water that drains into my yard from my neighbor’s yard?”
If you have a lot of surface water and water that piles up all at once, a lot of time French drains won’t take care of that sufficiently and you need some type of surface drain.
Install a trench drain system with some fiberglass basins. Direct them to the closest place gravity-wise that you can move the water. You can paint the basins to match your landscaping so they won’t be as noticeable.
I have a similar problem at my home, and I’m doing a combination of a French drain and trench drain to catch the surface water and also get down lower with the trench. I’ll dig it about 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep, fill it with gravel, and place a perforated pipe with a membrane around it (sock pipe) so it doesn’t fill up. And on top of that will be the trench drain.
That way, the water will drop into that pipe and move underground to another area.
Go to the tool rental center and get a Ditch Witch or a termite machine (miniature backhoe) to help you dig the trenches. Lay a piece of plastic down to place the dirt onto so clearing it off the grass is easier once you’re done.
As always, call 811 before you dig in your yard.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, hear tips for removing a tub from a bathroom, an easy fix for a desilvering mirror, and more.
Removing a Tub From a Bathroom
In most remodels, a tub can’t be removed in one piece. (Garrett Aitken, Getty Images Pro)
A caller is getting ready to remodel her bathroom, and taking the bathtub out is going to be a problem. She’s not sure if it’s a cast-iron or an enameled-steel tub. I was wondering if we needed to saw it in two or what we should do. Thanks
One way you can tell if a tub is iron or steel is to give it a good thump on the inside wall. If it sounds like a steel drum, then it’s steel. A cast iron will sound like a thud because it’s thick and hard.
For some of the thin metal tubs, you’re able to break out around the top flange and disconnect the drain and work that out of there. But in so many bathrooms, there’s not enough room to tilt them up without tearing out a wall.
It’s hard to get a tub in and it’s hard to get a tub out, so breaking it up will make removing it a lot easier.
You can use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade to cut the tub in half. Many times with cast iron tubs, it’s basically just putting on a face shield and long-sleeve shirt and going at it with a sledgehammer. Once it starts to break in the center, then you can more easily break it up into small pieces.
Before you take the sledgehammer to it, cover it with a quilted moving pad so shards don’t fly everywhere. First hit the middle on the outside then work your way up to the top then toward the inside. You’re creating a crack up and over down the middle, and you might be able to get it out in two big pieces.
Fix for a Desilvering Mirror
Rough edges around a mirror can be distracting. Hide them with some trim. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Karen Dewing in Florida has three wall-sized mirrors in her master bath that have lost some of the “mirroring” close to the edges.
She asks, “Is there any way to repair or cover these areas? The damaged spots are about 1-by-3 inches long, and I’d hate to have to replace such large mirrors just for some small areas around the outside.”
Desilvering is usually a result of moisture seeping in around the edges and causing the mirror reflection to flake off.
Use construction adhesive to attach prepainted trim boards around the mirrors to create a picture frame. This gives it a great look while also concealing the desilvering spots. Give a little more life out of those mirrors.
The silver backing doesn’t last forever. The older the mirror is the more likely it will happen. You’ll also get some spotting and
Although you’re reducing the mirror space, it’s still a better solution than removing the mirror and replacing it.
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Simple Solutions
Most modern cabinet doors have self-closing hinges, but over time, the small leaf spring inside the hinge can break, and then the door won’t stay closed. (Kurhan, Getty Images)
Quick Fix for a Broken Self-Closing Hinge — Most modern cabinet doors have self-closing hinges. But over time, the small leaf spring inside the hinge can break, and then the door won’t stay closed.
Here’s a quick fix:
Hold the door closed with an inexpensive roller catch.
Mount the roller mechanism inside the cabinet and attach the latch to the door.
Use to remove stubborn odors from couches and other upholstery. (itsarasak thithuekthak, Getty Images)
Baking Soda Couch Cleaner — Here’s how to remove stubborn odors from couches and other upholstery:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the fabric.
Wait 20-30 minutes
Vacuum using the upholstery brush.
The baking soda will absorb odors and even loosen up some surface stains.
With help from our friends at The Home Depot, we’ve compiled this list of timely chores to keep your house clean and comfortable.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast, and follow along below, to learn all about the top summer home maintenance projects!
Changing the air conditioner filter makes your AC work better to keep you cooler. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
1. Change AC & Heating System Filters
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s filters is important because a dirty filter will slow down and strain your system. It should take about two to three minutes to take out your old filter and put in a new one.
Also, once your filter is out, go ahead and vacuum the cavity in case of dust build-up.
Your AC drain line can get blocked with mold and mildew, causing its pan to overflow. Flush it with bleach twice during the summer, when it’s working at its hardest.
3. Check for Loose Railings or Damage on Wooden Decks
Changing weather can take a toll on your deck. Nails and screws can loosen during the temperature change and splinters can pop up once the heat rises.
Inspect and repair any damage to your deck so you can have some safe fun in the sun. Top it off with a coat of sealer to keep it protected all summer long.
Check for any loose parts or rot (if it’s wood). If you have cushions, be sure to wash them. In addition, if your cushions get wet from rain, be sure to hang them out to dry on a sunny day to avoid mold.
If you do this on a regular basis, it makes it a lot easier to keep everything clean.
Your fireplace will be ready for winter if you have it inspected this summer. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
7. Have Chimney Inspected & Cleaned
Now’s a great time to have a professional inspect your fireplace and chimney because you aren’t using them during the summer.
Plus, you’ll have more time for repairs if needed.
Scrape off peeling paint and put on a fresh coat for an exterior refresh. (mehampson, Getty Images)
8. Scrape Loose Paint from Siding & Trim
Boost your home’s curb appeal by freshening up siding. Scrape away any loose paint, sand if needed, then prime and paint on a fresh coat.
If it’s an older paint, be sure to test it for lead as a precaution.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of water, or 1-1/2 cups of vinegar to 1 gallon of water, and wipe windows down with newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Involve family members and tag-team to speed things up! Have one person clean the windows inside while another cleans the outside.
Finally, summer blooms are burgeoning! Now is the perfect time to pull any weeds from garden beds and prevent further weed growth by adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more summer home maintenance tips!
