SHOW NOTES:

It is full-on spooky season here at The Money Pit, and we are relishing fall! But while this is the perfect season for cozy projects, it’s also prime time for scammers looking to cash in on unsuspecting homeowners. Today, we’re walking you through some great home improvement projects, plus the red flags to protect yourself and your wallet.

- Mold and Mildew: We’re examining the difference between mold and mildew and offer advice on how to spot it, when to clean it yourself, and when it’s critical to call in a professional.

- Wildlife Pests: Protect your perfect fall porch display from critters who view your pumpkins and decor as a seasonal feast. We share clever tricks to keep animals away.

- Contractor Scams: We’re warning homeowners about the top scams making the rounds this fall, a busy season for cons that include fake chimney sweeps, shady furnace checkups, and unsolicited offers for gutter cleaning.

Q & A:

- Rochelle called to ask if she received a fair price for a contractor to remove and replace a section of gutter and repair her fascia board. We advised her that the quote doesn't sound terrible, but she should obtain a second bid to compare the project’s true cost.

- Andrew is planning to build a floating deck for an inflatable hot tub and inquired about using Trex decking and ensuring sufficient structural support. We confirmed that Trex is a great, durable decking surface for use around a hot tub, but stressed he must beef up the structure to handle the weight.

- Gail reached out from Georgia concerning her persistent problem with mud daubers building nests on the side of her house. We suggested she try strong-smelling natural deterrents or use effective wasp traps.

- Will wanted to know the best way to add insulation beneath his attic floor without having to pull up the existing plywood. We provided a simpler solution: he can lay unfaced batts of insulation directly on top of the existing insulation in the attic floor.

- Stan needs a fix for his wood garage door that won't seal at the bottom. The solution is to cut the bottom to match the angle of the floor precisely, which then allows for the installation of a new, even seal.

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.

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