With no attic space to work in, insulating a cathedral ceiling is difficult. Learn the best options for insulation and ventilation to save energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to the final episode of The Money Pit, where we celebrate more than 21 years of helping you turn your house into a home you love. In this bittersweet finale, Leslie Segrete and Jim Kenzie reflect on our many years of offering floorboards-to-shingles advice while honoring the legacy of our late friend and long-time co-host, Tom Kraeutler. Thank you for more than two decades of The Money Pit. And remember: you can do it yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone. - Preventive Maintenance: We emphasize that consistent home maintenance is the most vital habit for any homeowner, because small tasks like cleaning gutters or changing filters prevent the most expensive disasters. Remember, a home is a living thing that requires constant care and attention to truly reward its inhabitants. - Common Homeowner Mistakes: We do a review of the most common homeowner pitfalls we’ve seen on The Money Pit, such as the temptation to hire the cheapest contractor, which often leads to poor quality and higher costs in the long run. We also hear from listeners about water and moisture issues; make sure you address those, because they will never resolve themselves and only grow more destructive over time. - Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off: We detail home improvement investments that pay off every time, such as prioritizing energy efficiency through insulation and smart thermostats to increase comfort and reduce bills. Additionally, we recommend focusing on lighting upgrades and safety essentials like smoke alarms and secure railings to ensure a home is a place where families can thrive.   Q & A: - George in Arkansas dealt with a chilly bedroom despite a 72-degree thermostat setting. We advise him to add 15 to 20 inches of insulation in his attic and use the back of his hand to find and seal drafts around window jams and outlets. - Cliff in Nebraska wanted to know how to make new wood picture frames look like weathered barnwood. We suggest burning the wood with a propane torch and using a wire brush to remove the soft char, creating a "driftwoody" texture before staining. - Lori in New Jersey asked how to treat a garage floor coated in thick oil and grease. The answer is to pressure wash the floor with a TSP solution and then apply a durable, two-part epoxy floor finish. - Lisa in Texas inquired about the safety of older two-prong outlets in her 1960s home. We explain that while they can be safe with adapters, it is much better to hire an electrician to upgrade the wiring to a modern, grounded system.   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 cleaning windows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a green switch, which means your heat pump is wired into the power company grid, could be causing the erratically high temperatures in your home. Learn why this is a problem with the control circuit, not the thermostat, and why you should Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Learn how to clean burnt popcorn smell from your microwave. Find out how boiling a bowl of vinegar and water in your microwave can help get rid of the odor of burnt popcorn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to the final broadcast of The Money Pit, a very special episode marking the end of our incredible 21-year journey of helping you make your homes safer and more beautiful. While our live show is coming to a close, we are finishing strong with the essential advice you need to plan a successful year of home improvements ahead. - 2026 Project Planning: We outline a home project plan that prioritizes safety and efficiency first, followed by maintenance and finally beautification. - Timeless Design Upgrades: Leslie shares tips for choosing finishes that won't feel dated, such as using neutral paint colors and focusing on functional kitchen upgrades like deep drawers. The key is to design your home around your actual life rather than fleeting social media trends. - The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: We review the "backbone" of home care, emphasizing that cleaning gutters twice a year and servicing HVAC systems are critical to preventing major repairs. Adopting a "maintenance first, repairs second" philosophy is the best way to protect your investment over the long haul. Maintaining a home is like maintaining a ship; if you ignore the small leaks in the hull or skip the routine engine checks, you might find yourself sinking just when you're trying to enjoy the view from the deck.   Q & A: - Tom in Daytona Beach, Florida, asked for advice on replacing toilet shut-off valves. We recommend using a handheld pipe cutter for a clean, square cut and installing compression valves for a reliable, leak-free fit. - Robert in Tennessee sought security solutions after his workspace was broken into numerous times. We suggest installing motion-activated LED spotlights and considering high-tech monitored camera systems that allow guards to interact with intruders. - George in Connecticut inquired about the best way to keep concrete pavers from migrating. We advise using flexible border edging secured with stakes or ensuring the base material is prepped wider than the finished walkway to prevent edge collapse. - David in Texas wanted to restore the original "wet look" to his faded, stained concrete patio. We recommend applying a heavy-duty epoxy clear coat or exploring resurfacing kits that use real stone for a durable finish. 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

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Learn why you should choose quartz for a heat-resistant countertop. Find out why Silestone is a great kitchen counter choice because it resists scorching and knife marks can be sanded away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices