The Money Pit Top Products Podcast

Protect Your Home from Extreme Weather with Quality Metal Roofing

No matter what the weather, If your roof is ready for a re-do, quality metal roofing offers many benefits you won’t find in other materials. Renee Ramey, the Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance joins hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete to talk about the benefits of metal roofs, which offer unbeatable protection against severe weather, including hurricanes, tornados, and even hail!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transform Your Tap Water with the RO Pure Plus: Clean, Fresh Water in Every Sip

Upgrade your home's drinking water with the RO Pure Plus from Premier H2O, which offers a compact design, powerful filtration, and great-tasting water. Hosts Tom and Leslie discuss the new RO Pure Plus from Premier H2O by Watts Water Technologies. This compact, reverse osmosis (RO) system is designed to fit seamlessly into small under-counter spaces while delivering the high-quality water your family deserves. Money Pit Listeners can also score a 25% discount by going to https://www.premierh2o.com/moneypit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Expert Home Tips: Angie Hicks on Maintenance, Safety, and Hiring Right

In this insightful interview on The Money Pit Home Improvement Show, Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List (now ANGI), discusses the ongoing challenges homeowners face in finding trustworthy contractors, the shortage of skilled labor, and the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to home repairs and maintenance. Angie offers practical advice on budgeting for home upkeep, deciding between DIY and hiring a pro, and essential safety tips like knowing how to shut off the main water valve. This interview is a must-listen for homeowners looking to navigate the complexities of home improvement, as Angie provides valuable insights on avoiding costly mistakes and finding the right help when needed. Topics include:Finding Reliable Contractors• Angie explains the difficulty many homeowners face in finding qualified contractors due to the small business nature of most pros. They often lack large marketing budgets, making them hard to find.• ANGI helps homeowners by providing reviews and recommendations based on feedback from real customers who have used these services.Skilled Labor Shortage• The hosts and Angie discuss the increasing shortage of skilled tradespeople, which stems partly from a lack of vocational training in schools. Many young people are encouraged to pursue college rather than trades.• The unrealistic expectations created by home improvement TV shows and the lack of basic home maintenance knowledge in younger generations are also contributing factors.DIY vs. Hiring a Professional• Angie advises homeowners to consider whether they have the tools, talent, and time before tackling a DIY project. If any of these are lacking, it’s often better to hire a pro.Home Safety Essentials• Angie stresses the importance of knowing how to shut off the main water valve and having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. These small steps can prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters.Are Home Warranties Worth It?• Angie recommends homeowners carefully review the details of home warranties. While they can provide protection, it’s important to understand what’s covered and what’s not, as well as who will be performing the repairs.Tracking Key Home Components• Keeping an inventory of major home systems like the roof, furnace, and air conditioner helps homeowners plan for repairs or replacements. This avoids unexpected expenses and helps with budgeting.Budgeting for Home Maintenance:• Angie suggests homeowners set aside 1-2% of their home’s value annually for maintenance. She encourages new homeowners to inspect their homes critically, as they would when buying, to prioritize repairs and improvements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Build a Firepit in Five Minutes with Ladera Wall Blocks by Pavestone

Allison Hunt, Marketing Director for Pavestone, joins hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete to introduce the Ladera Wall Blocks, a versatile and easy-to-use product designed for DIY outdoor projects like fire pits, raised garden beds, seating walls, and even bars.Key Highlights:• Ease of Use: Ladera blocks are designed to replicate the look of dry stack stone, but with greater stability and faster installation using construction adhesive.• Quick Projects: Building a fire pit can be done in under five minutes, with no special cuts or tools required.• Structural Integrity: Blocks are stable and durable, but adhesive is recommended for added stability.• Customizable Appearance: With seven face fronts and false joints, the blocks offer a seamless, natural look without repetitive patterns.• Applications: From fire pits to bar structures and seating walls, Ladera blocks inspire creative, functional designs.Where to Buy: Visit Pavestone.com for purchasing locations and project inspiration. See also project building instructions for this fire pit.Allison emphasizes that these blocks make masonry projects accessible to everyone, turning complex builds into simple, enjoyable DIY tasks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arrow's New Multi-Tool Line Tackles DIY Projects with Ease

Arrow Fastener, the manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50®, has introduced a new family of multi-tools that can use several types of fasteners and solve many DIY challenges with just one tool. Bill Sokol, VP of Marketing for Arrow Fastener joins Money Pit hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete to describe the new line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices