#2551 – 5 Home Projects with the Best ROI | DIY Pavestone Fire Pit | 2026 Color Trends | Frozen Pipes

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome to another great show here on The Money Pit, where we’re always here to remind you that you can do it yourself, but you don't have to do it alone! If you’re a DIYer, join us for this week’s top home improvement tips, including:

- Home Improvement ROI: We unveil the top five home improvement projects that deliver the best return on your investment, perfect for boosting equity and impressing buyers. Learn why fall is a great time to start these projects due to cooler weather and more flexible contractor schedules.

- DIY Pavestone Fire Pit: Get a step-by-step guide to building a modern square fire pit using Ladera Wall Block from Pavestone. This DIY-friendly project requires no cutting or special caps, making it a perfect weekend upgrade to transform your outdoor space with a rock-solid, heat-safe feature.

- Color Trends for 2026: We explore the latest trends in color strategy for 2026, focusing on warm, earthy color palettes like terracotta, ochre, and olive, as well as soft textural neutrals and restorative darks.

- Preventing Frozen Pipes: As the fall chill arrives, we offer crucial advice on preventing frozen pipes by disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off exterior spigots, and insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas.

 

Q & A:

- Robert from Michigan wonders if an air heat pump would be a more efficient heating solution for his older house with electric baseboard heat. A mini-split system is very efficient, but it's best to set the thermostat and leave it, using baseboard heat only as a backup for extra chilly days.

- Mary from Delaware is replacing her 25-year-old shingles and asks about a replacement attic fan versus a ridge vent. We recommend a continuous ridge vent paired with soffit vents instead, since attic fans can pull air-conditioned air from the house into the attic and increase cooling costs.

- Thurman from Arkansas has a blank wall and wants to know what’s needed to install a new window. While it's a DIY-doable project for a smaller window, we suggest hiring a pro if he's not comfortable with disassembling and reassembling a load-bearing wall.

- Steve needs guidance on repairing crumbling grout on his front stoop. We advise chiseling out the old grout and vacuuming loose debris, then using a Type M mortar that’s recommended for its strength and applied with a piping bag.

 

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