Texas Home Improvement Podcast

Jim breaks down his favorite calls and emails from the shows this week. * Insulation options. Does wall foam insulation interfere with weep holes? * Jim gives his recommendations for taking on bathroom remodeling. * Noisy mini-split AC system. * Maintaining mastic on a swimming pool deck. * In depth talk on foundation repair methods depending on areas of the country or soils. * Selecting a roofing company and changes in roofing insurance coverage. * Adding window solar screens vs. window replacement.

On the podcast this week Jim highlights some of his favorite calls from the radio show and expands on the topics. * Approach to upgrading insulation on a 100 year old house, and when to be concerned about asbestos. * Dealing with an AC company regarding repairs done under warranty or service agreements. * When upgrading your AC system makes financial sense. Will your monthly savings justify the high cost of a new system? * Repairing cracks on foundation corners * Solving moisture issues leading to a rotting subfloor * Hiring contractors with expertise...you are paying for experience

Jim answers listener questions today about: * painting stucco * squeaky toilets and faucets * replacing a patio's glass ceiling * refinishing an outdoor pergola * finding a home inspector and how to approach the inspection report

Jim highlights his favorite calls and emails from the show. He answers questions about: * Concrete driveway overlays * Oil vs. Water based stain for cabinets * Roof ventilation replacement * How to stabilize your foundation * Loud outdoor HVAC units * Adding HVAC returns * Heat with ductless systems * Adding attic insulation * Cracks in new driveway * Best doors for noise reduction

All the best calls this week as Jim answers questions about generators, bladder tank line issues, AC companies upselling practices, leveling older houses, ice dams causing leaks, building a garage, tankless water heater repair, cracks in concrete steps and more.

Jim dives deep into home generator options. Price, convenience and how long the power lasts all come into consideration when making your decision. He takes an up-close look at a company that is advertising a lot recently in Texas - Base Power. How do they differ from standard generator systems? Jim also weighs in about businesses who aren't paying taxes or following regulations. We as home owners and tax payers can end up picking up the slack for those not following the rules. Jim reminds us to know who we are doing business with!

On this week's podcast Jim features some of his favorite calls and emails. Listen in as Jim answers questions about: * AC filters -- flat vs. pleated vs. media * Carolyn's space heater is tripping the breaker. Is it a problem with the heater or electrical system? * Randy wants to know how a tankless water heater stacks up against the traditional tank style. * Jim gives a full breakdown of all his recommendations for a new build - plumbing, foundation, insulation, AC, roofing and more. * Jim talks about DIY foundation adjustments for a block & base house * When is it time to replace old cast iron pipes

Jim is highlighting a variety of great calls this week! * Bill asks about when your AC system could benefit from a soft-start kit. What about if you have a generator? * Chris has questions about his geothermal system. Jim thinks they are excellent but explains why you really don't see them much. * Hank has a bowing floor. Jim has some ideas. * Jim makes his recommendations for when you are building a barndominium. * Lonny shares ideas for building porch steps. * Joe calls to discuss how to tackle a plumbing leak. * And Jim cautions homeowners who are looking for the best deal over getting the job done right!

Jim rolls out great calls from the shows this week. Topics he dives into include: Options for cooling your attic -- and if you really need to. Finding the source of a musty smell Guidelines for building new structures Tile roof lifespans Contractors who over-sell unnecessary repairs or replacements -- do your research! Making the switch to a tankless water heater Different types of house foundations in Texas and the costs when leveling them

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim dives into a variety of topics giving his expert opinion: When is a soft start system helpful with your AC system? What about if you have a generator? Jim breaks down geothermal system's maintenance and repair. He talks about their pros and cons and the future of AC systems. Jim comments on what is effecting the cost increases for home improvement and elsewhere. Jim talks about trade schools being a great alternative to college. Lonny and Jim discuss the options for raising the height of outdoor steps. Joe calls about plumbing slab leak detection and repair.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on topics in regards to the cold weather and a bit more... Keri's converted barn is taking on moisture and rotting some of the wood. Robert has sweating ducts. David asks about protecting pipes from freezing. Benjamin needs a water heater upgrade. Jeff discovered termite damage when remodeling. Mike is adding railing to his deck. Steve has cold floors in the winter. Jan's driveway is cracking. And what about finding a trustworthy contractor - Jim has some tips.

This week Jim takes a deep dive into several issues that came up on the show. Carol asks him to compare radiant barrier to foam insulation. Steve is relocating a building and he and Jim discuss the procedure, the pricing and how to put it all back together after the big move. Jim addresses a listener complaint about contractors with minimum charges. Jay wants to know how to address water getting into a sunken living room. Foster asks for options on how to cool his garage.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim talks all about... - repairing spalling damage on concrete columns - maintaining siding - adding whole-house scent through HVAC system - when to repair vs replace your HVAC system - plumbing estimates - when are repairs urgent - troubleshooting garage doors - flooring for the second story - is it necessary to pull permits - driveway cracks and voids and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on questions about flooring replacement methods, impact of attic temperatures, foundation repair contractors, battling efflorescence, cracks in a fiberglass shower, shopping for contractors, HVAC company upsells and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about the variance in foundation repair estimates, soffit repair, mud in plumbing lines, flooring options for pier and beam house, duct restoration vs replacement, whistling toilet, tile vs laminate for 2nd floor, factors that determine cost per square foot on new build house, and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about protecting outdoor faucets from the freeze, vented vs non-vented gas fire logs, tankless water heater lines freezing, adding a whole-house generator, underground watering systems in winter, determining the age of a house, when to switch over to strip heat and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about duct cleaning, replacing an old water heater, moisture under vinyl flooring, painting kitchen cabinets, maintenance for a 20+ year old house, extending asphalt roof life, changing out an old electrical box, tub refinishing and more

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions decorative timber log installation, dirty AC intake, ceiling beam repair, prepping your chimney for winter, a sweating door, adding attic insulation, aerobic septic systems, geothermal unit maintenance, getting heat from a gas log fireplace, stucco options, radiant barrier and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on questions about rubberized flat roofs, relocating a building, roof conversion, foundation repair pricing and warranties, chimney inspection and repair, foundation problems causing plumbing issues, checking for voids under concrete, sidewalk replacement vs. foam injection repair and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about repairing concrete columns, the drawbacks of spray foam insulation, a leaning fence fix, plumbing repair urgency, HVAC duct replacement, rotting subfloors, priming for acrylic paint and more.