SHOW NOTES: Hello and welcome back to the Money Pit Home Improvement Show! I'm Leslie Segrete, joined by my amazing partner-in-crime, Jim Kenzie. We've got a fantastic hour packed with valuable insights and solutions for your home improvement woes, from floorboards to shingles, inside and out. It's been quite the summer here at the Segrete household, with unexpected repairs, so we know exactly what it’s like to navigate your own "money pit" moments. Here's a recap of the main themes and calls for this hour: - Optimizing Outdoor Living & Landscaping: We delve into smart maintenance tips for your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water and keep your lawn healthy. We also introduce the innovative Ladera stackable stone system for easy outdoor upgrades like fire pits and garden beds, eliminating the need for traditional stonework. - Navigating Home Renovation Costs: We discuss how recent tariffs on lumber, appliances, and fixtures are impacting renovation budgets, sharing crucial tips for smart homeowners to protect their bottom line. - Boosting Home Value & ROI: We reveal the top home improvement projects that offer the best return on investment, helping you prioritize where to spend your renovation dollars.   Q & A: - Dave from Maryland discovered his new roof was installed directly over significantly rotted roof rafters, causing the section to sag and leak. We advise him to pay only a partial amount of the bill, formally disputing the quality of the incomplete work in writing. - Courtney in Texas is struggling with a persistent cigarette odor in her home despite extensive renovations. When carpet was replaced, the plywood subfloor should have been sealed with a primer/sealer, and we suggest upgrading her HVAC system to effectively scrub residual odors from the air. - Frankie called about her old, gray kitchen countertop that she wants to replace or paint. We recommend DIY countertop finishing kits from Daich Coatings for a durable and attractive restoration. - Rick from Illinois is seeking a reputable company to install solar panels on his large lot. We caution him to conduct thorough research on all available government incentives and to carefully vet any solar companies to avoid rushing into a significant long-term investment. - Tony emailed about an elaborate method he devised using a shop vac to remove calcium deposits from his water heater's bottom element. His method was unnecessary and could be risky. The water heater's internal drain valve is designed for this task, requiring only a garden hose to flush out the deposits.   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