Texas Home Improvement Podcast

Jim breaks down his favorite calls from the shows this week. He answers questions about: * Installing a battery backup * Bugs and weep holes * Old gunite pool - refinish or remove * Hot air coming out with new AC system * Shutting off water when leaving for vacation * Stain or paint for old cedar fence * Rusted joist hangers on outdoor deck * DIY window and door replacement

Jim highlights his favorite calls from all the shows this week. He takes on questions about: * Paying for foundation repair upfront * A fix for a sunken sidewalk * Foundation repair on attached patio * Controlling an invasive plant with a barrier vs. chemicals * Repairing or replacing cracked tiles * HVAC filter options * Washing machine plumbing line break * Switching to a tankless water heater * Rubber stored in garage turning brittle

Jim breaks down some of his favorite calls and emails from the shows this week. He tackles questions about: * Sediment from the hot water faucet * replacing a single window glass pack * setting outdoor tile to concrete * insulation for a metal barn living space * Electrical water heater tripping the breaker * Window repair vs. replacement * Converting a deck to a screened-in room * Best hail proof shingles for Texas

Jim tackles a wide range of topics from the shows this week. * wall insulation options * tunneling to re-pipe house or raise it * mold smell around bathtub * switching to pex piping * rising costs of AC units & what brands Jim prefers * building a "Florida Room" * replacing deck boards * remodeling for aging in place * and more

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.

All the best calls and an interview from the shows this week. Jim sits down with pest control expert Mike Smith to discuss DIY options for dealing with rodents, termites, mosquitos and any other pests here in Texas. Jim also answers questions about 2nd story flooring options, costs for a custom build, getting hot water faster and a tricky outdoor faucet.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about HVAC servicing, attic decking and radiant barrier, whole home surge protectors, HVAC UV lights, wall foam insulation, AC soft start kits, window tints, water heater repair and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about turning off water in an unoccupied house, mildew smell in closet, dead electrical outlets, replacing wood siding, irrigating the foundation of pier & beam house, removing tub stains, Ready Seal, selecting a custom builder and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about wood expansion joint replacement, wood stain and seal, wall foam insulation, updating an old bathtub, leaky AC system solutions, when to replace a water heater, adding a hot tub and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on questions about finding a structural engineer, electrical plugs, ceiling light box repair, laminate cabinets, bidet installation, smoke alarm replacement, options for flood prevention and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about rusty post-tension cables, upstairs flooring options, injectable wall foam, garage door insulation, getting hot water faster, propane tank leak detection, hose bib replacement and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about water system testing, attic insulation, outdoor drainage, plumbing repair, damp carpet solutions, sinking porch, ceiling cracks, gutters and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about using flowable fill under slab, preventing insects inside, roof shingle treatments, current building costs, selecting treated lumber, roof replacement, shaking water heater, waterproofing your home, strange AC noises and more.

Super Podcast September 24, 2025 by Texas Home Improvement

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on questions about mildew in the bathroom, the process of house raising, light-socket ceiling fans, countertop stains, whole house water treatment, water accumulation in vents, manufactured wood flooring fix, adding attic venting, whistling toilets and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about insulating floors, lake dock to deck conversion, a leaning chimney, whistling toilet, getting air through faucets, driveway stains, refilling expansion joints, Roofmax, finding contractors and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about repainting a porch, coating a log cabin, repairing cracks in stucco, painted insulation, drone use by insurance companies, shower enclosure options, leveling a pier & beam house, German Schmeer and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about best radiant barrier options, replacement windows, rotting fence posts, holes around slab after foundation repair, black around AC vents, seal or paint for an outdoor deck, watering your foundation, replacement parts for AC and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim tackles questions about colored caulk, new AC systems, doorbell upgrades, water getting into exterior walls, appliances for kitchen upgrade, cleaning an outdoor shed, patio tile coatings, driveway expansion, whole-home dehumidifier and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about paying contractors, re-piping, when to change AC filters, exterior door gaskets, driveway expansion joints, AC drain line clean out, rusty faucets, warped fence posts and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about dripping AC vents, brick repair, attic door installation, moisture on floors, sunken rooms, siding replacement options, efflorescence and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim takes on questions about Rhino Shield, repairing cracked stucco, waterproofing walls below grade, generator maintenance, shifting lake ramp, whole-house surge protectors, fighting home warranty companies and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about painting siding, outdoor kitchens, weep holes and bugs, controlling humidity, dryer vent repair, selecting a new HVAC system, AC system freezing up and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about attic conversions, whole-house surge protectors, attic ventilation, solving roof mold, double-pane window repair, clearing clogged AC line, attic ladder replacement, storm door repair and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about whole-house water shutoff, adding insulation, outdoor drainage issues, home generators, driveway replacement, media filters, leak detection and more.

All the best calls from this week's shows. Jim answers questions about bathroom mildew, ceiling fans that plug into light sockets, venting on an old house, dripping AC vent, treating for roaches, wood flooring repair, leveling backyard shed, testing for structural integrity and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about a loud toilet, roofing shingles, foundation watering, cleaning exterior brick, a sinking patio, surge protectors, cooling the back patio, buckling floors and more.

All the best calls from this week's shows. Jim answers questions about replacement windows, a leaky commode, and lots of AC questions including replacement unit pricing, adjusting dampers, adding a warranty, hard start vs. soft start kits and more.

All the best calls from the show this week. Johann and Adam answer questions about venting for older homes, leveling a sunken bathroom floor, choosing an under-sink water filtration system, doing pipe upgrades in conjunction with foundation repair, contractor work timelines, dealing with areas where water runoff accumulates and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about french drain replacement, balancing your AC, a whole-house water shutoff valve, log cabin coatings, AC filters, removing shrubs, replacement windows and more.

All the best calls from the shows this week. Jim answers questions about adding insulation, AC replacement, adding a water descaler system, sinking pergola, treating old wood porch, propane vs. electric for a new build, driveway materials and more.