"The Money Pit," hosted by Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete, is a syndicated call-in radio program that airs every day in almost every North American market on 195 stations as well as on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio and the Discovery Radio Network. Home improvement is the nation's fastest-growing industry, and Tom and Leslie are at the cutting edge of reaching home owners who need real information on how to get things done. Their straightforward and friendly style gives clear advice on home renovations and building, and now their first comprehensive book will become the instant standard for home owners everywhere. This reference guide contains sections filled with sidebars and illustrations about every aspect of your home: flooring, painting, decorating, heat and air systems, kitchen renovation, bathrooms, media rooms, garages, basements, patios, gutters, and much, much more. The authors recommend that every home improvement project start with the homeowners getting real about three key things: what outcome they really want; what their abilities are to contribute to the project; and what their budget really is. Each chapter also helps readers assess which projects are worth the effort. The multiple appendices include a guide to what may need replacing depending on the age of your home; best return on investment for home projects; and the life expectancy of home components.