Super Podcast January 7, 2026

·37 min·3 clips

Dwayne has four different opinions on his foundation problem and no one can agree on a solution.

The episode opens with Jim Dutton introducing the show sponsored by James Hardy Siding. The first caller, Dwayne from Fort Worth, describes foundation problems with cracking sheetrock on one part of his house. He has received four different opinions from two engineers and two foundation companies, with recommendations ranging from 10 to 15 piers to digging out under the foundation. Jim explains that foundation repair is not a regulated industry, and many estimators lack proper training. He discusses how soil moisture cycles cause settlement and stresses that elevation readings must be compared with cosmetic damage like door alignment or sheetrock cracks to determine necessary repairs. Jim recommends his son Johan, who has hands-on experience, to assess Dwayne's situation. Another caller, Tom from Rolette, praises Due West Services for previous foundation and plumbing work and asks for referrals for an electrician and soffit repair. Jim provides contact information for Rodney Reinhart and Shelton Construction. Jerry from Denison calls about black sludge appearing in two bathrooms, which Jim suspects may indicate a sewer line break or sag. He advises a static test and camera inspection. Michael asks about using LVP flooring over original hardwood, concerned about mold. Jim explains that LVP can seal in moisture and recommends checking crawl space moisture levels or using a vapor barrier. Another Jerry calls about installing tile on a second floor, and Jim advises against it due to subfloor thickness, suggesting laminate instead. Bob asks about deteriorating duct insulation, and Jim recommends replacing the entire ductwork. Michael reports a whistling toilet, which Jim attributes to a loose valve in the tank. The final caller, Doug, plans to build a home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and seeks advice on avoiding mold and managing costs. Jim details a three-layer waterproofing system for the basement and explains that price variations come from finish choices like countertops and flooring. He estimates current Texas building costs at about $275 per square foot for homes with fancy finishes.

As heard by us

Practical guidance on foundations, sewer lines, flooring choices, and Texas building costs.

Texas Home Improvement Super Podcast keeps the focus on home-repair choices that can turn costly when the diagnosis is unclear. Jim Dutton opens with Dwayne in Fort Worth, whose southeast-corner foundation issue has produced four different opinions from two engineers and two…

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Why you'd press play

If your house is offering foundation cracks, muddy pipe trouble, or an LVP dilemma, you have a reason to press play.

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