BHG.com | Mary Cornetta | Jun 17, 2025
For some people, cleaning can be a satisfying and productive way to wrap up their day. However, not all household chores are appropriate for nighttime. Tasks like wiping down counters or folding laundry can be done quietly and efficiently, while others may pose risks, disrupt sleep, or annoy nearby neighbors. The time of day you choose to clean can affect effectiveness, safety, and even the lifespan of some appliances.
Cleaning after dark can also lead to minor, albeit annoying, issues, like streaky windows and splotchy surfaces. What’s worse, chemical fumes can pose health risks and linger longer if your home is kept tightly locked at night. To ensure you’re keeping your home and its inhabitants healthy, here are the cleaning chores you should avoid doing at night, along with why it’s better to wait until morning.
1. Cleaning with Chemicals
Many cleaning products contain strong chemicals that require proper ventilation. Ingredients like bleach and ammonia can release fumes that may cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation. Unless you leave windows open overnight, it can be challenging to air out the rooms you clean. If doing a bit of light cleaning at night, aim to use natural cleaning products to reduce health risks. And if you need to use heavy-duty cleaners, wait to do so during the day when you can open windows or doors to allow for proper air circulation.
2. Washing Windows
Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task. Artificial lighting can create shadows and make it challenging to spot smudges, meaning you could wake up to less-than-ideal results. Additionally, wet windows can accumulate condensation overnight, potentially ruining your hard work.
3. Vacuuming
Even if you have one of the latest vacuum cleaners to hit the market or use a robot vacuum, the sound of it running at night will likely disturb your household. If you live in an apartment complex or other type of community where the homes sit close to one another (such as a duplex or townhouse), you also risk being a bother to neighbors. Many local noise ordinances restrict loud activities during designated “quiet hours”, so vacuuming at night could actually land you in trouble. If you need to clean up a mess quickly, try using a broom and dustpan or a handheld vacuum for a quieter solution.
4. Mopping
Mopping the floors after hours can pose an unexpected danger. Wet spots can pose a slipping hazard, especially if someone gets up in the middle of the night, unaware that the floor has just been mopped. It’s also easy to overlook dust, dirt, and stains, resulting in an incomplete clean. If you need to wipe up a late-night spill, consider using a dry mop or spot-cleaning the affected areas instead of attempting to clean the entire floor.
5. Decluttering or Rearranging
If you were the kind of kid who loved to rearrange your bedroom in the middle of the night, you might get the occasional urge to do it as an adult. But, that doesn’t mean you should! Late-night decluttering or moving furniture around can be dangerous, especially in dimly lit spaces. You risk tripping over objects, stubbing toes, or dropping things, leading to injuries or waking others up. Consider these projects to work on when the sun is shining.
6. Deep-Cleaning the Kitchen
Performing late-night light cleaning of kitchen surfaces, like wiping down the counter from leftover dinner spills, is usually no big deal. But scrubbing the oven, tossing expired food from the fridge, and even running the dishwasher can be disruptive. Dishwashers, in particular, tend to be quite loud, which might disturb light sleepers and—in rare cases—can cause a fire, which takes longer to react to if you’re asleep. Moreover, deep cleaning tasks that involve scrubbing or reorganizing cabinets can take longer than anticipated, leaving you feeling exhausted before bed.
7. Doing Laundry
Washers and dryers can be overly noisy, particularly in smaller homes where sound travels easily, and depending on the location of the appliances. The sounds of running water, hard objects (like buttons on a pair of jeans) tumbling around, and the machine’s signals can be grating for those trying to sleep. As with dishwashers, dryers pose a fire hazard if lint buildup leads to overheating, so it’s safer to be awake and alert when using these appliances.
8. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaners are all the rage right now, but it might be a good idea to wait until daylight hours to use yours. Spills can lead to burns, and accidents are more likely to occur at night when lighting is dim and you may be tired. Furthermore, carpets cleaned with steam can take longer to dry in the cool night air, making them susceptible to mold or mildew growth.
BHG.com | By Kamron Sanders | Sep 13, 2025
(TIP from CA Real Estate Group: Visit the above link to view a sample photo of each fence type for ideas!)
Increasing the privacy of your yard can be as simple as putting up a fence. However, if you’re on a budget, a traditional fence can be out of reach, as privacy fence installation costs can cost up to $13,000. Luckily, several affordable fence ideas can provide you with the privacy you long for without draining your savings. Below, we’ve provided our top six affordable fence ideas for privacy on a budget, along with installation guidelines, maintenance tips, and average costs, so you know what to plan for.
1. Bamboo Panel Fence
Suppose all you want is a little privacy, but you’re not concerned about keeping animals in or actually increasing the security of your yard. If those priorities were the case, there are few materials better than bamboo panels. An 8-foot section of bamboo privacy fence is around $150, plus the cost of posts and other structural materials.
Although there are undoubtedly more affordable options, bamboo is ideal for small sections of a privacy fence, as it completely blocks visibility into your yard while offering a stylish aesthetic to your outdoor space.
2. Pallet Fence
Pallets have long been used as a starting point for many DIY projects. Unsurprisingly, pallets are a great option for an inexpensive privacy fence because they’re basically already fence panels. Once you place them together and securely fasten them to the ground and one another, you have a fence.
Best of all, you can often find pallets for free by browsing online marketplaces. Even if you want to spring for the premium pallets, you can typically find them for less than $5 each, as businesses often have a surplus they’re looking to dispose of. Lastly, if you don’t love the look of the pallets themselves, you can break them down and utilize the lumber, which is far cheaper than buying lumber from the hardware store.
3. Lattice Fence
Lattice screens are an accessible option for a DIY privacy fence that won’t break the bank. The pressure-treated lattice itself will cost under $30 for an 8-foot section of 4-foot-tall fencing.
When building a DIY privacy fence using lattice panels, factor in the cost of fence posts and structural members. Lattice panels aren’t very strong materials, so you’ll want to make sure they’re secured to something solid to prevent them from sagging, warping, and falling over.
You can further increase the privacy and beauty of a lattice panel fence by planting climbing plants along the base, then training them to fill in and climb the fence. If doing so, make sure your posts are strong enough to support the additional weight of the plants.
4. Living Fence
One of the most effective and visually appealing ways to bolster your yard’s privacy level is to plant a living fence comprised of fast-growing plants like Arbovitae, English Laurel, Privet, Forsythia, Leeland Cyrpruses, and more. While large, established plants can cost hundreds of dollars per plant, you can buy small saplings for under $20 each.
To get the most privacy out of a living hedge, make sure you plant each plant close enough to one another that there are no gaps between them once the plants reach full maturity.
5. Dead Hedge
If you have lots of trees that are constantly shedding limbs, you’re in luck. Use those fallen sticks, twigs, and branches to create a dead hedge. Drive posts into the ground, then weave the sticks around the posts along your desired path, pushing them down as you go.
Over time, you’ll create a gorgeous hedge of branches that both complements your outdoor space and increases your property’s privacy. If you use branches for your posts, you can build this privacy fence completely free of charge.
Weave the branches around the posts while they’re still green and supple. If you wait until they’ve dried, they tend to break.
6. Repurposed Material Fence
If you love a vintage, repurposed look, you can get very creative with your privacy fence. Utilize repurposed materials like old wooden doors and windows, shutters, wood flooring, galvanized metal, barnwood, and whatever else you can find to create the privacy fence you’ve been dreaming of. Oftentimes, you can find these materials for free, though you’ll need to buy posts and other materials to support your fence structure.
If you’re simply after visual privacy, you can construct a privacy screen by building a frame similar to a wooden swing set, then hanging your repurposed materials from the top using chains and hooks. Since most of these materials aren’t intended for outdoor use, you can extend their lifespan by painting or sealing them with a sealant rated for outdoor use and UV exposure.
When it comes to getting a home market-ready, paint beats almost any other home improvement upgrade. A new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate poll found that three out of four real estate agents say repainting the interior can add the most value before a sale—sometimes boosting the listing’s value by as much as 10%, or up to $20,000.
“Painting is the most cost-effective upgrade, and you can cover the most space with it,” says real estate broker Josh McGrath, the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in South Charleston and West Virginia and the 2025 President of the West Virginia Association of REALTORS®. Paint and supplies tend to be cheaper than most other house projects, so if a homeowner had $1,000 to spend, McGrath would generally suggest putting it all toward paint.
“Even if you just paint the walls the same color, you get that fresh look. The dents and dings are gone, and you get that clean paint smell,” McGrath says. “That’s the biggest impact you can make.”
Color Choice Matters
Real estate agents understand the value of freshly painted homes. It’s why painting the entire home or at least one interior room is the home remodeling project they most often recommend to homeowners before listing, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.
And, the BHGRE poll confirmed what many agents see every day: Color can make or break a first impression. The color of the walls can make buyers feel welcome or turn them off. The poll revealed that buyers often hold strong impressions of certain colors.
For example, more than half of respondents said red is the number-one dealbreaker for them in homes they view.
“Red has subliminal messaging,” McGrath says. “Red means stop. Red means caution. It subconsciously drives your blood pressure up. It’s great for a restaurant—but not for a house. A home should feel calm and inviting.”
Other bold hues like orange, neon hues, purples and saturated pinks were also ranked as home buyer turn-offs, according to the survey.
Meanwhile, neutrals still dominate in real estate. Eighty-four percent of agents in the BHGRE survey said whites, grays and beiges remain top choices. McGrath points to an emerging favorite that bridges both cool and warm tones—his favorite Sherwin-Williams’ Worldly Gray, which is mix of beige and gray.
The BHGRE poll revealed the following favorite color combinations when staging a home before listing it:
- Beige and soft green (tied as the favorite staging palette)
- White and gray (tied as the favorite staging palette)
- Navy and white—which offers a contrast without turning off mainstream buyers
- Bold combos—such as black and gold or taupe and teal—but used sparingly and often reserved for luxury listings
Half of homeowners say they repaint not to change out the color but simply to refresh their home, according to the BHGRE survey.
“Think about buying a pre-owned car,” McGrath says. “You expect it to be detailed—clean looking nice and smelling fresh. Buyers expect the same thing with a house. Fresh paint makes it feel like its new again.”
Whether selling or not, he recommends repainting a home every three to five years, depending on how you live in the space. “Life leaves marks on the walls,” he says. “A fresh coat of paint can bring it back.”
Better Homes & Gardens | Mary Cornetta | Sep 19, 2025
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek, modern touch to any kitchen, but keeping them free from fingerprints and smudges can be a serious challenge. Between cooking splatters, greasy hands, and everyday wear and tear, it may feel like your stainless steel appliances look messy. While there are plenty of store-bought cleaning products available, they can come with hefty price tags, strong chemical smells, and ingredients you may not want in your home. Luckily, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that uses everyday household items.
This three-ingredient, DIY stainless steel cleaner is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial cleaners that still delivers impressive results. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s everything you need to know about creating and using this magic spray, along with a few bonus tips to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.
3-Ingredient Stainless Steel Cleaner
Make an effective stainless steel clean in 10 minutes with just three items you probably already have in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 drop of dish soap (preferably a gentle, grease-cutting formula like Dawn)
How to Make the Spray
Start by carefully pouring boiling water into a heat-resistant spray bottle. Next, add distilled white vinegar to the bottle. Its natural acidity cuts through fingerprints, grease, and bacteria without scratching surfaces. Then, add a single drop of dish soap. Remember, a little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave a soapy residue. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently swirl the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Note that it’s generally advisable not to clean stainless steel with straight or high-strength vinegar, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface. However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.
How to Use Your DIY Stainless Steel Spray
Ensure the stainless steel surface is cool and dry before you start cleaning. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution (avoid spraying directly onto the surface). This technique gives you better control and prevents unnecessary moisture.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain to avoid streaks and result in a polished appearance. For stubborn spots or heavy smudges, spray the affected area lightly and let the solution sit for about a minute before wiping it away.
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
How It Works
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in effectively removing grime without damaging your appliances:
- Boiling water loosens grease and grime, making it easier to clean.
- White vinegar naturally breaks down grease, removes fingerprints, and eliminates bacteria due to its mild acidity.
- Dish soap cuts through oily residues and lifts dirt without scratching or harming surfaces.
Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.
More Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Clean
Maintaining your stainless steel appliances is easier with a few simple habits. Here are some tips to keep them looking pristine day after day:
- Wipe Regularly. Don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Wiping stainless steel surfaces once or twice a week with the DIY spray will help prevent grime from becoming stubborn and difficult to remove. Pay extra attention to handles and edges as they tend to collect the majority of fingerprints.
- Avoid Abrasives. Steer clear of steel wool and other rough scrubbers. Use only soft microfiber cloths or sponges, as abrasive materials can scratch the surface, making it even more prone to buildup.
- Polish with Oil. After cleaning, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to the surface using a clean cloth. This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
- Clean Spills Immediately. Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, citrus juice, or vinegar, can cause discoloration if they sit on stainless steel. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (or as you spot them) to prevent stains.
- Tackle Tough Stains. If you encounter heavy buildup or stubborn stains on your stainless steel surface, create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel
While the DIY spray is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid certain products and practices that can harm your stainless steel.
- Bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or glass cleaners that contain ammonia, can damage the protective finish of stainless steel.
- Hard water. Hard water can lead to the formation of mineral deposits and streaks. If possible, use distilled or filtered water when preparing your DIY cleaner.
- Air Drying. Allowing water to air dry on stainless steel can result in water spots. Always dry the surface with a cloth after cleaning.
Realtor.com | By Larissa Runkle Dec 20, 2023
The pleasures of owning a home are many: You have a sanctuary you can customize to your tastes while you build wealth.
Alas, you can’t just sit back and watch your home equity grow. To keep your property in tiptop shape, you also have to shell out for the expense that never goes away: home maintenance.
Combine that outlay with your monthly mortgage payments, homeowners association dues, and utility bills—and you’re staring down a big chunk of change.
To help you keep as much of your money in your bank account, we reached out to the experts for advice. They broke down five of the most expensive home maintenance tasks to reveal what you can do to keep costs low.
The rising home maintenance equation
For years, the rule of thumb on annual home maintenance costs has been to expect to pay between 1% and 4% of your home’s value. For a house valued at $400,000, you might plan on spending anywhere between $4,000 and $16,000.
However, in recent years, homeowners have reported spending closer to the top of that range maintaining their homes.
Some more significant fixes, like septic repair, are known to cost an arm and a leg. Yet lately, the cost of smaller jobs, like landscaping and cleaning your chimney, has increased dramatically.
The home services company Thumbtack recently reported that home maintenance costs had reached an all-time high after increasing 8.5% year over year, from $5,984 in 2022 to $6,493 in 2023.
Read on for the best ways to lower your maintenance bill this year.
1. Keep appliances clean
Appliance repairs typically cost between $100 to $250 per job but can be as much as $500, depending on where you live and what needs fixing. This cost only increases if you end up needing to replace the appliance.
Luckily, you can cut down on these outlays by simply giving your appliances some TLC.
“Maintaining your appliances is a great way to avoid repairs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. “This can be as simple as keeping your oven clean, using a vacuum to clean your dryer vents, and making sure the coils on your refrigerator are clean.”
Other tasks Micetich recommends are regularly replacing the filter in your HVAC system and scheduling a check-in at the midpoint of an appliance’s life span, generally about five years.
“It might be worth hiring a professional for a tuneup to help extend the appliance’s life and avoid having to pay for a replacement,” says Micetich.
2. Get your chimney inspected off-season
If you have a wood-burning stove, you’re probably familiar with the expensive (and messy) annual cleaning routine.
Wood stoves typically cost between $200 to $500 per cleaning. Depending on the kind of wood you burn and how much you use your stove—you might need to do this more than once per year.
“One way to save money here would be to plan to do this project out of season,” says Micetich. “Most folks will think about cleaning their chimney in the fall right before they want to use it, but if you instead do it in the spring or summer, you might be able to save a bit.”
Another idea? After your first inspection, learn how to do the second annual cleaning yourself.
3. Keep your HVAC happy
HVAC systems are one of those often forgotten parts of our home—until they stop working.
While HVAC repairs typically cost $350 on average, they can run as much as $3,000. Avoid these expenses by monitoring your system and learning what you can do to keep it humming.
“Homeowners should change their filters regularly,” says Steven McCullough, franchise owner of WIN Home Inspection. “Also, they can consider lowering their thermostat settings in the winter and setting it a little higher in the summer to help prolong the life of the units.”
4. Refinish your deck yourself
Refinishing a deck is one of the most expensive items on Thumbtack’s annual report—costing an average of $1,022 to complete.
If you plan to replace any boards or upgrade the design, that cost will only rise. While quality paints and stains aren’t cheap, labor drives this project’s price.
“This is definitely a DIY job,” says McCullough. “Even if sanding or repairs are involved, homeowners should be able to apply stain and sealing with just a little research and minimal tools.”
5. Tackle your lawn care
Another incredibly pricey item that homeowners spend the big bucks on every year? Lawn care and tree trimming.
Full-service lawn care costs about $100 to $400 per month, depending on the size of your lot, while tree trimming can run as much as $475 to $1,267 per tree.
A bit of elbow grease and weekend motivation can save you thousands per year on both of these fronts.
“If your trees aren’t too tall and you have the right tools for the job, this can be a great project,” says Micetich. “If the trees cross any electrical lines or are very tall, it’s time to call in a pro.”
Larissa Runkle is a seasoned real estate writer and marketing strategist. She’s published over 1500 articles across top markets, and also works with select developers and brokerages to create high-impact content that drives engagement and builds brand authority. She lives in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with her husband, son, and two German Shepherds who take their shedding—and squirrel surveillance, very seriously.
Published on August 02, 2025
“Late summer is the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months ahead,” explains Greg Winder, managing partner of Grove Homes Utah. “Knocking out a few key maintenance tasks now can save homeowners from costly repairs and headaches down the line.”
Here are ten maintenance tasks to complete both inside your home and around your property before the end of August.
01 | Check for Storm Damage
Did it rain a lot this summer? There could be damage to your home you may not have noticed yet. “Check your roof and gutters for signs of summer storm damage,” says Winder.
After all, you want to catch a minor problem early before it becomes a major one.
02| Check Your Doors and Windows
Before winter arrives and your heating bills are suddenly higher than ever, Winder notes a bit of preventative maintenance to save you money and stress in the colder months. “Reseal any caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors,” suggests the home builder.
Fresh caulking will both prevent heat from escaping as well as cold from coming in—keeping those expensive heating bills at bay.
03 | Swap Out Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Your smoke detector batteries won’t work if the battery is dead, and this is something you definitely don’t want to fail. “Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety,” says Winder.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed out the battery, it’s probably time to put this task on your to-do list.
04 | Deep Clean Carpets
Mónica Taher, chief operating officer at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, says it’s a smart idea to deep clean your carpets before the end of summer, especially if you have allergy issues. “During the Summer, carpets trap lots of dust, pollen, sand, and even pet dander,” she says. “Giving a deep cleaning to your carpet will refresh it before you keep your windows shut for the fall and winter. This is also the perfect time to wash your windows inside and out and remove pollen, rain streaks, and dust.”
If you haven’t deep-cleaned your carpets in a long time, you may want to hire a pro to do the job.
05 | Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can be an incredibly satisfying home task. It’s also easier to do while it’s still warm out. So Taher recommends doing it before the end of August. “Summer also brings mildew, grime, and algae,” she says. “August is a great time to pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and even garages and preserve the curb appeal around your property.”
06 | Close Out Your Outdoor Pool (If You Have One)
Fall can get really busy, and those barbecue and pool days will soon be a thing of the past. So, Brenda Prinzavalli, organizing strategist at Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, advises cleaning and closing out your outdoor pool for the season before September hits—assuming you live in a colder climate and you won’t be using your pool.
07 | HVAC Maintenance
Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade, Westchester, suggests doing your regular HVAC maintenance in the coming weeks, including dusting your vents and replacing air filters. “You’ll be closing windows soon and using heat—make sure you’re breathing clean air,” she says.
08 | Tidy Your Entryway
Whether you enter your home through a front door, garage, or mudroom, Murphy recommends giving this space a thorough decluttering and cleaning, especially before school starts and things get extra busy. “Make space for boots, jackets, and school gear before they pile up,” she says.
09 | Vacuum Tight Spaces
The end of August is the right time to vacuum under beds and behind furniture. “When the heat comes on, it stirs up hidden dust—get ahead of it now,” notes Murphy.
So, move your furniture if need be. If this isn’t physically feasible for you, consider hiring a pro to do the job so your home can be thoroughly cleaned without you risking injury.
10 | Clean Your Windows
Before temperatures drop, Murphy advises wiping down window sills and frames. “Rain and condensation can turn built-up grime into moldy messes,” she says.
Not every job is made for sweltering heat and high humidity levels. Save these projects for winter and discover the ones to do instead.
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work.
5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter
Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter. Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services.
1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades
While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek.
2. Insulation and Weather Stripping
Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. Additionally, there will be no delay in feeling the effects of a job well done. “You’ll immediately feel the impact of improved insulation and sealed drafts as your home becomes warmer and your heating bills potentially decrease,” says Shimek.
3. Interior Painting
Painting the interior of your home during the summertime can come with a few obstacles, one of which is humidity. Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time. When paint doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to bubbles, cracking, and mildew issues if you’re not careful. Although Shimek says some ventilation is needed to help the paint dry during the winter, the lower humidity levels go a long way in getting walls and ceilings dry in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, the home project pro says it’s a great way to give your living spaces a fresh look during a season when you’ll be spending a lot of time inside.
4. Minor Remodels
The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule.
5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning
“These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead.
5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer
When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime.
1. Exterior Painting
Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek.
2. Deck and Patio Refinishing
One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer.
3. Window and Door Work
Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time.
4. Gutter Repair and Installation
Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and no risk of ice in summer, it’s easier and safer to work on gutters,” says Shimek. “You can clean out debris, check for leaks, and make sure there is adequate drainage before fall rains and winter snows.”
5. Landscaping Updates
If you’ve been wanting to add some new shrubs or maybe even a new paver path, summer is the ideal time to do so. “With ample daylight and favorable growing conditions, summer is prime time for enhancing your outdoor spaces,” says Shimek. Installing landscape lighting, building a garden bed, and adding a small shed are all on his list of top projects.
By Patricia Shannon
Pools are a sought-after home feature, but they come with added homeownership responsibilities and potential costs. About a quarter of listed homes this past spring included a pool—a record high, according to a realtor.com® analysis of April housing data.
Jordan Schaeffer, president of Renovations and Aftermarket at Anthony & Sylvan Pools, shares what buyers should consider before purchasing a home with a pool.
What to Look for During a Walkthrough
Visual Issues
Watch for:
- Loose tiles or missing grout
- Green or discolored water
- Low water levels (could signal a leak)
- Cracks in steps, walls or the floor
Schaeffer notes that “hydration” or spider cracks are often superficial and minor hairline cracks. “The thing you want to be aware of is if there is a separation crack that… looks like you could fit a penny down there,” Schaeffer says. Surface hairline cracks may be easily fixed with just $10 in epoxy, while deeper structural or underground leaks could cost thousands.
Equipment Check
“Ask the homeowner to turn the pool on to make sure the equipment sounds right and is running,” Schaeffer advises. Watch for high-pitched sounds or signs of struggling equipment.
Coping Joint Inspection
Check the joint between the pool coping and the surrounding deck. “If that joint never gets filled in with what we call mastic compound… that would be a red flag,” says Schaeffer. Water can get behind the coping and damage the pool structure, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles.
Ask for Photos If the Pool Is Closed Up
If you’re buying in the off-season or the pool is covered, Schaeffer recommends asking the home seller for recent photos. “Ask to see last summer’s pictures of the pool… [and have the seller] affirm that the equipment’s been running well and there are no issues.”
Consider an Inspection
A standard home inspection doesn’t typically include a pool inspection, though some inspectors may offer it as an add-on. Usually, home buyers will need to have a separate specialized pool inspection—averaging between $125 and $250. A qualified pool inspector can assess the condition of the pool and identify potential issues, such as with the pool’s shelling, coping and deck that could indicate cracks and leaks. To find a pool inspector, you can check out professional associations such as the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
Budget for Ongoing Maintenance
Pool maintenance costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, according to Family Pool Maintenance. Many owners use a mix of professional help and DIY for pool upkeep.
Tips:
- Leave electrical repairs to the pros: “Anytime you’re mixing water and electricity… let the professional do that,” Schaeffer says.
- Never drain the pool yourself: It may seem simple enough to do on your own, but improper drainage can cause the pool to lift out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure, he cautions.
- Year-round care is a must: “It’s an open body of water outside… and you have to stay on top of the maintenance,” Schaeffer emphasizes. “If you’re ahead of the maintenance game, you’ll spend less in chemical costs and repairs over the long run. If you ignore it… you’re going to spend a bunch of money in remediation chemicals.”
Does a Pool Add Resale Value?
A 2025 realtor.com® study found that homes with pools sold for a 54% premium—$599,000 versus $389,000 for homes without. Pools remain a strong selling point, even after the fading so-called “pandemic premium” for pools.
“During the pandemic, people were looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their homes, and this surge in demand for features like pools, translated into a substantial ‘pool premium,’ where homes featuring a pool commanded significantly higher asking prices compared to their pool-less counterparts,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at realtor.com®. The pandemic pool premium peaked in January 2022, and “although price premiums have normalized, the presence of a pool continues to drive a premium and be a popular item to include in listings as a home or community feature,” Jones says.
5 Popular Pool Upgrades
Schaeffer says that updating an older pool could enhance the home’s resale value and personal enjoyment. Popular upgrades include:
- Automation: “With older pools everything is manual, but newer pools you can control –[maintenance] with an app,” Schaeffer says. This includes scheduling cleaning, filtration and even chlorine levels.
- Energy efficiency: “Switching to a variable speed pump… that’s huge for resale value,” he says. This type of pool pump allows owners to adjust the motor’s speed, allowing for greater energy efficiency and cost savings over single-speed pumps.
- Water features: Waterfalls, bubblers or jump rocks have become popular add-ons.
- Sun shelf additions: Also known as tanning ledges, these are shallow areas of a pool and have become trendy upgrades for older pools, Schaeffer says.
- Darker pool finishes: Pools traditionally have been white and blue, but shades like “raven” or “smoke” are growing in popularity with Anthony & Sylvan Pools. “The water looks almost black,” he says. “That’s starting to become very common.”
These common tips aren’t the life hacks you think they are.
So, here are the most common misconceptions around AC usage that HVAC pros want us to stop believing.
1 | Turning Down the Thermostat to “Make it Cool Faster”
It’s hard to be patient when you’re overheated and sweaty—and that leads many of us be a bit too aggressive with the AC, cranking the temperature way down and hoping for quick relief. However, HVAC pros say that is simply not how it works.
“The most common misconception with AC usage is a lot of homeowners believe that turning down their thermostat really far will make it cool faster—but the unit will run the same,” says Rich Walker, president of Summers Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. “The unit will provide the same amount of cooling, at least on most systems, it will just continue to run until it meets that temperature. But it will not cool faster or harder.”
Benjamin Uscilla, HVAC technician and owner of Evergreen Heating and Cooling, echoes that point, emphasizing how not only is this method ineffective, but it can also be bad for the appliance. “Residential air conditioners aren’t refrigerators,” he says. “Setting them below 68 degrees is not recommended by most manufacturers and more often than not will cause mechanical failures within the system because they are simply not designed to work that well.”
2| Turning Up the Thermostat When No One’s Home to Save Money
Energy bills during the peak of summer can be pretty scary, so many of us look for simple ways to save, like turning up the thermostat while you’re out of the house. However, this common idea can actually backfire.
“A lot of people try turning the temp up during the day thinking they’ll save money, but it just means that when you get home, it’s going to take potentially hours for the house to get back to your comfort level and most likely will not save you any money in operation,” says Uscilla.
Walker explains that, during really hot periods, it’s actually better to start the day off at a lower set point (the temperature a thermostat is set to), so that the AC won’t have to work as hard to get back to a comfortable temperature when you return home. For the sake of your appliance and your bills, consistency is preferred over big fluctuations in the thermostat settings. “It’s typically better to hold a certain set point than adjusting up and down during peak usage times of year,” Walker says.
However, an energy-efficient programmable thermostat can be useful to take some of the guessing out of the temperature settings and to make sure the house is a comfortable temperature long before you return home.
3 | Turning the AC Off When You’re Away Will Save Money
Similarly to turning the thermostat way up when you’re away, turning the AC off completely during a heat wave can be an even worse idea. Doing so can bring your home to a much warmer temperature than it would be otherwise, which can put a lot of strain on your AC when you turn it back on.
Letting your home get too hot can also lead to a number of other issues, potentially damaging or warping your floors, appliances, windows, woodwork, and more. Too much heat in the home can also lead to more humidity issues, which can lead to further home damage and health problems.
4| Thinking the AC Will Fix Humidity Issues
Humidity is another reason that you may return home and decide to drastically crank down the thermostat. However, while air conditioners do naturally remove moisture from the air as they cool, they shouldn’t be your sole defense against indoor humidity. “One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking air conditioning alone will manage humidity,” says Ken Nelson, group sales manager, ventilation at Panasonic North America. “AC does help, but it’s primarily designed to cool, not dehumidify.”
So, if your home has indoor humidity issues, you’ll need to address it holistically, rather than trying to just use your AC as a dehumidifier.
5| Thinking Bigger Is Better
If you live in a super hot climate and you want an aggressive AC system to cool you down, you may think you need the biggest option on the market. However, this too can backfire.
An AC that’s too big for your space will cool your home quickly and then shut off, and all the starts and stops can can raise your bills and wear down the appliance. This hyper fast cooling can also lead to more humidity.
“If [the AC is] oversized for your square footage, it cools down too fast, never allowing the unit to run long enough to dehumidify appropriately,” says Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at Service Titan.
So, make sure your AC unit is properly sized for your space so that it can do its job right and won’t accidentally cost you more money.
It’s a common and welcome surprise for homeowners to find hardwood floors hidden underneath a layer of old worn carpet in many older homes, especially those with raised foundations built before the 1970s. Restoring these floors can significantly enhance the aesthetics and value of a home.
When it comes to floors, we recommend Carrera Floors & Blinds. They’ve served customers in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Inland Empire, and Ventura County since 1991. We love working with David Carrera and the team and we know you will too! Bookmark and save this contact!
Carrera’s Flooring & Blinds
(562) 219-2866
carrerasflooringandblinds.com
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