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.”
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.
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.
August is officially here, and if fall is on your mind, you’re not alone. With the season about to get busier, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and tackle home maintenance tasks—before life gets hectic and Pumpkin Spice Latte season begins.
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.
Patricia Shannon is a home writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over a decade of editorial experience. Her areas of expertise include decorating, cleaning, and how-to content. Patricia is also a regular contributor with Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines.
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.
After a long day out in the heat—or even just a few minutes spent outside during peak summer—many of us dream of coming back inside to the cool embrace of the AC. A well-functioning AC can truly be a saving grace on the hottest and stickiest days of summertime—but these appliances aren’t miracle workers. In fact, air conditioning units can only really do their best work when we use them the right way, and electricians say many of us are falling for some of the same myths over and over again. Improper usage can wear down AC units, lead to less effective cooling, and it can cost you more money, too.
So, here are the most common misconceptions around AC usage that HVAC pros want us to stop believing.
Ken Nelson, group sales manager, ventilation at Panasonic North America
Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at Service Titan
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!
Smart design choices can enhance your home’s style while effectively keeping bugs and pests at bay.
Stylish home upgrades—such as warm lighting, door sweeps, and window repairs—can also keep bugs and critters outside.
Hidden pest-proofing tricks, such as sealing cracks and using trim or baseboards, can stop bugs without compromising your home’s appearance.
From a marching parade of ants to hovering fruit flies, pests can really put a damper on things. They don’t have to be a fact of life for your house, though. Along with keeping a clean home and sealing points of entry, there are smart ways to repel bugs that blend home aesthetics with pest control techniques.
Windows are your home’s first line of defense against both weather and pests. “Flaws in window design or installation can create air leaks, attracting pests and their predators,” explains Paigh Bumgarner, senior product manager for Cornerstone Building Brands.
If your screens or windows are past their prime, it’s time for an upgrade. She says to look for lab-tested windows with fusion-welded corners and durable weatherstripping.
02 of 08 | Use Architectural Trim to Disguise Sealing Work
Sealing entry points—thus, blocking small gaps that pests use to enter—is a must. But you don’t have to be stuck looking at eyesore sealants. “Many bugs can squeeze through tiny cracks, so closing these with the right materials makes a big difference,” says Adham Perriseau, licensed pest management professional at Dr. Killigan’s. Rather than leaving behind visible caulk or foam, conceal these fixes with decorative trim, baseboards, or facade details.
03 of 08 | Replace Bright Exterior Lights
Bright white light bulbs notoriously attract bugs while warm-toned options (including LEDs) are less likely to create a buggy bonanza. Swap in warm lighting for light fixtures on your doorstep, entryway, garage, and other entry points. You can also choose solar-powered or motion-sensor versions for patios and gardens to limit continuous light and keep your ambiance cozy.
04 of 08 | Add Stylist Door Sweeps
Along with sealing gaps with caulk (for small gaps) or foam (for larger gaps), Perriseau recommends using weather stripping and door sweeps to create barriers around windows and doors.
An ultra-low-profile door sweep in a finish that matches your threshold or flooring—like brushed brass or matte black—looks good while telling pests, “you’re not welcome here.”
05 of 08 | Swap in Hard Flooring
Carpet has a nice feel under your feet, but it tends to harbor crumbs, dust, moisture, and pet dander. This not only affects your indoor air quality, but can also attract bugs, dust mites, carpet beetles, and other insects.
Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, recommends prioritizing hardwood flooring, which is easier to clean and lasts for decades. For a less expensive option, you can also use luxury plank or tile. Rugs can be incorporated for that soft underfoot feel, but be sure to deep clean them seasonally.
06 of 08 | Keep a Clean Border Around Your Home
What’s happening on the exterior of your home (especially right against your walls) has a huge impact on critter activity on the inside. “When you place mulch or other vegetation right next to your house, you are creating ideal conditions for pests to flourish, right next to the building,” explains Jim Fredericks, MD, a board-certified entomologist. Trim back tree branches and don’t store firewood close to the home.
07 of 08 | Don’t Overwater Indoor Plants
Houseplants are a lovely addition to the household, but they can also attract gnats and ants if they are waterlogged. Opt for planters with built-in drainage trays, avoid clustering too many in dark corners, and display them on elevated plant stands to keep excess moisture off shelves and floors. Grouping plants in balanced arrangements (versus crowded clusters) can also help improve airflow to reduce excess soil moisture.
08 of 08 | Regularly Refresh Your Gutters
Gutters aren’t exactly a glamorous detail to think about, but they are integral when it comes to a pest-free home. Professional handyperson Roy Neely says to give your gutters a thorough inspection to ensure they’re clean and draining properly. If anything’s amiss, it’s time for an overhaul.
“Ensuring proper drainage design—which can include French drains, gutters, and downspout extensions—can dramatically reduce pest pressure around the home,” Neely explains. “In addition, incorporating a gravel perimeter trench around the foundation (also known as a dry moat) can help discourage burrowing pests like moles and insects by creating a dry buffer zone.”
Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest.
7 Things You Should Wash Every Week (but Probably Aren’t), According to Laundry Experts
Unless you like wrapping yourself in body oil, mildew, and bacteria.
You’re probably well aware that that funky dishcloth needs to be cleaned after a second use (max!), but there’s a lot of gray area as far as how often things should be laundered around your house. (For instance, you may be able to wear your jeans all season long before they need a scrub!)
But there are likely a few things that need to be cleaned weekly that have fallen off your radar—and may not be cleaned as often as they should, according to laundry experts. That could lead to not only bad odors—but a potential for skin irritation or infections due to bacterial growth. And all that dirt buildup could have consequences for your fabrics, too. “Regular washing of the fabrics in your home prolongs the life of the fabrics by preventing soil and odor buildup,” says Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist for P&G.
Get ready to toss a few of these things in the wash right away!
The smart thing to do? Give anything fabric in your house a weekly inspection for stains or smells. That way, you’ll notice if your throw pillows, sofa slipcovers, shower curtains, or your duvet cover need a good wash. “The key is to trust your nose and eyes,” says Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama. “If something smells or looks dirty, it’s time to wash it!”
You’re only putting it on your fresh-from-the-shower body, so it feels like you should be able to keep using the same bath towel for a while. But Romine says that at least a weekly wash is required. “Towels are frequently used to dry our bodies, and they can quickly accumulate body oils, dead skin cells, and other soils. These should be washed after two to three uses.”
There’s another potential ew when it comes to towels—especially if they’re left in a pile on the floor, rather than hung to dry. “Towels stay damp and can harbor bacteria and mildew,” Rapinchuk says.
Pet Beds
Your pets shed hair and dead skin cells all over their bedding—and letting it go until you smell that doggy (or kitty) funk may leave them (or any sensitive folks in your home!) prone to allergic reactions—or even skin infections for your poor little pooch.
Sheets and Pillowcases
You may try to extend this chore to a biweekly schedule, but laundry experts agree—you need to be changing your sheets at least weekly in the summer or if you sweat at night. “These items should be washed weekly because they come into direct contact with our bodies and accumulate oils, dead skin cells, bacteria, and moisture,” Rapinchuk says. “Sheets and pillowcases collect sweat and oils from our skin and hair overnight.”
Of course, if you have a particularly sweaty night during the hot summer months, you shouldn’t wait. “If you notice sweat, soil buildup, or odors on the sheets, it’s best to wash them right away,” Romine says.
Blankets
Whether it’s that living room throw that you’re always cozied up under, or the blanket you’re using in lieu of a top sheet on your bed, it’s worth giving it a weekly wash—as food crumbs, body oils, pet hair, and other ick can build up. You can extend this timeline if the sofa throw is usually just folded on an arm, but otherwise, give it a wash weekly.
Bath Mats
This feels like something that rarely gets used, but a bath mat does tend to get damp. And that makes it a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. A weekly laundering helps keep any microbe growth at bay.
Casual Clothing
While things like underwear and activewear require washing after each wear, some clothes can be worn a few times before they need to be washed. You should wash dress shirts and blouses after one to two wears and casual shirts after two to three wears—unless they’re visibly dirty, Rapinchuk says.
Bras
Bras require a good wash after two to three wears—which means they may need to be washed on a weekly basis, depending on how often you wear them.
If you’re someone who loves the challenges of DIY home projects, you may be thinking about choosing a fixer-upper for your next home. The property might look outdated now, but you can make it your dream home with the right plan.
Build Your Dream Team
First things first — getting the right people on your side can make all the difference. From your real estate agent to a seasoned contractor and a home inspector with a sharp eye, your team will help uncover any hidden issues so you can avoid surprise costs. Their combined knowledge and skills can assist you in creating your future home.
Start with the Essentials
It’s tempting to rush right into choosing paint colors, fixtures and flooring, but you’ll thank yourself later for prioritizing the home’s structure and interior systems first. Inspecting the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC may seem tedious, but those are the essentials that will keep your house safe and sound for years to come.
Get Smart About Financing
Need help funding the transformation? Renovation loans let you combine a mortgage with repair costs. This can be a sensible option for homes needing more than a little bit of polish.
Strategize Every Move
Map out your vision in detail, including your must-haves, nice-to-haves, budget, and timeline. Also, recognize that living in a construction zone is not for everyone. If you can stay elsewhere during major work, you’ll likely keep your project — and your peace of mind — in check.
Embrace the Chaos
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but staying flexible, communicative and proactive makes a huge difference. Keep your vision in sight, expect hiccups along the way and celebrate the progress.
Bedroom Color Schemes
The right colors in your bedroom could be the secret to sweet dreams. Consider painting with one of these calming hues, then layer decor in complementary colors to turn your space into a serene haven of restful sleep. For added depth, be sure to include various textures, patterns and other design elements that appeal to you.
Blissful Blues
Sky blue, periwinkle, robin’s egg, navy, and pastel blue help create a sense of serenity and can soothe nerves.
Peaceful Pinks
Soft shades like pale pink, pastel pink, salmon, or cherry blossom create a warm, soothing atmosphere.
Grounding Greens
Shades of emerald, sage, moss, sea green, and pistachio encourage recharging and help you feel more connected to nature.
Nurturing Neutrals
Tones of beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and white create a feeling of cleanliness, quiet and comfort.
Creative Storage Spaces
Consider these unique ways to organize your home when storage space is limited.
Look at decor as a disguise. Portable, stylish clothing racks can make space for your clothes while displaying your personal style. Vintage trunks and baskets serve as decoration and storage. In the kitchen, use a pegboard or hooks to display your pots and pans.
Functional couches and ottomans offer extra storage compartments hidden in plain sight. Swap out pedestal tables with cabinetry to add more space for stowing miscellaneous items.
Add narrow rolling racks and shelves in small spaces, such as between the refrigerator and counter in your kitchen or within small areas in bathrooms or closets. Use the hidden space behind doors to hang flat items like ironing boards. Make use of wasted space by installing small shelves above doorways or hanging racks from the garage ceiling.
With a bit of imagination, small spaces can be transformed with clever storage solutions. Bottom line — get creative to best use the space you have!
Cool Tips for Cleaning Your AC Coils
Regularly cleaning the outdoor condenser coils will keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently and prevent future problems. Here are the steps to doing it right.
Turn off power to the unit.
Locate the thin metal “fins” covering the coils. If they’re dented or bent, use an AC fin tool to straighten them.
Once the fins are straight, use a vacuum to carefully remove any debris.
Coat the entire surface of the fins with a foaming AC coil cleaner. Use a stiff brush or the scrubber on the cleaner’s cap to remove buildup located between the fins.
Thoroughly rinse the surface with a hose to eliminate any remaining dirt.
Recipe: Blue Cheese & Pear Salad
Ingredients
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1½ Tbsp. maple syrup
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots
2 large pears
8 cups spring lettuce mix
½ cup walnut pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup Blue cheese crumbles
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard and maple syrup. Set aside. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add shallots and cook for 3 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to low and slowly add vinegar mixture. Simmer for 2 minutes, whisking frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
Core pears and cut into ¼-inch slices. In a large bowl, toss spring mix with pears, walnuts and half of cooled dressing. Sprinkle cranberries and Blue cheese on top, and serve with remaining dressing.
Credit: Janna Allbritton for Yellow Prairie Interiors
The color of your front door is incredibly important if you want to nail your home’s curb appeal. In fact, surveys show that certain front door colors can help sell your home for top dollar. But even if you’re not planning on hitting the market any time soon, brushing on a fresh hue can give your entire home an instant facelift, allowing you to add personality and impact to your exterior with very little time (or money) spent.
Need a boost of color confidence before you hit the paint aisle? Below, we’re rounding up nine stunning bits of exterior inspiration, along with the paint colors that will help you get the look. From vibrant orange and retro teal to coastal blue, these front doors certainly know how to make an entrance.
01 of 09 | Espalier by Sherwin-Williams
Credit: Natasha Habermann
To help her charming Cape Cod-style home feel even more timeless, designer Natasha Habermann turned to a rich emerald green to contrast the crisp white siding. The shade, Espalier by Sherwin-Williams, is saturated and luxe while still feeling traditional enough to live in harmony with the home’s classic architecture.
02 of 09 | Heritage Red by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Thomas Kuoh for Studio Munroe
Few color combos are as classic as red, white, and blue, making the trio a go-to exterior palette for designers and homeowners alike. Here, designer Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe chose Benjamin Moore’s Heritage Red for a finishing touch that feels both timeless and energetic.
03 of 09 | Oceanic Teal by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Nathan Schroder for Maestri Studio
When the exterior of your home has bold accents—be it fanciful architecture or whimsical finishes—it’s important to choose a color that has enough gusto to hold its own.
In this funky mid-century exterior scene by Maestri Studio, bold black and white accents are paired with a retro-inspired teal shade for an entrance that screams, “Fun happens here.” For a similar look, try Oceanic Teal by Benjamin Moore.
04 of 09 | Off-Black by Farrow & Ball
Credit: Sandra Cavallo for Old Silver Shed
A black front door is the equivalent of a great pair of Levi’s jeans—it looks good on just about anybody (or in this case, any house).
For the exterior of her coastal shingle-style home in Cape Cod, creator Sandra Cavallo of Old Silver Shed opted for a rich and dynamic hue, Farrow & Ball’s Off-Black, to offset the home’s decidedly sunny (and summery) outlook.
05 of 09 | Bluebelle by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez, Design by Lauren Conner Interiors
You may assume coastal-inspired shades like pale blue are reserved for beachfront properties, but we have good news: They can work just as well in a landlocked cul-de-sac.
Case in point? This elegant baby blue on a home by Lauren Conner Interiors, which sits pretty alongside more rustic details, like red brick steps. While this color is a custom blend, you can score a similar look using a shade like Bluebelle from Benjamin Moore.
06 of 09 | Invigorate by Sherwin-Williams
Credit: Suzy Broome
Sometimes, the most unexpected hues end up being the most memorable. When creator Suzy Broome was on the hunt for a shade that could stand up against the patterned tile leading up to her entryway, she turned to a punchy shade of orange to amp up the style quotient.
To mimic this personality-packed look, try Invigorate by Sherwin-Williams.
07 of 09 | Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball
Credit: Eden House Co.
When working with an exterior that boasts warm-colored materials, like brick, you’ll want to choose a front door color that complements (and cools down) the overall scheme.
Credit: Janna Allbritton for Yellow Prairie Interiors
Green is a popular front door color, thanks in large part to its versatility and ability to blend in with the surrounding landscaping.
For a shade that’s less expected and more vibrant, swap traditional forest green for a preppier pick, like Arugula by Sherwin-Williams, seen here on a home by Janna Allbritton of Yellow Prairie Interiors.
09 of 09 | Firecracker by Behr
Credit: Gloria McMahon for The Long Awaited Home
If the exterior of your home is natural wood, you’ve pretty much hit the jackpot—you can pick basically any shade for your front door color and it’ll look good.
To bring a bit of spice to her 1800s New England colonial, creator Gloria McMahon of The Long Awaited Home opted for a brick red, Behr’s Firecracker, which boasts just enough vibrancy to keep the exterior feeling very of this century.
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