Category: Home Improvement

Tips To Keep Your Bathroom Clean

Maui real estate

No matter how clean you keep your home, there are many places that are inevitably susceptible to dirt and bacteria. The bathroom, however, is where the most bacteria is made and where most health issues occur if it is not taken care of. Cleaning your bathroom with the right equipment on a daily basis is mandatory or else the surfaces in it can be infected with germs that may cause health problems.

#1 Clean Your Bathroom Floor

One of, if not the most used floor in your house is the bathroom floor. It has to be frequently washed and cleaned with effective chemicals to ensure no fungus or bacteria is created on the floor’s surface. Keeping these floors clean ensures that foot-traffic in and out of the bathroom won’t take that bacteria to other parts of your home. If not, you or someone else could possibly hurt themself and cause herniated disc problems.

#2 Clean Your Bathroom Surfaces

Surfaces in your bathroom, such as the sink, countertops, and vanities are the most likely to have bacteria on them. It is formed by people washing their hands or rinsing their mouths out. To eliminate the germs in your bathroom, remove all items from their original spot, use effective chemicals on the surfaces, and then wipe them with a damp rag to keep your bathroom as clean as possible.

#3 Unclog Your Bathroom Drains

Your bathroom has many places, like the drain, where specific types of minerals can be easily jammed into. They will also start to spew out excess water in an instant if there is too much calcium build up. You can unclog your drains by using a plunger, plumber’s snake, or removing the drain and cleaning it by hand. This can get rid of more bacteria and germs in your bathroom, and on the bathroom surfaces.

#4 Remove Your Bathroom Odors

Your bathroom is also where most people throw away their trash. The trash can make the entire room smell terrible by emitting nasty odors. In order to solve this, insert one or more bathroom fresheners, depending on how bad your bathroom smells. These will cover up the nasty odor, along with making your bathroom smell clean and fresh. You can also make your bathroom smelling good by following the last 3 steps!

Here is a link to suggested bathroom fresheners: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/best-air-fresheners-bathroom/

Here is a link to recommended cleaning equipment: https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-bathroom-cleaning-products

Add Color To Your Walls With Wallpaper

Maui real estate

Including color to any room can be an unsettling task. You don’t want the wallpaper to be glaring, but you definitely don’t want the wallpaper to be boring. Wallpaper can benefit you by adding color without all of the hassle. It’s an effortless way to add personality to your space. It’s a great choice when you want to incorporate specific patterns on your walls, and there are so many different preferences available that you’re sure to discover something that fits your style. It’s very easy to take off, so why not give it a try.

Decorative Designs

Whether your wallpaper is outdated or tacky, there are many modern, stylish designs available that can add personality and creativity to any room. Wallpaper is a great way to cover up blemishes or simply add some extra color, and some offer a rough texture to them which can be visible and add detail to your interior decor.

Wallpaper can help you add color. You can easily enjoy any number of patterns or symbols on your wall with wallpaper. From elegant patterns to fun themed symbols, there’s an endless list of options from which to choose. The right wall paper will bring life and personality into your home, from elegant patterns to fun themed symbols, there are so many different wallpapers for any occasion!

Little Work With Large Benefits

You might be tempted to think that painting would have the edge over wallpaper when you put both side by side. Properly hung wallpaper will last 3 times as long as paint. Wallpaper is a great way to decorate high traffic areas in your home. While paint can flake or chip, wallpaper can be disastrous for your interior. Wallpaper is a cost-effective and durable way to decorate your room, since it can last up to 15 years and beyond. High traffic areas in your home will benefit greatly with wallpaper.

Pros and Cons

Some pros about wallpaper are that it can be washed, there are nearly limitless designs to soot your likings, it can help cover up flaws, and the rolls cost up to 30 dollars a roll. Likewise, there are also some cons with it. It is more time consuming to change wallpaper, and there might be some peeling or chipping.

Keep It Clean With Natural Ingredients

Maui home improvement

Home isn’t only where the heart is, it has now become where your whole world is. Due to the continuation of the spread of COVID-19 , more and more people are finding themselves still working, schooling and dining at home. That being the case, it has become even more important that we continually clean and disinfect our surroundings to ward off viruses and the spreading of illnesses.

The DIY craze has been reinvigorated with our long stints at home. One of the easiest and most popular is making homemade household cleaning and disinfectant solutions using safe, natural ingredients. Time to ditch the chemical laden bottle of disinfectant that you picked up at your local supermarket…you know the one that makes your eyes burn and irritates your skin…..and make one using natural ingredients.

One of the things people love most is being able to personalize the scent your creation has and the added benefits certain oils bring along to your cleaning game. For example, use lemon essential oils for their antibacterial properties, peppermint for it’s disinfecting abilities or maybe some lavender for it’s renowned calming effects. Here are 2 recipes to get you on your safe, natural cleaning adventure.

Homemade Disinfectant Spray

What you’ll need:

  • 1 medium sized spray bottle
  • 3 oz distilled or purified water
  • 1.5 cups of 99% ethyl alcohol
  • 1 tsp hydrogen peroxide
  • 15-20 drops of preferred essential oil

How to make:

  1. Add your choice of water to the spray bottle
  2. Pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle first, then the ethyl alcohol
  3. Time to add your choice of essential oils
  4. Close the bottle and shake it up
  5. Time to disinfect

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cup purified or distilled water
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 7-10 drops of tea tree oil
  • 7-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
  • 7-10 drops of lemon essential oil
  • 1 medium airtight container (empty baby wipe or tupperware container)
  • 20 squares of cloth (cut up old t-shirts, dish towels or burp clothes work well)

How to make:

  1. Place your cloths of choice into the container and set aside
  2. In a large bowl combine water, vinegar and essential oils. Stir until well mixed
  3. Pour the mixture over the clothes in the container. Once the liquid has been absorbed, you’re good to go
  4. Launder and repeat as often as the cloths hold up

Remember, always test on a small area of the surface you intend to use it on. Alcohol may affect certain plastics, metals, and unfinished woods and hydrogen peroxide has the ability to discolor fabrics.

All Things New Will Soon Be Purple

Maui home improvement
In ringing in the new year, we celebrate the past and make new goals for the future. We also welcome the new year’s “it” color. For over 20 years, The Pantone Color Institute has been responsible for choosing the annual color that will influence product development and purchasing decisions in many industries, including fashion, home furnishings and industrial design.

But this year they didn’t just choose the Pantone Color of the Year, they did something they’ve never done and created it. Presented as “a new Pantone color whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity”, there is no doubt you’ll be seeing this fresh new hue everywhere.

The color created for 2022’s Pantone’s Color of the Year is Very Peri. It “…brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions,” says Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“The pandemic has changed the way we live, and we are all unified in our transformation together,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of KB Design Studio. “Very Peri is bold, yet joyful and truly represents a carefree confidence that we all need as we progress forward, together. As our digital and physical lives merge, and we continue to rewrite our story, Very Peri – a flawless mix of red-violet and blue – is the perfect color to represent 2022. Innovative and transformative, it lets us break free and dream of unlimited possibilities of the future, especially in our homes.”

Pantone’s color experts meticulously search the world for new color influences to come up with their selection every year. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” adds Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

There has already been a swift embrace of this new shade by Microsoft, who adopted the color in all of its platforms. In addition, Legrand and RoomMates have introduced peri-hued items for the home, like light switch wall plates and peel-and-stick wallpaper. In the upcoming year, Very Peri will undoubtedly grace the cover of every home decorating magazine. Looks like it’s time to head to your local hardware store and update that accent wall to this year’s must-have color!

How To Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Maui home improvement
The roof is one of the most important parts of any house. It serves as a barrier against hail, ice, snow, and rain, as well as branches and debris. In this article, you will learn what you need to do to keep your roof in top shape to protect your home for years to come.

Trim Branches

Your roof is under constant attack from falling leaves, water, and debris. In addition to that, overhanging branches can also damage your roof. Thus, you should keep your tree branches trimmed and away from your roof. If there are trees in your yard that are close to your roof, you should start trimming them as soon as possible.

Inspect/Repair Shingles

If you notice a cracked or missing shingle, you should inspect the rest of the roof to make sure that the issue doesn’t lie with a damaged piece of wood or a leaky nail. Although most homeowners don’t worry about small cracks on their shingles, it is important that you take them seriously. The more time passes, the bigger the crack becomes and the weaker the shingle becomes.

Clean Gutters Regularly

Even if you clean your roof regularly, your gutters can still become clogged with leaves and debris. This can create a lot of problems for the roof because water will not be able to flow away from it easily. That is why you should clean your gutters and downspouts at least once every 6 months.

Get a Roof Inspection

Although most people don’t consider their roofs until something goes wrong with them, getting an inspection done is actually one of the most important things that you can do in order to keep your roof in top shape. In addition to preventing any serious issues from happening, a good inspection will also let you know what kind of maintenance your roof needs and how much time it has left before it starts leaking and breaking down completely.

Some Holiday Lighting Tips

Maui christmas lights
Holiday lights undoubtedly keep the season (and spirits) merry and bright through the beginning of the new year—it’s extra cheer we can all use right about now. But there’s a difference between a tasteful presentation and being the only home on the block that stands out like a disco ball gone awry. To outfit your home in the sparkle of the season, follow these tips so it’s dressed to impress.

Make a singular statement

Stick with a consistent methodology for installing the lights by following the branches on the trees with lights or by wrapping only the perimeter of the trees. Try to keep the method consistent for all the trees or bushes.

White lights are simple, however, there are choices when it comes to white lights because string lights are now made in LED form. Use warm whites as they are closest to old-school string lights. Cool white often reads really blue and super bright. Colored lights are beautiful as well, but just keep the look consistent and follow one path rather than mixing them all together.

Keep things consistent

Lights are all about scale and proportion. Don’t hang them at random or it will look unintentional; finish whatever scale you start. If you only want to do your entryway; do just that. Next step would be another complete thought, like all your rooflines or soffits. It’s all about not leaving something halfway done. Hang lights on roof ridges, hips, valleys and soffits. A tasteful display around your driveway and sidewalk is always a winner if you have the entire house lit up as well.

Think about scale

Stick with a theme; make sure all the lights you use are the same type. Mostly it’s about making the display look tidy and not like a mess.

Use the scale of your home as a guide and if you can’t afford to light the whole thing, think about special points of interest like a lit wreath or lit garland around the front door. Better to go bold in one or two places than to have tiny strings of lights on your eaves that don’t work there. And think about proportion—if you have a large house, for example, go big.

Strike the right balance

Holiday lights are like frosting. If you use too few, you’re left wishing there were more, or it looks like you never finished. Use too many lights and it is overwhelming. If you can strike just the right balance, they will highlight the beauty of your home and its exterior.

Intertwine lights with garland on the front door or draped across the front porch. This way you are using the lights to illuminate the decorations you see during the day and bringing them to life at night.

Upgrades You Should Make Before Listing Your Home

Maui home renovation
One of the biggest things that you can do to sell your home is make it stand out, and that can be done by upgrading your home. Here are a few home improvement projects that will give your house a facelift before you put it on the market.

Update Cabinets

It can be expensive to replace your cabinets, so instead, give them a makeover. Regardless of where they are in your house, they could always benefit from a fresh coat of paint or updated cabinet handles. Add more shelving inside if the space allows it or do the opposite and take away shelving to make room for bigger objects.

Paint Front Door

Due to harsh outdoor elements, the color of your front door is going to fade and the paint will peel over time. This means it might be time to give your front door a fresh touch up. By painting your front door, you can refresh your home’s front-facing exterior and increase curb appeal. There are thousands of options to choose from, so you may want to try out paint samples before committing to a color.

Add Storage

Potential buyers want to make sure they have enough room for everything when they move in. That is why it’s important for you to add storage to your home. There are several ways you can add storage. For example, you can put shelves in a blank space or you can add a long vanity to your bathroom.

Kitchen Upgrades

If there’s only one area of your home that you can afford to splurge on, choose the kitchen. This is one of the main areas that prospective buyers will pay attention to when they view your home. Installing new appliances will not only look better but also be more energy efficient, which will attract more buyers.

You can also install new countertops, choosing from a variety of materials like marble, limestone or granite. An upgraded countertop will make your kitchen stand out and better fit the color scheme of the space. It also wouldn’t hurt to install new lighting in your kitchen. Upgrading to more modern appliances also helps save money by saving energy.

Cost-Effective Home Improvement Projects

Maui home improvement

Do you want to make your home a better place to live but feel like you do not have enough money to do that? If that is the case, then you are not the only one. Many people out there give up on home improvement projects out of fear of high costs.

You do not have to worry about it, though. After all, we are here to help you out! In this article, you will find six cost-effective home improvement projects that are worth checking out, starting with renewing old flooring and installing a ventilating fan in your bathroom to buying new rugs, and adding crown molding. Take a look!

Flooring

Home improvement projects always start with an idea. If you want to renovate your home without spending too much, it is essential to come up with something that will save you money. Replacing flooring can accumulate costs quickly, so renewing or covering them is usually a cheaper option.

You can pick vinyl flooring and cover your carpeting with it. If you’re not a fan of vinyl, check out bamboo flooring, it’s natural, beautiful, and eco-friendly. However, covering hardwood flooring will never be as cheap as renewing it. Think about sanding and staining it a new color – both of those are things you can do yourself with rented tools.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to improve your comfort of living. They are environmentally friendly and affordable, so you should consider installing them in your home. It is cheaper to install one instead of investing in standard air conditioning, and the effects are similar.

There are many different types of ceiling fans out there, so you should take your time to choose the right one for your needs. Take into account how much space you have in your room and how it looks like, and go from there.

Crown Molding

You can add crown molding to any room in your home. Not only will it look amazing, but it will also make the room look bigger and more elegant. Many people think that crown molding is too expensive to buy, but that is not true, so don’t be afraid to add it to your kitchen, living room, or even your bedroom.

Kitchen Sink

The shine of new steel or a fashionable black faucet will transform any kitchen in no time. We recommend choosing undermount sinks because they are easy to install and affordable. All you have to do is find a sink that will fit into the space you want it to be and install it. Once you have done that, your kitchen will look amazing!

Decorations

A new rug or a few pillows can make your home look better in no time and without spending a lot of money. Find a few colors that you like together, and try to incorporate them into your home. Color-coordinated decorations will add style to your place without costing a small fortune.

Instead of buying a new couch, find a throw that will match the chairs and cozy up your space with a new, fluffy rug. Consider looking for graphic designers and artists whose work you like and hanging their pieces on the walls.

5 Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Maui moving
Moving can be a long and difficult process. It’s no surprise that many people experience hiccups along the way. These tips may alleviate the pain and frustration that comes with making those mistakes. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common moving mistakes, as well as how to fix them.

Not scheduling your Maui move

One of the biggest moving mistakes is people who think they can just go with the flow when it comes to packing and moving. This leads to packing at the last minute, throwing things in boxes with little sense of organization and an overall unpleasant moving experience.

Solution: Make a schedule. Before you start packing a single box, write out a schedule of when you will pack and move the items in your home. Start a few weeks out from your final moving day in order to give yourself plenty of time. Then, break the task out into organized chunks. Tackle storage areas first, as they’re often the trickiest things to pack. Then go room-by-room to keep the process organized.

Not asking questions before hiring movers in Maui

Did you know that most moving companies will only insure items that they pack themselves? Important information like that often goes unsaid during the moving process, leaving homeowners in the lurch when something goes awry. Unfortunately, in the craziness of moving, sometimes you make assumptions about a moving company’s process without anyone stopping to check the facts.

Solution: Ask questions before you hire a moving company – and keep asking them until you’re sure you know the full story. Ask how their process works, if they’re insured, what’s covered under their insurance and what’s not, what excess fees you could incur and what their procedure is in the event of a lost or broken item. Then, once you have a contract in hand, read it over in full so that you know what you’re agreeing to before you sign on the dotted line.

Forgoing the in-home estimates

The majority of moving companies will offer you an estimate. However, they usually do these over the over the phone and vary widely. If you forget to mention a large or difficult-to-move item in your initial consultation, your estimate could end up well over the figure that was originally quoted to you. This is one of the more expensive moving mistakes.

Solution: Ask for an in-home estimate. That way, someone from the moving company can see exactly how much stuff needs to be moved. They’ll also know if any particular items require special consideration. Armed with that information, they should be able to give you an accurate quote. To make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, aim to get estimates from at least three different companies in your area.

Packing boxes too heavily

There is the impulse to load boxes until they’re chalk-full. After all, fewer boxes means fewer trips to and from the moving van. However, overloading boxes is one of the moving mistakes that isn’t good for you or your belongings. On one hand, it could be an injury risk. On the other, the weight of your items could cause the box to break.

Solution: Conventional wisdom states that, for your safety and the safety of your items, moving boxes should never exceed 50 pounds. Keep that figure in mind as you pack up your home. Additionally, pack heavier items – especially things like books – in smaller boxes. That way, you’ll have a built-in stop gap.

Not checking your inventory sheet

At the end of a long moving day, it’s only natural to want to send the movers away as fast as possible so that you can get started on the unpacking process. This impulse often leads to people signing off on their final inventory sheet – a list of everything that the movers moved into your new home – without checking to see that all their items are accounted for.

Solution: Check and double-check to make sure all of your belongings have arrived safely before signing off on your inventory sheet. If something is missing, make sure that it’s found before signing anything. Your signature releases the moving company of responsibility for lost or damaged items so make sure you have everything you need first.

Safeguarding Your Real Estate Investment

Maui home improvement
Your home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make, and something you’ll obviously want to preserve. Preventative home maintenance will not only protect your home and maintain its value, but it will also help you save money in the long run. You will also ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable place for you and your family to live for as long as you desire. Here are some tips to protect and maintain your home.

Preventative Maintenance

Your home requires regular upkeep and care to prevent any issues from getting out of hand. A good first step is to create a property maintenance checklist where you break down all of the tasks and projects that need to be completed throughout the year (for example, complete HVAC maintenance before the cold winter or hot summer months). Decide which tasks you can complete on your own and which tasks you’ll need to hire a professional to help with.

Items related to the roof, structure, HVAC systems and plumbing should be top priorities, no matter what time of the year, as these are critical to the infrastructure of your home. Preventative maintenance is key to avoid causing bigger problems down the road, so it’s wise to schedule things like HVAC maintenance and roof inspections to reduce your risk of breakdown.

Emergency Fund

Regardless of age, location or condition, all homes will inevitably need some form of unexpected or emergency repair—it comes with the territory of being a homeowner. It’s better to set up a savings account now that you can contribute to over time and pull from as needed.

Depending on the scope of the issue, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs or equipment replacement costs. Some tasks can wait, but problems with the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems generally need to be assessed immediately. Being a homeowner isn’t cheap, but you can set yourself up for sustained success with a little foresight.

Small Stuff

Don’t let a small issue snowball into a big problem—when you notice something is wrong, deal with it right away to save yourself time and money down the road. Something like a small faucet drip can quickly turn into a major water problem if ignored for too long. A leak in the water heater may not seem like an immediate problem, but this can often be a warning sign of tank failure. Be wary of seemingly small problems and look into them right away to avoid having to dip into your emergency fund.