The longer you spend at home, the more likely you’re starting to nitpick everything about your space. You know what will help? A home makeover project. Below is a list of easy, but impactful home improvement projects that can increase enjoyment of your space.

Ultimate Spring Cleaning

Past spring cleaning efforts have been valiant—this year, take it to a new level.

Depending on how long it’s been since your last cleaning, this project may take some time. Thankfully, time is something we have a lot of right now! There are plenty of ways you can go about a deep cleaning and decluttering project.

Move top to bottom—start with your walls and windows and work your way down, before moving further into your home. Using an all purpose cleaner, wipe down your ceiling (if you can reach), crown molding, walls, cupboards, kitchen appliances and baseboards.

On the way down, give your windows a good cleaning (both inside and out), dusting blinds and shades, and washing anything that’s machine washable, like your curtains. And don’t forget about wiping down shelves and other built-ins.

Finally, take a vacuum to your vents and suck out any debris or dust that’s been gathering there. This is also a good time to change your HVAC filter, if you haven’t in a while.

New Furniture Arrangement

When you’re getting bored of your space, rearranging furniture is one of the fastest and easiest ways to refresh your home! There are so many creative ways to optimize the furniture in your Maui home. You’ll have to play around a bit to find out what sort of new arrangement works best in your space.

Here are a few additional rearrangement ideas to get you started and inspire your refresh:

• Move decorations and accent pieces to different parts of the home
• Organize your books by color or size
• Swap out throw pillows and blankets
• Switch up artwork
• Try using different pieces for different purposes—for example, maybe a side table becomes a plant or lamp stand
• If you have paint sitting around, paint a piece of furniture a new color

Minor Repairs

Examine your Maui home and make a list of all the repairs that are needed. Even if you work consistently to maintain your space, chances are there are a few outstanding projects you haven’t had time to get around to.

This is a great time to tackle those minor projects—particularly the ones that you can do all on your own. Many homeowners have used this time to:

• Re-caulk tile
• Touch-up paint
• Replace lightbulbs
• Repair broken fences
• Fix squeaky doors
• Oil wood cutting boards and kitchen tools
• Tighten loose fixtures

Plan for the Future

If you’d like to make bigger upgrades to your Maui home in the future, now is an excellent time to start planning! Maybe working with a home remodeler isn’t possible for you right now—you can still use this time to make progress on future plans:

• Make a list of what you’re dreaming about for your home
• Talk to your family about what changes and upgrades they dream about
• Create a Pinterest or Houzz account to save ideas
• Consider how much you’ll be able to budget for this project, when the time is right
• Research design-build companies and contact them to learn more about their services

You’re likely spending a lot more time than usual at your Maui home, so you have an excellent pulse on what’s working and what needs improvement. Take advantage of this opportunity to dream big and think about what sort of changes will benefit you and your family most.

Gardening and gardens are great for physical and mental health. However, there are important things you need to be doing, and not doing, in terms of avoiding common mistakes for those who are new to it.

Planting Too Soon

Do your homework with regard to seedlings. They all have their optimum times at which to plant them. If planted at the wrong time seedlings may rot or go dormant. Don’t worry, handy instructions are found on all seed packets, and garden-center workers will be pleased to advise you. A decent soil thermometer is always a useful investment, as well as a working knowledge of when the average date for the last frost is in your area.

Planting Too Late

Between first planting and first harvest (maturation time), you have to plant at the right time; not too late, otherwise plants may freeze before their time. One way around this is to cover them with floating covers, and also to know the average last frost date for you area and count backwards to determine when is the latest time you can plant certain things.

Soil Management

It’s not quite as simple as planting, watering, harvesting. Different soils need different approaches; for clay-heavy soil you should add sand and organic matter to reduce compaction. For sandy soil, you’ll have to add compost or manure so as to boost the moisture and presence of nutrients. There are further online guides you can consult in order to achieve that perfect balance between sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.

Bunching

Plants must have space between them, or else they’ll be fighting for survival, not able to get enough nutrients, moisture, and sunlight. Seed packets will recommend the correct spacing between plants, and you can also use seedling tags in order to mark off the correct measurements in between. It won’t seem obvious at first but will become apparent over time, when they are expanding and growing.

Depth

Certain larger seedlings – peas, beans, and corn, need to be planted deeper in order to keep the right moisture level for sprouting. Smaller seedlings; lettuce and some herbs, need light to germinate. They should be put in loosened soil, pressed in, but not deeply implanted. Some transplants should be planted at an equal depth to what they were in the pot, to stop the stems from rotting. Tomatoes and peppers must be planted deeper to encourage greater root growth. The seed packet will guide you; make sure you stick to it.

Mulch Less

A little bit is fine; too much can be counterproductive. It can be similar to planting seedlings too deep or adding excess nitrogen. It is vital to get the balance right in order to keep those weeds at bay, enhancing moisture retention but not drowning or choking the seed so that it never sees the light of day!

Water

This sounds so obvious but fledgling seedlings and new transplants need sufficient water. Depending on your soil, this is a good rule of thumb; if loamy, check two inches into the soil and if moist then it doesn’t need more watering. If you have soil which is more sandy check four inches down, and with clay-heavy soil two inches. If you can’t reach down into those depths it is a sign you need to apply more water. On the other hand, waterlogged roots become oxygen starved. This can produce a wilting effect on the emerging plants. Consider watering less often but more deeply.

Pruning

Contrary to popular belief, pruning is best in spring. This is because pruning stimulates new growth, and so is best just after the plants have finished flowering. If you mistakenly prune in the fall, thinking that the growing season is over, then you are taking a lot of energy out of the plant, and making it less effective in the long-term.

Source:Avoiding Garden Mistakes that Cost Big

Burglars are most active during the summer and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will likely be a desire to leave your home on vacation if travel restrictions are eased. Here are some steps you can take to protect your Maui house against criminals during the warm days of summer:

Stop Posting About Your Vacation Online

Burglars like to target homes while the family that lives there is away. There are many ways to determine when a family is on vacation, but one easy way is to watch homeowners’ social media accounts. When you post about being on a trip, you’re telling burglars that your home is empty and unprotected. Save your vacation photos for after you arrive back home, and make sure to indicate that they were taken in the past.

Secure Your Garage Door

One point of entry into your Maui home for burglars is your garage. If your garage door isn’t properly secured, criminals may take advantage of that weakness. Consider upgrading to a door that’s designed to be resistant to burglars. Discuss your options with a garage door dealer, and consider installing a safety device to prevent burglars from exploiting this common method used to break into homes.

Install Smart Security Cameras

Home video surveillance systems are cheaper and easier to use than ever before, so you really don’t have an excuse for not installing one. Often, the mere presence of the system is enough to ward off burglars. Modern systems now use smart technology, which means that you can review live security footage from your smartphone while you’re away from home.

Install Flood Lights

Flood lights are another thing you should consider installing to protect your Maui house. Use flood lights with motion detectors above all entrances to your home. Burglars often work at night to avoid being seen, and motion-detecting flood lights will deter them away from your home.

Install an Alarm System

Your security system should also include an alarm, because it is effective at scaring off criminals. It also alerts you of threats. However, if you can, go beyond that and ensure the police are immediately alerted if your security alarm goes off. Many security companies offer this service for the highest degree of protection possible.

Article provided by Anita Ginsburg

Is gray cooling for interiors? Where do those trendy blues work best? Paint can do a lot to upgrade a space. Fixr, an online marketplace for home improvement services, spoke to home design experts to gather insights on the hot color trends for 2020. Here are a few trends they found in their study:

Gray interiors are falling to the wayside

Gray has been the go-to color in design, but it may be losing some of its appeal. Only 20% of designers say that gray will remain popular this year. Others feel it’s on its way out. That said, despite it losing popularity, 57% of designers say people likely will continue to use it.

Cool neutrals reign

Neutral earth tones can go well with many different design styles, Fixr notes. Fifty-seven percent of designers surveyed say that cool neutrals will be the most popular interior paint colors of 2020 (the next most popular group—at only 20%—was jewel tones).

Gray and white exteriors sell best

Gray may be waning for interiors, but not on the exterior. Fifty-two percent of designers said gray is the best exterior color choice for someone who wants to sell their house, 52% of designers also said white is a good color choice for the exterior. “If you’re looking to sell your home this year, gray and white are the top recommended colors for the exterior of your home,” the report notes. “This gives your home a neutral look that appeals to a wide range of buyers, helping them picture themselves living there.”

Pale blue is best for small spaces

Blues have been trending, including a pale blue that designers see as their top choice for small spaces. Thirty-seven percent of designers surveyed said that pale blue is the best color for small spaces, while 22% said gray or green is a great choice. “While the size of a space is a key factor in selecting a paint color, it is only part of the equation, as lighting and architecture can also play a major role in the color selection process,” the report notes.

Source: Paint and Color Trends in 2020

If you’ve decided to place your Maui home on the market, you likely want it to sell as quickly as possible. Partially, this is for your own convenience. More importantly, though, the longer that a house sits on the market, the lower its final price tends to be. Therefore, before you list your home, you need to be sure it’s ready to attract as much attention as possible.

One great way to do this is by making strategic renovations to various areas around your Maui home. You want to be sure you’re making the most of your remodeling budget to ensure it results in the biggest payoff. To help you come out ahead, here are three renovations that can help you sell your home faster:

Kitchen

A dated kitchen is one of the biggest turnoffs for potential homebuyers. A kitchen that’s been renovated using quality materials often draws people in and causes them to overlook other potential flaws. Therefore, a kitchen renovation can be a great investment to make before you sell your home.

Quality finishes in the kitchen are crucial, as many buyers at all price points are looking for granite countertops (or something similar) and tile backsplashes. The cabinets should also be of decent quality and a neutral color that appeals to a wide range of people.

Roof

Since a roof is rarely seen except when you’re coming and going, it might not seem like the best place to spend your renovation dollars; however, if you can state on your home’s listing that the roof was recently replaced, you may gain more interest, potentially helping you to sell your home more quickly.

Be sure that the roofers you choose do a good job of sealing the roof cap and any protrusions, as you certainly don’t want the next homeowners to be left with a leaky roof. Also, make sure that the color of the shingles matches the character of the home so buyers aren’t turned off the moment they approach your house.

Bathroom

Moving back inside, a bathroom renovation is a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your remodeling budget. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re living in someone else’s grime.

A bathroom is one area where you can have a little fun with the renovation, adding unique features such as a tile tub surround or a designer light fixture that’ll help your home stand out from others in your area. Again, quality installation is important here, as you don’t want to put the future homeowners at risk of a major water leak.

Renovations can go a long way toward helping your Maui home sell more quickly. Remember, it’s important that you are disciplined in how you spend money on remodeling to be absolutely sure that you don’t end up spending more than you get out of your home when you sell it.

Article from: Brooke Chaplan

Most people take great pride in making their home more appealing, and homeowners can spend hundreds or thousands each year on improvements and alterations. One of the main things to consider when choosing an improvement project is how much value it could potentially add to your Maui residence. You also need to think about the overall cost of the project.

Here are some inexpensive improvements that can increase the value of your Maui home:

Invest in Home Security Upgrades

More than 1 million home burglaries take place in the U.S. each year. If your area has experienced break-ins, it may be time to beef up your home security. Investing in a wireless security system is a great way to protect your home and your possessions. Some homeowners think that these systems are expensive, but, in reality, there are many different wireless systems on the market that are relatively inexpensive. Taking the time to research all of the systems at your disposal is crucial. Consult with home security professionals to avoid missteps. They can help you choose the right security system and get it installed quickly.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Over time, kitchen appliances become outdated and unappealing. Rather than letting old appliances impact the value and appeal of your home, take action. Today’s market is filled with appliance options that are both affordable and energy-efficient. While an energy-efficient appliance may cost more initially, it will save you a lot of money on energy bills in the long term, which is why they’re a great investment.

Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a New Look

Another great way to make your kitchen more appealing and modern is by giving the cabinets a facelift. Instead of completely replacing your cabinets, think about painting them and adorning them with new hardware to save money. Before you choose a color for both your paint and hardware, consider the type of decor you already have in the space.

From: Wendy Dessler

Curb appeal has a major impact on the return you’ll see at resale. Among the top 10 home improvement projects with the highest return on investment (ROI) in Remodeling magazine’s newly-released Cost vs. Value Report, nine are outdoor projects.

Topping this year’s list is Manufactured Stone Veneer, a project that has consistently ranked toward the top of the list since the project was added to the report in 2015.

The report shows an increase in cost for all 22 projects listed, but there is also a consistent dip across the board in terms of what the perceived value of each of these projects is. Nationally, here are the 10 projects with the greatest ROI, according to the report:

Manufactured Stone Veneer (95.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $9,357
• Average Resale Value: $8,943

Garage Door Replacement (94.5% ROI)

• Average Cost: $3,695
• Average Resale Value: $3,491

Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) (77.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $23,452
• Average Resale Value: $18,206

Siding Replacement (Fiber-Cement) (77.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $17,008
• Average Resale Value: $13,195

Siding Replacement (Vinyl) (74.7% ROI)

• Average Cost: $14,359
• Average Resale Value: $10,731

Window Replacement (Vinyl) (72.3% ROI)

• Average Cost: $17,641
• Average Resale Value: $12,761

Deck Addition (Wood) (72.1% ROI)

• Average Cost: $14,360
• Average Resale Value: $10,355

Window Replacement (Wood) (68.9% ROI)

• Average Cost: $21,495
• Average Resale Value: $14,804

Entry Door Replacement (Steel) (68.8% ROI)

• Average Cost: $1,881
• Average Resale Value: $1,294

Deck Addition (Composite) (66.8% ROI)

• Average Cost: $19,856
• Average Resale Value: $13,257

Nationally—and on the other end of the spectrum—here are the 10 projects with the lowest ROI:

Master Suite Addition (Upscale) (51.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $282,062
• Average Resale Value: $145,486

Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) (53.3% ROI)

• Average Cost: $9,254
• Average Resale Value: $4,930

Major Kitchen Remodel (Upscale) (53.9% ROI)

• Average Cost: $135,547
• Average Resale Value: $72,993

Bathroom Addition (Midrange) (54% ROI)

• Average Cost: $49,598
• Average Resale Value: $26,807

Bathroom Addition (Upscale) (54.7% ROI)

• Average Cost: $91,287
• Average Resale Value: $49,961

Bath Remodel (Upscale) (56.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $67,106
• Average Resale Value: $37,995

Master Suite Addition (Midrange) (58.5% ROI)

• Average Cost: $136,739
• Average Resale Value: $80,029

Major Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) (58.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $68,490
• Average Resale Value: $40,127

Roofing Replacement (Metal) (61.2% ROI)

• Average Cost: $40,318
• Average Resale Value: $24,682

Bathroom Remodel (Universal Design) (62% ROI)

• Average Cost: $34,643
• Average Resale Value: $21,463

Windows obviously serve their main purpose of allowing light and fresh air into your Maui home. Windows can also contribute to the cost of heating and cooling your property. One way to cut down on this expense is to use energy-efficient window treatments, such as:

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades feature hollow cells that trap air, which provides a layer of insulation over the windows. Cellular shades are among the best choices for energy-efficient window treatments for your Maui home. These kinds of shades also come in a wide variety of colors and styles to enhance the look of any home. Additionally, they can be paired under drapery for an added layer of insulation. Cellular shades are minimal and versatile in style, but provide the maximum in energy efficiency.

Vertical Blinds

These blinds are an ideal energy-efficient window covering for sliding glass doors. Big glass doors are notoriously energy-inefficient, heating up a house in the summer and letting in the winter chill. Vertical blinds can help alleviate that problem, while at the same time, they’re very easy to keep clean. Vertical blinds come in a wide range of materials, including fabric, vinyl and aluminum. They’re not only excellent for covering glass doors, but for any large expanse of glass.

Roman Shades

Made of thick insulating cloth, Roman shades are a great choice for any home. The vast array of fabrics, colors and designs makes this choice highly functional and versatile. Roman shades can fit in with any style—from traditional to modern. You can also add thermal backing for extra energy efficiency.

Roman shades can create a soft, comfortable feeling in your Maui home, while actually helping to regulate the temperature in your rooms. For a window covering that is energy-efficient with a classic, stylish and versatile look, consider Roman shades.

Shutters

While they’re not as commonly used as they once were, shutters are very energy-efficient. The tightly fitted louvered panels are adjustable, meaning you can adjust the amount of hot or cold air coming from the glass. During the winter, shutters keep the warm air inside, and in the summer, they block out sunlight and hot, humid air.

Besides being energy-efficient, shutters can add to the overall value of your home. Shutters are also a good choice because they permanently add to the style of your Maui home, which can increase your curb appeal and property value. Shutters come in a wide range of styles, from traditional shutters with narrow louvers to dramatically wide plantation shutters.

Although you’ve probably heard of people having rat and roach infestations, people often forget about termites because their effects aren’t as visible. Termites are small insects that eat through and live in wood. If you reside in an area where termites are common, it’s important you know what to look for:

The Sounds

Despite their small size, termites are actually pretty noisy creatures. In fact, one of the most notable signs that you have termites is the sound they produce, often described as a loud banging. You may be wondering how something so small can make that kind of noise. It’s because the worker termites are very loud eaters. If you start hearing this sound, then you may need to call an exterminator.

You Think You Have Ants

At first glance, a termite looks very similar to an ant. Small in size and large in numbers, it’s easy to mistake them for ants. However, there’s one distinct feature that termites have that ants do not: their color. Termites are often white, which makes them look somewhat transparent. Ants, on the other hand, are either red, brown or black. There’s no such thing as a white ant, so if you see an ant that looks transparent, call a termite expert immediately.

Doors and Windows Aren’t as Easy to Open

You may be thinking that since termites tend to eat through door and window frames that these areas would be loose and more easy to open; however, this usually is not the case. As termites chew their way through the wood, they leave behind moisture, which causes the wood to become warped. When wood starts to warp, it can make opening your windows and doors more difficult than usual. There are plenty of termite solutions for this, but be sure to act quickly to avoid further restoration costs.

Termite Droppings

The last notable sign that you have termites are finding their droppings. Also known as frass, termite droppings will surround the area they’re inhabiting. Frass is usually black in color and the pellets are tiny. The frass they push out of their tunnels may resemble a mound of black pepper.

If left untreated, termites can cause devastating damage to your Maui home. Make sure to take precautions in preventing them, and call an exterminator should the need arise!

Article by Anita Ginsberg