The big improvements always get all the glory, but what about all those little projects around the house?

Sure, they may not be as gratifying as ripping out cabinets, but tackling necessary home maintenance chores now will save you big headaches down the road. So before you undertake another huge home improvement, check out these projects that you might have neglected.

Clean exhaust fans

Bathroom exhaust fans play an important role in reducing odor as well as moisture, which helps prevent mold and mildew. And attic or ventilation fans are designed to expel hot air from the top of a home and draw cooler air in. This helps save energy and reduces the potential for costly heat-related damage to the roof or roof framing.

Fans should be cleaned and wiped down every three months to ensure they are functioning properly.

Fix window seals

Once a window seal is broken, problems are created that homeowners can’t see until major damage occurs.

Those problems include moisture, condensation, mildew, mold, and wood rot, which build up in the window framing and eventually move into the wall. Entire window frames and even sections of flooring can eventually rot, due to the moisture seeping in through missing or damaged window caulk.

Homeowners should inspect their windows twice a year, and repair any cracked or torn caulk, rubber seals, or damaged wood as soon as possible.

Repair foundation cracks

Foundation cracks can naturally develop over time. And though tiny cracks may not be a problem at first, it’s a good idea to patch them before they increase in size. Large cracks could result in your having to replace the foundation completely, which could cost you big bucks.

Lube your garage door springs

Preserve the longevity of your garage door with some simple maintenance, so you won’t have to replace it sooner than needed.

Be sure to apply a lubricant annually to the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Since garage doors have a heavy workload, use a heavy-duty lubricant such as silicon spray or motor oil.

Drain the water heater

Water heaters naturally build up mineral deposits over time. This forms a thick, crusty coating that will begin to chip off and clog faucets, drains, and the water heater valve. Such deposits can also cause your water heater to run constantly, which can crack the inner lining and run up your utility bills.

The good news is that the fix is simple. Every six to 12 months, place a small bucket underneath the drain valve on your water heater and drain the sediment out of the tank.

Check out your crawl space

One commonly overlooked area of the home is the crawl space below your house. Just like any other part of a home, it needs maintenance and can save a home from costly damage.

Avoid that possibility by laying a vapor barrier or installing a humidifier to protect against mold, water damage, and termites. This can improve the air quality of a house as well.

Caulk your kitchen sink

The sink is subject to daily wear and tear. And the chemicals in cleansers added to the frequent exposure to water, can damage the caulking. Avoid leakage under the sink, with the simple fix of recaulking.

Removing all traces of the old caulking is key and a trusty utility knife will do the trick. Clean up any loose grout, rinse off the area, let it dry completely, and you’re ready to caulk.

The flooring of a home is one of its defining features. Wood flooring remains one of the most popular options, as it is a naturally inviting, beautiful and timeless material. While older, more traditional homes often have the original hardwood floors still in place, many newer homes are using laminate. It offers a natural look similar to wood but at a lower price.

When deciding between hardwood vs. laminate flooring, there are several pros and cons to consider. Sure, when comparing laminate vs hardwood cost, laminate is usually the more affordable option. But you also must look at durability, resale value, cleaning, installation and more. This article will compare some of the factors between hardwood vs laminate flooring and help you decide which is best for your home.

Laminate vs. hardwood cost

The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart. Take into consideration the cost of laminate and hardwood flooring to determine what is best for you.

• Hardwood: CONS – Hardwood flooring is made of harvested trees; pricing depends on the type of wood you choose. In general, hardwood is considerably higher to buy and to install.
• Laminate: PROS – Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood, covering it to form the laminate. Not only are the materials themselves cheaper, but laminate wood installation cost is, on average, 50 percent less than hardwood installation.

Laminate flooring can cost $3-$7 per square foot, including installation. Solid wood flooring can cost $5-$10 per square foot, including installation. Again, the exact prices will vary depending on the types of materials used and the size of your home.

Assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home. A more durable surface is easier to maintain and will look great for years to come.

• Hardwood: CONS – Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavily trafficked areas. PROS – Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and, depending on the type of wood, can add considerable value to your home.
• Laminate: PROS – Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean. CONS – Even though laminate is more durable, it is not as visually appealing. Lower qualities of laminate may have artificial-looking wood grain textures.

Laminate vs. hardwood repair

Your home’s flooring will typically need repairs at some point. From minor accidents to excessive wear and tear, laminate and hardwood have advantages and disadvantages.

• Hardwood: PROS – Hardwood can be repaired by sanding imperfections and refinishing. This gives it the edge over laminate, in that it will last for years.
• Laminate: CONS – Laminate flooring doesn’t repair easily. If you buy flooring that comes in individual pieces and snaps together, you may be able to replace individual boards — although, depending on sunlight and age, the new piece may not match properly.

Best places for hardwood vs. laminate flooring

In addition to price, durability and repair, you should also consider the best (and worst) places in the home for both types of flooring.

• Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is both beautiful and fairly durable, especially in lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and dining rooms. But, if you have pets or a lot of foot traffic, your hardwood floors might show the scratches and wear overtime. Basements and bathrooms with a lot of moisture are also not good places for hardwood flooring. On the other hand, continuous sunlight can fade your hardwood flooring overtime as well.
• Laminate: Because laminate flooring is so durable, it’s less susceptible to wear and tear from pets and foot traffic. While it withstands moisture better than hardwood, it should not be in a regularly wet area of the home. Because of its top coat, laminate flooring typically does not fade from sunlight as quickly and noticeably as hardwood flooring and can be used safely in rooms with large windows.

Your home will benefit from the look of wood flooring; deciding between hardwood vs. laminate flooring is up to you. Review the pros and cons, and be realistic about your lifestyle; if you have pets, young kids or high traffic, that may influence your decision.

If you have a lot of sunlight in your home, hardwood can fade because it is a natural product, while laminate wood flooring has UV protection integrated into the surface. Consider all the factors — and enjoy how the warmth of wood will improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and value.

Article from Ronique Gibson

Being a homeowner is a considerable responsibility, and likely one of the largest investments you’ll make in your life. In order to protect your investment, you need to proactively care for your property, which means taking the correct steps to prevent problems from happening or quickly resolve issues when they do arise. Depending on your handyman skills, you may be able to handle basic home repairs on your own, but odds are, you’ll need the help of a few licensed contractors at some point in your homeowner experience.

When it’s time to enlist the help of an outside contractor, it’s important to choose a reliable and experienced individual. Picking the right person for the job can be a more intricate process than many are led to believe, but with careful screening, you’ll be able to build a list of qualified contractors to work with when things go wrong. Here are five essential contractors that every homeowner should keep in their contacts:

Carpenter

A carpenter is one of the most common contractors a homeowner will work with. While you may be able to handle some carpentry-related tasks on your own, depending on your experience, having a carpenter you trust will come in handy for larger, more complicated projects.

Carpenters will deal with the construction, repair and installation of any structures made from wood or similar materials. This can include walls, windows, doors, flooring and other types of molding or frames. Carpenters may insulate buildings, install cabinetry, assemble framework or build new walls. Because carpenters provide valuable help to both the interior and exterior of your home, consider making this relationship one of the first you seek out when purchasing a property.

Electrician

Faulty wiring and other electrical malfunctions are something you shouldn’t attempt to repair on your own if you don’t have experience in this field. Performing even minor electrical work presents a series of risks to both the worker and those occupying the property, and the electrical system in your home can impact nearly every aspect of your property. Faulty electrical work can cause inconvenience, significant damage or even create a fire hazard in extreme cases. Due to safety codes involved with electrical work, it’s best to keep a reliable electrician on call.

An easy way to find an electrician you trust is to follow recommendations from another homeowner whose opinion you value. Request to see the license and ask about professional history to make sure the electrician you choose will be the best fit.

Plumber

Plumbing and piping can be one of the most intimidating parts of a home. While fixing small leaks or unclogging drains is something you’ll likely learn to do on your own over time, you may require the help of an experienced plumber sooner or later for bigger issues. Plumbers are suited to take care of extensive damage and repairs, and can also provide you with data such as quotes, isometric drawings or anything else you may need for repairs or remodels.

Even as little as a quarter-inch of standing water can cause structural damage to a home, so make sure you choose a plumber who’ll answer your calls and be readily available.

Roofer

Since roofing involves a highly complex set of skills, it’s advisable to not try to tackle this project yourself (unless you have specific roofing experience, of course). Roofers can install, repair or replace the roof of a building using various materials such as shingles, bitumen or metal.

Roof work can be expensive so it’s important to perform regular maintenance to catch small issues before they turn into major ones. This part of a home’s exterior is directly exposed to weather-related damage, and preventing extensive damage like leaks or mildew build-up is critical to protecting your property.

Mason

Walls, fences and other related structures usually fall into the landscaping category, so a mason may not be a contractor that’s at the top of your list. However, these projects are complex and usually require the assistance of a skilled professional. If any of these structures are located on your property, or if you plan to build something to improve the quality and market value of your home, it doesn’t hurt to find someone skilled in masonry.

Depending on the materials they work with, there are three main types of masons: brick masons, stonemasons and block masons. As the titles suggest, they can work with brick, natural stones or concrete blocks to build walls, fences and other structures.

It’s important to build a list of trusted professional contractors before you need them. That way, when something comes up, you won’t be left scrambling to settle for the first available person you can find. While there are certain tasks you can and should perform on your own, most repairs and remodels are best done with the assistance of a licensed professional.

Source: Brentnie Daggett

Certain home remodeling projects are making homeowners happier and proving to be well worth the cost and time when they sell their properties, according to a new survey from the National Association of REALTORS®, which includes insights from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

After completing a home remodeling project, 74% of more than 2,100 consumers surveyed reported having a greater desire to be in their home, 65% say they experienced increased enjoyment, and 77% felt a major source of accomplishment, the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report shows. Researchers examined 20 projects and surveyed REALTORS® and consumers on home renovation projects.

“REALTORS® and homeowners alike recognize the value of taking on a major home remodeling project,” says NAR President John Smaby. “While these tasks can be time-consuming and costly, the projects are well worth the temporary inconveniences, as this report shows, and the final products ultimately reward us with feelings of accomplishment, satisfaction, and higher home values.”

NAR calculated a “joy score” for each home remodeling project studied. The score, a scale from one to 10, is based on homeowners’ overall perceived happiness with their renovations. The higher the joy score for the project, the more homeowners felt satisfaction from it.

Some of the highest joy scores for interior projects centered on complete kitchen renovations, closet renovations, full interior and interior room paint jobs, kitchen upgrades, and basement conversions to living areas.

The exterior jobs with the highest joy scores were new fiberglass or steel front doors, new vinyl and wood windows, and new roofing.

The Resale Benefit

Remodeling can be money well spent at times of resale. Overall, the top remodeling projects for recovering costs at resale were from new roofing, hardwood floor refinishing, and new hardwood floor installation.

NARI remodelers say that homeowners spend on average about $7,500 for new roofing, but real estate pros estimate that sellers will recover $8,000 at resale—an estimated 107% of the value recovered.

On new wood flooring, the average cost homeowners spend on an update is $4,700, but a 106% potential return is possible at resale (real estate pros estimate $5,000).

The Happiest Home Projects

But remodels aren’t just for the potential payback at resale. “The NAR report shows us that people often remodel for resale purposes, but it also reminds us that homeowners remodel too, with the desire to make a home their own,” notes Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.

Here’s a closer look at the study results on the home improvement projects that made homeowners the happiest:

Kitchen renovation

Joy score: 10

Ninety-three percent of consumers said they had a greater desire to be at home since the completion of their kitchen remodel; 95% said it’s increased their sense of enjoyment when at home. “The kitchen is a space homeowners frequent regularly throughout the course of the day,” Yun says. “So when that area is remodeled to owners’ exact preferences—as they enter and exit the room—they continually experience the satisfaction of a job well done.”

The biggest reason behind a kitchen renovation was to improve functionality and livability, according to 46% of respondents. Also, 24% said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces and materials, while another 20% said they had recently moved into their home and wanted to customize the kitchen to fit their particular tastes. “Kitchens serve as the ‘heart of the home’ for many, and whether you like to entertain or cook, updating a kitchen ensures greater access and use as homeowners age, especially when the upgrades take accessibility into account,” says Robert Kirsic, a certified kitchen and bath remodeler and also NARI’s 2019–2020 president.

Closet renovation

Joy score: 10

Upgrading home closets also made for instantly happier homeowners. Sixty-eight percent of consumers surveyed say they feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think about a completed closet renovation project. More than half say the most important result is improved functionality and livability.

Full interior paint job

Joy score: 9.8

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for improving the look of a house—but it also improves the mood of those living there. Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported a greater desire to be home since having their home freshly painted.

New fiberglass front door

Joy score: 9.7

The installation of fiberglass front doors can also help for resale and happiness, the survey found. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said that they’ve had a greater desire to be home, thanks to their new front door. Sixty-seven percent say they have an increased sense of enjoyment when they’re home.

New vinyl windows

Joy score: 9.6

The happiness around new windows mostly comes from the result of improved functionality and livability. Forty-seven percent of respondents said they were motivated to update their windows to improve their home’s energy efficiency, and 23% want to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials.

Source: “2019 Remodeling Impact Report,” National Association of REALTORS® (October 2019)

Here are 10 powerful ways to save money during your Maui home renovation:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating their property is failing to set a budget. By not having one in place before you begin work, you’ll often end up spending more than you originally intended. Be sure to take time to figure out how much you can afford and create a budget for your renovation project.

2. Make Every Effort to Save on Material Costs
Another area where homeowners get in trouble is that they spend way too much on material costs. For example, you can buy recycled or reused building materials, which will help cut down on your costs. Even better, some of these reused materials are in excellent condition, so you’ll get a good bargain on more high-end items.

You can also check Craigslist, eBay or Freecycle to find free or cheap materials online. Many people are often literally giving this stuff away on these sites, so take advantage while you can.

3. Find Good Deals on Essential Pieces
No one said you had to pay top dollar for the most essential pieces for your home renovation. Instead of spending a small fortune for new granite countertops, you can wait a little while for the materials to go on sale. The same holds true with kitchen island installations, brand-new windows and just about anything else that needs replacing during the home renovation process.

4. Pay Cash for Materials and Contractor Expenses
This tried-and-true idea works wonders when attempting to cut down on renovation expenses. You’ll be able to save a significant amount by offering to pay cash for your materials and contractor fees for a couple of reasons. First, by paying cash instead of using credit, you can avoid the possibility of paying hefty interest charges. Second, sometimes contractors will give their customers a price break when you offer to pay cash for their services.

5. Don’t Rush the Renovation Process
Sometimes people are eager to finish their home renovations. This can turn out to be a major mistake if you aren’t patient. Instead of using your credit to pay for your expenses, wait and save up. Additionally, you might end up spending top dollar for materials or contractor fees when you could’ve paid much less if you were willing to wait a little while longer.

6. Perform DIY Renovations When You Possess the Skills to Get the Job Done
Some repairs and renovations are going to be out of your league. However, many folks will have no problem handling some DIY projects on their own. Instead of paying somebody to complete easy to moderate repairs or demolition, you can take the bull by the horns and perform these activities yourself.

7. Reuse Materials Whenever Possible
Instead of letting certain materials go to waste, feel free to reuse them whenever you can get away with it. This is a great way to save money without going over your budget or breaking the bank. For example, you may be able to reuse some of your cabinetry and appliances without replacing them.

8. Avoid Making Big Purchases Until the Items Go on Sale
If you’re renovating your kitchen and putting in brand-new appliances, you should always wait for them to go on sale. Of course, this only works if you aren’t under any time constraints, but instead of buying an appliance on a typical Wednesday, you could wait until a big Fourth of July sale is happening. You’ll save a lot of money this way, so take advantage of these excellent opportunities.

9. Shop Around When Hiring Help for Home Renovations
You obviously want your home renovations to look amazing; however, that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar for the most expensive contractors in your area. You can shop around and get multiple bids from as many contractors as you see fit. This will help you find a top-notch and inexpensive contractor that meets your needs.

10. Sell Any Working Appliances That You Intend to Replace
Do you own a refrigerator that’s in good working order? How about a well-used stove that’s still in good condition? Instead of throwing these valuable items away when you replace them, you could list them on Craigslist, eBay or the Facebook Marketplace. You never know what someone may want to purchase. Selling your old, but working, appliances could help you recoup some of your renovation expenses and lower your costs at the same time.

Article provided by Wendy Dessler

Just because the weather’s cooling off doesn’t mean your to-do list will too. Take on a few home maintenance tasks that will put you in good standing once temperatures dip.

Properly store your yard equipment

One of the best parts about fall: You can usually put your lawn mower into hibernation mode until spring.

But before you forget about that pesky piece of machinery entirely, remember this: Spring will be a headache if you don’t prep your equipment this fall. That’s because gasoline reacts with the air in the tank if left long enough, causing oxidation, which creates small deposits that can affect the performance of your mower.

Get rid of any spare gasoline. Many cities and counties have hazardous-waste programs, or your local auto parts store might take the old gas for you, too.

Run pressurized air through your pressure washers to remove any remaining water in the system, which will prevent freeze damage to the pumping mechanisms.

If your winter is particularly snowy and gritty, you’ll be glad to have your pressure washer on high alert.

Protect your pipes

When temps dip below freezing, unprotected pipes can burst from exposure. Guard against burst pipes by wrapping them in foam insulation, closing foundation vents (more on that below), and opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to flow around supply lines. And make sure to keep your thermostat at 60 degrees or higher overnight.

If you haven’t tracked down your home’s water shut-offs yet, now’s the time. They might be located outside your house or in your crawl space. Once you’ve found them, give them a test.

The winter is not a fun time to try to figure that out, especially should a pipe burst. Now’s also a good time to drain all of your exterior water hoses to prevent an icy emergency.

Clear out your crawl space

While you’re winterizing your pipes, peek around your crawl space. Is your HVAC system blocked by boxes of 50-year-old Mason jars? Can you get to any leaking pipes quickly? While it’s still warm, clear out any debris from your crawl space to ensure clear passage when winter’s worst happens.

Close your crawl space vents

During your crawl space expedition, this is a must-do: Close the vents that circle your home’s perimeter.

The vents were placed there for a functional reason, not just aesthetics. The problem is that most homeowners have no idea why they are there.

Here’s why: In warm, wet seasons, crawl space vents allow airflow, which prevents moisture buildup. But if you leave them open during cold, dry weather, that chilly air will cool down your floorboards—making mornings uncomfortable.

Kick-start your composting efforts

Now’s the perfect time, with all those leaves and dead plants, to start a compost pile. You don’t even need a fancy compost spinner; sectioning off a corner of your yard is enough.

Put yard waste to work by piling green leaves and clippings into a pile near your garden. Next, layer with brown materials such as soil, dead leaves, and coffee grounds. Next up: kitchen scraps.

Through the season, turn your mound using a pitchfork to expose oxygen to all ingredients and use it in the spring for fertilizer. Next year’s tomatoes will thank you.

Protect your trees

Not all species of trees are winter-hardy—especially thin-barked ones like beech, aspens, or cherry trees. For these varietals, sun-warmed sap quickly freezes at night and causes bark to split.

Wrap your tree trunks with paper tree wrap, covering the entire bark from an inch above the soil to the lowest branches. Adhere the wrapping to the tree using duct tape to keep your trees in tiptop condition.

How Maui homeowners treat their yard this autumn can determine the quality of their yard next spring and summer. Here are some helpful tips to help you lay a strong groundwork for a great yard next spring:

Keep Mowing

Grass still needs regular care to stay healthy. Grass that is too high may attract lawn-damaging field mice. Shorter grass is more resistant to diseases and traps fewer falling leaves. Cutting the grass low also allows more sun to reach the crown of the grass. However, cutting off too much at one time can be damaging, so never trim more than a third of the grass blades off in a single cutting. Put mower blades on the lowest settings for the last two cuts of the season.

Aerate

Compressed soil can hurt the health of the grass. Aerating punches holes in the soil and lets oxygen, water, and nutrients into a lawn. Use a walk-behind aerator or get an attachment to pull behind a riding mower.

Mulch

Many mowers can mulch leaves with an attachment. Since mulching with a mower can mix grass clippings with leaf particles, these nitrogen-rich grass particles and carbon-rich leaf particles will compost more quickly. They can then return nutrients to the soil.

Trim Trees and Bushes

Use trimmers, chainsaws, or pole pruners to cut back trees, shrubs, and plants. Make sure branches are safely trimmed back from overhead lines and not in danger of falling on a home or structure in winter weather. You may need to tie or brace limbs of upright evergreens or plants to prevent them from breaking in high winds or snow. Call a professional arborist for big trees or hard-to-reach spots.

Repair Bald Spots

Fall is a great time to patch bald or thin spots in a lawn. The easiest way to do this is with an all-in-one lawn repair mixture (found at most garden shops and home centers). Use a garden rake or dethatcher to scratch loose the soil on the spot.

If you’ve noticed unusual signs of damage around your property, pests may be to blame. Rodents, insects and other types of pests can wreak havoc on properties. Here are some signs of pests possibly causing damage in your Maui home.

Unstable Floors

The sudden feeling that the floors in your home are unstable could be a sign of a pest problem. This may be especially true if you have hardwood floors that are damaged because of termites. You might notice the boards curling on your floor as damage persists. Flaking and crumbling may also become noticeable as your floors continue to deteriorate from the damage. Crushed-looking wood at structurally significant points can be another obvious sign of a pest problem.

Tap Test Failure

Damage that’s impossible to see can sometimes be detected by performing a tap test on wood surfaces around your home. Wood that’s solid all the way through should produce a thudding sound when tapped, and any hollow sounds could mean that termites or other pests are wearing away at the wood. Hollow sounds also mean that significant portions of your wood have already been lost, and calling a termite treatment specialist and contractor to repair the damage can resolve the problem and protect your home’s structure.

Electrical Problems

If lights, appliances or other equipment around your home that’s powered by electricity start to fail, you might have a pest problem on your hands. Lights that dim or completely go out along with appliances that don’t have as much power or fail to turn on when plugged in could mean that pests are damaging the wires. Rodents are known to chew through wires, which can also create a fire hazard in your home.

Mud Tunnels

Tubes that appear to be made of mud may be visible in your yard and even on the side of your home. These tunnels are often constructed by organ pipe mud dauber wasps to store their larvae. Termites are also known to build tunnels that look like mud but are made from a combination of soil and wood along with a substance consisting of their saliva and feces. You might find these lining walls and floors, acting as a sure sign of infestation if you find them in your Maui home.

A meadow-inspired green is paint firm Behr’s top pick for the 2020 Color of the Year. Color forecasters expect the hue, called “Back to Nature,” to surface in more home interiors over the next year to bring a sense of the outdoors to the indoors.

“As we look ahead to a new decade, Back To Nature encourages us to reengage with the natural world, which we know can have a real, positive impact on our well-being,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “Everyone has a different way of engaging with nature. Whether you’re biking on a forest path, canoeing on a lake, or walking on the beach, green is prevalent in nearly every outdoor landscape. It is easily nature’s favorite color.”

The yellow-based green brings “tranquility” to a space, whether on the wall of a living room or throw pillows in a bedroom, Behr says. Earlier this year, Behr released its 2020 Color Trends palette, which is based on global color trend research for residential and commercial settings. The palette consists of 15 colors, including Back to Nature.

“Back to Nature serves as the cornerstone to this collection,” Woelfel says. “It can work hand in hand with simple or maximal styling, whether your goal is to transform kitchen cabinetry with a new neutral look that feels unique and fresh or simply make a small space feel more open and airy.”

Adding a bold shade to furniture, cabinets, paneling, or window frames is a trend gaining popularity. For example, charcoal, touted in Behr’s color forecast, can be a bold accent color. In addition, hues like Rumba Orange for an interior door, Red Pepper for a brick fireplace, and Bluebird for a staircase are also spotlighted. “Adding color to ceilings and floors can draw the eye up or down, breathing new life into a space,” Behr notes.

Source: Behr Paint

There are a few home maintenance tasks you should tackle during the summer to keep your Maui home in tiptop shape all season long. Check these eight projects off your to-do list before firing up the grill.

Maintain your refrigerator

To keep your refrigerator running efficiently in these hot months, you’ll want to vacuum and clean the condenser coils, defrost the freezer, and clean the seals around the door. Then, scrub your fridge inside and out—a task that’s often overlooked, but it’s a great way to ensure the cool air in the fridge is remaining where it belongs: inside.

Keep expanding wood from causing cracks

Hot weather makes wood—and many other construction materials—expand. And over time, this expansion and contraction cycle can cause damage to your house. The effect can vary depending on the humidity and climate, but after a while, you may have breaches in the seals around your home.

Inspect the seals around your windows, roof, door frames, vents, ducts, and outdoor faucets, and take note of any cracking. Not only are you ensuring your hard-working AC keeps its efforts inside the house, but you also prevent unwanted bugs and critters from entering.

Bust out the power or pressure washer

Months of harsh weather have probably left your siding and hardscaping looking a little dingy. This gets overlooked, but it’s a huge part of keeping up the curb appeal of your home. Plus, a good pressure washing cleans out the dirt, preventing rot or other unwanted intrusions.

Give your washing machine a break

Just like your fridge, your washing machine deserves some TLC during summer—especially if you have kids. All of those dirty sports jerseys and mud-soaked pants give the machine a serious workout. Check your hoses for leaks, and clean your lint filter, too. And when you do the laundry, wash full loads and use cold water whenever possible.

Declutter your lawn

Scan your yard: Do you have any tall piles of wood, or uncleared corners of brush?

Bugs and other pests make a resurgence as the weather gets warmer. These areas provide pests cool, dark places to escape the heat. Clear them immediately! Depending on the region, black widows, brown recluses, rattlesnakes, or other poisonous critters can be found in clutter such as this.

Wash your window screens

Finally, you can throw open your windows and breathe in fresh air 24/7! But wait, what is all that dust on your screens? Exterior windows take a beating during the winter months, and now that better weather has arrived, it’s time to give them a little refresh.

For best results, take out all of your window screens, prop them up against an exterior wall, and use that pressure or power washer you oh-so-conveniently rented. Don’t feel like renting a power tool? Use a bristle brush and soapy water to get rid of dirt and debris.

Reseal your deck

Ready to host summer barbecues? Make sure your deck is ready, too. If you pour some water on your deck and the water beads up, you’re all good. However, if the water soaks in, it’s time to reseal.

Unsealed, moisture-soaked decks can cause major problems, like rotting or cracked wood. (And nothing makes a grill party less fun than suddenly plummeting through the floor.)

Don’t forget your driveway

Winter weather can be harsh on driveways, especially if you were snowblowing or plowing frequently. Resealing is especially important if you have kids who like to ride a bike or scooter up and down the driveway in the summer months.

To start, give your driveway a good power wash. Once it’s dry, fill in any cracks or holes with asphalt filler. Then give the whole driveway a fresh coat of sealant.