Before the Summer ends, it’s a good idea to consider making these renovations to have a cozy winter season:

1. Exterior Repairs and Maintenance:
   Check for any damaged or worn-out siding, roofing, gutters, and downspouts to prevent water leaks.
   
2. Deck and Patio Re-Sealing:
   Consider refinishing or re-staining wooden decks to protect them from moisture and ensure longevity.
   
3. Window and Door Maintenance:
   Check all windows and doors for air leaks or drafts. Properly sealed windows and doors can significantly improve energy efficiency during the colder months and reduce heating costs. If necessary, replace weather-stripping or caulking.
   
4. Heating System Servicing:
   Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Cleaning the air ducts, replacing filters, and ensuring that the heating system is functioning optimally can save energy and prevent potential breakdowns during the winter.
   
5. Basement Waterproofing:
   Inspect the basement for any signs of water leakage or moisture issues. Waterproofing the basement can prevent water damage, mold growth, and potential foundation problems. Consider installing a sump pump if necessary to keep the basement dry and protected.

It can be overwhelming deciding which projects to pick and finding PROs to help. HutSolver can help! Simply create a HutSolver post by taking a picture and briefly describing what you’d like to fix in your project. Local PROs will respond with their ideas. Pick the PRO you like the most!

Sign up to HutSolver – it’s free to join and use! We believe you’ll solve many of your home projects with creative ideas and knowledgeable Home Improvement PROs.

About HutSolver
HutSolver is a marketplace for home projects where homeowners share their projects (create project posts), receive creative feedback and build relationships with qualified home improvement professionals (PROs). Post, Hire, and Manage your project all on HutSolver.

The post Don’t Let Summer Slip by Without Making these 5 Maintenance Repairs! appeared first on HutSolver Magazine.

Picture this: the masons you hired nine long weeks ago finally laid the last brick on your new driveway. You can barely contain the elation that makes its way to your cheeks, as you know this will be the last day of listening to saws grinding brick, and having to park on the street. As the crew starts packing up their truck and the head mason begins making their way to your front door with the final invoice, you feel such a feeling of satisfaction in the look of the new driveway that you don’t mind paying the remaining balance, you even welcome it! When your mason is thanking you for your business and about to leave your front porch they say, “oh, don’t forget to maintain your driveway periodically”. Too confused to ask a follow-up question, you wonder internally, “what maintenance”?

Newly laid brick or stone driveways, patios, siding, you name it, have a vivid appearance. As time marches on, and if not maintained, their vibrancy decreases. Here are a few basic maintenance tips to keep your pavers looking their best:

Seasonal Maintenance
Each Spring season, it’s a good idea to clean your pavers. Start pulling any weeds growing between joints. Next, saturate your pavers with water. Then, in a bucket, pour paver cleaner (one recommended by the manufacturer or installer of your pavers) and use a coarse street/stable broom to scrub your pavers. If you would prefer to make your own cleaning solution, use warm water with a mild degreasing dish wash instead. Next, rinse the pavers and put a granular weed preventive between the joints. A power washer is not needed, but if you prefer to use one, be careful as generally, their standard pressure can be considered harsh for pavers and sealers; again, use with caution.

Every Few Years
It’s generally recommended to apply a sealer every three years. Be careful not to apply more than twice during the three year period as a heavy film can be created on the surface, which can change in color when exposed to sunlight, distorting the actual color of your pavers. The exception to this is if you decide to have a professional power-wash your pavers. In that case, it’s wise for you or your professional to consider applying a sealant application immediately after.

When considering annual maintenance for your pavers, it’s wise to hire an experienced mason or power washing company that is familiar with cleaning pavers. You can find high quality Masons and Power Washers on HutSolver. Simply take a picture of your project, post it, and start getting feedback and meeting high quality PROs.

Sign up to HutSolver – it’s free to join and use! We believe you’ll solve many of your home projects with creative ideas and knowledgeable Home Improvement PROs.

About HutSolver
HutSolver is a marketplace for home projects where homeowners share their projects (create project posts), receive creative feedback and build relationships with qualified home improvement professionals (PROs). Post, Hire, and Manage your project all on HutSolver.

The post Paver Maintenance? What Maintenance? appeared first on HutSolver Magazine.

Summer is an exciting time of year…beach, barbeques, hiking, and family fun. Before sending out weekend invitation texts and setting sail, here are a few things to do to get your home ready for the season, while saving a few bucks:

1. Air Conditioning Maintenance:
   Before the heat of summer arrives, it’s important to make sure that your air conditioning system is working smoothly. Schedule a professional HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician to inspect and perform annual service for your air conditioner units. They can clean or replace filters, check refrigerant levels, and make any necessary repairs. Proper maintenance helps optimize the efficiency of your system and ensures that it will keep you cool during the summer months.
   
2. Mosquito & Tick Maintenance:
   Mosquitoes seem to be more and more prevalent each season as our climate patterns continue to shift. Remember to remove or drain any areas around the home that are holding moisture. This includes cleaning and draining gutters, emptying pool & sauna covers, razing piles of leaves, and trimming any overgrown trees and bushes. In addition to these areas, you can also hire mosquito & tick spray services that spray around your property periodically. If mosquitoes are particularly annoying and you might not like the idea of spraying the property due to concerns for children or pets, you may want to consider natural remedies such as planting lavender or plants that are known to repel mosquitos. We’ve also found that one of the best ways to mitigate mosquitos is to cut back bushes that might be overgrown as they can breed around dense bushes that may also be moist.
   
3. Energy Efficiency Improvements: Summer can bring higher energy bills due to increased air conditioning usage. To take steps to improve energy efficiency in your home, begin by inspecting windows and doors for any air leaks and seal them using weather-stripping or caulk. Consider installing window coverings such as blinds or curtains that can help block out heat from the sun. Additionally, planting shade trees around your home can provide natural cooling and reduce the need for excessive air conditioning.
   By performing some of these steps, you can help make your Summer that much more enjoyable while potentially reducing energy costs.

Sign up to HutSolver – it’s free to join and use! We believe you will solve many of your home projects with creative ideas and knowledgeable Home Improvement PROs.

About HutSolver
HutSolver is a marketplace for home projects where homeowners share their projects (create project posts), receive creative feedback and build relationships with qualified home improvement professionals (PROs). Post, Hire, and Manage your project all on HutSolver.

The post Top 3 Things to Prepare Your Home For Summer appeared first on HutSolver Magazine.

Having a home is a wonderful thing. You know what’s not so wonderful? Maintenance and repairs. Here are five areas of the home to periodically check throughout the year (at least annually).

1. Regularly Inspect and Maintain your Roof:
   What’s that? Who thinks about their roof unless it’s leaking? Turns out, the roof is one of the most important components of a home and regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan. How does one maintain a roof? Remove any branches growing on or near the roof; these can rake up shingles. Additionally, have replaced any shingles that may have fallen. Lastly, remove any algae or moss growing; the north facing side of the home is prone to this, particularly in damp and humid climates. Remember to also clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage.
   
2. Clean HVAC Systems and Replace Filters:
   Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems need regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Clean or replace air filters every few months and schedule professional HVAC maintenance annually.
   
3. Regular Exterior Maintenance:
   Be on the lookout for water damage, insect infestations (most noticeable going into Spring or Summer), and other problems. Clean gutters and downspouts, trim trees and bushes, and seal gaps and cracks in the home’s exterior.
   
4. Check and Maintain Plumbing and Electrical Systems:
   Plumbing and electrical systems are essential components of a home and need regular maintenance. Check for leaks, clogs, or other issues in their plumbing system and schedule regular inspections by a licensed plumber. This is particularly relevant to folks that have a Combi-Boiler & Hot Water system (or a tankless hot water system). These units need additional TLC with periodic filter cleaning and system flushing. Also have your electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician every few years.
   
5. Regularly Clean and Maintain Appliances:
   We all expect appliances to just work. But, we often forget to ever clean them. When’s the last time you cleaned your oven? Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines need regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. This can help prevent costly repairs and extend their lifespan. A great time to do this is Spring going into Summer.

Luckily, you can find and manage all the professional contractors you need in HutSolver. Simply take a picture, create a post, and start getting feedback from licensed, qualified PROs in you

The post 5 Maintenance Areas Homeowners Should Monitor Throughout the Year appeared first on HutSolver Magazine.