In the days and weeks ahead, homeowners around the world will welcome 2025 with plans for organization, resolution, and renewal.
“The New Year is a perfect time to think about maintenance and improvements in a number of areas in your home,” says Lenore Smith of Graham Builders.
As client care manager of the award-winning Honolulu design/build firm, Smith interacts with homeowners on a daily basis, providing support at every stage of their projects. “Whether you plan to make simple or ambitious changes in 2025, here are some things to consider,” she offers.
Start fresh by decluttering
The start of a new year is a great time to declutter your home, Smith suggests. “Choose what to keep or donate, then get organized,” she says. “You can never have too much storage, but you should declutter first. Get some decorative storage bins to place around the house. That will help you keep everything in its place all year long.”
She strongly recommends a minimalist approach to decluttering. “That doesn’t mean getting rid of everything you own, but try to be mindful about the things you choose to keep.”
Quality beats quantity & bargains
As you’re planning your home improvement calendar, remember that quality should drive every purchase.
“When it comes to materials, furnishings, and landscaping, it’s best to shop for quality, easy maintenance, and durability, whenever possible,” suggests Malia Yee, lead designer for Graham Builders. “You won’t need to replace things as often.”
Maintenance matters
The New Year is a perfect time to plan to address your home’s maintenance issues. “All the things you’ve been putting off — repairing the sliding door, the broken windows, putting a fresh coat of paint — make the effort to get them done,” says Smith. “If it’s easiest, you can make a calendar for the year and plan to do a task or two each month until they’re done.”
The beginning of the year is a great time to check warranties on your large appliances. “If their warranties have expired, and if you are able to replace them, you might consider purchasing ‘smart’ appliances that you can operate with an app on your phone,” Smith adds.
Safety counts
If you live in an older home, make sure your plumbing and electrical systems are up-to-date and working well. Clean out dryer and air conditioning vents, ducts, and filters. Check alarms and cameras and replace batteries as necessary. Inspect your house for mold and dust, and make sure each room is properly ventilated.
“If your home was built or remodeled before 1978, you might want to consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring,” Yee recommends.
Founded in 1990, Graham Builders remains the only contractor in Hawaii honored by the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Business Ethics. Plan your dream home with Graham Builders’ FREE “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on February 1st, from 9-11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Register at grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.