Top 10 August Home Tips

1. Refresh your deck

If your wood deck is looking tired, consider a refresh. Using your existing structure, we can replace the decking with long-lasting composite decking that resists rot, warping, splintering and fading — no staining, painting or sealing required. Composite is safer, lower-maintenance, available in a wide range of colors, grain patterns and finishes to mimic real wood, and is backed by a 25-year warranty. Talk to us about composite decking upgrades

2. Cooling & watering must-haves

With two hot Chicago months still ahead, your neighborhood hardware store has you covered.

Cooling: Fans (tower, oscillating, high-velocity, ceiling, box, outdoor-rated), A/C units, swamp coolers, smart thermostats, misting systems, shade sails, cooling towels, pop-up canopies

Watering: Hoses, nozzles, sprinklers, soaker hoses, drip kits, timers, rain barrels, watering cans and more

Get expert advice and shop local!

3. Repair your roof — don’t replace it

Think a leak means a full roof replacement? Think again. Thanks to modern materials and techniques, we’re able to repair 97% of the roofs we inspect — adding years to their lifespan. Most homeowners only need a simple, warrantied repair. Schedule your roof repair estimate

4. Shabby shutters?

Take a moment to inspect your shutters. If they’re outdated, damaged or weather-worn, summer is the ideal time to update. We offer shutter repair and replacement in composite, wood and vinyl — in both standard and custom sizes — with styles and colors that enhance curb appeal and last a lifetime. Explore shutter repair or replacement options

5. Wall-to-wall wow

Transform your space with wallpaper or wall coverings. We specialize in designer wallpapers, including untrimmed styles that require expert hand-trimming. Our classically trained installers and professional estimators will handle everything — from removal to repair to flawless new installs. Book your wallpaper installation consultation

6. Healthcare for your home

Your home deserves a check-up, too. Get Dwell’s Whole Home Assessment identifies potential trouble spots and preventive maintenance needs — inside and out. We inspect attics, crawl spaces, basements and every exterior surface where water can enter. Afterward, we walk you through our findings and help you prioritize repairs. Schedule your Whole Home Assessment

7. Sending someone off to college?

They’ll need essentials like:

Storage: Totes, bins and shelving
Safety: Flashlights, pepper spray
Power: Surge protectors, device chargers, batteries, multi-outlet cords

Plus all the little things that make dorm life more efficient.

Stop by your neighborhood hardware store for helpful advice and quality products!

8. A new look for old wood

re your hardwood floors looking dull, scratched or worn? Refinishing is often all it takes to restore their beauty. Our experts handle everything from recoating and repairs to sanding and staining, customized to your floor’s condition, bringing your floors back to their original beauty. Get a hardwood floor refinishing estimate

9. Power up for peace of mind

Tired of worrying about power outages? A natural gas backup generator kicks in automatically when the power goes out — keeping your sump pump, HVAC, fridge, lights and Wi-Fi running. Choose full-home or essential-systems coverage. For a worry-free power supply, schedule a backup generator installation estimate.

10. Reduce your flood risk

Basement flooding is one of the most frustrating and costly home repairs. Instead of fixing one leak at a time, we’ll assess your entire property — including the basement — to identify all potential vulnerabilities. Our on-site analysis, led by a 30-year residential foundation repair industry veteran, results in a custom solution based on local best practices. Request a basement flood risk assessment estimate