July is fleeting, and so is the window to get home projects done right. Warm temps, dry conditions and long days make this the best month of the year to tackle repairs, upgrades, and the nagging things you've been putting off. Whether you're doing it yourself or calling in a pro, this list has something for every home.
1. Give your home a fresh coat of paint
July is a good time to address peeling, cracking or fading paint before fall rain and winter weather make exterior issues worse. Fresh paint helps protect siding and trim from sun, moisture, mildew and everyday wear, and consistently warm weather allows paint to cure properly.
Painting now can help seal gaps and exposed wood before they lead to rot or water damage. During the summer months, it’s easier to spot problem areas such as faded siding, blistering paint, soft wood, damaged trim or failing caulk. Interior painting can also be easier to schedule in summer, especially if you’re traveling, the kids are at camp or windows can be opened for ventilation.
A July refresh can make your home feel cleaner, brighter and more finished before the busy back-to-school season and fall hosting. It can also instantly improve curb appeal if you’re thinking about selling.
Ready for a fresh coat? Let’s make your home shine
2. Extend the life of your roof
A roof problem does not always mean you need a whole new roof. In fact, of the thousands of roof projects we complete, only a small number turn into full roof replacements. Many leaks, damaged shingles, flashing issues and problem areas can be repaired, helping extend the life of your existing roof and save you the cost of replacing it before you have to.
Our experienced crews know how to assess roof issues carefully, identify what needs attention and make smart, targeted repairs whenever possible. Whether you need a small fix, a more involved repair or help understanding your options, we’ll give you honest guidance and practical solutions.
Don’t replace your roof if you don’t have to. Get Dwell offers both full and partial warranties on roof repairs, so you can feel confident the work is done right.
Think you need a new roof? Let’s see if a repair can solve it first.
Request a roof repair estimate today
3. Don’t let mosquitoes crash the party
Nothing ends a backyard gathering faster than a swarm of mosquitoes — and this summer, there’s extra reason to be vigilant. The first batch of West Nile-positive mosquitoes in the Chicago area was detected in mid-June, so now is a good time to get ahead of it.
Here’s how to protect your yard, patio, or porch before your next outdoor get-together:
Products worth having on hand
Citronella candles, torches and patio repellents: Helpful for creating a more comfortable seating or dining area, especially on patios, decks and porches.
Mosquito Dunks®: These organic, bacteria-based solids (using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) target mosquito larvae in standing water. Drop them into birdbaths, rain barrels, planter trays, low spots in your lawn, or clogged gutters. One dunk can last 30 days or more.
Thermacell-style repellent devices: Ideal for decks, patios, and outdoor seating areas. These heat-activated or battery-powered devices vaporize spatial repellent, creating a 15–20-foot zone of protection — no messy sprays required.
Electric or attractant-style traps: A longer-term solution for reducing mosquito populations across your whole yard. Works best when used consistently throughout the season.
Simple precautions that make a big difference
Apply repellent. Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535.
Time it right. The Culex mosquito, the species that carries West Nile virus, is most active between dusk and dawn. Limit exposure or gear up during those hours.
Dress defensively. Long sleeves, long pants, and socks add a simple layer of protection.
Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes breed fast — even a bottle cap of water is enough. Empty flowerpots, pet dishes and birdbaths weekly. And don’t overlook your gutters: clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding spots. Learn about gutter guards
Secure your home. Make sure window and door screens are tight-fitting and free of tears.
Before your next gathering: Take a quick lap around your yard to look for standing water, then stop into your local hardware store to stock up on what you need. A little prep goes a long way toward more enjoyable — and bite-free — summer evenings outside.
Find a local hardware store partner near you
4. Squirrels don’t knock. Seal up before they settle in.
Here’s something most homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late: squirrels, mice, rats, and other wildlife start scouting for winter shelter well before the cold hits. By the time temperatures drop, they’ve already found their way in, and once they’re settled, they’re much harder to remove.
The good news? A few hours of sealing and patching now can save you a serious headache (and a hefty pest control bill) later.
Where animals commonly get in:
Roofline gaps and soffits: Squirrels and birds exploit even small openings where the roof meets the fascia.
Foundation cracks: Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime. Rats need only a quarter-sized opening.
Around pipes and utility lines: Anywhere a wire, pipe, or cable enters your home is a potential entry point.
Vents and chimney openings: Unscreened vents are an open invitation, especially for birds and squirrels.
Garage doors and weatherstripping: Worn seals at the bottom of garage doors and exterior doors are easy entry points for rodents.
Windows and door frames: Gaps in caulking or damaged frames let in more than just drafts.
What to pick up at your local hardware store:
Caulk and paintable sealants, expanding spray foam, copper mesh or steel wool (stuff these into gaps before foaming, as rodents can’t chew through them), weatherstripping, vent and chimney screens, and patching materials for wood, masonry, or siding. Not sure what you need? Your local hardware store staff can point you in the right direction.
Find a family-owned hardware store near you
Not a fan of ladders or tight crawl spaces? We’ve got you.
Some spots — high rooflines, tight crawl spaces, or damage that’s harder to assess — are better handled by someone with the right tools and experience.
Get Dwell’s licensed, insured, and EPA-certified handymen handle the sealing and repairs you’d rather leave to a pro — from patching foundation cracks to securing roofline gaps and vents. No job is too small, and every project gets the same care and attention to detail.
“If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.”
—Roald Dahl5. Get your garage door back on track
A garage door that’s acting up is more than an inconvenience, it’s a security and safety issue. Whether it’s grinding, jerking, stuck halfway, or refusing to open at all, these are signs that something needs attention before a small problem becomes a costly one.
Our trained technicians can diagnose and repair a wide range of issues, including:
Broken springs: The most common cause of a door that won’t open. Springs bear the full weight of the door and wear out over time.
Off-track doors: A door that’s jumped its rails can be dangerous to operate and should be left to a professional.
Worn or frayed cables: Cables work in tandem with springs; a snapped cable can cause the door to drop suddenly.
Damaged panels: Dents and warped sections affect both the look and function of your door.
Malfunctioning openers: From sensor alignment to motor issues, we’ll get your opener working reliably again.
Noisy or sluggish operation: Often a sign of worn rollers, loose hardware, or a door that needs lubrication and adjustment.
We offer same-day garage door repair for most calls, so you’re not left stranded with a door that won’t close at night or open in the morning.
Not sure if it’s time to repair or replace? Our technicians will give you an honest assessment — no upselling, just straightforward advice on what makes the most sense for your door and your budget.
Reach out here, we’ll get a technician out as soon as possible!
6. Breathe better this summer. Start with your ducts.
You can’t see what’s inside your ductwork, but you can feel it. If you’ve noticed dust resettling quickly after cleaning, musty smells when the AC kicks on, or allergy symptoms that seem worse indoors than out, your ducts may be overdue for a cleaning.
With windows closed and air recirculating all summer long, what’s inside your ductwork is what your family is breathing. Here’s what a professional duct cleaning can do:
Reduce dust throughout your home
Buildup inside ductwork gets redistributed every time your system runs. If surfaces seem dusty again just days after cleaning, your ducts are likely the culprit.
Improve airflow and HVAC efficiency
Clean ducts let air circulate more freely, which means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
Eliminate trapped odors
Pet smells, cooking odors, smoke, and musty scents can all get pulled into the system and recirculated. Cleaning removes the source, not just the symptom.
Clear out post-renovation debris
Drywall dust, sawdust, and construction debris settle into vents and ductwork after any remodeling work. If you’ve had work done recently, a duct cleaning is an important follow-up step.
Reduce allergens and irritants
Pollen, mold spores, and other particles accumulate in ductwork and get pushed back into living spaces every time the system runs — especially problematic during high-pollen months.
Identify mold and moisture issues
While our technicians are in the system, they can flag signs of mold growth or moisture buildup caused by humidity, leaks, or condensation — issues that are much easier to address early.
Summer is one of the best times to schedule a cleaning, before heavy AC use sets in and while you’re still noticing smells and dust from winter and spring. Your home will feel noticeably fresher, especially once the windows are closed and you’re relying entirely on circulated air.
Request a duct cleaning estimate
7. Your kitchen is working overtime. Does it still work for you?
The kitchen is the hardest-working room in your home. It handles breakfast rushes, dinner parties, homework sessions, and everything in between. But if yours feels cramped, dated, or just a little uninspiring, a few targeted updates can completely change how the space feels, without a full gut renovation.
Small changes, big impact
Some of the highest-return kitchen upgrades don’t involve tearing anything out:
Cabinet painting: Fresh paint on your existing cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen. A new color can modernize the entire space for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Countertop replacement: Worn, stained, or outdated countertops drag down an otherwise functional kitchen. New surfaces in quartz, butcher block, or stone instantly elevate the look and feel.
Backsplash installation or refresh: A new backsplash adds personality and pulls the room together. It’s a relatively small investment with an outsized visual impact.
A smart investment, too
Beyond daily enjoyment, an updated kitchen pays dividends when it’s time to sell. Kitchens are consistently one of the top features homebuyers evaluate — and homes with updated kitchens tend to sell faster and at stronger prices. You’re likely to recoup a significant portion of what you invest, making this one of the smarter places to put your home improvement dollars.
Not sure where to start?
You don’t need to do everything at once. Get Dwell can help you prioritize the updates that will make the biggest difference for your lifestyle and your budget, whether that’s one project this summer or a phased plan over time.
Let’s talk about your kitchen goals
8. Summer is the season to get serious about your exterior
The outside of your home takes a beating year-round — but summer is when you can actually see the damage clearly and get ahead of it before fall makes things worse.
Start with your roofline
Wooden soffit and fascia are among the most vulnerable parts of any home’s exterior. Constantly exposed to the elements, they’re prone to rot, moisture damage, peeling paint, and pest intrusion. When gutters fail or attic ventilation is inadequate, these components degrade fast, and the damage can quietly spread to structural framing and insulation before you notice it.
While you’re at it, take a close look at:
- Siding, window, and door trim for cracks, gaps and peeling paint
- Caulking around windows, doors and utility penetrations
- Gutters and downspouts for sagging, overflow or improper pitch
Our free Home Exterior Assessment Checklist is handy to use when walking around your property — you can make notes of any issues you find, snap photos and bring them into your local, independent hardware store. They can recommend the right tools and products for each project.
Download our Home Exterior Assessment Checklist
Need help?
Summer’s dry conditions and moderate temps make it the ideal window for exterior work — and getting on the schedule now means you’re ahead of the fall rush.
“Never neglect an opportunity for improvement.”
—Sir William Jones9. Give your garage some respect
Your garage floor deserves better than bare concrete. It stains, absorbs oil, and shows every scuff and tire mark. A professional floor coating changes all of that, and transforms a purely functional space into one you might actually enjoy spending time in.
Get Dwell installs beautiful, durable floor coatings in a single day. The result is a seamless, high-performance surface that resists stains, chemicals and moisture — and wipes clean in minutes. Choose from chip finishes for a classic, speckled look, or metallic finishes for a bold, showroom-style aesthetic. We can help you find the right fit for your space and budget.
Works in basements too — same coating, same one-day install, same dramatic difference.
Before another season of oil drips and cracking concrete, give your floor the upgrade it deserves.
10. Still chasing that leak?
Leaks are deceptive. Water travels. It enters in one place and shows up somewhere else entirely, which is why so many homeowners spend thousands chasing the wrong fix.
One of our clients had exactly this problem. A persistent basement leak led them through an expensive series of dead ends: a plumber replaced the water heater. A mason tuckpointed the foundation. The leak remained. Finally, they called Get Dwell.
We found it in one visit — a failing seal at a second-floor window. One repair. Done.
That’s what experienced eyes can do. Our technicians don’t just fix what’s visible, they trace water back to its source, so you’re solving the real problem instead of paying for the wrong one.
If you’ve got a leak that’s stumped you, or a water stain you’ve been ignoring, don’t call a specialist before you know what you’re dealing with. Call us first.
Your home works hard for you. This is a good month to return the favor. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the improvements you make now will. Whether it’s one project or a whole punch list, Get Dwell is here to help you repair, refresh and protect what matters most.