👶🏼2025 Preview: What’s Next for Home Improvements.

This week’s Handy Homeowner Newsletter is packed with appliance care tips, a 2025 home improvement preview, and answers to your burning questions!

The Maintenance Minute: Quick, essential home appliance care.

2025 Preview Article: What’s Next for Home Improvements? Discover the trends and gadgets that will define the year ahead!

Q&A Spotlight: Is it okay to use a flexible dryer vent hose? We’ve got the answers to keep your home safe and efficient.

Let’s get started! 🛠️

🛠Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus:

• Clean your Dishwasher Filter

• Clean your Oven/Stove

• Clean your Refrigerator Coils

• Clean your Washer Filter

• Clean your Dryer Vent

Pro tip: To keep your household appliances running smoothly, give them a quick deep clean every three months.

For your washing machine, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar to dissolve buildup.

For your dishwasher, place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle to tackle grease and grime.

And don’t forget your refrigerator coils—vacuum them carefully to improve efficiency and save on energy costs! A little TLC goes a long way in extending the life of your appliances.

Hey there, Handy Homeowners!

As we roll into 2025, the world of home improvement is buzzing with fresh trends, clever gadgets, and materials that might just blow your toolbelt off. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or someone who just figured out which end of the hammer to use, this year promises something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the top trends and predictions shaping homeownership in the year ahead.

1. Sustainable Everything

In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. Expect to see more eco-friendly building materials like recycled steel, bamboo, and even mycelium (yes, mushroom-based building blocks are a thing). Homeowners are swapping traditional insulation for greener options like hempcrete and sheep wool, both of which are surprisingly efficient and renewable.

Pro Tip: When tackling projects, look for materials certified by groups like LEED or FSC. Bonus points for reducing your carbon footprint and impressing your neighbors.

2. Smart Homes Get Smarter

If you thought last year’s gadgets were clever, 2025 is taking it to genius-level. AI-powered home systems are now integrating more seamlessly with appliances. Imagine an oven that preheats based on your meal plan app or a lawn sprinkler that checks tomorrow’s weather forecast before watering.

Here are a few gadgets worth keeping an eye on:

• Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring: Keep tabs on which devices are guzzling electricity and cut them off remotely.

• Voice-Activated Faucets: Perfect for messy cooks or anyone who wants to live like they’re in a sci-fi movie.

• Solar-Powered Outdoor Cameras: A greener way to keep an eye on your kingdom.

3. Home Design Goes Modular

With rising construction costs, modular homes and extensions are gaining serious traction. These prefabricated units are like LEGO for grown-ups—easy to assemble, cost-effective, and surprisingly stylish. Whether you’re adding a home office or a guest house, modular solutions are making big waves.

DIY Angle: While the big pieces are pre-built, finishing touches like painting, flooring, and landscaping are great weekend warrior projects.

4. Multifunctional Spaces

Homes are working harder than ever. A garage isn’t just for cars anymore; it’s a gym, a man cave, or even a mini studio. Basements are turning into theaters or wine cellars, and living rooms are doubling as home offices.

What’s Trending: Look for furniture that pulls double duty, like Murphy beds with built-in desks or coffee tables that morph into workstations. Trust me, your chiropractor will thank you.

5. Wellness-Centered Homes

Post-pandemic living has shifted focus toward wellness, and homes are adapting. Think air purifiers with HEPA and UV-C tech, circadian lighting systems to improve sleep, and indoor gardens that double as décor and dinner ingredients.

DIY Fun: Start with a countertop herb garden. Basil, mint, and parsley are easy for beginners and bring a touch of green to your kitchen.

6. Bold and Natural Aesthetics

Design trends are balancing bold colors and natural textures. Rich greens, deep blues, and warm terracotta’s are dominating palettes, paired with natural wood finishes and stone accents.

Paint Hack: If you’re nervous about committing to bold walls, test the waters with an accent wall or cabinets. Less is more, and touch-ups are easier than redoing the whole room.

7. AI-Powered DIY Tools

2025 is all about working smarter, not harder. From laser-guided saws to apps that offer real-time measurements through augmented reality, tech is your new best friend in the workshop. Even traditional tools like drills and wrenches are getting high-tech upgrades with Bluetooth connectivity and precision controls.

Hot Tip: Invest in tools that can grow with your skills. A laser-guided level might seem like overkill now, but once you hang that first perfectly straight gallery wall, you’ll never go back.

Ready to Tackle 2025?

This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for home improvement. Whether you’re upgrading your tech, greening your space, or just figuring out which project to tackle first, the key is to start small and build from there. And remember, no matter what trends come and go, nothing beats the satisfaction of completing a project with your own two hands (and maybe a little help from a cordless drill).

Until next time, keep it handy!

Q&A- Is it ok to use a flexible dryer vent hose?

Using a flexible dryer vent hose can be okay, but it depends on the type of hose and how it’s installed. Here's the scoop:

What’s Good:

• Semi-Rigid Metal Hoses: These are flexible but made of metal, which is more fire-resistant and less likely to collect lint compared to plastic or foil hoses. They’re a safer and more durable option for venting your dryer.

• Proper Installation: If a flexible hose is used, it needs to be as straight and short as possible to minimize lint buildup and improve airflow.

What’s Bad:

• Plastic or Vinyl Hoses: These are a big no-no. They’re flammable and tend to accumulate lint easily, which increases the risk of dryer fires.

• Foil Hoses: These are common but not ideal for long-term use. They can be crushed or kinked, restricting airflow, and they’re more prone to tearing.

Best Practice:

If you’re setting up a dryer vent, go with rigid metal ducting whenever possible. It’s the safest and most efficient option. If you need some flexibility to make a connection, use a short length of semi-rigid metal hose and secure it properly with clamps. Check connections regularly for lint buildup and ensure everything is venting properly to the outside.

Pro Tip: Never vent your dryer into an attic, crawlspace, or garage. Always vent directly to the outside to avoid moisture and lint buildup, which can lead to serious problems down the road.