5 Late‑Summer Home Projects to Tackle

As summer winds down here in Connecticut, now is a golden opportunity to tackle home improvement projects with maximum return. Late summer offers warm, dry days that are perfect for outdoor work before the wet chill of fall sets in. Here are five smart projects every homeowner should consider while there’s still daylight (and deck furniture to enjoy).

1. Exterior Painting or Staining

August and early September give you cooler, less humid weather which are ideal conditions for paint and stain to dry evenly without peeling or blistering. Whether it’s freshening up siding, restoring your deck, or repainting trim, late summer ensures the new finish cures properly for a long-lasting result.

2. Roof Inspection & Minor Repairs

Summer storms can loosen flashing and shingles, and if left unchecked, those small issues become leaks once the snow flies. A roof check now helps you avoid water damage and insulation headaches. Plus, contractors in Connecticut can often still fit this work into their schedules before fall gets busy.

3. Gutter Cleaning & Guard Installation

Leaves haven’t started falling yet, so now’s the best time to clean out your gutters and downspouts. While you’re at it, consider adding gutter guards. This prepares your home for leaf season and keeps you off the ladder in cold weather. It’s an investment you won’t regret. 

4. Window Sealing or Replacement

Drafty windows? Now’s the time to replace or seal them before the heating season hits. Caulking and weatherstripping stop cold air in its tracks, while double‑pane, energy-efficient replacements reduce your heating bills. Connecticut homeowners can tap into rebate programs for these upgrades. Check out Energize CT for information.

5. Driveway Sealing or Repairs

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway protects it from salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice damage, just what Connecticut winters bring. Asphalt requires daytime temps above 50 °F to cure; late summer givesplenty of time before cooler weather sets in.

Late summer may feel like the calm before the leaf blowers, but it’s also prime time for smart homeowners to take care of the jobs that will protect and preserve their homes into the colder months. A little time and effort now can go a long way toward keeping your home dry, warm, and efficient all season long.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Eight Quick Home Projects to Tackle This August

August is a great time to roll up your sleeves and knock out some easy home improvement jobs before fall rolls in. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s value or just give it a little glow-up, these projects don’t require a contractor or a ton of time. Just a weekend, some elbow grease, and maybe a cold drink or two.

1. Clean and Seal the Deck

Your deck’s taken a beating all summer through the sun, rain, foot traffic, and maybe a few BBQ sauce mishaps. Give it a good power wash and reseal it. You’ll prevent wood rot, keep splinters at bay, and extend the life of the wood. Bonus: it’ll look brand new heading into Labor Day.

2. Swap Out Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s been running hard. Dirty filters make it less efficient and kick dust and allergens back into the air. Swap in clean filters and breathe easier. It’s cheap, fast, and makes a real difference for indoor air quality.

3. Caulk Windows and Doors

Feel a breeze where there shouldn’t be one? August is your last call to stop drafts before cooler weather hits. A $5 tube of caulk can save you serious cash on heating bills down the line.

4. Add a Smart Thermostat

Speaking of heating bills, installing a smart thermostat is an easy DIY with big returns. It helps you manage energy use and can pay for itself in a year. Many are compatible with Alexa or Google Home, if you’re into that kind of thing.

5. Declutter and Donate

This one’s less about tools and more about tackling the post-summer mess. Sort through the garage, basement, or that closet you’ve been ignoring. You’ll make space for fall gear and maybe even uncover something useful you forgot you owned.

6. Freshen Up the Front Door

Curb appeal matters, even if you’re not selling. A fresh coat of paint on your front door or new hardware (like a modern handle or knocker) can give your entryway a whole new vibe. Go bold or classic, just make it intentional.

7. Clean Out the Gutters

August is dry, which makes it the perfect time to clear out gunk from your gutters. You’ll be glad you did once the leaves start falling. Bonus: you’ll prevent water damage, mold, and unwanted pests.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It takes five minutes, and it could save your life. Replace batteries, test the alarms, and make sure you’ve got one in every key area. Safety first, always.

You don’t always need a full-blown renovation to make your home better. These projects are simple, affordable, and perfect for that August energy before school starts and the busyness of the fall season begins.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ceiling Cracks: When to Worry and When to Relax

Noticing a crack in your ceiling can be unsettling. Is it a simple cosmetic issue or a sign that something more serious is going on above your head?

The truth is, not all ceiling cracks are created equal. Some are harmless, the result of your home settling or seasonal changes. Others may point to structural problems, water damage, or something worse. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

The Harmless Kind

Let’s start with the good news: most ceiling cracks are minor and purely cosmetic. These are often hairline cracks that appear in older homes or around joints where drywall meets. They’re usually caused by:

• Normal settling as your house ages

• Temperature and humidity fluctuations

• Drying or shrinking plaster or drywall compound

These cracks are usually thin, less than 1/16 of an inch wide, and don’t change much over time. You might see them in corners, near windows or doors, or in ceilings that haven’t been repainted in a while. They’re rarely a cause for concern.

If the crack hasn’t grown in size, isn’t discolored, and your ceiling is otherwise solid, it’s likely just a visual issue. A quick patch and paint job can take care of it.

The Concerning Kind

Now, the cracks that deserve a closer look. Here are some warning signs that what you’re seeing might be more than cosmetic:

• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch

• Cracks that run across the entire ceiling or extend down a wall

• Multiple cracks appearing suddenly

• Cracks accompanied by sagging, bowing, or soft spots

• Discoloration or staining around the crack

Any of these could indicate a structural issue, such as shifting foundations, water damage, or even a failing ceiling joist. If the ceiling feels soft to the touch or is visibly sagging, it’s time to call in a professional.

One common culprit is water. A roof leak, plumbing issue, or overflowing bathtub on an upper floor can all lead to water pooling in the ceiling. This can cause the material to weaken, crack, and eventually collapse if ignored.

Even more subtle signs, like a ceiling crack that grows over time or changes shape, can point to movement in your home’s framing. That’s not something a coat of paint can fix.

If you’re unsure whether a crack is harmless or serious, don’t guess. Take a photo and monitor it over a few weeks. Has it changed? Is there new discoloration or softness?

When in doubt, have a licensed contractor or home inspector take a look. An early opinion is usually cheaper, and safer, than waiting until a repair becomes urgent.

Ceiling cracks are common. Many are nothing to worry about. But some aren’t. The key is knowing what to look for and acting quickly when the signs point to something more. Your ceiling might be trying to tell you something. Make sure you’re listening.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.