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Even Martha Stewart needs a little reminding now and then of when it’s time to replace the water filter in the refrigerator or test the smoke detectors. That’s why she got on board as a co-founder at Hint, a new AI-powered home management platform.
The app is essentially a property historian, personal home advisor, and maintenance tracker all in one. Input your address as well as some essential information (What year was your home built? Do you have an attic? Are there pets in your house?) and it can customize a list of monthly, seasonal, and yearly to-dos for your property, warn you about radon or drought risks in your area, help you shop for new insurance rates, advise you on how to fix a misplaced downspout, and so much more. Hint even tapped into Stewart’s bank of DIY wisdom, so when you go into the chat section looking for answers on, say, how to keep mosquitoes out of your yard, you’ll likely get some genius tips straight from the pro.
Stewart, too, has her Hint notifications turned on. Just the other week, it alerted her to the poor air quality around her New York farmhouse and reminded her to keep her windows shut and run the air conditioning. “It also reminds me to think proactively about the age of major systems, like whether an older roof should be inspected before it becomes a problem,” says Stewart. “That’s exactly how I believe people should care for a home. Prevent issues whenever possible instead of simply reacting to them.” Ahead, we asked Stewart our most pressing questions around upkeep, including some simple tweaks to make to your outdoor space this summer.
The Home Maintenance Task Too Many People Ignore
Cleaning the gutters. It’s one of those jobs that’s easy to ignore because you can’t always see the problem from the ground, but clogged gutters can send water where it doesn’t belong, like into the roof, siding, foundation, or basement. A little preventative maintenance once or twice a season can save you a great deal of money later.
My Best Advice for First-Time Owners
Owning a home comes with an enormous amount of information to keep track of, and that’s what overwhelms people. You have to know who services your water, when trash is collected, what insurance you have, how old the roof is, when the furnace was last maintained, and who to call when something goes wrong. You should also keep the manuals, warranties, and care instructions for your appliances and fixtures. Those are incredibly valuable when something needs maintenance or repair. My advice is to keep everything in one organized system, like Hint, instead of scattered across drawers, emails, and notebooks. Once you have one place for your documents, maintenance history, and trusted contacts, running your home becomes much more manageable.
One Thing You Should Never Try to DIY
Anything involving the home’s structure. Don’t attempt to remove walls, alter framing, or fix foundation issues. The risk isn’t just a poor finish, it can impact stability, plumbing, wiring, and permitting. I’d also include major electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC work in that category. If you’re working within a system you can’t safely test, it’s time to call a licensed professional.
A Project You’d Be Surprised You Can DIY
Replacing a damaged window screen. It sounds specialized, but it’s actually very approachable: remove the old spline or staples, lay in new screening, pull it taut, secure it evenly, and trim the excess. It’s a good first DIY project because the materials are inexpensive, the results are immediate, and mistakes are easy to fix. Just avoid forcing it if the frame itself is damaged.
A Backyard Upgrade Worth Making This Summer
Focus on creating a space you’ll actually use. Comfortable seating, a small table, and reliable shade can completely change how much time you spend outdoors. Start with one functional area close to the house, then let the space evolve over time. The best gardens and outdoor spaces aren’t built all at once, they’re improved season after season.
An Issue I’m Troubleshooting in My Own Garden
Every property teaches you something. In my case, I’ve spent a great deal of time replacing exterior trim made from a product that simply didn’t hold up the way it was promised to. It’s a reminder that the materials you choose matter just as much as how well you maintain them, and that staying informed can save a great deal of work later.