As summer hits its stride, it’s time to get your home ready to take on the heat and those surprise summer storms. Sure, maintenance might not be the most exciting summer activity, but a little effort now will keep your home looking sharp and save you some serious cash down the road.
1. Outdoor Maintenance
Get your outdoor spaces ready for summer fun.
- Inspect and Clean Gutters: Summer storms can spread a ton of debris. Keep those gutters clear to avoid water damage.
- Check Outdoor Lighting: Swap out old bulbs and make sure pathways are well-lit for those late evening night strolls.
- Inspect and Repair Fences: Secure any loose boards and apply a fresh coat of paint or sealant if needed.
- Clean Outdoor Furniture: Spruce up your patio furniture with a good scrubbing or hose it down to remove dust and pollen.
- Inspect Sprinkler System: Test your sprinklers to ensure they’re watering your lawn efficiently without leaks.
2. Indoor Refresh
If you need a break from the summer sun, why not tackle a few indoor tasks?
- Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Replace batteries and test them to ensure they’re working.
- Clean Dryer Vents: Prevent fire hazards by cleaning out lint from dryer vents and hoses.
- Inspect Plumbing: Look for leaks under sinks and around toilets and repair any dripping faucets.
- Declutter and Donate: Summer is a great time to clear out unnecessary items to make space for a lighter, airier home. Consider hosting a garage sale – and recruit your troops to make it a family affair.
3. Garden and Lawn Care
Give your yard some extra TLC to thrive in the summer heat.
- Watering Schedule: Adjust your watering routine based on summer heat and rainfall patterns.
- Weed Control: Pull weeds regularly to keep your garden looking neat and to prevent them from spreading.
- Deadhead Flowers: No, we’re not talking about a new band name. Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep your garden vibrant.
- Prune Shrubs and Trees: Trim trees and overgrown branches to maintain shape and health.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around plants and trees.
4. Improve Energy Efficiency
Stay cool and save some bucks along the way.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Check around windows and doors for drafts and seal with weather stripping or caulking.
- Use Fans Wisely: Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to create a cooling breeze.
- Utilize Natural Light: Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to reduce indoor heat.
- Program Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat settings to save energy when you’re away or asleep.
- Consider Solar Lights: Install solar-powered outdoor lighting for an eco-friendly way to illuminate your yard.
5. Beat the Heat
Your AC is working overtime, so make sure it doesn’t quit on you.
- Replace Filters: Clean or replace HVAC filters to ensure efficient operation.
- Inspect Ductwork: Check for leaks and seal any gaps to improve energy efficiency.
- Schedule Maintenance: Consider scheduling a professional tune-up to catch any potential issues early.
6. Summer Fun
Summer isn’t just about chores…
- Build a Backyard Escape: Set up a hammock or build a fire pit for those long summer nights.
- Host a BBQ or Picnic: Invite friends and family over for a summer cookout or picnic in your backyard.
- Plan Outdoor Activities: Research local events, festivals, or outdoor concerts to enjoy with friends and family.
- Create a Grilling Station: Set up an outdoor grill area for easy summer meals and entertainment.
6. Organize Your Garage
It’s easy for the garage to become a catch-all for everything. Time to reclaim that space:
- Declutter: Sort through items and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or toss.
- Organize: Use shelves, hooks, and bins to keep things tidy.
- Create zones: Designate areas for tools, sports equipment, and other categories.
7. Review Your Home Insurance
It’s easy to forget about home insurance once you have it, but a quick policy review can save you and your wallet from future headaches.
- Review Liability Coverage: If you plan on hosting gatherings or events, check if your liability coverage is sufficient to protect against accidents that may occur on your property.
- Update Personal Property Inventory: With outdoor activities in full swing, update your inventory of valuables like bikes, grills, and patio furniture.
- Consider Additional Perils: Check if your policy covers specific risks relevant to summer, such as wildfires or water damage from heavy rains.
- Check Coverage Limits: Make sure your coverage limits reflect any recent home improvements or renovations you’ve made, like a new kitchen or bathroom.
Keeping up with these tasks will help you enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your home is in great shape. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a barbecue, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly and giving you (and your wallet) peace of mind.