While the warm weather and bright sunshine may be luring you outside for some rest and relaxation, now is also an important time to take care of key home maintenance projects before the dead of summer sets in.
The warm, dry weather makes the summer the perfect time for home maintenance. Get up on the ladder and take care of household repairs, and give your decks and patios the attention they need. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market anytime soon, you won’t regret it.
Don’t know where to begin? Check out this summer home maintenance priority list from Yelp:
Your yard. Outdoor spaces are more important than ever, so making sure your yard is in top shape should be your first summer task. Yard care should include: trimming and watering the lawn; making sure irrigation systems and sprinklers are in good working order; weeding and mulching garden beds; cleaning and prepping the pool and deck; cleaning and repairing the fence and patio furniture; and putting a plan in place to handle garden pests.
Your home’s exterior. Start by conducting a thorough review of your home’s exterior, looking for any damage to the roof, siding and foundation. Take care of any repairs needed to these areas. Next, make sure your AC system is cleaned and in good working order. Change filters and remove leaves and debris, and make sure drainage systems are working in window units. Now is a good time to get your chimney swept after a long winter, and powerwash pathways and patios, making sure to fill any cracks. Looks matter, too, so be sure to check if your home’s exterior is in need of a new paint job.
Your home’s interior. If you missed any of these important spring cleaning activities, be sure to take care of them before heading further into summer. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Clean the dryer vent and flush the water heater to get rid of damaging sediment build-up. Clean and reverse your ceiling fans for maximum summer cooling. Repaint any rooms that need it, and do a deep clean, taking care of any cabinets, plumbing fixtures, closets and other often overlooked areas.
If you choose to enlist a home maintenance professional for any of the above tasks, Yelp advises doing the following before making a decision:
- Verify that the professional is licensed, bonded and insured.
- Request a quote or estimate in advance of doing the work.
- Ask the contractor to advise you of any safety issues or inconveniences that could occur during the work.
- Get reliable referrals from friends and family, posting a request for recommendations on social media or checking online reviews.
