Summer’s just around the corner. Are you ready for it? Here are 12 tips to prepare your home for summertime
1. Inspect your HVAC system and have it cleaned.
There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning system break down in the middle of summer, so be sure to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Set an appointment with an industry professional for HVAC and air duct cleaning and servicing.
2. Give your walkway a good hose-down.
Power wash your walkway and driveway to loosen the dirt and grime and get rid of them. Patch up cracks with masonry crack filler. Replace damaged bricks and pavers.
3. Clean your windows and make them sparkle.
One good way of making your home stand out this summer is giving all your windows a good cleaning inside and out. Spruce them up and make them sparkling-clean by using a window cleaning solution. Be sure to use a newspaper or a squeegee for a non-streak finish.
4. Tend to your garden.
Make your garden a head-turner by ridding it of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Then fill in the grass and clean up the flower beds. Take out the weeds and redefine the edges with a spade or a hand trowel. Make sure to maintain a regular watering schedule so your plants don’t dry up and they stay hydrated.
5. Check the plumbing outdoors.
Go around the house and inspect your outdoor plumbing for any signs of wear and tear. Turn on the water and see how the flow is going. A slow trickle could mean your pipes or hose has problems. Address the issue immediately by fixing it yourself or calling in a pro to do the job.
6. Prepare your summer equipment.
Summertime means summer chores. Make sure your lawn maintenance equipment, such as a lawnmower and edger, are in good working condition even before summer gets here. Give them a much-needed springtime tune-up to ensure you won’t encounter problems with them this summer.
7. Make sure your sprinklers are all working.
Check your sprinklers for any damages. They may come in the form of cracked pipes or broken heads. Run your sprinkler one area at a time to determine which ones need fixing and replacing.
8. Go around the house and check the condition of your roof and exteriors.
Take time to go around your property and see if your exteriors need some extra love and attention. The winter may have caused some minor damages to it that has lingered throughout springtime.
You may call in a roof specialist to do the work for you on your roof and shingles. As for your exteriors, consider giving it a power wash. Retouch it with a minor paint job if needed.
9. Clean downspouts and gutters.
Make sure your downspouts and gutters are free of debris and clutter brought about by winter and springtime. If you decide to work on your gutters and downspouts, make sure you work with a partner and always practice safety.
10. Clean and declutter your attic, basement, and garage.
Summer is as good a time as any for decluttering and house-cleaning. Check your attic, basement, and garage for things that have been stowed away that you have not used for the past six months. Categorize them and take out what needs to be disposed of.
You may also want to take extra time to work on your attic. The winter may have caused a few critters to find shelter and nest in your attic. Seal any holes they could access. Get rid of animal droppings.
Now may also be the best time to see if your insulation is still intact or if it needs to be replaced.
11. Make your deck sparkle.
One of the best spots to hang out in during the summer is your patio and deck. Give it a little love and some good scrubbing until it looks fresh and new. You will find a lot of great cleaning agents online or you can make one at home.
12. Give your outdoor grill a deep clean.
Lastly, what’s summer without barbeques? Before summer even gets here, prepare your outdoor grill by giving it a deep clean. Check your burners for clogs and restock on your propane. If you own a charcoal griller, get rid of all the ash and grease before putting it to use.
Once you’re done with all of these things, your home is pretty much set for the summer. If you have other useful tips to make your home summer-ready, let us know in the comments. We’d be glad to hear from you, too.