Way to Ensure Your Home is Summer-Ready

Summer is a season that everyone looks forward to all year. While being inside cozy during winter has its charm, nothing beats relaxing on the deck in the sunshine or picnics in the park. Summer is also a great time to do work on the exterior of your home and complete projects that you can’t tackle during the winter months. The best way to ensure you make the most out of the summer season is by being prepared. There are some summer maintenance things to take care of, as well as general prep to make sure you’re ready for the season.

1.    Double-check your cooling units

You don’t want to hit with a hot day only to find out that your air conditioning doesn’t want to turn on. Test your unit out ahead of time to make sure that it still works and so you can call out air conditioning repair if it doesn’t. Be sure to wash out the filters each month to keep it working efficiently and help cut the costs of your energy usage.

2.    By things off-season

If you know that you’re going to need new patio cushions or a barbeque, then aim to buy them off-season. Prices for any outdoor décor, gardening tools, pool accessories or other equipment will skyrocket in the summer months due to the demand. By buying these items off-season, you can save a substantial amount of money.

3.    Prepare for the rain

As much as the summer brings beautiful sunny days, there can also be heavy rainfall during the summer. The bonus is that you have the dry days to prepare the exterior of your home for the rain to help prevent any leaks. Have all the typical weak spots checked, such as the window framing, foundations, doors, and gutters. If any repairs need doing, you can have things fixed before the fall/winter and run into even more problems.

4.    Refresh your deck

You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your deck during the summer and want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Give it a refresh and protect it with a coat of stain or a sealant. Check over the boards first to see if any are splintered or cracked because you might want to replace them before you do any staining. Also, have a look if any screws in the baseboards or railing are getting lose, and make sure to tighten them.

5.    Prep your garden

To have a thriving, lush garden, there is some prep worked involved. For your vegetable and flower beds, it’s not as simple as just planting seeds. You need to pre-fertilize the soil and aerate it to make sure they have the best chance. Start early and clear any leaves or weeds first. It’s also a good idea to trim down your shrubs and tree branches before they begin filling out.

6.    Pest control

Summer is also the season where all the bugs come out of the woodwork. You’ll often find ants scurrying around your house as their colonies multiply in size through the summer. Small insects can get into your home through even the most minor holes, and it’s essential to make sure it’s properly sealed before the summer starts. Holes in screen windows and doors may still allow them in, even if you’ve sealed everything else. Double-check common bug nesting areas like under your sink or anywhere it’s warm and damp. Cockroaches and other critters will love to make their nests there. By doing an inspection early, you will save yourself from an infestation during the summer.

7.    Touch up your exterior

Summer is the best time to complete projects outside and touch up the exterior of your home. If your home or fence needs a new coat of paint, it’s best to do it in the summer since the sun will help to dry it quickly. Any wooden surfaces will need attention to make sure they are protected from the elements. Paint, sealant, or stains will keep your fences, railings and home exterior safe from rot and mold. On top of that, it will make your home look more appealing and polished. Before painting any surfaces, it’s a good idea to clear off the mildew and dirt by scrubbing or pressure washing it.

By preparing your home for summer, both inside and outside, you can make the most of your time and get things done that you can’t do at other times in the year. You can make your home comfortable, safe and a place to thoroughly enjoy all the benefits that summertime brings.