When the sun is shining and the heat is on, the last thing on your mind is home maintenance! However there are a few things you should pay attention to during the summer months to prevent problems later in the year. Here’s our realtors’ top tips for jobs to take care of now before you hit the beach!
Power Wash
A good way to improve the look of your home quickly is to power wash your sidewalks, driveway, patio and deck. First check for cracks and loose stones, planks or slabs that could be dislodged by a pressure washer. Once you are sure all is good you can get rid of all the dirt and grime that has built up over the past year - a very satisfying task! If you don't intend to use it regularly, you can rent a pressure washer from a local hardware store for the day.
Yard Work
Alongside some of the regular tasks you take care of in the yard, such as mowing the lawn, you should also take a few moments to cut back any dead flowers or branches to make way for fresh growth. If you didn’t get around to mulching during the spring, it’s never to late – the mulch protects the plant roots from the heat and helps retain moisture, so you won’t need to water as much. Speaking of water, do a regular check of your yard to make sure there are no pools or puddles of water accumulating – these can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.
Seal the Gaps
It’s just as important to check your window and door seals in the summer as winter – as well as keeping the heat in, properly sealed windows and doors will keep the heat OUT during the hotter months as well as ensuring that lovely, air-conditioned air does not escape. By making sure your doors and windows fit properly you can make your home much more energy efficient. Summer is also a good time to give your windows and your screens a good clean to improve the look from inside and out.
Clean your Gutters
This is typically thought of as a job for the fall, but don’t forget that those spring and summer storms can also deposit debris in your gutters and downspouts. Once they are blocked the rainwater will have nowhere to go but onto the side of your house, causing damage to the paintwork or worse.
Exterior Painting
The summer is the perfect time to take stock of the exterior of your home and attend to any paintwork that may need a touch up. If you can repair and repaint small patches quickly you can save yourself time and money in the long run, as well as improving the curb appeal of your home. If you find more than a few patches, it might be time to repaint the entire exterior – because of the harsh winters and humid summers, homes in this area typically need repainting every 5-7 years.
Maintaining your home is necessary to protect your investment – and if you are thinking of selling, a well-maintained home will always attract more buyers. Talk to one of our experienced realtors about some simple home maintenance task you should take care of before putting your home on the market.
