Summer Essentials for your Home!

We don't get as many summer months as I'd like, but I try to make the most of them especially when it comes to projects around the house.

Below is a list of summer home maintenance projects that will help not only maintain your home, add value, but also save you money in the long run!

I suggest taking a lap around your home, this is something I typically do in the Fall and Spring, but also summer especially after storms. Checking for damage or places that need attention.

Exterior

Wash your patio or deck before bringing furniture back out. I know my deck has a few uncovered dog toys and dog hair on it. Re-stain or seal your deck if needed, inspect for loose or warped boards, and for loose pavers.

Powerwash your driveway sidewalks, fence, deck, windows and siding. (This is also a great time to check for cracks or damage)

Now that all the ice dams have melted from your gutters and downspouts, it's time to clean out all the debris! This will help prevent water buildup or other blockages that can cause leaks and damage to your home. Also, this is a good time to inspect your gutters for rust or wear spots that can cause moisture to enter your home.

Treat your roof for moss before it starts raining too much. This is also a great time to check for roof damage. (TIP: Disconnect and empty your rain barrels first so you don’t get moss treatment in your collected water.)

Inspect fencing for any needed repairs.

Inspect, caulk, repair/stain/paint siding as needed.

Touch up exterior paint on brick and patios.

Inspect your sprinkler system, making sure any lines didn't burst during the winter.

Re-caulk windows and doors as needed. (replace as needed)

Install weather stripping.

Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.

This is the time of year bugs find their way back, spraying bug spray outside the windows and doors can be a good way to keep some spiders and boxelder bugs away.

Service air conditioning unit, and don't forget to change the filter.

Inspect your yard for wet spots after a storm and install catch basins, channel drain or pop-up emitters.

Inspect window screens for hole, replace/patch if needed. (Keep those critters out!)

Plants and landscaping.

• If your potted houseplants were stuck inside for the winter or for recent storms, they might enjoy the fresh air as much as you!

• Assess your trees and decide if any need to be cut back after heavy snow hanging on them all winter (especially ones hanging over the house and power lines). TIP: If you have trees near power lines, your power company may cut them back for free.

• Remove plants that did not survive the winter and clean up your garden.

• Prune trees and bushes to grow healthy.

• Seed the lawn.

• Check for proper grading around house, add mulch or dirt where is needed.

• Add some beautiful landscaping! The outside of your home is the first thing visitors and buyers see.

Outdoor cleaning checklist before cold months hit.

• Clean the grill.

• Test start battery powered lawn care equipment and clean out the mower if you didn't get around to it before storing.

• Hose down air conditioner vents outside of the house.

• Cleaning up leaves from the yard. Remove any leaves and debris from the drains in front of your house, including any storm drains.

• Remove debris from basement window wells and re-cover them.

• Re-arrange and clean the garage. I always move the winter stuff towards the back for and spring necessities to the front for accessibility.

• Clean and service your hot tub or pool.

Interior

Test your sump pump and look for signs of moisture. I always suggest buying a backup sump pump and having them both hooked up in case one fails.

TIP: Check your basement for damp areas after rain.

Set up a battery backup for the sump pump.

Check for leaks around windows and doors. Many leaks can be fixed with weather stripping, caulk, foam strips or expanding foam spray. You can also use plastic on your windows. TIP: To check for leaks hold a lighter up close to doors and windows on a windy day to see if it flickers.

I also suggest re-caulking around your countertops and bathtubs as needed.

Flush and run water in unused bathrooms.

Change out your furnace filter.

Check attic for mold and water intrusion.

Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.

Seal tile grout and re-caulk.

Check faucets and showerheads for build-up, replace and repair as needed.

Check for leaks - places to check include refrigerator, dishwasher, toilets, tubs, under the sinks, etc.

This time of year could be a good time to flush your water heater.

If you didn't use your chimney all winter, I highly suggest cleaning it before using it this summer!

Check your detectors. ex- smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Spray a little powdered-graphite lubricant into each door lock (where the key goes), then turn the key in the lock. The powder (sold at hardware stores) lubricates the pins inside the lock to prevent sticking. Do this once a season. It helps prevent door locks from freezing.

Top off your fuel tank.

Reverse your ceiling fans.

If your septic hasn't been cleaned out in awhile, this is a good time of year to have it serviced and cleaned.

This time of year is known for Spring cleaning:

• Clean and dust the spots you've been avoiding or often forget about like me. (tall ceiling fans, tops of cabinets, inside cabinets, window frames, blinds, heat registers/vents, trim/molding, hand rails)

• Steam clean carpets and rugs.

• Deep clean your kitchen appliances including, stovetop, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

• Switch fans to clockwise.

• Clean underneath major appliances.

• Clean your garbage disposal. (lemon, vinegar and baking soda work well!)

• This is a perfect time to clean out your closets and have a garage sale or donate!

• Freshen up your mattresses with baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.

• If you didn't this winter, wash your comforters and pillows.

• Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.

I hope you're having an amazing summer!

This list may seem like an annoying list of things you have to do, but adding value to and upkeeping your home is one thing you will never regret!