As summer rolls in with its warm and sunny days, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is in top shape. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home looking its best but also helps prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are some summer maintenance items for homeowners to attend to in order to keep your property in excellent condition:
- Give your lawn some TLC! "Mow the lawn regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best. Trim bushes and trees away from the house to prevent damage. Add a layer of mulch to garden beds keeps weeds down and helps the soil retain its moisture. Water plants and flowers regularly, especially during hot weather" (Rumi).
- Get your temperature in check! "If you haven’t yet made the switch to a smart thermostat, now’s the time to do it. By automatically adjusting your home’s temperature when you’re asleep or away, the WiFi-connected devices can lower your cooling costs by as much as 10 percent" (Good Housekeeping).
- Clean outdoor furniture! "Wash patio furniture and cushions with mild soap and water. A pressure washer can help, too. Inspect outdoor play equipment for any signs of wear or damage. Oil and lubricate moving parts of lawn mowers and other outdoor tools. Fix pinhole leaks in hoses by wrapping electrical tape around the hose when it’s dry. Check for faucet leaks" (Rumi).
- Be on the watch for pests! "Summer is the season for termites and carpenter ants. Both love moist soil, which is another reason to keep your gutters in working order. The pests are also attracted to rotting wood, so be sure to keep mulch, firewood, and dense shrubbery away from your home’s foundation" (Good Housekeeping).
- Prepare for summer storms! "Trim branches near the house that could pose a hazard during storms. Check and clean your sump pump to ensure it's functioning properly. Have an emergency kit prepared in case of power outages or severe weather" (Rumi).
Outdoor maintenance can be hard physical labour, but is worth it in the end to keep your home in top shape!
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