Summer Solutions for New Homeowners

May 13, 2019

As summer approaches, we want all our new homeowners to be ready for whatever the season brings to put wear and tear on your house. But we know you may not have time to chase down every checklist item needed to make your maintenance and repairs complete. That’s why we’ve rounded up the essentials in one place for you.

Landscaping and Gardening

If you moved into your new place during the colder moths, you might not have had a chance to really groom the outside of your home. Now is the perfect time to establish a regular mowing schedule. Weeding should be done once a week, as should pruning of trees and shrubs. It’s also important to set up sprinkler systems properly, including increasing the water output during the summer as the needs of plants increases. Remember to calibrate the timing and angle of your sprinkler system so it waters efficiently. This will prevent water waste or accumulation that can lead to water damage in and around your home.

Deck Inspection and Re-staining

Not only will you use your deck most often during the summer, but it will also be much more enjoyable to spend time working on it during the sunny months. Check your deck to make sure it is free of loose boards, rot, and mold. Test the sealant by letting droplets of water fall on a set area. That area may need to be re-stained if it soaks up the water.

Clean Air-Conditioning Filters

Most experts recommend cleaning your air-conditioning filters once a month, whether you have central A/C or window units. During the summer, it’s more important than ever to be on top of this regular maintenance. If you need help learning how to change your filters, check out the video below. If you’re short on time to learn this vital maintenance task yourself, you can always call a professional to change central air filters.

Add Window Treatments and Replace Weather Stripping

As cooling bills tend to rise during the summer, you may be looking for ways to save energy. Window treatments that block sunlight can help reduce the cost of air-conditioning your place during the warmer months. In addition, this is the best time to replace weather stripping on windows and doors, and check to make sure your screens are in good repair.

Check Interior (Pipes) and Exterior (Sprinklers) For Water Leaks

It’s important to regularly check the interior and exterior water systems of your property to ensure that they are free of leaks and are configured for maximum efficiency. Check the inside walls of your house for dampness, check the water pressure on indoor systems and sprinklers, and keep an eye on your water bill. This will help keep water costs low and prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home.

Although most of these projects take only time and a little bit of research, we encourage you to contact a professional with any serious concerns. To read more about summer home maintenance, check out any of these articles.