Naturally, you may not want to spend a large chunk of your free time this summer doing home maintenance. But you don’t want to put it off till it’s too late either. Below is a list of common items to consider. Decide which are priorities for you and tackle those first. Then divvy up the responsibilities or hire professionals to make the best use of your time.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect your house exterior for loose or rotted siding. Power wash siding or brick. This will help get rid of any dust, dirt, tree sap, bird droppings, etc., that leave your home looking less than its best.

• Repair and repaint any chipped, cracking or faded exterior paint. Besides improving your home’s curb appeal, it will also help protect it from the elements.

• Wash windows inside and out. You’ll be amazed how much more light will stream in and how much clearer your view will be.

• Check brick tuckpointing. Also, inspect foundation for cracks or leaks. Foundation cracks can create an entry point for groundwater, insects and radon gas. Repair as needed.

• Have air conditioner checked and serviced. Regular A/C maintenance can extend the life of your unit and may reduce the need for costly A/C repairs.

• Check windows for leaks. Recaulk seals on doors and windows. This can help increase your home’s energy efficiency.

• Power wash and reseal your deck. This will help prevent any wood from splitting, graying or cracking.

• Clean out gutters and downspouts. Summer storms and high winds can deposit debris in your gutters. Even though this is generally considered a job for spring and fall, summer is also recommended.

• Clean out the faucet traps (the small screen on the end of your faucet) to eliminate clogging mineral deposits and other debris. Simply unscrew the end of the faucet with a pair of pliers, remove the trap, flush out the debris and replace.

• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct. Without some maintenance, clogged lint and dust in your dryer vents could cause a house fire.

• Inspect outdoor play equipment. Reinforce, tighten and re-stain, reseal or repaint as needed.

• Inspect fencing. Reinforce, re-stain, reseal or repaint as needed.

• Refill cracks on cement walkway or driveway. Concrete is strong, but it can be easily damaged by standing water and freezing water that seeps in through the cracks.
 

Summer’s mild weather means it’s also the ideal season to take on projects like these:

• Replacing old windows or front doors
• Replacing your roof
• Replacing a chimney cap
• Refinishing flooring
• Adding skylights
• Building a deck or
• Servicing your snow blower before the first snowfall

 

We hope this checklist is helpful, so you can be productive and still maximize your fun in the sun!