With Labor Day this weekend, and the end of summer quickly approaching, the summer heat and outside activities have taken a toll on your home. If your house has been on the market this summer, or you are about to put it on the market, follow these tips to ensure your home is in tip-top shape.
Power wash the outside of your home
Heat and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow faster on your home’s exterior, especially if you have areas that are in the shade. Use a power washer with a mildew remover compatible with your siding.
Give your deck or porch a once-over
Check your deck or screened porch to see if any boards look like they’re rotting. Have them replaced.
You can also check if your deck needs to be resealed by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads into small puddles, it is okay. If it sinks into the wood, you should reseal it to protect against water damage.
Upgrade old windows and doors – replace damaged screens
Windows should shut properly to maintain temperature control. Check the sealant around indoor and outdoor windows and replace it if necessary.
Check the roof & home exterior and make repairs
Inspect beneath your eaves for loose debris that might have collected there. Whenever you see gunk or leaves, collect and remove it.
Next, inspect your roof’s flashing or metal strips typically found around chimneys, vents, satellite dishes, and skylights. It can loosen during a harsh rainstorm or hail storm, causing potential water leakage.
Schedule a cleaning for your HVAC system
Ensure that the fan is functioning well, the coils are clean, and there isn’t faulty wiring that could cause a fire. Don’t forget to change your filter.
Prune your flowers, bushes & trees
If you were unable to get to your home’s garden during the spring, it’s not too late. The summer is a fantastic time to work on your green thumb, to beautify the appearance of your home.
Consider adding mulch to the garden beds, which create a clean appearance. Mulch reduces weeds and locks in moisture, keeping plants healthier during the hot temps. Also, prune flowers, bushes, and trees, so they’re away from your home’s exterior, roof, and central AC unit.
Give your lawnmower a tune-up
The grassy buildup in your lawnmower can invite rust and clog the discharge chute, leaving clumps on your lawn.
Routine cleaning can help ward off future problems, so take time to do a checkup. Disconnect the spark plug and remove the blade before dislodging debris with a putty knife and wire brush. Use a hose to spray away any remaining clippings.
Clean your grill
Charcoal grills: Empty the grill racks and wipe away any dust or residue. Use hot water, dish soap, a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill. Be sure to let your dry all surfaces before using it next.
Gas grills: Close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about half an hour. Then, let the grill cool. Use a grill brush to sweep the inside and wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner. Then clean out all of the drip trays.
Check your home’s insulation
You can find insulation issues pretty much anywhere throughout your house, from the front door to the attic, to cracks in your garage door (especially if the garage is attached).
With higher cooling costs in the summer, now is the time to seal any insulation gaps you may encounter.
Inspect your attic and basement
Check both the basement and attic for evidence of pests, insects, water damage, mold, or mildew. Turn off the lights to check for any sign of peeking daylight.
If you can do any or all of these tips you will be able to help your house get ready for a great Fall ahead!
