Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer is nearly here – and the warm weather makes it the perfect time to tackle some simple home maintenance projects.  Heat, rain, storms, and insects come along with the season — by taking care of routine maintenance ahead of time, you can spend more of your summer relaxing. 

Here is a checklist of home maintenance projects to get started:

1. Cleaning the chimney can protect your home from a chimney fire. When wood burns in your fireplace, a residue Inspect your windows, doors, weatherstripping, and screens for signs of leaks or rotting. Replace or repair window or door seals as needed. Make sure screens are in good shape and repair any holes or tears. 
2. Have your air conditioning system serviced. Regular maintenance and service can extend the life of your unit. Your cooling system will work more efficiently when it’s properly serviced, which can save money on your electric bill. Be sure to change the air filters in your HVAC too. 
3. Inspect your exterior paint or siding for any winter damage. Look for loose siding, cracked or chipping paint, or other signs of damage. Make repairs to any cracking paint or damaged siding before storm season begins.  
4. Clean your gutters and downspouts to remove any leftover leaves and debris. When the gutters are being cleaned, it is also a good time to have your roof inspected for any debris, signs of wear, or damage. 
5. Power wash your deck, patio, walkways and sidewalks. Inspect decks and patios for any wear or damage, including stairs and railings. Make sure to carefully check any railings that are secured in concrete, which can crack after winter’s freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Reseal your deck if necessary. 
6. Clear away any leftover winter or spring yard debris from outdoor spaces and garden areas.  Check trees for any loose or damaged limbs before storm season gets underway, including branches hanging over any structures.
7. Inspect the foundation of your house and look for any cracks or other damage both outside and inside. If you have a basement, check the areas around window wells for any signs of insects or animals. 
8. Check your exterior lighting, including solar lighting that may have been damaged over the winter months. It’s also a good time to think about adding lighting to walkways, decks or patios. 
9. Check your exterior faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems, if needed. Freezing temperatures in winter can damage hoses and pipes. 
10. Make sure outdoor accessories such as grills and firepits are in working order. Make sure to thoroughly clean your grill if it’s been sitting unused until now.