SUMMER HOUSE CARE CALENDAR:
A Seasonal Guide to Maintaining Your
Home This Summer
From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk.
In no time at all, small problems can lead to expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, some minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent or more of their appraised value and even more market value.
The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and increase the home’s value. You just need to know where and how to spend your time.
Summer is generally the time to relax and enjoy your home, but a little time devoted to maintenance will help ensure it looks great and runs efficiently throughout the season.
Inside
❏ Adjust
Ceiling Fans
Make sure they are set to run clockwise in the summer to pull the hot air up
and create a cooling breeze. Utilizing fans instead of your air conditioner,
when possible, will help minimize your utility bills.
❏ Clean
A/C Filters
Be sure to clean or replace your filters monthly, particularly if you’re
running your air conditioner often.
❏ Clear
Dryer Vent
Help cut down on summer utility bills by cleaning your laundry dryer vent at
least once a year. Not only will it help cut down on drying times, but a
neglected dryer also poses a serious fire hazard.
❏ Check
Weather Stripping
If you’re running your air conditioner in the summer, you’ll want to keep the
cold air inside and hot air outside. Check weather stripping around doors and
windows to ensure a good seal.
Outside
❏ Mow
Lawn Regularly
Your lawn will probably need regular mowing in the summer. Adjust your mower
height to the highest setting, as taller grass helps shade the soil to prevent
drought and weeds.
❏ Water
Early in the Morning
Ensure your lawn and garden get plenty of water during the hot summer months.
Experts generally recommend watering in the early morning to minimize
evaporation.
❏ Weed
Weekly
To prevent weeds from taking over your garden and ruining your home’s valuable
curb appeal, make a habit of pulling weeds at least once per week.
❏ Exterminate
Pests
Remove any standing water and piles of leaves and debris. Inspect your lawn and
perimeter of your home for signs of an invasion. If necessary, call a
professional exterminator for assistance.
While this checklist should not be considered a complete list of your home’s maintenance needs, it can serve as a general seasonal guide. Systems, structures, and fixtures will need to be repaired and replaced from time-to-time, as well. The good news is the investment you make in maintaining your home now will pay dividends over time.
Keep a record of all your maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for future reference, along with receipts. Not only will it help jog your memory, but it can also make a big impact on buyers when it comes time to sell your home … and potentially result in a higher selling price.
Are you looking for help with home maintenance or repairs? At Veterans Home Finder, we have an extensive network of trusted contractors and service providers and are happy to provide referrals! Call or email us, and we can connect you with one of our preferred vendors.