It may be hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner. Yes, that means swimming pools, lazy Sundays hanging out on the patio, and barbecues galore. But, before you fire up the grill and pull out the sun chairs, keep in mind that there are a few things you’ll want to take care of around the house in preparation for the warm summer months. Not sure what should be on your to-do list? Well, that’s no problem, because we’ve compiled a few ideas to help you get started.
Prep the windows
Caulk any gaps in the framing and check that the mechanics are working by opening and closing each window a few times. Fill up two buckets: one with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of ammonia, and 1 gallon of hot water; the other with warm water. Wash windows with the vinegar-ammonia solution first, then with water only. Dry with a squeegee. It’s a good idea to wash windows on a cloudy day. The sun may dry the solution too soon, leaving streaks.
Spruce up the front door
Probe the weather stripping around the door with a screwdriver and caulk any post-winter gaps before tightening hinges that may have come loose due to shifts in temperature.
Clean and inspect the air-conditioning condenser
Shut down the power on the electric panel, then clear away any leaves or branches lodged in the unit. Wash down all the coils with a garden hose. If you find any chewed wires, call a pro to repair them.
Clean the walkway
Pressure-wash the walkway, then replace damaged pavers or bricks, or just flip them over. If any pavers are sticking up too high, raise them, remove a little dirt, and drop them back in place. On concrete, walkways fill in cracks with a masonry crack filler that matches the color of your concrete.
Clean the deck
Use a deck brush or power washer plus a deck-cleaning solution to remove mold, dirt, and mildew. If the finish is worn, let the wood dry for a few days, then reseal it.
Wash the cushions
Most outdoor fabrics are safe to throw in a warm wash. Air-dry, then put the cover back on the insert while it’s still slightly damp to keep it smooth. If the fabric isn’t removable, clean it using a soft scrub brush, dish detergent, and warm water.
Scrub down the gas grill
Heat the grill for 10 minutes at a high temperature so it’s easier to scrape off gunk inside the cook box. Disconnect the gas line and let the grill cool before removing and washing the grates, burners, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the grill’s exterior before putting everything back together.
Tidy up the flower beds
Clear out weeds and use a spade to redefine bed edges. Till the top inch or two of soil if it’s tightly packed, be careful not to disturb any bulbs below. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Fill in the grass
Remove leaves and twigs and de-thatch dead grass with a metal rake. Ask for help choosing the right seed at a garden center, then apply it to bald patches or anywhere you want a thicker lawn.
Clear out the gutters
Clean leaves and debris from your gutters. The next time it rains, stand outside and look for breaks or leaks in your gutters and downspouts.
Repair the siding
If your house has wood siding or shingles, inspect for post-winter rot, repair the damaged areas, then touch up any faded stain or chipped paint. A nylon scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner should eliminate dirt and mold on engineered wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding.
Inspect the roof
Grab a pair of binoculars and look at your roof from across the street. Locate curling, cracked, or missing shingles. Also look out for damaged metal flashing around the chimney, pipes, and skylights. Contact us if you suspect you may need roof fixes.
We are a “full service” home improvement contractor who can handle all types of exterior remodeling. Whether it’s windows, siding, roofing, or gutter replacement, piece of mind is the assurance that comes solely from years of experience. To learn more about our services or to see how we can help you transform your home’s exterior, give us a call today or click here for our Quote Request form.
