Summer is finally here, and I am so excited. The weather here in Maine has not really been that great for the last couple of months. He has still had some really cold days, and it has rained quite often. Hopefully, the weather will start warming up now! 

Get Your Home Ready for Summer with These Summer Home Maintenance Tips!

Summer is a great time for enjoying the outdoors. We love to travel around the state of Maine and enjoy the beautiful ocean views, as well as host backyard barbecues. Before we pack the family up for a getaway, or invite people over to our home, we spend some time checking on our home.

The beginning of summer is the perfect time to make repairs before the heat beats down. Every homeowner should have a basic tool kit before attempting any of the summer home maintenance tips below. I love this 69-piece general tool kit for home maintenance. It has quite a lot of things that a homeowner will use regularly, and it comes with a nice little storage bag to keep everything neat and organized.

1. Air Conditioner

At the minimum, change the filters; better yet, have a tune-up. It’s much easier to take care of problems before the heat of summer is underway, and you might have to wait several days to get a repairman to your home.

2. Check Your Roof

Make sure that the roof is still in good condition, with no leaks or missing shingles. While you’re at it, clean the gutters to avoid leaks and clogs. If any gutters are loose, reattach them to the house.

3. House Siding/Paint

It’s a good idea to wash down your paint or siding every spring. This allows you to see if there are any issues before they get out of hand.  It also makes your home’s appearance fresh.  Use a power washer and a mild detergent to clean.  It’s not a bad job on a sunny day.

4. Windows

Inspect your windows inside and out to make sure the seals are still intact, and that they are operating properly. Wash them on the outside, after the winter rains and snow, they will most likely need it.  Check for any cracks or breakage and get them replaced. Make sure your window screens are in good repair, and clean out the window wells.

5. Kid’s Area

If you have a swing set, or kids’ area of your yard, make sure that everything is safe, clean and usable. Swing sets can sometimes become a little loose and wobbly over the winter.  Make sure any sand areas are clean.  Spread new mulch or sand if it has become compacted.  If the metal swing set has become rusty, consider re-painting it. Check for sharp edges and wood that may cause splinters.

6. Check Your Deck or Patio

Summertime is the season these spaces were designed for; make sure it’s safe! Check underneath your deck for missing or loose supports. Floorboards should be securely fastened.  Power wash and refinish if necessary.  Overhead coverings should be in good repair; if not, replace them.  Deep clean your outside cooking space – grill, fire pit, etc.

7. Garden Chores

Remove any plants that didn’t survive the winter, check trees for soundness (you don’t want one falling on your house), and mulch to keep weeds in check. Trim plants that might interfere with the A/C unit.  Freshen up any flower beds by planting new flowers.

8. Check For Unwanted Pests

Lots of animals like to build nests and cause damage to your home. Check around your home, garage and shed for carpenter ants, termites, hornets, mice and other rodents, and get rid of their nests in a safe manner before they cause damage to your property.

By performing these summer home maintenance tips at the beginning of summer, you can spend the rest of your weekends doing what you please.  These simple jobs will keep your home not only looking good but in good repair, too.