Summer should be a time for relaxation to enjoy the nice weather and the break from the routine of school and extracurricular activities. It’s important to prepare your home for summer so you can spend the season in comfort without worrying about repairs or large home improvement projects. Taking a little time in the spring to make preparations reduces the chance you’ll have to carve out time in the summer to work on house projects. Here are some simple ways to get your home ready for the season.
Test Your Sprinklers
If you water your lawn during the summer, spring is the perfect time to test and prepare your hoses and underground pipes. If you shut your outdoor water off during the winter to avoid freezing, turn it back on and make sure to check everything for cracks and leaks. Installing an automatic control system allows you to run your sprinklers during the cooler parts of the day to save water.
Prepare Your Lawn Equipment
Whether you use shears, manual grass cutters, a powered lawn mower, or a yard tractor, it’s important to prepare all your tools prior to frequent use. Check the sharpness of the blades and make sure all moving parts are lubricated correctly. It’s a good idea to keep an extra gas can to make sure you don’t run out of fuel in the middle of mowing your lawn. Make sure you keep all sharp tools where children can’t access them.
Install Window Screens
Screens give you the freedom to keep your doors and windows open for airflow without worrying about flies, bees, and other pests. Installing them in the spring gives you time to check for tears and holes and schedule repairs quickly.
Inspect Your Grill
If you like to entertain outdoors during the summer, make sure all your outdoor cooking equipment is ready for the season. Test your grill or barbecue to verify it runs safely and properly, and set it up in a location that allows proper ventilation. You should locate it away from the exterior wall of the house, if possible, to reduce the risk of fire. Don’t forget to stock up on charcoal briquettes or propane.
Photography for Belgard Hardscapes, projects located in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Furniture
Whether you have wicker, wood, or metal outdoor furniture, it’s always important to check it over every spring. You may need to tighten the joints or sand and re-stain benches and tabletops. If you use cushions, look for tears in the fabric. Make sure your umbrella sits securely in the base and has a system to lock it in the open or closed position.
Clean Out Your Storage Spaces
The warmer weather makes it enjoyable to work outside, so it’s a great time to clean out your garage or shed. You can have a yard sale to get rid of things you don’t want or schedule a donation to your favorite charity.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
If you rely on AC equipment to maintain your house during summer, it’s important to make sure the system is ready for summer operation. You can schedule an AC tune-up service in the spring so everything is ready to go when the weather heats up in summer. A technician can find and repair minor problems to prevent them from leading to serious issues and failure during operation. Technicians can also modify the settings to ensure maximum efficiency during operation.
One of the best parts of summer is spending the days relaxing in your own home. Taking a little time in the spring to prepare for the season means you shouldn’t have to bother with home repairs or projects during the summer months. Installing screens, preparing your grill and lawn equipment, and scheduling an AC tune-up are great ways to prepare for a comfortable and laid-back summer.