Home maintenance: 10 summer tasks to help keep your checklist on track

Sat., May 23, 2020

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service

With summer on its way, for many, it signals lazy days and longer nights. Summer might also be a wonderful time to catch up on maintenance projects and complete all your to-do projects around the home.

In general, there are a number of maintenance tasks that can be done in order to preserve the look and efficiency of your home while also helping to continue to bring you peace of mind.

Looking to take on maintenance projects this summer? Here are 10 summer tasks to help keep your checklist on track:

1. Gutter maintenance. In many parts of the country, summer is a time of heavy rains. Summer is a great time to ensure that your gutters are in top shape before the arrival of fall leaves.

2. House repainting. After a winter beating, your house might be worse for the wear. Summer is a good time to take on an exterior painting project when days are sunny and long.

3. Lawn maintenance. Those who live in colder climates might be surprised after the winter thaw to find brown grass or empty patches. Summer is a good time to seed your lawn and replant any landscape that may not have survived winter.

4. Home improvement projects. So many homeowners wait until summer to take on home improvement projects that have been on their wish list all year. Looking for ideas? Why not incorporate a fire pit or stone patio into your outdoor environment?

5. Tree maintenance. Following the winter hibernation period, all of nature’s creatures are back. Often low-hanging branches might be an attractive means of access to your attic or roof for a curious animal.

6. Insect control. You might want to protect your backyard barbecues and picnics from unwanted visitors.

7. Driveway repaving. Just like there are potholes created in the street from severe weather damage. Your driveway might need a fresh coat to help ensure a smooth ride home this summer.

8. Check your water connections. From outdoor kitchen faucets to your garden hose, now is a good time to make sure everything is in working order.

9. Purge. Now is a great time to clear out that basement, shed or attic and get rid of all those unwanted and unused items.

10. Check windows and doors. During winter, there is a need to keep cold temperatures out and in summer a desire to keep cool temperatures in. Given the mild temperatures, summer is a good time to consider upgrading or replacing doors and windows.

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