With the weather warming up, it’s a great time to get outside and do those cleaning and maintenance jobs you may have neglected over winter.
Even if you’re not selling in the near future, it’s important to ensure little problems don’t become bigger ones. Here are a few of the weekend tasks you can do to make your home shine this summer.
Do your windows clearly need cleaning?
You’ll be amazed at the difference clean windows can make, not only to the appearance of your home but also the amount of light they let in. A professional window cleaner can be quite affordable and much safer if you have second storey windows. If you do clean the windows yourself, invest in a good window cleaning kit.
Have some screen time
While you’re doing the windows, clean and inspect your window screens. You want them to let in air but not flies and mosquitoes, so check for holes and damage and give them a good clean with the garden hose.
Give the green thumb a workout
Your garden probably looks its best in spring, but now is the time to prepare it for the hot weather ahead. A good layer of mulch not only makes the garden more attractive, it helps the soil retain moisture and protects roots against the harsh summer sun. When plants have finished their spring flowering, give them a trim to increase vigor and help them maintain an attractive shape.
Brush up on your painting skills
Your home’s exterior takes a real beating. Extremes of heat and cold, rail, hail and wind all take their toll on painted surfaces. If paint is fading or flaking, you might want to give it a fresh coat or at least a touch up, especially if it’s been more than five years since the last coat.
Get into the gutters
Although it rains less often in summer, storms can bring heavy downpours in a short amount of time. Gutters and downpipes that are choked with leaves and small branches can overflow and cause flooding and damage. So it’s always a good idea to keep your gutters clean and clear. Have someone hold the bottom of your ladder for safety, and wear gloves as gutters can have sharp edges.
Clean and condition
Like any major appliance, air conditioners need regular servicing. If your air conditioner hasn’t been serviced for a few years, spring is a great time to get it done. An air conditioning technician will check and clean the filters and components so your A/C will run safely and efficiently all through summer.
