Cold and blustery winter weather can have an adverse effect on your home. Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to freshen up your space and prepare for the hot summer days ahead. Here are 7 ways to prepare your home for summer:
- Clean Your Windows
Clean your windows inside and out to do away with dirt, dust, and smears. HGTV Magazine recommends filling 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 the windows with the vinegar and ammonia mixture, followed by the warm water mixture. - Do Some Spring Cleaning
Do away with all that dust accumulated during the winter by giving your home a refresh. In addition to cleaning your windows, consider vacuuming your curtains and blinds, dusting off indoor and outdoor light fixtures, and cleaning out your dryer vent. Your home will feel fresh and clean afterward! - Clean Out the Gutters
Winter weather can be tough on gutters. Walk around the exterior of your home to make sure that your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Also, see that your gutters are pointing away from the foundation, so that water doesn’t pool up at the base of your home causing leakage problems. - Repair the Siding
Inspect and repair your home’s rotted wood siding or shingles before touching up stain or paint. Engineered wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding can be cleaned by using a nylon scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner to eliminate dirt and mold. - Paint the Exterior
Summer is the best time to tackle any necessary exterior paint projects, such as your front door, siding, window frames, or garden fence. Adding fresh paint will instantly enliven the exterior of your home and boost curb appeal. - Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Get your garden summer ready by clearing away dead leaves, removing weeds, and pruning bushes and plants before doing your spring planting. And don’t forget to mow your lawn! Wait until the end of summer or early fall to sow grass seed in empty patches of grass as hot temperatures make it difficult for grass to grow. - Consider Installing Air Conditioning
Here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like each summer is hotter than the last. In the Seattle area, 53% of owner-occupied homes are air conditioned, as compared to 31% in 2013. Consider investing in central or window unit air conditioning. Central air conditioning will add value to your home, while window unit air conditioning is cheaper and easy to transport from room to room. During the thick of summer, you will be glad you invested in A/C!
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