Owning a summer home can bring a lot of fun and entertainment for years to come. However, a few maintenance tips can save a lot of wear and tear and expensive repairs later down the road. First, check all appliances in the house to ensure they’re in proper working condition. This includes the refrigerator, oven, freezer, dryer, washer and dishwasher. Doing this can help you stay on top of repairs rather than not caring for them immediately, and then they become a much larger repair.
Check for Pests
When the time comes to open up your summer home, make sure to hire an exterminator to check for pests and various infestations. A couple of things to watch out for are dead bugs on window sills, droppings, nests and a strange odor. It’s common that if you find many dead bugs of the same species, there are more somewhere in the house. Outside of the home, look for gnaw marks on fences, bites out of plants, holes in the ground and anthills. An exterminator possesses the knowledge and skills to find and be rid of pests at your summer home.
Power Washing
Rent, or pull out from the storage room, a power washer. Power wash the driveway of the home and sidewalk. This will wash away dirt and grime and give it a refreshed look. Pressure washing can get rid of the sun-baked dirt and cleans surface stains. Grime packed onto concrete will, over time, erode the concrete. Power washing is a summer home maintenance tip that improves the curb appeal of the home and cleans efficiently.
Clean the Gutters
Clean out all the gutters, downspouts and anything else that might fill up with leaves and debris. This will help with efficiently draining rainwater and deferring various pests away.
Clean the Windows
Dirty windows stand out in a house. Clean the windows, streak-free, and replace all the screens with holes in them. This will clean up the appearance of the house as well as stop pesky bugs from flying in.
Add Some Beauty
Take some time to rake and pull out the dead plants. Then, proceed to plant plants that will grow in your yard. Consider the amount of sun, water and effort that you’re willing to put in. Many plants are low-effort and beautiful.
Inspect Weather-Stripping and Vents
This is important to keep unwanted weather and bugs out. Clear vents of anything blocking them for optimal performance and air circulation in the house. Replace worn down weather-stripping.
Declutter
When you’re doing maintenance to your summer home, it’s a perfect time also to declutter. Get rid of things you are no longer using and clothing that isn’t being worn. Check closets, high shelves, the basement and storage and get rid of all the clutter. This helps the house to appear tidier and be easier to clean.
Get Your Patio Ready
Set your deck/patio up and note whether your deck needs repairs or a fresh coat of stain. Set your patio up and create a beautiful outdoor space.
