When school is back in session, the leaves begin to change, and the temperatures begin to drop it only means one thing – summer is officially over. Though it might seem a bit odd to inspect your home now for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades that might be necessary for next year, it can actually save you time, money, and a headache. Without further ado, here are some home maintenance inspection tips you should consider conducting now that summer is over.
- Inspect the Deck or Patio
During the summer it is pretty common for families to enjoy the outdoors by sitting on a deck or patio. Over the years, the damage to the patio or deck can start to surface not only making it unappealing but also unsafe for children. Go outside and inspect your deck and/or patio. Are there cracks present? Has the wood started to splinter or fade in color? Are you considering an extension or even installing windows to your deck? If so, finding a contractor in the fall will be a lot cheaper than waiting until next summer.
- Check Out the Landscaping
Your lawn has been through a lot this summer. The harsh elements of the heat, the lack of moisture from humid and dry periods, and the heavy traffic can all cause your lawn to look a bit worn down. Grass can often look patchy, brown, or dry in certain parts throwing off your curb appeal and negatively affecting your property value. You may learn that in order for your lawn to look great next summer you need to invest in tall fescue grass seed to help fill in the rough spots. If you don’t have a green thumb, however, it’s probably best to call a landscaper. Other things to inspect in your backyard are trees and bushes which may need trimming, pruning, and even to be cut down if it’s dead.
- Have the Air Conditioner Serviced
Although you probably won’t turn on the air conditioning for another several months, it never hurts to have your air conditioner serviced after the summer ends. It’s a lot better than waiting until the heat returns to find out that your system is down and you’re uncomfortable at home. Check to see if the air filters need to be changed or if the vents are filled with debris. An HVAC contractor can best assist with any major repairs or maintenance tasks needed.
- Check the Pool
If you have the luxury of having a pool in your backyard this is another area you’re going to want to check once summer is over. Your pool should be completely drained and inspected for cracks or damage that needs to be repaired. Once serviced it should be securely covered and properly fenced in to keep children from entering and getting hurt.
- Consider an Energy Audit
Summer and winter happen to be the two seasons where the most energy is consumed. Likely because of the increased use of the heating and cooling systems in the house, this can cause a spike in the energy bill. A great way to change that is to have an energy audit done once the summer is over. A trained electrician can tell you if your home is energy efficient and if not, they can show you what needs to be fixed before the winter so you don’t waste more money on bills.
- Check for Holes, Cracks, and Openings
Now that it’s fall you may start to notice a few unwanted guests in your home. It can be common for ants, mice, and other pests to get into the home. This is the time of year they’re looking for food and a place to stay for the winter. By inspecting the entire house for holes, cracks, and openings, you can keep pests out of the home by sealing them up and using repellents to keep them away. Sealing holes, cracks, and openings is also a great way to save on energy costs. Consider your house guttering too – any issues here could lead to water damage, whether they’re cracked or clogged. Companies similar to Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning RI should be able to give you the info you need to get the job done, if you’re looking sort them yourself.
Summer is over and you have a lot to do to get prepared for the cooler months ahead. By thoroughly inspecting these areas of your home you can start planning for the fun you’ll have next summer while being smart, safe, and comfortable during the winter. If you need help completing this checklist, remember to rely on experts as they are best equipped to handle the tasks safely.
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