Summer, summer, summertime

Summer is the time we all feel we can really enjoy our home – BBQs, gardening, kids making a mess outside as opposed to inside – but before diving into summer fun, we first need to check some chores off the list!

1. Look closely at your home’s exterior. Now that we’ve come out of hibernation and stored all our winter coats and hats, inspect your home’s exterior. After a long winter, the exterior of the home may demonstrate some winter damage: rotted or warped siding, mold or water damage, loose debris like leaves and twigs that have accumulated. If you notice anything out of the ordinary since last summer, coordinate repairs as soon as possible.

2. Power wash. This one is a summer classic: whether you DIY or enlist the help of a service company, power washing the exterior of your home (windows, siding, patio and porch) will keep mold and mildew at bay.

For windows that are within reach, we like to mix white vinegar and water in a bucket (1:1 ratio) and squeegee the heck out of ‘em for a streak free shine!

3. Clean your window screens. Window screens come in very handy for summer nights, but you’d be surprised at how much dust and dirt has accumulated since last summer. Now that it’s warmer, take your screens out to the yard to hose down and dry before replacing.

4. Clean those gutters and downspouts. ’tis the season! Clearing the way for proper drainage for water to be best brought away from the home, helps avoid floods and mold/mildew growth around the house. You can DIY this one, but note that most landscaping companies offer this service and will get the job done safely and professionally.

5. Another HVAC maintenance reminder. Start the summer off right by cleaning or replacing your air conditioners’ air filter. It’s recommended that filters be cleaned at least once a month, especially if it’s running a lot.

6. Mosquitos and ants and bees, oh my. While we like all the non-toxic ways to keep bugs off ourselves, our pets and our kids, and we love a citronella candle for a sunset bbq, and there are some fantastic natural pest control recipes for your garden, it may be worth it to engage a pest control company for annual checkups or seasonal contracts so that a pro can scope the exterior and interior of the home to help make a plan to combat any potential infestation or entry points for critters.