When you become a homeowner, staying on top of the upkeep can seem daunting. But with a handy checklist and a keen eye, you can have your property whipped into shape in no time. One of the best times to search out and tackle these jobs is during the good weather in the summer months.
Top to bottom
Every winter our homes get battered with storms and this can cause damage to the outside of our homes. One of the places that can get damaged the most often is the roof. It might not seem like a big deal but loose roof tiles can be dangerous. They could damage your property or could injure someone if they slip from the roof. You can spot a loose tile from the ground or from inside your attic. It is also a good idea to check and clean the gutters. This helps drain rainwater that might cause water damage to the outside of the house. Any cracks in the foundation or the walls are easy to see and should be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Windows and doors
Over the last 30 years, the ability to insulate our homes has improved because of the windows and doors that we use. Over time, seals can come away from windows and locking mechanisms can shift. This can lead to problems. As tempting as it might be to tackle this one yourself, you shouldn’t. A professional such as Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement would be a better idea. The last thing anyone needs is a bit of routine maintenance ending with broken glass and a locksmith. By ensuring the windows and doors are still in good shape, you can help prevent dampness. Damp and drafts can steal the heat in the winter.
Flex your green finger
The garden is an area that is often neglected but it can be a great place if you put a bit of love into it. Adding some plants in stylish pots can be an easy way to add a great splash of colour. Or, if you have the space, you could add a decking for some extra entertaining space. Depending on the plants that you choose for the garden, they could need no maintenance. Some plants only need a prune with a pair of shears. Having a decking sounds like a lot of work but it only takes a day to clean it up once a year. If you stain and treat the wood with a high-quality deck stain, you might not need to stain it every year. In fact, some treatments only need a top up every three or five years.
Systems check
The systems that run our homes are important but we tend to forget about them. Could you imagine what it would be like if we couldn’t heat our homes without the touch of a button? How difficult it would be to heat our hot water with a pot and fire? Or a world without the internet? We have so many people working from home now. It would be impossible to function if we had all those systems stripped away. That is why they need a check-up once a year to ensure they continue to run in top condition. Don’t forget to include your alarms in your systems check. This includes your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring that these are in working order could save your life. You never if something could go wrong with your heating or electrical systems.
Dust bunny hunting
If you aren’t a fan of hunting, that is ok. However, you might want to consider taking part in a dust bunny hunt. Dust is made up of old skin cells, dead bugs, and other nasty things. A dust bunny is a collection of these things that you can see galloping across the floor. Despite the cute name, these fluffy menaces can a lot of damage. They can ruin electronics, clog ventilation systems, and cause breathing problems. Regular vacuuming the floors can help keep dust levels low. You can also use the tools on your vacuum to suck the dust from vents and hard to reach places too. This also means that you should clear out the filters of your vacuum to stop any blockages to the filters.
Your house might have other things that need to be maintained as well as the things we have listed here. So get to know your home and learn about what it might need to keep it in great shape.
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