Date Archives: May 11th, 2020

Practicing social distancing presents the perfect opportunity for a clean and happy home by tackling home maintenance projects. While prepping your home for summer can be tedious, our REALTORS® know that it helps you take back control of your home and give yourself the chance to beat the heat.

Check these summer home maintenance to-dos off your list to keep your home in prime working condition.

• Wash Windows and Screens
  One obvious sign of a neglected home is dirty and ripped screens and windows. Start by vacuuming window screens that have dust and a small amount of dirt. You want to use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Then scrub each one with some dish soap and brush to remove lingering debris. You can then set them outside to dry before putting them back in place. Then, get some type of window cleaning solution to tackle the window from the inside out. Clean windows can make a huge difference with the amount of light that passes through them.

• Freshen up Your Home's Exterior
  Your home's exterior should shine in summer. So, walk around your home to see if there are any signs of rot or damage from the winter – those spots should be repaired first. If your home's paint needs a refresh, you can do that on a day when you have nice weather. Brighten up the shutter and replace any weathering siding to maintain the best summer curb appeal.

• Focus on Your Garden
  Summer is also a great time to boost curb appeal. That includes tackling things such as mulching to create a clean and crisp appearance, keep weeds out of your gardens, and lock in moisture to help your plants thrive through the hot summer months. If you haven't already, get a few flowers to decorate the front of your home. Remove any dead plants, mow your lawn, and trim shrubs, bushes, and trees, ensuring they are kept away from your home AC unit and roof. And don't forget to test your irrigation systems at the beginning of the season for any cracks or worn-out sections.

• Prep the Deck and Porch
  Summer is a great time for hanging out on the deck or porch and watching the world go by. Now is time to get your porch ready by cleaning the floor, front door, windows, and windowsill. Use a long-handled duster to remove cobwebs from high corners, light fixtures, and ceiling. Examine your deck to make sure there is no structural damage and hammer any nails that are loose. If needed, sand and reseal the surface. If you have deck or porch furniture, wipe it down and wash the cushions.

• Clean Your Grill
  Make sure your grill is ready for backyard barbecues by deep-cleaning it. If you have a charcoal grill, empty it and wipe away any residue or dust. With hot water, soap, and a scrub brush, clean both the outside and inside of the grill and let it dry before use. For a gas grill, turn the heat up and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Allow it to cool and use a brush to clean the grates and interior. Wash the exterior with a sponger dipped in warm, soapy water.
  
  
• Inspect Cooling Units
  The summer heat means it's time to prep your cooling units for their busiest time of the year. You may want to let a pro handle your HVAC unit to make sure everything works properly all season long, but you can remove, clean, or replace filters to boost performance and cut energy bills. Use a damp rag to clean all ceiling and house fans, including vents.

• Check Safety Devices
  Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and any home timers should be checked at least once a month. Test the detectors by pressing the test button and replace old batteries to make sure they are in working order. Also, check the expiration date on fire extinguishers and replace them if needed.

Ready to put your home on the market among Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale? Our team would be happy to help get your home sold quickly and for the right price. Contact us today to speak to an agent.