Summer Home Maintenance Checklist – Simple Tips to Care for Your Home

Regular home maintenance is vital to the longevity of your home. Being a long-term investment, you want to keep its appearance, structural integrity, and value up to par. By caring for your home now, it will cost you less money overall by reducing damage and repairs while increasing the value of your home.

We hear you! You’d rather be enjoying the summer weather, not completing your “honey-do” list. That’s why we created a resource on simple & quick tips to care for your home this summer to get you outside and enjoying the summer sun sooner.

1. Inspect for insects
   Check your attic, basement, and around the house for any indication of pests or insects. Pests and insects can get into your house any time of the year. It’s best to find them in the summer months and take preventative steps to treat.
2. Check Hoses
   Inspect the hoses to appliances (washer, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.) for any signs of leaks, cracking, or wear. These should be replaced every 3-5 years, but it is important to regularly check for any signs of leaking.
3. Clean Shower Heads
   It’s easy to overlook cleaning of showerheads, but sediment build-up can clog the holes and cause uneven water flow. Before you notice a decrease in water pressure or irregular spray patterns, give shower heads a good scrub.
4. Caulking
   Recheck caulking behind sinks and throughout kitchen and bathrooms. If you see any signs of wear like cracks, shrinking or discoloring, it’s time to remove the old caulk and reseal to prevent future leaks.
5. Furnace Filters
   Your furnace has worked hard over the winter and spring months, so it’s time to replace the filter. Clogged filters and compressor coils will cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder because of decreased airflow; requiring more energy to operate and costing you more money. Access the A/C unit and clean compressor coils if necessary.
6. Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents
   The upkeep of your dryer vent is important for energy efficiency as well as safety. Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent with a long, flexible brush. Vacuum the inside of the lint trap housing, using a long, skinny hose attachment.
7. Inspect Water Heater
   Drain the water heater to flush out mineral build-up and test overflow according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will increase the longevity of your appliance.
8. Test Garage Door
   Inspect rollers, hinges, roller tracks, and latches. Wipe clean, then apply a light oil, such as a 3-in-1 lubricant. Check weather stripping along the sides and at the bottom of the door. If damaged, cracked or missing, replace to prevent flooding and to maintain proper insulation.
9. Inspect Driveway
   Check for cracks in the driveway and repair or reseal them before winter when water can freeze and expand creating more damage.

With the warm weather, it’s the perfect time to get started on home maintenance. Performing these tasks will keep your home living its best, so you can enjoy it for years to come. If your home maintenance list has gotten too long and you’re looking to build a new affordable home in Idaho, Oregon or Washington, contact us to see how we can help.