It’s never too early, or late, to start thinking about summer. In fact, it’s likely that many of you already are. The cold weather and the dull days really do lead to plenty of daydreams about when the sun will start shining again. If you want to make sure your home is absolutely ready for when the summer months roll around, there are some things you’re going to want to do first.
Paint The Front Door
If the winter has been particularly harsh, your front door’s paintwork may have taken quite the hit. If it’s peeling and faded, take the opportunity to freshen it up with a new coat of paint. Make sure you sand the original coat first, or the finished look won’t be as high quality as you would like. You can tighten loose hinges and seal any cracks as well.
Check The Roof
It’s particularly important to check your roof for holes or loose tiles if it has snowed over the winter, but even if it hasn’t, strong winds and driving rain can also create problems. Inspect the roof for damage and fix anything that you spot. Don’t forget to check the metal flashing found around chimneys and skylights too. If you’re worried about carrying out the repairs yourself, hire a professional.
Repair Your Air Conditioner
Something else that should always be done by a professional is air conditioner replacement and repairs. Over the winter, your AC unit’s lines will have potentially become stagnant and will need clearing out. As well as this, a general maintenance checkup before you start to use it again is always advisable to ensure you’re getting the maximum use out of the unit and not wasting any energy.
Clean Your Paths
If you have any paths and walkways in your yard, it’s great to use a pressure washer on them before the summer. Clear away the muck and grime that has accumulated over the winter months, and if you find any broken paving slabs, replace them before they become a hazard. If you have a concrete walkway, you can fill cracks with a masonry crack filler – just make sure that the color matches that of your path otherwise it will really stand out.
Clean Your Windows
When the weather is good, you’ll want to look out of your windows and enjoy it, so cleaning them is a job that has to go on the to-do list. Remember only to clean your windows on a cloudy day. This is because when it’s warm and sunny, the windows can dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind. The best way to clean a window is to wash it with a mixture of vinegar, ammonia, and hot water, then rinse this off thoroughly with warm water. Dry it with a squeegee when you’re done.
Weeding
Now that the winter has done its worst, you’ll want to get outside in the yard and start weeding the flower beds. Remove anything dead or that simply shouldn’t be there, and, if it’s the right time of year, plant some new flowers, seeds, or bulbs. By the time the sun really does begin to shine, your yard will be looking beautiful.