10 Tips to Prepare your home for summer
With warmer weather finally here, summer is well on the way. Apart from BBQs, alfresco dining, sunbathing, and country walks, it’s also an ideal time for considering any property maintenance. So, why not get your home summer-ready with these top 10 tips?
Exterior paint
The summer months provide an ideal opportunity to undertake exterior paintwork, as the drier weather makes the task easier. Revitalising your home's curb appeal could be as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint to your front door and window frames, while fences and walls may require a thorough cleaning and a coat of outdoor paint to give them a new lease of life.
Clean gutters
During the winter season, your guttering can accumulate leaves and debris. As the weather gets drier, cleaning out your gutters and downpipes is a good idea to prevent them from overfilling during heavy rain. This is important as overflowing gutters can cause damage to the exterior of your house.
Check the roof
Summer is an ideal time to check the integrity of your roof, as the winter weather takes its toll, causing possible damage. Rectifying minor issues now, such as broken or missing tiles, could prevent it from escalating into something more extensive and expensive, such as a leaking roof, when the bad weather returns.
Clean the windows
It's important to clean your windows both inside and out to remove dirt, grime, cobwebs, and dead insects, which can brighten up the interior and exterior of your home.
Clean/repair driveway and decking
Driveways tend to become dirty and worn out over time, sometimes with weeds sprouting between the slabs. A power washer can restore the driveway's appearance, leaving behind a fresh and clean surface in just a few minutes. However, check if the power washer is compatible with the surface type of your driveway. Similarly, thoroughly clean your decking to remove any surface dirt and green algae, and then apply a suitable oil-based treatment to keep it in good condition.
Clean the BBQ
It is crucial to clean your BBQ after each use. However, thoroughly cleaning the BBQ in late spring or early summer is recommended before using it for outdoor cooking. This will help to remove any layers of burnt food and oil that might have accumulated over time. You should be prepared to soak the grills in soapy water for a considerable amount of time before cleaning off any burnt residues with a grill brush or a cloth.
Keep an eye out for mould growth
Mould spores can accumulate during winter, particularly on window frames. Keep your home well-ventilated to prevent the formation of mould and mildew. If you find mould, clean it with soapy water and dry the area thoroughly.
Declutter
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to declutter and organise your home. It's a great opportunity to get rid of things that have accumulated over time and that you no longer need. After going through this process, your home will look more spacious and organised, and you'll be able to easily identify areas that need improvement.
Get gardening
As we transition from spring to summer, gardens tend to grow uncontrollably. This is the perfect time to start pruning, weeding, and planting to create a pleasant outdoor relaxing space. One of the easiest ways to give your garden an instant tidy-up is by mowing the lawn. Additionally, you can create a stunning look by placing pots and hanging baskets, but remember that they will require regular watering.
Add a touch of colour
Consider giving your home a seasonal update by incorporating fresh colours. Whether it's through the use of paint, cushions, throws, or bed linen, it's easy to revitalise a room by adding strong or pastel shades. Upcycled furniture pieces or accessories can also transform a room, adding character and personality.
Talk to TMD
We hope these 10 Tips help you prepare your home and garden ready for summer. If you’d like to discuss your home insurance, whether you wish to renew, add any changes or require a quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Call us on 01992 703 000 or email us at insurance@mcdonaghs.co.uk