As the summer sun shines brightly upon us, it’s time to turn our attention to the maintenance needs of our homes. With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, ensuring that your home is in optimal condition is a matter of comfort but also of protection and preservation. With years of experience inspecting homes for potential issues and recommending preventative measures, I’m excited to share a comprehensive guide to summer home maintenance. From simple tasks to more intricate projects, this blog post aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to keep your home in top shape throughout the sunny season, allowing you to enjoy all that summer fully has to offer without worry or stress.

1. Check your children’s backyard play equipment for safety issues.

Checking your children’s backyard play equipment for safety issues is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, ensuring the safety of the equipment helps prevent accidents and injuries, protecting your children from harm. Regular inspection allows you to identify and address potential hazards, such as loose bolts, splintered wood, or rusted metal, before they lead to accidents. Additionally, maintaining the safety of the play equipment prolongs its lifespan, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the line. By prioritizing safety checks, you can provide your children with a secure and enjoyable outdoor play environment, giving you peace of mind as they explore and have fun.

2. Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration.

Regularly checking your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps ensure the surface’s integrity, preventing accidents or injuries caused by collapses or tripping hazards. Over time, exposure to the elements can lead to wear and tear, such as rotting wood or cracking concrete, compromising the stability of the surface. By identifying and addressing signs of deterioration early on, you can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your deck or patio. Additionally, maintaining the condition of these outdoor spaces enhances both safety and aesthetics, preserving the value and enjoyment of your home. Regular inspections and maintenance routines are key to keeping your wood deck or concrete patio in optimal condition, providing a safe and inviting environment for relaxation and entertainment.

3. Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairways.

Checking the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairways is crucial for enhancing safety within your home, especially during nighttime hours. Nightlights provide essential illumination in dimly lit areas, ensuring visibility and reducing the risk of trips and falls on staircases. By verifying that the nightlights are functional and properly positioned, you can help prevent accidents and injuries that may occur due to poor visibility or missteps on stairs. This simple precautionary measure can significantly enhance the safety of your household members and guests, providing peace of mind and promoting a secure living environment, even in low-light conditions.

4. Check the exterior siding.

Checking your home’s exterior siding is essential for maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of your property. The siding serves as the protective barrier between your home’s interior and the elements, such as rain, wind, and sunlight. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration, such as cracks, rot, or mold growth. Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent water intrusion, which can lead to more significant structural damage, such as wood rot, mold, or even structural instability. Additionally, maintaining the exterior siding enhances the curb appeal and value of your home, contributing to its overall appearance and longevity. By routinely inspecting and maintaining your home’s exterior siding, you can protect your investment and ensure a safe, comfortable living environment for years to come.

5. Check all windows and door locks.

Check all windows and door locks to ensure security and safety for your home. Properly functioning locks are the first line of defense against unauthorized entry, burglary, and intrusions. Regular inspection allows you to identify any issues with the locks, such as loose screws, misalignment, or malfunctioning mechanisms, which could compromise the security of your home. Addressing these issues promptly ensures that all entry points are properly secured, reducing the risk of break-ins and protecting your family and belongings. Additionally, checking locks helps prevent accidental lockouts and ensures that doors and windows can be easily opened in emergencies, such as fires or other evacuation situations. By prioritizing these checks, you can enhance your household’s security, safety, and peace of mind.

5. Check the water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.

Checking the water hoses on appliances such as the washing machine, refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles is crucial for preventing potential water damage and costly repairs. Over time, hoses can deteriorate due to wear and tear, leading to cracks, leaks, or bursts. Inspecting them regularly allows you to identify any signs of damage, such as cracks or bubbles, which may indicate weak spots in the hose material. Addressing these issues promptly by replacing damaged hoses helps prevent water leaks or floods that can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. Additionally, ensuring the integrity of water hoses reduces the risk of mold growth, water damage, and costly repairs to appliances or surrounding structures. By prioritizing these checks, you can safeguard your home against water-related disasters and maintain peace of mind, knowing that your appliances are operating safely and efficiently.

7. Devise and practice an emergency escape plan with your family.

Devising and practicing an emergency escape plan with your family is crucial for ensuring everyone’s safety during a disaster or emergency. Having a well-thought-out plan in place allows your family to react quickly and effectively, minimizing the risk of injury or loss of life. By identifying escape routes and meeting points in advance, you can ensure that everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire, natural disaster, or other emergency. Regular practice drills help familiarize family members with escape routes and procedures, making acting swiftly and calmly during a crisis easier. Additionally, discussing and practicing the plan fosters communication and teamwork among family members, enhancing everyone’s preparedness and ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Ultimately, devising and practicing an emergency escape plan empowers your family to take proactive steps to protect themselves and stay safe during unexpected events.

8. Trim trees and shrubs around your property.

Trimming trees and shrubs around your property is important for safety, property protection, and aesthetic appeal. Removing overgrown or dead branches reduces the risk of accidents during storms and prevents damage to your home’s exterior. Regular trimming promotes plant health and growth by removing diseased or damaged branches and improving airflow and sunlight penetration. Additionally, shaping trees and shrubs enhances the appearance of your landscape, adding curb appeal and increasing property value. Overall, trimming helps maintain a safe, healthy, and attractive outdoor environment around your home.

9. Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures, including pathway lights and security lights.

Inspecting your home’s outdoor lighting fixtures, including pathway lights and security lights, is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that these fixtures function properly, providing adequate illumination for safety and security around your property. Regular inspection allows you to identify and replace burnt-out bulbs, damaged fixtures, or faulty wiring, ensuring that pathways, driveways, and entry points are well-lit and visible at night. Properly functioning outdoor lighting also deters intruders and enhances home security by illuminating dark areas and deterring potential burglars. Additionally, inspecting outdoor lighting fixtures helps maintain your home’s overall appearance and curb appeal, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for residents and guests alike. Overall, regular inspection of outdoor lighting fixtures is essential for ensuring your property’s safety, security, and aesthetic appeal.

10. Inspect and clean outdoor furniture, including patio tables, chairs, and umbrellas.

Inspecting and cleaning outdoor furniture, including patio tables, chairs, and umbrellas, is essential for maintaining their appearance, functionality, and longevity. Regular inspection allows you to identify any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration, such as rust, mildew, or loose joints, which can be addressed promptly to prevent further deterioration and extend the furniture’s lifespan. Cleaning outdoor furniture removes dirt, debris, pollen, and mold buildup, improving its appearance and ensuring a comfortable outdoor seating area for you and your guests. Additionally, proper maintenance helps protect outdoor furniture from the elements, such as sun exposure, rain, and humidity, which can cause fading, warping, or rotting over time. By regularly inspecting and cleaning outdoor furniture, you can preserve its quality and beauty, enhancing your outdoor living space and enjoyment for years.

11. Flush and inspect your water heater.

Flushing and inspecting your water heater is essential for maintaining its efficiency, performance, and longevity. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing the heater’s efficiency and potentially causing corrosion or damage to the heating elements. Flushing the water heater removes these deposits, ensuring optimal heat transfer and energy efficiency, as well as preventing potential clogs or blockages that could lead to leaks or malfunctions. Additionally, inspecting the water heater allows you to identify any signs of corrosion, leaks, or other issues that may require repair or replacement. Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent costly repairs or premature failure of the water heater, ensuring reliable hot water supply for your household needs. Overall, flushing and inspecting your water heater regularly is crucial for maximizing its lifespan, efficiency, and safety.

12. Call DeBoer Home Inspection!

Call DeBoer Home Inspection to perform a home maintenance inspection as part of your routine home maintenance plan. Schedule your home maintenance inspection by clicking “schedule your inspection” below.