Get your house ready for summer
I can’t believe that its already June. It seems like last week it was that bitterly cold winter, and now I am sitting down to write about getting your home ready for the summer months. But whether we want to face it or not, the heat of the summer is right around the corner. Here are the top things that you should do to get your home ready:
Prep your windows
You can lose a lot of money if your windows are leaking all your air conditioning outside, so make sure you take the time to prep them. This includes a general cleaning and inspection. Make sure you open them all up and clean them, check that the mechanics are working properly, caulk any gaps that are in the framing, and make sure that the seals are tight.
Make sure your air conditioner is working
Nothing is worse than an air conditioner failing when it’s super-hot outside. This is easier than it sounds, but you can call a pro, if you’re scared. If you’re ready for this project, shut it off at the breaker. Clear out any leaves, branches, or nests. Make sure that you spray down the coils and take a good look at all the wires. If you see any frayed or chewed wires, be sure to call a pro to service your unit.
Fix up the fence
If you have a fence, this is the time to fix it up. Make sure that you replace any posts or rails that are getting old. If everything is in good shape, then just give them a once over with paint. It’s a simple fix, but it will make your house look much bet-
ter when you entertain company. Nothing’s worse that having friends over when your fence is falling apart.
Clean the deck
All the freezing and melting that we’ve seen over the last year is hard on a deck. Make sure you take the time to ensure that the boards are
firmly down. Water getting under the wood and freezing tends to pull the boards loose. So, make sure they’re tight. Once they are down, I would suggest giving the deck a pressure washing with a deck cleaning solution. After a few days, you can reseal the deck.
Check your driveway
A winter of plowing, salting, and shoveling can be harsh on your driveway. So, make sure you check it out to see what is needed.
Sweep out the debris from the cracks and make sure that you can see what issues there are. Minor issues, like cracks, can be easily sealed. Your driveway sealer can be picked up at any local home improvement store. If your driveway is damaged, then you’ll need a professional to come help you out.
With these projects taken care of, you’re in pretty good shape for a good summer of bare feet, barbecues and memories. Fire up the grill and enjoy
all your hard work. Wayne Megill is the principal of The Wayne Megill Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Brandywine Valley and the president of Megill Homes Inc. For buyer or seller representation, or for more perspective on the local and national real estate market, email Wayne@waynemegillteam. com and visit The Wayne Megill Team site at www. pahomesandrealestate. com.