The weather is warming up and you want to go outside to enjoy summer. But in the year of a pandemic and limited travel options, a staycation may be in the cards for the next 3 months.
What better time, then, to draw up a project or two to keep your home in tip-top shape?
The latest in a four-part series of seasonal home-improvement projects offers up a few suggestions to avoid more pricey jobs – and shocks to the household budget – later. (An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure….you know!)
Foundation – Let’s start from the ground up. The driest time of year is the best time of year to look for cracking in the foundation that may need repair. Also, check the crawlspace – if there is one – to see if any critters have taken up lodging or whether heavy spring rains caused damage. We suggest calling in a pest company or other specialists should you see the issues are too great for you to manage.
Decks and patios – You only have a few months to enjoy the Seattle summer, so take time now to ensure your decks and patios are safe and ready for another season of parties and warm sunshine. Repair loose planks and railings, as well as scrub, power wash and treat the surfaces with sealant and stain. Look around the patio for cracking and crumbling; patch or replace those trip hazards.
Paint and siding – This is also the best time of year to take on the bigger jobs outdoors. Closely inspect the exterior for wear and tear and consider stripping and painting the outside or at least sand/touch up those little areas that were damaged by the harsh conditions. For home siding, vulnerable to water intrusion, look for panels that pull away at the seams, cracked molding and soft spots; make those repairs (such as using color-matching caulk) or hire an expert if necessary. Consider pressure-washing the vinyl or fiber-cement siding, using mild soap – but, be careful not to overdo it and potentially damage the surface with the steady stream of water.
Landscaping – Yes, this is the time to plant your summer fruit and veggies and harvest produce for friends and family. It’s also time to trim back grass, weeds and tree limbs from the home and outdoor air-conditioning units to prevent damage from windstorms. It could even be an opportunity to rethink the lawn with new grass, plants, trees or bark covering.
Irrigation – Leaks or ponding in certain parts of the lawn can unnecessarily raise your water bill. The Environmental Protection Agency offers excellent tips for maintaining your irrigation system. While you’re at it, take a closer look around the house for leaky faucets and address those money-wasters too.
If you missed the other parts in this series, here are links to winter and spring, with autumn suggestions still to come.