Summer Ready: A Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist

The long, bright days of summer are the perfect time to tackle home improvements. A little cleaning, repair, and maintenance now can go a long way toward preventing costly and disruptive damage down the road.

Work through this checklist before the season is over:

• Roof: Look for missing or loose shingles. Check your attic for signs of moisture, which can indicate the roof is not watertight.
• Gutters and downspouts: Clean gutters and confirm downspouts discharge away from the foundation.
• Attic and basement: Inspect both spaces for pests, insects, water damage, and mold. Turn off the lights and look for cracks of daylight coming through the walls or foundation. Use a dehumidifier particularly in the basement to keep moisture levels in check.
• Foundation and below-grade areas: Inspect window wells, foundation vents, and below-grade doors for proper drainage and sealing.
• HVAC: Clean coils, change the filter, test the fan, and check for any faulty wiring that could pose a fire hazard.
• Windows and screens: Clean windows and screens and check for damage. Small tears in screens can be patched with clear nail polish.
• Siding: Paint, clean, and repair any issues with your exterior siding to prevent mildew and insects from penetrating the wood.
• Deck: Look for rotting or loose boards and popped screws. Test your sealant by pouring a small amount of water on the surface. If it absorbs rather than beads, it is time to reseal.
• Insulation and air sealing: Check for insulation gaps in garage doors, attic doors, and other openings. Sealing these areas helps keep cooling costs down.
• Outdoor plumbing: Inspect all garden hoses and outdoor faucets for drips and leaks. Even minor leaks can add up on your water bill.
• Indoor plumbing and appliances: Replace aging washing machine hoses with braided stainless lines and inspect refrigerator and dishwasher supply lines. Flush your water heater and evaluate whether replacement is approaching — particularly if it is 8 to 12 or more years old. If your home is older or you have experienced slow drains or prior backups, consider having sewer lines scoped.
• Grill: Scrub burned grease from grates with a brush or scraper. Burn off any remaining residue by setting all burners to high and closing the lid for 15 minutes.
• Pool and watercraft: If you have a pool, confirm that fencing and alarms are in place, liability coverage is adequate, and any watercraft exposures are reviewed separately.