Summer's Here Again
It's summer again, and the 4th of July is just around the corner. The weather is warm, the kids are out of school, and your home is busy with activities. This is a great time to get some of those projects you never got around to during the winter. It is also a good time to do some summer home improvements to prepare your home for the coming holiday and make your home summer-ready in general. Making improvements to your home can be simple, and you can do many of them yourself. Here are six groups of home improvement projects you can do before the 4th of July:
1- Inside Your Home
There are many simple things that you can do inside your home to prepare it for the 4th of July and for the rest of the summer.
• Cooling/Heating System - It's always a good idea to have your air conditioning and heating system inspected at least twice a year to make sure it is working properly.
• Change Air Filters - To improve the performance of your heating and cooling system, change the air filter at least every 3 months.
• Ceiling Fans - Installation of a ceiling fan is rather inexpensive and an energy efficient way to cool your home. If you have ceiling fans, switching the fan blades to rotate counterclockwise will help with better airflow.
2- Outside Your Home
The outside of your house should also be taken care of as you prepare your home for summer. Remember, the outside of your home should be as welcoming and inviting as the inside.
• Check Your Outside Faucets - The summer could be hot and steamy, and if it is, you will definitely want a water supply outside. Make sure that all of your outside faucets are flowing as the should be.
• Power wash - Give your driveway and walkways a good power wash. Be sure to follow any instructions regarding the powerwasher to avoid causing any damage to your property. These machines are strong, and can do damage to your home, lawn, and other materials.
• Concrete - Inspect your driveway and walkways for cracked or broken sections. Repair any uneven or damaged concrete on your pathways. This keeps your home safer and helps your concrete last longer.
3- Swimming Pool
If you have a swimming pool in your back yard, it is time to prepare it for summer. There are a few things you need to do to get it sparkling and safe for people to swim in.
• Don't Drain it - When you remove the cover from your pool, don't drain the water out. This helps keep the structure intact.
• Clean it - Clean the pool of any debris such as leaves, sticks or other objects. Empty and remove debris from all of the baskets and remove all the plugs that were placed in for the colder months.
• Professional Inspection - Have a professional come out and inspect your pool. They will make sure all of your equipment is working properly. They will also test the water and ensure your pool is ready for swimming.
4- Yard Care
Summer time also means a lot more time spent outdoors. Here are a few things you can do to get your yard ready for both the 4th of July holiday and the rest of the summer season.
• Clean up - Clean up your yard and make it look neat and tidy. Pick up any leaves, sticks or any other debris that is laying around.
• Keep it cut - Be sure to cut your yard regularly to avoid any overgrown grass. Also, trim any overgrown bushes and tree limbs.
• Treat your Yard - There are many treatments for your lawn to help keep it looking green and lush. Fertilize your lawn to help it look beautiful, and also consider treatments that can kill and keep unwanted pests, such as ants or ticks, out of your yard.
5- Deck and Patio
If you have an outdoor living area, it should be checked for safety before use. It will likely have a lot traffic during the 4th of July holiday.
• Clean it up - Before you invite people over, you should clean up your deck or patio of unused or unwanted items.
• Inspect - Check the integrity of your deck or patio for any necessary repairs, such as the replacement of boards or unsafe steps.
• Re-Stain - Protect your deck or patio from the elements by giving it a new stain treatment.
6- Outdoor Cooking
The 4th of July and the summer season means outdoor grilling with friends and family. Here are a few tips to prepare your grill for grilling season.
• Safe equipment - Check your grill for any potential hazards. Check the hoses, burners and any other parts that can cause fire or injury while in use.
• A Good Cleaning - Clean your grill and grilling tools before use. Use a wire brush to scrape off any residue on the grates and empty out the grease trap.
• Do a Test run - Before you start cooking you should test your grill to see if it's working properly.
Getting your home together for the 4th of July and need some plumbing or HVAC assistance? Call the professionals at Griesemer Plumbing & Mechanical Services, located in Greenwood, IN, at (317) 881-9536
