With spring around the corner, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the pressure to prepare for the summer ahead. And no, we aren’t just talking about getting a beach-ready body here – you need to prep your home for the warmer months, too.
The harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home and your yard or garden. If the past winter was especially cold or you received a lot of snow and ice, you may be left with a bit of a mess once everything melts away.
Thankfully, there are plenty of projects that any homeowner can tackle mostly on their own to get the home ready for a fun summer.
1. Prep Your Patio Furniture
There is nothing quite like lounging around on comfortable patio furniture to enjoy a warm summer night. However, if you left your patio furniture out during the winter (or it is weathered and used), it is a good idea to invest in new cushions for the outdoor space.
It is a good idea to get your patio furniture ready for the summer in the early springtime by cleaning off all of the hard material pieces and swapping out the fabric and stuffing. Consult a patio furniture buying guide to see which materials are best depending on your location, weather, or preference.
For instance, synthetic fabrics like acrylic and polyester are weather resistant and can be left in the rain without getting damaged. Additionally, PET and polyester foam are quick-drying and can be left out in the rain, whereas polyurethane foam is better for dry environments.
Related: 9 Best Ideas about Backyard Designs
2. Reseal and Stain Patios
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your backyard design without spending a fortune, consider revamping your wooden surfaces first. A fresh coat of sealant or stain can do wonders for worn-out patios and porches – breathing new life into your outdoor landscaping.
First, start with light sanding to get the remaining stain or paint off the wood beneath and clean it off with a pressure washer. Once the wood is dry, you can apply the stain. Stains come in a variety of colors, from natural browns to bright reds, dark greens, and opaque tones to match any design you like.
3. Get Your AC System Up and Running
You don’t want to be stuck in the first heatwave with a broken AC. Be sure to prep your AC early and look for signs that it needs replacements or repairs in the springtime. You can do it yourself or schedule an air conditioning repair service.
First, inspect the outdoor unit panels to see if there are any dents, missing panels, or broken lids. Next, clean off any debris that could block the vents and pull out plants around the exterior unit. From here, you should replace the filter, check the circuits to make sure everything looks good, and turn the power on.
If you don’t currently have a cooling system in place but are considering one, early spring is the best time to buy and install. Technicians won’t be as busy as they will be towards the summer months, so you can get an AC installed fairly quickly. Be sure to compare your options by consulting an air conditioning guide to learn about different types of cooling systems.
4. Shock Your Pool
Get your pool ready with a deep clean to kill any bacteria or algae that formed over the winter. You can purchase a shock system at your local pool supply store. This will help to clear up the water, kill bacteria and algae, as well as balance out the chlorine level of your water so it is ready for swimmers all summer long.
Related: 10 Surprising Pool Maintenance Tricks You Should Know
5. Pressure Wash Hard Surfaces
Spring-cleaning doesn’t just apply to the inside of your home. The outside surfaces can get quite dirty and dingy over the wintertime. Pressure washers are great for cleaning off built-up dirt, grime, and even mold and algae on hard surfaces. They can be used to deep clean sidewalks and walkways, concrete slabs, wooden patios, and even vinyl sidings.
However, a strong stream can crack glass windows and damage new plant life that is blooming in the spring. Cover your garden beds with tarps and block out windows with wooden boards before you start.
6. Get Your Garden Ready
If you intend to plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in the garden this year, spring is the ideal time to prep the ground for a healthy harvest. You will want to test your soil to see if it contains any minerals or phosphorus that could hurt your plants. You can add new soil or fertilizer to balance this out!
7. Repair or Replace Gutters
Get ready for those April showers and summer rainstorms by inspecting your gutters as soon as you can. Built-up snow and ice can cause gutters to crack or even detach from the roof. You’ll need to closely check all of the gutters around your home to see if there are any broken parts.
If part of the gutter has detached, you may be able to fix it with a silicone or gutter caulk compound. You should also clean out the built-up leaves, sticks, and other debris. Flush out the drainage pipes with a strong stream from the hose to make sure nothing is clogging them.
Related: How to Save Money on Roof Repair Like a Pro
8. Check Your Sprinkler Systems
Be sure that your sprinklers are ready to go by testing the system for broken heads or pipes. Remove any winter covers and check that all of the sprinkler heads are intact and positioned correctly. They may have shifted during the winter, so push them back into place if they are turned.
Next, turn on your water supply to flush out the pipes. This may take a few minutes to clean out dust that formed over the winter. Look out for signs of pipe damage, such as uneven water pressure sprays. You will want an irrigation specialist to take a look quickly if any of your sprinkler heads aren’t spraying right!
Conclusion
Summer is a time of the year that we all look forward to, especially if we’ve had a long, cold winter. The spring season is the best time to start preparing your home for the warm weather ahead – so be sure to get started on it as early as you can with these easy DIY projects.
