SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Photo courtesy of jiggoja at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today’s official arrival of summer brings a new list of tasks required to keep your newly built construction home in top shape.  Here are four simple chores to make your home safe and comfortable all summer long.

1. Keep it cool.  If you haven’t already dusted your ceiling fans as we recommended in the spring, now is the time.  Most newly constructed homes have ceiling fans with a switch that allows you to reverse the rotational direction of the fan blades.  During warm Michigan summers, blowing the air up into your home’s rooms will help you save a little on cooling costs since you will be using the air conditioning a little less. It’s also a good time to replace your HVAC filter, especially if you have pets due to dander and dust.  Most manufacturers recommend changing the filters after two or three hundred hours of use which basically averages out to once a month, so it’s important to change them once per season at a minimum.  Refer to your HVAC system’s instruction manual in case your filters can be replaced less frequently.

---

2. Check irrigation systems regularly. If your new home already has a lawn, keep it green all summer long by watering it regularly.  Most new construction home owners opt for sprinkler systems for their convenience and effectiveness.  If you have an irrigation system, check each component at least once a week to ensure it is working properly.  Sometimes it’s not obvious that a sprinkler head is broken or faulty, or that an irrigation hose is broken, however these small problems can result in big issues for your lawn and garden, so monitor them regularly.

3. Replace storm doors with screen doors. If you have storm windows on some doors of your new construction home, now is the time to replace them with screens to let the fresh summer breeze blow indoors.  Inspect each screen in case there are any holes that need to be patched to prevent mosquitos and other insects from flying inside.

4. Clear gutters and clean downspouts. It’s best to clean gutters and downspouts in the spring, so this is one task to tackle immediately if you have not already.  Failing to clean gutters can result in major damage such as causing a flood in your basement.  Also, when gutters and downspouts are clogged, the wood trim surrounding the eaves may rot which welcomes a variety of critters into your attic.  Gutters and downspouts that flow properly ensure that water will be diverted away from your house instead of accumulating around its foundation.  Fortunately, cleaning gutters won’t take more than hour.  Wear heavy-duty gloves, climb a ladder and pull all of the leaves and debris out.  If you’re short on time, you can usually hire someone to perform this task for approximately $40.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow