How to Prepare a House for Summer

Although summer is typically a time of relaxing under shade trees, swimming just about anywhere there is water, and hosting and attending tasty barbecues, there are certain home-maintenance procedures that need to be carried out before you can enjoy a safe summer. By taking some extra time at the beginning of the season to prepare your house for summer, you can have more time for fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Leave for vacation with your house burglar-proofed. This is the thief's favorite time of year, when most families plan to be away for extended periods of time. Interior automatic light timers, exterior motion sensors, windows and doors all need to be inspected to ensure they're working properly.
2. Swab the decks. Your family and friends will spend a lot of time on your deck during the summer, eating meals outside or just lounging around. Before pulling out your summer furniture, check your deck for signs of wear and tear. Block out three days to properly clean and seal your deck to prepare it for the coming months.
3. Give your house a good cleaning--on the outside, not the inside. Wash the exterior of the house with a mild soap and water, but be wary of using the power washer you got on sale because improper use can remove paint finishes and get water underneath siding. Consider calling in the pros.
4. Schedule a trim. After cleaning the house, cut back shrubs and trees. Greenery leaning against the side of your house attracts insects looking for a place to make their homes. By cutting back the plants, you also reduce the chance of damage caused by wind during a storm.
5. Weather-proof your windows. After installing all the screens and putting away the storm windows for the season, walk around your house, check the windows for gaps and caulk where needed. Not only does this reduce your cooling costs, but it also serves to keep pests out of the house.
6. Climb into the attic to check the attic fan. If you maintain your attic fan regularly, the fan will last longer and work more efficiently. This keeps cooling costs down during the hot summer months.
7. Prepare your pool for safe swimming. Check the water daily to make sure your chemical levels are accurate. Check all ladders and railings for safety, tightening any that are loose. Replace any lifesaving equipment that's old or not up to standards.

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