Ever wondered how essential summer home maintenance checklist is for your property’s upkeep and well-being? Well, there are a number of factors, and we are here to explain them to you.
Spring has already replaced winter in some parts of Pakistan, and people are all geared up for summer with beach plans, sunblocks, and other such festivities of the season. In most parts of the country, spring is usually coupled with summer. So, for most people, this means replacing winter clothes with summer dresses and heaters with air-conditioners. Sadly, the change of season also means saying goodbye to hot chocolate and warm soups.
It goes without saying that we change our lifestyle with the season, and we keep ourselves mentally and physically prepared to adjust to the changing temperature. As such, your home isn’t any different either – it needs to be ready too!
Being Pakistan’s most trusted name for everything real estate, we proactively identify and understand your needs. In line with our past post on tips for winter home maintenance, here’s our take on seasonal home maintenance with a checklist that you can use for both spring and summer in Pakistan.
Top Things to Include in Your Spring/Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
We know for a fact that owning a home is a big responsibility, especially when it is about caring and keeping track of the required maintenance and due repairs. Timely maintenance and house repairs might not be a fun thing to do, but the list that we have prepared contains some of the most important tasks for homeowners to make their abode summer-ready:
- Deep Cleaning and Washing
- Inspect Plumbing System
- Get the Air-Conditioner Serviced
- Watch-out For House Pests
- House Outlook and Paint Check
- Preparing the Garden
Now, let’s discuss each of them in detail.
Deep Cleaning and Washing
The changing weather brings in dry and dusty air, which can accumulate in your home during winters when the windows are closed, and you’re not taking on any deep cleaning projects in favour of being wrapped in a blanket. It is no secret that summer is a good time to give the house a good bath and wash away all the dirt that has piled up during winter. Wash the windows, walls, and doors of your house from both outside and inside. But, before you get to work, here’s what you should know:
- Close the windows and doors of your house when you are cleaning the interior.
- You can’t certainly take on this venture alone. So, it is best to ask your family members or roommates to join in and distribute the work accordingly.
- Clean the interiors with a damp cloth. Avoid splashing water unnecessarily.
- Avoid hiring a power washer. A simple garden hose can easily do the job for the exterior.
- Use eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products.
Inspect Plumbing System
One of the most important things that you must add to your summer home maintenance checklist is inspecting the pipes and drainage system in your house. Give the plumbing system a good once-over by checking under the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Make sure there are no signs of leakages or seepages in your house.
The best way to inspect leakage is to look up at the ceiling or walls for telltale water stains. Fix what you can do yourself with the help of our recently published guide on DIY plumbing repairs. Call a plumber to get a professional hand.
Get the Air-Conditioner Serviced
If you have wrapped the condensing unit of your air-conditioner in a plastic sheet, you need to immediately take it off before the weather changes. Check that your cooling appliances and fans are in working order and do not need any servicing. If they do, call the repairman or the servicing company on a priority basis.
Whether you have a central air-conditioning system or separate units, you should clean their air filters at least once or twice a month. Since it is one of the most important and incredibly easy things to do on your seasonal home maintenance checklist, you need to do it before you commit to anything else.
Watch-out For House Pests
Houses are prone to get infected by pests, and there’s no way you can change it. House pests can not only take a toll on your family members’ health, but they can also severely damage your property. However, with the help of a seasonal home maintenance checklist, you can easily keep these critters at bay.
That said, here are a few important signs to be aware of:
- Clogged drains and water leaks can attract house pests.
- Do not leave loose wood or an old piece of furniture lying around the house.
- Regularly dust-off the shelves and the objects placed on them.
- Go on a deep cleaning mission using a detergent and a damp cloth once a month.
Certain zones in your house have higher chances of getting infected with house pests as compared to others. As such, the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, basements, and any place that has little or no exposure to sunlight needs more attention. Be extra vigilant while tracing trails of house pests around these zones.
House Outlook and Paint Check
Take a walk around your house, both inside and outside. Check if any cracks need to be filled. Is your driveway in good condition? Look up if the paint is in good condition and isn’t chipping off in an ugly way. Inspect the roof and walls for signs of loose or broken shingles.
It is always best to fix such small repairs before they start causing serious damage to your property and bringing its value down. It’s best to do it yourself, but if you’re not confident about it, call in the experts without any second thoughts.
Prepare the Garden
You know spring is around the corner once your lawn has been washed, and the trees have begun to bud. Just for your convenience, we have also compiled a list of some ways to prepare your garden for spring. Here’s what you can do:
- Trim uneven and wildly growing trees and bushes before you go for cleaning
- Clear off debris, including all the fallen leaves and broken branches with the help of a fan or leaf blower
- Rake the grass, especially the dry patches and thatch stuck on the ground if you want to cultivate new seeds
- Fertilise the yard using organic fertilisers and then plant the seeds
Besides regular cleaning, you will need help in picking up the right seeds for gardening. If you need assistance with which vegetables to grow in spring, navigate to our recently published blog now.
Pro Tip: For people living in these areas of Karachi: Tariq Road, Saddar Town, Dar-ul-Aman Society or Mehmoodabad – visiting any plant nursery in PECHS can help you in choosing the right indoor/outdoor plants.
Once everything is in place, plan for extreme heat if you’re living in Lahore or Islamabad, where it gets sweltering during summer. Heatwaves are inevitable in summer, so keep a close check on your loved ones and neighbours. Extreme weather and heatwaves are particularly harsh on elderly people and children, so keep reminding them to stay hydrated. Be prepared for power outages and keep backup generators fueled and emergency lights charged.
So these were some of the most important things to include in your seasonal house maintenance checklist. These will surely help you keep your abode in top shape and save you from pocket-tearing expenses. If you have already prepared yourself and your home for the changing weather, you can share this piece with a friend on your social media platform. Speaking of which, make sure you have liked our Facebook page.
For more property maintenance tips, stay tuned to Zameen Blog – Pakistan’s best portal for everything related to property.
