7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Summer

Sunshine, BBQs, and backyard adventures – summer is just around the corner! Before you dive headfirst into those lazy days, it's important to get your home ready for the warmer weather. Here at Odds On Home Inspection Service, we want to help you make the most of the season. So, fire up the grill, grab some iced tea, and let's get started with these seven essential summer home prep tips!

1. Beat the Heat: Optimize Your Cooling System

Change your air filters: Dirty air filters restrict airflow and make your AC work harder, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency. Swap them out for fresh filters at the start of the season.
Schedule AC maintenance: A professional tune-up by a qualified technician ensures your air conditioning is operating at peak performance, keeping you cool and saving you money.
Embrace natural cooling: Utilize blinds, curtains, and awnings to block harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Open windows in the evening for fresh air when temperatures drop.

2. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

Clean your patio and deck: Give your outdoor haven a good scrub to remove winter grime and debris. A fresh and clean space is more inviting for summer entertaining.
Inspect and maintain outdoor furniture: Check for any damage or loose parts and make repairs as needed. Give your furniture a good cleaning to remove dust and pollen.
Liven things up with plants: Add some pops of color with potted plants or hanging baskets. Consider incorporating native and drought-tolerant options for low-maintenance beauty.

3. Welcome the Light, Keep Out the Bugs

Inspect and repair window and door screens: Ensure your screens are free of holes and tears to keep pesky insects at bay.
Consider window tinting: Window tinting can help regulate indoor temperature by blocking UV rays and reducing heat gain.
Invest in outdoor lighting: String lights or solar lanterns can create a magical ambiance for summer evenings spent outdoors.

4. Safety First: Fire Prevention Measures

Clean your grill: Give your grill a thorough cleaning to remove leftover grease and debris that could ignite.
Inspect and maintain fire extinguishers: Ensure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible in case of emergencies.
Trim back trees and shrubs: Overgrown vegetation near your house can pose a fire hazard. Keep branches at least three feet away from your home's exterior.

5. Let the Sunshine In (But Not Too Much!)

Inspect your roof for heat damage: Look for signs of blistering, cracking, or missing shingles that could allow leaks during summer storms.
Consider attic ventilation: Proper attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and prevents heat buildup in your home.
Check weather stripping around windows and doors: Ensure a tight seal to prevent drafts and keep cool air inside.

6. Stock Up on Summer Essentials

First-aid kit: Be prepared for minor scrapes and bug bites with a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Sunscreen and aloe vera: Protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and soothe any potential sunburns.
Hydration station: Fill a pitcher with water and keep it readily available to stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.

7. Relax and Enjoy!

With these simple preparations in place, you can truly relax and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Soak up the sunshine, fire up the grill, and create lasting summer memories in your perfectly prepared home.

For a comprehensive inspection of your home's readiness for summer, contact Odds On Home Inspection Service today! Our experienced inspectors can identify any potential problems and offer recommendations to ensure your home is a cool and safe haven all season long. To get in touch with us, please click here or email us at chris@odds-on.ca