Hire It Done with Adam Helfman

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1.     Walk the 4 corners of your lot:   Take a walk around your lot, and look back at your home from a little distance – just a quick walk around your lot may uncover some obvious early warning signs that otherwise go unnoticed!  Look for troubled or overgrown plants, gutters that need to be secured to the house, missing shingles, debris collecting around the foundation or on the roof, paint or siding that is worn or needs repair.  A simple walk around the outside will give you a good start on your home’s Maintenance.

2.     Gardening/Landscaping:  As you’re walking around the outside, notice any shrubs or trees that have grown big enough to now touch the house – you’ll want to cut these back to allow air flow around your home.  Stop and imagine what your home would look like with a new landscape design… some new trees… a new patio or walkway… a new driveway.  You can change the look of your yard with a simple rock wall planted with some perennials, and a fresh layer of mulch can clean up the look of your home. This is the time to start any major landscaping or exterior design plan.   Maybe you’d like to add a water garden or vegetable garden?   Plant now, be sure to properly weed and water and you will enjoy your decorative plants and vegetables all fall. Working in the summer ensures the soil will be easy to work with and completing these projects now allows you to enjoy them for the remainder of the summer and fall.

3.     Exterior Painting and Maintenance:  80% of exterior painting gets done between the end of June and middle of September, when the weather is more predictable and warmer. The summer months are also a popular time for staining decks.  If you see any weathered or peeling paint, don’t put it off! Paint and stain protect the wood so your home will look great for years.  Brick homes can also benefit from a power washing.  Look for loose bricks, mortar that is loose or missing.  These easy repairs will protect your most valuable asset – your home!   Replace or repair any loose trim boards or siding. 

4.    Driveway, Walkway and Patios:  Check the condition of your concrete or blacktop, and your pavers.  Often new sealants are needed to keep them in good condition.  Do you have weeds or grass growing up through the seams? Is there water pooling in various places? These can shorten the life of your hard surfaces.    

5.     Roof Repairs or Replacement: Summer is the perfect time to replace your roof because the weather is more predictable- better for a good inspection, and if work is needed, better for the repairs or replacements to be made without bother to you.  There is nothing worse than tearing off your roof right before a large rain fall! Also, in the summer you don't have to worry about losing the heat from your home as you would during the cold winter months.  Look for any signs of curling shingles, or any uneven ridges in your roof.  A good roof is flat and smooth – so any buckling or uneven patches signal trouble.  Look carefully at the valleys, around chimneys and skylights, and at the drip edge.  You’ll also want to inspect your gutters, make sure they are cleaned at least once a year to protect your roof and your exterior siding. 

6.     Windows, Screens and Screening in your Porch:  We are entering mosquito season – so screens are a big concern!  Check all your windows for properly fitting screens, and repairs that are needed.  While you’re doing this, notice the condition of your windows – is it time to think about replacement or repairing any condensation in double paned windows?  Consider a screened in porch to let you enjoy the long summer nights in comfort.   

7.    Get Air Conditioning unit tuned up: Every home needs an AC ‘tune up’.  It’s a simple inspection and cleaning that can save you a lot of money this summer.  Did you know that an AC unit can use up to 50% more energy if it is poorly maintained?  A quick service call can cut your cooling bills in half.  If your AC is older, ask about the newest energy efficient air conditioning units – you’ll be amazed how clean, quiet and cost-saving they can be!

8.    Spend time in the basement: Over the winter and spring, the thawing and heavy rains may have found new ways into your basement!  This is a great time to make any repairs either inside your basement, or outside in the way the landscaping is graded to run water away from your home.  This is also a great time to clean or replace your air filters, and thoroughly clean out your dryer vent. 

9.    Don’t forget the Inside:  As long as you are in the ‘maintenance mood’ – spend a few extra minutes walking around the inside of your home.  Look for early signs of water damage to your ceilings or joints;  inspect under your kitchen sink, around the dishwasher, under the bathroom fixtures.  Catching plumbing problems early can save you money and heartache.  What about your floors?  If you’ve thought about sanding or staining your wood floors, do it while the weather is good!