As the days grow longer and the temperature begins to rise, it's time to prepare your home for the summer and look at jobs that need doing.
Whether you're looking to create a cool oasis indoors or maximise your outdoor living space, these ten tips will help you make the most of the season.
Here are 10 tips to get your home ready for summer.
Inspect and maintain your windows and ventilation
Check all your frames, hinges, and latches to see whether draught stripping can be improved, and clean out your trickle vents. Make sure vents from extractor fans and hoods are clear and clean, and don’t forget fluff build-up from tumble dryers.
If you have air conditioning, now is the time to ensure it's in proper working order. Update the filters, clean the vents, and schedule a professional service to check for any issues.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Summer is approaching, and the potential for heavy rain showers increases, so it's essential to ensure your roof and gutters are in good condition.
Inspect for any blockages, vegetation, damage, or signs of wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs to prevent leaks or water damage. You’ll even be ready for winter, too.
Top up your loft insulation and think about retrofitting other types of insulation
Remember that insulation keeps heat out of your house in hot weather, as well as minimising heat loss in winter.
Install energy-efficient features
Keep your home cool and energy-efficient by installing features like ceiling fans, sunshades, and energy-efficient appliances.
These upgrades can help lower your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable on even the hottest days.
Update your outdoor decor
Make the most of the warmer weather by sprucing up your outdoor space. Make sure to think about shade solutions for your outdoor space, such as umbrellas, to provide relief from the sun's intense rays.
Clean your patio or deck, add some comfortable furniture, and perhaps even invest in a barbecue or outdoor kitchen so you can spend more time outdoors with your family and friends.
Be mindful about using barbeques on flammable surfaces like decking or balconies; don’t let a fire be your fault.
Prep your garden
Summer is prime time for gardening, so get your gloves ready. Start by clearing away any debris, weeding, and pruning any overgrown plants.
A great way to get your home ready for summer is to plant some bedding plants, salad crops, and vegetables to add colour and freshness to your garden.
There are plenty of plants to choose from. Don’t plant trees or invasive plants such as bamboo too close to buildings, as they can cause issues later.
Tidy up your garden buildings and sheds
If you’re thinking about new buildings or structures, like decking, remember that some need planning or building control approval.
Check here to see what needs building control approval for your garden.
Get your boiler serviced
This may seem like an odd thing to do in the summer, but autumn will soon come around, and you want to know your boiler is safe and ready when you need it.
It’s often cheaper in the summer too.
Clean and organise indoor spaces
Take advantage of the longer days to tackle any indoor cleaning and organising projects.
Swap out heavy curtains for lighter, breezier fabrics, and add some bright accent pillows or throws to inject colour and vibrancy into your space. You can incorporate natural elements like plants or seashells for a summery feel, if you don’t want to make bigger changes.
Declutter your cupboards, dust hard-to-reach areas, and deep clean carpets or upholstery. A clean and organised home will not only look better but also feel lighter and more comfortable during the summer months.
Renovation time
Summer is a great time to get those renovation projects underway, the ones that you might have been putting off. If you don’t have a lot of time or money for the big renovations, you can do smaller projects to refresh your space.
Make sure to check if you’ll need building regulations approval before starting your project.
From creating inviting outdoor spaces to preparing for summer storms, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of the season and having time to enjoy yourself in your space.
What are you planning on doing this spring and summer?
Read related articles on Front Door
Introducing Anna from Ask Anna
Read article
Builder’s total price higher than the original estimate? – Ask Anna Question of the Week
Read article
10 home renovation problems owners can avoid
Read article