August Home Improvement Checklist & Tips
August is here and that means hot weather, back to school shopping and getting ready for fall to arrive. Unfortunately, we do not know when the cool fronts will come in but we know that the summer heat wave is not over yet. Summer weather is also tricky because it can be extremely hot with random storms rolling through in the afternoons. Planning for home improvement projects can be difficult this month but we will try to help make it a little easier.
1. Clean Your Gutters.
Louisiana hurricanes and thunderstorms can easily clog your gutters and downspout drainage during the summer months. If the build up of debris is not cleaned out properly, water can build up and cause damage to your roof and foundation. Clogged gutters can also become a lovely habitat for rodents and termites would enjoy the food source. Take a moment to inspect your gutters, downspouts and drainage systems. If you can’t inspect and clean the gutters yourself, call in a professional to assist you with this task. A little time and money to prevent damage will save you from an expensive repair and headaches.
2. Prune Dead Wood from Your Lawn.
Tidy up your yard this summer in preparation for fall and winter. By removing dead branches and twigs, cleaning up your perennials, you’ll have a healthier, more attractive yard next summer. Create a clean slate using pruners, loppers, and you may need a saw (maybe even a chain saw) to remove unsightly dead plants. If you need more professional hands, landscapers are great to help with this yard project. If you have larger trees that need cleaning up, find a professional and licensed tree trimmer to prevent damage to your home.
3. Clean Your Natural Stone.
Technically, you can pressure wash natural stone but we do not recommend it due to the fine nature of stone such as marble, granite, flagstone, travertine, bluestone and more. Basic cleaning (ie sweeping and mopping) is recommended and often enough to prevent debris, water and dirt accumulation. If possible, clean your exterior stone with a granite stone cleaner and apply a sealer. Mold and mildew forming on top of sealed stone isn’t a big deal since it can be wiped away. If you find mold forming on your unsealed stone, you’ll need to gently scrub away with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. Don’t forget to seal the stone once cleaned to prevent damage.
4. Create an Organized Snack Spot.
Having a grab n’ go section in your kitchen will help with those cravings. Keep small baskets on a shelf or your counter with (insert your definition of “healthy”) snacks for the family to grab when the hunger strikes.
5. Fireplace and Furnace Preparation.
With fall and winter right around the corner, take advantage of getting your fireplace and furnace cleaned and inspected before everyone else. Don’t allow build up to create a fire hazard, or have issues preventing your heat source during the coldest days of the year. Of course, we live in Louisiana and it will be a few months before we get cold enough weather to require a fire. However, considering we are limited on chimney sweeps in our area, you will want to get on their schedule quickly.
6. Organize the Family Command Center.
Having a dedicated space in your home is a great idea, if you can keep it clean, organized and updated. Pick a place in a central location of your home, such as your kitchen, to create your perfect family command center. Charge your devices, display your family calendar, and more.
7. Organize Closet Space.
School clothes shopping and fall coming shortly after means the look of your closet will be changing soon. Out with the summer and in with the layers since it’ll get cooler in the morning and hot in the afternoons. With custom cabinets and shelves, you can organize your clothing and spend less time picking out your OOTD (“outfit of the day”). You’ll also be able to see what you have and what you need to make shopping that much easier.
8. Deep Clean Carpets.
The summer can be grueling on your carpet. After you vacuum your carpets, go the next step with a deeper clean. Pretreat your carpet to remove stains from accidents or excess dirt in “high traffic areas”. You can purchase/rent a steam vacuum or hire a professional.
9. Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fans.
For safety precautions, turn off the power to the bathroom via the circuit breaker. Take off the vent cover and clean with warm, soapy water. Using a vacuum, remove dust from the fan. Use a light touch and a bristle brush, clean the fan motor and housing. You may need a small, crevice attachment for smaller areas. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove excess build up. Once you are satisfied, put the vent back together and enjoy! Don’t forget to turn your power back on via the circuit breaker.
10. Check Electrical Outlets and Switches.
Flip every switch in your home to check the wiring. If nothing happens, mark the switch for further inspection. If it’s a light switch, try replacing the bulb. If the new bulb does not work, there may be an issue with your switch. Check all of the outlets to make sure they are working properly. You can use an item such as a vacuum or purchase an outlet tester. If you notice the outlet or switch is not working, warm to touch, discolored, making sounds or plug will not fit into the outlet snugly, they need to be checked further and replaced to prevent electrical hazards.