July Home Improvement Checklist & Tips

The summer sunshine is really cranking up the UV rays and heatwaves. We hope you are enjoying your summer with family and friends and staying cool. We are here to help keep your worries off your home while you have fun in the sun. We understand that working on your home was something you wanted to finish in the spring but keeping up with the little things can help prevent bigger issues throughout the year and help you stay cool and safe. Let’s get started so you can check these off the list quickly!

1. Check and clean your pool

If you have your very own private pool on your property, you already know upkeep is extremely important and can be overwhelming. You have probably already prepared your pool for summer use but that’s not the end of pool care. Keep it functional and beautiful with weekly pool maintenance, such as skimming the debris from the pool and filter, vacuuming residue from the pool floor, and testing the pH levels. While you are doing these weekly maintenance checks, be on the lookout for any damage that may come from large objects or storms that pass through, such as cracks or small tears in liners. 

2. Drain your water heater

Help improve the life of your water heater by flushing once a year. By flushing the water heater yearly, you are improving its efficiency and life span by removing any sediment and mineral build-up. This could help increase your clean, hot water output. To drain your water heater, turn off electricity or gas to the unit, close off the cold-water supply valve, and affix a water hose to the drain valve. After you snake the other end of the hose outside to a drainage area, open the drain valve then the pressure relief valve, thus allowing the water to drain. Once the tank is empty, open the cold-water valve again and let the water run clear from the hose. Close the drain and pressure relief valves, allowing the tank to refill. Once full, remove the hose and turn the water heater back on. 

3. Take care of your kitchen appliances

Summer is the perfect time to clean up those kitchen appliances before the fall festivities and baking begin. Since you are using the grill more, take time to clean everything from the oven to the toaster and air fryer. Since you will be cleaning these appliances inside and with cleaners, use proper face and hand coverings for safety. Use an approved oven cleaner or water and baking soda to soak and scrub your oven. Cleaning your oven once a year can keep it running efficiently. Wipe down your coffee pot, toaster oven, blender, and other small kitchen appliances. Don’t forget to clean your fridge, replace your air and water filters.

4. Plant your fall veggie garden

If you are interested in gardening, midsummer is the perfect time to start planning and prepping your fall garden. Some great Louisiana fall harvested fruits and vegetables to consider planting would be squash, broccoli, leafy greens, apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots, just in time for those holiday get-togethers. 

5. Add shade to your outdoor area

Reduce the heat in your outdoor area by adding a source of shade. Shade sources can be patio tops, shade sails, retractable screens, umbrellas, and more. Providing shade will help reduce the UV damage to your skin, reduce the heat around your home and keep your furry friends cool. With the addition of shade, you will find yourself spending more time outside and having enjoyable summer gatherings.

6. Give your washer & dryer some TLC

In the summer months, between sweating, outdoor fun, and pool days, you are probably going through more loads of laundry than usual. Check in on those hard-working laundry appliances of yours to make sure they are keeping up with the workload. Clean your washer with a professional cleaning solution, vinegar, or bleach to disinfect and prevent mold from growing. If your washing machine is a front-load style, make sure you clean the rubber gasket that seals around the door since debris and buildup tend to collect there. Leave the door open to dry the area. For the dryer, clean the lint trap area thoroughly. After removing the lint trap, use a lint removal tool or a small bottle brush to help remove the build-up the lint trap did not catch. Use a vacuum to pull out the excess lint. You can also check your ventilation for build-up. Give the area a good wipe down and air dry. 

7. Clean your sink drains

Don’t wait for your sink drains to clog before cleaning them. A little sink TLC can prevent frustration and disgust. Remove your sink stopper and clean with soapy water. Pour some baking soda and warm vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with clean water and repeat if necessary. If you notice the drain is clogged more than you expected, invest in a drain snake or use professional drain clog removal products. Clean the area and replace your sink stopper. Do this process often if the sink is in a “high traffic” area of your home.

8. Upgrade your home security

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, burglary rates are highest in the summer months over any other time of the year, contrary to popular opinion (Millennials can thank the Home Alone movie for that misconception). While you are away on your summer vacation and weekend trips, worry less about your home’s safety with a properly installed security system. There are multiple options for security system companies and products on the market, so spend some time researching what is best for you and your property. 

9. Automate your lighting

Help protect your home and budget with automated lights. You can find “Smart” light bulbs and plugs for your light fixtures to automate your home. We are not talking about a full Smart House but using the smart technology to set your lights on a timer, schedule, or a voice command/routine. Having your lights available through smart technology allows you to turn off lights if accidentally left on, make your home look like someone is home while you are away on vacation, or help your family’s safety by coming home to a well-lit home. These are just a few of the ways smart technology can deter home invaders and save you money on your energy bill. Other smart technology devices can help you financially, such as smart thermostats to control your HVAC while away from home.

10. Clean out garage / organize garden tools and equipment / check with local government for waste disposal.

Take time to clean out your garage. Organizing your work tools, gardening equipment, etc. can help create more space and a safe environment. Check your equipment for rust and damage and replace them if needed. Preventative measures can keep you and your family safe, as well as save time and money from the hassle of equipment failures. If you have paint and chemicals in storage that have expired, contact your local government for waste disposal information. There may be a local non-profit community event to assist in the disposal of these items safely.