May Home Improvement Checklist & Tips

Now that we have made it through the “It’s gonna be May” and “May the 4th be with you” posts, let’s make sure our home is ready for early summer so we can continue to enjoy our awesome pop culture references. We made it through most of the spring but still have some late spring showers coming through. Along with the daily temperature rising, we will be hit with humidity and summer bugs. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Check Your Walkways

Make sure your walkways are clean, clear of pests and weeds, and safe for walking. Ants love to crawl through cracks in pavement and brick walkways. Uneven paths can cause falls that could be more dangerous than a skinned knee. And let’s not forget those weeds can be unruly. Talk to your local pest company and landscaper for the best options to keep these walkways safe. You may need a certified mason or concrete finisher to reconstruct your walkways. Just think of your visitors or even the little ones skipping up to your front door this coming Halloween.

2. Feed Your Lawn

Take the time to inspect your lawn. This is the time to really nourish your grass and catch those weeds popping up from all of the rain. Unfortunately, if you have stickers in your yard, there’s not much you can do at this point. For future reference, those need to be treated in the fall. In the meantime, give your yard some feed, and don’t leave out the water. We may have spring showers but early morning/late evening watering will create a great habit for when the summer sun begins to beat down your flowers and grass. Watering during those time frames will help prevent the sun from scorching your plants.

3. Outdoor Patio Fixes

If you have an outdoor patio with screens, check for rips and tears to prevent critters from getting through. Check any fixtures you have to make sure bulbs are replaced and fan blades are not drooping from the humidity. Clean up any places with mildew and dispose of mold ridden items you come across. Make sure patio furniture and cushions are clean and secure.

4. Check Your AC Unit & Air Ducts

Temperatures are rising daily and reliable air conditioning will keep you from overheating later in the summer months. Make sure your AC is reliable and clean. Call your local AC installer/repair man to check the durability of your AC unit and fix any issues that may arise. Don’t forget to check drainage pipes to make sure you’re AC condensation doesn’t cause an issue with algae and mold or clog up and cause water damage to your floors/ceiling.

5. Get Ready Grill Master!

It’s time to get your grill on! Take a moment to really clean up your grill. When it comes to cleaning the grill, if you use a standard grill brush, make sure you properly clean after it. We know it’s double the work but those metal grill brush bristles have been known to cause some major health issues. Check for rust and holes in your grill base and hood and proper ventilation. Using a degreaser will help get rid of any built up grease that may make it harder to use your grill. And don’t forget to safely store your grill accessories away from the grill, specifically extra charcoal and fire starter.

6. Repair Fences

With the outdoor events and hangouts, you’ll be spending more time in the yard. If you have a fence, take a moment to do a walk through and check your posts and gates for security. If you notice loose boards, fix them before the dog gets out. If you don’t have a fence, can’t make repairs or the repairs are too numerous to tackle yourself, find a fence builder before they book up for the summer. If you have a wooden fence, make sure you check for termite damage and rotten boards. Mildew is another issue that may come up with fencing and can be quickly taken care of with a pressure washer and cleaner. Sealing your fence will help it last longer.

7. Bathroom Maintenance

It’s time to clean up the edges of those tubs/showers and add fresh caulk. It’s really easy to pull out the old caulk, clean up the area and add fresh caulk. That will help seal your spaces from getting moisture behind the tub/tiles and creating a nasty habitat for mold. Also clean out your clogged drains to prevent water sitting in your tub or shower and creating a hazard.

8. Trim Those Trees Back

Trees can become a hazard if not trimmed back properly. A lot of dead tree limbs may have fallen during the winter and spring storms but you don’t need them becoming over grown and hurting your home in the future. Cut back the longer branches that extend over your home and other structures on your property. It will prevent damage to your roof, windows and siding, as well as, assist in the maintenance of your tree health.

9. Check Outdoor Lighting

You’ve already checked your patio lighting but let’s go ahead and check all other light sources on the exterior of your property. This can include your porch lights, garage lights and any security or flood lights you may have on your property. Make sure the bulbs are clean and not blocked by limbs or debris. When replacing the bulbs, choose exterior LED rated for your light fixture. The LED will be an energy saver, have a reduced heat output and is known to last longer than other types of bulbs.

10. Check Your Weatherstrips

Weatherstrips are located under your door. It helps prevent bugs from getting inside and prevents heat and air from leaving your home. Your home will be more comfortable and your energy bill will be reduced. Make sure all weatherstrips are fully functional and replace or repair any that have rips or holes.

Other Monthly Safety Check:

• Check locks to make sure they latch correctly.

• Check security system/smart technology to make sure they are working properly, connected and online.

• Clean Range Hood to prevent a grease build up that could lead to kitchen fires.