August and early September are the perfect window to tackle a few key maintenance tasks. A little preventative care now can protect your home, reduce unexpected repair costs, and make the transition into fall much easier.
By late summer, most of us are trying to squeeze in a few more weekends at the pool, vacations, cookouts, and evenings outside. Home maintenance may not be at the top of the list.
But August and early September are actually a great time to take care of a few things around the house. The days are still long, the weather is generally cooperative, and there's plenty of time to address small issues before cooler weather arrives. You don't need to spend every weekend working on the house, either. A little preventative maintenance now can help protect your home, reduce unexpected repair costs, and make the transition into fall much easier.
Start Outside While the Weather Is Still Warm. Take a walk around your property and look at it with a critical eye. You don't need to be a home inspector — just look for anything that seems different, damaged, loose, or worn. Check siding and exterior trim for peeling paint, cracks, rot, or gaps. Pay particular attention around windows and doors, where deteriorated caulk can allow moisture and drafts into the home. This is also a good time to look at decks, porches, railings, fences, and exterior stairs. Loose boards, nails, screws, and railings are usually easier to address now than in the middle of winter.
Look Up at the Roof. Summer storms, wind, heavy rain, and intense heat can all take a toll on a roof. From the ground, look for missing, lifted, curled, or damaged shingles. Check flashing where possible and look for anything that appears out of place. You may also want to look inside the attic after a heavy rain for signs of moisture. Unless you are comfortable and properly equipped, there's no reason to climb onto the roof yourself. If something looks questionable, call a professional.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts. Leaves may get most of the attention in the fall, but gutters can accumulate debris throughout the summer. Make sure gutters are secure and that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. If you notice water pooling near the house after a heavy rain, don't ignore it. Proper drainage is one of the simplest ways to help prevent moisture problems around a home's foundation and lower level. And, of course, once the leaves begin falling, put gutter cleaning back on the list.
Give Your HVAC System Some Attention. Your air-conditioning system has probably been working hard all summer. Replace or clean the HVAC filter if needed and make sure the outdoor unit isn't surrounded by leaves, weeds, grass clippings, or other debris. Late summer is also a good time to think ahead to heating season. If your HVAC system is due for routine service, scheduling it before the first cold snap may be easier than waiting until everyone else turns on their heat at the same time.
Check Windows and Doors. Stand near your windows and exterior doors and look for visible gaps, deteriorating weatherstripping, or damaged caulk. Sealing small openings can help keep conditioned air inside during both hot and cold weather — and may help with energy efficiency and comfort. While you're at it, check window screens and door screens for damage. Repairing them now means one less thing to remember when you're ready to open the windows again.
Trim Trees and Landscaping. By late summer, landscaping can become surprisingly overgrown. Trim shrubs and plants that are touching the house, blocking windows, covering HVAC equipment, or crowding walkways. Look for dead or damaged tree limbs, particularly branches hanging over the roof, driveway, or other structures. Larger trees and high branches are generally best left to a qualified tree professional.
Take a Look at Your Foundation and Drainage. Walk around the foundation and look for obvious cracks or areas where water appears to collect. Also check that soil hasn't settled in a way that directs rainwater toward the house. Downspout extensions should carry water away from the foundation rather than depositing it right beside the home. If you see significant cracking, recurring water intrusion, or anything that concerns you, have it evaluated rather than guessing at the cause.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. This is one of the easiest — and most important — home maintenance tasks. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or units as needed. Check the manufacturer's information for the age and recommended replacement schedule of each alarm. While you're thinking about safety, take a look at your fire extinguishers, too.
Don't Forget the Dryer Vent. Cleaning the lint screen after every load is important, but the vent leading from your dryer to the exterior also needs attention. Lint can accumulate in the vent over time, reducing dryer efficiency and creating a potential fire hazard. If you haven't had the dryer vent inspected or cleaned in a while, add it to your maintenance list.
Prepare Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation for Cooler Weather. There's no need to winterize everything in August, but it's a good time to identify anything that will need attention later. Check exterior faucets for leaks and inspect hoses and irrigation systems. As temperatures begin to fall later in the season, disconnect hoses and properly winterize exterior plumbing and irrigation systems as appropriate for your home.
Clean Up the Garage. The garage tends to become the landing place for everything during the summer — sports equipment, gardening supplies, pool gear, bicycles, tools, and half-finished projects. Late summer is a great time for a quick reset. Dispose of things you no longer need, organize tools and seasonal items, and make room for the things you'll want easy access to this fall and winter. It's also a good opportunity to test the garage door and safety-reverse feature and visually inspect springs, cables, and hardware for signs of wear. Leave repairs involving springs and cables to a professional.
Start Thinking About Fall Before the Leaves Drop. You don't have to do everything at once. Over the next several weeks, gradually work your way through the seasonal items that apply to your home. A few things to keep on your radar: have the heating system serviced if needed; schedule chimney or fireplace maintenance before you plan to use it; clean gutters after the majority of leaves have fallen; disconnect and store garden hoses before freezing temperatures; shut off and drain exterior water lines when appropriate; store or cover outdoor furniture; clean and put away garden tools; check weatherstripping around doors and windows; and make sure your snow shovel and other winter supplies are still in good condition.
Owning a home comes with an ongoing list of things to do, but maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming. The easiest approach is to tackle a few things each season instead of waiting until something becomes a problem. And if you're thinking about selling your home sometime in the next year or two, regular maintenance becomes even more important. Buyers — and their home inspectors — tend to notice the small things. A home that has been consistently cared for can make a very different impression than one where years of deferred maintenance have accumulated.
Not sure which improvements or repairs are worth making before you sell? That's a conversation I'm always happy to have. Sometimes the smartest advice is to make the repair. Other times, it's to leave something exactly as it is. If you're considering a move or simply want to understand which projects could have the biggest impact on your home's marketability and value, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to be a resource.
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