What to include in your home maintenance to-do list

As the summer months approach, many of us are finishing off the spring cleaning and getting ready to enjoy our holidays. Before leaving your home, though, it’s important to take care of regular summer maintenance to avoid any issues in the autumn, especially considering that construction and repair costs are on the rise in Exeter and throughout the UK. Here are some of the top things that you should be sure to include in your home maintenance to-do list in the coming months.

Clean the Gutters

Even though the leaves aren’t falling yet, it’s a good idea to grab the ladder from the shed and spend some time clearing out your gutters. A clogged gutter may not seem like much of an issue, but over time, it can cause a leaky roof or even water damage to the ceiling and walls of your home. Begin cleaning out large debris near the downspout, then wash away smaller items with a hose.

Check the Plumbing

Water damage is one of the biggest causes of major home repair costs for UK homeowners. Over half of UK adults have dealt with water damage in the home at some point during their lives. A small spring or leaky pipe can be challenging to spot if you’re not looking for it, and by the time you notice, it may already be too late. You should make a point to do a walkthrough of your house and check all plumbing for any leaks, no matter how small.

It’s also a good idea to service your boiler as well. Proper maintenance can help you to prolong its life, avoiding costly repairs and replacements. You should flush it out to clear any dirt and debris from the system and lubricate the circulating pump. If you think there may be an issue, no matter how minor, it’s best to enlist the aid of a professional plumber.

Wash all Linens

While most of us have no problem remembering to clean our laundry regularly, too many of us fail to remember the rest of the linens. Duvets, pillows, curtains, and other upholstery all absorb dust particles, mites, and mould spores that can damage both your property and your health. You should aim to clean all linen at least every six months to keep your home clean. While you can throw some linens in the washer, features such as rugs or chairs may need to be vacuumed and beaten.

Don’t Forget the Garden

It’s not just your home itself that you need to maintain during the summer months. With your garden in full bloom, you also need to keep up with trimming and pruning.

It is also highly recommended by gardening expert Bob Robinson of BestofMachinery to install a weed barrier. As quoted by him, "weeds can cause significant issues. Using a weed barrier can prevent weeds from taking over and ruining the beauty of what you have spent months cultivating."

If you have patios or garden furniture, the beginning of summer is a good time to wash them off. You can remove any dirt, mould, or pests either by scrubbing or jet-washing. Grills and grill covers should also be washed before being put to use.

While it can be tempting to greet summer by heading out the door to the nearest beach, you should take the time to maintain your home and garden beforehand. With just a few hours of hard work, you can prevent issues from cropping up in the autumn. Just remember to clean your gutters, check the plumbing, wash all linens, and tidy up outside.