Congratulations on moving into your new house! As new homeowners always are, you’re proud of your new investment, and you want to keep it in top condition. You’ll soon find that the summer months bring with them a whole new set of maintenance tasks you’ll need to do to keep your house in good condition, especially in South Carolina.
In addition to the routine outdoor chores like mowing the grass and tending to the landscaping, you’ll need to take steps to prepare your home for the scorching heat and the possibility of severe storms. Here’s a comprehensive summer home maintenance checklist for those embarking on their homeownership journey.
Get Your New South Carolina Home Ready for Summer
Exterior Maintenance
- Inspect and Clean the Gutters
Your gutters play a vital role in diverting water away from your house. If they’re clogged with leaves and debris, water overflows the gutter and can cause damage to the foundation, basement flooding, and mold and mildew growth. - Tend to the Lawn and Garden
Now’s the time to prune and shape hedges, lay down mulch, mow and treat your lawn, deal with weeds, as well as plant new flowers, trees and bushes. - Inspect the House Exterior
Do a careful inspection of the outside of your home, looking for things like cracks and other damage to the siding, windows, doors, foundation, walkways and driveway. Examine the roof for any missing or damaged shingles. Address these issues now to avoid further deterioration.
Interior Maintenance
- Clean and Service the HVAC System
Replace your furnace filters and be aware of any signs of leaks, unusual noises, or other signs of damage that might require professional servicing. Check the outside unit for dirt and debris buildup that could obstruct airflow. - Inspect for Pests
Look inside closets and cupboards for signs of mouse and rat intrusions. Make sure to check the attic space for signs that squirrels, birds, raccoons or possums have moved in. These types of pests can be serious threats to your roof, causing major damage and leaks by creating holes and nests, and chewing through roof insulation and shingles. - Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure you have a sufficient number of detectors of both types to cover your whole house, and test them on a regular basis.
Energy Efficiency
- Seal Air Leaks
Check for gaps and cracks around windows and doors, and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping to keep the cold air in and the hot air out. This simple job can cut down significantly on your utility bills in the hot South Carolina summers. - Upgrade Your Insulation
Consider adding extra layers of insulation in the attic, under floors, in the garage, and in crawl spaces. Carpeting, heavy rugs and thick drapes can also help to insulate your home. - Consider Energy-Efficient Upgrades
You can save a lot of energy — and money — by installing cool roofing materials, switching to a smart thermostat, buying energy efficient appliances and lighting, and replacing windows and doors with energy efficient designs.
Contact Adams & Coe for more useful tips for new homeowners in South Carolina.