August Home Maintenance Checklist
The last thing on your mind is probably your August home maintenance checklist. It's like you blinked and suddenly August is half way over, and you haven't given your home much thought. Labor Day is just days away, and the end of summer is looming. Before your schedule becomes packed with picking up kids from school, being their personal taxi across town to soccer practice and piano lessons, it might be a good time to tackle those home maintenance projects you've been putting off.I know, I know. You just want to enjoy the last few weeks of summer sun. But the reality is, taking care of any maintenance projects now, will prep your home for winter so there will be less of a chance of having to slave away in freezing temps to fix things going on in your home. We want to help, but sharing some things you should have on your August home maintenance checklist so you can get back to barbecues and sun-soaking in no time, be sure to click this link to read the entire checklist!
1. Check your washing machine connections
With the kids home from school and loads of sweaty garments to clean, your washing machine has likely taken a major beating this summer. With all that extra use, be sure to check that the water supply hoses which connect to your machine are in good condition."If they are older black rubber hoses, check for any bulging in the hose or any parts that look worn," says Tony Dunaway of BEST Plumbing of Cincinnati.DIY: If you have worn hoses, you can swap them out with replacements for as little as $25, but it'll take you some effort. After you've turned off the water supply to the hoses, use adjustable pliers to loosen one hose at a time from the water supply, and then from the washing machine. You'll also need to make sure your new hose has a rubber washer in each end. If your hoses are made of rubber, consider upgrading and replacing them with rupture-proof, braided stainless-steel hoses.Call in the pros: A pro will save you the effort, but you'll shell out around $140 for the job. How much are your days in the summer sun worth to you, anyhow?
2. Prune dead wood from your lawn and garden
Now's the time to tidy up your perennials and clear those unsightly dead twigs and branches, according to Tony Smith, president of Nursery Enterprises in Rexburg, ID.Not only will you have a more attractive yard, but "by cleaning them out this summer, you'll create a clean slate—and next summer you'll have a better grasp in understanding your plants' health." Smith says.DIY: You'll need pruners, a saw, and loppers (or a chain saw) to really attack this job.Call in the pros: If the mere thought of wielding a chain saw gives you the heebie-jeebies, call in a professional landscape company to do the deed. The cost depends, of course, on the extent of the work and the size of your yard, but expect to pay at least $400 to $700 for a reputable, licensed tree trimmer.
3. Clear the gutters
Summer thunderstorms can clog your gutters and lead to costly water damage down the road. Properly functioning gutters direct water away from your home, but muck and debris can cause water to collect around your home's foundation and seep into your basement, if you have one. (Clogged gutters also make great homes for rodents and other vermin, just in case you needed another reason to tackle this task.)DIY: Grab a ladder and shimmy up to the roof to inspect your gutters and drains, taking care to wear proper hand and eye protection. A simple garden trowel is effective for clearing most debris.Call in the pros: Scared of heights? The average gutter job will run you around $150.