August Home Maintenance Checklist

Believe it or not, summer is winding down, fall is just around the corner, and we will be caught up in the whirlwind of back to school and all the fabulous and fun fall activities that keep us busy.

Before you get too far out of the summer season, let's create an August home maintenance checklist that will take you into the next seasons seamlessly.

Clean the Gutters

I know this seems like a great fall task, but summer storms can wreak havoc on your gutters. The last thing you want to discover during a winter storm is that your gutters are clogged with debris that built up and water is overflowing causing potential damage to your home. I don't want to be clearing my gutters in the cold of November or December.

Inspect Your Home's Roof

The month of August is the best time to inspect your home's roof. It's just before fall and the onset of cold weather. Check for those loose shingles and flashing that could have been damaged during those summer storms.

HVAC Check-Up

After the weight of the summer heat, your furnace needs a tune-up so there is no downtime when the air turns cold. There's also the bonus of beating the rash of calls that HVAC companies are sure to get once the first cold front hits.

Prune Dead Tree Limbs and Shrubbery

Don't risk dead tree limbs breaking under the weight of ice and snow. Remove dead limbs and any overhanging branches. You'll also want to trim the shrubs so they are in perfect shape and ready to grow in the spring.

Clean and Inspect Windows

Clean windows aren't just for the spring. It's still warm, which for me makes it a good time to clean the windows inside and out. While you are cleaning, it's also a great opportunity to check for any cracks or missing caulk. Adding caulk as needed will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

Closet Clean-Out

I think this is a good idea at the end of each season. If there's an item of clothing or a pair of shoes you didn't touch all summer, it's most likely time to purge them. Give back to the community by donating to a local charitable organization. Or if you prefer to make a little extra cash, host a yard sale or sell your unneeded/unused clothing online. Just remember safety first when meeting up with people you don't know.

Although there are many tasks that I haven't mentioned here, these tasks are a great place to start and will get you through the frozen winter season to the thaw of spring!