August Tasks to Wrap Up Summer 🏡✨August Home Maintenance
The dog days of summer are barking, and Labor Day is just around the corner, signaling the end of another epic season in the sun. But before you give your flamingo pool float one last hurrah, take a break with some home maintenance prep for the changing season ahead.
We know what you’re thinking: It’s still summer, and you’re being a buzzkill! Why worry now about what you can do next month? Well, as it turns out, some home maintenance tasks are best tackled in August, before temperatures start dipping.
Don’t worry: We’re here to make all those chores as quick and easy on you as possible. With our handy checklist of home maintenance tasks, you can knock ’em out and be back to your barbecues and beach days in no time.
1. Check Washing Machine
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.
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 $150 for the job. How much are your days in the summer sun worth to you, anyhow?
2. Prune Dead Wood
Now’s the time to tidy up your perennials and clear those unsightly dead twigs and branches.
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 $1,300 for a reputable, licensed tree trimmer.
3. Clear 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.
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 up to $225.
4. Deal with Insects
Wasp activity peaks in late summer; these insects become more aggressive and likely to sting in, you guessed it, August. So you’ll want to spray for wasps and eliminate them, pronto.
DIY: “The first step to eliminating a wasp nest is to identify where the colony lives,” says Dave Patterson, owner of Tactix Pest Control.
By staying on top of these tasks, you can ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and in excellent condition. Happy home maintaining! 🛠️🏡✨
If you need more tips or have any questions, feel free to ask. 😊
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