With longer days on the horizon and more time at home lately, it's time to get your home in shape and ready for the onslaught of summer heat. Summer is a time for relaxing, which can make it difficult to motivate yourself to complete those projects you've been putting off for months. That's why our REALTORS® have created this list of tasks you can complete in the spring.

• Prep Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
  As the new season approaches, it's time to give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh start. Keeping an eye on tile surrounds and sinks can help prevent costly water damage and repairs. Clean appliances, unclog your drains and replace any leaky faucets.
  
  
• Polish Your Porch and Deck
  Summer is the best season to spend time outdoors. And nothing will get you out there like having a clean and inviting outdoor area. To get started, thoroughly sweep the porch and deck floors then wash them with an all-purpose cleaner to get the built-up dirt. Make sure your furniture is washed down and good to go. You may even add pillows, accessories, and planters to set a bright, light mood. Inspect the deck for signs of rotting and if it needs to be resealed. Finally, hammer in any nails that may have popped up.
  
  
• Clean Out the Garage
  If your garage is jam-packed and disorganized, you may want to take one weekend to fully sort through it. It also helps to decide where you can take items that you no longer need. You could sell, donate, or throw away. When you have a clean and decluttered garage, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things organized and off the floor.
  
  
• Check Your AC
  Having an AC in proper working condition during the summer is an absolute must. Before those ultra-high temperatures kick in, you want to make sure your system is working to the best of its ability. Whether that means performing an AC functionality test or cleaning out/replacing the filter, early preparation will help you prevent a cooling catastrophe.
  
  
• Clean Out Your Windows and Screens
  This is the perfect time to get rid of the dirt, dust, and grime hiding within your window areas. Tackle this summer home maintenance task head-on with a deep cleaning before the season starts so you can enjoy a clear view and that cool evening breeze. Simply fill a bucket with hot soapy water and use a sponge to clean your windows and screens.
  
  
• Check Your Detectors
  Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked routinely to ensure your family's safety. What's more, smoke alarm batteries should be replaced every six months. Now that summer is approaching, make sure your alarms have sufficient batteries, are functioning properly, and are fully capable of detecting an issue immediately.
  
  
• Keep Bugs at Bay
  Summer months can bring unwelcome pests that can wreak costly havoc on your home. Instead of leaving your home up for grabs, inspect and seal your foundation and make sure your basement and attic are dry. And because critters may take shelters in the cool shade of your home when it's hot outside, seal holes around your doors, windows, pipes, and wires. You can purchase a spray form that will fill most of the holes as well as an eco-friendly bug spray to stay ahead of the problem.
  
  
• Touch Up Exterior Paint
  Keeping up with your home's exterior paint will seal surfaces and protect the structure from moisture damage. You don't have every square inch; a touch may be all that's necessary. Keep an eye out for areas that are prone to peeling or losing paint because it can be a sign of serious moisture damage.
  
  
• Clean Your Home's Exterior
  Consider washing your roof, driveway, exterior walls, and walkways to remove stains, dirt, mold, and mildew. This makes your home look more attractive from the curb and prevent an array of household problems. Check for areas of cracks and repair them before using a low-pressure washer to clean all the areas.
  
  
• Check for Leaks
  Chances are, your bills will be high in the summer because of the expense of keeping your home cool, so every little bit of savings help. Check the hoses to your washer, toilets, refrigerators, dishwasher, and dehumidifier for any signs of leaks, wear and tear, or cracking. Even a tiny drip can cause a big waste of water.
  
  
• Get Your Grill Ready
  Come to think about it, it's been a long time since you last cleaned your grill. Now that barbeque season is here, we'd recommend giving your grill a good scrub-down.

Planning to experience the summer season in a new home? Contact Wright-Patt Realty today to learn about our Beavercreek homes for sale listing.