Summer’s around the corner here in Melbourne, and you know what that means: it’s time to tick off all the home improvement projects you’ve put on the backburner all throughout the year!
The warmer seasons are a great opportunity to clean out the cobwebs and refresh before we dive into a brand new year. With the days getting longer, there’s more time available for home improvement projects as well.
So before you start soaking up the sun, here are some quick and easy home improvements you can make to help revitalise your home and property over the summer.
Tick off Maintenance Items First
If your property is in need of a little maintenance following the tumults of winter and spring, then the first thing you’ll want to do is just tick off your home maintenance must-dos. This includes tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming unkempt hedges, and scheduling servicing for fixed appliances like HVAC units, electrical switchboards, and your property’s plumbing network.
Keep in mind that a failure to tick off these tasks can make for a less than serene Christmas. Unruly grass on your property can be a downright hazard, alongside bringing risks of being hit with a fine from your local council.
Similarly, monoxide gas leaks from faulty HVAC systems can be a health and safety hazard for your family. And if your plumbing system isn’t inspected for signs of winter and spring damage, you may put yourself at risk of having to call up emergency plumbers in Melbourne during the holiday season. Nobody wants to be dealing with a clogged toilet or a burst pipe alongside having to entertain the kids on a hot summer’s day.
Refresh Outdoor Spaces
Our outdoor living spaces are notorious for gathering mess during the colder months. But as soon as the warmth of spring appears, we’ll definitely want to embrace outdoor entertaining again! Similarly, if you’re planning a backyard barbie for Christmas or even a game of cricket with the family, then you’ll want to make sure that (again) your lawn is prepped, but also that you have plenty of comfy shaded areas for your guests to lounge around in following a festive lunch.
In addition to mowing and edging your lawn, consider using mulch to rejuvenate your soil and prevent the spreading of weeds. Depending on the size of your yard, weekly mowing may be a necessity to keep it tame. Try using a lower mowing setting to cut your grass shorter if you’re finding it difficult to keep up with weekly maintenance.
As for outdoor living areas, giving your outdoor furniture a quick hose down with a pressure washer can help freshen it up and get rid of any stubborn lichen. It’s possible that washing can damage some already weakened parts of wooden outdoor furniture so we’d recommend some TLC for those older pieces. Sanding and re-staining your outdoor wooden furniture can help breathe new life into them and keep them looking fresh all summer long.
Granted, there’s generally plenty of work to do out in the garden – whether it’s addressing overgrown grass, spreading weeds, clogged drains, or flaking decks. But making sure your yard is well-maintained at the beginning of the season, can save you continued hours of gardening over these summer months.
Improve Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Having a comfortable escape from the heat of summer can sometimes feel like trying to find an oasis in a desert. With high temperatures expected this summer, however, it’s important to have a reliable cooling system at home that is both safe to use, and friendly to your wallet.
In addition to servicing your air conditioning units or ceiling fans, checking your insulation can also save you from leaking your energy bill. Ensuring the seals around exterior doors and windows are free from any gaps or decomposition can help keep the heat out, and cool in.
Remember, however, that cooling your home isn’t just about fans and aircons. It’s also about controlling sun exposure wherever you can. If you’re wanting to upgrade an eastern facing room to protect from the direct morning sun, consider refreshing your blinds and curtains. Choose a dark, thick material for blockout, or light and airy for improved circulation. And if you’re fond of a sleep-in and your bedroom faces east, quality black-out blinds or curtains can be an absolute luxury in the summer time.
Brighten Up the Indoors
Another simple tip to make your home feel refreshed and new is to air out your frequently used spaces and treat them to a true deep clean. As the weather starts to warm is generally also the perfect time to deep clean fabric surfaces like rugs and couch cushions. This is because any lingering moisture resulting from washing or steam cleaning is more likely to evaporate faster, ensuring your home’s interior air quality stays tip-top.
And speaking of improving interior air quality, be sure to do a thorough dust of windowsills and harder to reach, tucked away places so that when you open your doors to the summer breeze (or guests) you aren’t plagued with floating nasties like dusts, pollens, and other allergens.
Summer is also the perfect opportunity to practice some Marie Kondo practices and rid your home of what no longer serves you. Consider prepping some bags of clothes, homewares, and other items for donations before Christmas Day. Your decluttering may be able to help another family celebrate more comfortably over this holiday season.
Conduct Safety and Smart Home Checks
Finally, this summer why not put your mind at ease by ensuring the safety features in your home are up to date? A great place to start here is by booking your annual smoke and fire alarm maintenance appointment. Smoke alarms are an essential asset and keeping your batteries fresh is integral as we move into bushfire season.
Beyond tech, you can also keep your home safe through investing in quality screen doors and flyscreens for windows. The metal mesh, lockable screen doors are a staple of any Aussie home, especially in summer. Greasing up those locks and ensuring they can be secured is a small but important step to keep your home and household safe and secure not only across summer, but all year long.
Stay Cool, Calm and Collected this Summer with your own Home Improvement Checklist
The greatest summer joy is having a refreshed, and comfortable home that is ready for relaxation or some warm weather entertaining. So be sure to follow the tips and recommendations we’ve outlined above to perfect your own home improvement checklist.
Remember to start small, doing what you can manage, and commit to making the absolute most of your time off over this holiday season to set you and your household up for a year of comfort.
