A little seasonal prep can go a long way toward making summer safer, easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re cleaning up outdoor spaces, organizing the garage, repairing screens or getting your deck ready for entertaining, Get Dwell is here to help you make the most of the season.
1. Ready, set … grill!
Forecast: smoky with a chance of delicious. Before the first burger hits the grates, take time to get your grill and outdoor cooking area ready for the season.
Clean the grill thoroughly, including grates, burners and grease traps. Set up a safe grilling area away from siding, railings and overhanging branches. Check propane tanks, hoses and connections for wear or leaks, and replace worn grill brushes, rusted grates or broken ignition parts before your first cookout. It’s also a good time to refresh outdoor lighting, tighten loose screws on patio furniture, touch up peeling paint and make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date and nearby.
Need to stock up? Visit your local family-owned hardware store for grill cleaner, degreaser, drip pans, aluminum foil, fire starters, charcoal, propane refills, smoking wood, thermometers, skewers, tongs, spatulas, grill baskets, cedar planks, basting brushes, gloves, grill covers and fire extinguishers. Many stores also carry replacement parts such as grates, burners, igniters, hoses and temperature gauges so you can get your grill ready for summer.
2. Power up your curb appeal!
Spring is the perfect time to power wash your home’s exterior and clear away the dirt, salt, mildew and grime left behind by winter. A thorough cleaning can instantly boost curb appeal, help prevent long-term surface damage and get decks, patios, walkways and siding ready for the warmer months ahead. It can also make it easier to spot small repairs before they become bigger issues.
Pressure washing is also a smart way to extend the life of your deck and make your outdoor space look clean, safe and inviting. By removing built-up dirt, grime, algae and mildew, pressure washing can refresh weathered wood or composite surfaces while reducing slippery spots caused by moisture and debris. It also helps prepare your deck for staining, sealing or painting and can reveal hidden issues such as rot, cracks or loose boards before they become larger problems.
Protect your investments! Request a pressure washing estimate
3. Take your deck from weathered to WOW!
Loose boards, popped nails, unstable railings and worn surfaces can make your deck less safe and less enjoyable for summer. Addressing small issues now can help prevent more expensive repairs later, extend the life of your deck and give you peace of mind before outdoor entertaining begins.
At Get Dwell, we help homeowners understand what is simply weathered, what is damaged and what should be repaired before staining, sealing or painting. Sometimes a deck that looks like it only needs a cleaning or fresh finish may have soft wood, hidden moisture damage, failing boards or structural concerns that need attention first. That’s why we approach every deck repair and refresh project with a careful eye toward both appearance and performance.
Request a deck repair or deck refresh estimate
4. Roll out the good life!
Expand your usable outdoor living space without the expense of a full room addition or permanent covered structure. Retractable awnings create shade, make patios and decks more comfortable and can even help keep adjacent indoor spaces cooler by reducing sun exposure. They offer flexibility when you need it most: shade on hot, sunny afternoons and open sky when you don’t.
Awnings can also help protect outdoor furniture, decking and doors from harsh sun and light rain while making outdoor dining and relaxing more enjoyable. With a wide variety of fabric options, automatic wind sensors and durable designs built to withstand high winds, a retractable awning is a smart way to upgrade your outdoor experience.
Contact us to roll more comfort into your back yard.
“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy.”
—Regina Brett
5. Create your outdoor living room
Transform your yard or deck into a defined outdoor space for relaxing, dining or entertaining while adding architectural interest. A pergola provides partial shade while still allowing light and airflow, making your outdoor space feel more finished without the expense or enclosure of a full roof structure.
Pergolas can also be customized to fit your style and the way you use your space. Add climbing plants for greenery and softness, install lighting for evening gatherings or include curtains or hanging plants for extra comfort and charm. Whether you already have a vision or need help finding the right direction, Get Dwell can help you create an outdoor space that feels inviting, functional and beautifully connected to your home.
Bring more structure, shade and style to your outdoor living space. Whether you’ve got a vision or need some inspiration, we’re here to help — let’s collaborate!
6. Sit. Stay. Sway.
Create a more relaxing, inviting place to unwind while adding charm and personality to your porch, deck or yard. A swinging chair or porch swing can turn an underused area into a favorite spot for reading, sipping a cool drink or simply enjoying a quiet moment outside. It also adds comfortable seating without the footprint of larger furniture pieces.
For the best results, pair your swing with pillows, throws and a nearby table to create a finished look. Because swinging chairs and porch swings require secure structural support, proper installation is essential. Get Dwell’s carpenters can help make sure your swing is safely installed and ready to enjoy.
Make your outdoor space more comfortable, charming and relaxing. Contact us to schedule installation.
7. Go from chaos to cubbies
Summer has a way of bringing the outside in — wet towels, swimsuits, flip-flops, sports gear, sand, grass and muddy shoes. A dedicated mud room creates a smart drop zone where everything has a place to land before it gets tracked through the house.
With built-in cubbies, hooks, benches and storage for sunscreen, hats, bags, backpacks, pet gear and everyday essentials, a mud room can make coming and going easier for the whole family. It helps protect floors, reduce clutter in entryways and kitchens and keep busy routines running more smoothly during camp, pool and vacation season.
Ready to bring more order to your everyday routine? Let’s talk about creating a mud room that fits your home and your family.
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
―John Lubbock
8. Assess your home’s exterior
Spring is a great time to walk around your property and look for damage left behind by winter weather, storms or seasonal wear. A quick exterior check can help preserve curb appeal, keep your home looking well cared for and catch small issues before they turn into larger, more expensive repairs. Take care of those visible fixes now, and your neighbors may notice the difference before summer even begins.
Download our free Home Exterior Assessment Checklist, make note of anything that needs attention and snap a few photos along the way. Your list can help you plan seasonal maintenance, decide what you can handle yourself and identify where you may need the right tools, products or professional support.
Be sure to look for water intrusion, moisture damage, worn or damaged siding, trim or masonry, peeling paint, failing exterior finishes, window and door issues and areas affected by sun, wind or storms.
Need a hand with your list? Reach out to us — we can help you tackle repairs, prioritize next steps and plan smart upgrades that keep your home looking its best.
9. Get the garage or shed ready for summer tools and activities
Whether it’s a he-shed, she-shed or garage packed with things you no longer need, summer is a great time to clear the clutter and make seasonal tools and supplies easier to find. A more organized storage space makes everyday tasks easier, supports summer projects and helps you get out the door faster when it’s time to garden, grill, swim or play.
Create room for bikes, lawn tools, gardening supplies, outdoor gear, patio items, pool supplies, coolers, umbrellas and summer toys. As you sort, look for areas that need repair, replacement or safer storage. Reducing tripping hazards, protecting stored items from moisture or pests and making better use of shelves, hooks and bins can help your garage or shed work harder all season long.
And if your garage is so full that your car lives in the driveway, it may be time to get that handled. Start the season with more room, less frustration and a storage space that actually supports the way you use your home.
Need help?
Hire one of our Chore Taskers
Schedule a junk pickup
10. Invite the breeze, not the bugs.
Make the most of open-window season by repairing or replacing damaged window and door screens before peak summer months. Well-maintained screens help keep insects and other pests out while letting fresh air in, improving comfort in bedrooms, kitchens and other frequently opened rooms without relying as much on air conditioning.
Torn, loose or worn screens can quickly get worse, especially in busy households with pets and children. Patching small holes early or replacing damaged screens can help prevent larger repairs, preserve the function and appearance of older windows and make your home look cleaner and better maintained.
For removable screens or small patches, your local family-owned hardware store is a great place to start.
For hard-to-reach or permanent screens, including porch screens, contact Get Dwell for help.
Don’t let a lingering to-do list get in the way of a great summer. From quick fixes to bigger improvements, Get Dwell can help you take care of the details so your home feels ready for the season.