Summer is in full swing. Time for backyard barbecues and summer vacations. But don't forget to take some time to tick items off your to-do list. From the basement to the back porch, doing a little home maintenance in July can keep your home in good shape for the rest of the year. Check out our list to get started.
1. Refresh with fresh paint
Summer is a great time to think painting. Our EPA-certified craftspeople are experts in both interior and exterior painting and use only the finest products and paints, such as Benjamin Moore. They specialize in making sure your finishes are professional, long lasting and something you can be proud of. Our teams are led by industry veterans with more than 25 years of painting and decorating experience working in some of the finest homes in the Chicago area — those of your neighbors. Request a painting estimate today
2. Made in the shade
Summer sun can be intense! A retractable awning custom-made for your outdoor living space can lower the temp 20 degrees during the hottest afternoons. Available in a large variety of fabrics, these awnings close automatically any time high winds are detected and can withstand gale force winds up to 85 MPH. Contact us for a free estimate.
3. Keep the lights on
Summer is vacation time. It’s best to keep lights on while you’re out of town. Invest in automated lights. Smart light bulbs can be used inside or outside of your home. Set them on a schedule, timer or any custom routine you choose. Stop in to your local family-owned hardware store today and choose from a variety of smart bulbs!
4. Protect yourself from fire
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends that you have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your house with the most important being the one in the kitchen. They also suggest that the kitchen extinguisher be secured and attached to the inside of a cabinet so that it doesn’t get lost behind other items and can be easily accessed when you need it. Remember to check expiration dates on all fire extinguishers. Purchase new fire extinguishers at your local family-owned hardware store.
5. Add a focal point
Sometimes the best way to stay cool is to create shade and attractively define your outdoor space with a pergola: from the Latin pergula — ‘projecting roof.’ Generally, it is an extension of a building or built to serve as protection for an open terrace or deck. A well-designed pergola can increase the value of your home and create a protective outdoor dining and seating area. If you have your own ideas, or would like some of ours, we’d be happy to help. Let’s brainstorm!
6. Keep the creepy crawlies out!
Holes and gaps on the exterior of your house, e.g., around pipes, cables, lighting — basically anywhere that something goes through a wall — serve as a passageway for insects to get in. They enter your home during nice weather, then begin to colonize for the winter. Be proactive and ward off the pest invasion by caulking, sealing and repairing your exterior penetrations. Products are available at your local family-owned hardware store, or if you’d like help, schedule a handyman today.
7. A place for everything
Now that it’s gardening and outdoor season, clean out the shed and garage so all your favorite tools are organized and easy to access. (How much time have you wasted looking for those favorite garden shears or that pruner?) Request an estimate for a junk pickup today.
8. Off-leash playtime for Fido, Pooky, Coco and Sport
Whatever you call your canine companion, like you they want to be outside in summer (weather permitting). Whether your precious pet is a pedigreed pooch or a shelter mutt, installing a dog run allows you to open the door and let them out with no worries. If you walk your dog on a leash, imagine how convenient it will be when the mercury drops below freezing! We pair with the best local contractors and professionals who specialize in dog run installation services. Request an estimate here
9. Summertime = deck time
If you have a deck that’s seen better days, let us help refresh it using a variety of techniques — from pressure washing to adding Trex® products (sustainable deck components using 95% reclaimed and recycled materials). Our team can replace rotten boards, rebuild and refinish your deck to restore its original beauty. Request an estimate here
No deck? Let us design and build a new deck for your house to help create a summer full of memories.
10. Go key free
Maybe it’s time to replace old deadbolts with smart locks that you can control from your phone. Smart locks let you open doors remotely, making it easier to securely regulate access to your home, garage and outbuildings. Visit your local family-owned hardware store to determine what smart lock options would be best for you.
This summer is predicted to be another scorcher, making manual labor way less appealing than sipping a cold margarita under an umbrella. We're here to help — contact us today!