As the chilly, rainy winter fades and Spring arrives, homeowners can start preparing their homes for the approaching summer holidays. A few easy maintenance tasks can help get everything in shape for the festive season ahead.
READ: Home improvement projects for the sunny season
According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, apart from improving your own enjoyment of the home, doing a few summer maintenance tasks is also a good way to safeguard the investment value of the property. “Simple and quick maintenance steps are a great way to make sure your property is both summer-ready and protected from any lingering effects of winter,” he says.
"Summer is also an ideal time to sell, as warmer weather tends to bring out more buyers who are actively looking to make a move. With outdoor spaces in full bloom and homes looking their best, sellers have a unique opportunity to showcase their property’s potential, which can attract more interest and help achieve the best possible price.”
READ: Selling: Tips to prepare your home for summer
To help homeowners get their home in tip top shape in time for Summer, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some maintenance tasks to prioritise…
Refresh Outdoor Woodwork: Sand and re-stain or varnish wooden surfaces like decks, outdoor furniture, and window frames. This not only revitalizes their look but also protects them from sun and rain.
Check the Sprinkler System: Inspect sprinkler heads and ensure they’re free from blockages. Run a test to make sure there are no leaks and that the system is functioning smoothly, so your lawn and plants stay hydrated.
Power Wash Outdoor Surfaces: Use a pressure washer to clean patios, walkways, and exterior walls. It’s a quick way to make your home look cleaner and more inviting.
Tidy Up the Garden: Trim overgrown bushes, prune trees, and clear out weeds in flower beds and pathways. Adding fresh mulch or colourful plants can enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming outdoor space.
Dust off Cooling Solutions: Ensure ceiling fans are dust-free and swap out the portal heater for a portable fan. If adding an air conditioner is too expensive, consider adding a mobile air conditioning unit as a more affordable alternative.
Add Summer Décor: Swap out winter bed linens and pillow covers with lighter, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Add bright summery colours in scatter cushions and other small décor items to match the warmer season.
Maintaining a home year-round is essential not only for preserving its value but also for ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable living environment through every season. Routine upkeep – whether it’s prepping for summer, winterising for colder months, or refreshing for spring – helps prevent costly repairs and prolongs the life of the home’s features.
“Ultimately, consistent maintenance is an investment that enhances the home’s functionality, aesthetic, and marketability, making it a smart approach for any homeowner. If you are thinking of selling during the summer months, then reach out to a RE/MAX real estate professional for tips on making your outdoor spaces even more attractive to buyers,” says Goslett.
READ: Easy DIY: How to transform your kitchen with paint and wallpaper
Here are some ideas for home improvement projects that pay off courtesy of Home-Dzine:
Kitchens - Kitchen remodels are among the best for recouping the cost of renovations. Modernise with new appliances, counter tops and cabinets.
Bathrooms - Adding a bathroom increases the value of your home. So does upgrading an existing one. Adding new light fixtures, vanities with plenty of storage, ceramic tile or marble, and a new coat of paint are just some of the ways to improve a bathroom.
Outdoors - Building a deck or patio enhances your enjoyment of your garden and lets you recover approximately 85 percent of the project costs in added value.
Additions - Converting an attic into a bedroom or adding a family room are great ways to add value and make your home fit your needs as your family grows.
Painting - One of the most affordable and effective improvements you can make to your home is painting both the interior and exterior. Painting maintains the beauty and value of the home.
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