When you move into a new Connecticut luxury custom home, your space is tailored to your exact requirements, but to keep it that way, you may have to put in some work each season.
With summer in full swing, have you checked up on your home since your spring cleaning? If the answer is no, read on to find out how to maintain your property in the heat of the summer to set yourself up for success year-round.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
If you treated your grass before summer with pre-emergent lawn care and fertilizer, you likely enjoyed a lush, green lawn for the first half of summer. However, the heat can easily scorch grass. In addition to a regular mowing schedule, ensure your grass is getting enough water throughout the hottest and driest parts of the summer. Watering grass in the morning is ideal, as it prevents waterlogging and fungus growth.
Many people think grass is low-maintenance, but unfortunately they are mistaken. Grass takes a lot of care to thrive. If you aren’t enjoying the upkeep this summer, consider replacing your lawn with garden beds, native wildflower areas, or opt for a property where you can add a patio to increase your outdoor space.
HVAC Upkeep
To ensure your cooling system works well all summer long, make sure to check your system mid-summer. This includes changing the air filters, inspecting and cleaning condenser coils, and checking refrigerant levels. At the end of the summer, before you turn your A/C off, inspect the unit again and clean it well to ensure it’s in good working condition the next season.
Energy Efficiency
In the summer, it will be apparent if you have leaks that are letting warm air inside. Inspect your windows and doors for any broken seals or gaps. This will make your HVAC unit’s work easier, lower your utility costs, and help avoid further maintenance issues down the road.
Pest Control
In the summer, bugs can quickly become a nightmare. Outdoor pest control treatments can keep your yard free of damaging insects and creatures, while indoor treatments will protect you from ants and roaches. Humid and warm areas of your home, like basements and crawlspaces, can become a hotspot for pests which is why mid-summer protection can keep your home and yard in good standing.
Roof and Gutters
Summer storms can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters. Ensure the wind and rain hasn’t created a dam of debris that will trap water and lead to moisture collecting near your foundation and seeping underground.
In the heat, a buildup of standing water and moisture can also lead to algae and moss growth, which not only looks bad, but is not very appealing to clean up either. Rather than letting it grow, ensure your gutters are clear, siding, shingles, and flashing are in good condition. This keeps your drainage systems working as they should be.
Deck & Patio Care
To enjoy the outdoors all summer long, make sure you are regularly checking your patio and deck if you have them. Mid-summer is a great time to inspect and repair your deck because the warm dry weather makes it easy to powerwash and reseal if needed.
Patios on the other hand, may be better maintained in cooler weather if you need to work with concrete. Concrete can cure too quickly in the summer, so make note of any issues like cracks and plan ahead to get on a local pro’s schedule if you need repairs.
Pool Maintenance
When you build a custom home, you can be sure that it has the amenities you need — like a luxury outdoor pool to enjoy Connecticut’s nice summer weather. Essential summer maintenance tasks include testing and balancing the water chemistry and regularly cleaning the pool. If you notice the water looking cloudy or discolored, you may have issues with algae. If that’s the case, call a local pool specialist. They can help you diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
Common Connecticut Custom Home Maintenance
When it comes to common maintenance issues, Connecticut isn’t unique. The same problems that plague much of the midatlantic and northeast are found in Connecticut as well.
As a custom home builder, we often see older, existing homes with moisture damage or pest problems like termites. You can prevent these issues in your custom home with regular inspections and a consistent seasonal maintenance schedule.
How Your Connecticut Custom Home Builder Can Help
Your Connecticut custom home builder can ensure you are set up for success when you first take the keys and move into your new home. Be sure to ask them if they have recommendations for a summer home maintenance checklist.
You can also ensure you have records of materials they used, like tile and flooring, for any future replacements or renovations. Plus — be sure to ask about local pros for home care and maintenance. Your home builder may not take care of the usual wear and tear that happens with time, but they likely have preferred partners for typical and ongoing repairs.
When you move into a custom luxury home, make sure it stands the test of time with good maintenance. At the Corbo Group, though our focus is new construction, we support homeowners for the long-term and can help you understand and resolve any maintenance issues you run into. With generous warranties, you can rest assured any defects will be taken care of . Beyond that, we are available for guidance, advice, and support throughout the lifetime of your home.
Learn more about The Corbo Group’s custom home building services and find out how we help homeowners enjoy their homes for years to come. Get in touch today.
