Keeping your home clean and in good working order is on par with living a good life. You spend so much time at home that, of course, you want to take care of it. But what about your outdoor space? The great outdoors often becomes neglected when you are busy with the rest of your life. Unfortunately, when that happens, there are unintended consequences that occur, such as an unsightly yard or worse, when things begin to break down. Luckily, you can prevent all of this from happening and make your outdoor area more enjoyable in the process. Keep reading for practical tips to ensure you are maximizing the space outside your doors.
Focus on Maintenance
When your yard and everything in it is in constant contact with the elements, things will begin to break down. Whether it is the harsh summer sun, the deluge of the fall rainy season, or winter’s snow and sleet that accompany freezing temperatures, your outdoor space has to deal with it all. One thing that will help immensely is to ensure you are properly maintaining everything outside.
Here is a quick checklist to get you started on outdoor maintenance.
- Pool – If you have an outdoor pool, whether it is in-ground or above-ground, it needs to be maintained. Make sure you do your part by draining it well before the first projected freeze of the winter season. Keep it covered when it is not in use, regardless of the season, to prevent animals from falling in, to reduce the potential for evaporation, and to keep dirt and flying debris from settling into the pool. Always use a high-quality skimmer and check your chemical levels routinely. When you put in the time and effort to take care of your pool, you are not only protecting your investment, but your enjoyment potential, too. However, when a problem arises with your pool, and you need a professional to fix it, always contact a reliable and experienced pool repair service right away. That way, you know your problem will be repaired the right way so you can get back in the water.
- Roof – The roof of your home is an essential tool that helps keep you and your family protected from the elements and unwanted creatures and bugs, as well as safe and sound every day. It also protects the rest of the dwelling by rerouting water away from the foundation. As part of your maintenance checklist, you should hire a licensed roofing inspector to assess your roof annually. They will look for loose shingles, cracks, or separations on the roof. Gaps between a fireplace and the rest of the roof are particularly concerning. The inspector should also check on the cleanliness and integrity of the soffit, facia, gutters, and downspouts to determine if everything is in good working order. They might recommend repairs, replacements, or a professional cleaning for any part of the roofing system. Keeping your roof and the water drainage system in good condition is essential to avoid water from getting into the house and causing mold or structural problems. Some maintenance and cleaning now is well worth the minor cost you will incur to avoid a significant expenditure later on if a problem occurs.
- Exterior – The exterior of your home probably looks inviting every day when you pull into the driveway. But, if you get out of your vehicle and walk a little closer, what will you see? There might be unsightly mold growing on the siding, brick, paint, or any other material that covers and protects the house. It is always best to remove the mold, dirt, and debris right away, as it may stain the exterior if it is left for too long. If your home is multi-story or you do not want to take on the project yourself, you should consider hiring a professional to do the job. They will arrive on site with the necessary equipment to ensure the house’s exterior is clean from top to bottom. Since they are well-versed and trained in house cleaning, they will attend to every nook and crevice that you may miss on your own.
- Windows – Just as with the exterior of your house, the windows will become dirty over time. You can always take a do-it-yourself approach and clean the windows yourself, but once again, this is a job that is generally best left to the professionals. They will accomplish the task quicker and better than you can because it is their job to get the results that make their customers happy. You may not realize just how dirty your windows truly are until they have been properly cleaned. Clean windows make the inside and outside of your home look better, and they also afford you a clearer view of the world outside. If you have screens on your windows, ask your window cleaner if they will clean the screens, as well, since window screens tend to harbor a lot of dust and dirt, especially if you enjoy keeping your windows open to breathe in the fresh outdoor air.
- Furniture – Just like everything else on this list, your outdoor furniture is also exposed to the elements and needs routine cleaning and care. Unless you would rather hire out this project, it is the easiest on the list to tackle on your own. Start by inspecting the furniture and making any repairs as needed and appropriate. Tighten all screws and fasteners on the tables and chairs. Next, clean the surfaces of the furniture. Be sure to pay attention to the materials they are made of and choose cleaning products and ingredients accordingly. If you have any cushions, clean those, as well. When you are done, be sure to invest in outdoor furniture covers for protection and to help them last longer.
Watch this video for a seasonal home maintenance checklist and guide that will help you keep your home in good working order all year long.
Having an outdoor area like a backyard is a wonderful thing. Make your outdoors even better by maintaining it and keeping it clean. You will be glad you took the time to make it happen when everything looks great.
Ayushi Saini 
Punit