Many of us are making the best of our time spent at home due to COVID-19 by revisiting home improvement projects and getting ahead on spring cleaning. Now, as the weather begins to warm up, we have the opportunity to care for the exterior of our homes and get our landscapes ready for the summertime pool parties, barbeques, and bonfires we’ll be enjoying once we can gather together again.

Here are six important but easy tasks you can do to get your home ready for summer:

1. Check Outside Barriers

Take advantage of the milder weather and check your roof for cracked or missing shingles or tiles. Examine flashing around vents and chimneys for damage. While you’re at it, plan to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional — they are essential businesses and reputable providers will take necessary precautions to keep your home clean and safe. It’s also a good time to check any vents along the foundation or in the attic for any sign of issues, such as missing or damaged screens, debris, and insect or rodent infestation.

2. Clear Rain Gutters

Your rain gutters may have accumulated layers of sticks, leaves, and other organic matter over the fall and winter. Clear them as soon as possible to avoid clogged downspouts that can cause rainwater to spill out around the foundation of your home to avoid leaks and flooding.

3. Check Filters and Batteries

It’s always a good idea to replace your HVAC system's air filter and the filter in your kitchen range hood seasonally to maintain optimal function. While you're at it, check if your water purification filters or smoke alarm batteries are due for a change. Also, most carbon monoxide detectors are good for 5-7 years, but you should check them regularly for any issues. Most units have a tag or date stamp on the back to indicate its age or expiration date.

4. Inspect and Service Summer Appliances

Check on any summer appliances that have been stored over the winter before their first use to make sure they’ll continue to function safely. This could mean cleaning your grill of rust and dirt both inside and out, as well as checking the fuel tank and hose for damage or leaks. Tune up your lawnmower by draining and replacing oil, sharpening the blades, removing caked-on debris, and lubricating moving parts. Also be sure to check outdoor furniture, pool filters, and children’s outdoor toys before use.

5. Tidy the Landscape

Once the danger of frost has passed, check on the health of your lawn. Reseed any bare patches and manually remove broadleaf weeds before they can multiply. Scope out broken tree limbs that need removing as well as trees or bushes that need trimming. Now is also the time to prune summer-blooming trees and shrubs, and rake and remove fallen leaves. Last, but not least, think about adding some color! Spring is the ideal time to plant summer-blooming flowers such as dahlias and gladioli.

6. Polish the Windows

Once you’ve put the hard work into perfecting your yard, you’ll want to enjoy the view! Clean your windows inside and out by pressure washing the outside of your house and using glass cleaner and paper towels or newspaper to wipe off the inside of the windows. It’s a small final touch that will really ensure your home is summer ready.