Tasks To Do In July
There’s a lot of summer fun in the air. July is one of the warmest months of the year, with the national average at about 75 degrees, according to the latest data from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.
There’s not one central area where you’ll be checking off tasks this month, unlike May where much of your to-do list was outside. Here’s what you need to add to your list this July:
- Party Planning & Décor
- Basement Waterproofing
- Pool maintenance
- Upgrade Home Security
- Small Paint Projects
- Water Heater Inspection
- Clean Your Sink Drains
Party Planning & Décor
It’s prime BBQ season! Not to mention the Fourth of July holiday this month. It’s likely you’ll want to spruce up your home for a party or just the season. Patriotic décor such as flags and banners are popular for July, as well as bright colors that reflect the vibrates of the season. You can include this décor in your home for a party or just to enjoy.
You can’t ever start planning a party too early. If you have a summer BBQ coming up, start a list of what you’ll need including food, utensils, plates and never forget the ice! You may also want to plan some fun activities for your guests. For more tips, read Summer Fun: A Guide To Outdoor Entertaining.
Basement Waterproofing
Have you noticed that your basement has become damp or wet? This is a common problem that happens in many basements, but it’s one that should cause concern. Small cracks can become big problems quickly if they are not taken care of. If you can identify the source, all it might take is a patch to rectify the problem. However, larger cracks in the walls or foundation will require more work. The average cost to seal a basement is $3,660, with most homeowners spending between $2,491 to $4,259.
Pool Maintenance
If you’re the happy owner of a backyard pool, it’s likely been your favorite spot this season. However, to keep it functional and beautiful, upkeep is extremely important, especially in the summer. Be sure to keep up with regular weekly pool maintenance such as skimming the water for debris, vacuuming and testing the pH levels. If you find this to be a burden this summer, contact a pro who can take care of the work for you. The average cost to hire a pool maintenance professional is $75 to $175 per month.
Upgrade Home Security
While your mind may be already on your summer vacation, your home needs to be properly secure while your away. That makes July the perfect time to upgrade your home security system. Burglary rates are highest in the summer, as opposed to any other time of year, according to the U.S. Department Of Justice.
A new security system can be updated to give you the peace of mind you need while you’re away on vacation. Home security automation can be easily accessed through any device in any location. If you’re ready to upgrade your home security system, know that the national average cost is $650, with most systems between $441 and $765.
Small Paint Project
If you’ve wanted to give a room a new look, but don’t want to make any big changes, a small paint project can be just what you need. Most times, small paint projects can be done in a weekend. These often include an accent wall, painting trim, repainting outdoor stairs or even a small mural. See where your imagination takes you this summer.
Water Heater Inspection
Now is the perfect time to check your water heater and see if it needs any repairs. Most need to be drained to wash out any sediment that has built up at the bottom of the tank. If you see any repairs that need to be made, get them done as soon as possible. You won’t want to make the mistake of waiting too long and being out of luck when you need hot water. The average cost to repair a hot water heater is $483, with most homeowners spending between $244 and $576.
Clean Your Sink Drains
It’s likely you’ve been putting off this task for a while. I don’t blame you. It’s certainly not a glamorous task to clean your sink drains, but it must be done. If you have a clogged drain, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber who can help. Here are a few steps to clean your sink drain:
- Remove your sink stopper and wash in soapy water.
- Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain and a cup of boiling hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing clean.
- If you have a tricky clog, it’s worth it to invest in a drain snake that can easily remove any debris from your drain.
Conclusion
July is a great time to get miscellaneous tasks and maintenance off your to-do list. Stay tuned next month when we’ll be showing you what should be completed in August.
Source: improvenet.com ~ Image: improvenet.com