7 jobs to tackle around the home this summer

1. Painting

While you’ll want to avoid the extreme heat days, summer is actually ideal for painting as paint will dry quicker – meaning less wait time between coats.

The exterior of your home takes a beating from the elements. If you’re ready for a change, choose a colour that complements your surroundings while providing durability against sun and weather exposure. Not only does a fresh coat of paint enhance curb appeal, but it also protects your home’s exterior surfaces from potential damage.

If you’re tackling the interior as well, check out our handy guide to interior painting. Having your painting done by a professional is also worth considering – once you factor in the cost of materials, the time it will take you, and the quality of the finish (it’s hard to hide a bad paint job!) it may well work out more economical to outsource.

2. Deck and patio maintenance

Check the deck or patio for signs of wear and tear. Repair any loose boards, sand rough surfaces, and apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect against the elements. Consider adding outdoor furniture or self watering pots filled with summer friendly plants for a more inviting and comfortable space.

3. Summer gardening

A key consideration for the garden in summer is retaining moisture. Adding a wetting agent and organic mulch to the soil can help protect your plants and lawn from drying out by helping soil better absorb and disperse water more evenly and effectively. Soils with wetting agents are able to hold on to moisture for longer, which is ideal in areas with water restrictions in place.

Mulches and fertilisers:

• provide essential nutrients
• helps prevent plants drying out
• reduces the amount of watering you need to do by up to 60 percent
• inhibits the growth of weeds
• improves overall plant and soil health.

Summer is also a great time to add reticulation to your garden. Smart reticulation takes it to the next level, meaning you can water your plants at set times, or on demand from the comfort of your couch (or festive function.)

If you’re planning some planting, there are a range of options that thrive in summer (bonus tip: self-watering pots will help keep them thriving on hot days):

• Dahlias
• Frangipanis
• Gardenias
• Kangaroo Paws
• Grevillea
• Bougainvillea
• Echinacea
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Bottle Brush
• Banksia

4. Window cleaning

Crystal-clear windows can significantly brighten your living space and allow natural light to flood in. Dedicate a day to cleaning both the interior and exterior of your windows. This simple task can make a surprising difference in the overall cleanliness and ambiance of your home, giving you a clearer view of the summer sunshine. It’s also a good time to get your window treatment cleaned – for those that can be DIY-ed, summer is an ideal time to get them dry in no time.

While you’ve got the ladder out, check out your gutters and ensure they are clear – summer brings increased fire risks in Australia, so it’s an ideal time to make sure leaves and debris are cleared and disposed off safely.

5. Clean and service your air conditioners

Before the summer heat peaks, ensure your air conditioning system is in top-notch condition. Change the air filters, and clean the vents – avoid cleaning inside an air conditioner yourself as you risk damaging parts and invalidating your warranty. As a guide, filters should be cleaned every few months (or weeks if you have allergies) as they build up – and blow out- dust, hair and other debris.

Air conditioners should be professionally serviced annually to prolong their life by an air conditioner technician. A well-maintained cooling system not only keeps your home comfortable but also contributes to energy efficiency.

6. Declutter and organise

Take advantage of your summer downtime to declutter and organise your living spaces. Start with one room at a time, using a ‘keep, donate, discard’ system and organising the items you’ve decided to keep. An organised home not only looks cleaner but also contributes to a more relaxed and stress-free environment and sets you up for the year ahead.

7. Outdoor lighting installation

Extend your summer evenings by installing and upgrading your outdoor lighting. Whether it’s pathway lights, string lights, or decorative lanterns, well-placed outdoor lighting not only enhances safety but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Solar-powered options are energy-efficient and easy to install, requiring no electrical wiring, and LEDs add flexibility – they can even be installed in strips to highlight features such as a pool area.

Smart lighting adds an extra element to your outdoor lighting – not only can you remotely access it (great for switching on your lights before you get home), but you are also able to mix it up – mood lighting for a romantic picnic in your backyard, to flashing disco lights for a party.