August is a good time to take care of routine home maintenance before temperatures begin to change and fall arrives. A few preventative checks now can help homeowners identify issues early and keep their homes comfortable and well maintained.
Whether you recently purchased a home or have lived in yours for years, here are several areas worth checking before the season changes.
1. Check Your HVAC System
Your heating and cooling system works hard during the summer. Before you transition into cooler weather, check your HVAC system and replace the air filter if needed.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends regular maintenance of heating and cooling equipment and notes that replacing or cleaning filters can help maintain system efficiency.
If your system is showing signs of a problem—such as unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, or reduced airflow—consider having it inspected by a qualified professional.
2. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
August is a good time to look for visible signs of roof or gutter problems.
Check for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged gutters
- Loose downspouts
- Water stains around ceilings or exterior walls
Gutters should direct water away from the home's foundation. If you notice damage or areas where water is not draining properly, address them before the next season brings additional weather challenges.
For significant roof concerns, have the property evaluated by a qualified roofing professional rather than attempting repairs yourself.
3. Look Around Windows and Doors
Inspect the areas around windows and exterior doors for cracked caulking, damaged weatherstripping, or visible gaps.
These areas can affect how well your home is sealed from outdoor conditions. Replacing damaged caulk or weatherstripping is a relatively simple maintenance task that can help address air leakage.
The Department of Energy provides guidance on identifying and addressing air leaks around a home.
4. Give Your Exterior a Close Look
Summer is a good time to inspect the home's exterior while conditions allow for easier access.
Look at:
- Siding
- Exterior paint
- Decks and porches
- Fences
- Steps and railings
- Driveways and walkways
Pay particular attention to anything that is loose, cracked, rotting, or showing signs of water damage.
If you're planning to sell in the coming months, addressing visible maintenance issues before listing can also help your home make a better first impression.
5. Check Your Landscaping and Drainage
Your yard can tell you a lot about how water moves around your property.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the foundation and that landscaping isn't creating drainage problems.
You should also look for:
- Standing water
- Erosion
- Overgrown vegetation
- Trees or branches close to the house
- Blocked drainage areas
If you're unsure whether a drainage issue is significant, a qualified contractor or drainage professional can evaluate the property.
6. Review Your Home's Emergency Preparedness
Late summer is also an appropriate time to review your household emergency plan.
FEMA recommends preparing for severe weather by having an emergency kit, knowing evacuation routes when applicable, and securing outdoor items that could become hazardous during severe weather.
For homeowners, preparation can include checking flashlights, batteries, emergency supplies, and important documents.
7. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Home maintenance isn't the only thing worth reviewing before fall. Take a moment to review your homeowners insurance policy and make sure you understand what is—and isn't—covered.
Flood damage is an important example. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding, according to FEMA.
Homeowners can use FEMA's resources to learn more about flood risk and available flood insurance options.
Resource: FEMA – Flood Insurance
8. Start Preparing for Fall
August is also a good time to make a short list of projects you want completed before the weather changes.
Prioritize repairs based on safety, function, and potential for additional damage if left unresolved. You don't have to tackle everything at once. Addressing important maintenance items early can make seasonal upkeep much easier.
Thinking About Selling?
If selling your home is part of your plans, late summer can also be a useful time to begin preparing.
A pre-listing review can help identify repairs, maintenance items, and presentation improvements before your home goes on the market. Not every repair is worth making before a sale, which is why it can be helpful to discuss your plans with a local real estate professional before investing in major projects.
At Kim Mathis and Associates, the best realtor in Greensboro, we help homeowners evaluate their property's presentation and develop a practical plan for preparing to sell.
Keep Your Home Ready for the Seasons Ahead
Home maintenance doesn't have to mean tackling a long list of projects all at once. August is simply a good checkpoint to look at the systems, exterior, and safety features that help your home function properly.
A little attention now can help you enter fall with fewer surprises—and a better understanding of what your home may need next.
Thinking about selling your Greensboro home? Contact Kim Mathis and Associates to discuss your next move.
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