Late summer jobs around the home
Summer’s not out yet!
It’s late August and summer feels like it’s almost over. September and the start of the school term are just a few days away, and before we know it, National Day will be here and gone and it’s back to the usual hum drum of routine. Or as usual as this can be, given that COVID-19 is still a factor in our lives.
But the weather will be warm and dry for a good few weeks yet, so there is still time to do some of those essential jobs about the home to make it ready for winter. Here are a few ideas from our Caretaking Team of what you might want to get done this September so that you can then rest up for the remainder of the autumn:
Tidy the Terrace
Whether you have wooden decking on your terrace, or terracotta tiles, this is a good time for some maintenance work. Long summer days often mean time out on the terrace and putting that wooden decking or those tiles to the test, but you want to enjoy Gibraltar’s mild weather all year round, so how about giving that terrace a bit of TLC after the wear and tear of high summer?
You could start by giving the terrace a thorough wash down to remove any dirt or debris that’s accumulated over the past few weeks, especially with outdoor dining. But make sure you do so without drenching your downstairs neighbour’s terrace with murky water - a bit of neighbourly sensitivity goes a long way to keep good relationships going in your neighbourhood!
Make sure you select the right cleaning solution for your particular terrace floor so you get exactly the clean you need without damaging the surface. Then, keeping in mind the winter rains, apply a fresh coat of rain-resistant paint, which will freshen the look of your terrace and protect it through the winter. Then you can have a think about how you might create an ideal winter outdoor space in your terrace - but more of that in a later post.
Of course, if you’re not sure, or don’t have the time, or would rather enjoy the rest of the summer relaxing, give Advanced Property Care a call and one of our operatives can quickly be on hand to help.
Check the air con
If you have air conditioners installed, they will have been getting some heavy use to cool down your living space during these summer months, especially during Gibraltar’s more humid days. Before you slow down its use for the winter, and especially if you have combined cooling and heating systems, you should have the system checked and serviced. This makes sure the filters are clean and replaced if necessary and that the machinery is functioning at its best. A poorly functioning air conditioning system can increase your energy usage and costs, and if your system breaks down in the middle of winter, there could be an unpleasantly cold spell in your home while you wait for the local repair companies to schedule a repair for you.
Dig the dirt out of the drains
Gibraltar’s winters occasionally involve heavy downpours. So before the wet season starts in September / October, it’s a good idea to make sure that the drainage system on your terrace is working properly and is not clogged up with any dirt and debris that can build up over the summer. This goes for drains around the external part of your home, such as your patio or your garden. Making sure the rain water drainage is working well and running clear of any blockages can save you from experiencing puddling or ponding, or far worse, once those heavy rains come down.
Replenish the Furniture
If your terrace furniture is looking a little tired, perhaps now is the time to think about replacing it. If the current pandemic crisis remains in place for a while, you might find you go out less, but that does not mean that you can’t enjoy being outdoors at home! With the right touches, a few new items, some new colours on your wooden furniture perhaps, some lighting, some new plants and maybe some patio heating, and all of a sudden, winter dining al fresco at home will seem like a perfect idea (especially with local delivery companies ready to bring a three course menu straight from your favourite restaurant kitchens to your home!).
At Advanced Property Care, we love for you to enjoy your home, or help your tenants make the most of your property. Contact us and see what we can do to help you care for your property this summer, so you can enjoy it all winter long.
