Seasonal home maintenance

Summer should mean sunshine and cookouts, not costly contractor visits.

But for many homeowners, the warmer months bring more than just backyard fun. Between heat waves, sudden storms, rental guests and renovation plans, summer can become one of the most unexpectedly expensive times of year.

Now’s the time to prepare. A little seasonal upkeep can help protect your home, avoid costly surprises and keep your budget from rising with the heat.

In this guide, we’ll walk through five essential areas to review so you can spend wisely and enjoy your summer with peace of mind.

1. Protect your home from summer weather surprises

One loose shingle can lead to a leaky ceiling after a sudden downpour. A clogged gutter can cause water to pool and damage your foundation. And a cracked tree limb hanging over your roof is a five-figure repair waiting to happen.

Summer storms and heat waves can do serious damage if your home isn’t prepared. A little prevention now can help you avoid expensive emergencies later.

Avoid the damage with these quick checks:

• Inspect your roof and gutters. Check for missing or damaged shingles and pay attention to the metal strips around chimneys or vents (called flashing). If they’re rusted, cracked or lifting, water can seep in. Then, make sure gutters are clear so rainwater flows away from your home.
• Trim trees and secure outdoor items. Heavy winds can turn loose branches or patio furniture into dangerous projectiles. Trim back overhanging limbs near your roof and windows. At the same time, anchor grills, umbrellas and other outdoor gear so they stay put in a storm.

• Check the drainage around your home. Watch how water flows when it rains. It should move away from your foundation, not pool beside it. If water tends to collect, you may need to redirect your gutters or reshape the soil to create a better slope.
  
• Review emergency supplies and insurance coverage. Don’t wait until the lights go out. Stock up on flashlights, batteries and other storm essentials now. It’s also a good time to double-check that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers weather-related damage, just in case the unexpected happens.

2. Cut summer energy costs with simple home fixes

You don’t have to choose between staying cool and staying on budget.

When summer temperatures soar, many households try to tough it out to avoid a spike in energy bills. But comfort and savings can go hand in hand. With a few simple changes around your home, you can reduce cooling costs without sweating through the season.

Smart ways to save this summer:

• Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Start with a professional checkup to make sure your system is ready for the summer heat. It can catch small issues before they become expensive repairs and help your unit run more efficiently. While you're at it, replace your air filters. Clogged filters force your system to work harder and use more energy.
• Use fans and smart thermostats. Ceiling and portable fans help circulate cool air so your AC doesn’t have to do all the work. If you have a smart thermostat, take advantage of its settings. Program it to raise the temperature when you're away, then cool things down before you return.
• Seal air leaks. Drafty windows and doors love to let cool air slip out. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal unwanted gaps and improve your home’s insulation, especially in older homes.
• Close blinds or curtains during the day. Direct sunlight can quickly warm up a room. Keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to help your home stay cooler and reduce the load on your AC.

3. Tackle renovations without overspending

With warmer weather and longer days, summer is the ideal time to tackle repairs, upgrades or big remodels. But without a plan, renovation costs and timelines can quickly spiral, leaving you frustrated and over budget.

Whether you're updating a bathroom or adding square footage, thoughtful planning now can help you get more done with less stress.

Set your project up for success:

• Book contractors early. Summer schedules fill fast. If you’re hiring professionals, get on their calendar as soon as possible. Waiting too long can mean delays or paying a premium to squeeze into a packed schedule.
• Focus on cost-saving upgrades. Not every improvement needs a huge price tag. Upgrades like added insulation, energy-efficient windows or water-saving fixtures can lower monthly bills while increasing your home’s value.
• Get multiple quotes. Prices and timelines often vary widely between contractors. Gather at least two or three estimates to compare scope, pricing and availability. This helps you avoid overpaying or missing important details.
• Set a renovation budget — with a cushion. Include labor, materials, permits and a buffer for surprises. A 10–15% contingency helps cover unexpected costs without derailing your plans. And if you’re tackling a larger project, speak with your banker about financing options like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

4. Get your home guest-ready

Hosting this summer? Let’s keep your space welcoming and worry-free.

More people mean more scuffs, spills and maintenance issues. Whether you're preparing for weekend visitors or listing your home as a short-term rental, get ahead of the little things before they turn into costly fixes or guest complaints.

Simple ways to prep your home:

• Tidy up and restock the basics. High-use areas like bathrooms, bedrooms and the kitchen tend to show wear quickly, especially with guests. Replace essentials like towels and toilet paper ahead of time to keep everyone comfortable and avoid the same-day scramble.
• Make small repairs before guests arrive. Fix squeaky doors, leaky faucets, loose cabinet knobs or burned-out lightbulbs. These small issues are easy to ignore day to day but can make a big impression on someone staying in your space.
• Create a simple guide for guests. Leave a printed or digital checklist that includes Wi-Fi info, appliance instructions, emergency contacts and local recommendations. If you’re renting your space, be sure to include house rules and check-in/check-out instructions to avoid confusion.
• Set aside a mini-maintenance fund. More use often means more upkeep. Whether you’re replacing stained linens or covering extra cleaning fees, budget a little extra for seasonal home care between visits.

5. Plan ahead for home maintenance costs

Big-ticket repairs like roof replacements, HVAC systems or appliance upgrades don’t happen every season, but they’re inevitable over time. Without a plan, those costs often land at the worst moment and strain your finances when you’re least prepared for it.

How to stay in control of future expenses:

• Start a home maintenance fund. Steady savings pile up fast. Set up a dedicated fund specifically for repairs and upkeep, separate from your everyday spending.
• Use a high-yield savings account or CD. Keep your home savings somewhere it can grow while staying accessible. A high-yield savings account works well for flexible use. Alternatively, a short-term CD can offer a slightly higher return if you don’t need the funds right away.
• Track big upcoming expenses. Look ahead at major items that may need replacement in the next 3–5 years, like a roof, water heater or driveway repair. Plotting a timeline helps you save gradually and avoid financial surprises.
• Bundle seasonal tasks when possible. Scheduling projects together — like gutter cleaning, HVAC servicing and insulation checks — can save you time and labor costs. You may also be able to negotiate better pricing when bundling work with one provider.

Prepare for home maintenance with your financial partner

Stop by your local Comerica Banking Center to talk with a banker about building a summer budget, exploring a HELOC or setting up a savings plan for your next home project.