Your Early Summer Home Checklist: Before the Heat Hits

Late May Is the Sweet Spot

Ask any contractor in Greater Boston, and they will tell you the same thing: the busiest time of year starts in June. That is when the summer rush hits — decks to build, AC units to replace, roofs to repair after a long winter. If you want the best pricing, the most attentive crews, and the ability to schedule work on your timeline, late May is your window.

A few hours of attention to your home right now can prevent costly surprises in July or August — when contractors are hard to reach and emergency pricing is real.

Start With Your HVAC System

Your air conditioning has not been used in months. Before the first real heat wave, schedule a tune-up with an HVAC technician. They will check refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and confirm the system is operating efficiently. Also swap out your air filter — a clogged filter makes your system work harder and drives up your energy bills. Filters in Greater Boston homes should be changed every 60 to 90 days, especially if you have pets or allergies.

Walk the Exterior — Winter Was Hard on Your Home

New England winters are tough on houses. Freeze-thaw cycles crack caulking, damage paint, and work water into places it should not be. Before summer arrives, walk the perimeter of your home and look for:

• Cracked or missing caulking around windows, doors, and any penetrations through the exterior wall
• Peeling or bubbling paint — usually a moisture indicator, not just cosmetic
• Siding damage — warped, cracked, or loose boards should be addressed before moisture gets behind them
• Roof and gutters — look for missing shingles, granule loss on asphalt, and debris buildup that can cause water to back up under the eaves

The Rest of Your Checklist

• Test smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries if they are more than a year old
• Flush sediment from your water heater — a garden hose and 15 minutes is all it takes; reduces energy waste and extends the unit life
• Inspect your deck, patio, and fence for loose boards, popped nails, and any wood that is soft or showing rot
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house — branches touching your roof or siding create pathways for moisture and pests
• Driveway and walkway maintenance — seal cracks before summer heat expands them further
• Service appliances — check refrigerator coils, dryer vents, and dishwasher gaskets

The 1-3 Percent Rule

Financial planners and home inspectors have long recommended setting aside 1 to 3% of your home value each year for maintenance and repairs. In Greater Boston, where the Northeast median home price reached $494,500 in March 2026 — up 5.7% year-over-year — that means budgeting $5,000 to $15,000 annually. That sounds like a lot. But it is far less than what deferred maintenance costs when small problems become big ones.

Source: National Association of Realtors (4/13/26)

Questions About Your Home or the Market?

Whether you are maintaining your home for the long term or thinking about selling in the next year or two, I am always happy to share what I am seeing in the market and what buyers are paying attention to. A quick call is all it takes.

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