Behind every beautiful home, is a homeowner working hard to keep it that way. Roof, siding, window - every piece of your home or condo needs routine care to protect its value. Get fired up for summer by prepping your home and garden for the warm weather ahead.

From creating craft spaces to organizing your kitchen, our summer to-do list covers all bases and helps you take advantage of the additional hours of sunshine.

Summer Care Tips Checklist for Your Home

Irrigation Systems: An inferior sprinkler or irrigation system can become an expensive problem for your lawn and garden if it isn't dealt with quickly. During the summer, make it a habit to check each component at least once a week.

Screen Doors: Let the summer breezes pour in by removing the storm doors and installing screen doors. Make sure to scrutinize the screen, fix holes, or replace it as needed.

The Kitchen: Change is a good thing. And, summer it the perfect time to rethink the organization of your kitchen. Do you use certain appliances more in the summer months? (i.e., blenders or ice cream makers) If so, move them to a more accessible spot to a place where you will more likely use them. Set areas for a devoted purpose can also do wonders to organize space. If your kids are home during summer break, create a snack station so kids can help themselves without having to ask. Whatever you do, involve the whole family, so you do not have to answer the same question a million times.

Stock Emergency Supplies: Do you have an earthquake disaster kit handy? Now is the time to restock your first-aid kit or build one. Having emergency supplies ready for your family and pets will help ease your mind and have you prepared for anything from minor hassles to a natural disaster.

Make Space for Crafts: Creating a dedicated space for arts and crafts is a great way to provide screen-free entertainment while fostering creativity. And, its not just for kids. Having a space devoted to your hobby can help reinvigorate you in other areas of your life.

Organize School Projects: By the time the end of the school year rolls around, most parents are ready to jump into summer. But now is the time to sort through your child's school things to help reduce clutter. Sort through artwork and projects, and choose the best pieces that represent your child's year. Save those in a portfolio and recycle the rest. If you can't choose just a few, consider scanning all projects into your computer and create a memory book.

Set Up a Drying Area: Sandy, wet beach towels are a mess waiting to happen. However, you can easily prevent this with a bit of planning. Dedicate a spot, outside a door, or in a mudroom and hand a row of strong hooks to hang up wet towels and bathing suits. Once they are dry, take them outside and shake off the sand.

Change Up Your Decor: Remove the hefty bed liens and replace them with crisp, cooling sheets. Look to add accents in lighter hues for the summer months ahead while curtains are delightfully cool in the summer and allow the cool Bay breeze to flow.

Check Your Cooling Systems: Before the weather turns warm, take the time to dust ceiling fans and install window air conditioning units.

Refresh Your Bathroom: Give your bathroom the spa makeover you've been dreaming of; replace tired bath lines with fresh, fluffy, white new towels. And, while you're at it, a new curtain liner. Add a woven basket to keep the towels all in one place. Use a tray or other sealed containers to hold toiletries.

Spruce Up the Yard: Are you dreaming of a new patio or deck for entertaining? Don't delay booking a professional to complete your outdoor projects, as their schedules fill up quickly during the summer months.

Gutters and Downspouts: If you were unable to tend to your gutters this past spring, be sure to get this critical task checked off your lap as soon as possible. Leaves and debris can clog gutters and cause leads and siding damage during summer storms.

Catch Up on Maintenance: Life is chaotic, and people get busy. So, chances are you have a few projects you've meant to tackle but haven't' got around to yet. Take this opportunity to breathe and catch up on the projects that matter most.

Grab Seasonal Gear: From hiking to beach trips, you need a lot of gear for summertime activities. Get it cleaned and ready to go, so you're not surprised by a broken beach chair.

Summer “To-Dos”: Beach days, lemonade stands, summer fireworks - there is so much to do during the summer months that without a list, you can lose track of time. Make the most of the season by creating a list of personal to-dos; post it in an area where you can see it and can cross things off as you complete them.

Summer Care Tips Checklist for Your Condo

Brighten Your Grout: Inspect the grout in your kitchen and bathroom. Dirty grout can lead to mold, and crumbling grout can harm the structure of your tile. Take the time to inspect your grout thoroughly to extend the life of your tile.

Organize the Garage: Warm months are a great time to clean places that are often neglected, such as the garage. Sweep out old dust and debris and wash the windows. Reorganize any toys or yard tools you store there and get rid of anything you haven't used in a while.

Clean Your Carpets and Furniture: After a wet and muddy spring passes, treat your interior carpets to deep cleaning. Hallways will look brighter, and you'll be able to breathe easier when all allergens are removed from your home. Regular cleaning of your furniture can forestall furniture replacement and keep your condo looking its best.

Keep Your Drains Clear: Keep your drains clean and clear by pouring fluid down the shower, tub, sink, and dishwasher drain once or twice a year. You can make a great organic cleaner with two cups of vinegar mixed with two cups of baking soda for each drain in the unit.

Inspect Plumbing for Leaks: Check all your faucets and toilets for small leaks. If a faucet lacks water pressure, the aerator is likely the culprit and is an easy fix. Repairing a small leak now will keep you from bursting a pipe later.

Take care of any insect problem you may have: Summer is a bugs playground, and you won't have to look too hard to notice any insect problem. Ants, spiders, moths, etc... are all common and relatively easy to get rid of. Clear out cobwebs, have bug spray handy, and make sure all doors seal tightly. If a problem persists, call a professional.