Dear Heather,

Summer is almost here, we have visitors arriving in two weeks’ time and I really haven’t done anything with our outdoor patio. Help! How can I get it ready quickly?

Summer Is Here

Dear Summer Is Here,

Here are a few things you can do to get your patio area summer-ready in very little time:

Power wash your patio and outdoor furniture

You have no idea how dirty something is until you power wash it. You can rent one if you do not have one. Freshen cushions, or choose new ones, there are plenty in stock at the moment. You can easily freshen flooring with paint or by putting down tiles; even an indoor/outdoor rug can freshen up an outdoor living space if it’s covered.

Check outdoor lighting

Make sure all outdoor lights — porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights — are in working order. Replace bulbs or repair as needed.

Give potted plants some TLC

If you have potted plants that have been outdoors all winter and look terrible, pull them out, put some fresh soil in the pots and mix it well with the old soil. The nurseries will be able to recommend plants that withstand heat and drought; any that you plant now should last through summer as long as you water and feed them regularly. Hanging baskets can be a nice touch, and benefit from being taken down and given a good soaking once a week.

Get ready for grilling season

Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organise your grilling tools — tongs, spatula and skewers — and pick up charcoal or propane if needed. If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.

Maintain and repair garden paths

Create neat edges, pull weeds, fill in gravel paths with fresh gravel and replace or reposition broken stepping stones.

Clean walls and touch up paint

Don’t power wash the walls you will take the paint off. Wash them down and use your vacuum to remove dust, paying special attention to corners and beams. Touch up paint as needed on patio walls and trim.

Put together a picnic kit

This is the season for alfresco feasts. Be ready for impromptu picnics by sorting through your outdoor dining supplies at the start of the season and keeping a basket of essentials within easy reach. Your kit doesn’t need to be extensive to get the job done: a cheese knife, small cutting board, bottle opener and blanket, plus a few outdoor (recyclable) dishes and cups should see you through many picnics. Note any supplies you are missing and restock your basket as needed.

Add a relaxing porch feature

Make your porch an inviting place to relax and hang out with the addition of a porch swing, rocking chairs or a glider. Too much sun? Outdoor curtains can provide shade and look chic. Having an outdoor living space, is like having an extra room in your house. Not only can it improve the look of your home, it can also better the quality of your life. You may want a sound system, but don’t underestimate the value of unplugging from life and listening to the sounds of nature; being outdoors once in a while helps us reconnect and slow down every now and then.

This is quite a long list, but even doing just a few of these things can improve the appearance of your outdoor space. It sounds like you have some fun times ahead of you, enjoy your summer.

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty’s leading sales representatives. She has been working in real estate for nearly 30 years. Contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332-1793. All questions will be treated in confidence. Look for Ask Heather Real Estate on Facebook