The excitement of settling into your brand-new Main Street home is unparalleled, especially when the days are long, the grill is hot and summer in Central Virginia is in full swing. But along with backyard barbecues and relaxing evenings on the patio, summer is also the perfect season to give your home a little seasonal TLC.

Whether you’ve just moved into one of our new homes in the Richmond, VA area or you’ve been living in your Main Street Home for a while, taking care of a few key tasks during the warmer months can protect your investment, improve energy efficiency and keep your home running smoothly all year long.

To help you stay on track, we’ve put together a homeowner-focused Summer Maintenance Checklist that speaks directly to the kinds of homes we build and the way our homeowners live.

1. Give Your HVAC System Some Love

Let’s start with comfort, because nothing takes the joy out of summer like a broken AC unit. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to schedule your annual HVAC inspection and tune-up. A well-maintained system keeps your home cool and your energy bills lower, especially during Virginia’s hot and humid summers.

• Replace or clean your HVAC filters
• Remove debris from around exterior units
• Check visible ductwork for signs of wear or leaks
• Adjust your thermostat for energy efficiency when you're away

Pro Tip: Many of our energy-efficient new homes in the Richmond area come with programmable thermostats, so you can use them to your advantage during weekend trips and vacations!

2. Check Windows, Doors & Weatherstripping

Your new Main Street home is designed to be energy-efficient, but even high-performance features need a quick check now and then. Examine your windows and doors for drafts, damage or cracks in the caulking. Keep that cool air in and the hot, humid air out.

• Inspect and re-caulk windows and doors as needed
• Clean window tracks to prevent sticking
• Make sure screens are free of holes and fit securely

Little fixes now can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable and efficient. Plus, you’ll keep pests where they belong: outside.

3. Power Up Your Outdoor Spaces

Summer is outdoor living season, and if you live in one of our communities with patios, porches or decks, this is your moment! Now’s the time to refresh and prep your space for entertaining, relaxing and soaking up the season.

• Sweep and hose down decks and patios
• Check for loose boards, nails or railings
• Clean outdoor furniture and replace worn cushions
• Touch up paint or stain if needed

Plus, if you're in one of our maintenance-free townhomes or 55+ communities like Reserve at Oasis, most of the heavy lifting is already done for you, which is another perk of choosing Main Street Homes.

4. Inspect the Roof and Gutters (No Ladder Needed!)

You don’t need to climb up on the roof to keep it in great shape. A quick visual inspection from the ground is often enough to catch any obvious signs of wear or damage, especially after summer storms.

• Look for missing or curling shingles
• Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris
• Ensure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation

If anything looks off, you’ll want to make a few calls, because catching issues early is the best way to avoid bigger (and pricier) problems later.

5. Tidy Up the Landscaping

In Central Virginia, summer is prime time for landscaping. Stay on top of your yard now, and you’ll have a clean, inviting space to enjoy all season long.

• Trim trees and shrubs away from siding and AC units
• Refresh mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds
• Mow and edge regularly
• Check irrigation systems for proper function and timing

Don’t forget to hydrate! Your lawn and garden need water, and so do you.

Enjoy the Season—With Peace of Mind

At Main Street Homes, we design our homes for real that are as durable as they are beautiful, with features that support low-maintenance living and long-term peace of mind. And while our new construction homes in Central VA offer fewer worries than older ones, routine care is still key to protecting your investment and keeping things running smoothly.

If you ever have questions about home maintenance, warranties or how to care for your new Main Street Home, our team is here for you. We want you to love your home this summer, next summer and for many seasons to come.

From all of us at Main Street Homes, enjoy your summer and remember we’re just a phone call or click away. For more information about our new homes for sale in the Richmond area, give us a call at (804) 979-2954 or fill out our online form today!