Before summer kicks in, service your mower, hedge trimmer, and other garden equipment. Clean out your shed or garage to make space for any new tools you might need.

Freezing and thawing in winter can cause cracks in your walls. Check for signs of damage, especially in brickwork, and give fences and outdoor woodwork a fresh coat of protective paint or stain if needed.

With the arrival of summer sunshine, ensure your windows are clean to let in as much light as possible. Don't forget to clean your fascias, soffits, and any external cladding as well to maintain its condition throughout the warmer months.

You'll likely have your windows open more in the summer, but safety shouldn't take a backseat. Test all alarms and detectors to make sure they're working properly.

With longer daylight hours, you may not notice if your outdoor lights have gone out. Inspect lighting systems and check that any security features (like cameras) are functioning properly.

If your home has air vents for airflow or heating, now's the time to clean them. Check for blockages that could reduce ventilation, especially if you're running fans or air conditioning in the warmer months.

If it's been a while since your renovation and your paintwork is starting to show some wear and tear, the summer is the time to address it. The extended daylight hours, best light and drying conditions make it prime time to get the paintbrush out. And if you check and fix up any caulking gaps as you go you'll reduce the risk of unwanted pests too!

The longer, dryer days of summer represent the perfect conditions to take on any repointing that needs doing.