Summer in Southwest Missouri is no joke. Between the heat, humidity, and those wild storms that roll through the Ozarks, your home takes a beating every year. We put together this checklist based on what we actually see go wrong when we show up for remodel consultations — a lot of these issues could have been caught way earlier with a little preventive care.
We actually did an episode on our podcast about this recently because we kept seeing the same problems over and over.
Check Your HVAC System
Your AC is working overtime from May through September here. If you haven't had it serviced yet, now is the time. Replace filters monthly during peak season — not quarterly like the packaging says. We've walked into attics for renovation work and found units struggling because of clogged filters. A $10 filter can save you a $5,000 repair.
Also check that your outdoor condensing unit is clear of debris, leaves, and anything growing around it. Give it at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
After spring storm season, grab a pair of binoculars and scan your roof from the ground. Look for missing or curled shingles, damaged flashing around vents, and any spots that look worn. We see a lot of water damage during remodels that started with a small roof issue that got ignored.
Clean your gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water at least 4-6 feet away from your foundation. Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement moisture problems we encounter.
Inspect Exterior Caulking and Paint
Missouri's temperature swings cause caulk to expand and contract until it cracks. Check around windows, doors, trim, and anywhere two different materials meet. Reapply exterior-grade caulk wherever you see gaps — it's cheap insurance against water intrusion.
If your paint is peeling or fading, that's not just cosmetic. Paint is your siding's first line of defense against moisture. Touch up or repaint problem areas before summer humidity makes things worse.
Check Your Deck and Outdoor Structures
If you have a wood deck, now's the time to inspect it. Look for soft spots, popped nails, wobbly railings, and any signs of rot. A simple water test — splash some water on the boards — tells you if the sealant is still working. If water soaks in instead of beading up, it's time to reseal.
We build a lot of decks and outdoor living spaces, and the ones that last are the ones that get annual maintenance. Composite decking needs less upkeep, but it still needs to be cleaned.
Test Outdoor Drainage
After the next good rain, walk your property and look for standing water. Poor drainage near your foundation is a problem we see constantly in our area — the Ozarks clay soil doesn't drain well naturally. French drains, regrading, or extending downspouts can prevent serious foundation issues down the road.
Seal Up Entry Points
Summer brings bugs, and bugs find every gap in your home. Check weather stripping on exterior doors, screen integrity, and any gaps around utility penetrations (pipes, wires, vents). A can of expanding foam and some new weather stripping goes a long way.
When Maintenance Becomes a Project
Sometimes what starts as maintenance reveals a bigger issue. We get calls all the time from homeowners who started checking their deck and realized the ledger board was rotting, or who went to touch up paint and found water damage behind the siding.
That's where we come in. If your maintenance checklist turns into a project list, give us a call at (417) 319-9004. We're happy to come take a look and give you an honest assessment — no pressure, just straight talk about what needs to happen.