It’s that time of year again! As we say goodbye to cool weather and hello to the sunny days of summer, people are heading to their luxurious Hamptons homes for another season of activities and relaxation. Get your waterfront home ready for the summer with these easy tips.

1. Add pleasant decorative touches

While some people choose to live in the Hamptons year-round, for you, it might be a summer home or a rental that you only use part of the time. If you’re settling back into your Hamptons home for another summer of fun in the sunshine, taking the time to add some attractive touches can make a huge difference in helping the space feel like home.

Air out the house by opening windows on a gorgeous sunlit day to let in the fresh salt air. You can also eliminate any unpleasant, stuffy scents by incorporating your favorite smells, whether that’s by lighting candles, using scented wall plug-ins, or setting up an essential oil diffuser. Select scents like fresh linen, citrus, or anything ocean-related to lend a fresh aroma to your home that perfectly complements the setting. If you prefer something more subtle, place a vase of freshly cut flowers or some potted herbs, like basil or rosemary, in the kitchen, dining room, or other frequently trafficked area.

Decor can always use updating from year to year, as trends — and your tastes — change. It can also just be exciting to redecorate for a new season, particularly if you’ve had the same items in use for a while! Introduce new decorative pillows or linens to provide pops of color, buy beach towels in appealing colors that your family and guests will love, or deck out the dining room with different tablecloths.

2. Upgrade the backyard

Even if the beach is just steps away from your Hamptons home, it’s always nice to have your own little slice of paradise right in the backyard. Create a comforting oasis with relaxing touches like lighting and seating. Tiki torches and citronella candles help set that summer mood, along with lots of comfortable seating options for visiting guests. If you don’t want to replace patio furniture that is in otherwise good condition, upgrade the items you already have by swapping out older cushions for brand-new soft ones, and have everything cleaned up for a summer of relaxation.

Inspect all of your patio furniture to make sure it still looks presentable and is not showing signs of wear and tear. When you have guests over for drinks or a barbecue, they won’t want to sit on old chairs that are showing signs of dirt or mildew! Teak furniture should be meticulously cleaned to keep it from accumulating mold or mildew, and any old pillows or cushions should be replaced if they can no longer be cleaned effectively.

It’s also fun to add water toys, like a Slip ’N Slide, sprinkler games, or cute pool floats if your Hamptons home has a backyard pool. These exciting additions will keep the kids entertained on days when you aren’t hitting the beach, and of course, adult residents and guests will love stretching out on a pool float while soaking up the sun with a drink in hand!

3. Stock up on entertainment options

You’re likely to encounter the occasional rainy day during your summer at the Hamptons, so be prepared for times when you’ll have to remain indoors. Smart TVs provide the whole family with plenty of entertainment without having to haul DVDs around. As long as you have a decent Wi-Fi connection, you can use a device like a Chromecast or Roku Streaming Stick+ that plugs right into your television and access all your favorite streaming sites, like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Stock the shelves of your Hamptons home with books and games. You can always find games in big box stores like Target and Walmart, whether it’s board games, party games to enjoy with friends, or classics like chess and checkers. Consider bringing some books from home to leave at the Hamptons house. If you don’t want to part with any favorites, hit up a used bookstore where you can discover loads of treasures without paying excessive prices.

4. Perform some maintenance touch-ups

Winter weather is tough on any home that’s located on the waterfront. When you first arrive at your Hamptons home, check out a few things to ensure that everything is in good working condition. You might even consider making a preemptive visit to the house during the springtime, just in case you discover something that’s in major need of repair.

Closely examine the foundation walls, as well as the floors, masonry, and concrete, for any signs of cracking or wear and tear. If there’s a chimney, make sure there’s no loose or deteriorated mortar, and thoroughly inspect the home’s basement for any moisture or leakage that may have occurred during winter storms. Likewise, wooden surfaces can easily experience weathering or paint deterioration, so it may be worth slapping on a fresh coat of paint to keep everything looking bright and cheery. Check out the window and door hardware to see if everything is working properly, and take a close look at bathroom caulking around showers, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. As you’re inspecting the windows, give them a good cleaning so you can enjoy the stunning Hamptons views! Keep an eye out for any window screens that have scratches or damage, and install new ones if necessary. You won’t want a broken screen getting in the way of letting fresh air in and keeping bugs out.

Do a thorough walk-through on all decks, porches, and patios to determine whether anything has come loose during storms or strong winds; the same goes for exterior stairs and railings. Test out all of these areas to ensure everything is completely secure, and if you find that it’s not, call in a professional immediately. This can be a serious safety issue, especially if any kids visit or stay at the home.

5. Call in the handyman or landscaper

If you’re not up for doing home maintenance on your own, bring in a professional to make sure everything is in tiptop shape! Landscapers can get your front lawn under control, trim back any plant life that has grown too close to the house, and plant anything new you want to brighten up the garden. A repairman can assist you with cleaning drains and gutters — always a daunting task — and clearing out the fireplace, which is particularly important if it’s been used frequently during the winter.

Of course, due to the home’s proximity to the water, it’s an excellent idea to have your roof examined. You may not be able to see everything from the ground, and if you don’t feel comfortable climbing up there yourself, a handyman can check for loose or damaged shingles and any signs of water penetration or leakage.

Hire a plumber to check the water heater for any leaks or corrosion. They can also inspect the lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and generally assure you that everything water-related in your home is functioning correctly for a busy summer of use.

6. Don’t sweat it: keep your home cool

Above all, it’s crucial that your air-conditioning system is operating correctly well before your stay. If you arrive at your house only to find out that you don’t have access to cool air, you could be in for a miserable summer! To avoid this, call in a professional at the first sign of any issue, and again, think about making a quick trip to the home before summertime begins if possible to see that everything works. This can save you plenty of time and stress in the long run.

Another sound investment is a dehumidifier, particularly for your basement. The Hamptons can be quite humid during the summer months, and you want the air inside your home to feel fresh and, most importantly, you’ll want to prevent mold from growing.

If you’re interested in owning a home in the Hamptons, contact Matthew Breitenbach today for further information. He will be happy to help you dive into the world of Hamptons real estate and find the home of your dreams.