As the weather heats up and summer creeps closer, now is the perfect time to get your home in shape before the season is in full swing. May is all about maintenance—catching the small issues that can turn into major headaches if left unchecked.
In Wilmington, where the mix of coastal humidity and summer storms can take a toll, a little preventative work now can save you time, stress, and costly repairs later.
At WOOF Handyman, we specialize in tackling those small but essential fixes—everything from loose siding and leaky faucets to worn fences and clogged gutters.
Here’s a look at the most important home maintenance tasks to check off your list this May.
Get Ahead of the Rain: Gutter Cleaning and Drainage Fixes
May often brings heavy spring showers, and if your gutters aren’t ready, your home could be at risk. Overflowing gutters don’t just make a mess—they can cause serious damage to your roof, fascia, and even your foundation. Blocked downspouts can also lead to water pooling around your home, increasing the risk of leaks, mold, and erosion.
A professional handyman can clean out built-up debris, reattach sagging sections, fix small leaks, and check your entire drainage system to ensure water flows away from your home.
It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your house from water damage before summer storms roll in.
Deck and Fence Repairs Before BBQ Season Starts
Your outdoor spaces are about to become the star of the show—whether it’s for backyard BBQs, evening hangouts, or family get-togethers. Before the first guest arrives, make sure your deck or fence is ready for the spotlight.
Loose boards, splinters, faded stain, and wobbly rails not only look bad, they can be dangerous. A handyman can secure loose pieces, replace damaged sections, and refresh your wood surfaces with stain or paint that protects against summer heat and moisture.
Even small fixes can turn a tired deck or fence into a space you’re proud to show off—and feel safe using.
Check Windows and Doors for Drafts and Wear
You may not notice your doors or windows much this time of year, but with cooling costs creeping up in the summer, May is the right time to seal things up. Cracked caulk, loose hinges, and damaged weatherstripping can all lead to energy loss and higher bills.
This is also a great moment to check for any signs of moisture intrusion or warping around frames—especially after spring rain. A handyman can repair or replace seals, install new weatherproofing, and make sure everything is functioning smoothly and efficiently before the heat rolls in.
Small tweaks now can mean big savings and more comfort all summer long.
Power Wash Away the Winter Grime
Winter leaves behind more than just cold memories—it also coats your siding, sidewalks, patios, and decks with a layer of dirt, mildew, and stains. Before you start hosting guests or setting up your patio furniture, it’s worth giving your exterior surfaces a refresh.
A handyman with professional-grade power washing equipment can safely remove buildup and leave your home looking brighter and cleaner. Unlike DIY pressure washing, a professional knows how to protect delicate surfaces like wood or siding while still getting powerful results.
It’s one of the fastest ways to instantly improve your home’s appearance and curb appeal—without a big renovation.
Fix Small Plumbing Problems Before They Escalate
A dripping faucet or slow-draining sink might seem like a small annoyance, but over time, these issues can cause water waste, mold growth, and even damage to cabinetry or flooring.
May is the ideal time to fix them—before summer humidity and high water usage make things worse.
Whether it’s tightening a loose connection, replacing worn fixtures, or clearing out a clogged drain, a handyman can resolve minor plumbing issues quickly and affordably. Staying ahead of these problems helps protect your home’s long-term health and keeps your daily routines running smoothly.
Don’t Overlook Your Home’s Exterior Hardware
Door handles, locks, latches, and outdoor fixtures take a beating from seasonal weather. Over time, hardware becomes rusted, loose, or just outdated. These small details may not seem urgent, but they have a big impact on how your home looks and feels.
Now is a great time to walk around your home and take note of anything that feels off—wobbly door knobs, sticky locks, or creaky hinges. A handyman can replace or repair exterior hardware quickly, giving your entry points a cleaner, more functional upgrade.
It’s a small investment that can make your home feel more secure, cared for, and complete.
Lighting Upgrades for Longer Days and Warmer Nights
May is when we start spending more evenings outside. If your porch lights flicker, your motion sensors have stopped working, or you just need better visibility after dark, consider updating your outdoor lighting.
Installing new fixtures, replacing bulbs with LED alternatives, or adding solar lights along pathways can make your home safer and more welcoming. A handyman can help you safely swap out lights, adjust placement, or fix wiring issues so your outdoor spaces are ready for summer evenings.
Whether it’s ambiance or security you’re after, lighting is one of the most effective—and affordable—ways to upgrade your exterior.
Take a Walk—Then Make a Plan
One of the best things you can do this May is walk around your property with a critical eye. Notice the small issues you’ve been ignoring, the areas that feel worn down, or anything that might get worse once summer arrives.
Then, bring in a trusted professional to help you knock out your list. A handyman can often handle multiple tasks in one visit—saving you the hassle of hiring different specialists for each job.
Instead of waiting until something breaks, taking action now helps you enjoy your home more and avoid expensive repairs later.
Let WOOF Handyman Help You Get Ready for Summer
Getting your home in shape doesn’t have to be a full-blown renovation. Most of the time, it’s the smaller jobs that add up—cleaning out the gutters, tightening a fence post, sealing around a door, or power washing the front walk.
WOOF Handyman serves Wilmington and surrounding areas with reliable, professional home repair services tailored to homeowners who want to keep their property in great condition year-round.
We’ll show up on time, get the job done right, and leave you with a home that feels refreshed, secure, and ready for everything summer has in store.
Call (910) 769-1448 today or visit woofhandyman.com to schedule your free estimate. Let’s make your home the best-looking one on the block this spring!
© 2025 WOOF Handyman. All rights reserved.