Winter is here full-force, but it won’t be long until summer is on the horizon and our thoughts will once again be turning to backyard BBQs, running barefoot through the grass, and late-night swims in the pool. However, for many homeowners, the lead up to summer needs to include getting their homes and property ready for the sweltering temperatures ahead.

For many potential homeowners who feel they are in too much debt to ever own a home, there are things to consider if you have debt, such as debt consolidation, increasing your credit score, and even paying off those credit cards so that your credit report reflects the effort. Purchasing your own home doesn’t have to be just a dream, even if you are in credit card debt or owe student loans. Consider debt consolidation, rebuild your credit, then talk to a lender about purchasing your dream home, so you can be among the homeowners preparing to get started on the following home upgrades in the pre-summer months.

Prepare for the summer heat.

Many homeowners dread the approach of the summer months simply because their homes become stifling, humid, hot, and almost unbearable as the temperatures rise. This is easily remedied by having a reliable air conditioning unit installed in your home and making sure to take care of it. The first thing you should do every spring is to have your HVAC unit inspected by a reputable AC repair service. It’s always a good idea to have the air conditioning inspected before summer vacation begins so that you don’t have to worry about waking up drenched in sweat one summer morning because your air conditioning is on the fritz.

Even if you have to take out a personal loan to get your air conditioning unit installed, it’s better than burning up the entire summer and being completely miserable.

Clean your gutters and roof.

While you’re waiting for the summer to begin, make sure that you inspect your roof for damage from the winter storms and clean out your rain gutters before the summer storms begin. There will probably be gunk, debris, and other items in your rain gutters, which can stop rainwater from draining off your roof. This can lead to water seeping through your roof and into your home, so make sure you have them cleaned and repaired before the spring rains begin.

Build a fire pit in your yard.

One of the best projects and home upgrades that many homeowners enjoy is building a firepit in their yard. Nothing makes a summer night better than gathering around a fire pit in the backyard. Invite all the neighbors, crack open your favorite drink, and just enjoy the peace and quiet. The great thing about a firepit is it can be used in the spring and fall of the year as well, so it does triple duty. You can choose a gas or a wood model; the wood models lend a more authentic feel to the pit, and the smell is amazing.

Replace your old patio furniture.

While replacing your old patio furniture isn’t exactly a home upgrade, it is something you’ll want to do before the summer begins. Patio furniture takes a beating from the glaring sun in the summer, the storms that roll through on a regular basis, and even more damage than that if you don’t store it over the winter. Take the time to replace that old patio furniture, so it’ll be ready to go when the summer season starts.

These are just a few of the best home upgrades to take care of pre-summer. From replacing your patio furniture to making sure your air conditioning unit is going strong, make sure all of these tasks are taken care of in the spring so you have the summer to relax.