When it comes time to finally put your house up for sale, you may find yourself in need of some last-minute repairs and beautification in order to ensure the highest possible listing price.  In fact, 85% of homes were built before 1980 which means the probability some work needs to be done is fairly high. When you’re getting your home ready to go on the market during the summer months, it’s important to make sure you’re staying safe and keeping cool. It’s all too easy to forget to hydrate when you’re in the middle of painting your home’s exterior or to put on sunscreen when you’re repairing a fence.

But those small mistakes can be dangerous to your health if you’re not careful. That said, here are a few things to remember when you’re outside making repairs and sprucing up the garden during these extremely hot summer days.

Remember to ask for help when you need it

If just a 10 kilogram (22 pound) box puts about 180 kilograms (397 pounds) on your spine when you lift it, make sure you’re getting help from friends, family, or neighbors to help you lift heavier materials. Too much strain on your back can cause you to slip a disc or suffer another type of musculoskeletal injury.

What’s more, a project that you might be able to do by yourself during the cooler months can be hazardous during the summer. This is because the heat and humidity can put a strain on your muscles. You’re also more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion because of how much you’re sweating to keep cool.

Take regular breaks and hydrate

The average family of four in the U.S. uses approximately 400 gallons of water every day. And while that number may increase during the summer months when it’s hot, we often forget to drink water. In fact, three out of every four Americans are chronically dehydrated.

During the summer, you’re losing a lot more water than you think because of how much you’re sweating. It’s important that you’re putting in just as much water as you’re putting out.

Experts recommend drinking about half of your body weight in ounces periodically throughout the day. Sip on a water bottle that you can refill and remember to take 10-minute breaks in the shade at least once per hour. This will help you fight off heat exhaustion and stay hydrated while you work.

Stay out of direct sunlight when you can

Sunscreen is important throughout the year, but it’s especially vital during the summer. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM, which means you’re more likely to suffer a sunburn during most of the afternoon.

If you need to work on repairs, remodels, and small fixes around your house to get it ready for sale and you can’t stay inside when the sun is strongest, be sure you’re at least wearing a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. Re-apply your sunscreen approximately every four hours.

Even when wearing sunscreen, try to stay out of direct sunlight. This will help you to stay cooler longer, avoid sunburn, and stay hydrated.

Of course, you may not always be able to avoid direct sunlight depending on the things around your home that need repairs. For instance, it’s recommended to paint or stain your wood fence every two years and color maximalism is currently one of the top color trends of 2019.

That said, if you’re going to be working in direct sunlight whether it’s for painting, staining, gardening, or installing, make sure you’re taking frequent breaks and you’re keeping your skin covered. Thin cotton shirts can help to protect your skin from the sun and they’re breathable enough to prevent overheating.

It’s easy to forget about your own personal health and safety when you’re focused on getting your home ready to go on the market. But by following the tips above, you can prevent heat exhaustion, sunburn, and dehydration while you get the job done.